Here's The Scoop: "August Rush" Is Truly Wonderful....And Big Girls DO Cry

Wow.

I don't know what to say.

And for me -- that's something.

On Saturday night I had the distinct pleasure of attending a sneak preview of the new film "August Rush". It officially opens this Wednesday, November 21st.

You may not have heard of it, but I've been aware of this film for a while....I saw the trailer online a few months ago, and I knew right away it was one to keep my eye on.

I don't want to get too chatty about this (which I tend to do.....), but in all honesty, 3 days later.....I'm still thinking about it.

Let me just say this......

I cried.

A lot.

More than I thought I would.

Actually.......more than I ever have in a theater as a grown-up.

Yep......

Not sobbing, mind you --

Just the kind of crying where big, wet tears form in the corner of your eyes and then start to fall silently down your cheek and you keep trying to wipe them away -- and you hope the stranger next to you doesn't think you're a geek.....then you're OK for a few minutes -- then, Ooops......here they come again, and you're wiping your face again, trying to be discreet -- but then you realize it's fruitless, so you just go ahead and cry already....and then the guy to your left glances over and realizes what you're doing, but then you see that he doesn't care....because he's trying not to cry also.

It's that kind of crying.

It's that kind of good.

Sweet, simple, musical and fable-like......."August Rush" is a movie not like anything out there right now (and I definitely mean that in a good way).

I'll be honest, I don't think this is a movie for everyone -- but I do have to say this..... if you watch it and it doesn't move you -- even just a little, I'm thinkin' the Grinch must have snuck in one night and stolen your heart.

I'm just sayin'.

Oh yeah......I'm also just sayin' this --

In regards to crying, that Freddie Highmore kid -- the one who plays "August Rush"........



He had me at "Hello".

Oy........does this kid know how to give a look. His facial expressions give new meaning to the phrase: "Tug at your heartstrings."

OK, enough about my emotional issues.....here's the plot, direct from the movie website --


"August Rush" -- Opens Wednesday, November 21st

Twelve years ago, on a moonlit rooftop above Washington Square, Lyla Novacek(KERI RUSSELL), a sheltered young cellist --



and Louis Connelly (JONATHAN RHYS MEYERS), a charismatic Irish singer/songwriter --




were drawn together by a street musician’s rendition of “Moondance” and fell in love. Sharing the language of music, their connection was real and undeniable… but short-lived.



After the most romantic night of her life, Lyla promised to meet Louis again but, despite her protests, her father rushed her to her next concert—leaving Louis to believe that she didn’t care. Disheartened, he found it difficult to continue playing and eventually abandoned his music while Lyla, her own hopes for love lost, was led to believe, months later, that she had also lost their unborn child in a car accident.

Years passed with neither of them knowing the truth. Now, the infant secretly given away by Lyla’s father has grown into a spirited and unusually gifted child
(FREDDIE HIGHMORE) --




who hears music all around him in the rhythms of life and can turn the rustling of wind through a wheat field into a beautiful symphony. Orphaned by circumstance, he holds a profound and unwavering belief that his parents are alive and want him as much as he wants them—if only they could find each other.

Determined to search for them, he makes his way to New York City. There, lost and alone, he is beckoned by the strumming guitar of a street kid playing for change and follows him back to a makeshift shelter in an abandoned theater where dozens of children like him live under the protection of the enigmatic Wizard (ROBIN WILLIAMS).



That night, he picks up a guitar for the first time and unleashes an impromptu performance in his own unique style that awakens the entire theater. Astonished that this untrained boy can play so passionately, Wizard names him August Rush, introduces him to the soul-stirring power of music and begins to draw out his extraordinary talent.

Wizard has big plans for the young prodigy but, for August, his music has a more important purpose. Never giving up hope of finding the parents he knows are out there somewhere, he calls out to them through every note. He believes that if they can hear his music, they will find him. Unbeknownst to August, they have already begun that journey. Having just learned her son is alive, Lyla is already working desperately to locate him with the help of dedicated social worker Richard Jeffries (TERRENCE HOWARD) --



while Louis, still haunted by memories of his one true love, finds himself returning to his musical roots and retracing his steps to the place where they met.
Separated by the events of life but bonded by love and music -- Lyla, Louis and August search for what they lost and what will make their lives complete again…..each other.


OK, sounds good right?

Now......take a look at the trailer:



OK......I think I said I wasn't gonna get all chatty, and now I've gone on and on.

Please excuse my gushing, I just really loved the whole experience.....big, wet tears and all.

(Hey, it wasn't just me....the preview audience I saw it with applauded at the end)

By the way, not only is the story touching and sweet.....but the music is awesome as well. You can check it out on iTunes and sample some of the tracks. It's definitely worth a listen.

Well, I'm done for now.

I hope I've tempted you a little to decide to check out "August Rush". I keep hoping that if more people go see unique and special movies like this one.....we may someday have fewer movies like...... "Saw III".

A girl can dream can't she?

Oh yeah -- If you do decide to check it out, please drop me a line and let me know what you think.

You know what I always say......."I love feedback!"
(Hey, I love margaritas too....but that's a whole other story)

OK -- I gotta run now, I'm off to Walgreens......for some strange reason, we're completely out of tissues.

Later,

Cagey :)

Awesome Celebrity Smackdown: Check Out One Truly Fabulous Chick

I think I may have to start a Fan Club.

First things first........

I just gotta say, I don't know this woman.....or even where she lives --

But I seriously wanna find her, and take her out to dinner.

Apparently, this gal's daughter realized how incredibly opinionated (and HI-larious)her mother is.....and she decided to film her as she riffs on various topics of interest: Hollywood, Celebrities, Dating, Love, Sex, etc.

Then she posted them all on YouTube.

If you know me at all......you know this is right up my alley.

So without much further ado, let me introduce y'all to Miss Lola Rose --

Check it out:

"Mom's Opinions On Celebrity"



And one more just for fun....

"Mom on Dating A Celebrity"



(Uh-Oh, if Georgie ever finds out about Miss Lola Rose......I'll never have a chance!)

Oh well.

Hey -- if anyone else out there is interested in sharing a meal with Miss Lola Rose when I finally find her.....just let me know.

I'm thinkin' it's gonna have to be someplace like Morton's, she's not lookin' like an Olive Garden type of gal.

Wish me luck!

Later,

Cagey :)

Do You Like.....Quirky?

If you answered "Yes".....then you're gonna love "Juno".

What is "Juno"?

Well, if all of the movie scoop I've been reading lately is correct.......it's this year's "Little Miss Sunshine".


From what I've seen and read....."Juno" looks great.

A quirky indie film by a first-time screenwriter, centered around a smart and spunky young girl -- and the somewhat dysfunctional family and friends that orbit around her.

(See the "Sunshine" comparison?)

The flick has been playin' the festival circuit lately and won all sorts of raves. The critics love it. Audiences love it. Hollywood loves it.

Are you gonna love it?

Hmmmm.

I'm thinkin'....most of you -- probably. Some of you -- maybe. A few of you -- no.

Did I mention that the smart and spunky girl named "Juno" is trying to navigate high school, figure out her life..... and she just happens to be 16 and pregnant?

Oh.


(In other words, she ain't no cute bespectacled little cherub, driving in a van across the country with her crazy family, trying to win a beauty pageant by dancing around a stage to "SuperFreak".)


OK.

Did I mention the cast?

Jennifer Garner ("Alias"), Jason Bateman ("Arrested Development"), Allison Janney ("The West Wing"), Rainn Wilson ("The Office"), J.K. Simmons ("Law and Order"), Michael Cera ("SuperBad") and Ellen Page as "Juno".

Not bad.

Did I mention that the screenwriter is a 29-year-old gal named Diablo Cody? --


An attractive former stripper with tatoos and frequently multi-colored hair, who grew up in the middle-class Chicago suburbs and decided to change her name and chuck it all for a year of lap dances and a dream of writing.

Huh.

(So far, I'm enjoying the blog-writing hobby enough that I haven't considered an exotic dancing career path yet......I'll let ya know.)

OK.......so I think you'll be hearing a lot more about this little flick in the months to come -- especially around awards season (which is quickly approaching -- yay !).

"Juno" opens in limited release on December 5th, then goes wide not too long after that.

Don't know if it will be your cup of tea (or if it will even make any money), but I definitely think it looks smart, funny, dry, sweet, ornery and most definitely -- quirky.

Oh yeah.......and I'm thinkin' it's got "Oscar-Bait" stamped all over it.

So check out the "Juno" trailer below to see for yourself:




Also, if you're interested -- I've got a link below to an interesting article about the screenwriter (ya know, the former stripper.....) from the most recent issue of "Entertainment Weekly."

Let's just say......Diablo is currently workin' on a comedy pilot for Steven Spielberg about a woman with multiple personalities. You go girl!

Click Here: "Entertainment Weekly" --
Diablo Cody - From Ex-Stripper to A-lister

OK......that's all I got for now.

Call me if you wanna check out "Juno" when she rolls into town.

I'm gonna go finish the book I'm reading........

"Exotic Dancing For Dummies".

Hey --- it worked for Diablo.

I'm just sayin'........a girl's gotta have goals.

Later,

Cagey :)

Ahhh.....The Dog Days Of Summer --

Check out that cute doggie!

Yep, that's my ever-faithful companion -- Gracie Gingery.

(I just thought that pic was too cute not to pass on, and it is my blog -- so sue me!)

I'm workin' on getting Gracie a role as the stunt double in--

"Because of Winn-Dixie: Part 2".



Unfortunately, her lack of motivation in the scenes I have been rehearsing with her lately don't bode well for her getting her SAG card anytime soon.

Oh well.

Hey.....isn't it time for a "Benji" remake? Maybe she's more of an action hero. I dunno, I told Gracie if she's gonna be picky..........the parts are gonna start dryin' up.

We gotta hit while the iron is hot. She's not gonna be this cute forever, ya know.

Plus, I think Hollywood is gonna start makin' a bunch of cute cat movies............I think I read that in the trades somewhere.

Anyways....................

I know I've been absent from the blogging biz for awhile -- been workin' on my filmmaking obsession (more on that at a later date..............)

But -- I jumped back in the web water today because I really wanted to share this trailer for an upcoming film with y'all.

The movie is called "Evening" and it opens next Friday, June 29th.

It is most definitely a "chick flick".................and it looks awesome!

From everything I've read, I think it is going to be a real treat -- so I thought I'd share with you.

I'm not going to say anything more, I think the trailer speaks for itself.

Check it out below --

Enjoy...............

Cagey :)

Powered by AOL Video

For You.....My Friends.......

Hey there..........I'm back.

Quick question.

Has this ever happened to you?

You're drivin' in your car. It's a beautiful day. The sun is shinin', and you've got the radio blastin' -- listening to some oldies but goodies........LOUD.

I'm sure you've been there.

Well.......just the other day, I was doin' just that when a song came on that I really love.

As I turned it up and started to sing-along (and seriously frighten the driver next to me, I'm sure!).......I suddenly became inspired.

I started thinking about all of my friends (Hey, I'm talkin' about you guys......thank you very much!), and how great it is to have good friendships in our lives.

Being the crazy entertainment junkie that I am..........it also got me thinkin' about all of the great and funny friendships in some of the movies and TV shows that we all know and love.

Anyways, I came home and did what I like to do.......
ya know, in my "free time."

I whipped up a little video montage to that very song that I had blastin' on the radio........

So here it is -- "A Celebration Of Friendship" .

Music courtesy of Freddie Mercury and Queen.

(Hmmm.....I guess ya never know what's gonna happen when ya turn on the radio!).

I was thinkin' about you all.............

Enjoy!

(Don't forget to turn it up......real loud!) :)

Paris & Brit -- "Toxic"

Hey y'all............

Whew -- what a week!

I've been tryin' to keep up with all of the crazy goings-on with
my 2 favorite tabloid tootsies........

Brit Brit and her beloved BFF..........Miss Paris Hilton.

I just tried to send y'all a musical montage that I uploaded to YouTube tonight.

Just in case that doesn't work, I thought I would try to load it
onto the blog as well.

(I'm hopin' it's just below this copy.......)

Let me know if you have any trouble viewin' it..........

I think I might have some spare copies of the Paris Hilton "home video" around here somewhere -- maybe I could copy over that for ya!

I'm not sure, but I'm thinkin' my next video may just have to be about that
crazy "Knight Rider" himself:

David "Don't Hassle The Hoff" Hasslehoff.

He's been a busy boy.

Hmmmm........we'll see...............

Enjoy!

Cagey :)

How about some "Female" Pilots?

Hey again...........

Happy Friday!
(Hang in there, the week is almost over!)

Well, I admit it.

I like to watch TV.


Yes.......I really love to go to the movies, but I also like to sit down at the end of a long day and watch something good on TV.

Ya know -- something funny, touching, dramatic, silly or escapist.

(No........I'm not talkin' about "The Search For The Next Pussycat Doll" !)

Because my viewing time is somewhat limited these days -- I know you all can relate,
I tend to be a little more choosy in what I get addicted to on......"The Idiot Box."

For example: I started out loving "24" when it first started.........now I have trouble keepin' up. Same thing with "Lost".

Too many people. Too many stories. Too much confusion.

You miss one ep...........and you're as lost as that big "Hurley" dude on the island.

("Hey, does anybody have any peanut butter?")


I didn't even get started with "Heroes". I know it's great, I've read all about it (and have even watched a little bit.....)I just can't keep up. It's just too much.

It's sad. Those are 2 really great "high concept" shows that I know I would like -- I just don't have enough time and effort in me to keep up with them consistently.

Yikes........am I lame or what?

Anyhow, what I'm gettin' at is this......half-hour sitcoms are much easier on me.

22 minutes......a few laughs.......(hopefully)........and no crazy terrorists or castaway backstories to keep track of.

I can do that.

As you probably already know -- I love, love, love............. "The Office".

Thursday nights at 8:30 pm............I know I'm gonna laugh.

It's a nice way to ease into the end of the week.

Now, what would really make me happy -- what I would really like to see.......are some more
female-centric half-hour comedies.

We've got plenty of men out there.

We've got: "Two and a Half Men", "My Name Is Earl", "The King of Queens", "How I Met Your Mother", etc, etc, etc..............

Off the top of my head, I can only think of 2 women right now who are tryin' to bring the funny.........

Betty (of "Ugly Betty") and Christine (of "The New Adventures of Old Christine").

Where are the ladies?

What happened to:

Lucy Ricardo, Mary Richards, Rhoda Morgenstern, Maude, Laverne and Shirley, The Golden Girls (My 13-year-old daughter Kate loves that show in reruns, by the way -- go figure!), Roseanne, etc, etc, etc.

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Bring on the funny women!

We know they're out there.............and we know women are watching TV.

The ratings and buzz around shows like "Grey's Anatomy" definitely prove that.

Don't get me wrong -- I like television dramas(and some reality TV) as much as the next gal,
I just really want me some laughs too.

Well...........I have read about 2 Fall TV pilots that could be potentially funny, female-driven comedies.

Obviously, it's hard to really judge just based on a plot outline and a cast list........but I think that these 2 shows have some potential.

If you were a network honcho, and you heard these pitches............would you give 'em the green light?

#1

SAM I AM (ABC)

STATUS: currently in development (2007-2008 season)
DEVELOPMENT STAGE: ordered to pilot

DESCRIPTION:
How would you like to rewind your life, erase all the mistakes and cringe-worthy moments and start over with a clean slate? It's a common fantasy. But for Samantha Newly, the fantasy is far too real. After a hit-and-run car accident puts her into an eight-day coma, she wakes up with retrograde amnesia. She can function in the world, but she can't remember a single fact about her own life!

As Samantha digs through clues like a detective to find out who she is (or was), she's hindered by unreliable narrators: her parents and friends all seem to have something to hide from her. Only Samantha's boyfriend Todd -- a stranger, now is trustworthy.

Quickly though, Samantha learns what everyone else knows: she was a horrible person. Vain, selfish, lacking conscience or heart, she had far more enemies than friends. So when Samantha learns that her "accident" was actually an attempted murder, she is, unfortunately, not surprised. If you could start over, would you do things differently? Could you do them differently? Can people change? Or are we just... who we are?

These are the questions "Sam I Am" asks, as our heroine begins the long, comic process of starting over from scratch - fixing old mistakes, reconnecting with her not-so-loving family and rediscovering love. While friends yank her in different moral directions... afraid of the "old Sam" returning... afraid that her would-be killer will try again... Samantha tries to remake herself through good, positive choices even though the bad ones are so much easier (and way more fun). Don Todd ("Ugly Betty") co-created and wrote this inspired comedy with best-selling Irish author, Cecelia Ahern (PS, I Love You). Peter Traugott ("Jake in Progress") of Brillstein Grey also Executive Produces through the ABC Television Studio.

PRINCIPAL CAST INFORMATION:· ??? as Tim· Christina Applegate as Samantha Newly· Jean Smart as Regina· Jennifer Esposito as Angela· Kevin Dunn as Howard· Melissa McCarthy as Dena· Tim Russ as Frank
CREW INFORMATION:· Cecelia Ahern as CRTR/PROD· Christina Applegate as PROD· Don Todd as CRTR/EP· Peter Traugott as EP· Robert Duncan McNeil as DIR (Pilot)
GENRE(S):· comedy (all)· comedy (single-camera)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

OK...........I like this premise, it's different than anything else on TV right now........and
I think Christina Applegate could pull it off.



I definitely see her as a gal who people could hate, but now all of a sudden -- she's clueless and actually kinda nice............and throwin' everybody a curve ball.

I'm thinkin' Jean Smart is gonna play her mom.........that would be cool, she can bring the funny. I love her.


I dunno, just thought it sounded kinda new and fun -- we'll see.



#2

MISS/GUIDED (ABC)

STATUS: currently in development (2007-2008 season)
DEVELOPMENT STAGE: ordered to pilot

DESCRIPTION:
You can run and you can hide but you can never escape...... who you were in high school. Becky Freeley thought she had left her teenage self behind when she returned to her old school to work as the guidance counselor. It wasn't until Lisa, her gorgeous former nemesis, joined the faculty that Becky realized her cover was blown.

In high school, Becky was an underachiever -- a social bottom feeder and a dork. Today, she's attractive, confident and has an admirer in the school's male nurse. Becky, however, has her eye on Tim, an earnest, single Spanish teacher. Unfortunately, so does Lisa. When Lisa was in high school, she was beautiful, popular and smart. While Becky pined secretly for Lisa's boyfriend, Lisa barely knew Becky existed. This time around, however, Becky is determined to prove that she has changed and to help her students have an easier time than she did.

In the pilot, Becky counsels a young girl in search of a date for the homecoming dance. At the same time, Becky is looking for a date for herself and must confront the fact that she hasn't changed as much as she thought she had. As the guidance counselor, Becky provides us with an inside look at the lives of both the students and faculty. More importantly, Becky has the opportunity to answer the question: If you could go back, knowing what you know
now-- what would you do differently?

"Miss/Guided" is a show about second chances not only for Becky, but for Lisa and Tim, as well. Produced by Ashton Kutcher and helmed by Emmy winning-director Todd Holland ("Malcolm in the Middle," "The Larry Sanders Show").

PRINCIPAL CAST INFORMATION:· Brooke Burns as Lisa· Earl Billings as Huffy· Jonathan Sadowski as Gary· Judy Greer as Becky Freeley· Kristoffer Polaha as Tim

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I feel the same about this pilot...........I think it sounds different than anything else on TV right now. Also, I love it when characters go "back to school" --- different than before, but maybe NOT so different after all.

(I love that Drew Barrymore movie Never Been Kissed, it kinda reminds me of that
a little bit).

Anyways, character actress Judy Greer is listed as the lead (you've seen her before, she does comedy and drama -- she played Jennifer Garner's buddy/co-worker in 13 Going on 30 ).



I like this casting choice because she's not typically beautiful, by Hollywood standards anyways. You could see her as an outsider in high school......and now she has more self-esteem.

The beautiful nemesis is played by Brooke Burns. Don't know if she is blonde or brunette now.......






She's been in a lot of low-level stuff........you've probably seen her before. But she is also somewhat known for being the ex-girlfriend of Bruce Willis (although -- I think that a lot of Hollywood gals can say that!)

Once again..........we'll see.

Yikes, I just looked at the clock -- and realized that I am going to be late for work if I don't wrap this baby up.

(And I'm never, ever late..............ouch, I think my nose is growing!)

As you can see, I could probably talk about this stuff all day!

Well, I hope you all enjoyed my "pilot talk" this week. I just felt like sharin' some of the stuff I've been reading about lately.

So have a great weekend everybody.............I'll (probably)be back next week.

Later,

Cagey :)

More Pilots For Ya........

Hmmmm.......doncha just love a man in uniform?

Yep.

Oooops, I digress.

Happy Wednesday y'all.

Well, as promised.....I have 2 more interesting TV pilots to fill ya in on today.

The first one is generating some buzz because the 2 stars are TV favorites, and they both come from well-loved and established shows.

#1

BACK TO YOU (FOX)

(This one has a blind 13-episode commitment, the pilot already
filmed in early April)

DESCRIPTION:
In the 90s, the local TV news scene in Pittsburgh was dominated by one team: CHUCK DARLING (Kelsey Grammer, "Frasier," "Cheers") and KELLY CARR (Patricia Heaton, "Everybody Loves Raymond"). They had that elusive quality all news teams need:
chemistry ...... at least on-screen. Off-screen, Chuck was a bit of an egomaniacal womanizer, and Kelly a bit of an uptight know-it-all.

So -- when Chuck got the call to move up to a larger market, no tears were shed. Now, after an embarrassing newscast tirade ends up on the Internet, Chuck finds himself on the downswing career-wise. He's even questioning whether his lifestyle of chasing women and living in hotels is as exciting as it used to be. When he gets the call to return to Pittsburgh, to reunite with Kelly and try to take the newscast back to No. 1, it's an offer he can't refuse.

Now back in Pittsburgh, Chuck has a couple of new co-workers: MONTANA DIAZ HERRERA (Aimee Garcia, "A Lot Like Love"), the perky, sexy, somewhat inept weather anchor, and RYAN CHURCH (Paul Campbell, "Battlestar Galactica"), the overstressed news director. There are also familiar faces like MARSH McGINLEY (Fred Willard, "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," "Everybody Loves Raymond"), the affable, endlessly inappropriate sports anchor, and GARY CREZYZEWSKI, pronounced Kre-shoov-ski (Ty Burrell, "In Good Company," "Out of Practice"), the perennially put-upon field reporter who always seems to get left out in the snow.

But mostly, there's Kelly-- now a single mom to 10-year-old GRACIE (Laura Marano, "Without a Trace"). There was magic between them once. Can they find it again?

BACK TO YOU is written and executive-produced by Steven Levitan ("Just Shoot Me!," "Frasier," "Wings") and Christopher Lloyd ("Frasier," "The Golden Girls").

PRINCIPAL CAST INFORMATION:· Ayda Field as Montana Diaz Herrera· Fred Willard as Marsh McGinley· Josh Gad as Ryan Church· Kelsey Grammer as Chuck Darling· Laura Marano as Gracie Carr· Patricia Heaton as Kelly Carr· Ty Burrell as Gary Crezyzewski

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I do think this one sounds like it could be funny........

I really like Kelsey when he is at his bombastic best. He can be boorish, funny, smart and charming.



I also know some people are on the fence about Patty Heaton, but I think this sounds like a good role for her. I can see she and Kelsey sparring and playing well off of each other.



Hey.....they're both Emmy winners, it's worth a sample.

Also, I get a kick out of Fred Willard --



Watching him play an "endlessly inappropriate" anything, is usually better than most sitcom actors on TV right now.

Have you ever seen Best In Show? His take on the announcer at the dog show is priceless. Rent that baby!

OK........so keep an eye out this Fall for "Back To You" on FOX.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for this one. We'll see if they can create some
"Must-See TV" for me.


#2

DIRTY SEXY MONEY (ABC) ...........Doncha just love the title?

STATUS: currently in development (2007-2008 season)
DEVELOPMENT STAGE: ordered to pilot

DESCRIPTION:
Power, privilege and family money are a volatile cocktail. Living proof: The Darlings of New York City, so absurdly wealthy they put the "upper" in Upper East Side.

This preeminent family's five spoiled adult brats (one of them a Presidential candidate) are always getting mixed up with the wrong people, including freeloading spouses, illegal immigrants and transvestite hookers. It will take a miracle to keep this Kennedy-esque clan out of the tabloids and out of jail.

That miracle comes in the form of Nick George. As a boy, Nick watched his father surrender his freedom and family as the Darling's trusted consigliere(that's family lawyer, to you and me). Burned by his own boyhood encounters with the family, Nick did a 180 and became a lawyer for the disadvantaged. But the passing of his dad thrusts the daunting responsibility of protecting the Darlings' secrets onto Nick. When the family's patriarch offers him an ungodly salary, Nick isn't sure if it's the chance of a lifetime - or a life sentence.

In no time, Nick finds himself racing to plead with cops, hush the tabloids and furiously try to wipe the mud off the esteemed Darling reputation. With new disasters every week, hopefully Nick has the stamina for a marathon. Three-time Emmy nominee Peter Krause ("Six Feet Under," "Sports Night"), Emmy-winner Donald Sutherland, and two-time Oscar nominee Jill Clayburgh ("Ally McBeal," Starting Over, An Unmarried Woman) star in this younger, sexier, redheaded stepchild of Dallas and Dynasty.

Emmy and Pulitzer-nominated Craig Wright ("Brothers & Sisters," "Lost," "Six Feet Under") and executive producer Greg Berlanti ("Brothers & Sisters," "Everwood") use over-the-top situations and razor-sharp satire to illustrate how scads of money can create a great American family... and demolish it.


PRINCIPAL CAST INFORMATION:· Donald Sutherland as Tripp Darling· Glenn Fitzgerald as Brian Darling· Jill Clayburgh as Letitia Darling· Laz Alonso as Colin Davidson· Natalie Zea as Karen Darling· Peter Krause as Nick George· Samaire Armstrong as Juliet Darling· Seth Gabel as Jeremy Darling· Victoria Pratt as Naomi Leeds· William Baldwin as Senator Patrick Darling· Zoe McLellan as Lisa George


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

OK...........this is one I really wanna watch. I sure hope it makes it to the Fall schedule.

I love that they are callin' this -- a "redheaded stepchild" to "Dallas" and "Dynasty".

Oh yeah...........I'm there, baby!

I also love Peter Krause -- "Sports Night" is one of my all-time favorite shows (the eps are now on DVD, I'd highly recommend it..........and I ain't no sports nut, by the way! It's just good stories, a great cast and really smart writing. Aaron Sorkin at his best.)



I think Peter will be great in the role of Nick, trying to pick-up the pieces of this very wealthy (and wacky) NYC family.

And how about Donald Sutherland as the patriarch?


Awesome............love him, love his voice. He really plays a good baddie.

And just guess who is playin' the young politico brother with presidential aspirations?

None other than that handsome Baldwin brother........Billy (that's "William" to you).



Hmmmm..............

I'm thinkin' they can get big brother Alec to do a cameo as a ruthless, muckraking tabloid reporter -- out to expose all of the dirty Darling family secrets.



("Pilot.........did somebody say, Pilot?")



Let's see......then maybe the family lawyer/Nick character -- digs up some good dirt on the reporter(guest-star Alec) instead --(Oh, I dunno.......custody battle transcripts, cell phone records -- something like that).

I'm seein' it.

Hey Alec -- give the producers a call.......

You're so great on the phone --you'd be awesome, baby!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------


Well.........that's all of my "pilot talk" for today.

Tune in tomorrow -- I have a few more goodies to gab about.

Later,

Cagey :)

It's Pilot Season......

No.............

Not that kind of pilot.

(Although...........I do know about those!)

TV pilots.

That's what I'm talkin' about.

For this comin' Fall.

The 2007-2008 TV season.

Yep, Hollywood is workin' of those babies -- right now.

Casting 'em and filming 'em..........and hopin' they pick the ones you're gonna love.

Ya know.......... "Must-See TV".

The next "Heroes" and "Grey's Anatomy"...........not the next "Joey" and "Kidnapped."

ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, The CW and all the rest -- are hopin' they have some shows that are gonna make you stay home at night..........(or at least fire up the TiVo!).

Well, I've been surfin' the Net..........readin' about what they will be servin' up in the Fall. I must say, so far...........I'm seeing some stuff that doesn't look half bad.

Some interesting ideas, and some fun casts.

I decided that for the rest of this week, each day I will pick a few of the pilots that I thought sounded interesting -- and share some of the deets with y'all.

Here are the two for today:

#1

"PUSHING DAISIES" (ABC)

STATUS: currently in development (2007-2008 season)
DEVELOPMENT STAGE: ordered to pilot

DESCRIPTION:

It's "Once Upon A Time", and director Barry Sonnenfeld (Men In Black, Get Shorty, The Addams Family) and writer-producer Bryan Fuller ("Heroes," "Wonderfalls," "Dead Like Me") have created an unprecedented blend of romance, crime procedural and high-concept fantasy.

It is a love story about a young man with a very special gift.....the ability to return someone dead briefly back to life with just a simple touch. Ned, a mild-mannered baker of fabulous pies, discovered his gift as a child. Now he puts his gift to good use, working with his only friend, a private investigator, to crack murder cases by asking victims to name their killers.

But the tale gets complicated, as all tales do, when he saves his childhood sweetheart and she miraculously stays alive. Each week, she encourages him to use his powers to solve mysteries and help others. Life would be perfect, except for one cruel twist: if Ned ever touches her again, she'll lose the life he gave her, for good this time. Ahhhh, there's always a catch........

Golden Globe nominee Lee Pace (The Good Shepherd, A Soldier's Girl), Chi McBride ("The Nine," "Boston Public"), Golden Globe nominee Swoosie Kurtz ("Huff," "Sisters") and Tony Award winner Kristen Chenoweth ("The West Wing," Broadway's "Wicked") star in a fairytale in the spirit of Amelie, Stranger than Fiction, and Chocolat. From the producers of Big Fish comes an equally magical and delightful series that offers a weekly dose of sweet, heartwarming, quirky fun.

PRINCIPAL CAST INFORMATION: · Anna Friel as Charlotte "Chuck" Charles· Chi McBride as Emerson Cod· Jim Dale as Narrator· Kristin Chenoweth as Olive· Lee Pace as Ned· Swoosie Kurtz as Lily

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Hmmmm...........maybe it's just me, but I thought this one kinda sounded fresh and interesting. I like quirky and sweet. There are enough straight CSI's and Law and Order's on TV right now.

I'm just sayin'.............

I think this could be good if it's done well. The behind-the-scenes people definitely know what they're doin'. And I love Kristin Chenoweth.......she's a riot.



I hope it works. We'll see.


#2 (This one, I couldn't resist. You'll see why........)

THE VIRGIN OF AKRON, OHIO (LIFETIME NETWORK)

STATUS: currently in development (2007-2008 season)
DEVELOPMENT STAGE: ordered to pilot

DESCRIPTION: This drama revolves around a young woman in Manhattan who, after a stint in rehab, is sent back to her Ohio town to do community service and live with her dysfunctional family.

PRINCIPAL CAST INFORMATION:· Brian Kerwin· Chelah Horsdal· Jill Latiano as Raleigh· Landon Liboiron· Laurie Metcalf as Lydia· Matthew John Armstrong· Shawn Roberts

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

OK.........the basic info listed above is all that I know about this one -- but c'mon. The title, the plot, the people. How could ya not check that baby out?

A few key words make it a "Must-See" for me........Manhattan, rehab, Ohio, community service, dysfunctional and Laurie Metcalf.

Metcalf played Roseanne's sister Jackie on "Roseanne" and she is great. She can do drama or comedy and is usually the best thing in any scene that she is in.



Brian Kerwin is a character actor who I'm sure that you've seen in a lot of things, you just may not recognize his name.

Interestingly..........Kerwin played Jackie's boyfriend on "Roseanne" for a season. They were very good together. I'm thinkin' that they are cast in this as husband and wife.....parents to the rehab girl -- but I'm not positive about that. Just guessin'.

OK...............

That's it for my "pilot talk" for today.

Check back tomorrow for some other TV tidbits..............

I'll be here.

See ya,

Cagey :)

Why I Love......"The Office"

Yay...........It's Thursday -- and a new episode of "The Office" is on tonight!

I dunno about you all, but I've really missed Jim, Pam, Michael, Dwight and the rest of the crazy gang at "The Office."

The show has been in repeats for more than a few weeks, but it's finally back tonight.

I can't wait.

From the looks of the preview that I saw, Jim has to deal with the aftermath of Pam's confession to Roy that Jim kissed her on "Casino Night."


Yikes!

Roy is gonna go after Jim -- bigtime.

Oooooh..........it's gettin' good!

Because I'm excited for "The Office" return........I just thought I would post 2 short clips that illustrate what is so great about this very funny show.

First............

"Dwight's Desk Goes Missing":






Next...................

"Michael Is Excited To Be A Speaker At Ryan's Business School":





If you are not yet a fan of "The Office", what are you waiting for?

Try it tonight.............and see how you like it.

I really think that you won't be disappointed.


Tonight -- 8:00 pm -- on NBC.

Enjoy!

"Trailer Park" Tuesday

Well, it's Tuesday -- so it's time for a little visit to..............
"The Trailer Park".

Let's see what we have for today.............

Because I'm still in a "Bond" kinda mood -- the first trailer I've chosen was created for an imaginary Bond film.

Too bad it's not for real -- I happen to think this one would do very well at the local multiplex.

The Next James Bond ............starring Tom Hanks.

See for yourself -- double-click on the Play arrow.






FYI -- the creators of this trailer "mash-up" were very clever.

Daniel Craig (the new James Bond) was actually in a 2002 film with Tom Hanks...........
The Road To Perdition.



It's a somber film set during the Depression with Tom as a family man/hitman, Paul Newman as his mentor/boss, and Daniel Craig as Newman's bad seed son -- who's very jealous of Hanks. Jude Law is in it as well.

I liked this film.............but it is definitely NOT a feel-good flick. The cast is great -- but the story is a real downer. No happy endings here.

I love how this fake Bond trailer mixed in some scenes from Perdition and Casino Royale, along with other Hanks classics like: Bachelor Party, The Man With One Red Shoe, The DaVinci Code, Splash, Volunteers and Cast Away.

Hope you enjoyed it.

Now for the other trailer for today.

This one is for real, it just hit the internet a few days ago.

It's for the upcoming sequel to the 2003 Jim Carrey film Bruce Almighty..............



Evan Almighty -- starring one of my current favorite funny guys........Steve Carell.

Carell plays a modern-day Noah, whom God enlists to build an ark -- just in case a devastating flood develops.



This flick opens June 22nd.

Carell is pretty hot right now, so they have big hopes for this one.

We shall see.

The trailer looks kinda funny, hope the movie lives up to it.

See for yourself..........






Well, that's all for today.

Hope you enjoyed your visit to "The Park"..................

Have a great one!

5 Reasons To Rent: "Casino Royale"

Hey there everyone!

Well, it's the start of a new week, and time for the first installment of a new feature that I've decided to add to Red Carpet Rehab.

It's called: "5 Reasons To Rent" ...........

In this feature I'll choose a DVD (some new, some old) and you guessed it.......give you 5 good reasons why you should consider renting it (or even better -- borrow it free from the Public Library!).

As you know by now, with me -- it's all about the funny..........so don't go expectin' this to be too much of a straight movie recommendation.

I'm just sayin'.

OK, introductions are out of the way -- it's time for my first pick.

I just watched this one yesterday -- it recently came out on DVD, and I really enjoyed it.

5 Reasons To Rent: Casino Royale.

Number One

Bond --

James Bond.

British actor Daniel Craig is the new Bond, and I must say right here......he is Yum-mee with a capital "Y."

Now, this is not to say that he isn't also a great actor, very charismatic, quite believeable as Bond and knows his way around a great action sequence.

Mr. Craig is all of those things, and more.

I'm just sayin'..............................


He's definitely been diligent about a-usin' that gym membership......if ya know what I mean.


Number Two

The Settings --




There are many beautiful settings in this Bond installment. In fact, as in other Bond films -- many scenes are set in magnificent and exotic locales all over the world.

Fortunately for us, many of these exotic locales are near bodies...................



Oooops.............I mean -- bodies of water.



It makes sense, right?

I mean..........c'mon.

Approximately 71 percent of the earth is covered with water (Ahem...It pays to pay attention in Science class!).

So I was thinkin'.............maybe the next Bond flick could be set entirely on the water. It doesn't have to be the ocean. It could be lakes, ponds and streams for all I care.

Water is good, water is healthy.

Hmmmm.......an all-aquatic Bond adventure.

Sponsored by Speedo.

Yes.........they should seriously begin working on that.

Oooops, sorry -- I digress.

On with the list.


Number Three

The Action


As in other classic Bond films before it, Casino Royale contains many jaw-dropping, heart-stopping action scenes.

The opening scene alone is worth the price of the rental.................


Our man Bond chases a suspect into (and onto) a huge building under construction somewhere in Uganda.

There's running and jumping and climbing and sliding and hitting and kicking and punching and hanging and falling and...........

Oh, you get the idea.

It's all very exciting.

In fact, if you are afraid of heights......it may be a little too exciting.

Hmmmmm........I'm thinkin' that the other action scenes might interest you more.

The indoor action scenes.




These scenes have less of the running and jumping and climbing and sliding..........and more of the bantering and hugging and kissing and.................



Oh, you get the idea.

Gotta love a good action movie!


Number Four

The Weapon --


Now, I'm no "weaponry expert".............but I gotta tell ya, there is a lot of gunfire in this film.

Basically, for every "Kiss, Kiss".........there's a "Bang, Bang."

And even though I am not a Bond afficionado, I can tell you this:

Mr. Bond has a very big gun.



Which, apparently...........



He likes to use..................



............. A lot!


I'm just sayin'.


Number Five

The Settings




Did I mention that a lot of this movie takes place in beautiful and exotic places in and around the water?

Oh, I did?

Huh.

What did you say?

I already used "Settings" as reason Number Two?

Oh.

Well, in that case................

I got nuthin'.

Oh wait -- here we go............

Number Five

Basic Math --



Bond + Water = Excellent Action/Adventure (and a little romance, to boot!).


Let's recap, shall we?

5 Reasons To Rent: Casino Royale

1. Bond, James Bond
2. Beautiful Watery Settings
3. Lots of Heart-Stopping Action
4. Big Weapons, Used A Lot
5. Good 'Ol Basic Math

What more could you ask for?

Well, if you do decide to take my advice (or you've already seen it.....) don't be shy and drop me a line to let me know what you think.

I love feedback!

As for me, I'm thinkin' I might have to go watch that flick again......right now.

Ya know, there were a few scenes that may require a second viewing.

To clarify things, and what not.

(After all, if I'm gonna recommend a movie.......I gotta be accurate!)

I'm just sayin'.

:)