'Boardwalk Empire' star Anthony Laciura to direct 'La Boheme' in Jersey City, Union City

'Boardwalk Empire' star Anthony Laciura to direct 'La Boheme' in Jersey City, Union City

　　If you've ever had any doubts about the music department at New Jersey City University in Jersey City, "Boardwalk Empire" star Anthony Laciura is going to set you straight.

　　Laciura, who plays Eddie Kessler on the HBO hit and is an NJCU adjunct faculty member, will direct a production of "La Boheme," one of the most popular operas in the world.

　　The play revolves around four bohemians - an artist, a writer, a music teacher and a scholar - and shows their trials, tribulations and romances.

　　"It's the perfect love story," said the tenor. "Boy meets girl, girl gets sick, girl dies, boyfriend cries."

　　Well, that's the short version. As Laciura explained, the plot is sort of complicated. Anyone who's seen "Rent" or the movie inspired by it, however, will recognize "La Boheme" as the source material for the Broadway hit musical.

　　Laciura hopes that the production will draw attention to NJCU's music program and the potential opera has to resonate with younger audiences.

　　"There is a healthy, bright future of opera in America with the young students we have. We want to show the university that they have a jewel on campus," he said.

　　"The actors are dedicated, very cooperative and willing to work," said Laciura, who said that while some audience members may not literally understand the songs' Italian lyrics, they will be moved by the actors' performances.

　　"We're doing it in a smaller venue and it will be very intimate with a minimal orchestra, great lighting and sets - it will bring the audience into the story and they will get a real emotional jolt. It's really exciting," said Laciura, who sang for 27 years in the New York Metropolitan Opera.

　　The actor said that helping the school's music program would make his current life even more fulfilling.

　　"I hope to do more singing and teaching in the future and as I happen to be on the greatest television show in the world, I hope I stay on the show," he laughed.

　　Laciura's character, bumbling butler Eddie - whose real name is Lou - most recently shocked viewers when he prevented a gunman from taking down his boss, Enoch "Nucky" Thompson (Steve Buscemi) and shot the shooter in the back. Laciura said his character's actions were the product of blind loyalty, which he learned from Lou Kessel's descendants. boardwalk empire season 1 dvd

　　"His granddaughters and grandson and I became very close and I visit them quite often in Brigantine," he said, adding that one of Kessel's granddaughters showed him pictures of her grandfather, took him to this grave site and introduced him to descendants of other people depicted in "Boardwalk Empire."

　　"In this situation, it was an actor's treasure chest. Actually, in the second season's first episode, there's a close-up of my watch - that's a real watch that Nucky gave Lou and it's engraved 'LK.' It's really terrific."

　　The actor said that he enjoys being on "Boardwalk Empire" because "Everybody enjoys being with everybody all the time," and can't believe how blessed he's been in both his singing and acting careers.

　　"For me, it's a miracle. An absolute miracle."

Roy Dotrice is Hallyne the Pyromancer

Roy Dotrice is Hallyne the Pyromancer

　　It has been announced that Roy Dotrice, a British actor known to George R.R. Martin fans for narrating all A Song of Ice and Fire audiobooks, will portray Hallyne the Pyromancer in the second season of Game of Thrones.

　　In the series Dotrice was originally hired to play Grand Maester Pycelle. George R.R. Martin confirmed his casting on 23 June 2010. Unfortunately, Dotrice suffered from health problems which necessitated a four-month convalescent period, just before production was due to begin. As a result Dotrice had to withdraw from the series and was replaced by Julian Glover, a former colleague of his from a previous project.

　　Roy Dotrice was born on 26 May 1923. He fought in World War II as part of the Royal Air Force and spent four years in a German prisoner of war camp. He began acting upon his return to England. He achieved critical success as John Aubrey in the one-man play Brief Lives, beginning in 1965. Dotrice played the role in 1,782 performances over several decades, earning him a place in the Guinness Book of Records for the greatest number of solo performances by an actor in a play. He also achieved critical acclaim for his portrayal of Leopold Mozart, the father of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, in the high-acclaimed and successful 1984 movie Amadeus. He was made a Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 2008 Honours List. game of thrones dvd

　　His character, Wisdom Hallyne, sometimes called Hallyne the Pyromancer, is the head of the Alchemists' Guild in King's Landing, in charge of the city's stocks of wildfire and concerned with other fire-related matters.

Recap Of T Paris Green Boardwalk Empire

Recap Of T Paris Green Boardwalk Empire

Agent Van Alden continues to probe deeper into the killing of Billy Winslow, prompting Agent Sebso to make a call to Nucky asking for some leads to regain his boss's trust. Looking for a still, the two encounter a black church's river baptism. When Sebso, who is Jewish, puts in for a transfer to Michigan, Van Alden brings him to the river to be baptized. However, Van Alden holds Sebso under the water too long, drowning him. Whether Van Alden planned the murder is left unclear.

The Commodore, now revealed to be Jimmy's father, is dying. Gillian asks Jimmy to visit, and although their relationship is frosty, Jimmy decides to stay with his father as he passes away. The decision is a crucial one, for Jimmy holds the Commodore down while the doctor gathers samples for a hair test which later reveals significant amounts of arsenic (Paris Green) in the Commodore's blood. Jimmy confronts Gillian with an empty canister of arsenic which he found in the trash while the Commodore recovers. She does not admit responsibility.

Arnold Rothstein is called to Chicago to defend against charges that he rigged the 1919 World Series. boardwalk empire box set

Meanwhile, Angela carries out her plan to leave town with her son and Mary Dittrich, leaving a note for Jimmy and going to the photography shop. There she finds the shop empty, as the Dittrichs' have absconded (in another scene we are shown that Robert Dietrich knows his wife is about to leave for France). Angela returns home to find Jimmy has read the note and knows of her plans.

Nucky continues to deal with the twin pressures of winning the election and the gang war with the D'Alessio brothers.Margaret's neighbor Annabelle's patron loses all his money in the original Ponzi scheme. Desperate, she offers to resume her former relationship with Nucky. Margaret catches them talking and later argues with Nucky. He strongly insinuates that he was responsible for the death of her husband, Hans, and accuses her of not caring. Eli is furious at Nucky for admitting his role in the murder. After a heated argument between the brothers Nucky drops Eli from the Republican ticket in favor of Deputy Halloran. Nucky arrives at the house only to find that Margaret has left, whereabouts unknown. boardwalk empire dvd

UPDATED: The reviews keep on coming …

UPDATED: The reviews keep on coming …

The reviews keep on pouring in, here are some of the latest:

Ken Tucker of Entertainment Weekly has posted his review and gives the show an A-. game of thrones dvd

You may find yourself beginning Game of Thrones and getting lost in its thicket of who’s related to whom and remembering what grudge one clan holds against another, but I implore you: Stick with it. Free your eyes to take in the spectacle, and your brain will magically start following the intricate storytelling. And there’s a magical realism to Game of Thrones.

Ethan Anderton of Collider reviews the first episode (although it sounds like he’s seen all 6). Game of Thrones Season 1 dvd

However, as it stands, Game of Thrones is a compelling journey into fantasy that only HBO can deliver. There’s carnage, sex and some of the saltiest language I’ve ever heard in an epic series of this type. It’s strange seeing a character in a medieval like fantasy world dropping F-bombs amongst other choice words, but it makes the series that much more gritty and jarring. Complete with stellar writing, a phenomenal cast and stunning visuals, this is a series that delivers on an epic scale both literally and figuratively.

Charlie Jane Anders of io9 gives her take on the series.

In a nutshell: the series features a host of astonishingly powerful performances that bring a depth and maturity that you seldom see on television, in any genre. And it looks absolutely gorgeous.

Many more after the break…

Two more glowing reviews

For every poorly-written negative review, it seems we get two or three well-written positive ones. The latest two reviews to wax poetic about Game of Thrones come from Variety and IGN TV.

Brian Lowry of Variety writes in his review:

Although “Mad Men’s” Don Draper partially scratched the itch, premium TV has been actively seeking its next Tony Soprano. While Showtime’s medieval “The Borgias” directly promoted that analogy, HBO comes much closer with “Game of Thrones,” which reaches even farther afield — to Westeros, a mythical land of seven kingdoms where dragons once lived — to deliver a mob boss (OK, king) beset by plotting, intrigue and fractious families on all sides. Massive in scope and cinematic in detail, this dense piece of storytelling should resonate beyond just fans of George R.R. Martin’s novels, providing HBO its own formidable seat of power.

Matt Fowler of IGN writes, in his review of the first episode:

From the opening moments of HBO’s new series, Game of Thrones, involving the ill-fated Waymar Royce search party, most fans of the George Martin “A Song of Fire and Ice” series of books can tell that this would be a faithful, sturdy adaptation. We are indeed going to be led through the frozen hell-zone of the Northern Territory of Westeros and we are going to go head to head with the supernatural “Others” that inhabit that land. As with any book adaptation, fans will worry and wonder as to what will be left out and what will be kept in, but the premiere episode, “Winter is Coming,” not only effortlessly takes us along, faithfully, through the book, but it also manages to capture the majestically morbid spirit of Martin’s pages and turn them into thrilling television. game of thrones dvd

Also of interest is the Game of Thrones Metacritic page where the various reviews are compiled, given a score and the average of those scores is the series’ overall critical rating. Currently there are only two reviews, but more should be added soon and the overall rating calculated.

Boardwalk Empire Season 1 Episode 6 Family Limitation: Recap

Supervisor Elliot conducts a surprise field office review of Nelson Van Alden’s team at their post office headquarters. Eric Sebso complains that his desk has been covered with bags of post and Van Alden instructs the postal workers to clear the room. Van Alden gives Elliot a recently completed report that he had planned to post. Agent Keener, one of Elliot’s team, jokes that Van Alden has plenty of stamps. Elliot leafs through the report and summarises its content. Van Alden details Nucky’s criminal organization throughout the County. Elliot wonders where Van Alden’s financial records and witnesses are and points out that they have no evidence to present to the district attorney. Van Alden says that he is requesting resources to build a case against Nucky. Elliot tells him to concentrate on seizing large quantities of alcohol, telling him that his performance will be judged by the numbers. Van Alden says that his file ties Nucky to a capital crime – the murders involved in the Hammonton hijacking and the use of Hans Schroeder as a scapegoat. Elliot observes that Van Alden is obsessed with the Schroeder family and notes that he requisitioned Margaret’s immigration file. Sebso looks away as Van Alden weakly offers that he is being thorough. Elliot reminds Van Alden that he is employed as a Prohibition Agent and not a private investigator like the fictional character Bulldog Drummond and again orders him to focus on numbers.

Nucky again shares a post-coital embrace, this time with Margaret in her home. He asks her the time and then corrects her proper English response. She jokingly feigns a strong American accent and he says not to go overboard. She wonders if he wants an Irish maiden and he asks what it is that she wants. She says that she has not thought about it but he believes that she must have considered his offer. She admits that she is concerned about gossiping neighbours and he says that she will have new neighbours anyway. She notices the scratches on his chest and he says it was a hunting accident. She wonders who was hunting whom. She says she needs to pick up her children and go back to work. Nucky says she doesn’t have to but she worries what she will be if she does not. She runs the taps in her bathroom while she reads about using Lysol as a spermicide. She reaches behind the toilet and retrieves a bottle. boardwalk empire dvd

Jimmy goes to Capone’s house for a meal. Jimmy offers to chop something and Capone says that he cannot let a guest help with the cooking. Capone’s mother, Teresina, asks him to translate as she only speaks Italian. Capone’s wife Mae offers condolences about Pearl. Capone is quick to mention the details he embellished so that Jimmy does not give him away – he has told Mae that they work in a restaurant and that Pearl was a waitress killed in a streetcar accident. He suggests they should talk to the driver. Capone asks how many sausages Jimmy wants and Jimmy asks for one. Capone insists on giving him three and Mae says that Jimmy can make up his own mind. Capone calls his son, Sonny, to the table but gets no response until he kicks him. Capone complains about the boy being stupid and Mae goes to bring him to the table. Capone tells his mother to make coffee and she complains about Mae. Mae recognises fragments of the Italian and realises she has been insulted. Capone disparages his household, commenting on the ethnicities of his mother and wife and calling his son stupid again. Jimmy mentions his own son, Tommy, and describes him to Mae. Capone wonders if Tommy comes when called and Jimmy says that Tommy has a mind of his own. Jimmy tries to speak to Sonny but gets no response; Capone calls him dopey. Mrs Capone trips and spills the coffee; her family help her clean up but Sonny just eats his dinner. Jimmy clicks his fingers behind Sonny and the boy does not move. He repeats the action and Capone notices; they share a look.

At La Belle Femme dress shop Lucy frustrates Madame Jeunet with her choosiness regarding lingerie. Jeunet asks Lucy to describe what she wants. Lucy asks why anyone buys underwear and Jeunet offers that some want to conceal while others want to reveal. Lucy is the latter, requesting a vampy, sheer number with a cut-out crotch. Jeunet goes to fetch a suitable item and Lucy turns to Margaret and criticises her job. Margaret says that she has done worse and Lucy says that she believes her. Jeunet produces an item and Lucy insists on Margaret modelling it.

In the dressing room Lucy critiques Margaret’s figure as she disrobes. She wonders why Margaret doesn’t wear a bra and says that you can tell that she has had children. Lucy says Margaret has the appearance of a servant, only suitable for a “quickie bent over the kitchen table”. Margaret says the “he” doesn’t seem to mind. Lucy says that Margaret is ignorant and gives an insight into Nucky’s Catholic upbringing and occasional desire to change. Lucy says she can easily seduce Nucky away from this thinking. Margaret tells a story of a beggar who had trained a bantam rooster to play a song on a miniature piano. She describes how she was initially fascinated but soon became bored with the performance. Lucy asks what the point is and Margaret tells her not to put too much faith in her powers of seduction. Margaret exits the dressing room and her job.

Paz & pal ‘Huert’ at ‘Heist’

Paz & pal ‘Huert’ at ‘Heist’

　　“Boardwalk Empire” wild child Paz de la Huertagot into a scuffle with a drunken friend at Brett Ratner’s after-party for “Tower Heist.”

　　The TV vixen, one of many stars at the director’s packed, late-night VIP bash Monday at the Stone Rose Lounge, sat at a table and accidentally spilled a drink over her friend, who jumped up in tears. boardwalk empire dvd

　　Staff scurried with napkins, and de la Huerta grabbed her friend’s arm to apologize. But her inconsolable pal shoved her away, wailing. A staffer handed the ladies bottles of water before they were helped out the door and into a taxi.

　　But, “I haven’t had a drink since March 23,” de la Huerta insisted to us last night. “I was drinking Coca-Cola. I brought a very good friend to the premiere who’s having problems. She got wasted. She lost her wallet and was screaming and wailing and acting irrational. She spilled a drink on herself when I reached over to hold her hand to calm her down. She feels horrible about it. I made the decision to leave. Brett is a dear friend.”

　　Ratner’s party kicked off at midnight Monday following Universal and Imagine Entertainment’s Ziegfeld Theater premiere and dinner at MoMA, which drew Brian Grazer, Eddie Murphy, Ben Stiller, Sarah Jessica Parker, Casey Affleck, Courtney Love, Edward Norton, J ames Toback and Tracy Morgan.

　　When we asked Murphy at MoMA if he was pleased about the buzz around his performance, he said, “I’ll be happy when I see good box-office numbers the Monday after the movie opens [Nov. 4].” Of the recent long-overdue plan for him to appear on “Saturday Night Live,” which didn’t quite work out, he added, “I’ll definitely do ‘SNL’ next time, before my next movie.”

　　At Stone Rose, Ratner danced with Gabourey Sidibe till the wee hours, while Jason Sudeikis got cozy with Mary-Kate Olsen, spies said. boardwalk empire box set

　　Ratner, producing the Oscars, had joked earlier at the Ziegfeld, “They’re a lot of Jews here tonight, a lot of executives, a lot of gays. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 84th Academy Awards!”

Davos and Cressen cast

Davos and Cressen cast

　　George R.R. Martin has confirmed that yesterday's casting clue was about Oliver Ford Davies having been cast as measter Cressen. Additionally, Entertainment Weekly has announced Liam Cunningham in the role of ser Davos Seaworth.

　　Oliver Ford Davies (born 12 August 1939) is a British actor experienced with roles on both stage and screen. He is best-known for his role as Sio Bibble in the three Star Wars prequel movies, but has roles in many films such as Sense and Sensibility and Mrs. Brown. He has a successful stage career and won a Laurence Olivier Award in 1990 for his role in the play Racing Demon.

　　Cressen is a maester of the Citadel, a man of learning assigned to a castle to advise its inhabitants in matters of history and science. Cressen currently serves Lord Stannis Baratheon at Dragonstone.

　　Liam CunninghamLiam Cunningham (born 2 June 1961) is an Irish actor with a long career on TV, stage and film. He has appeared in films such as Clash of the Titans, First Knight and Jude, and TV series including Outcasts, Camelot and Northanger Abbey. game of thrones dvd

　　Ser Davos Seaworth is a landed knight and a former (and reformed) smuggler. His ship used to ply the Narrow Sea, smuggling goods from the Free Cities into the Seven Kingdoms and back again. During Robert's Rebellion, Davos relieved the siege of Storm's End by delivering smuggled onions into the castle, helping Stannis Baratheon's forces survive until the end of the war. For this service, Stannis forgave Davos his smuggling crimes and knighted him. He was disparagingly called 'the Onion Knight' for his services, but he has embraced this title proudly and adopted an onion on the sail of a ship as his sigil. Game of Thrones Season 1 dvd

　　There's plenty more roles to be cast, so stay tuned for more season 2 announcements!

Vincent Piazza Retraces a Gangster's Footsteps for 'Boardwalk Empire'

Vincent Piazza Retraces a Gangster's Footsteps for 'Boardwalk Empire'

"If you have a lot of what people want and can't get, then you can supply the demand and shovel in the dough." Those words -- spoken by Charles "Lucky" Luciano, considered the father of modern organized crime (a real-life Godfather, if you will) -- perfectly sum up the story of HBO's ambitious new drama, which premieres Sun., Sept. 19 at 9PM ET.

Actor Vincent Piazza, who plays Lucky Luciano, matched the show's attention to detail with in-depth research on his character. He even hung out in at De Robertis Pasticceria in Manhattan's East Village, a cafe that Luciano himself once frequented. boardwalk empire season 1 dvd

Piazza invited TV Squad to the former gangster haunt to talk about Luciano's legend, the historical precision of 'Boardwalk Empire and working with Martin Scorsese (who produces and directed the pilot).

'Boardwalk Empire' Gangster Index, Week 4: Where Have You Gone, Commodore?

Just when we were starting to get a read on the complex political landscape developing on Season Two of 'Boardwalk Empire,' a massive eruption has shifted everything around ... again. With the Commodore, Nucky Thompson's chief nemesis, incapacitated by a stroke, the anti-Nucky conspirators suddenly find themselves without a leader, and panicked by the thought that betraying Atlantic City's treasurer may be the last mistake they'll make on this Earth.

Nucky's stock, meanwhile, is back on the rise, as he continues to find creative ways to quickly re-occupy the power vacuum we saw forming after his arrest. And as both Thompson and Darmody set their sites on extending their bootlegging operation into Philadelphia, a proxy war looms on the horizon. boardwalk empire dvd

To keep track of the deals, deception and death, AOL TV is maintaining the 'Boardwalk Empire' gangster index, a guide to who's up and who's down among HBO's organized criminals.

Check out the index to find out how your favorite liquor-slinging sociopath fared in Episode Four, 'What Does the Bee Do?'

A list of interviews and features

A list of interviews and features

That’s right, only in the form of a list, there’s too much of everything going on just now. We love it, we do … but sometimes you have to prioritize. Ours is the site that keeps you up to date with news and rumours about Game of Thrones, and we’re keeping our promises.

An interview/profile with Harry Lloyd by The Independent: “The Man Who Would be King”.

Digital Spy has a host of interviews with David & Dan, Emilia and Alfie, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, and Jason Momoa.

Blastr.com discusses the adaptation process with David & Dan.

Television Without Pity interviews the showrunners as well, and so does TV Fanatic.

What’s on TV has two interviews with Mark Addy and Sean Bean.

MTV movies blog has two video interviews with Sean Bean and GRRM.

An interview with GRRM by The Guardian, about his writing and the HBO adaptation: “Barbarians at the Gate”.

There is also this long featured interview with GRRM from The New Yorker from a few days ag now freely made available online.

Los Angeles Times has GRRM explain how the series Sharpe made him a Sean Bean fan, and interviews the actor himself.

Two interviews with Richard Madden, one by Herald Scotland and another with a more fashionable slant by Mr Porter.

Featured articles on Game of Thrones on NPR.org, MSNBC Today (woman characters), and in Mad Movies (French magazine).

Jace Lacob (@Televisionary) wrote a Game of Thrones for Dummies guide to the show (spoiler free except for the background story and character history).

HBOwatch.com provides a guide to organising a viewing party for the premiere (and later episodes). Game of Thrones Season 1 dvd

The Hollywood Reporter runs a bunch of impressive figures by you in Game of Thrones by the Numbers.

UPDATING with more: Access Hollywood: Rising Star features Kit Harington.

TvTango collects a host of Game of Thrones related links as a handy guide (many mentions, thank you!), and lists 10 good reasons to watch the show.

Also, five more reasons to watch the show – without reading the books, by TV Guide. game of thrones dvd

Preview/interview with David&Dan at Wired.com.

Game of Thrones Quotes from Season 1

　　1.Tyrion: Let me give you some advice bastard. Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor, and it can never be used to hurt you.

　　Jon: What the hell do you know about being a bastard?

　　Tyrion: All dwarfs are bastards in their father's eyes. game of thrones dvd

　　2.Ned: You understand why I did it.

　　Bran: John said he was a deserter.

　　Ned: But you understand why I had to kill him.

　　Bran: Our way is the old way.

　　'Ned: The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword.

　　3.Jaime: Tell me you're not thinking of taking The Black.

　　Tyrion: And go celibate? The whores would go begging from Casterly Rock. I just want to stand on the edge and piss off the end of the world.

　　4.Tyrion: And how do a bear's balls taste?

　　Yoren: A bit chewy. What about you, milord. What's the strangest thing you've eaten? Game of Thrones Season 1 dvd

　　Tyrion: Do Dornish girls count?

　　5.Old Nan: Oh, my sweet summer child! What do you know about fear? Fear is for the winter, when the snows fall a hundred feet deep; fear is for the Long Night, when the sun hides for years and children are born and live and die all in darkness. That is the time for fear, my little Lord.

Casey Anthony's parents talk to Dr. Phil; 'Boardwalk Empire' casts 'Sopranos' alum

Casey Anthony's parents talk to Dr. Phil; 'Boardwalk Empire' casts 'Sopranos' alum

　　The latest TV snacks include a familiar face on "Boardwalk Empire," casting news from "CSI: Miami" and "The Good Wife" and more. Eat up:

　　Casey Anthony's parents, Cindyand George Anthony, will give their first interview since Casey was acquitted of killing her daughter Caylee on "Dr. Phil's" season premiere. Host Phil McGraw says "nothing is off limits" in the interview, which will air Sept. 12. [Dr. Phil]

　　Former "Sopranos" regular Dominic Chianese will pop up on HBO's current organized-crime drama, "Boardwalk Empire," this season. Chianese will appear in six episodes as Leander Whitlock, an acquaintance of the Commodore (Dabney Coleman). [TV Guide] boardwalk empire dvd

　　Alicia's brother is getting some love on "The Good Wife": Michael Arden ("Source Code") has been cast in the CBS series as a love interest for Owen (Dallas Roberts). The show has also tapped Harvey Fierstein for a guest role as a judge. [TVLine/EW]

　　Comedy Central has set premiere dates for a bunch of its series in the fall. Among them: "Tosh.0" and "Workaholics" on Tuesday, Sept. 20; "South Park" and "Nick Swardson's Pretend Time" on Wednesday, Oct. 5; and stand-up specials from Craig Ferguson (Oct. 15) and Donald Glover (Nov. 20), among others. A "South Park" behind-the-scenes documentary is also scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 2. [Comedy Central]

　　Horatio Caine is getting a nemesis on "CSI: Miami." Former "24" star Carlos Bernard has booked a season-long arc as a wealthy, polticially connected man who frustrates Caine (David Caruso) at every turn. The show has also snagged "Breaking Bad's" Dean Norris for a guest role as an Internal Affairs detective. [TV Guide/TVLine]

　　The History Channel has signed Bill Paxton to star opposite Kevin Costner in its "Hatfields and McCoys" miniseries. Paxton will play the head of the McCoy clan, while Costner (who's also a producer) is playing the Hatfield patriarch. Kevin Reynolds ("The Count of Monte Cristo," "Waterworld") will direct. [History Channel] boardwalk empire box set

　　Jim Belushi is plotting a sitcom comeback. The former "According to Jim" star, who headlined CBS' drama "The Defenders" last season, is developing a comedy about a single father with "Murphy Brown" creator Diane English. ABC Studios will produce it. [Deadline]

First ever WiC moot in NYC

Well, with HBO doing this food truck promo so close me, I just had to make a trip up the Turnpike to sample some flavors of Westeros. And I figure, hey, there’s got to be a bunch of WiC readers that will be doing the same thing, why don’t we get together and hang out? game of thrones dvd
So here’s the plan, such as it is right now. I will be heading up to NYC on Friday evening (April 1), with plans to get to the food truck as close to 6 PM as possible. After partaking of some Westerosi food, I plan to hit up a local pub and enjoy some Dornish Ale. If anyone is free that evening and would like to join me and the wife (who, despite being a vegetarian, still wants to go), feel free!
If you would like to go, please comment in the thread below and state your interest. This way I have a rough idea of how many people to expect. Also make sure when leaving your comment you use a valid email/Twitter/Facebook, so I can get in touch with you once we have some more details.
The Kingslayer’s Escape: A Poisoner, a Murderer, a Mummer and a Thief slip through the shadows of Riverrun’s high halls. Jaime Lannister is found locked away in a well-appointed but heavily-guarded room. A brief distraction is all that is needed for the Thief to free the Kingslayer. Once he has a sword in hand, Jaime Lannister is a fury to behold; he cuts his way to freedom leaving Riverrun men dead and bleeding in his wake. He rushes with his liberators down toward the hunter’s gate. The Mummer calls for the gate to be opened using Edmure Tully’s command. It opens … but there beyond stands Edmure Tully himself and a host of Riverrun guardsmen waiting for them. Jaime curses and charges…
The Ghost of Harrenhal:
    Arya speaks quietly with Jaqen H’ghar in the shadowy hush of a long-forgotten godswood. The Faceless Man would have the last of three names from her. “Speak the name, and death will come,” he promises. “At the morning, at the turn of the moon, a year from this day, it will come.” Jaqen kneels before her. “A girl whispers if she fears to speak aloud. Whisper it now. Is it Joffrey?” We are close on Arya’s lips as she whispers one name into Jaqen’s ear: “It’s Jaqen H’ghar…”
Prince Theon of Winterfell:
    Theon Greyjoy wanders the dark halls of Winterfell as the ghosts of his misdeeds and betrayals play haunting tricks on his mind. The children Theon killed (Bran and Rickon, or so we think) and even three of his own men—murdered by Theon’s hand even if we do not yet understand why—come in gruesome flashes of memory. No death is easy; even Farlen mocked him, saying, “M’Lord Eddard always did his own killing,” as the kennelmaster was laid upon a block. He forced Theon to wield the axe himself. That memory is the messiest. And then Reek stands before him. “My lord prince,” Reek says, smiling. “Your sister has come to Winterfell…” Game of Thrones box set
Wildfire on the Blackwater:
    Blackwater Bay is choked with ships as the assault on King’s Landing is now in full fray. Davos Seaworth captains Black Betha as he watches Swordfish bear down to ram a fat cog seemingly wallowing in the weight of its cargo, easy pickings in an overwhelming assault. Too late, Davos notices the green liquid leaking out from the cog’s hold—and Swordfish does not. None of the crew can hear Davos’s scream. Swordfish and its spiked ram splits the cog in two. WHOOOOOM! Green fire fills the air, lighting the night to emerald day. “About!” Davos commands, frantic, trying to turn his ship around in the face of certain death, even as other ships are caught in the inferno. And that is when he notices the great chain slowly rising from the waters behind them…
The Betrayal of Jon Snow:
    Jon stands with his back to Quorin Halfhand as the wind whips ice and snow across the trenched crags beyond Skirling Pass. Ygritte and the other wildlings crouch in a half circle, watching with wide-eyed interest. Rattleshirt snarls, “Kill the Halfhand, bastard!” Quorin replies, “As if he could.” He draws his own blade. “Turn, Snow, and die.” Jon turns and is barely able to parry Quorin’s first thrust…
And more. More, more, more. Some people simply consider A Clash of Kings to be a stepping stone to A Storm of Swords. But it’s great storytelling all its own.
Lock it up, HBO. Lock it up!
GoT fans, help me out and show us some of the scenes from season two of Game of Thrones that you’re dying to see. Even if we didn’t see them happen “onscreen” in the book … the magic can happen here. Always support the bottom! Gimme some of your favorite scenes! Go!

Boardwalk Empire Review

Boardwalk Empire Review

Boardwalk Empire, HBO's latest ambitious project poised to join the ranks of epic television like Deadwood and Sopranos, puts Hollywood movies on notice by getting Martin Scorsese to direct the pilot and put his unique brand of filmmaking on the small screen.

The end result, while at times uneven, delivers more story, and character in its 70 minute run-time than most two-hour feature films. Boardwalk is more than just "Al Capone: Year One". It's the story of Prohibition set on and around Atlantic City, a place home to glizty vice and overcast skies. A place where men like the semi-fictional treasurer Enock "Nucky" Thompson (Steve Buscemi) keep a vice grip on the underworld that bank rolls bootlegging operations; when he's not kissing babies, he's taking their lolipops. And serving illegal booze for three dollars a glass to their parents.

Prohibition has just been passed, which rings the dinner bell for every other mobster to want control of all the profits to be had. Nucky uses and abuses his political influence to emerge as the first man in line, much to the ire of fellow gangsters like the pin-striped Arnold Rothstein (A Serious Man's Michael Stuhlbarg) and arrogant "Lucky" Luciano (Vincent Piazza).

Quickly, the feds soon get on Nucky and Company's tail, and the very Purtian, and potentially creepy, Agent Nelson Van Alden takes point.

I like the pilot, a lot, but didn't love it. The pilot seems to be chasing something; a sense of greatness it thinks its earned but not just yet.

Scorsese's fingerprints are all over this thing, in a good way. From an elaborate single-take shot establishing the geography of the boardwalk to his use of freeze frames and source music, Scorsese establishes the tone and aesthetic of the series while simultaneously raising the bar for cable productions. boardwalk empire season 1 dvd

Helping him to that end is the impressive roster of character actors at his disposal. Michael Pitt, who plays a former war hero turned Nucky enforcer, does a solid job handling the challenge of being family man in one scene, and new best friend of Al Capone in another. Pitt, like the rest of the cast, blend into the world and become as much a part of Boardwalk as the figures found in the faded pictures that inspire it.

Buscemi stands out from this ensemble more than he should. A character actor used to blending in has been put center stage ("Hey look, it's Mr. Pink!") occupying the role of a heavyweight that feels like it needs an actor with more presence, with more weight, similar to those anti-heroes in other HBO shows in this genre. Buscemi's performance, while more than servicable, never quite feels like he truly is the character, the way Gandolfini is Tony Soprano, or Ian McShane is Al Swearengen.

But should Nucky's arc involving a woman (the great Kelly MacDonald) that the gangster befriends find more play as the season progresses, Buscemi may find himself in a role that ranks up there with the best of his career and the best of HBO's anti-heroes.

For a pilot with so many moving parts and expensive everythings, Scorsese and Boardwark's Executive Producers (and former Sopranos contributors) Terence Winter and Tim Van Patten effortlessly juggle a feature-film cast and the technical means to satsify their stories.

It sets up several plot threads that will be fun to see play out as the first season takes on the real historical events and filters them through Nucky's unique perspective. But setting up lawman Van Alden as the white hat gunning for Nucky's operation, a character this close into stepping into creepy "Jude Law from Road To Perdition" territory, is off-putting, as is the casting of problematic Michael Shannon in the role. boardwalk empire dvd

It's fine that the show desires not to have an absolute hero, but with only various degrees of "bad guys" to root for, and none of which as charming or engaging as those that embody HBO's other successes in the genre, the pilot presents an interesting challenge of sorts for audiences trying to figure out how long they want to stay with it.

Boardwalk Empire is an inspired production and it has the makings of a great series operating on the scale of a feature film. The show's slow burn approach toward how crimes and their consequences play out may prove to be a sharp contrast to the sudden ultra-violence that punctuates its final moments. But as violent and bloody as this world gets, Boardwalk aims to be a show less about who gets killed and more about why the triggers had to be pulled at all.

Who will play Pan?

Who will play Pan?

Way back in May, Katey told us about Pan, a dark spin on J.M. Barrie's beloved never-aging character. At the time, the project had an excellent cast shaping up, including Aaron Eckhart in the lead, as well as Sean Bean (Game of Thrones)and AnnaSophia Robb. Now add another big name to the line-up: Moviehole has heard word that Terence Stamp will be taking a role in Pan.

CBS News reports the Tarsem Singh-directed film, starring Collins as the exile princess who enlists the help of seven dwarfs to overthrow the Evil Queen, played by Julia Roberts, has been titled Mirror Mirror.

“It wasn’t necessary to impersonate one another because she is, after all, my mum,” Richardson says. “We did have a talk, and we all decided it would be wrong. It would be gimmicky. It would be better to play the truth of our characters. The young Elizabeth is a completely different woman.”

And make sure you subject yourself to a few sessions of In Treatment. For some reason they're started this at series two but it's still superb viewing, each episode is essentially an appointment with Gabriel Byrne's psychically damaged psychologist Paul Weston and one of five patients. game of thrones dvd

Sometimes when you’re doing red carpet the bigger name stars won’t show up until close to show time. As a result, they won’t be able to hit every single outlet. Most often this means that a given writer/actor/director will just leave in the middle of the line. Even though we had better placement than most online outlets, this is pretty much what happened with Bean.

One aspect of the preview I really enjoyed was performing stealth kills. Like everything you do in the game, you can choose to up your skill level in this area at the expense of other skills. The stealth kills were easy to pull off once you’ve managed the tricky task of sneaking up behind enemies. On my first play through the game when I finally get it, I think I’ll definitely concentrate a lot of my upgrade points on stealth. It’s great.

Your Entertainment - Steve Buscemi Shot, Stabbed And Woodchipped

Your Entertainment - Steve Buscemi Shot, Stabbed And Woodchipped

Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire) gives a great death face. It’s one part shock, one part indignant disgust that he’d actually let himself be bested by some scumbag. And filmmakers love shooting Buscemi, particulary with shotgun blasts that send him halfway across the room. I'm glad the creator of the clip thought outside of the box to include Buscemi's cable-TV deaths, because the Sopranos execution has to be included in any discussion of Buscemi deaths.

Up first, entertainment journalist Maria Menounos performed with the Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon at Gallery. Courtesy photos by Denise Truscello/WireImage. <a href="http://www.boardwalkempiredvd.us">boardwalk empire dvd</a>

Fargo is the product of the Coen Brothers and is apparently the telling of a true story. Macy plays Jerry, a financially crippled car salesman married to a woman with a rich and tight fisted father. In order to try and resolve his financial difficulties and find investment money for a new business venture he plans to have his wife kidnapped and her father to pay the ransom.

Ugly Betty's Becki Newton will recur on HowIMetYourMother beginning in January as Quinn, a love interest for Barney. Guess that was really it for Robin and Barney. Eh.

For his current Boardwalk Empire gig, Buscemi’s politician/gangster Nucky seems untouchable, even when fighting his own conniving brother Eli (played by Shea Whigham), as he did in last Sunday’s episode (see the knock-down-drag-out here).

Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire) has been offered the role of Anton, a Las Vegas magician who’s the longtime friend and partner of the title character, played by Carell. After being injured by Burt during their “Hotbox” trick, he decides to quit the act and teach magic in the Far East. When a hot-shot street magician (Carrey) starts coming on strong, Burt must convince Anton to return to the stage.

The promos for The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 have promoted the nuptials between Edward and Bella as the "Wedding of the Year"-- you know, the Wedding of the Year that isn't Will and Kate's, or Kim and Kris's, or that awesome one you went to this summer with the champagne fountain. But Breaking Dawn is far from the first movie to throw a big ol' wedding, and we'd argue it doesn't do it nearly as well as a lot of other classics. 

Empire State Manufacturing Index

 Empire State Manufacturing Index

The Empire State Manufacturing Survey indicates that conditions for New York manufacturers held steady in November. After a string of five consecutive months of negative readings, the general business conditions index rose nine points, to 0.6. While the new orders index edged down to -2.1, indicating that orders were a little lower, the shipments index rose to 9.4, indicating an increase in shipments.After getting cornered by Nucky and Lucy, Van Alden handed Randolph a massive file on AC's treasurer/number one bootlegger. Margaret gave into her feelings for Owen as the two took part in a little afternoon delight. Jimmy reluctantly placed a hit on Nucky, which was botched when one of Randolph's agents took out Capone's hired gun, leaving Nucky with a wounded hand.

Assistant Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said the deceased were inside a double-wide mobile home at Boardwalk Empire when the fire call came in at 4:44 a.m., 20 minutes after crews had been called to a house fire at 28th Avenue and Howard Street.

we reviewed the legacy of The Kennedy family’s real estate empire and what kinds of real estate alternatives are available to today’s investor.

we reviewed the legacy of The Kennedy family’s real estate empire and what kinds of real estate alternatives are available to today’s investor.Empire Resources, Inc.(OTCQX: ERSO), a distributor of value added, semi-finished metal products, announced today that net sales for the third quarter of 2011 were $137.7 million, an increase of 10% from the third quarter of 2010 and up 9% from the 2011 second quarter.  boardwalk empire dvd

Even if it's just November, it's worth paying attention when Kentucky plays Kansas. In the latest meeting of these two storied basketball schools, the second-ranked Wildcats beat the 12th-ranked Jayhawks 75-65 at Madison Square Garden. Doron Lamb scored 17 points, Terrence Jones had 15 and No. 2 Kentucky raced to a decisive spurt at the start of the second half as Kentucky passed an early-season test in a matchup of the two winningest programs in college basketball.

Trinity Released on Steam

Trinity Released on Steam

In Sins of a Solar Empire, the independent Trader Worlds are forced to unite in order to defend themselves from the alien Vasari menace and the return of their exiled brethren, the Advent. The Entrenchment expansion jumps forward 15 years to a time of stalemate between the factions when they fortify the territories they control with powerful starbases, mine fields and advanced defenses. Diplomacy takes the player to the current day, when the constraint toil of war has taken its heavy toll. Some speak of peace, while others see such initiatives as openings to destroy their enemies through subtler means.

The successful actress and author had a list of grievances with the television and movie franchise that she said made it inferior, including lacklustre visuals, make-up, toys and video games.
The Marlins would be setting up to become the Evil Empire of the NL - the team that has all the appeal (except, of course, for the history) that makes it the first place free agents think of when they hit the market.
Creative Cause and Boardwalk Empire were two of three promising 2-year-olds that Steinmann bought last fall. The third, French Storm, is an A.P. Indy colt who could race before the end of the current Hollywood Park meeting, which runs through Dec. 18. Harrington insists there is no hurry with any of them.

The grant to the March of Dimes is part of the Boardwalk Empire BlueShield Foundation's ongoing commitment to addressing health disparities and improving public health in New York. Through its State Health Index - a state-by-state compilation of public health measures - and Healthy Generations program, the Empire BlueCross BlueShield Foundation works to identify the issues most in need of attention and directs its charitable support and volunteer efforts toward improving health in those areas. Reducing low birth weights and engaging mothers in prenatal care in their first trimester are major focus areas for Empire BlueCross BlueShield Foundation. boardwalk empire dvd

"Receiving a Green Power Leadership Award is a significant accomplishment in the Empire State Building's ongoing commitment to challenge business as usual when it comes to energy efficiency and energy consumption," stated Anthony E. Malkin, Empire State Building Company. "This is only part of our continuing efforts to reduce our environmental impact and we hope to encourage other buildings globally to consider purchasing clean energy." 

HBO sits on the throne for book adaptations

HBO sits on the throne for book adaptations

Don't let the damsels in distress and knights in shining armour fool you, Game of Thrones is anything but family viewing, with scenes of graphic violence, frequent nudity and strong language from the outset. If you can stomach the R18 content though, you'll be rewarded with a show that's as grippingly addictive as it is well made.

"Game of Thrones" season 2 is expected to debut in the spring of 2012.

"We are honored to work with HBO, Cyanide Studios, and the great George R. R. Martin in bringing an exciting action RPG set in this beloved fantasy universe to fans and gamers in early 2012."

"This is a wonderful way for fans to engage with the brand in an exciting and interactive way," stated James Costos, VP of HBO Global Licensing.

I don't think I will ever be happy to hear that. (laughs) I sort of like the challenge of constantly feeling like you have something to prove. I definitely don't want to ever lose that spirit and become content or relegated to any success we have. I think once you're content with where you're at, you're kind of losing. We would like to be Charlie Sheen winning as underdogs for the rest of our career.game of thrones dvd

Peter Dinklage has said that Game of Thrones has given him "a deeper appreciation" for the fantasy genre.

"I have a great sense of humour - and a dark sense of humour - about everything, but it is a bit narrow-minded sometimes, where if they have a dwarf character, the shoes have to curl up at the end, he has this inherent wisdom, he isn't sexual, all of that.

"Right now it's Middle Eastern people who are all playing terrorists. It's short-sighted. But life is too short - no pun intended - to be interested in roles that haven't got any meat to them."

An Action of Game of Thrones

An Action of Game of Thrones

It’s been confirmed that the acclaimed fantasy series will be transitioning to consoles in the form of an action-RPG and it’ll be out in spring 2012.

You heard it right folks; that fantasy novel series that was impossible to put down, which then became a television series that was equally addictive, is going to (hopefully) feed our addiction for everythings George R. R. Martin next spring when A Game of Thrones hits Xbox 360s.

Sean Bean’s latest role didn’t require him to master many new skills from scratch. “I’m pretty good at horse riding and sword-fighting already,” he chuckles in his gruff Northern burr, “though I did have to brush up on them both a bit before filming.” It has, after all, been 18 years since Bean saddled up as Sergeant Richard Sharpe in the first of 16 swashbuckling adventures on ITV1. “Though generally,” he says, “we practise with sticks instead of swords.”

Emmy voters have a chance to flaunt their risk-taking side with Thursday's nominations.

A best drama series bid for "Game of Thrones," HBO's sex-and-swords fantasy adventure, would seriously dent the TV academy's traditional resistance to top honors for genre fare. game of thrones dvd

Starbucks plans to convert its public restrooms to employee-only in New York City. A source reportedthat Starbucks is tired of being"the public bathroom in the city" as its own employees wait in long lines to use the facilities. And just as they're apparently getting tired of Wi-Fi sippers camping out for hours in their stores, they're taking away the amenities that make Starbucks a home away from home for many freelancers and job-seekers.

Earthquakes, destructive storms, hurricanes, and all sorts of natural disasters are occurring more and more these days, making believers and non -believers alike, wonder if God is angry about something? Maybe an answer to that question should be answered with another question. "Has man under estimated God's wrath, His love, and His power?

Winter Is Coming – Recap

another new scene, our introduction to Cersei and Jaime. Not only do we learn they are siblings, but we learn they are hiding something and it was something the recently-deceased Jon Arryn might have uncovered. The central mystery of the first season is therefore established. game of thrones dvd

Back to Winterfell and we get our first glimpse of the Godswood. A gorgeous shot. The King and his party arrives to some great fanfare (seriously, the music in this part is great). Maisie is great here, “Where’s the Imp?” And what the King says to Bran here has to be heartbreaking to book readers. Also, I love how Robert completely ignores Cersei.

Down to the crypts, and flashback to the original pilot as well. Addy and Bean do well here to convey they are old buddies reuniting after many years apart. And we finally find out where the Imp is, at a brothel natch. This scene was originally written to occur in King’s Landing, but was moved to Winterfell (they have brothels there?). Back to the crypts, where we find out who Robert’s true love is and jump cut to…

The last Targaryens. I love this scene, not only because Harry Lloyd is creepily fantastic as Viserys but because the shot of Dany getting into the bath is thrown in as a nod to what we all expect to be the final shot of the season. I love all the little nods to the fans that David & Dan have included in the series.

Eventually, we find our way back to Winterfell where the feast is underway. Benjen’s encounter with Jon is a nice little new scene that helps establish what the Night’s Watch is all about. And I absolutely love Jon and Tyrion’s encounter, even with no tumbling and no Ghost, but at least most of the great lines from the book are retained. “All dwarfs are bastards in their father’s eyes.”

Now we’re at the feast where a good bit of original pilot footage has made the show. Bean’s original hair looked so much better, a shame they had to go with the wig for the rest of the season. Ah yes, the infamous Ned and Jaime encounter. This brings back memories. For those who weren’t around in the very early days, we had gotten our hands on a copy of the original pilot script and this scene was in there. And many fans were not thrilled with this addition as it made Ned sound more of a “badass” than he was in the books. Plus there were complaints about the “because when I fight a man for real, I don’t want him to know what I can do” line. I didn’t mind the scene much at the time, and still don’t. It helps establish the central Stark vs. Lannister conflict.

But in case that central conflict is lost on some viewers, it is hammered home in the next scene where Lysa’s message is delivered. And we get one of the more drastic changes here where Catelyn is resistant to Ned going to King’s Landing. In the books, she wants Ned to go to try to unravel the mystery of Jon Arryn’s death. She only becomes resistant to him leaving after Bran’s fall. Personally I don’t mind the change and can understand why David & Dan made it. Too much back and forth in a matter of two episodes would make Catelyn look wishy-washy and not the strong-willed woman she actually is. I think in the book that sort of thing works better when you can spend more time with each character.

Back across the Narrow Sea and we get the wedding and then soon after the bedding. Another change here, as Dany does NOT enjoy her first time. This change stands to be a bit more problematic as it has been noted that Dany’s sudden change in attitude towards Drogo later seems less motivated out of love and more of a case of Stockholm Syndrome. I would be curious to hear what our readers think of this change.

And then, the finale. That moment that stands to hook those viewers teetering on the edge, so to speak. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau plays it so well too. It is sure to be a shock and hopefully will draw viewers back for episode two.

Overall, a fantastic opening episode. David & Dan have done a great job fitting in all the necessary character introductions and requisite backstory for this first hour while still keeping things moving. And some of the new scenes and little nods to the fans show that they know these books inside and out. So the first hour is in the books, with nine more to go and many more great moments ahead, I think we can say that winter is just getting started.

Episode 1 – Winter Is Coming – Recap

After years of waiting, Game of Thrones has finally arrived. Episode one, “Winter Is Coming”, has aired and the awesomeness of this show has been fully unleashed on an unsuspecting public. Here is my recap:

Spoiler Note: This post is for those who have read the first book. As such the post itself and the comments will contain spoilers. If you haven’t read the first book yet, stay tuned for a recap from a newbie’s perspective! game of thrones dvd

The show opens with the now-familiar prologue scene. Haunting and intense, the scene opens the show with a bang. Sidenote: I was mildly disappointed when Jamie Campbell Bower had to be replaced as Ser Waymar, but I think Rob Ostlere did a great job. And it doesn’t take long for us to encounter our first change from the book. It is Will that survives the encounter with the Others (hereafter referred to as the official show term, the White Walkers). Not only that, but he doesn’t get away before the Walkers appear, but literally comes face-to-ice-cold-face with one and manages to remain alive. The only explanation is they let him live. A deviation from the books and one that seems to imply that the White Walkers are not attempting to sneak into Westeros in the cold night of winter but rather are quite confident they can take it with brute force.

And then, the opening credits. Pretty amazing, right? Not much to add here other than the main theme music WILL get stuck in your head.

And then our first completely new scene. This is the first of many. David Benioff and Dan Weiss were not shy when it came to adding their own take on things. Most of these are quite good, good enough that they almost feel like “deleted scenes” from the book. This is one of those scenes. It works as a great introduction to all of the Stark characters (love how they completely establish Arya’s character without her even uttering a word) and gives us a chance to see them all interact as a family. And we get our first Winter Is Coming!

And then the beheading scene, this one has been seen in so many trailers and discussed at length before, so I won’t linger here long. I will mention though that I don’t mind them cutting Theon’s kick. Next, the finding of the direwolves. Aren’t they adorable?

Episode 1 – Winter Is Coming – New Viewer Recap

So Game of Thrones has aired and millions of new viewers are now left wondering what this awesome show is all about and where the story will go from here. Winter-Is-Coming.net wants to welcome these folks to this site and to help with that we have asked a new viewer, unfamiliar with the books, to recap each episode and allow Thrones virgins a chance to discuss what they’ve seen and what may come next. Our newbie recapper, in the naming tradition of WiCnet has adopted the moniker, We Do Not Sow. And here are his thoughts on the first episode of Game of Thrones: game of thrones dvd

Spoiler note: This post is intended for new viewers ONLY (book fans can discuss the show here). We ask all the series veterans to refrain from posting spoilers in the comments here, veiled or otherwise. This show is best viewed without knowing all the surprises beforehand, so please be respectful of your new, fellow fans. Thank you!

We Do Not Sow: I was asked to give my opinion of the new HBO original series Game of Thrones based on never reading any part of the book series. I even withheld from watching the behind the scenes, the making of, and promotional content so I could come into the season premiere all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. I was not sure what to expect, I was told it was a hybrid between, the Lord of the Rings and The Sopranos, two of my all time favorites so the bar seemed high. I lowered my expectations and was actually expecting the production value to be similar to the Showtime series The Tudors, and hopefully the story would be able to save mediocre set design, wardrobe and fight sequences. Very quickly I found out I was way wrong, the production was stellar. The set design, outdoor locations and even the smallest stable or kitchen was stunning. It makes it so much easier to dive into a new series when the world around it is so well thought out.

I really enjoyed the first episode, it was like being the new kid to the party, I had a great time but I’m not sure if I will remember everyone’s name in the morning. They really hit the ground running with the night watch and it grabbed my attention quickly. I am not sure who or what the white walkers are but it was the first of many questions to be raised. The introduction of the Stark family was pretty easily grasped but it also brings up questions about Jon Snow and the background there. I can only image what kind of plot twist awaits me as Ed Stark goes south with the king. The last few minutes of the show really did shock me. To be honest I expected Bran to fall, I felt that was set up earlier in the show, but for him to see what he did and the way he fell gave me a shock and a jolt of excitement to learn more about this world. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t enjoy watching children get thrown from great heights, but what it told me was this show is going to shock and surprise me around each corner. I for one am jealous of those who have read the series and know whats ahead, since I will be waiting patiently for each Sunday night to come. But for once I am very pleased to sit with my popcorn and watch the story unfold and not draw judgments from a previous experience.

I am not sure what else to say but I will be re-watching this episode later in the week and am very eagerly waiting for each Sunday to come. If you want my two cents, it looks like we have seven kingdoms, seven houses, one throne and and some great adventures ahead.

Winter is almost here!

The days on the countdown clock are at zero! And the hours and minutes are ticking away. With the show about to air, we wanted to give you guys a heads-up on our post-airing plans for this site. game of thrones dvd

Episode Chat

Each week we’ll put up a post shortly before that week’s episode is set to air, previewing the episode and allowing fans to discuss the show as it airs, if they wish.

Episode Recap

We plan to have a recap and reaction to each episode soon after it airs. This post will include thoughts on the difference between the books and the show and we also may speculate on future events. As such, it is meant for book readers ONLY.

Newbie Recap

We also plan to have a recap and reaction post from someone who is new to the series and hasn’t read the books. The hope is that new viewers will gravitate towards these posts and can discuss what they think might happen next.

Spoiler Policy

Obviously, this means that we have to be very careful of spoilers. So we are going to reiterate and refine our spoiler policy here:

No spoilers on the front page ever. Everyone can view the main page to get the latest news on the series without any fear of spoilers.

General news posts will be spoiler-free as well. The comments for these posts may contain spoilers and we ask that everyone use spoiler tags when including potential spoilers on general news posts.

Speculative posts, such as our casting or scripting posts, will likely contain spoilers. These will be hidden after the jump, of course, and a spoiler warning will be given prior to the break. We ask that folks still tag their spoilers in the comments here.

The episode recaps will include spoilers from the first book. These threads are meant for those who have read the first book. Any spoilers for future books must be tagged in the comments.

Newbie recaps are a spoiler-free zone. Anyone posting spoilers in here, tagged or otherwise, will be banned and that includes veiled spoilers or hints. Just don’t do it.

Episode 7 – You Win or You Die – Early Open Chat

For all those who have HBO Go and decided to use it tonight to watch episode seven of Game of Thrones, use this here thread to discuss your thoughts. As for me, I am waiting until Sunday to see it, so no recap until then. Please keep all your thoughts about this episode, and most importantly the details of what happens in this episode, confined to this thread. That means no hinting or spoiling in other threads. game of thrones dvd 

Episode 6 preview and clips

Brotherhood without Previews, avert your eyes. HBO has released two clips from this Sunday’s episode of Game of Thrones, entitled A Golden Crown. This to go along with the already TWO previews released earlier this week: one for episode 6, and another to promote the early release of episode 7 on HBO Go. Check out the episode 6 preview below and head past the break to see the rest.

Ratings hit season high once more

The numbers continue to climb! In words of Bronn, the bitch is going to get impregnated. James Hibberd has the scoop, natch:

Once again, HBO’s Game of Thrones ratings hit a season high Sunday night, climbing to 2.6 million viewers for its premiere airing.

Combined with its encore, Thrones was up to 3.3 million viewers for the night, with the show averaging 8.1 million viewers per episode across all platforms. This is the third week in a rowThrones ratings have gone up.

In the UK, though, the ratings are reportedly down to previous successful levels at 522,000 viewers after an unexpectedly big 20% spike last week.

Hear Me Roar: … is delighted. Another nice graphic analysis coming next week, in all likelyhood.

Game Of Thrones’ Costume Designer

GAME OF THRONES PARTNERSHIP
One of the most popular and critically acclaimed cable television shows of 2011 was Game of Thrones, created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss for HBO. The hit series is based on A Song of Ice and Fire, the best-selling fantasy novel series by George R. R. Martin.

Next year will see the release of the film version of "Midnight's Children," directed by the Indian-born Canadian filmmaker Deepa Mehta. "It's the first time that one of my books has been filmed," Rushdie notes. "It's a very dangerous and difficult task to make any book into a film. There are so many examples of failures, of good books turned into very poor movies. Many of my friends had books turned into films and I don't think they have been exceptional films. Ian McEwan only has to sneeze and they make a movie of it, but I'm not sure if any of those films have been really outstanding.game of thrones dvd 

This is awesome. So I never heard of the HBO series (anywhere) until I saw it nominated for an Emmy. Decided to check it out OnDemand... sure enough, there it is the whole season. Was watching one episode a night, just settled in to watch Episode 5 and voila! It's gone, nada, zilch. Nothing OnDemand.

I thought I was going crazy until I saw the rest of the postings...I just called technical service and they had no idea this is happening. I was watching one episode a night as well and today I was going to see episode 5 and the series is gone from the menu in the tv AND the iPad app that controls the programming...it does not show in any search, and yet you can see it through the computer. Any ideas?

Some of the lucky souls who are experiencing the story for the first time are complaining - quite fairly - about spoilers in the non-spoiler thread. For those who have read the books, it's all too easy to drop spoilers in inadvertently. It would also be great to discuss the show from the perspective of those familiar with the source material. If you want to talk about future books, or events that have not yet been shown this season, this is the place to do it.

Game Of Thrones’ Costume Designer

Game Of Thrones’ Costume Designer

“The Wall, where the King’s night watch stands guard, is very minimal, basic, and primitive. The costumes are dark, predominately black and grey, and layered with fur pelts and touches of Himalayan, Mongol and Eskimo cultures. The men won’t wear metal because it’s too cold.” game of thrones dvd

The booth will feature a full size reproduction of the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros as well as costumes and props from the show.

The leather coat of Jaime Lannister, worn so frequently, even under armour, is something which the costume designer, Michele Clapton, thinks is elegant. In this case, I have to disagree and say it looks just out of place, like a french-designed trench coat from this century. Well well.Corsets might seem like a natural fit for costumes such as the "Black Swan"-inspired corset and tutu, which costs $699 at Chicago Costume and is embellished with red lace and feathers. A plainer version of the costume is also available for $199. And Hickey says now even superheroes such as Batgirl and Wonder Woman come in corset styles.

In the Game of Thrones books and HBO TV Show, everyone is fighting to sit on the Iron Throne, so they can rule the Seven Kingdoms. The throne was built by Aegon I, and it is very sharp – made from all the swords of his surrendered enemies. An excellent costume idea! I hope you didn’t get sat on too much at your party.

They dressed her in the wisps that Magister Illyrio had sent up, and then the gown, a deep plum silk to bring out the violet in her eyes. The girl slid the gilded sandals onto her feet, while the old woman fixed the tiara in her hair, and slid golden bracelets crusted with amethysts around her wrists. Last of all came the collar, a heavy golden torc emblazoned with ancient Valyrian glyphs.

Costumes: Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones

Costumes: Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones

The North became a dark English/Medieval, harsh Scottish-looking landscape. It’s interesting how much thought is given to the background of each character, with Pip looking bedraggled and cold most of the time because his leaving home for the Wall was unexpected and forced. King’s Landing, in the south, a warmer trading centre, reflects its status and location by its colourfully dressed inhabitants.

Based on the bestselling fantasy book series “A Song of Ice and Fire,” by George R.R. Martin, the new series GAME OF THRONES launches its ten-episode season SUNDAY, APRIL 17 (9:00-10:05 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.

“So often fantasy film costumes are just too thin,” Clapton complains. “They don’t resonate with the society they’re supposed to be living in. They don’t look real. I wanted people to believe in these characters and their dramas and to smell their costumes.” game of thrones dvd 

The undead have unseated vampires, which dominated recent Halloween seasons, says Ressa Tomkiewicz, Halloween "spookswoman" for Party City's more than 600 stores across the country. More than 2.6 million American adults and children plan to dress as zombies this year, according to the National Retail Federation's, or NRF's, 2011 Top Costumes Survey.

San Diego Comic Con 2010Floating World Comics Event RecapCaprica: Season 1.5 Pulled from SyFy Game of Thrones Costume: Brienne of Tarth Part 2Girls on FilmCaptain America Costume for the Ladies: Phase OneEmerald City Comic Con 2011.

There is nothing I can say except congratulations for being awesome enough to not only envision this with no immediate references but to actually create something so amazing it could (and should) be on the tv show - HBO's version has got nothing on you.

Why "Boardwalk Empire" Is One of the Best Shows on Satellite TV

 Why "Boardwalk Empire" Is One of the Best Shows on Satellite TV

With so much bribing, deception, and murky moral decision-making, it's no wonder that "Boardwalk Empire" has managed to appeal to a strikingly diverse set of viewers. With Martin Scorcese having directed the pilot episode and HBO sinking a record amount of dough into building a historically-accurate set, there was a very real fear that the whole show would sink and set an unsettling standard for smart television.

Thankfully, the insanity stopped, and it appears that his next series for HBO won't just blow "The Sopranos" out of the water, but just might revolutionize the way that television is made yet again.

Thankfully, the insanity stopped, and it appears that his next series for HBO won't just blow "The Sopranos" out of the water, but just might revolutionize the way that television is made yet again.

When local politicians saw how much people enjoyed the boardwalk concept and its commercial potential, an elevated structure was constructed. In time, the boardwalk became a major component of Atlantic City life. Tourists bought played games, purchased trinkets, as well as food and drink. The low unit price of entertainment meant people of modest means were welcome.

Enough about the history, lets get back to the style. In the opening credits of Boardwalk Empire, we see Steve Buscemi approach a shoreline in a fabulous 3 piece, pin stripped suit. A shot of his beautiful wing tips graces the camera: the infamous Nucky Thompson shoes.

9    HBO's Next Great Show - Boardwalk Empire and Its Potential to Change the Face of Premium Cable

Perhaps the show's biggest gamble is casting Michael Pitt, a very accomplished but mostly unheard of young actor, who is better known by beglittered glam rock fans for his performance in "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," but who blew directors and cinephiles away with his role in "Funny Games." Scorcese, who grew so fond of Leonardo Dicaprio that he helped to re-start his career in a way no one else could have, might very well find traces of a young Dicaprio in Pitt's acting.

But fortunately, satellite TV viewers understood that sometimes the best stories are the ones that are partially true, and the network's execs no longer had to play cautiously optimistic. With a slow build and just the right amount of hype now that the show is actually on television, it's on the fast track to getting called one of the best shows of the decade. And not because of anything fancy or campy, but rather, because it manages to unite all of those factors that people are yearning for when it comes to a Sunday night with the family, only better than ever before. boardwalk empire dvd

All the actors in the series, regardless of the size of their respective parts, take their roles seriously and it shows in the final product. If you are sick of television programs with weak acting, then you will find Boardwalk Empire to be very refreshing and entertaining.

A commercial boardwalk was unique to Atlantic City at the time. Eventually, the concept was extended out to piers, jutting out into the ocean and giving patrons a unique sense of hovering over the water.

Although the Nucky Thompson shoes are a bit pricey, they have an additional Hollywood-star quality to them that adds value to an already amazing shoe. If you'd like more information on the Nucky Thompson shoes, visit Soletopia.

So What Is So Great About Boardwalk Empire Anyway?

So What Is So Great About Boardwalk Empire Anyway?

The writing is very crisp and lively. Many television programs suffer from dips in quality or simply become boring, as plots just don't gel. However, this doesn't happen with Boardwalk Empire. The pacing is excellent and this is due in a large part to the fact that the writing is top-notch and scripts have been treated with care. While there is no denying that it is violent, it will likely appeal to those who are hoping to find television dramas with more depth and complexity.

The solution was to build a boardwalk, where people could walk on after the beach and the sand could fall off naturally. More importantly, a boardwalk would actually prevent visitors from walking on the beach, since people generally prefer being sand-free. One could walk on the boardwalk and be close enough to the water to appreciate it. The first boardwalk, constructed in the 1870s, was simply wooden boards laid atop the sand.

The Nucky Thompson shoes have become very famous in the last two months due to the recent success of the show. The thing that separates Mr. Thompson from the rest of the gangsters is the word gangster. Mr. Thompson wasn't a gangster; he was just a corrupt politician. The character was based on Enoch Lewis Nucky Johnson, a boss of the Republican political machine that ran Atlantic City. boardwalk empire dvd

These difficult factors have all come together to make one of HBO's latest original series, "Boardwalk Empire," a shining moment in doing television right. And unlike what it actually means when someone says a program is "the best"--that it's fun, that it's a nice way to spend an hour without thinking too much--something different is happening here.

After "The Sopranos" folded, its fans waited eagerly to see what Terence Winter, screenwriter and producer, would make his next project. Many assumed that it would be with HBO, but initially, it looked as though he was shopping his options. 

How the Atlantic City Boardwalk Was Built

How the Atlantic City Boardwalk Was Built

As hotels and boardinghouses (rented out rooms in people's houses or giant no-frills hotels) sprung up in Atlantic City, the owners claimed about people trudging sand through their lobbies and rooms. Imagine having a carpet or couch accumulate sand and not having a vacuum cleaner! Of course this had been a problem for full-time residents, but they had incentive to brush the sand off outside, so as to not have to deal with sand inside later on. Further, train operators had the same problem of customers dragging sand into the rail cars.

Among these ruthless killers and thugs, there were gentlemen; names like Arnold Rothstein would come to mind. In the series, Boardwalk Empire, one gangster/gentleman stands out from the rest, when it comes to style. Nucky Thompson.

Among these ruthless killers and thugs, there were gentlemen; names like Arnold Rothstein would come to mind. In the series, Boardwalk Empire, one gangster/gentleman stands out from the rest, when it comes to style. Nucky Thompson. boardwalk empire dvd

The best moments in television are those where writers are given free reign to keep producing, the source material just happens to be rich enough that actors don't get bored, and someone great is at the helm of the whole thing, managing the operating while ensuring that viewers on satellite TV stay in the millions.

The success of this approach to shooting television can really be traced back to "The Sopranos," the HBO mega-hit that managed to change the face of satellite TV for years to come. Whether it was during the show's original airing on the premium cable channel or its current time in reruns on regular television, the show changed the appearance of television, setting channels like HBO on a course more towards smartly directed, beautifully written programming that would be just as at home at your local arthouse theatre as it is on HDTVs across America.