Fanboy

Time to get campy

2010-05-28T05:05:00Z

Summer's quickly approaching and as the kids are waiting for school to let out and parents are getting ready to send them off to camp, I thought it might be a good time to reflect on the summer camps we all went to. And no, I'm not talking about the basketball program you went to when you were 12 or the outdoor church thing your parents forced you to go to.

This week, let's reflect on pop culture's campiest camps:

10. "Camp Nowhere," 1994: This is what happens when a group of tweens blackmail a teacher (Christopher Lloyd) into creating a fake summer camp. Bonus points: This film introduced the world to Jessica Alba and "Smallville's" Allison Mack.

9. "Indian Summer," 1993: This one's for the grown-ups. A stellar cast featuring names like Alan Arkin, Diane Lane, Bill Paxton and Elizabeth Perkins, head back to their childhood summer camp for a reunion. This film, set at Camp Tamakwa, is the epitome of camp nostalgia. Bonus points: Check out horror icon and director Sam Raimi as the weirdo handyman, Stick Coder.

8. "Camp Candy," 1989-1990: While the animated NBC Saturday morning series only ran for two seasons and 19 episodes, the John Candy creation was a hit among critics and viewers. Bonus points: The theme song, though sung by Candy, was written by Harry Nilsson.

7. "Camp Cucamonga," 1990: This may be the most obscure camp on the list but this made-for-TV film is a who's who of '90s television. Bonus points: Cast includes John Ratzenberger ("Cheers"), Danica McKellar and Josh Saviano ("The Wonder Years") and ... G. Gordon Liddy?


6. "Space Camp," 1986: I can't think of a single kid who didn't want to go to outer space after seeing this film. As an 8-year-old, I dreamt of launching into orbit with the cast and snuggling up next to Lea Thompson on the way. Bonus points: The film not only starred a 12-year-old Joaquin Phoenix, it featured "Lost's" Terry O'Quinn as the launch director.

5. "Salute Your Shorts," 1991-1992: Why were these shows that were such a big deal to so many kids extremely short-lived? This Nickelodeon series ran for two seasons. Bonus points: Try to spot the hidden rubber chicken in each episode at Camp Anawanna.

4. "Heavy Weights," 1995: Ben Stiller has one of his finest moments as a psycho ex-fitness instructor who heads Camp Hope. The film also features brilliant turns by Tim Blake Nelson and Jeffrey Tambor. Bonus points: The film was written by comedy guru Judd Apatow who also has a small roll in the film.

3. "Friday the 13th," 1980: If you thought camp was a fun, happy place where nothing ever went wrong, that all changed once Jason Voorhees starting slaughtering coeds with a giant knife at Camp Crystal Lake. Bonus points: A seemingly unknown actor even after 1978's "Animal House," this film marked the beginning of a stellar career for Kevin Bacon.

2. "Ernest Goes to Camp," 1987: How can you have a story about camp and not invite Ernest Powertools Worrell? In this installment, Ernest helps save Camp Kikakee from a group of land developers with the help of some reformed juvenile delinquents. Bonus points: Jim Henson appears uncredited as a member of the land development team.

1. "Meatballs," 1979: Bill Murray's career took off after playing Tripper in this comedy directed by Ivan Reitman about a less-than-average summer camp named Camp North Star. Bonus points: The "Meatballs" films produced three sequels, none of which starred Murray. He turned down "Meatballs 2" in 1984 to reteam with Reitman in a little film called "Ghostbusters."

The end of a long, strange journey

2010-05-23T05:55:00Z

Live together, die alone.

Since the castaways first started rebuilding after the crash of the Oceanic 815 in the first episode of "Lost" back in 2004, that mantra has been at the core of the ABC megadrama. And now, as the series closes out tonight, the phrase couldn't prove more fitting.


The last season has had its share of adventure, intrigue and heartbreak.

The mysteries, from the first polar bear sighting to the wonders of the DHARMA stations, will finally be resolved. (We hope.)

Like many of you, I've obsessed over this series, scouring the Internet looking for information on books mentioned, technology referenced or names dropped, in hopes of finding a single clue to help understand the secrets of the island.

We laughed whenever Hurley said "Dude" or made a "Star Wars" reference.

We gasped when Locke's father appeared on the island or when Ben murdered Jacob.

We cried at the loss of our favorite characters like Charlie, Juliet, Sayid, Jin and Sun.

And after the credits roll tonight, we'll connect to discuss the ins and outs of every last minute of the episode. Hopefully, there will be definitive answers. But according to producer Damon Lindelof, be prepared for some ambiguity.

"We're trying to end 'Lost' in a way that feels 'Lost'-ian and fair and will generate a tremendous amount of theorizing," he told The Hollywood Reporter recently. "We're going to be as definitive as we can be and say this is our ending, but there's no way to end the show where the fans aren't going to say, 'What did they mean by this?'"

Lindelof and co-producer Carlton Cuse say they will stay out of the fray, prefering not to cloud any discussions about the finale with their interpretations.

Does that mean fans should expect a controversial ending a la "The Sopranos"?

"What we're aiming for is to tell our story," Lindelof added. "'The Sopranos' ending only would have worked for 'The Sopranos.' If we tried a stunt like cutting to black on our show, people would literally tar and feather us and deservedly so."

And with that, friends, namaste.

If You Watch

WHAT: Tonight's series conclusion of "Lost"
WHEN: "Lost: The Final Journey," 7-9 p.m.; "Lost" finale episode, 9-11:30 p.m.; "Jimmy Kimmel Live: Aloha to Lost," 12:05-1:05 a.m.
WHERE: ABC, Ch. 9

The 'Lost' Top Ten

2010-05-23T05:50:00Z

There have been plenty of ups and downs in the six season adventure that was "Lost." Here's Fanboy's ten greatest.

10. "The Man From Tallahassee," Season 3, Episode 13
We find how John Locke came to be in his wheelchair, having fallen eight stories after being pushed out of a window by his biological father, Anthony Cooper. On the island, Ben tells Locke about a magic box and how something very peculiar came through it, a man from Tallahassee named Anthony Cooper.
Best moment: Ben and Alpert lead Locke down a corridor to a locked door. They unlock it, revealing a bound and gagged Cooper. Locke, obviously confused, responds with a hesitant "Dad?"

9. "The Incident," Season 5, Episode 16-17
After being sent back in time, Jack and the rest of the Oceanic 6 (minus Sun) try to reset the timeline that brought them to the island by exploding an atomic bomb where the Swan hatch is to be built.
Best moment: As the episode opens, we finally meet the iconic Jacob sitting on the beach in what appears to be the 1800s. He is met by the Man In Black, who declares that one day he will find a loophole to kill him. Jacob, unfazed, replies "When you do, I'll be right here." As the episode ends, we learn that Locke's body has been taken over by the MIB, who has convinced Ben to murder Jacob.

8. "The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham," Season 5, Episode 7
Locke leaves the island to bring back the Oceanic 6 while dealing with the fact that both Christian Shepard and Richard Alpert have told him he will have to die in order to accomplish his mission.
Best moment: Ben finds Locke at just the right moment in his hotel room, preventing his suicide. Ben convinces Locke that he is too important to die and Locke explains his whole mission. After squeezing every last bit of info out of him, Ben proceeds to murder Locke with the very rope Locke would have killed himself with.

7. "Pilot," Season 1, Episode 1
Arguably the most cinematic pilot ever filmed. Originally broadcast on Sept. 22, 2004, the pilot opens with the aftermath of a plane crash.
Best moment: After venturing into the jungle looking for the plane's cockpit, Jack, Charlie and Kate make their way back to the beach with a radio they found. They manage to tap into a French transmission that is being broadcast from the island. The translated transmission states "It killed them. It killed them all." This prompts Charlie to utter the classic line, "Guys, where are we?"

6. "Walkabout," Season 1, Episode 4
In the pilot, John Locke is running around the beach helping others after the crash. In "Walkabout," Locke isn't running around anywhere. He's bound to a wheelchair.
Best moment: The stranded Losties decide to hold a makeshift memorial for the deceased passengers of Oceanic Flight 815. They burn the fuselage and hold a small ceremony. Locke stands on the outskirts of the group, staring at his wheelchair silhouetted against the flames.

5. "Greatest Hits," Season 3, Episode 21
Desmond has confessed to Charlie that he has seen the future and unfortunately Charlie will have to die to save others. Charlie accepts his fate and compiles a list of the five greatest moments of his life.
Best moment: Charlie recalls his greatest moment, the night he met the girl he loves, fellow castaway Claire.

4. "Through the Looking Glass," Season 3, Episode 22
The Season 3 finale is a game changer. On the beach, the battle between the Others and the survivors comes to a head while Charlie drowns before warning Desmond that an approaching boat may not have the best intentions.
Best moment: Viewers have gotten used to the interlaced flashbacks regarding our Losties. In this episode, the story revolves around Jack's alcoholism and depression. But it's revealed that this is not a flashback, but a glimpse into the future.

3. "Ab Aeterno," Season 6, Episode 9
The back story of Richard Albert comes front and center. In 1867, Alpert is imprisoned for accidentally killing a doctor, then sold as a slave and subsequently shipwrecked on the island.
Best moment: The four-toed statue has been a mystery since season one. In season five, it's glimpsed in full form. In this episode, it's destroyed, the victim of a tsunami that also brought in the Black Rock.

2. "The Shape of Things to Come," Season 4, Episode 9
In one of the series' more powerful episodes, it is revealed that the freighter folks are actually on the island to kill Ben Linus. Led by Martin Keamy, the freighter dudes lead an assault on the Losties at the barracks, with deadly results. Ben summons the smoke monster, which shows up and manhandles the freighter crew.
Best moment: Keamy and the others surround Ben's cabin with his daughter, Alex, in custody. They threaten to kill her if Ben doesn't surrender. Ben tells Keamy that Alex is "not my daughter. I stole her as a baby from an insane woman. She's a pawn. Nothing more." To his amazement, Alex is killed.

1. "The Constant," Season 4, Episode 5
Sayid and Desmond encounter turbulence in a helicopter as they make their way to the freighter. This causes Desmond to experience some very strange side effects: his consciousness begins to travel through time. In order to "cure" himself, Desmond must find his "constant," something that is present in both timelines that he sincerely cares about. His constant is his true love, Penny.
Best moment: In the past, Desmond tells Penny that in eight years he will call her. Back in the present, he calls her, leading to one of the most heartfelt moments of the series. She tells Des that she has been searching for him. They exchange "I love yous" before the phone battery dies.

'Lost's' Jacob discusses island mysteries

2010-05-21T05:45:00Z

It's hard work playing double duty as both a God-like figure and the devil.

But as Jacob on the ABC hit "Lost" and Lucifer on the CW's "Supernatural," Mark Pellegrino seems to have a handle on both ends of the spiritual spectrum.

Here are some thoughts from with our favorite island overseer to dish on the finale.

My first exposure to your work was as Rita's abusive ex-husband on "Dexter." What was that experience like for you and how hard was it to play such a bad guy?

You know I never look at my characters in a negative way no matter how bad other people might judge them to be by their actions. To me, I was just a guy trying to get his family back together and reunite with my wife and this overconfident punk who had something going on underneath was in the way of that. I always see my character as the good guy and my adversary is the bad guy. But it was great working on the set. For the first couple weeks, Michael C. Hall and I each thought the other didn't like each other. We were so antagonistic on screen that whenever we were off we kind of avoided each other. One day we were in craft services and I saw him and kind of walked up by accident, ya know. One of us broke the ice and he was like "Oh my God, I thought you didn't like me." I said, "I thought you didn't like me."

How surprised were you when your character got killed off? Off screen, no less.

I was. I was hoping that storyline would go further and maybe do some damage. I was disappointed. It made me wonder like if I did something wrong. Did they just decide to kill me because they didn't like me? But they probably have a billion storylines going on in the future and how would this one resolve? I check in every once in a while still. Check enough to my wife was murdered. That bugged me.

So how did you wind up being the keeper of the "Lost" island?

Well I got an audition for a guest spot and possible recurring on the show. Oddly enough, I was so inundated with other projects that I almost didn't go. It was three or four pages of pretty heavy dialogue and I like to learn my stuff ahead of time. I had no time to really study it. But because it was "Lost" I went in and prayed I didn't make a complete jerk of myself. Couple days later I got a call saying I got the part but still I didn't know what it was.

At what point did you realize how big the scope of that character was?

My wife theorized, because they character name they gave me was Jason, she said, "I think it's this character Jacob that they've talked about for a while." I didn't think so. But she started the ball rolling and then when I got there that was the word and as to how important it was, I really didn't find out until I started working.

You play both the God-like Jacob on "Lost" and Lucifer on "Supernatural." How much fun has it been to play both sides of the ball like that?

It's really fun because the writers of "Supernatural" have made the characters kind of good. So it's nice not to play some overtly evil guy but a guy with a real beef, who tells the truth and not insincere. And the Jacob character is such that the lines between good and evil are very blurred. It's complicated and much more interesting than this straight good guy or straight bad guy.

Do you see connections between the two characters?

Oh yeah. I think both of them are on missions and have a very, very, very strong philosophy. They're just different in the way that they execute their philosophy and world views.

How do you see Jacob?

I kind of see him as Christ the carpenter out amongst the people, not the Christ of the Gospel John, not otherworldly. Sort of penetrative, able to see into people. I see him as kind of the embodiment of love. That's the way I see but I don't know that I'm not being used to other purposes because "Lost" has a way of throwing you.

So last season in your first episode, you were murdered. What was your reaction when you saw that you were going to be killed?

Well, I don't think we got the very end of that episode until right before we did it. I don't know that I knew that was going to happen until I got tossed into the pit there. But it was alarming. It was one of those ways that "Lost" throws you where you have this character that's been built up for three years, then you see him for a little bit and he's dead. But what I like is it gives me a lot of leeway to be sort of Obi-wan-like, huh? And Michael Emerson in that scene? Oh my god, he's intense. He's just amazing. My first impression of him was going to the set and he has that long speech about how I betrayed him and it's a very heartbreaking speech before he kills me. Typically when you rehearse, you're kind of feeling your way through and you don't really know what you want to do. A lot of times you just do it for words, you don't really act it. He rehearses full on, beautifully. I'm in tears just listening to him. And he does it with that kind of strength every time.

Some off the highlights of this season have been the interactions between Hurley and dead Jacob. As important as those scenes have been, they are almost comical in a way. Was that on purpose?

I think so, yeah. I'm hoping it was because that's what I saw in there in our relationship in the way he plays those scenes so sweet and naive. We did this scene in the temple where he was confronted (by Dogen). He was so sweet that I was laughing behind the camera. I just love watching him come up with those moments.

Now that you guys have wrapped up, has the story of Jacob played out the way you thought it would?

Yeah, I think it has but with a couple of surprises along the way.

As we get ready for the finale, do you think fans of the show will come away satisfied?

It's a funny thing because they've been thinking about this stuff for six years and throwing out theories. I think they're going to be satisfied. I think what I've seen is really, really good. I think people's questions are going to be answered in a way that will be really nice for them. But who knows? People are deep into the mythology here and I can only hope that's the case. But from what I've seen I think they'll be happy.

Countdown to 'Lost' finale begins with Alan Dale

2010-05-21T05:35:00Z

As we get ready for the Sunday night pop culture event that will be the "Lost" finale, let's kick things off with a visit from Charles Widmore (Alan Dale).

I noticed a couple of trends in your career. You have a history of playing very powerful characters from "24," "The O.C." and of course,"Lost." Are you drawn to these roles?

They find me really. That's what happens when you get old and bald.

The other thing I noticed was that whenever a series seems to need someone to have a heart attack they call you. You've kicked the bucket that way in "Neighbours,""The O.C." and "Ugly Betty."

Someone really ought to refer this to the Guinness Book of Records. My first heart attack was in ("Neighbours") in Australia seventeen years ago. In those days I was slimmer than I am now and had more hair but somehow they thought it was a brilliant idea and it seems to have caught on.

How did you wind up with the role of "Lost's" Charles Widmore?

The usual sort of way in Hollywood. I got a call and asked to go and see them at Disney. I went, did a reading and got a call saying "You're off to Hawaii." I thought it was for one episode and now five season later, I'm still there. I had no idea how important my character would be. The first time it went to air I got a call from my publicist who was all excited and she said "You're the guy behind it all." I said, "That can't be true." I had gone there and done one scene in the back of a Bentley. Quite a nice scene but short, you know? But I still can't tell you whether or not I actually am behind anything.

It seems that that is the same story that Michael Emerson gave where the guest spot turned into something much larger.

It's actually happened to me several times. The first one was in "24." In fact, when I was working on that series one of the girls came up to me from the casting department and said, "You know if we'd have known how big this role was going to be you never would have gotten the part."

One of my favorite Widmore scenes involved you and Michael Emerson in Widmore's loft in season four where Ben threatens Widmore's daughter and first hints to the upcoming war on the island.

That was a fascinating thing. Again, I was just a guest star so I never had a contract or anything. I was asked to go do "Spamalot" in London so I took that job. I got a call out of the blue saying they needed me to fly to Hawaii to do a couple of scenes and I said I couldn't because I was tied to this musical. So they came to London. If you look closely you'll see I had a beard in that scene and that's cause I was in the middle of playign King Arthur. The bedroom we did that scene in was in a beautiful old house next to Buckingham Palace. It must have cost them a fortune to rent it, which was completely unnecessary, because it's just a bedroom.

As an actor, how hard is it to work on such a secretive series?

It certainly effects the work. There was an episode recently that I watched and I didn't like what I did. In my own defense, I had no idea what was going on storywise, so I didn't treat the scene as I would have. I mostly work with director Jack Bender and he does know whats going on. He joked in the press recently that I was the most difficult person to deal with and always asking awkward questions.

What do you make of the concept of good and evil on this show? Does it even exist?

It's a great question and I don't know what to make of any of it. I know at one point I get very frustrated with the series and lost interest a bit in season three. I'm sitting there looking at the television thinking to myself "I've watched these people perspire a lot and struggle through the bush a thousand times. Why am I watching this show?" Funny story. I was doing a series in London right after this and a reporter asked me what was going on with "Lost." I said, "Well I can't." She said, "Surely you must know something." I told her that story. I said, "I'm sitting in front of my TV thinking 'Why am I watching?' and then a black cloud comes out of the forest and picked up an African-American man, through him against a tree and killed him and I thought 'No, I don't think I want to watch this anymore." I said it sort of joking. Next day the headline in the paper was "¤'Lost' star commits career suicide." But it's hard sometimes. I've said to Jack Bender many times that it's difficult for me to be loyal to a show that I'm not a regular on. I just come here whenever you get the feeling you want me to be and you don't tell em anything about what I'm doing. It's difficult to be invested in the show. But at the same time, I look back and I had a wonderful time going to Hawaii and getting to work with all the people I did. It's one of the highlights of my life.

What do you make of the whole idea of alternate timelines?

I don't know what to make of it but I listen to what you guys say. I've done a couple of interviews and you guys seem to know a lot more than I do. You've made assumptions I haven't thought of and I think some of them are quite good. But I get the idea that that alternate reality might wind up being the reality. But I don't know how that will be achieved. And I don't know how that will be achieved in a way that satisfies you guys. My greatest fear is that after it's over, I'm going to have fans of the show chasing me down the street with meat cleavers.

Michael Emerson told me once that fans often seemed edgy around him sometimes scared. Do you ever get any of that?

It's interesting. I became known internationally for the series I did in Australia. One of the reasons I came to America was because I couldn't work in Australia anymore because my character there had become so big that no one could see me as anyone else. To this day, that character is know as Australia's favorite dad. For me it was a refreshing change to be playing these heavy dudes. The difference is when I played Jim in "Neighbours," he was this nice bugger in which case people felt free to call things out across the street or interrupt me while I was eating dinner. I find with the characters I play in the states, people are a bit afraid of these characters so they keep their distance and show respect, which I quite like.

Do you think all of our questions will be answered?

I read what some of the producers and writers have said about that. I've heard them say, "Oh, don't expect all the questions to be answered, we're running out of time." How can you run out of time when you made the decision to close the show three years ago? I really don't want to hear about that. That's not an excuse. And I also don't want to believe that it's just a soap opera or that they made it up as they went along. But it may well turn out to be, I don't know.

Jesus is just alright with Comedy Central

2010-05-14T05:40:00Z

If Comedy Central has anything to say about it, Jesus will be coming back in 2011...at least in animated form.

The network that brought you "South Park" is discussing bringing a half-hour cartoon about the son of God moving to New York City to live as a regular guy outside of his father's shadow.

The series is tentatively named "JC."

Among the other projects in the Comedy Central pipeline?

"Highdeas": Comedians answer questions posed by stoners.

"Guide to White People": Stand-up comic Patrice O'Neal examines race relations.

"Steel Panther": Docu-reality series follows rock band Steel Panther who parodies '80s metal bands.

"Odd Couple": Bill Burr stars in a modern take on the classic TV sitcom produced by Bruce McCulloch of "The Kids In the Hall."

"Aholes": Two jerks spend their days "scamming on girls, bilking Alzheimer's patients out of money and generally being the opposite of model citizens."

Royalty comes to 'Anarchy'

Fans of the FX series "Sons of Anarchy" will get a glimpse of literature royalty when the show returns to TV in September.

Horror master Stephen King will play a loner who comes to the aid of Katey Sagal's character, Gemma.

King is an admitted fan of the biker drama and jumped at the opportunity when producers approached him about the cameo spot.

Taxi-drivin' Tony

Sometime after the screen went black in "The Sopranos" series finale, Tony Soprano left the mob and became a politically incorrect New York City taxi driver.

It looks like James Gandolfini, who played the surly mob boss in the HBO classic, may be coming back to the network in "Taxi 22," a remake of a French Canadian series which Gandolfini will also produce.

No official word yet on any potential release date.

Katee says no to 'True Blood'

Readers of this column know how much of a "True Blood" fan I am. They also know how much I love "Battlestar Galactica and "24's" Katee Sackhoff.

So imagine my excitement when I heard a rumor that the two could merge for season three of the HBO vampire series.

But alas, it was not to be.

Seems Sackhoff was approached to play Debbie Pelt, the ex-girlfriend of new character, Alcide. She turned it down. How on Earth do you turn down a role on one of TV's hottest series?

"I am a huge fan of 'True Blood,'" Sackhoff told Entertainment Weekly. "It's a phenomenal show and (executive producer) Alan Ball is a (expletive deleted) genius."

Sackhoff said she wanted more security than just one season of "True Blood" so she opted for a new cop-themed drama on ABC called "Boston's Finest."

That series airs in the fall.

The 'MIB' are back

The next film in the "Men In Black" series looks to have a release date before it has a cast.

Sony announced this week that the next installment, "Men In Black III," would no only be shot in 3-D but would hit theaters on May 25, 2012.

Will Smith has signed on to return to the franchise, and Sony is working frantically to get "MIB" regular Tommy Lee Jones and newcomer Josh Brolin signed, sealed and delivered.

The May 25 date puts "MIB3" in a very crowded lineup with "The Avengers," "Star Trek 2," "Spider-Man" and "Batman 3" all scheduled around the same time.

A "Lost" teaser from Jacob himself

2010-05-10T18:07:58Z

Here's a little teaser for tomorrow night's episode, "Across the Sea," from Mark Pellegrino. The full interview will be posted on finale day.

You and Titus Welliver, who plays the Man In Black, have a history with each other in a variety of different shows. What do you make of their sort of brotherly reactions to each other? I know the whole Cain and Abel theory has been floated out there for a while.

Wow. (pause) You, uh, you have some very interesting thoughts.

TV fans, behold thy mothers

2010-05-07T08:20:00Z

This year as we get ready to celebrate the mothers in our lives, let's not forget about the moms that helped raise us all: the ones on the big magic box in our living room.

So this Mother's Day, we're taking a look at Fanboy's Greatest Pop Culture Moms. When you're giving thanks this Sunday, be sure to remember these fine women and the life lessons they taught us.

Nancy Botwin, "Weeds"
What we learned from her: When it comes to raising a family, stop at nothing to provide for the ones you love, even if that means selling illegal narcotics. (Not recommended.)

Sophia Petrillo, "The Golden Girls"
What we learned from her: A good story with a moral can teach a great lesson. If that doesn't work, use insults.

Thelma Harper, "Mama's Family"
What we learned from her: Man, family can be tough. And you won't always agree with or even like each other. But family also means loving each other beyond petty disagreements.

Kitty Forman, "That '70s Show"
What we learned from her: When in doubt, tough love goes a long way. Sometimes the only way to get your point across is with a hammer.

Peg Bundy, "Married...With Children"
What we learned from her: Never lose yourself in motherhood. Family may be your life's cornerstone, but don't forget to take some some time out for yourself. After all, moms, you earn it on a daily basis.

Hilda Suarez, "Ugly Betty"
What we learned from her: You can pick your friends but you can't pick your family. And sometimes our family can be as different as they come. Love them for who they are.

Barb., Margene and Nicki Hendrickson, "Big Love"
What we learned from them: In this day and age, familes come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes it's good to accept help where you can get it, even if it is from your Mormon sister-wives.

Clair Huxtable, "The Cosby Show"
What we learned from her: When your husband is the class clown, someone has to be the voice of reason?. (Right, honey?)

Marie Barone, "Everybody Loves Raymond"
What we learned from her: The job of a parent isn't done when the child turns 18 as much as some of us might like it to.

Lois Griffin, "Family Guy"
What we learned from her: Most moms have uttered the words "These kids will be the death of me." Lois teaches us to be more patient because her kids have actually tried. Right, Stewie?

Estelle Costanza, "Seinfeld"
What we learned from her: Well, honestly, not a whole lot. George's mother was overbearing, cranky and a general nag. But she loved her son come hell or high water.

Louise Jefferson, "The Jeffersons"
What we learned from her: Being a mom doesn't always mean just dealing with your children. It could also mean getting a handle on their crazy husbands when we get in over our heads.

Livia Soprano, "The Sopranos"
What we learned from her: Don't cross the boss. If you don't respect your mother, bad things can really happen. She could try to have you whacked for instance. Twice.

Writer's note: Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there, especially my wife who is celebrating her first. You guys make the world go 'round.

Sneak Peek at 'Lost' episode - 'Across the Sea'

2010-05-06T16:30:42Z

I love a good flash mob, especially when it involves "Glee!"

2010-05-05T19:39:54Z

New 'Lost' star dishes on hit series

2010-04-30T13:23:02Z

Just because there is no new episode this week, doesn't mean you can't get your "Lost" fix.

Sheila Kelley might be new to the "Lost" game but that doesn't mean her character, Zoe, is any less important to the story. Kelley dropped by the Fanboy universe to chat about her take on the role, her feelings on working with the cast and stripper poles.

So we've been introduced to Zoe who seems to be part Rambo, part Tina Fey. Who is she really? How would you describe her?

Zoe is every woman. She's the outsider coming into a mythical story who thinks she might have a solution, an answer. She is a geophysicist who is excited by the possibilities presented to her by the island. She really only cares about finding "the answer."

How did you get hooked up with the show? Were you a fan before?

I was asked by the show's producers if I would be interested in a character who arced over several episodes in the last season of "Lost." I had not seen the show before so I sat down and Netflixed the first episode and six hours later, I kid you not, I was hooked, lined and sunk in love with it. I feel like the luckiest actor in the world.

What do you see Zoe's role on the island as being?

She's a hunter. She knows her truth and she is going to go after it with all she is worth come hell or high water. I love her integrity and her belief in herself.

In the Alpert-centric episode, "Ab Aeterno," you were credited as Kendall. I remember when news broke that you had been casted, that was the character name we were given. Of course, now we know you as Zoe. What gives? Change in name or secret Lostie mystery?

I think maybe you might have been sneakily led off the scent and Zoe has put you back on it. The cool thing about "Lost" and the reason I think so many people are responding to Zoe is because she is on the scent of the trail to finding answers to the mysteries of "Lost" just as you and the rest of the "Lost" viewers are.

You've been quoted as saying that you're on the island looking for someone, can you tell us any more about that?

All I can tell you is that she will know it when she finds it. Tricky huh?

I know you've got your own exercise program, the S Factor, going on as well. How did that come about?

I researched, co-wrote, produced and starred in a film called "Dancing at the Blue Iguana" in which I played a pole dancer named Stormy. That journey led me to create and write the first pole dancing fitness workout for women. The perfect recipe of feminized yoga and pilates, mixed with a wicked fun taste of pole dancing and striptease. Women fell in love with it. It's liberating, it's passionate, and it's healthy. The L.A. Times did an article about me in 2002. That article led to my being featured on the Oprah show seven times. Fast forward to today, I have seven full-scale S Factor fitness studios where women learn how to be comfortable in their beautiful sensual bodies.

Have you been able to apply any of those techniques in your portrayal of Zoe?

Confidence, body freedom and badass-ness. And definitely her feminine power and the feeling that a strong woman can be feminine even when she is doing dirty work. I've taught everyone in the makeup trailer how to do some of my S Factor movements and I hope to be teaching all the wives and girlfriends of my castmates. It's made me very popular on set.

Coming in so late in the game, how has it been to blend in with the cast who have been through so much together the last five seasons?

The cast and crew who've worked together for almost six years have been open-armed and open-hearted. It felt like coming into a warm, fun family. And working in Oahu? That ain't so bad. In fact, I may have to look for some acting work in Bali, Tahiti or Fiji to top this one. The island is gorgeous, feminine and magical.

We first met you on screen with Josh Holloway on the beach. Who are your favorites on the set?

I adore Alan Dale. He's a stitch and a half, very funny. Daniel Dae Kim is as generous and friendly as they come. I'm working on getting Evangeline and Emilie into S Factor classes and Josh is...well, excuse me but gorgeous.

What can you tell us about what we might expect come finale time?

It ain't always what it seems.

Curb your enthusiasm, Larry David's back

2010-04-23T13:48:11Z

After what he termed "much soul-searching," "Seinfeld" creator Larry David announced this week that he would be back for an eighth season of HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

"Curb" stars David as himself, a neurotic in a larger-than-life world. Co-starring Cheryl Hines, Jeff Garlin and Susie Essman, the series is set to begin filming this summer and is expected to air sometime in 2011.

David's sitcom is the longest running scripted series in the history of HBO. Oh, and that soul David said he was searching for? He claims "it was nowhere to be found."


As one pop culture figure returns, another prepares for his exit.

Leonard Nimoy, the 79-year-old actor-director-photographer and "Star Trek" icon is calling it quits.

"I want to get off the stage. Also, I don't think it would be fair to Zachary Quinto," Nimoy told the Toronto Sun referring to the "Heroes" star who played Spock in the "Star Trek" reboot. "He's a terrific actor, he looks the part, and it's time to give him some space. And I'm very flattered the character will continue."

But does that mean no more Spock? Or no more Nimoy?

Nimoy, who confirmed that he has just shot (spoiler alert, "Fringe" fans) his final scenes as Dr. William Bell on Fox's "Fringe," says he's hanging it up.

"I've been doing this professionally for 60 years," he said. "I love the idea of going out on a positive note. I've had a great, great time."

Surely though we'll still see Nimoy on the convention trail though, right?

Probably not.

Nimoy says that he wants time to concentrate on his photography and with only a few more public appearances scheduled, he says this could be his "final go-round for that too."

Well, Leonard, I guess there's only one thing left to say: Live long ... and prosper. (Yeah, I went there. Deal with it.)

Anyone who saw Quentin Tarantino's "Grindhouse" in theaters will remember the awesome fake trailers that appeared before and between the double feature. Well some of those joke trailers are getting made into full-fledged films.

One, director Robert Rodriguez's "Machete," already has a release date.

Starring Danny Trejo, the film centers around an "ex-Mexican Federale who after being betrayed by the organization who hired him, launches a brutal rampage of revenge against his former boss."

If you've seen the YouTube trailer, you already know how crazy this movie actually looks. If you haven't, just take a look at the supporting cast, according to imdb.com: Michelle Rodriguez, Jessica Alba, Lindsay Lohan, Jeff Fahey, Steven Seagal, Don Johnson and ... Robert De Niro.

"Machete" comes out Sept. 3.

But that film's not the only one getting the big screen treatment.

Nova Scotia director Jason Eisener is bringing his fake trailer, "Hobo with a Shotgun" to theaters as well.

Filming started this week and though we have no plot details or scheduled release date, we do know one thing. "Hobo with a Shotgun" stars... are you ready? Rutger Hauer.

Fanboy chats with 'Fringe's' Lance Reddick

2010-04-16T13:04:03Z

From "Lost's" Matthew Abbadon to "Fringe's" Agent Phillip Broyles, Lance Reddick has a history of playing very serious characters, shrouded in mystery. He pulled back the veil a bit with us this week to talk about his career and what we can expect on "Fringe" this season.

How did you get hooked up with "Lost"?

I'm not sure exactly how that came about. I do know that the executive producers of "Lost" were big fans of "The Wire." I actually got the offer to do that role while I was still doing the last season of "The Wire."

Any chance we'll ever see Matthew Abbadon again?

Ahhh ... no.

Have you kept up with "Lost"?

No, not really. Believe it or not, I actually don't watch much television.

What drew you to "Fringe"? Did J.J. Abrams ask you to do it or did you have to audition?

It was a little bit of both actually. When I was first seen for it, they were actually calling people from a short list of people they knew that they wanted and then over time it became kind of a general audition process. But originally I didn't even go in for Broyles. The producers wanted me to go in for in Charlie (Francis). The casting director thought I was right for Broyles so I ended up reading for both. And then they passed on me for both. A month later they call me out of the blue and I had the job.

How would you describe Agent Broyles?

Well I think he's a really good soldier and a natural leader who out of necessity has become good at playing the game of politics.

The science of "Fringe" may seem out there but it's all based in actual research. How much of it do you buy in to?

Well the science on the show really stretches itself theoretically to the limit. As far as things like alternate realities go, I go back and forth about it probably because I go back and forth about the notion of free will itself. Every choice we make is the building block of the future and given that all our choices are connected creating one dynamic series of events, I believe its entirely possible that there infinite universes within the same time continuum.

One of the great things about "Fringe" is its cast. How amazing is John Noble?

John's an interesting character. First and foremost, he's a great actor. He's very smart, very intellectual. He's an actor's actor. He's a guy who comes from the theater. One of the things I really want to do on the show is have more scenes with him.

I know you have an album out. How long have you been making music?

I was actually a musician first. I never thought I'd be doing this for a living. I kind of just fell into acting. I grew up studying classical music. I started singing in the choir when I was 7. I started playing piano when I was 6. I went to conservatory for college. I thought I was going to be a classical composer. But then I left musical school realizing I didn't want to be a classical composer, I wanted to be a rock star. I started acting in college for fun but it was nothing I took seriously. I started acting really because I thought it would help my music career and then it just sort of took over my life.

Speaking of music, the April 29 episode of "Fringe" titled "Overture" is a musical episode. What's that all about?

Wow, yeah it's a pretty off the wall thing. First off, Fox is doing a thing that week called "Fox Rocks" incorporating music in to all its shows. The episode revolves around Walter telling Ella, Olivia's niece, a bedtime story. It kind of turns into all the characters becoming these extreme distorted surreal versions of themselves. It kind of becomes almost this film noir detective story

How was that for you getting to use both your loves in the same episode?

Believe it or not, I was in the same boat as everybody else. I was really nervous having to do this on camera. But it turned out to be a lot of fun. The thing that was scary for me was that they wanted me to play the piano and sing at the same time. So I really had to practice that and be ready to do it.

So we have to know, what was with that kiss between Agent Broyles and Massive Dynamic's Nina Sharp?

The truth is I don't know. We won't learn anything more this season. The one thing I can say about it is that that has more to do with the dynamic from our relationship before, um, well from years ago, before Broyles was even married.

What can fans look for as we approach the season finale in May?

Man, the universes are really on a collision course and the last moment of the season finale will be a jaw-dropper.

True-blue Fanboy awaits 'Smurfs' film

2010-04-09T05:15:00Z

It's very seldom that I get all excited about a movie adapted from a television show especially one that involves animation. But there is no way that I couldn't be stoked about a big screen version of my childhood favorite. That's right, folks, I'm talking about "The Smurfs."

I've mentioned it before in this column but now that Sony has officially started production on the live action/animation hybrid, I thought it would be a good time to give you a heads up on what's happening with the little blue guys and gals.

First, the biggest question is the plot. How do you make a cartoon about miniature creatures being hunted by an evil wizard relevant to the real world? Put them in the real world, of course. According to Sony, the film kicks off when "the evil wizard Gargamel chases the tiny blue Smurfs out of their village, and they tumble from their magical world and into ours -- in fact, smack dab in the middle of Central Park."

So basically, the Smurfs gotta find a way to get back to their village before Gargamel and his evil cat track them down. (Trivia question: Do you remember the cat's name?)

So who is going to star in this magical romp between realities? I'm glad you asked because it's awesome.

On the live action side, we've got Hank Azaria as the evil wizard himself. Throw in some Neil Patrick Harris as Johan, an expectant father who becomes the Smurfs' human helper and we got ourselves a great start. Other live action stars include "Glee's" Jayma Mays and "Modern Family's" Sofia Vergara.

But what about the cute little creatures themselves? My friends, you are in for a treat as Sony has assembled quite a voice cast of characters including Quentin Tarantino, Katy Perry, Kevin James, Alan Cumming, Fred Armisen, George Lopez and Jonathan Winters as Papa Smurf. (I know! I thought he was dead, too!)

The film is slated to be released Aug. 3, 2011.

TOXIE RETURNS

Speaking of cartoony adaptations, Oscar-winning film writer Akiva Goldsman ("A Beautiful Mind") is part of a group that has purchased the rights to Troma's "Toxic Avenger" series.

The group, it seems, intends to turn Toxie into a "green superhero for these environmentally conscious times." I'm sorry to tell you this, Avenger fans, but the films are being slated for PG to PG-13 ratings aimed at being family friendly.

Goldsman's next project? "Freddy Krueger Teaches Your Child about Global Warming." (Kidding.)

EXTREME FORECLOSURE

Like many of you, watching Ty Pennington and his hammer of magic on ABC's "Extreme Makeover" has gotten me more than a little teary eyed. But you know who's really crying? The new homeowners.

According to a story in the Wall Street Journal this week, several "Extreme Makeover" recipients are facing foreclosure thanks to increased utility bills and bigger tax assessments. The good news for future "Makeover" recipients is that ABC is aware of the problem and say they are downsizing future projects.

The average size of new makeovers is in the 2,800-square-foot range. This is a big difference from makeovers like one in a 2005 episode that featured a house being remade into a 5,300-square-foot English-style castle.

"I think our hearts were in the right place, but we just got carried away," said "Extreme Makeover" interior designer Tracy Hutson."It can be extreme without being the biggest house you've ever seen."

'BOSOM BUDDIES' RETURNS TO OUR LIVES

Best news of the week: Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari are reuniting the "Bosom Buddies" crew for the annual TV Land Awards scheduled to air on April 25.

Hanks and Scolari played a couple of aspiring advertising executives who dressed as women to score an apartment in an all-women's building.

Former cast members Holland Taylor, Telma Hopkins and Donna Dixon will also join the reunion. It will be the first time the group has appeared together since the series' last episode in 1982.

BY THE WAY

The cat's name was Azrael.

'Dinner For Shmucks' trailer released

2010-04-07T15:43:44Z