August 2008 Archives

Wow. If you ever read my posts you already know that I have a thing for vampires--be they from "Buffy," "Twilight," or the old school "Bram Stoker's Dracula" variety. But it appears that HBO is as excited about vampires as I am--if their extensive, creative ad campaign for "True Blood"--their new show by Alan Ball ("Six Feet Under") premiering September 7th--has anything to say about their feelings.

Their newest ploy: I came across yet another fake website promoting the show--this one advertising "Tru Blood"--the preferred blood alternative drink of vampires on the show. When you head to the site, it greets you with the request that you "Please Enter the Date You Were Turned." You have to check it out. It's really fun.

Apparently I am not alone in thinking this.

The campaign has ad and marketing folks in quite the frenzy. I know I'm excited about it. I can't wait to see the show. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's as good as they are making it seem!

Two of the most enduring and integrous Christian musicians of the last two decades are teaming up for what will no doubt be an inspiring and entertaining tour. And if your Christian faith is important to you, this will likely be a night that's as worshipful as it is wonderful.

Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith--or is it Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman?--are launching their new tour on August 30 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They're calling it the "United" tour and it's the first time the two have toured together.

Smith has won three Grammys and been nominated for nine others. Ever since he got his start by writing songs for well-known Christian musicians (Sandi Patti, Kathy Troccoli, Amy Grant, etc.) and playing as the opening act for Grant back in the eighties, he has been the biggest name in Christian music. He's made 22 CDs, won 33 of the Gospel Music Association's Dove awards and also published books and DVDs.

When Richard Dutcher wrote and directed "God's Army," a 2001 movie about the struggles of idealistic LDS missionaries negotiating the reality of Los Angeles, he instantly became a Mormon hero. Dubbed "the father of modern Latter-day Saint cinema" after the film became an indie hit, Dutcher disappointed his Mormon fans with his sequel, "States of Grace," that came out in 2006. With his latest, "Falling," he completes his separation.

The story of a Mormon videographer who loses his faith, besides being perhaps the first "R-rated Mormon film" according to the L.A. Times , "Falling" is an exploration of Dutcher's own falling out with the Latter Day Saints in what he calls "a very frustrating enlightenment."

Some students--and teachers--have already been forced to give up their fun in the sun and others will be forced back into the world of textbooks and tests next week. (On the other hand, the cheers you are hearing are from all of the parents!)

So in honor of the transition into fall, and because I will not be returning to a classroom for the first time in several years--I'm listing a few of my favorite back-to-school movies. Some celebrate education, some mock it, but they are all worth visiting on DVD one more time!

Tell me what movie motivates you as you, or a family member, head back to school by leaving a comment below.

Mr. Holland's Opus: As one of the original inspirational teacher movies that was designed to gain an actor Oscar consideration, Richard Dreyfuss was masterful as a composer who hates teaching music but then learns to love the job and the students.

Chalk: I have recommended this mockumentary before as a DVD pick, and I still say the whole family can find something to relate to in this "Office"-like look at school life.

Despite initial reports, the CW will offer a glimpse of the new '90210' to potential advertisers:

While the CW will not make promotional discs containing individual episodes (also known as "screeners") of its teen drama available to critics or media buyers, it does intend to make the show available to industry monitoring services, such as Media Information Services, that view individual episodes and write reports specifically with advertisers in mind.

The Parents Television Council had previously objected to the initial decision to not screen the show for advertisers, maintaining that the show was likely to be as morally questionable as 'Gossip Girl,' which also airs on the network:

"If 'Gossip Girl' is any indication of what '90210' will look like, advertisers have plenty of reason to steer clear of the show. 'Gossip Girl' storylines have glamorized drug and alcohol use along with casual teen sex, including threesomes. Apparently, CW believes this type of content is appropriate to include in the most-watched show among girls ages 12-17, and advertisers shouldn't expect any restraint with '90210.'

Idol Chatter hasn't seen a screener, but we're pretty sure someone hits the Jacuzzi in a bikini before the end of the first episode. Where it goes from there, only Kelly Taylor knows.