Former MGM starlet Debbie Reynolds dies at age 84

Debbie Reynolds joined the MGM studios after two years at Warner Brothers. She was cast in the movie musical "Singin' in the Rain" (1952) and it made her a star. The film won the Best Picture Oscar and Reynolds said it was her favorite movie. She was only 19-years-old at the time, dancing alongside Gene Kelly and Donald O' Conner. She nabbed her only Oscar nomination as best actress for "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" (1964). Her girl-next-door image of the 1950's was cemented with "Tammy and the Bachelor" (1957). Miss Reynolds died on Dec. 28, 2016 just one day after her daughter Carrie Fisher had passed on Dec. 27. 

Click photo for the movie and TV career of DEBBIE REYNOLDS.

(Publicity poster 1952)

(Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Conner and Gene Kelly. 1952 scene from 

"Singin in the Rain)

'Live by Night' trailer has Ben Affleck rampaging through 1920s prohibition

LIVE BY NIGHT from WARNER BROS. PICTURES. Ben Affleck stars and directs in this period piece which will open in U.S., theaters Jan. 13, 2016. I enjoy modern actors starring in throwbacks of stories from the past. Johnny Depp portrayed John Dillinger in "Public Enemies" back in 2009. I have that on Blu-Ray.   

Warner Bros. Pictures says, "Live by Night - is set in the roaring `20s when Prohibition hasn’t stopped the flow of booze in an underground network of gangster-run speakeasies. The opportunity to gain power and money is there for any man with enough ambition and nerve and Joe Coughlin, the son of the Boston Police Superintendent, long ago turned his back on his strict upbringing for the spoils of being an outlaw. But even among criminals there are rules and Joe breaks a big one: crossing a powerful mob boss by stealing his money and his moll. The fiery affair ends in tragedy, setting Joe on a path of revenge, ambition, romance and betrayal that propels him out of Boston and up the ladder of Tampa’s steamy rum-running underworld." 

Screeners sent out to SAG-AFTRA union members

The SAG Awards will be on Jan. 29, 2017. All paid up union members will be receiving DVD screener's in their mail box. They will also receive Email invites to movie screenings in LA and New York. Make sure you check your Emails on the offers to screen movies with Internet platforms. Just follow instructions in those Emails. I've been receiving DVD screener's in my mail box. I watched FENCES with Denzel Washington and Viola Davis at my local movie theater. Viola was "extraordinary" and both are nominated for SAG awards. (I already know who I'm voting for in the TV categories and I will vote online).

Click photo for SAG Awards website.

(I received this DVD screener, but I'm gonna watch it in my local theater.

It has been nominated). 

'Alien: Covenant' trailer is released & can anyone hear you scream?

ALIEN: COVENANT from 20TH CENTURY FOX. The first trailer has been released and in 4 days it has grabbed over 10 million views on the official YouTube channel. This is the sequel to "Prometheus" (2012) that was directed by Ridley Scott. "Covenant" will open in U.S., theaters on May 19, 2017. (I actually liked "Prometheus" which was borderline exciting and laughable).

20th Century Fox says, "Ridley Scott returns to the universe he created, with ALIEN: COVENANT, a new chapter in his groundbreaking ALIEN franchise. The crew of the colony ship Covenant, bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, discovers what they think is an uncharted paradise, but is actually a dark, dangerous world. When they uncover a threat beyond their imagination, they must attempt a harrowing escape."

'48 Hours' 2 back-to-back episodes Saturday Dec. 31, 2016

48 HOURS on CBS. The second episode is called, "Janet's Secret" that will air this Saturday at 10/9 p.m. It is a repeat on a cold case murder with several suspects. A real "who-done-it?"

CBS says, "She was murdered at 23. Five suspects and cops couldn't arrest anyone. It was the perfect crime for 34 years -- until now. Peter Van Sant has the story."

'48 Hours' 2 back-to-back episodes Saturday Dec. 31, 2016

48 HOURS on CBS. The first episode is called, "Mommie Dearest" that will air this Saturday at 9/8 p.m. It is a repeat and this mother is unbelievable. She came from no money and when she marries into a rich prominent family. She goes crazy. 

CBS says, "A Palm Beach socialite kills her ex-husband and serves no time. Twenty years later, with the same gun, another family member is shot. Richard Schlesinger investigates." 

'A Kind of Murder' has two different women dying in same location

A KIND OF MURDER from MAGNOLIA. I streamed this online from "Amazon" for $6.99. It was released in US theaters on Dec. 16, 2016. According to "Box Office Mojo" that tracks box office receipts. It has garnered only $2,008. It is also with video-on-demand which will have more numbers. 

This film is set at New York in the 1960's and is based on the novel called, "The Blunderer." Two different women die behind a bar & grill. The first woman is the wife of a bookstore owner. The second woman is the wife of a successful architect. This architect writes on his free time and is intrigued by the first woman's suspected murder. He visits the book owner and that's where things begin to unravel for the architect. His own wife's body is found behind that bar & grill under a bridge. A police detective believes both men killed their wives, but cannot prove it. We don't see him investigate, only speculate. 

There is a confrontation after one husband cracks under pressure. It doesn't end well and did both men commit murder? That's where the film leaves us. Check it out if you want.

 

'Dateline' rewind with episode called, 'Vanished' Friday Dec. 30, 2016

DATELINE on NBC. The next episode is called, "Vanished" that will air this Friday beginning at 9/8 p.m. Yes, it is a repeat from a few years back. When any person kills another human being. Sometimes they snap from reality. This is one of those cases where a former friend is obsessed with another who pushes herself over the edge. Keith Morrison reports. 

Below is a news report early in the investigation of Michelle who went missing from where she attended nursing school.

Click photo for DATELINE for TV Preview of VANISHED.

(NBC Logo) 

'Elementary' will return January 2017

ELEMENTARY on CBS. This week's episode has been pre-empted by classic Christmas TV episodes on Sunday Dec. 25, 2016. "I Love Lucy" at 8/7 p.m. "Dick Van Dyke" at 9/8 p.m. "MacGyver" ending prime-time at 10/9 p.m. Looking forward to what Sherlock and Watson will be up to in 2017. If you missed any recent episodes. Click CBS photo below for ELEMENTARY website.

(Sherlock and Watson investigating)

'Blade Runner 2049' trailer has been unleased

BLADE RUNNER 2049 from WARNER BROS. PICTURES. The first trailer has been released to the delight of movie fans. It will premiere in theaters Oct. 6, 2017 and will probably look great on IMAX screens.

Warner Bros. Pictures says, "Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos. K's discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years."

'Dateline' pre-empted by NBC special movie Friday Dec. 23, 2016

DATELINE on NBC. This week's episode will be pre-empted by the movie "Dolly Parton's Christmas of many colors: circle of love." It will air this Friday from 9-11 p.m. (8-10 p.m., central time). If you missed any episodes of "Dateline." Click NBC logo below for official website. 

2 back-to-back episodes of '48 Hours' Saturday Dec. 24, 2016

48 HOURS on CBS. The second of back-to-back episodes is called, "Road to Redemption" that will air this Saturday at 10/9 p.m. This might be a repeat episode which I never saw.

CBS says, " Can a woman end 25 years of pain by forgiving her sister and brother-in-law's killer? "48 Hours" Maureen Maher has the story."

TV Preview below.

2 back-to-back episodes of '48 Hours' Saturday Dec. 24, 2016

48 HOURS on CBS. The first of 2 back-to-back episodes is called, "The Birthday Party" that will air this Saturday at 9/8 p.m. It is a "Live to Tell" story..., 

CBS says, "A federal prosecutor kidnapped at gunpoint on his birthday recounts his bizarre hostage ordeal."

TV Preview below.

'Hawaii Five-0' returns in January 2017

HAWAII FIVE-0 on CBS. Last week's episode was the winter finale 2016. New episodes will return in January of 2017. Meanwhile, "Five-0" will play repeat episodes including this Friday Dec. 23 at 9/8 p.m.

Click photo for HAWAII FIVE-0 on CBS. 

("Five-0" excellent marksman named, Kono).

USA 'Shooter' quickly renewed for 2nd TV season after good TV ratings

Mark Walhberg who played Bobby Lee Swagger in the 2007 movie, "Shooter" is serving as producer. The 10 episode TV series has Ryan Phillipe as Bobby Lee. It has been airing each Tuesday night on cable TV's USA network at 10/9 p.m. The movie was based on the best selling book, “Point of Impact” written by Stephen Hunter. The TV Series has changed Bobby Lee to a family man with a wife and daughter. The movie had him as a loner living with his dog in the mountains. 

According to "TV by the numbers" that tracks all TV ratings. "Shooter" has garnered an average of 2.6 million TV viewers overall. It has reached 970,000 TV viewers in the all important 18-49 adult demographic. The series has aired only 5 episodes and USA has renewed it for a 2nd TV season. It was supposed to premiere last July, but was pushed forward because of real life mass shootings. The crime and chase drama has become a hit. I'm trying to catch up on episodes and each one moves real fast. I like it. Check it out if you can...,

The SAG Awards 2017 Voting is now open...,

The SAG Awards will air live on TNT and TBS Jan. 29, 2017. The nominations have been announced and voting has already begun on Dec. 19, 2016. Voting ends online and by paper ballot at 12 noon on Jan. 27, 2017. The deadline to ask for paper ballots is Jan. 13, 2017 (1-800-961-8287 before 5 p.m. -- California time). Only paid up SAG-AFTRA union members can vote.

There are 4 ways to vote for your favorite acting performances. 

• 1) DVD Screeners that will be mailed to members. 
• 2) Free Screenings. Invitations sent to members by E-mail.
• 3) Online Digital screenings through "iTunes" and other platforms. See website.
• 4) Download Movie Coupons to use at local theaters beginning after January 2017.
• Visit SAG Awards Website for complete information. 

There are 3 steps to vote for SAG Awards. 

• 1) Retrieve Awards PIN number. 
• 2) View SAG award nominee performances. 
• 3) Vote.
• Visit SAG Awards Website for instructions.

I'll be watching "Fences" which opens on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2016. It stars Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. Both of them were nominated for this year's SAG Awards. 

'Elementary' Someone uses Joan Watson's ID as a doctor

“Elementary” (CBS) can be seen each Sunday evening at 10/9 p.m. It aired at 9 p.m. (central time) in Albuquerque, NM on KRQE 13. Last night's episode on Dec. 18, 2016 was called, “Pick your poison.” In the overnight TV ratings it garnered 6.21 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.9 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. “The sound of music” (ABC) grabbed 5.34 overall & 1.1 with adults (7-11 p.m.). “Sunday Night Football” (NBC) nabbed 20.88 overall & 7.0 with adults (8:30-11 p.m).

“Elementary” stars, Jonny Lee Miller (Sherlock Holmes), Lucy Liu (Dr. Joan Watson),

Aidan Quinn (Captain Thomas Gregson) & Jon Michael Hill (Detective Marcus Bell).

“Pick your Poison.” Sherlock discovers that Shinwell is still undercover with his old gang. Sherlock is shocked because he wiped Shinwell's fingerprints from a gun used in a murder. He also thought Shinwell was going to clean up his life. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Banks had an overdose and died. He was given a prescription by a doctor using Joan Watson's identification. She hasn't practiced medicine in 10 years. Detective Bell found a drugstore where Joan wrote that prescription by an imposter.

Click photo for “Elementary” over at CBS.

(Sherlock and Watson at a crime scene)

SAG-AFTRA Fall 2016 digital issue is out

SAG-AFTRA union members. Did you get the digital issue in your email? Lily Tomlin is on the cover and is the 2017 life-time achievement honoree. There is a lot of news in this issue and most importantly the SAG-AFTRA strike against Video Game Producers. 

The SAG Award nominations have been announced and the award season has begun. Union members should be receiving invitations in their emails for "movie screenings." I've been getting mine and wish I was in LA to attend. Producers and studios want members to vote for actor and actress performances. I've seen most of the performances here in Albuquerque and will be voting for my favorites.

Click photo for SAG-AFTRA Fall 2016 Digital Magazine. 

(SAG-AFTRA photo)

Zsa Zsa Gabor dies at 99, will remembered for her personal life

Zsa Zsa Gabor had 9 husbands, a film career and spent time in jail for slapping a cop in 1989. She was pushed back into the spotlight after that routine stop by a Beverly Hills policeman. She hadn't worked as an actress in years. There were only 4 TV networks back in 1989 and each had a late evening talk show. Johnny Carson was the "king of late night" and he reveled in Gabor slapping that cop. The jokes were endless...,

Her court trial was fodder for gossip rags and she was all drama. She also made fun of herself on TV sitcoms like, "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" where a cop was slapped in front of her. Gabor was sentenced to 3 days in jail and it seems that, that's what she would be remembered for. She was glamorous in her prime and even a legend grew over a non-appearance on "The Tonight Show." She supposedly brought a cat with her. Check out Jane Fonda's story/legend when she asks Carson about that cat.

(Moulin Rouge, 1952 classic film. Zsa Zsa Gabor played a singer, bottom 
center, Jose Ferrer, bottom left).

(Zsa Zsa, crying in court)

'48 Hours' Did someone doctor baby x-ray in conviction of daycare worker?

"48 Hours" (CBS) was seen Saturday evening at 10/9 p.m. It aired at 9 p.m. (central time) in Albuquerque, NM on KRQE 13. The episode on Dec. 17, 2016 was called, "The Fight for Melissa." In the overnight TV ratings it garnered 3.15 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.6 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. “20/20" (ABC) grabbed 4.31 overall & 0/7 with adults. “SNL Christmas 2016" (NBC) nabbed 4.06 overall & 1.2 with adults.

"48 Hours" is an investigative program that covers crime & murder in the United States. This episode was reported and narrated by Erin Moriarty.

“The Fight for Melissa.” Melissa Calusinski spent 14 hours talking to police and finally confessed to killing Ben. She was a daycare worker and Ben's skull was fractured which killed him. He had a history of falling back on his head. Melissa was convicted and received 31 years in prison. She has always maintained her innocence and now will get a new trial. Why? Her lawyer claims that someone doctored the x-rays of Ben's head. A doctor may have also committed perjury on the witness stand. 

You can watch episodes of “48 Hours” at CBS. Click photos.

(Melissa)

(Melissa's Lawyer)

'The Mummy' Trailer with Tom Cruise tops $26 million views in one week

THE MUMMY from UNIVERSAL PICTURES. The newest film starring Tom Cruise has grabbed a lot of interest with monster fans. It is updated to 2017 and looks to be an action movie with Cruise at its' center. The 1999 Branden Fraser reboot was family fare with comedy. The original 1932 film had Bela Lugosi as a Mummy who played mind games. It certainly has been a cash cow for Universal Pictures. And it will make more money with Cruise. Check out trailer mash-up with reactions.

Carpool Karaoke with Mariah Carey & friends 'All I want for Christmas'

"The late, late show with James Corden" 2016. Holiday Cheer for music fans. Check out all the singers, songwriters & musicians.

'Dateline' Dalia is recorded on camera hiring a Hit-man to kill her husband

"Dateline" (NBC) can be seen each Friday evening at 9/8 p.m. It aired in Albuquerque, NM at 8 p.m. (central time) on KOB 4. Last night's double episode on Dec. 16, 2016 were called, "The House on the Lake” and “The Sting.” In the overnight TV ratings it garnered 5.16 million TV viewers overall. It reached 1.0 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic (9-11 p.m.). "Hawaii Five-0" (CBS) grabbed 9.33 overall & 1.1 with adults. “Shark Tank” (ABC) nabbed 3.93 overall & 0.8 with adults (repeat).

“Dateline” is an investigative program focusing on crime & murder in the United States. The reporter's of these episodes were Keith Morrison and Dennis Murphy.

“The House on the Lake.” Cal Harris was accused of killing his wife Michelle. She disappeared back in September of 2001 and her body has never been found. It's been 15 years and Cal's life has been turned upside down after four court trials. He was labeled a killer with no evidence found against him. Michelle's blood was left inside her home and her car was abandoned at the end of their long drive-way.

“The Sting.” Dennis Murphy interviewed Dalia Dippolito who was caught on camera hiring a Hit-man to kill her husband. She claimed that her husband Mike stole money from his investors. She then met a stranger who was believed to be the actual Hit-man. He was an undercover police officer. Dalia was convicted in solicitation of first-degree murder and sentenced to prison. She got a new trial after seven years.

Watch episodes of “Dateline” streaming online at NBC. Click photo.

(NBC Logo)

'Hawaii Five-0' Sarah is kidnapped & Chin Ho travels to Mexico

“Hawaii Five-0” (CBS) can be seen each Friday evening at 9/8 p.m. It aired at 8 p.m. (central time) in Albuquerque, NM on KRQE 13. Last night's episode on Dec. 16, 2016 was called, “Ka'ili aku.” In the overnight TV ratings it garnered 9.33 million TV viewers overall. It reached 1.1 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. “Shark Tank” grabbed 3.93 overall & 0.8 with adults (repeat). “Dateline” nabbed 5.16 overall & 1.0 with adults (9-11 p.m).

“Hawaii Five-0” stars, Alex O'Loughlin (Steve McGarrett), Daniel Dae Kim (Chin Ho Kelly), Grace Park (Kono Kalakaua), Scott Caan (Danny Williams), Masi Oka (Max Bergman) & Chi McBride (Lou Grover).

“Ka'ili aku.” It's Chin Ho's birthday and a party is thrown in his honor. He recently lost custody of Sarah to her aunt and uncle in Mexico. He received a phone call during the party and takes off on a motorcycle. He tells Steve that Sarah was kidnapped. The drug enforcement agency (DEA) say that the Mexican police don't know anything. Sarah's bodyguard was shot and she was abducted in broad daylight. The “Five-0” team travel to Jaurez to find Sarah. They set up surveillance in an attempt to track down her kidnapper. The DEA discovers that the kidnapper was found dead inside a torched car. The body was burned beyond recognition.

Click photo for HAWAII FIVE-0 over at CBS.

(Chin Ho plus Sarah's aunt and uncle)

'Dateline' Second update Friday Dec. 16, 2016

DATELINE on NBC. The TV Previews this week have two episodes airing at the same time 9/8 p.m. The second episode is called, "The Sting." It is an update on Dalia Dippolito who reportedly hired a Hit-Man to kill her husband.

NBC says, "In an exclusive interview with Dennis Murphy, Dalia Dippolito denies solicitation to commit first-degree murder after she was accused of hiring a hit man, who turned out to be an undercover police officer, to murder her husband in 2009. On Wednesday, Judge Glenn Kelley in Florida declared a mistrial after the jury announced they could not reach an unanimous verdict in the case. Dennis Murphy reports."

Click photo for DATELINE TV Preview on THE STING.

(NBC Logo)

Watch below 2009 news report from "Today" on NBC. DATELINE will have new information 2016.

'Dateline' First update Friday Dec. 16, 2016

DATELINE on NBC. There will be two episodes this week, but TV previews show both airing at the same time 9/8 p.m. The first is yet another update episode called, "The house on the lake." Cal Harris had gone through numerous court trials. He is accused of killing his wife who went missing back in 2001. Her body has never been found.

NBC says, "The final chapter in a gripping murder case - one man's extraordinary journey through the courts in upstate New York and his children who stood by him to the end. Keith Morrison reports." 

Click photo for DATELINE TV Preview of THE HOUSE ON THE LAKE.

(NBC Logo)

Click logo below for full 2015 episode on previous DATELINE report called,
THE MYSTERY AT EMPIRE LAKE.

(NBC Logo)

'48 Hours' update Saturday Dec. 17, 2016

48 HOURS on CBS. The upcoming episode is called, "The Fight for Melissa" that will air this Saturday at 10/9 p.m. This is an update from the last episode "Blaming Melissa." 

TV promo says, "A day care worker says she loved kids, yet she's in prison for killing one. If she didn't do it, why did she confess? "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty has the latest on the case of Melissa Calusinski."

An all new 'Elementary' Sunday Dec. 18, 2016

ELEMENTARY on CBS. The new episode is called, "Pick your Poison" that will this Sunday at 10/9 p.m. -- TV fans are complaining on "Facebook" because they have to wait for "Elementary" as it always gets bumped back 30 minutes because of NFL Football. Well, the TV ratings have been steady during this Fall TV season. Other loyal fans are tuning in to their favorite TV crime show. I know I am.  

TV Promo says about new episode, "When Watson is implicated in a DEA investigation into doctors writing illegal prescriptions, she and Holmes search for the person using her medical license to sell drugs."

HBO's 'The Night Of' lands 2 acting nominations with 'SAG Awards'

The "Screen Actors Guild" (SAG) Award nominations were announced today, Wednesday Dec. 14, 2016. SAG-AFTRA union members nominate their own in 15 acting categories for TV and Film. The SAG Awards will be given out "Live" on TNT and TBS Sunday Jan. 29, 2017. 

I once served on the TV SAG award nominating committee and enjoyed every minute of it. I vote every year for my favorites on film and television. 

"The Night Of" (HBO) grabbed 2 acting nominations for the 8-part limited TV series that aired in the Summer of 2016. Go below for nominations in actor category. 

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series

• Riz Ahmed as Nasir "Naz" Khan - "The Night Of" (HBO)
• Sterling K. Brown as Christopher Darden - "The People V. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story" (FX Networks)
• Bryan Cranston as President Lyndon B. Johnson - "All the Way" (HBO)
• John Turturro as John Stone - "The Night Of" (HBO)
• Courtney B. Vance as Johnnie Cochran - "The People V. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story" (FX Networks)

 

An all new 'Hawaii Five-0' Friday Dec. 16, 2016

HAWAII FIVE-0 on CBS. The winter mid-season finale episode is called, ""Ka’ili aku" that will air this Friday at 9/8 p.m.

TV Promo says, "Five-0 races to Mexico where Chin puts his life on the line after his niece Sara (Londyn Silzer) is kidnapped. Duane “Dog” Chapman returns as himself and George Takei returns as Chin’s Uncle Choi."

'Netflix' cancels ambitious 'Marco Polo' after 2 seasons

MARCO POLO on NET-FLIX. It was announced on Monday Dec. 12, 2016 that the online streaming giant has cancelled "Marco Polo." I just want to say that my viewership on this Blog rose because of my TV recaps of each episode with Season 2. Hardcore TV fans enjoyed the period drama surrounding Kublai Kahn (Benedict Wong) and his loyal servant Marco Polo (Lorenzo Richelmy). 

I'm a big fan of the history on "Marco Polo" and thought this TV series was excellent. It is reported that the production costs rose and the TV ratings fell in the second season. It received no award consideration anywhere, but I thought Benedict Wong deserved an Emmy and/or Golden Globe nomination for his work as Kublai Khan. 

The second TV season delved into the complexities of each character who worked close to Khan. It dealt with their choices that shaped history under Khan's power. He also had to protect his throne by enemies close to him and the threat of Christianity that was converting the Mongol people. I was waiting for a 3rd TV season, but it will not be. At least we have 20 excellent episodes...,

HBO's 'The Night Of' nabs 3 Golden Globe Nominations

THE NIGHT OF on HBO. It was an 8-part limited TV series that followed a college student caught up in murder. He was accused of the multiple stabbing of a young woman he spent the night with. He woke up downstairs on the kitchen table with no blood on his clothes or body. He is scared and runs, but is arrested. He goes through the judicial system and it is a harrowing experience. The young man is changed by his experience. The question is, "Does this innocent college student have the capability to kill?" 

HBO has not announced if there will be a second TV season. The Golden Globe nominations were announced Monday Dec. 12, 2016. "The Night Of" grabbed 3 nominations. Check Category nominees below:

Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television:

• “American Crime”
• “The Dresser”
• “The Night Manager”
• “The Night Of”
• “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”

Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television:

• Riz Ahmed – “The Night Of”
• Bryan Cranston – “All The Way”
• Tom Hiddleston – “The Night Manager”
• John Turturro – “The Night Of”
• Courtney B. Vance – “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”

 

'Elementary' Sherlock & Watson help a friend involved in deadly shooting

“Elementary” (CBS) can be seen each Sunday evening at 10/9 p.m. It aired at 9 p.m. (central time) in Albuquerque, NM on KRQE 13. Last night's episode on Dec. 11, 2016 was called, “It serves you right to suffer.” In the overnight TV ratings it garnered 4.91 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.6 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. “The making of Frozen: A return to Arendelle” (ABC) grabbed 3.50 overall & 0.9 with adults. “Sunday Night Football” (NBC) nabbed 23.43 overall & 7.7 with adults (8:30-11 p.m).

“Elementary” stars, Jonny Lee Miller (Sherlock Holmes), Lucy Liu (Dr. Joan Watson),

Aidan Quinn (Captain Thomas Gregson) & Jon Michael Hill (Detective Marcus Bell).

“It serves you right to suffer.” A gang member is shot and killed inside the territory of a rival gang. The gun used on him was an old Japanese pistol. Shinwell showed up at the crime scene and his finger prints are on that pistol. He ran away and also left behind a “cross” on a necklace. Sherlock and Watson talk to him and Shinwell confesses that he was hired as an informant for the FBI. His job was to infiltrate his old gang and report back on criminal activity. If Shinwell's finger prints are traced by the police. He could be sent back to prison because he's on probation. Sherlock and Watson have 24 hours to figure out who killed the gang member.

Click photo for “Elementary” over at CBS.

(Shinwell, left, is helped by Sherlock)

'A Dangerous Man' from 'Dateline' has oil, murder, deceit & greed

DATELINE on NBC. The episode called, "A Dangerous Man" aired back in October 2016 and it has only played on Cable TV "Demand." So, fans couldn't watch online at the NBC website. A friend of mine recorded it on his DVR for me. I finally watched it and the 2-hour episode is a "doozy."

"A Dangerous Man." Three men were connected to North Dakota with the affiliated tribes of the Mandan, Hidatsa & Arikara tribal people. An oil rush was in full swing on the Indian Reservation in 2012. Contractors descended on the land including James Henrikson who owned a trucking company. He had a deal with Doug Calile to raise $2 million to transport oil. Their contract would bring them money beyond their wildest dreams. KC Clarke worked for James and he suddenly disappeared in 2012. His body has never been found. Doug was later gunned down inside his home at Washington state. 

Police investigators found a security camera of a male running from Doug's home on the night he was killed. That male was dressed all in black and unrecognizable. Security video also captured a specific (company) white van, leaving Doug's upper-class neighborhood. A welding glove was left behind and investigators extracted DNA from it. That DNA belonged to Timothy Suckow who lived a few miles from Doug. It turns out that Timothy could be a "Hitman" connected to oil in North Dakota.

The website "Vidzi.tv" is running this episode. Watch at your own risk. Click photo.

(NBC Logo)

Millitary dad investigates son's death near Army base, 'In the Valley of Elah'

IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH from WARNER MOVIES-ON-DEMAND (2007). It took me 10 years to see this film and I was absolutely floored by the Murder Mystery. (I bought it and streamed online at YouTube for only $2.99). According to "Box Office Mojo" that tracks box office receipts. "Elah" grabbed $6 million in the U.S. It nabbed $22 million at the Foreign box office.  

Hank Deerfield (Tommy Lee Jones) discovers that his son Mike went missing at his military base after returning from the War at Iraq. Hank is a retired military veteran who travels to Albuquerque, NM to find out what happened to Mike. He discovers that his son was stabbed multiple times, his body cut up in pieces and burned. Who could do this to Mike? Was it drugs or gang related? Hank is stoned-walled by military politics, but is helped by detective Emily Sanders (Charlize Theron). 

This is loosely based on the true life story of Richard Davis (2003). He returned from Iraq and was murdered. His dad Lanny Davis investigated his son's death. I realized that this story was covered by "48 Hours" back in 2006 called, "Duty, Death, Dis-Honor." I recorded the TV episode and watched it many times. 

Tommy Lee Jones received a "best actor" Oscar nomination for his work in "Elah" (2007). He so deserved it too because, "What a performance!" The story is sad and haunting. The Iraq War crippled U.S., soldiers physically and worse, emotionally. The murder mystery unfolds and you go along for a terrifying ride. The worst fears of a father are realized and more so. Check it out if you can.

'Hawaii Five-0' A teen is hypnotised and finds a grave of real dead teen girl

“Hawaii Five-0” (CBS) can be seen each Friday evening at 9/8 p.m. It aired at 8 p.m. (central time) in Albuquerque, NM on KRQE 13. Last night's episode on Dec. 9, 2016 was called, “Ka Luhi.” In the overnight TV ratings it garnered 9.33 million TV viewers overall. It reached 1.2 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. “Shark Tank” grabbed 4.87 overall & 1.0 with adults. “Dateline” nabbed 5.58 overall & 1.1 with adults (9-11 p.m).

“Hawaii Five-0” stars, Alex O'Loughlin (Steve McGarrett), Daniel Dae Kim (Chin Ho Kelly), Grace Park (Kono Kalakaua), Scott Caan (Danny Williams), Masi Oka (Max Bergman) & Chi McBride (Lou Grover).

“Ka Luhi.” A teen male named Reese is hypnotised by a therapist. He describes his nightmares and one in particular. He walks into the woods and in real time, police find a grave in a wooded area. They find a skull. That skull belonged to Maggie, a teen soccer player who disappeared ten years before. Meanwhile, Danno's sister Bridget comes to Hawaii and she is an attractive woman. Kono tells Chin Ho that he might be too involved with Sarah who he lost in a custody battle. She lives in Mexico with her aunt and uncle who Chin Ho believed to be drug dealers. He has no proof of this. Sarah is the daughter of Gabriel who was killed by an underground gang. He was also a criminal who caused a lot of problems for Chin Ho and the “Five-0” team.

Click photo for HAWAII FIVE-0 over at CBS.

(Danno welcomes his sister Bridget to Hawaii)

'Dateline' A popular Russian woman gunned down in her garage

"Dateline" (NBC) can be seen each Friday evening at 9/8 p.m. It aired in Albuquerque, NM at 8 p.m. (central time) on KOB 4. Last night's episode on Dec. 9, 2016 was called, "Someone was waiting." In the overnight TV ratings it garnered 5.58 million TV viewers overall. It reached 1.1 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic (9-11 p.m.). "Hawaii Five-0" (CBS) grabbed 9.33 overall & 1.2 with adults. “Shark Tank” (ABC) nabbed 4.87 overall & 1.0 with adults.

“Dateline” is an investigative program focusing on crime & murder in the United States. The reporter and narrator of this episode is Josh Mankiewicz.

“Someone was waiting.” Anna Moses was a mysterious Russian woman who moved to Texas. She was friendly to men and women in her community. She also had a private life that she never talked about. Anna had a son named Igor and she attracted a lot of men. She didn't show up for work on Jan. 14, 2015. Police went to her home and found her laying on the floor of the garage. Anna was shot seven times, but investigators found eleven bullet-shell-casings. It looked like someone was waiting for her to enter that garage. She tried to turn and run away. Bullets were found in her chest and in her back. Who wanted this Russian woman dead?

Watch episodes of “Dateline” streaming online at NBC. Click photo. 

Screen Legend Kirk Douglas reaches 100 years in 2016

Kirk Douglas celebrates his 100th birthday today, Friday Dec. 9, 2016. I've seen some of his movies way too many times (Spartacus, Champion, The Bad and the Beautiful, Detective Story). Below are two of my favorite westerns which Mr. Douglas starred in. Happy Birthday...,

Click posters for IMDB list of Kirk Douglas movies.

1951

1955

SAG-AFTRA wins small victory over video game producer website

The "Screen Actors Guild" (SAG) and the "America Federation of Television and Radio Artists" (AFTRA) has won a battle over the use of its' name on another website. Video game producers created a title website called, "sagaftravideogames.com" after SAG-AFTRA went on strike against them back in October 2016. Video producers have taken that website down over title trademark infringement. They have changed it to "videogamestrikenews.com." 

The SAG-AFTRA union strike has entered its' 50th day which is now the longest in SAG history. The union is asking for residual pay and on-set protection among other things. Video game producers haven't budged on anything as SAG-AFTRA blocks union members from working on productions around the world.

First Movie Trailer dropped 'War for the Planet of the Apes'

The teaser trailer was released earlier this year to a lot of fan anticipation. The 3rd installment in this reboot is called, "War for the Planet of the Apes" that will open in U.S., theaters July 14, 2017. It follows the ape "Caesar" within his evolution as a leader of other primates. (I wonder if there will be, "Conquest for the Planet of the Apes.").

Studio promo says, "Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel. After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the Colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both their species and the future of the planet."

The first movie trailer was dropped today Friday Dec. 9, 2016

'48 Hours' is repeat this Saturday Dec. 10, 2016

48 HOURS on CBS. This week's episode is a repeat called, "Target Justice" that will air at 10/9 p.m. It comes after 2 hour's worth of Christmas Specials. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" beginning at 8/7 p.m. "Frosty the Snowman" at 9/8 p.m. "Frosty Returns" at 9:30/8:30 p.m. 

CBS says, "A Texas town on edge -- someone was killing prosecutors. Was it a gang hit or could the killer be one of their own? "48 Hours"' Richard Schlesinger investigates."

A Sneak Peek from "48 Hours."

An all new 'Elementary' Sunday Dec. 11, 2016

ELEMENTARY on CBS. the next episode is called, "It Serves You Right to Suffer"  that will air this Sunday at 10/9 p.m. (I knew Shinwell would return in one way or another). 

TV Promo says, "When Shinwell comes to Holmes and Watson for help after he’s framed for a gang killing, they have three days to find the real murderer before he is arrested and sent back to jail."

'The Mummy' Behind-The-Scenes look with Tom Cruise

THE MUMMY from UNIVERSAL. The first trailer was dropped on Sunday and it has been viewed on the "Universal" YouTube channel 13 Million Times. That doesn't count the other platforms on social media. Of course all the YouTube critics and monster fans are weighing in. I think it's a pretty good trailer with a lot of action and it has to be because of Tom Cruise. It is a departure from the comedic family-fare of the Brendan Fraser pictures. Check out the behind-the-scenes video below.

An all new 'Hawaii Five-0' Friday Dec. 9, 2016

HAWAII FIVE-0 on CBS. The new episode is called, "Ka Luhi"  that airs this Friday at 9/8 p.m. It's back after a 2-week hiatus.

TV promo says, "Five-0 investigates the 10-year-old cold case of a missing teen when a boy suffering from PTSD undergoes hypnosis and realizes he may have witnessed her murder. Also, Danny's sister, Bridget visits Oahu for a business conference, and he suspects that she may be getting too close to a co-worker."

 

An all new 'Dateline' Friday Dec. 9, 2016

DATELINE on NBC. The next 2-hour episode is called, "Someone was waiting" that will air this Friday at 9/8 p.m. 

NBC says, "When a captivating woman is found dead in her garage, detectives in Frisco, Texas uncover a series of suspects - all of them connected in different ways to her complicated and secretive life." Josh Mankiewicz reports.

Click photo for DATELINE TV Preview of SOMEONE WAS WAITING.

(NBC Logo)

'Princess Mononoke' comes to Albuquerque for 20th anniversary

PRINCESS MONONOKE. The animated film is set in Japan during what is called the "Muromachi" era. A beast is covered in a black disease who storms the village that is protected by Ashitaka. He tries to stop it, but his arm gets wrapped in the same black disease he cannot control. He sets out on a journey where that beast came from. Ashitaka steps into a war between the land of God's and the humans who want their rich natural land. It is an era where tradition falls into a new modern era. The struggle to hold onto that tradition is fought hard by the Princess Mononoke who finds a friend in Ashitaka. 

The 20th anniversary screening will be Jan. 5, 2017 on movie screens across the United States. For One Night Only. It will come to the "Cottonwood Mall 16" and the "Century 14" at Albuquerque, NM. You can buy advance tickets here. 

Tom Cruise revives 'The Mummy' in action packed new trailer

THE MUMMY from UNIVERSAL. The first movie trailer has been dropped and it stars of course..., Tom Cruise. It has been reported that he did his own stunt work in the sequence where thousands of bats take down an airplane. There was early skepticism about Cruise reviving an "old monster" genre that has been a staple for Universal Pictures since the 1930's. It was revived in 1999 with Brendan Fraser that spawned 2 sequels. This new movie looks to be more action packed with Cruise leading the way. "Mummy" opens in the Summer of 2017.