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Directors Joe and Anthony Russo are known for their work in comedies, specifically the brilliant and genre-bending sitcoms Arrested Development and Community (they directed both pilots and serve as executive producers on Community). So it makes sense that with Captain America: The Winter Soldier they would deliver a seventies-style political thriller that happens to have a superhero in the lead role. They told me they’ve been calling this movie “Three Days of Captain America,” and if you don’t get that reference, you need to watch Three Days of the Condor right now. It’s streaming on Amazon Prime. I’ll wait.

The movie picks up with Cap two years after the events of The Avengers, and in that time he has been trying (and failing) to adjust to life as a twenty something who was born 95 years ago. He is just lost as a WW2 hero parachuted into a post-9/11 world.

Thirteen times; seriously, John Goodman has now hosted Saturday Night Live 13 times. I can’t think of anything significant I’ve ever done 13 times. And I was really looking forward to maybe rubbing Goodman’s episode in the faces of those who are just holding on until Fallon/Timberlake next week. It’s not that those two aren’t great; they are, and all of my fingers are crossed for them. But Goodman has been just as good in the past, an SNL champion if ever there was one.

It was 2001 when Goodman last hosted and, for reference, Ja Rule was the musical guest.

In The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, Steve Carell and Steve Buscemi play a pair of Vegas magicians with great hair and outlandish outfits. They have to face off against the competition from a rockstar competitor played by Jim Carrey, whose “magic” amounts to a series of visceral physical stunts. So basically, think Siegried & Roy vs. Criss Angel Mindfreak.

Between Burt Wonderstone and Now You See Me, Hollywood is really hitting this magic craze. Can a reboot of Magic’s Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed be far behind? (But seriously: How did they make a tank disappear?) Watch the trailer:

Bruce, almighty, it...

A&E Network has promoted Elaine Frontain Bryant to Svp of Non-Fiction & Alternative Programming. She most recently served as VP of Non-Fiction & Alternative Programming. In her new role, Frontain Bryant will be responsible for overseeing the A&E non-fiction programming team and the development and production of A&E’s real-life series. She will continue to report to David McKillop, Evp of Programming. Frontain Bryant joined A&E in September 2005 as Director, Non-Fiction & Alternative Programming and was elevated to VP in July 2007. She has served as executive producer on such series as Criss Angel Mindfreak, Paranormal State, Billy the Exterminator and, most recently, the network’s hit Storage Wars.

Over 90,000 fan votes were cast in November 2010 during the first round of voting for the Reality Rocks Online Fan Awards. Now, the top 78 shows enter Round Two of voting: fans choose their favorite reality television shows and personalities by category, beginning January 27, 2011. Fans can vote for two categories each week until March 27, 2011. The final awards will be presented on-site at the Reality Rocks Awards during the Reality Rocks Expo™ on April 9-10, 2011 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Fans can visit Reality Rocks to vote as well as purchase tickets to attend the Reality Rocks Expo™.

With over 400 reality shows broadcast into houses across America in the last year, Reality Rocks Expo™ offers a forum for fans to deliver their fiercest devotion yet. More than just a popularity contest, fans themselves are encouraged to participate and voice their opinions on their favorite shows through their fan pages on www.realityrocks.

DVD Playhouse: January 2011

By

Allen Gardner

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (20th Century Fox) Sequel to the seminal 1980s film catches up with a weathered, but still determined Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas, who seems to savor every syllable of Allan Loeb and Stephen Schiff’s screenplay) just out of jail and back on the comeback trail. In attempting to repair his relationship with his estranged daughter (Carey Mulligan), Gekko forges a reluctant alliance with her fiancé (Shia Labeouf), himself an ambitious young turk who finds himself seduced by Gekko’s silver tongue and promise of riches. Lifeless film is further evidence of director Oliver Stone’s decline. Once America’s most exciting filmmaker, Stone hasn’t delivered a film with any teeth since 1995’s Nixon. Labeouf and Mulligan generate no sparks on-screen, and the story feels forced from the protracted opening to the final, Disney-esque denouement. Only a brief cameo by Charlie Sheen,...

There aren't a ton of new releases on DVD and Blu-ray this week, but it's all about quality over quantity. Most notably, David Fincher's critically acclaimed The Social Network hits stores today along with Alexandre Aja's Piranha remake (which is actually available in 3D, if you have a 3D TV), and if you look closely you can find pretty solid deals out there for both. Other new releases include Katie Aselton's indie comedy The Freebie, animated dud Alpha and Omega, and Legion: The Final Exorcism starring... Rowdy Roddy Piper? On Blu-ray, we also have new editions of Dances With Wolves and Raging Bull, plus Sergio Leone's Once Upon a Time in America. What will you be buying or renting this week? The Social Network [1] (+ Blu-ray [2]) Piranha [3] (+ Blu-ray [4], Blu-ray 3D [5]) Alpha and Omega [6] (+ Blu-ray [7]) The Freebie [8] Heartbreaker [9] Shake Hands with the Devil [10] Legion: The Final Exorcism [11] Louis C.K.: Hilarious...

Every Tuesday a new slew of titles on DVD and Blu-ray hit your local retailer's shelves, and while many of us will still be starry-eyed enjoying the things we received this holiday season, that doesn't mean we can't still look forward to what's next. It's by no means a complete list, and will see additions as more releases are announced, so for now take it as an incomplete guide for your next few months of potential entertainment. So without further ado, here's a rundown of titles arriving on DVD and Blu-ray in the near future.

Arriving December 21st

The A-Team on DVD and Blu-ray (Fox) Angel (IFC) Futurama: Volume 5 on DVD and Blu-ray (Fox) The Horde on DVD (IFC) Let it Rain on DVD (IFC) Map of the Sounds of Tokyo on DVD (IFC) Soul Kitchen on DVD (IFC) Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps on DVD and Blu-ray (Fox)

Arriving...

Episode Number: 6161 (December 16, 2010)

Guests: Amy Sedaris, Paul Simon

Segments: Christmas Holy Week, Jesus Is a Liberal Democrat

Videos: Thursday, December 16, 2010

I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve been looking forward to this episode for about two months. It’s always amazingly magical when Stephen and Amy get together, and the crafting did not disappoint! And you know a show is going to be a good one when it starts with Stephen swigging his own personal version of ‘nog – pour whiskey, tap whiskey with ‘nog carton, put carton away and drink whiskey. That’s my kind of ‘nog! I also very much appreciated Stephen pointing out the bizarre idea that holy week is the week *after* Christmas. Also? Loved his Holy Day descriptions, especially the one for the Holy Day of Returnance, with baby Jesus returning his frankincense (not that he didn’t like it, he just got...

Criss Angel is one of the most sought out magicians on the planet. He starred in the highly rated television show, Criss Angel Mindfreak and currently has a successful run with his Cirque Du Soliel show in Las Vegas at the Luxor Hotel and Casino, Criss Angel BeLIEve. Did you know Criss has broken the world record of the most watched magician on television? Not to mention is known as the Magician of the Decade? Now that's bragging rights on Angel's behalf! Lucky for us Angel fans, we can all create a little magic in our own homes....

America's Next Top Model - CW, 8 - Season premiere. Woo hoo! 14 new models! I once attended a taping of the Tyra show. That woman is despicable.

Hellcats - CW, 9 - Series debut. A pre-law student keeps her scholarship by becoming a cheerleader. I'll be reviewing this. ::licks lips::

Criss Angel Mindfreak - A&E, 10 - Season finale. Featuring the "levitation vanish." Who watches this show?

read more...

Stepping out for a promotional appearance, Criss Angel was spotted paying a visit to “Jimmy Kimmel Live” studios yesterday (August 16).

The “Criss Angel Mindfreak” star was overwhelmed by the reception he received when walking out onto the stage for his interview.

And during their conversation, Jimmy probed the magician to see what happens when things go awry during a performance.

Kimmel asked, “Do you ever screw up [during a performance]?” And Criss replied, “Of course… As an artist the element of surprise I have on my side, so the audience doesn’t know what to expect. So, I’m able to [improvise].”...

In its continuing quest to turn into make VH1 look high brow, A&E announced a bunch of new series for the upcoming year, most of which center around "celebrities."  Here's a look at what to expect:

New Reality

The Squad: Prison Police: follows the people who investigate crimes committed by residents of the Tennessee prison system.

The Peacemaker: follows Malik Spellman, who works as a violence prevention counselor in gang-ridden South Central La.  He brings his work home with him, often mediating disputes between rival gangs.  Ice-t, whose own commitment to violence prevention can be heard in his 1992 single "Cop Killer," is the executive producer.

I'm Heavy: follows obese people trying to lose weight in a six-month therapy and treatment program.  Like The Biggest Loser, except none of the fun Temptation Challenges or Jillian Michaels.

Intervention in Depth: One Man Rehab: follows addicts into rehab after the intervention.  You know,...

By Christopher Stipp

The Archives, Right Here

I was able to sit down for a couple of years and pump out a book. It’s got little to do with movies. Download and read “Thank You, Goodnight” right Here for free.

Check out my new column, This Week In Trailers, at SlashFilm.com and follow me on Twitter under the name: Stipp

Sita Sings the Blues - Quick Review

Sooooo….this is awkward.

I want to start off by making clear my stance on this DVD is that you should buy it. Go right out and purchase it any which way you can.

My second point is that not only is this a movie the venerable Roger Ebert reviewed glowingly on his blog a year ago but you can go on the film’s website and watch it for free.

Like Roger, I didn’t really have a strong passion...

DVD Playhouse—December 2009

By

Allen Gardner

Public Enemies (Universal) Johnny Depp portrays legendary Depression-era bank robber John Dillinger in co- writer/director Michael Mann’s take on America’s first “Public Enemy Number One.” Like many big studio releases today, Public Enemies has it all: A-list talent before and behind the camera, but lacks a heart or soul that allows its audience to connect with it. Film plays out like a “true crime” TV show with re-enactments of famous events cast with top actors and shot by the best technicians in the business, with little, if any, character or story development to hold it together in between. A real disappointment from one of our finest filmmakers and finest actors. The lone standout: the great character actor Stephen Lang as a hard-eyed lawman who’s seen a lot, but manages to retain a tiny piece of his heart. For a better take on the same subject,...

This week's DVD release line-up may not be huge in terms of quantity, but it makes up for it with quality. Inglourious Basterds, The Hangover and G-Force will all probably be hot items to throw under the Christmas tree this year. Also out this week is Ang Lee's Taking Woodstock and The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard (previously only available for rental), along with the fourth season of Adult Swim's Robot Chicken. On Blu-ray, it's the third and final season of Star Trek: The Original Series and The Mel Brooks Collection, meanwhile Best Buy has the exclusive debut of Boogie Nights in high-def. Will you be doing any DVD shopping this week? The Hangover [1] (DVD, Blu-ray [2]) Inglourious Basterds [3] (DVD, Blu-ray [4]) G-Force [5] (DVD, Blu-ray [6]) Taking Woodstock [7] (DVD, Blu-ray [8]) The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard [9] Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie [10] The Other Man [11] (DVD, Blu-ray [12]) The Girl from Monaco [13] Murder by Decree...

Here are the new TV DVDs, in stores tomorrow.

I think I might have asked this question before, but I'll ask it again: just how many Star Trek (original series) sets are there? There seems to be a new one released every few months. I know there are Blu-ray sets being released now, but at what point does even the most die-hard Trek fan say enough is enough and they're not going to buy any more? A friend of mine loves Star Trek and seems to buy every new version of the show that comes out.

Cake Boss - Cake Boss Criss Angel Mindfreak - Season 5 and Collector's Edition Megaset Ice Road Truckers - Season 3 The Maxx - Complete Series The Paper Chase - Season 2 Robot Chicken - Season 4 Sherlock Holmes - The Collection Star Trek - Season 3 (Blu-ray) The Tudors - Season 3 Wagon Train - Season 1 Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie...

I'm the perfect Criss Angel Mindfreak viewer, because I have no idea how he does all those stunts and tricks. I'd like to, though!

And while Criss seems just plain freaky, he's always the perfect gentleman when dealing with people. Except for times when he does something completely freaky and you'd think the people involved would have a heart attack.

In one episode, I watched a guy who seemed like he was actually having his head cut off by a guillotine. It seemed so real, because Criss was running around telling people to call 911 and whatnot, and the guy's wife was nearly having a stroke. Unless they were in on it, that was way too cruel a trick to play on anyone.

In this clip from our sister site SlashControl, Criss trains with champion aerialist and world record jump holder Trigger Gunn to jump a 60-foot long, 20-foot high ramp at 50 mph.

I'm kind of mesmerized by Criss Angel. He's definitely one freaky guy -- or is that mindfreaky? -- and every time I surf by him, I have to back up and watch whatever unbelievable, death-defying stunt he's performing. For one thing, he looks like a vampire. But a very polite vampire. I can see how all the female stars fall in love with him.

I got involved in a Criss Angel Mindfreak marathon not too long ago, and am still stumped as to how he does those levitations, his signature magic trick. I'm not kidding, he took an entire room of people and levitated them, some in bizarre positions that could never be done, even if the person was wide awake and as flexible as an Olympic gymnast.

We're talking backward bends, leaning to the point of toppling over and, of course, 20 feet off the ground. Someone tell me how he does that?...

At 7, Espn has more of The U.S. Open. At 8, ABC has a new Wipeout, followed by new episodes of Crash Course and Primetime: Crime. NBC has a two new episodes of America's Got Talent at 8. Fox has a new So You Think You Can Dance at 8, then a repeat of the series premiere of Glee. PBS has a new American Masters at 8. TCM has Mr. Smith Goes To Washington at 8, then Casablanca. Also at 8: Cartoon Network has a new Bobb'e Says, followed by a new Dude, What Would Happen? At 9, TBS has two new episodes of Meet the Browns. TNT has a new Leverage at 9, followed by a new Dark Blue. Discovery has a new Man vs. Wild at 9. Syfy has a new Ghost Hunters at 9. BBC America has a new Gordon Ramsay's F Word at 9. At 9:30, A&E has a new Dog The Bounty Hunter, then a new Criss Angel Mindfreak.

At 8, ABC has a new Wipeout, followed by the series premiere of Crash Course and a new Primetime: Crime. CBS has Ted Kennedy: The Last Brother at 8. NBC has two new episodes of America's Got Talent at 8. Espn has more coverage of The Little League World Series at 8. Cartoon Network has a new Bobb'e Says at 8, followed by new episodes of Dude, What Would Happen? and The Othersiders. At 9, TBS has two new episodes of Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns. Discovery has a new Man vs. Wild at 9. There's a new Leverage on TNT at 9, then a new Dark Blue. History Channel has a new MonsterQuest at 9. Lifetime has the movie Spring Breakdown at 9. Also at 9: Syfy has a new Ghost Hunters. At 9:30, A&E has a new Dog The Bounty Hunter, then a new Criss Angel Mindfreak. At 10, ABC has Remembering Ted Kennedy. Bravo has a...

To celebrate the fifth season of Criss Angel Mindfreak, M&C is giving away three prize packs filled with goodies for the Criss Angel fan. In his most daring season of .Criss Angel Mindfreak. to date, Criss Angel ups the ante by attempting five of the most dangerous demonstrations in magic. Each week he will attempt to defy the natural laws of science in new and innovative ways and will be challenged with a way to live. or a way to die. Each one-hour episode will feature a variety of different illusions and culminate in one grand, never-before-seen demonstration that will blow viewers minds. The season will feature five death-defying one-hour episodes airing Wednesdays at 10 Pm Et/Pt only...

At 8, ABC has a new Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. Fox has Octomom: The Incredible Unseen Footage at 8. NBC has two new episodes of America's Got Talent at 8. Nickelodeon has another new Glenn Martin, Dds at 8. Cartoon Network has a new Bobb'e Says, then new episodes of Dude What Would Happen? and The Othersiders. At 9, Bravo has the season premiere of Top Chef: Las Vegas, followed by the season finale of Top Chef Masters. TBS has two new episodes of Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns at 9.

TNT has a new Leverage at 9, then a new Dark Blue. Discovery has a new Man vs. Wild at 9. There's a new Dog The Bounty Hunter on A&E at 9, followed by a new Criss Angel Mindfreak. History Channel has a new MonsterQuest at 9. BBC America has a new Gordon Ramsay's F Word at 9. Also at 9: Syfy has a new Ghost Hunters.

Fan of death-defying stunts? Then tonight's premiere of The 5 Lives of Criss Angel Mindfreak is for you. To mark the occasion, we're giving our readers the chance to enter To Win A Criss Angel Prize Pack. 2 lucky winners will get a prize pack featuring: * Criss Angel: The Most Dangerous Escapes DVD * Criss Angel Mindfreak: The Complete Season 4 DVD * An A&E t-shirt The 5 Lives Of Criss Angel Mindfreak Features Five Death-Defying One-Hour Episodes World-renowned mystifier Criss Angel has thrilled millions of fans with his unique and daring demonstrations. Now, Criss is ready to amaze the world again with The Five Lives of Criss Angel, a five-part television event beginning August 12 on A&E. In each episode, Criss will attempt never-before-seen effects, often placing his own safety - even his life - on the line. * White Death - Criss takes the "Buried Alive" escape attempt to an unprecedented level,...

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Criss Angel, the master illusionist and star of A&E’s “Criss Angel Mindfreak,” to talk about his highly anticipated new show, “Criss Angel Believe,” that celebrated it gala premiere on Halloween at Luxor Las Vegas. Criss joins forces with the Cirque du Soleil in an amazing production that’s fantasy, allegory, and a highly theatrical tableau of mood, reverie and emotion set against a backdrop of darkness and light. “Criss Angel Believe” takes the audience on a fantastic journey of self-discovery deep i...

Bio Channel is aggressively expanding its original programming slate with four new series in production, including a Chris Isaak-hosted talk show and William Shatner's previously announced interview series.

Meanwhile, sister channel A&E is planning to broadcast a live episode of "Criss Angel Mindfreak" in the show's upcoming fourth season.

Bob DeBitetto, president and Gm of A&E and BioBio said during the Television Critics Assn. press tour at the Beverly Hilton that it is nearly doubling its original content in primetime compared with summer 2007, when the network rebranded.

"We will continue to focus first and foremost on alluring people and their true stories in a fresh, honest and entertaining voice -- stories you just cannot make up," he said.

The slate, which will be shot in high-def, includes "The Chris Isaak Hour," which the network describes as "Biography" meets "Storytellers." The live performance and interview show, from Scott Sternberg Prods., will feature mainstream musical artists.

Also on the slate is "Shatner's Raw Nerve," an "edgy and offbeat celebrity interview series." "Nerve," also from Sternberg, premieres Aug. 19, with guests to include Shatner's former "Star Trek" co-star Leonard Nimoy, Jon Voight, Jimmy Kimmel, Judge Judy, Jenna Jameson, Kelsey Grammer and Valerie Bertinelli.

The other two new series are police-themed: "Female Forces," from the Greif Co., which follows female officers in a Chicago suburb, and "Why I Ran," from Intuitive, which interviews drivers who have led police on high-speed car chases.

Bio also is bringing "I Survived ..." back for a second season. The show, from Nhnz, interviews people who have survived life-threatening situations.

"Biography" also is returning with new episodes featuring Tyler Perry, Eddie Murphy and Mel Gibson, among others.

Meanwhile, "Mindfreak" has its fourth-season premiere July 23. The hourlong live episode will air a week later and will feature Angel attempting to escape from a six-story building that is loaded with explosives and set to detonate. The episode also will broadcast live on A&E Latin America and Fox 8 in Australia. "Mindfreak" is produced by Angel Prods. and the Firm.

Hollywood actress Cameron Diaz has been named as the 'other woman' in divorce papers served to celebrity magician Criss Angel by his 'secret' wife. The split comes just a month after Angel, 39, denied a relationship with Diaz, 34, in spite of the pair being spotted out on the town in Las Vegas. A legal rep for estranged wife Joanne Sarantakos, who is said to have hired a private investigator to track Angel's activities, says, "We're naming Cameron Diaz as his lover. We will subpoena her as soon as she comes back to New York." It is also claimed that Sarantakos, 37, was made to keep her five-year marriage to the magic man a secret in order to boost his appeal to female fans. Angel, who shot to fame on the Broadway sensation Mindfreak, has just signed a $200 million casino show contract in Las Vegas. A spokesperson for Diaz responded saying, "Cameron and Criss met in May of this year. They went on four dates over a month ago, and do not have any romantic relationship currently."...

A&E has secured renewals for three of its highest-rated unscripted series, including a big deal for its reigning hit, Dog the Bounty Hunter. But the network's other breakout series, Growing Up Gotti, has been whacked, according to sources. It's also the end of the line for Airline, another A&E reality entry. The highest-rated series ever on the network in all key demographics, Dog will be back for a third season, which already is in production. Returning for second seasons are Inked and Criss Angel Mindfreak, the two youngest-skewing series on the network. "We are thrilled to be moving forward in our relationship with these shows," said Bob DeBitetto, executive vp and general manager of A&E. "They've all contributed to a great year at A&E."...