BBC America

I find that I am watching BBC America more and more. I haven't been a Doctor Who fan, but started watching Primeval a few months ago and found it very interesting and fresh. I am watching Being Human now. It is a new series about a vampire, werewolf and ghost who live together in an apartment and try to lead a "normal" life. Interesting concept.

Green Lantern: First Flight

Watched the new GREEN LANERN: FIRST FLIGHT movie this afternoon. I have found the movies Warner Bros. has created from their comic book characters to be quite good -- and not just for kids either. The writing is quite good and the stories are much like a regular movie. Using the comic form allows them to do much more as far as action and special effects. While I'm sure the cost is still significant, it is not what it would cost for a live-action film.

This video provides us with the background of how Hal Jordan was picked to be the Green Lantern and what the league stands for. Inter-planetary police force.

The Prisoner

I love updating The Zocalo Today because it gives me an excuse to wander around the internet looking for information to post. At this time of year, there is so much information coming out of San Diego Comic-Con that you have to really look for items that most readers will be interested in. This morning I found a clip from the new AMC remake of THE PRISONER. It is marvelous. Ian McKellan is absolutely awesome as Number Two and I can not wait for the mini-series to air. I loved the old PRISONER series with Patrick McGoohan. McGoohan was an absolute genius in developing this series. It takes advantage of everyone's interest in spy fiction, but throws in science fiction, psychological drama as well.

The other movie that looks interesting is the new SHERLOCK HOLMES film starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law. From Downey's comments at Comic Con, he has made quite a study of Sir Arthur Connan Doyle - lending a bit more authenticity to the role than perhaps others who have shared in the portrayal.

Looks like a good weekend for the movies. You have the new HARRY POTTER movie along with ICE AGE and TRANSFORMERS. Have to admit, movies like BRUNO and THE HANGOVER don't interest me in the least.

Have a great weekend.
Sandy

Warehouse 13

OK, I'm a little slow -- but I just got around to watching Warehouse 13 from Syfy. It is nice that Syfy has the full episodes on the website. I like that about networks. They give you a chance to watch the show on your time.

I like this show. I know how others feel, but this is quirky enough for me to like. When I read the description, Indiana Jones came to mind -- the place where the Lost Arc was deposited. While that part is correct, the personalities -- the main characters -- are interesting and engaging. Myka and Pete may remind people a bit of relationship of X-files Mulder and Scully.

The pilot was fun. Artie, the curator of Warehouse 13, knows each piece in the warehouse and the power it posses. He has some very old devices -- an electric car that was shot down by Henry Ford because he could sell more cars powered by petroleum and an early version of a stun gun! Cool.

I can't wait to see what they have to offer as the series continues.

Over at Syfy, there are some interesting background files. At one time, I think I had a flashback to Legend of the Rangers. The surrounding area looked like the studio space being used by Babyon 5 in Vancouver -- the place where the movie was shot.

If you have opinions of the show, let me know. Love it or hate it, at least it's new!

Walter Cronkite

Walter Cronkite has died and I am saddened at his passing. He was, in my eyes, the greatest journalist, newsman in the world. I grew up listening to him anchor the Evening News. He brought us solace during JFK's assassination and provided memorable events as no other news reporter has done.

In an age before the 24/7 news cycle, Mr. Cronkite brought us descriptions of the world around him with honesty and integrity. Unlike many of today's newscasters, "spin" was not in his vocabulary. He reported the news as he saw it and worked tirelessly to bring you the facts.

I had the honor or working with Mr. Cronkite on a program a few years ago. He did a telephone conference with an audience at an American Embassy in East Asia. Even though he was home with pneumonia, he plugged along like a trooper, not wanting to disappoint those who had gathered to hear him speak. Everyone hoped to get their question answered by this masterful commentator and he tried his best to satisfy everyone.

The world changed dramatically during the time Walter Cronkite occupied the evening news desk. He brought those changes to us with his own special insightfulness and somehow made us less afraid of what was happening in the world around us.

And that's the way it is on July 18, 2009. The world is greatly diminished by his passing.

Favorite Old Movies

Warner Bros. has opened up a wonderful movie archive -- with a ton of classics that are totally unknown treasures to most people. Got me to thinking about old movies in general. What are your favorite old movies -- not just from science fiction genre, but any that really are #1 and #2 for you -- movies that you can watch over and over again.
I grew up in an era of wonderful action flicks -- and I still love them. THEY DIED WITH THEIR BOOTS ON will be on ENCORE channel, again this month. I love Erol Flynn and while this one doesn't rank up there with ROBIN HOOD, it is one you can sit through regardless of the length. How about you? What are your favorites?