A recent announcement there would be a new doll line connected with "Dora the Explorer" caused some concerns. It looked like the popular animated character was being turned into a rather mature young woman.
That's not the case. There will be no changes to the Nickelodeon television show. Mattel is just releasing a new doll that is aimed at older girls.
Here's a portion of the official statement released by Nickelodeon today.
ABC announces season ender dates for "Lost," "Grey's Anatomy"
ABC has just announced the season finale dates for several of its new and continuing series. It is weird in the case of new shows like "In the Motherhood" and "Cupid." The first episodes have yet to be broadcast. That did not stop ABC from announcing the day when the last episodes of the shows would air.
In some cases, the season ender end also is the series ender. If there is any justice in this world, that will be the case with "According to Jim."
This is what ABC has scheduled in regards to the season enders of its series:
The reactions I have been getting to "Watchmen" have been very different. Some thing it is a masterpiece. Others were confused by the story. Critics generally like it. Of the 247 reviews of the film on rottentomatoes.com, 160 are positive.
It's certainly done well at the box office. Going into this weekend, the movie has earned more than $65 million in the United States. Toss in an additional $25 million from around the globe and the movie is getting very near the $100 million mark.
And, more than half of the movie tickets being sold at the Web site Fandango.com are for "Watchmen."
We have certainly tried to make the movie a fun experience for the fans and a learning experience for the uneducated. The Fresno Bee has put together a "Watchmen" Web page at http://www.fresnobee.com/static/2009/entertainment/watchmen/. Those who have checked out the site have enjoyed it. Now, there's now another reason to go to the Web page. You could win a prize.
In case you were watching "House" or a very funny episode of "The Big Bang Theory," the replacement hoofers were announced Monday night on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars."
Holly Madison, the former member of "The Girls Next Door," and "Bachelor" reject Melissa Rycroft were trotted out to fill in for Nancy O'Dell and Jewel. Both O'Dell and Jewel were sidelined before the first dance because of injuries.
It was just a week ago that Rycroft was betrayed by "Bachelor" Jason Mesnick. Now Mesnick can watch as Rycroft spins around the floor with dance partner Tony Dovolan.
And Jewel's former partner, Dmitry Chaplin, is paired with Madison. Chaplin is 56 years younger than Madison's former partner, Hugh Hefner.
It is only a few hours before fans of "Watchmen" will be able to see the feature film version of the much heralded graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.
Be warned. Tickets for the 12:01 a.m. screening tonight on the IMAX theater at Riverpark are gone. There are tickets for the 3:20 a.m. showing on IMAX. And the regular 12:01 a.m. screens at Edwards and other theaters in town have some seats left.
If you can't get enough of "Watchmen," fresnobee.com has put together something special for you. Take a look at fresnobee.com/watchmen. The flashy Web site the Bee staff has created includes photos, audio clips and interviews with those behind the film project.
The music hasn't even started and singer/songwriter Jewel and "Access Hollywood" host Nancy O'Dell have withdrawn from ABC's "Dancing with the Stars." Both are out of the running - or dancing - because of injuries.
Jewel has fractured the tibia in both her legs, O'Dell has a torn meniscus. That is a disk of cartilage between the ends of the bones in a joint.
They had been paired with professional dancers Tony Dovolani and Dmitry Chaplin.
Both sidelined hoofers will appear in the 8 p.m. Monday season opener on ABC. That's also when their replacements will be announced.
NBC has just announced Emmy Award winner Al Michaels will serve as host of NBC's live weekend and weekday daytime coverage of the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010.
This will be Michaels' first Olympic broadcast assignment in 22 years. He's been a little busy with "Monday" and "Sunday Night Football." His last work was calling hockey games at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. But, he is best remembered for his work 30 years ago at the Lake Placid Olympics where he capped of an upset win by the American hockey team with "Do you believe in miracles? YES!"
Michaels is the only broadcaster to call the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals and host the Stanley Cup Final for network television.
I meant to write this after I attended the local screening of "Watchmen." But, it is not so much that it was the screening of "Watchmen" that sparked this blog. I could have written the same thing after seeing the recent local screening of "Friday the 13th" or a dozen other R-rated movies.
It is amazing that something can't be done about the blatant child abuse that is going on in this city. It is horrifying when abuse happens behind closed doors. But, this isn't the hidden abuse that is a plague on society. It is almost unimaginable, but this abuse is out in the open. It is flaunted.
That child abuse occurs when children - as young as 4 or 5 - are taken to see a movie that is extremely R rated. "Watchmen" is a movie designed for a mature audience. It has some brutal fight sequences. There is a rape scene that is extremely disturbing. other acts of violence are committed against women. That's not to mention the sex and nudity.
The Disney Channel has just announced work has started on "High School Musical 4." Unlike "High School Musical 3: Senior Year," this next edition will not be a theatrical release. It is scheduled to debut on the Disney Channel in 2010.
No word has been released on casting. That's because many of the stars of the first three movies graduated high school. The best bet is Ashley Tisdale who plays Sharpay Evans. The third film set up a way for her to still be part of the story.
The storyline of the new film will be East meets West. A love triangle is tested by the cross-town school rivalry between the East High Wildcats and West High Knights.
Peter Barsocchini, who wrote all three of the previous "High School Musical" movies, is the screenwriter of "High School Musical 4."
It really looks like "Mars" can't sustain life. The buzz coming out of Hollywood is the quirky ABC series "Life on Mars" will not be back for a second season. That means the show will end after 17 episodes.
For those of you who didn't watch (and obviously that was most of you), the series looks at what happens when a modern New York detective is hit by a car and wakes up in the '70s. The show is based on the British series of the same name. Jason O'Mara plays the time-jumping detective. Harvey Keitel and Michael Imperioli also star.
And for the record, the British series lasted only 16 episodes.
The last episode of "Life on Mars" should air in April.
There were no signs of problems with the economy at this year's WonderCon in San Francisco. Thousands packed the Moscone Center South over the weekend to chat with comic book illustrators, get some early looks at new TV and film projects and spend lots of money.
A few years ago, I decided not to return to ComicCon in San Diego. That summer event has grown to the point it is way to big to enjoy. WonderCon, now in its 23rd year, continues to grow. But, it is still the right size to draw the likes of "Watchmen" actors to talk with fans but not so big you get crushed trying to deal with vendors.
It was certainly productive. Look for interviews in the next few weeks with actors from "Alien Trespass," "Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles," "Chuck," "Wonder Woman," "Adventureland" and "Angel of Death."
I did get the chance to chat with McG, the director of "Terminator Salvation." He says Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has been approached to make an appearance in the movie. He's not certain if the Governor's people will think being in the movie is a good move.
For those of you who did not make the trek to San Francisco over the weekend, here are a few photographs of the people places and things that could be seen:
There has never been a shortage of local people on television reality shows. Over the next few days you will be able to see even more.
There is the Friday night's episode of the ABC series "Wife Swap." The Vaughn family from Burrel will be featured. Beth will be trading places with the mother from the Petersen family from the Bay Area. The Vaughns are dairy farmers. The Petersens teach Laughing Yoga.
In the first week of the swap, Susan discovers the Vaughn home is spotless and realizes how lonely each day is spent cleaning and tidying up a large home. Beth is freaked out by all the odd statues and decorations in her new temporary home.
This is not the first time a local mom has been swapped on the show. Back in 2006, local boxer Jenifer Alcorn was selected to appear on the reality television series.
Other locals on TV soon include:
The Teague family, Fresno, will appear on "Family Feud" beginning 11 a.m. Monday on KMPH (Channel 26). The Teagues includes: Bob, a sixth grade teacher; cousin John, a communications tech and coach; son Keith, a student; son Kevin, a student; and son Kyle, a student.
Fresno's Carlos Santos is the host of the new MTV Tr3ยด new variety show, "Entertainment as a Second Language with Carlos Santos." It debuts at 9 p.m. tonight on the cable channel. The show gives fans a peek at celebrity video confessionals, interviews, live performances, comedy sketches and a chance to vote for their favorite music videos.
And then there is Paige Logan. The Fresno woman will appear on the new Playboy TV series "Search for the Perfect Girlfriend." The show starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday but Logan will not be featured for a few weeks. The reality series examines the various attributes of girlfriends submitted by their boyfriends and from women who think they represent perfection, to see what qualities it takes to be the ideal partner. Logan was selected by producers and will have her story, including a photo session with a Playboy photographer, included in the weekly series.
It looks like the Fox Network intends to keep Bart Simpson around until he is eligible for Social Security. The network announced this morning it has ordered two additional seasons of "The Simpsons."
This will take the Sunday night animated series, the longest-running series in primetime television history, through 22 seasons. The additional 44 episodes means translates to a total of 493 episodes aired.
That is truly an amazing number of shows. Most TV programs struggle to reach the 100 mark. That number of shows is important because the program can then be sold into syndication. That mean you can watch the reruns for years to come.
And, many TV programs struggle to have enough material to last 100 episodes. "The Simpsons" continues to be as funny, smart and entertaining as it was back in 1990 when it launched.
If you have been watching "The Simpsons" this year you will have seen the "Best. 20 Years. Ever.," a year-long celebration honoring all things "Simpsons." The celebration ends Jan. 14, 2010, the 20th anniversary of the series' debut.
Nickelodeon wants to make the dreams of a few Jonas Brothers fans come true. The cable channel, in connection with the "22nd Annual Kids' Choice Awards," is holding a "Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Jonas Jam Sweepstakes."
If you are not sitting down already, please find a seat.
The prize package includes a chance to walk down the orange carpet at the awards show with the Jonas Brothers to be held March 28.
Catch your breath. I can wait a moment.
Two grand prize winners, and up to three guests for each, also will win a four-day/three-night trip to the "2009 Kids' Choice Awards" in Los Angeles including limo transportation to the event and $1,000 spending money.
Rules for entering will be posted at nick.com/kca and revealed in Nick commercials airing between Feb. 28 and March 7. An 800 number to call for a chance to win will be revealed on Nickelodeon between 8-9 p.m. March 7.
Those who will be attending the "Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards" include Hugh Jackman, Amy Adams, George Lopez, Keke Palmer, Robert Pattinson, Queen Latifah, Amy Poehler, Ben Stiller, Reese Witherspoon Miranda Cosgrove, Zac Efron and Nat and Alex Wolff.
The CW Network has just announced that there will be a ninth season of "Smallville." There was some concern by fans of the series because of the negotiations concerning the contract of series star Tom Welling. The fact the Thursday night series is returning suggest a deal has been made. Otherwise, the name might have been changed to "Green Arrow."
"Smallville" will return in the fall along with "Gossip Girl," "90210," two editions of "America's Next Top Model" and "Supernatural."
The real shock is that "One Tree Hill" will be back for another year. I thought that show had been canceled two years ago.
This is not the final list of CW shows that could return. Programs like "Reaper" (which returns to the channel in March) and "Privileged" have not been given word of their fates. I would not place any money on "Privileged." The show never generated good ratings.
The future of "Everybody Hates Chris" also looks bleak. But, anything can happen.
Many readers have been defending last night's Oscar telecast. A few called it the best Academy Awards telecast ever. That may be a little strong. But obviously a lot of people enjoyed the show.
I didn't hate the show. There were just some real clunker moments.
It was impossible to overlook that second silly musical number. Hugh Jackman declared the movie musical is back and then sang songs from movies that were in theaters 25 and 30 years ago.
It would have been much better to have the cast of "High School Musical 3," "Mamma Mia!" and the Bollywood performers from "Slumdog Millionaire" perform. Imagine how cool it would have looked to seen the final group of dancers in high school basketball uniforms, disco attire and those beautiful Indian wardrobes. Toss in the Jonas Brothers and younger viewers would have watched.
As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I got to see the much-anticipated "Watchmen" Tuesday night in Los Angeles. I spent Wednesday interviewing the cast, director and even "Watchmen" illustrator Dave Gibbons. You can look for those stories, plus a special on-line offering, over the next two weeks.
All of the stories will lead up to the film's opening on March 6. As a bonus, Fresno is on the list of cities scheduled to show the movie on the big IMAX screen.
I can't tell you what I think about the movie until it opens. But, I can tell you after seven failed scripts, full of bizarre changes to this much-heralded work, this production does the right thing. It goes back to the source material.
As part of my coverage, I asked for questions to be directed to the cast. It was Justin's question to Jackie Earle Haley (who plays Rorschach) that I used during my interview with the actor.
Justin's question was "What was the most difficult part of playing Rorschach, an individual who is very complex despite having a very black and white view of good and evil?
As many of you know from a former blog, Edyta Sliwinska of "Dancing With the Stars" was at one time my dance partner. That's why I always wait with interest to see who the amazing dancer gets paired with in the latest round of the ABC series. To be honest, she could be teamed with a block of granite and that partner would be better than me.
ABC has just announced this years pairings. When season eight launches March 9, Sliwinska will be teamed with NFL legend Lawrence Taylor. At least Sliwinska got a partner who promises to be far more coordinated than me.
Here is the list of this year's other 12 competitors and their partners.
Be the first on your block to see the new "Star Trek" movie
It has been a long, long time since fans of "Star Trek" have been able to boldly go into theaters to see something new. The wait has actually been as long as a Vulcan pon farr mating ritual. For those of you who do not speak "Star Trek," that would be seven years.
Seven long years have passed since fans of the franchise have been able to see a new movie based on the franchise that has spawned numerous TV shows, national conventions and more merchandise than you can story in a garage.
It looked like the wait was over last year. But the new "Star Trek" movie was moved to a May 8 opening day. That meant a wait of five more months to see the film that is a prequel to the original television series.
That wait appears to be coming to an end. And you can be there for the opening.
In less than two weeks, I head to Los Angeles to see the eagerly awaited "Watchmen." Then, I will sit down with the cast and crew to talk about the film. I don't mention this as a way of saying this is something I get to do and you don't. OK, it is a little.
The real reason I mention it is to give you a chance to be part of the process. Sorry. Don't waste your time putting in a request to go with me to the screening. The list already has 218 names on it.
The best I can do is offer fans a chance to ask some questions. There certainly are plenty of fans of the graphic novel out there. So, there should be no shortage of interest.
Dora is not scheduled for an extreme makeover
A recent announcement there would be a new doll line connected with "Dora the Explorer" caused some concerns. It looked like the popular animated character was being turned into a rather mature young woman.
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