There are lots of reasons to watch this 1997 TV musical, starring Brandy Norwood in the title role. First, its impressive cast includes the late Whitney Houston (pictured, with Brandy) as the Fairy Godmother. Second, other co-stars include Bernadette Peters, Jason Alexander, Whoopi Goldberg and Victor Garber. Third, it’s a new version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical written especially for television 40 years earlier, originally starring Julie Andrews in 1957 – the same musical

2012

Aug

DAMAGES By David Bianculli

Ellen (Rose Byrne) is haunted by memories of her trauma from years ago, in the attack that opened the first season of Damages with a tantalizing flash-forward. Now it’s a flashback, and bloodier than ever – as Ellen’s dreams mix with her fears. And, at the same time, warn her about her possible future.

2012

Aug

GALAXY QUEST By David Bianculli

One of my favorite “spider-web” movies – my coinage for a movie that you watch no matter how many times it shows up on TV (read my Bianculli’s Blog for more details, and other candidates). Tim Allen as the William Shatner-esque star of a cult sci-fi TV show, Alan Rickman as the Spock-ish science officer, Sigourney Weaver as the Uhura-like attractive communications officer, and even Sam Rockwell as the expendable junior crewman – they’re all fabulous. So

2012

Aug

HIT & MISS By David Bianculli

We’re nearing the end of the road – or, at least, the end of this limited series in which Chloe Sevigny stars as a transgender killer for hire who defends her new family from dangers within and without. Sevigny already has hinted that she might be up for reprising the role, and this series certainly has been rewarding and impressive enough to earn that opportunity.

2012

Aug

TERMS OF ENDEARMENT By David Bianculli

This 1983 Oscar-winning movie was directed by James L. Brooks, who wrote the screenplay based on the book by Larry McMurtry. Brooks won Oscars for both his screenplay adaptation and his direction, and statuettes also went to Shirley MacLaine as Best Actress and Jack Nicholson as Best Supporting Actor. Next year, Terms of Endearment will be 30 years old – so think of that when you think that a current HBO star, Jeff Daniels of The Newsroom, was featured here as Debra Winger’s husband,

2012

Aug

NY MED By David Bianculli

As usual, the latest installment in Terence Wrong’s medical documentary series will get you involved – and keep you in a firm grip once it has you. This week’s real-life story standout is Lyndsey McLaughlin, a vivacious young woman in a race to find new lungs before her body succumbs to cystic fibrosis. Watch this show, then ask yourself: Why does anyone make, or watch, so-called “reality TV,” when this kind of reality television is possible?

2012

Aug

HARD KNOCKS: TRAINING CAMP WITH THE MIAMI DOLPHINS By David Bianculli

Here’s a reality show in which actual reality definitely intruded. Last week, when the latest season of this behind-the-scenes NFL Films series began, one of the central figures was Chad Johnson – formerly Chad Ochocinco – who had joined the Miami Dolphins as a wide receiver. He was shown flirting and bantering with his new wife, Evelyn Lozada, to whom he had gotten married on July 4. Well, whether or not there were fireworks that day, there certainly were this past Saturday, w

2012

Aug

THE GLEE PROJECT By David Bianculli

SEASON FINALE: Season 2 ends tonight, making room not only for Chris Colfer as the final visitor from Glee, but for previous competitors not making it all the way to tonight’s winner-announcing finale.

2012

Aug

THE BURN WITH JEFF ROSS By David Bianculli

SERIES PREMIERE: When Seth Green took a shot at fellow dais member Jeff Ross on Sunday’s Comedy Central Roast of Roseanne, Green joked, “Jeff Ross is an old friend. He’s got a new show on Comedy Central where he roasts the news. It’ll be perfect for people who find Jon Stewart too handsome and funny.” Ouch. Tune in, if you like, to see if Green was being a clever friend – or just an honest TV critic.

2012

Aug

WHEN POSSESSIONS PILE UP, SYFY OFFERS ASSISTANCE By Ed Bark

I'm not about to make fun of Syfy's Collection Intervention. It hits a little too close to home...

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