18 Weeks
There is no guarantee for any of us that there will be a tomorrow. Life is fragile and is meant to be appreciated every day, even when it includes a loss.
“Bones” — Season 1
A taut series filled with drama as well as great chemistry between its two lead stars, Bones is a strong addition to Fox’s television lineup. Debuting in 2005 to favorable critical reviews, the series shares an audience of fans with the CSI franchise. Smartly written and well-acted, the first season of Bones focuses on the collaborations between FBI special agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz, Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel), whom Booth somewhat sarcastically nicknames “Bones.”
“Sherrybaby”
A disturbing film about a recovering drug addict trying to regain control of her life, “Sherrybaby” succinctly depicts what can happen when want and desire aren’t offset by control. In this bleak indie film, Sherry Swanson (Maggie Gyllenhaal, Stranger Than Fiction, Secretary) has just been released from a three-year stint in prison. Dressed in her inappropriate uniform of a halter top and oh-so-high platform heels, she goes to brother’s house to see her 5-year-old daughter, Lexie (Ryan Simpkins).
“Mozart & the Whale”
The movie has some sweet moments, but doesn’t spend enough time delving into the challenges of being part of an Asperger’s couple. The problems that they have in their relationship (insecurity, commitment and communication problems) really aren’t that different from that of your “normal” couple.
“Deck the Halls”
A slapstick comedy starring Matthew Broderick and Danny DeVito, “Deck The Halls” tackles the Christmas spirit with lights, music, and plenty o’ pratfalls–none of which makes much sense in this floundering film. Steve Finch (Broderick) is a persnickety dentist who enjoys being the town’s go-to guy when it comes to all things Christmas. Buddy Hall (DeVito) is his new neighbor–a car salesman who finds that decorating the exterior of his house in bright, garish decorations and lights makes him feel like the big man he never was
“Thin”
A compelling film that delves into the lives of young women with eating disorders, the HBO documentary Thin offers sobering insight into why anyone would sacrifice her health for the pursuit of unrealistic body perfection. Set in a Florida clinic that specializes in treating patients with bulimia (binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting) and anorexia (consuming barely enough to survive), the film introduces viewers to four women.
“Red Doors”
A bittersweet film about a Chinese-American family living in New York, “Red Doors” offers moments of humor as well as emotional triumph.
“Reba” — Season 4
A funny, slapstick sitcom, “Reba: The Complete Fourth Season” tells the heartwarming story of Reba Hart (played by country superstar Reba McEntire) and her barely functional dysfunctional family. Much of the humor is based on the relationship between Reba, her ex-husband Brock, and his young wife Barbra Jean.
“NCIS Naval Criminal Investigative Service” – The Complete Second Season
NCIS takes the CSI formula, throws in a good dose of JAG, and comes up with an entertaining series that takes advantage of the actors’ likeability. The season begins with the introduction a couple new regulars–agent Timothy McGee (Sean Murray) and assistant medical examiner Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen). And one cast member departs the show by the end of the season. The six-disc set includes all 23 episodes, which aired on CBS during 2004-2005.
“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” — Season 6
A perennial Nielsen ratings topper, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation shows no signs of losing creative momentum in its sixth season. The 24 episodes are taut, fascinating, and gruesome. That killer combination fulfills the promise this CBS series has shown since its inception. In its sixth year, the show delves into the characters’ personal lives more so than in previous seasons, adding more dimension and truth to the roles. We see the looks exchanged between head investigator Gil Grissom (William Petersen) and his underling Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox) and learn the true nature of their relationship.
“A Good Year”
A feel-good movie that highlights the beauty of France as much as it does its stars, “A Good Year” provides a languid, gorgeous viewing experience. Director Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe–who first worked together on the Academy Award-winning “Gladiator”–are reunited in this romantic film, which is based on Peter Mayle’s book “A Year in Provence.”
Beautiful dreamer: AFI Fest 2006 salutes enigmatic screen siren Penelope Cruz
Penelope Cruz is an anomaly. As talented as she is gorgeous, the 32-year-old thesp has defied categorization. At a time when actresses complain about a lack of juicy roles for women, Cruz balances a career that includes Hollywood blockbusters and foreign films in which she speaks fluent Italian, French and her native Spanish. She’s a red-carpet favorite, and during her off-time, she’s not above punking her good friend Salma Hayek.
“Wings” — Season 3
A well-written sitcom that infuses romance with slapstick humor, “Wings” takes off in its third season with the inclusion of series regular Tony Shalhoub (Monk), who plays immigrant cab driver Antonio Scarpacci. Some of the funniest storylines in this 22-episode collection revolve around Antonio and his quest to stay in the United States.
“CSI: New York” — Season 2
The CSI franchise continues to thrive with the second season of “CSI: NY,” which aired on CBS during the 2005-2006 season. The kickoff episode is filled with lots of drama–but not much suspense–as the investigators delve into the death of a jewelry designer who is found wearing an $8 million diamond bra. The other case involves the shooting of a thrill seeker who is killed while climbing up a skyscraper.
“Man of the Year”
A comedy with serious intentions, Man of the Year attempts to challenge the audience’s notions of what is and isn’t real when it comes to politics. Tom Dobbs (Robin Williams) is a popular political talk show host. As a lark, he runs for president and wins. The thing is, he’s not any more unqualified than the other candidates, so his victory doesn’t seem quite so outrageous.
“A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints”
A film adaptation of Dito Montiel’s memoir of the same name, “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints” is a compelling, thoughtful movie based on Montiel’s childhood growing up in 1980s Queens.
“Tap”
With “Tap,” viewers are reminded of the late Gregory Hines’ formidable skills not only as a dancer, but as a dramatic actor. This 1989 film isn’t wholly original–the plot borrows from countless movies where the hero is a flawed man trying to do good. The audience is asked to believe he might revert to his ne’r do well ways, but we’re confident that the ending will reveal his true, heroic colors.
“Book of Daniel”
A pill-popping Episcopalian priest, an affair between the clergyman’s father and the female church bishop, and a wisecracking Jesus Christ. Is it any wonder that there was so much controversy surrounding the January 2006 debut of The Book of Daniel? The series, which lasted less than a month before NBC canceled it, isn’t quite as controversial as it was made out to be. If you take religion out of the mix, you’re left with a loving but conflicted family that argues, loves, and tries to make the best of what they have.
“Kinky Boots”
By Jae-Ha Kim Amazon.com September 21, 2006 When you are a tall strapping man who dresses like a woman for a living, finding a pair of sexy but durable shoes can be worth your weight […]
“8th & Ocean”
Take equal parts “Laguna Beach,” “The Real World,” and “Melrose Place” and you get MTV’s reality series “8th & Ocean.” Set in the oh-so-glamorous world of modeling (Miami style), the show focuses on the lives (and loves) of 10 hotties trying to become the next Gisele Bundchen and Jason Lewis (“Sex and the City”).