by Bob Martin | Apr 3, 2012 | Art, Cable, Directors, HBO, Movies
Simultaneously, as we began to understand the characters and their dynamics on the HBO series “Luck” we learned that the series had been cancelled, because of the concern for horses that might be used in the production of the series. Ironically the series was beginning to paint a bleak portrait of the “sport” of horse racing, the people associated with the sport as well as the care for these magnificent animals once they are no longer able to race, leaving some people to wonder if the heat that HBO felt (and reason for cancellation) was about the death of 3 horses or the exposure given to the seedy side of this sport.Unfortunately races horses die from racing and not from being filmed. So the cancellation of show is about politics and not horses, so ending the series did do much for the horse.
Growing up in an urban area, I’ve had a fascination with horses and believed that they were always treated like “Scout” or “Trigger” the always appreciated sidekicks of the Lone Ranger and Roy Rogers, respectfully and that the people surrounding the “sport” of horse racing were the type of people you see at the Kentucky Derby, woman with flowered hats, and owners in white linen suites. “Luck” put to rest this fantasy.
Like everything that turns out to be worth watching, the series “Luck” was about more then just the horses and any one single thing. A well acted, written and directed portrait of people whose background story we seldom hear about. It was the bazaar and conflicting human story that was just beginning to unfold and there just didn’t seem to be enough time (episodes) to tell the whole story. Like the “Sopranos” and “Deadwood” it would have been the second season (I believed) that would make the series a hit.
I am sorry to see the series end. Maybe the next time they will use puppets.
by Sandy | Jan 19, 2012 | Blogroll, Cable, dvd, TV
“Luther” is the main character in a fascinating TV series of the same name portrayed by the lovely Idris Elba. This excellent BBC crime drama follows detective John Luther as he figures out who did what to whom and maybe why. Evidently, I am not alone in my feelings about this show because the intense and talented Mr. Elba won a Golden Globe, (lead actor in a drama series) this past weekend. To celebrate, BBC America (BBCA) has stopped the presses and reprogrammed its schedule so that the TV show’s multitude of fans will be treated to a “Luther” marathon on Sunday January, 22, 2012. Yay! The “Luther” feast begins at 11AM EST. See ya there 😆 
There have only been 2 seasons – 6 episodes in #1 and 4 episodes in #2. (Both are available on DVD.)
by Bob Martin | Nov 19, 2010 | Art, Cable, Directors, Movies
Films that are dependent on story and story alone are what I think of as “little” films.
Claire Danes in Polish Wedding
They are little films because they are not blockbusters. Blockbusters are ordained to be big and successful, little films have to grow in popularity and unfortunately may never be successful. Hannah and her Sisters is one film that I’ve seen a number of times and continue to find delight in the story telling I’ve just seen David Duchovny’s House of D (Don’t think it was ever released to theaters) and Theresa Connelly’s (if she every existed) Polish Wedding, both films are first time efforts for writer/director story tellers and neither meets the standard of “successful” and you’ve got to start someplace. Duchovny will get a chance if he wants to write and direct another feature film and it’s unfortunate that Ms Connelly has not done anything else in film. Those of us who like story telling need to support folks who try- otherwise films will consist of a 40 minute gun battle, 20 minute car chases, 25 minutes of suggested sex, 10 minutes of dialogue and 25 minutes of credits for the special effects. Lets give the story tellers a second and third chance.
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by Bob Martin | Sep 11, 2010 | Actors, Art, Cable, Showtime, TV
Laura Linney - The Big C
The Big C, Mondays on Showtime with the “C” meaning cancer, is humorous look at life when faced with our on reality. This series so far has clicked on on cylinders, cast, writing, and production. There is not the pity focus nor is there bucket list gaiety. Some times the things you miss out on are some of the simplest we can imagine.
Obviously the show is not about Cancer, it is deeper then that. It is about the appreciation for what we can still do, regardless of the time. It’s fun.
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by Sandy | Aug 5, 2010 | Arts, Entertainment and Music, Books, Cable, Creativity, Events, Writers
Los Angeles will host its popular Black Book Expo again this year on Saturday 8/21 at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel. This one day event will offer “authors, storytellers, spoken word and poetry performances, musicians, exhibitors, children’s book authors, emerging writers, publishers, booksellers, panel discussions, editors, book reviewers…”
The Los Angeles Black Book Expo (LABBX) * August 21st * 11:00- 5:00
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by Bob Martin | Mar 3, 2010 | Cable, Showtime
Lauren Graham
First of all Peter Krause (Six Feet Under) belongs on HBO or Showtime and maybe this creation from Ron Howard and Brian Grazer may prove too big and complicated for NBC, which has been stuck in “Law and Order” mode for the last 10 years, and the show will wind up on cable, just like Southland. Parenthood has a large cast that helps to answer the question “I wondered what happened to Bonnie Bedelia, Erika Christensen, Craig T. Nelson and Monica Potter?” which suggests that TV and cable is where the work is. The writers in the first episode pick up on themes that are reminiscent (they watch cable too) of Weeds, Nurse Betty, Modern Family and Californication in fact Lauren Graham as Sarah Braverman, reminds me of a less lethal Nancy Botwin as played by Mary-Louise Parker.
Mary-Louise Parker
The story lines are diverse and challenging and I am afraid that NBC will chicken out like they did (I believe) with Southland. Here is a chance in a drama format to educate a large portion of our society who still believe that if your kid is Autistic that its your fault, that families without a traditional mother and father setup are doomed or still see race as black vs white. For certain this program is about a white family and I think the creators of the show want to touch on something real, so we will see plenty of “post racial” issues as they go forward.
I was surprised that I enjoyed the first show, they are usually hectic attempts at establishing who people are. I will be looking to see if NBC can pull this off.
