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Film & TV on DVD - John Doe News & Reviews

 
Greetings Film Fiends and welcome to John Doe's Film Blog. 30 years of dedicated celluloid obsession has meant that I have seen a few films. Drawing attention to some of the lesser discussed gems that I love. Cult classics, obscure curios and quality genre pictures. This blogs purpose is to translate some of my passion for these films and with luck, inspire you the reader to go check em out.

Heroes (2006): TV Sneak Peek-Trailer Included

November 23rd 2006 06:20
Heroes: (2006): A Television Preview


Unreleased in Australia

I’m breaking the rules here. This is not a DVD or on the bigscreen.
Currently airing on NBC in the U.S.A, I have no date when this TV show is due on Australian shores. Lucky enough to have a buddy in the US who just sent me the first 8 episodes, I am hooked and must spread the word early.



Heroes
Heroes - TV Show






Created by: Tim Kring
Starring: Adrian Pasdar, Ali Larter, Milo Ventimiglia, James Kyson Lee, Masi Oka


“You start talking about capes and tights and I'm out of here”Ando Masahashi


Heroes is the genesis of a new superhero mythology coming across like a hybrid of the X-Files and Unbreakable, bravely occupying an adult universe. Unique because it never existed on the graphic page, this is a comic book that never was.

Setting its foundations very much in the real world this is the story of ordinary folks who thanks to a solar eclipse discover extraordinary powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men…….people…..humans. (Left my PC dictionary in my other pants)


A small group from all points on the globe are affected and there DNA may never be the same again. The pilot episode paints itself onto a vast canvass that after 42 minutes manages to have several story threads already piquing our curiosity

Mysterious and deliberately withholding, the multi tiered story introduces Mohinder Suresh (Sendhil Ramamurthy) a lecturer living in India, passionate about the potential of the human race and questing for the next evolutionary leap.
He discovers that his enigmatic father has been killed while in New York and decides to investigate.

Meanwhile, we meet the rest of the players. In the big apple we have brothers Nathan (Adrian Pasdar) and Peter Petrelli (Milo Ventimiglia) are very different people. Nathan is the eldest and is an emotionally distant, cut throat politician.

Peter lives in his older brothers shadow and is a fragile dreamer, believing he is destined to do something important, the series opens with his recurring dream of flight.

A Las vegas web stripper in trouble with the mob Niki Sanders, (Ali Larter) may or may not be seeing things, is she in two places at once?

A cheerleader named Claire Bennett has self mutilation issues; she keeps on trying to hurt herself but heals quickly no matter what absurd stunt she pulls.

Issac Mendez (Santiago Cabrera) is an out of his mind artist in a manic frenzy. Painting pictures of death and destruction, haunted by visions, his only outlet is his art.

And how could I forget our Japanese Super Hiro, a gawky, socially ridiculed fantasist who is about to discover he can bend both space and time.

Shot and framed like the pages of a comic, striving for an authentic mood, the FX are kept to a minimum, the action is abrupt and you will believe what you see.

The controlled carnage is graphic when it does occur, but the series focuses on the characters private lives, discovering and developing their gifts while a dark and threatening plot lets us know that inevitably conspiracy and evil is not far away.

Heroes
Prepare to feel the power


John Doe Says:
A comic geek from childhood I disappear inside the manuscript of intelligent, philosophical and scientific superhero fare. The buzz that has come my way over the last six weeks about this premiere Television series has been relentless.

Bombarded by emails from friends overseas saying things like;
”I was watching this TV show and thought of you John Doe”
Mates sauntering up at work grinning;
“JD this is right up your alley.”
Berated by said compadres ever since,
“Have you seen it yet, have you seen it?”
You get the idea, even if manslaughter was involved I had to experience this thing for myself.

Too much hype can often be a bad thing. Expectations raised to an uncomfortable level, I struggled to maintain a Jedi like calmness as I went to the mailbox yesterday and found my care package.

Unsuccessful in maintaining my sense of Chi, unwrapping my parcel, I crumbled like a teen in a porn shop, I looked around before letting out a delighted chuckle.

Called up an amigo, grabbed the girlfriend, flaked out on the couch and pressed play…..

Framed like the comics it is emulating, I was not disappointed. Smart and knowing, the storytelling is top notch and there is a faultless need to make everything ring true and inspire excitement.

The cast are all committed and sell the premise. Its great to see Adrian Pasdar (Near Dark) again and Ali Larter (Jay and Silent Bob, Final Destination) offers instant eye candy but endures with a flawed character with murky abilities.

Co produced and co written by Dead like Me and Wonderfalls creator Bryan Fuller, the show knows it’s demographic and caters to us nerds with thoughtful and addictive prowess.

Hope I have wet your appetites.Keep an eye out because the ratings in the US have been through the roof and I’m sure it will start airing next year.


Check out The First 8 minutes of the Pilot Episode below





A very special thank you to Cibuanno for instructing me in the art of inserting video clips.
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Comments
20 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Jimbo

November 23rd 2006 07:16
Having watched this series for a while, it's been pretty good so far. Sort of takes a similar approach to Lost - a serial drama with every episode having the obligatory cliffhanger. Can feel a little bit of an Xmen ripoff at times, but overall its pretty good

Comment by JohnDoe

November 23rd 2006 07:37
I love this stuff when its done well.

Agree with the X Men vibe but I think its because this is very much a science based comic book story.

The cliffhanger endings make every episode end like and issue of a comic book. (Each one ends with a hint of whats to come.)

The whole thing is structured identical to how comic books are written.

As for Lost, Im not a fan......I love the original tele movie from the 70's it was based on, (Survivor I think it was called starring William Shatner) so I pretty much know where its all going.
I love serialised Tv when its got satisfactory rewards, but Lost sadly does it more in the soapy tradition, with no real velocity or point.

Comment by Anonymous

November 23rd 2006 09:54
I've been watching this and it's awesome. Some of the episodes are a bit mish mash but there is just something about the show that draws you in. Plus it was fun when new characters appear with powers to link them to a particular comic character.

Would definately recommend watching this.

Comment by JohnDoe

November 23rd 2006 11:19
Hi anonymous,
Cool to meet another fan ofthis addictive show.

I love the link to superheroes of the past while attaching them to completly different personalities.

Also the idea of greatness being thrust upon them always inspires the imagination.

Drop by again.

Comment by Filmpeeker

November 23rd 2006 11:24
Hi John!

I enjoyed your writing, hilarious!

Heroes is actually one of the few shows that I really like out there, cause it feels like the makers know what they're doing, unlike some others. Also it has an interesting plot, and I can't say no to character depth (see Lost).

Have a good one,

Cya

//filmpeeker

Comment by Hope

November 23rd 2006 12:07
Heroes is by far one of my fave tv shows. The pilot is really well-written and the choice of actors doesn't distract from the story. I can't wait to see what happens next - Save the cheerleader, save the world, lol".

Comment by Sarah White

November 23rd 2006 13:20
Hiya John (I'm Anonymous, somehow it didn't post my name.)

I haven't talked to a person yet who doesn't like this show, well apart from my hubby but oh well.

Another thing I like is the way the characters with powers are introduced as Heroes but the question is will they be heroes when the time comes?

And as the well known Spiderman saying goes "With great power comes great responsibility."

The only annoying thing I find is having to wait a week to watch the next episode. hehe.

Comment by JohnDoe

November 23rd 2006 22:06
Thanks for the compliment Filmpeeker, glad to entertain.
The characters are well rounded and full of surprises. (We like that)



Hi Hope, Thanks for dropping by
Heroes is definetly the best new show going around. Deadwood and Battlestar also have me hooked but they are in there 3rd seasons now. Keep watching and please come back soon.


Welcome Sarah White,
I sometimes mistakingly post as anonymous too. I concur that the hardest thing of all will be waiting a week for each new installment.


It really is amazing how the net brings fans from around the world together.

I just feel sorry for all the people here in Oz that wont get to see it till at least next year.

Worse still the tool TV networks here will probably play it at midnight or something.



Comment by Ginger Snap

November 23rd 2006 23:35
I live in Oz and also been lucky to see through friends in US - I'm addicted too and hate that I have to wait for more....

Comment by Adrian

November 23rd 2006 23:35
Haven't seen an episode nor heard about it, but I think I'm hooked already.

I hope the powers are well-explained and well-balanced... This is something that children pick up on very quickly (it's not just nerds) -- when there are inconsistencies in powers, or when people could have used powers but didn't, that's kind of irksome...

Comment by JohnDoe

November 23rd 2006 23:56
Thanks for dropping in Ginger, glad you are digging it.


Adrian,
This isnt a kids show, and rest asured so far everything is viable and thoughtful. You get to know the cahracters hence you understand why they do or dont do something.

Hope you can get your hands on Heroes from somewhere, it should entertain you.

Comment by Sarah White

November 27th 2006 15:21
Yay a new episode tonight.

John you mentioning to Adrian about this not being child friendly reminded me that an online friend I know lets here 11 year old son watch this show. I was very shocked to read that as there are moments that are just that bit too gory I think for a child.

Comment by JohnDoe

November 27th 2006 22:22
Hi sarah, thanks for coming back

Yay indeed, although I wont be getting a copy of tonites one till next week.

Comment by Anonymous

December 1st 2006 11:08
“Have you seen it yet, have you seen it?”

heheheh, dude, I'm sooooo glad you saw it!!! What episode are you up to now?

-Rach

Comment by JohnDoe

December 1st 2006 23:18
Hi Rach,
Had a crazy busy week, so Im hoping to be up to date with viewing by the end of the weekend.

Comment by JohnDoe

December 4th 2006 23:11
Got to see episodes 9 & 10 over the break and my only complaint is having to wait for 11 & 12.

Comment by Nina

February 2nd 2007 04:24
I must have missed this post the first time around - thanks for linking to it. I didn't realise Heroes had a Dead Like Me connection; I loved the quirky characters of that show.

Comment by JohnDoe

February 2nd 2007 04:59
Glad you checked it out Nina,

Rumour has it that they were going to make one of the Heroes gay...they wouldnt name names but the mother of the actress (Big hint) said she would take her daughter out of the show.....I reckon that may have been a Bryan Fuller idea.

Did you see Wonderfalls, created by Bryan Fuller?

Comment by Nina

February 2nd 2007 05:06
I'm afraid I haven't seen it - I keep meaning to catch it on Fox8 but never get around to it.

Comment by JohnDoe

February 3rd 2007 00:00
i quite enjoyed it for its quirky sense of humour....maybe one day Wonderfalls will be released on DVD here, though they still haven't got around to Season 2 of Dead Like Me yet.

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