Where Everyone is Entitled to My Opinion
JOpinionated
blog.JOpinionated.com
Pop Candy at Comic-Con! We Meet Again...
I am very excited that the very last Comic-Con event that I will be attending this week will be my second Pop Candy Meetup of the year!
The last one took place at a fantastic comic book store in San Francisco, and I loved meeting and discussing Lost with Pop Candy columnist Whitney Matheson. This one looks to be quite crowded with oversaturated pop culture fans (my people!), and hopefully some of the artists from the Con will wander over to join in (like Tim Sale again!).
p.s. How great is this poster?!
Flip THAT Blog; Extreme Makeover, LOST Edition (updated)
Obviously I'm embracing change.
Recently I announced a contest to redesign the logo for this blog, and now I'm unveiling a brand new logo for my other site, Get LOST with JOpinionated.
Those of you who are fans of Lost may recognize the addition of the Bentham text to this logo, for good reason.
Even if you don't watch the show, you have to appreciate that aesthetic. Special thanks to my friend Brian K for the awesome new design!
Your Favorite TV Shows at Comic-Con
Before you start rolling your eyes and whispering Nerd Alert!, I want to prove to you that Comic-Con is no longer simply a convention for fanboys and comic book dorks. It has become the largest pop culture experience in the world, and no bigger candy store for this particular girl.
AND, believe it or not I plan to attend panels relating to shows other than Lost. So there.
The casts and creative teams from several cult and popular TV series' will be on hand to dish with advance scoop of the next season:
- 24
- American Dad
- Battlestar Galactica
- The Big Bang Theory
- Bones
- Chuck
- Dexter
- Doctor Who
- Dollhouse (new from Joss Whendon)
- Eureka
- Fringe (new from JJ Abrams)
- Futurama
- Heroes
- Knight Rider
- Kyle XY
- Lost
- The Middleman
- The Office
- Prison Break
- Pushing Daisies
- Robot Chicken
- The Sarah Silverman Program
- The Simpsons
- Stargate Atlantis
- Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
- Torchwood
- The Venture Brothers
Wednesday, July 23 (Preview Night)
- Screening of the pilot episode of Fringe
- Exclusive sneak peek at Kings, the new Ian McShane (Deadwood) show; panel will be moderated by Greg Grunberg (Heroes), and features Q&A w/the cast
- Q&A with the cast of The Middleman and executive producer (and former Lost writer) Javier Grillo-Marxuach
- Sneak peek at True Blood, the new HBO series from Six Feet Under creator Alan Ball
- Exclusive look at Dexter, followed by a panel w/the cast, moderated by TV scoop diva Kristin Dos Santos of E! online
- Entertainment Weekly's The Visionaries: Showrunners, featuring Lost executive producers Carlton Cuse & Damon Lindelof, Josh Schwartz (Chuck & Gossip Girl), Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daisies) and Josh Friedman (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles), moderated by EW's senior writer/Lost guru Jeff 'Doc' Jensen
- Behind-the-scenes look at Bones, followed by Q&A with the entire cast
- Lost panel; Cuse & Lindelof will discuss Season 4 and field questions from fans (and perhaps offer a hint or two about Season 5) [obviously this is my top priority and I will be waiting in line for many hours to secure a seat; I'm hoping that some of the cast make surprise appearances and that I can somehow get a chance at the mic...all worth missing out on The Office and Heroes panels]
- Pushing Daisies screening and Q&A w/cast
- Fringe Q&A with the cast, JJ Abrams and writers Roberto Orci/Alex Kurtzman (Alias, the new Star Trek film)
Bye bye, San Diego.
I haven't quite figured out how I am going to endure the sheer physical nature of this 4-day endeavor among 125,000 other pop culture freaks, but I know it will involve plenty of time sitting down in long lines, tons of water, Luna bars, my iPod & laptop, a rolling backpack and stacks of freshly printed professional postcards marketing yours truly.
I'm tired just typing that out. Imagine how I am going to feel when I'm there...
Dear Blog, My Ugly Stepchild...
Dear pop culture blog:
I must apologize. You are temporarily the ugly stepchild, although you do not have red hair.
It's obvious that I have been neglecting you, but you can blame your sister and many other summer distractions.
- I am growing out my hair. It's big.
- I've been working on branded swag...for the Lost blog. Sorry!
- I am attending Comic-Con next week.
- I launched a logo revamp design contest, for you!
- I have failed to see any of my wish list films in theaters.
- Summer TV blows.
I have a feeling that you'll be quite busy next week when I attempt to blog live from San Diego.
Hang in there, frequent friend.
Jo
Webisodes: A Brief Reprieve from Summer TV Boredom (updated: Heroes, The Office, Rescue Me)
If you are as bored with summer television programming as I am, you have probably also been seeking other mediums for entertainment.
A Wii Fit, perhaps? Hello, no. Don't you know me?
I'm referring to the fun little web episodes of Heroes and The Office, and the 'minisodes' of Rescue Me. For the uninitiated, be forewarned that even the online versions of Tommy and the boys are quite foul-mouthed and dirty minded.
Other than that, here is my current weekly TiVO lineup:
- The Next Food Network Star
- Weeds
- The Middleman
- Burn Notice
- Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List
Flip This Blog: Redesign My Logo, Win 3 Seasons on DVD
Let's get right to it.
I have been very lucky to have had talented friends design the logos for both this and my Lost blog (thanks Kenny, Nick and Brian!). But I've been feeling the need for a logo revamp here, and rather than relying on free favors from generous friends again, I decided to open up a contest to everyone.
If you are an artist and are interested in submitting a logo, there are two simple elements I am seeking to incorporate:
- The name JOpinionated
- The inclusion of both TV and film related icons; bonus points for music
I will be posting all submissions, so please let me know if you would prefer to keep your name private.
The deadline is August 15, 2008.
What is the reward for the winner, my favorite new logo? Your name and a permanent link to your site here (if you have one), and, oh, 3 seasons of one of the following shows on DVD:
Please feel free to spread the word to your graphic designer friends who may also be interested. All submissions must be received via email by August 15.
Thank you in advance!
- Jo
Random! Casting News (Entourage, FNL, Rescue Me, Scrubs)
ENTOURAGE
- Jamie-Lynn Sigler (Meadow from The Sopranos) will play herself and date...Turtle.
- Jeffry Tambor (George Bluth from Arrested Development) will also appear as himself.
- Jason Street (Scott Porter) and Smash (Gaius Charles) have been demoted from regular to recurring characters.
- Michael J. Fox is rumored to have been cast as a new interest for Tommy's ex, Janet. I just can't see it.
- MJF is also going to make another appearance at Sacred Heart next season.
- Dirt has been canceled, freeing up Courtney Cox to appear as the new Chief of Medicine.
Great Grow-Out 08, Week 2: Wolverine!
So apparently this year's Halloween costume has already been selected for me, based on my hair alone.
Because as you can see below, in my Week 2 self-portrait of the Great Grow-Out 08, I am blessed with fast and furious follicles.
The thing is, growth will have progressed far beyond Wolverine style, come October. And I am certain that my sideburns are incapable of transforming into mutton chops. And truly, no one needs to see me in an entirely leather ensemble.
Phew. This is going to be a long process, but it's worth every inch toward the 10 required for Locks of Love.
Because I heart Jackie.
En Fuego on the 4th
Rather than try to explain what it was like driving into Santa Barbara last night during a raging fire, or attempt to describe the fun we had when the electricity went out for most of the night...
View from my in-laws' backyard.
My new car. Snowflake sized ash. Not Tahoe, not December.
But it's all about perspective. Cupcakes by candlelight with the family? Check.
Belvedere with melting ice? Perfection.
But the house is safe and everyone is fine. The fire has shifted and subsided, as well as the wind. And although all local fireworks were cancelled, the party continues.
Enjoy your 4th!
13 Young Stars to Watch? Hi, I'm Old.
I pride myself on being very up to date with popular culture. However, when TV Guide unveiled their list of The 13 Hottest Young Stars to Watch, I was only familiar with 4. Starting to feel my age. It hurts.
Admittedly, the following programs have never graced my TiVO:
- Camp Rock
- Hannah Montana
- High School Musical
- The Suite Life of Zack & Cody
Any bets as to who will take the Gosling route instead of following in the train wreck tracks of the Spears girls?
p.s. I still can't comprehend the Miley Cyrus allure.
Hair Brained: The Great Grow-Out 08
Here's the thing.
I have short hair (think k.d. lang). It is thick and sassy, and I have been sporting a faux hawk with mild success.
But here's the thing.
My good friend Jackie was just diagnosed with a brain tumor. And she has to shave her long, luxurious locks soon. So while spending time with her this afternoon at a bbq, we joked about switching hair. And then I said I would grow mine out because she has to cut hers off. Sounds only fair, right? Yeah, so that's happening.
As of tonight, Hair Brained: The Great Grow-Out 08 begins. It won't be pretty, quite literally. But it's the least I can do for her. Because she is one of my favorite people on the planet. And because it's too personal to write about. And because it's more productive than crying. And because it's not f'ing fair. And because I love her.
Given that I share just about everything else on this site, it's only natural that I would share the progress with you as well. So here is the first in what will be a very entertaining line of silly photos of my hair.
Day 1
I heart Jackie.
Hi, I'm Boring
I would like to apologize for the sporadic and inconsistent nature of this blog. I believe I'm experiencing the summer blues. Lackluster new programming on the small screen has rendered me less than inspired me to write, and I've been lazy about getting out to see the blockbusters on my wish list.
So what have I been doing? Sadly, not much other than working and preparing for Comic-Con next month; contemplating what kind of branded swag to offer up, coordinating logistics, etc.
The two films I can't wait to see this week are Wanted and Wall E. Three episodes of Swingtown are gathering digital dust on my TiVO, indicating a lack of interest. We're currently enjoying reality TV in the form of Kathy Griffin and The Next Food Network Star. But I'm sorry, but I refuse to get on the So You Think You Can Dance train.
Speaking of Kathy Griffin, last night we watched the GLAAD Media Awards on Bravo. Quite touching and well presented. It kicked off what looks to be a very proud weekend for us. We are heading into San Francisco this afternoon to attend some of the annual festivities. Although we tend to be domestic and boring in the 'burbs, the landmark marriage ruling has propelled us to increase our support of and visibility in the community.
This concludes the most random blog in recent memory. Have a nice weekend!
- Jo
From Deadwood to Damages
I loved Deadwood and Damages is one of my favorite new shows in a long time, so I was very pleased to learn that Timothy Olyphant (Sheriff Bullock, pictured with Molly Parker of Swingtown) has joined the cast.
William Hurt has also signed on for the next season of Damages, and I can't wait for his interaction and scenes with the great Glenn Close. The Big Chill Reunion Alert!
Smart, Political and Serial
This weekend I devoured the first three of the Ex Machina comic book series. This morning I woke up next to Volume 3 on the bed exactly where I fell asleep reading it, and smiled with the thought of so many young kids for whom that is ritual and familiar. It was a first for me, and I'm loving it.
It was a pleasant surprise to find that gay marriage is one of the storylines in Ex Machina. The early volumes were written several years ago, even before it became legal the first time in California. Writer Brian K. Vaughan has infused this superhero series with several other hot-button political issues, as well as 9/11 references (handled quite appropriately and with respect).
So far I only have 5 volumes, but hope to at least read, if not own, the other 30 at some point soon.
Rental Review: Sweeney Todd
Sweeney Todd could be the son of Edward Scissorhands and Captain Jack Sparrow. Well, in California anyway.
I'd seen an adaptation of Sweeney Todd on HBO when I was younger, and given the gore, it wasn't exactly kid-friendly fare. It still isn't. But I really enjoyed the film version of this Broadway musical.
Johnny Depp continues to choose roles which fit him perfectly; odd and quirky characters which I cannot imagine any other actor playing with such success. Sweeney Todd marks his 6th collaboration with director Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride), and together they are the goth alternative to DiCaprio and Scorsese.
But my favorite among the cast in Sweeney Todd is Alan Rickman. I have been a huge fan of his since the little-seen but fantastic indie film Truly Madly Deeply (1990). Yes, the original Die Hard put him on the map, but I prefer him in Love Actually and as Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films.
As for Helena Bonham Carter, this is the first time since 1992 (Howard's End) that I've actually enjoyed her in a film. Everyone probably associates her with Fight Club these days, but that wasn't my favorite role for her. Like Depp, she is a better fit in musicals like Sweeney Todd and costumed period pieces like The Wings of a Dove.
Sweeney Todd is an entertaining film and a great rental, but definitely not for the young or faint-at-heart.
Geeking Out for 4 Days: Comic-Con 08 TV Panels Announced
Although the dates and times are only tentative at this point, I am already contemplating the creation of what will be a masterful spreadsheet and schedule for my weekend in San Diego next month. Hello, my name is Jo and I find great joy in structure.
So far, I have a 4-Day Pass, a roundtrip flight, rented car and a place to stay. I'm hoping to have some Get Lost with JOpinionated swag created as well, to pass out to fellow Lost fans. Any suggestions?
I am at the Rookie level with regard to comic and serial novels. I am primarily attending Comic-Con because the following television shows will be holding panels there (which usually include producers, writers and actors...and if we're lucky, teasers for the next season).
7/24
- Dexter
7/26
- Heroes
- Lost
- The Office
- Pushing Daisies
- Fringe
Of course there will be plenty of other panels, but the above are on my personal wish list. There's no guarantee that I'll get into any of them, but you know that I'll wait for as long as I have to and do whatever is necessary just to attend the Lost panel.
AFI's Top 10 Films (in Major Genre Categories)
It is no secret that I love lists.
So when AFI recently released their Top 10 Greatest Films in 10 Classic Genres, I was quite happy.
Here are the categories:
- Animation
- Courtroom Drama
- Epic
- Fantasy
- Gangster
- Mystery
- Romantic Comedies
- Sci-Fi
- Sports
- Western
Bull Durham, 20 Years Later
I believe in the soul. The c**k. The p***y. The
small of
a woman's back. The hanging curveball. High fiber. Good scotch. That
the novels of Susan Sontag are self-indulgent, overrated crap. I believe
Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. I believe there ought to be a
Constitution Amendment outlawing Astroturf and the designated hitter. I
believe in the sweet spot, soft-core pornography, opening your presents
Christmas morning rather than Christmas eve. And I believe in long,
slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last three days.
This week was the 20 year anniversary of Bull Durham. Not only was it one of best sports films ever made, that speech is a classic (writer/director Ron Shelton was nominated for an Oscar for Original Screenplay, which most people don't remember). I was only 15 when I saw it in the theater, so obviously a few of those lines didn't really sink in at the time, but the movie has always been a favorite. And you have to admit that it's one of Costner's better performances. Ever.
ESPN The Magazine has a great series of interviews posted right now with Costner, Tim Robbins and Ron Shelton.
Hard to believe that Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon met on the set of this film twenty years ago...and that both of them and Costner are now all Oscar winning actors (Costner for Dances with Wolves, Sarandon for Dead Man Walking, Robbins for Mystic River).
Bull Durham is the type of movie that remains timeless and very entertaining; it's the film you stop channel surfing for on a Saturday afternoon, and one you enjoy regardless of whether or not you're a baseball fan.
By the way, Shelton is in pre-production for an adaptation of the Barry Bonds book Game of Shadows (for HBO Films). Given his track record with various sports movies (Bull Durham, White Men Can't Jump, Tin Cup), he seems a very appropriate choice to write and direct this one.
History in the Making: June 17, 2008
Tonight we sit on the precipice of history. All of us.
In May, the CA Supreme Court ruled that all Californians have the freedom to marry. Californians, human beings, people in love. Legally recognized and official freedom.
You may not agree with the new law, but I guarantee that tomorrow will become a part of U.S. history. The date June 17, 2008 will be included in the textbooks of the next generation and beyond, regardless of the outcome from the ballot measure to overturn it in November.
I am overcome with emotion and pride right now; proud to be an openly gay American and very happy to have been raised and live in California. [If this is the first time you've visited this site, here are my initial thoughts about this state of change.]
That our nation is seemingly about to elect an African American candidate signals an obvious shift. That the Republican governor of this state recognizes that gay marriage will boost the economy is a surprising step in the right direction. That I can legally marry the love of my life is something I never imagined I'd have the opportunity to do.
I have never fought or asked for special rights. I was brought up to believe in equality across the board and without question, and now that has transformed from a pipe dream into reality.
Love is in the air, indeed. Congratulations to everyone who will be getting married, now that they can.
Like Father, Like Daughter: A Letter to Dad on His Day
Dear Dad:
Thanks for having me.
I wanted to let you know that I remember and appreciate every single afternoon, evening and weekend you spent at my soccer games from the early/ugly years through high school. While the sidelines down there in the OC were always crowded with Soccer Moms and Desperate Housewives, I was the only kid lucky enough to have my very own Soccer Dad. Still am.
You've always been my #1 fan, and believed in me even when I wasn't playing sports or achieving success at anything in particular. It seems that your faith in me has never wavered, which is both a surprise and a blessing.
Even though you don't want to admit it, you and are I very similar (and I'm not just referring to our genetically blessed Thighs of Superhuman Strength). It is only now, as an adult, that I can truly acknowledge, verbalize and respect that realization.
Just ten or so years ago, I would not have written a letter like this, nor would I have had the courage to. It took me far too long, but I finally recognized and extinguished my misguided anger and frustration with our relationship. I was blind to your unconditional love. Now that my eyes are open, my heart is open to yours as well.
Love,
Jo
p.s. I still have the framed article that you gave me from the LA Times in the late 80's; the paragraph that mentions the only time I ever scored two goals in one game in high school. I may not have thanked you then, but your thoughtful little gifts like this have always meant the world to me.