Third season of “Boardwalk Empire” started last week and the life of Atlantic City’s most brutal continues to woo fans. The award-winning show started off a year and a half after season two and returned with questions that viewers are dying to find answers to, like what will the character of Gyp Rosetti bring? And can Nucky and Margaret’s marriage be saved?

HBO has released the plots of October’s episodes.

Episode #28: “Blue Bell Boy” – Sunday October 7 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)

After tracking down a liquor thief, Nucky (Steve Buscemi) and Owen (Charlie Cox) spend a long night hiding out from the fedswith the precocious perp. In his boss’ absence, and with Rothstein (Michael Stuhlbarg) fuming over a late delivery, Mickey (Paul Sparks) overrules Eli (Shea Whigham) to make a routing call that will have far-reaching consequences for Nucky and Gyp (Bobby Cannavale). Margaret (Kelly Macdonald) encounters a familiar face while promoting Dr. Mason’s (Patrick Kennedy) classes at the new women’s clinic at St. Theresa’s. In New York, Lucky (Vincent Piazza) haggles with Joe Masseria (Ivo Nandi) over heroin splits, while in Chicago, Capone’s (Stephen Graham) feud with O’Banion (Arron Shiver) heats up when one of his collectors gets roughed up on the South Side.

Written by David Stenn; directed by Kari Skogland.

Episode #29: “You’d Be Surprised” – Sunday October 14 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

After venting with Nucky about his liquor travails, Rothstein sends Gyp an unequivocal message in Tabor Heights. In Washington, Gaston Means (Stephen Root) sees opportunity in a Senate investigation of Harry Daugherty (Christopher McDonald) and the Justice Department. Billie (Meg Chambers Steedle) gets a new co-star to revive her faltering show; Van Alden (Michael Shannon) and Sigrid (Christiane Seidel) receive an unexpected visitor; Gillian (Gretchen Mol) worries about keeping her business afloat in Jimmy’s absence; Margaret has awkward moments at the hospital and, later, at Madam Jeunet’s (Anna Katarina).

Written by Diane Frolov & Andrew Schneider; directed by Tim Van Patten.

Episode #30: “Ging Gang Goolie” – Sunday October 21 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

After being detained in Washington by Daugherty’s henchmen, Nucky approaches Esther Randolph (Julianne Nicholson), his onetime nemesis, and later entertains an intriguing proposition from GastonMeans. In Atlantic City, Margaret copes with Teddy’s (Rory and Declan McTigue) demons, while Owen investigates a suspicious fire; Gillian feuds with Lucky and finds a surrogate for Jimmy; and Richard (Jack Huston) connects with pugilistic vet Paul Sagorsky (Mark Borkowsky) and his daughter Julia (Wrenn Schmidt).

Written by Steve Kornacki; directed by Ed Bianchi.

Episode #31: “Sunday Best” – Sunday October 28 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

On Easter Sunday, Eli looks to get back in Nucky’s good graces at a Thompson family reunion. While Richard and Tommy (Brady and Connor Noon) spend the day as guests of the Sagorskys, Gillian stays athome and makes a sacrifice to improve her future. In New York, after dinner and prayers, Gyp heads downtown in search of a blessing – from Joe Masseria.

Written by Howard Korder; directed by Allen Coulter.

For more on the series, please visit facebook.com/BoardwalkEmpire and twitter.com @HBO # BoardwalkEmpire.

Created by Terence Winter, “Boardwalk Empire” is executive produced by Terence Winter, Martin Scorsese, Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, Tim Van Patten and Howard Korder; co-executive producers, Eugene Kelly, Chris Haddock, Andrew Schneider, Diane Frolov, Rolin Jones; producers, Joseph Iberti, Rick Yorn; co-producer, Steve Kornacki; supervising producer, David Stenn.

The article Boardwalk Empire, Prepare for October’s Episodes appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Disney and Pixar’s newest collaboration, ‘Brave’, hit theaters Friday, June 22, 2012, challenging ‘Madagascar 3’ for the top spot at the box office for best kids’ film. It is the thirteenth film in Pixar’s lineup and continues the high standard set by the movies before it. ‘Brave’ is a whimsical, fascinating romp with stunning visuals, worthwhile characters, and exciting action scenes.

Major spoilers ahead!

Princess Merida (Kelly MacDonald) is the daughter of King Fergus (Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson), the rulers of the Scottish kingdom of DunBroch. They are a happy family and responsible leaders of their clans. However, Merida’s rebellious personality and aspirations cause her to clash often with her mother, who wants her to be a respectable princess. In order to keep up traditions, the King and Queen send invitations to the other three clans under their rule so that the firstborn of each clan leader can compete for Merida’s hand in marriage.

Angered by her parents’ decision and aching for the freedom to make her own choices, Merida chooses to have her hand won in an archery tournament. She then competes to win her own hand in marriage, mortifying her mother. They have an intense argument and her mother destroys her bow and arrow while Merida cuts up the beautiful tapestry her mother wove for their family.

She runs away and is beckoned into the woods by Will O’ the Wisps, tiny spirits who guide people to their destinies. They lead her to a witch who runs a wood-carving shop and asks for a spell to change her fate. After bargaining with her, the witch gives Merida a dessert to give to her mother that will change her. Merida returns to the castle and gives it to her mother, but the spell actually changes her mother into a bear. Bears are feared and hated in DunBroch because of Mor’Du—a gigantic, brutal black bear that took her father’s leg and has been said to still roam the darkest parts of the forest.

Merida sneaks her mother out of the castle and returns with her to the woods, trying to find the witch’s home again so they can undo the spell. She eventually finds out that the spell will become permanent in two days if she does not repair the bond between them, both literally and figuratively, and her mother’s personality will disappear.

As expected with Pixar’s films, ‘Brave’ is absolutely gorgeous. The environments are rich and engrossing, from the vibrant green of the forest to the cold dwelling of Mor’Du. With or without 3D, the visuals are beautiful and add an extra layer to the story, as it is easy to feel every moment of excitement, danger, and emotion as the characters advance through their trials.

The story is strong and deeply rooted in traditional storytelling from European folklore, as well as modern tales about princesses choosing their own destinies. Merida is by far one of the most headstrong princesses in the Pixar and Disney line up. She is a sweet, fun loving girl, but she is also still a young girl who does not realize that her selfish actions can destroy both her mother and her beloved home. The writing does an excellent job of revealing the high and low points of Merida’s relationship with her mother, and by the end of it, both women realize their shortcomings and become stronger together.

Merida and Elinor’s relationship is the film’s strongest aspect, but the action sequences are right behind it. Merida’s problems are not only emotionally devastating—they are also life threatening. Twice, Merida’s mother starts to turn into a real bear and she is in danger of being killed. Furthermore, Mor’Du is without a doubt one of the scariest villains in Pixar’s history as he is a ruthless, almost indestructible force of nature.

While ‘Brave’ is an excellent film, there are some flaws here and there. The solution to Merida and Elinor’s conflict should have been brought up a little earlier because there is a lull in the action that can feel frustrating to some viewers. Most of the other Pixar films made the problem and the subsequent solution clear early on while ‘Brave’ hits the halfway point before providing the information.

It also might have been nice to see the sons of the three clans receive some sort of stake in the main plot and develop, because all three of them were in the same boat as Merida. The boys never got to show if they had any potential to become great leaders or independent thinkers like Merida. It is not a major flaw, but rather something that could have been explored more since the movie is relatively short.

Last, the fact that the witch gets away with cursing two separate people with awful afflictions is a bit of a disappointment. While she is not the main villain, she still indirectly caused misery and pain for several characters for the course of decades. In most Pixar films, the bad guys get what they deserve, but she does not and it does take away some of the enjoyment at the end.

Overall, ‘Brave’ is a fantastic entry into the Disney-Pixar collection and should not be missed. Children and adults alike can enjoy the wonderful effects and the heartwarming storyline. Don’t miss out.

Grade: 5/5

Image Courtesy of  Brave

The article Disney and Pixar’s ‘Brave’ Hits the Mark: A Review appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

There were 18 Golden Globe nominations given to HBO programs last month, the most of any television network this year, for the upcoming 69th annual Golden Globe Awards, which will be presented in Los Angeles on January 15. ‘Mildred Pierce,’ starring Oscar-winners Kate Winslet and Melissa Leo, led all HBO programming with four nominations, tied for the most of any TV series or program.

HBO’s Golden Globe nominations this year include:

Four nominations for ‘Mildred Pierce,’ including Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Kate Winslet), Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Evan Rachel Wood) and Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Guy Pearce).

Three nominations for ‘Boardwalk Empire,’ including Best Television Series – Drama, Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama (Steve Buscemi) and Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Kelly Macdonald).

Three nominations for ‘Cinema Verite,’ including Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Diane Lane) and Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Tim Robbins).

Three nominations for ‘Too Big to Fail,’ including Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (William Hurt) and Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Paul Giamatti).

Two nominations for ‘Enlightened’: Best Television Series – Comedy or Musical and Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical (Laura Dern).

Two nominations for ‘Game of Thrones,’ including Best Television Series – Drama and Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Peter Dinklage).

One nomination for ‘Hung’: Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical (Thomas Jane).

The article HBO Receive Most Golden Globe Nominations of Any Network 2011 appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

The widely acclaimed HBO series Boardwalk Empire opened a second season on HBO and will continue its tale of Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, a politician and a gangster who reigned prohibition era Atlantic City this coming November.

The first episode of the Emmy Award-winning show was the most expensive pilot in television history and directed by the careful hands of Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese.

Fans and critics have praised the show for its visual and historical accuracy and audiences can look forward to more character-driven drama by Steve Buscemi as the corrupt treasurer of Atlantic County, Michael Pitt as Nucky’s protege Jimmy Darmody and Kelly MacDonald as Margaret, Nucky’s mistress. Also starring is Michael Shannon, Shea Whigham and Paz de la Huerta.

Episode #19: “Peg of Old” – Debut: Sunday, Nov. 6 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)

While Nucky enlists heavyweight champ Jack Dempsey (Devin Harjes) to promote the wireless broadcast of his upcoming fight, Jimmy faces a decision that could shape the future of Atlantic City. Margaret travels to Brooklyn for a bittersweet reunion with the family she left behind in Ireland.

Irked by the arrival of Daugherty’s (Christopher McDonald) new federal prosecutor, Esther Randolph (Julianne Nicholson), Nelson (Michael Shannon) weighs his options as his personal and professional problems converge. Badly in need of support, Lucy (Paz de la Huerta) visits an old flame for a handout. Owen (Charlie Cox) settles one score, and sets his sights on a new conquest.

Episode #20: “Two Boats and a Lifeguard” – Debut: Sunday, Nov. 13 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

In the wake of a personal loss, Nucky solicits advice on his political situation from Arnold Rothstein (Michael Stuhlbarg), while Eli (Shea Whigham) remains suspicious of his brother’s actions. Nucky finds himself in the unfamiliar position of showing gratitude toward a federal agent; Angela (Aleksa Palladino) meets a new friend at the beach, and eavesdrops on her husband’s treachery;

Nelson gets a nanny; Nucky approaches Owen with an overseas proposition; Jimmy flexes his muscles, at Mickey Doyle’s (Paul Sparks) expense.

Episode #21: “Battle of the Century” – Debut: Sunday, Nov. 20 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

Arriving in Belfast, Nucky and Owen meet with IRA leaders with a barter proposition.  Meanwhile, in Atlantic City, Jimmy and his partners broker a deal with George Remus (Glenn Fleshler) for his “medicinal” alcohol before taking a break to see/hear the Dempsey fight. Margaret frets when Emily’s (Josie and Lucy Gallina) illness takes a turn for the worse;

Dunn Purnsley (Erik LaRay Harvey) orchestrates a worker’s strike at the Ritz; Waxey Gordon (Nick Sandow) takes action against Manny Horvitz (William Forsythe) in Philadelphia; Randolph and Clifford Lathrop (Curt Bouril) grill Halloran about Nucky’s past.

Episode #22:  “Georgia Peaches” – Debut: Sunday, Nov. 27 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

Undercut by Nucky, who has a new source for alcohol, Jimmy and his partners look to cultivate a new revenue stream in Atlantic City. With the peak tourist season approaching, the Commodore’s (Dabney Coleman) crew faces a choice in dealing with the city’s striking workers: negotiate or fight back.

Fearing that sin has led to misfortune, Margaret approaches Father Brennan (Michael Cumpsty) with an “act of devotion.” Nucky gets a new lawyer; Van Alden faces an uncertain future; Manny Horvitz takes exception to a debt payment.

Created by Terence Winter, Boardwalk Empire is executive produced by Terence Winter, Martin Scorsese, Tim Van Patten, Stephen Levinson and Mark Wahlberg.

Image Courtesy of  http://www.facebook.com/boardwalkempire

The article The Boardwalk Empire, HBO Reveals November Episodes appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

The critically acclaimed Boardwalk Empire, about Prohibition era America, has been approved for a third season after resounding award-winning approval of the series second season, debuting on September 25. President of HBO programming, Michael Lombardo, made the announcement last week.

“Following a triumphant first season, I was eager to see what Terry Winter, Martin Scorsese and the rest of their stellar team had in store, and they continue to surpass our highest expectations,” said Lombardo. “The response from the media and our viewers has been extremely gratifying.”

Emmy Award-winning writer of The Sopranos, Terence Winter, is the creator of the revered series set in the 1920s, in the early days of Prohibition. It chronicles the life and times of Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, the undisputed leader of Atlantic City, and the lives and souls that surrounded him.

According to a press release from HBO, the renewal of Boardwalk Empire is the latest in a number of recent drama series pickups, following True Blood, Game of Thrones and Treme, as well as commitments to new series including Luck, Life’s Too Short and Aaron Sorkin’s as-yet untitled project.

Steve Buscemi leads the impressive cast that includes Kelly Macdonald, Paz de la Huerta, Michael Pitt, Gretchen Mol and Michael Shannon. Among the early critical raves for the new season, New York’s Daily News called the show “delicious entertainment” and “one of the best shows on television,” while Daily Variety termed it “consistently bold and lusty,” as well as “good to the last illicit, intoxicating drop.”

The Boston Globe hailed the Atlantic City gangster drama as “a must-see show” and “remarkable,” and Entertainment Weekly noted that “drama this good should be illegal. Boardwalk Empire has managed to rank among HBO’s most popular series with an average gross audience of 10.7 million viewers.

The mesmerizing character of ‘Nucky’ Johnson is based on the real life Johnson. According to IMDB.com, the real life ‘Nucky’ resembled the physique of James Gandolfini in The Sopranos more than Steve Buscemi but Winter wanted to write a character that differed from his previous show and wrote the role specifically with Buscemi in mind.

At the recent Primetime Emmy Awards, the series was nominated for eighteen awards, including Outstanding Drama Series, Lead Actor in a Drama Series and Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. The show’s director Martin Scorsese won the category Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series.

In January this year, the show further received two Golden Globe Awards, for Best Television Series – Drama and Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama, Steve Buscemi.

Image Courtesy of   http://www.facebook.com/boardwalkempire

The article Boardwalk Empire Gets Third Season on HBO appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.