All posts by Scott Meisner

Experimental band Xiu Xiu resurrects ‘Twin Peaks’ score with poise

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If you ever tuned into David Lynch’s cult mystery drama Twin Peaks, then you are well aware of composer Angelo Badalamenti’s instantly iconic score. Every episode of the short-lived show kicked off with scenic views of the not-everything-is-as-it-seems town, including shots of The Packard Saw Mill and The Great Northern Hotel. Elevating these gorgeous shots to greater heights? Badalamenti’s score, which happened to mesh perfectly with Lynch’s overall vision for the show; the sounds and songs of Twin Peaks were grandiose, eerie, edgy, disturbed even. It’s been confirmed that Badalamenti is teaming up with Lynch again for the now-in-production third season of Twin Peaks, coming to Showtime sometime next year. For now, though, there’s this. Continue reading Experimental band Xiu Xiu resurrects ‘Twin Peaks’ score with poise →

Star Wars Day: Emojis tell ‘The Force Awakens’, and J.J. Abrams & Lin Manuel Miranda perform the new Cantina song

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Today is May 4th and you know what that means: it’s Star Wars Day! To celebrate the annual occasion, Disney dropped this incredibly adorable version of The Force Awakens…as told by emoji! In under four minutes, the cute clip breaks down the seventh installment in the Star Wars franchise, hitting most of the major beats of the film. Rey, Finn, Poe, Kylo Ren, Han Solo, and the rest of your characters pop up throughout in emoji form, and the animation makes fun use of GIFs, apps, and recognizable iDevices. Enjoy, and May the Fourth Be With You!

Now, those of you who picked up a copy of John Williams’ score from The Force Awakens likely scratched your head and went, Huh, where’s the new Cantina song? Well, here it is now! In honor of Star Wars Day, Lucasfilm is finally making “Jabba Flow” available to stream and purchase. The track is written and performed by director J.J. Abrams and Hamilton creator and star Lin Manuel Miranda. Watch them perform it live, for the first time ever, in a video recorded earlier today; it’s embedded below. Continue reading Star Wars Day: Emojis tell ‘The Force Awakens’, and J.J. Abrams & Lin Manuel Miranda perform the new Cantina song →

What to watch this month: ‘Person of Interest,’ ‘Preacher,’ ‘Bloodline’ & more

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We’ve nearly reached the official “end” of the network TV season, seeing as we’ve entered the month of May. But, as we know from recent years past, that no longer means there’s nothing to watch until September. CBS sat on Person of Interest for far too long, and now we’re finally privy to the final season. AMC aims to impress with its adaptation of the cult comic book franchise Preacher. Netflix’s captivating family drama Bloodline is back and ready to peel more layers off the Rayburns. What else? Fox hopes to strike gold again by resuming its mystery thriller Wayward Pines, and Chelsea Handler debuts Netflix’s first talk show. Find posters and trailers and premiere dates after the break! Continue reading What to watch this month: ‘Person of Interest,’ ‘Preacher,’ ‘Bloodline’ & more →

Status update #9 on your favorite new and returning shows

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You know the drill by now–here’s a roundup of recently renewed TV series across network and cable stations. Happy to report there are no major cancellations to share.

NBC is clearly a fan of its Friday night genre fare; Grimm will return for a sixth season, albeit a short season order that will produce 13 episodes instead of the customary 22.

FOX, took you long enough! New Girl fans, you can breathe a quiet sigh of relief; the popular sitcom is coming back for a sixth run. Elsewhere on the network, newbies Lucifer and Rosewood have been renewed for second seasons.

FXX made my heart sing when it commissioned a third season of its surreal relationship sitcom Man Seeking Woman. If you’re not watching this one, you’re missing out.

AMC can’t get enough Dead. The Walking Dead‘s companion series Fear the Walking Dead, currently in the middle of its second season run, is confirmed to unspool a third season set to debut in 2017.

HBO, in a move that surprised no one, swiftly renewed its uber-popular fantasy drama Game of Thrones and critically acclaimed comedies Veep and Silicon Valley. It is Thrones‘ seventh, Veep‘s sixth, and Silicon Valley‘s fourth.

Streamer Hulu loves The Mindy Project, just like the rest of us! Mindy Kaling’s sitcom, which moved over from Fox when the network cancelled it after three seasons, is making a fifth season. Also coming back for more is The Path, the buzzy drama about a controversial cult starring Aaron Paul, Hugh Dancy, and Michelle Monaghan.

Netflix orders ‘Wet Hot American Summer’ sequel, summer of ’91 reunion gets real!

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“Hey, lets all promise that ten years from today, we’ll meet again, and we’ll see what kind of people we have blossomed into.”

That’s a line that Bradley Cooper’s Ben says at the end of the 2001 cult comedy film Wet Hot American Summer. When Netflix announced that it was bringing Wet Hot back as an episodic TV series, fans were pleasantly surprised to find out that it would a prequel taking place during the first day of camp in the summer of 1981 (as opposed to the last day of camp as featured in the movie). For those of you still yearning for a true sequel, your prayers have been answered. Taking a cue from Cooper’s Ben, Netflix confirms Wet Hot American Summer: 10 Years Later is on its way!

Wet Hot writers Michael Showalter and David Wain are returning to pen the 8-episode sequel series, and Wain will direct the installments again. The cast hasn’t been solidified yet, but by teasing the new season with the clip from the movie embedded above, you have to imagine that the entire gang is game to reprise their memorable characters.

Wondering what the crop of raunchy characters will be up to in the summer of 1991? Perhaps the “10 Years Later” tag at the very end of the Wet Hot movie provides clues; revisit it here.

Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later is set to debut on Netflix in 2017.

Nintendo looks to the future with more apps, a new console & Zelda

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The Wii U, Nintendo’s followup to its revolutionary motion-sensing video game console, the Wii, never quite lived up to its potential. The giant, lackluster GamePad and the system’s inferior specs ultimately drove third-party developers away and the Wii U never gained steam in the console wars against powerhouses Xbox and PlayStation. Ninty is gearing up to turn a new leaf, announcing a broader push into mobile and even a launch window for its next home console.

Last March, Nintendo partnered with Tokyo-based developer DeNA to develop games for smartphones and its first foray became a smash-hit practically overnight. A couple months ago, Nintendo dropped Miitomo into the App Store and today the company’s celebrating over 10 million users. The “social experience” app invites users to create a Mii (or on-screen avatar) and interact with other Miis over the Internet by taking photos and hanging out. This fall, Ninty’s increasing its app count by two with fresh games based on the popular Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing franchises. According to Nintendo, “compared to Miitomo, [these apps] have more prominent game elements, and the game content will tie closely into Nintendo’s dedicated games business.”

Wii U’s successor, codenamed NX, now has an official launch window: March 2017. It will be unveiled sometime later this year, Mario’s maker promises.

Lastly, Nintendo opened up about its plans for the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). This June, the NX will not make an appearance at the annual convention, but the next-gen Legend of Zelda will. In fact, Zelda will be the only playable game at Nintendo’s booth this year. It’s a strange move since Nintendo is typically known to have many of its beloved franchises on-site to demo at the show. The new Zelda is currently in development and will be released simultaneously on the Wii U and NX consoles in 2017.

See you at E3!

[Via Nintendo]

Apple reports first quarterly revenue decline in 13 years

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On April 26, Apple reported its 2016 second quarter financial results, and for the first time in 13 years, it is facing a decline in quarterly revenue. We’re so used to seeing record revenues from Tim Cook’s company, but you cannot deny that you didn’t see this coming. A quick look at the numbers will shine a light on where this inevitable slump sprouted from.

Apple posted a quarterly revenue of $50.6 billion and record quarterly net profit of $10.5 billion. Compare this to one year ago, that’s down from revenue of $58 billion and net profit of $13.6 billion. Says CEO Tim Cook in a press release: “Our team executed extremely well in the face of strong macroeconomic headwinds. We are very happy with the continued strong growth in revenue from Services, thanks to the incredible strength of the Apple ecosystem and our growing base of over one billion active devices.”

iPhones took a hard hit this quarter, with 51.2 million units sold, compared to 61.2 million in the year-ago quarter. iPads also went on a noticeable decline, with 10.3 million units sold, compared to 12.6 million. Same story for Mac, with 4 million units sold, compared to 4.6 million. Across the board, as you can clearly see, Apple had a tough time living up to its record-breaking numbers this quarter across all three of its major product categories including phones, tablets, and computers.

Now, there is a bright spot among this dour news, and you’ll find it in a category Apple calls Other Products. Though Apple does not report units sold for iPod, Apple TV, and Apple Watch, it does share the overall revenue those products accumulated in the quarter. Other Products amassed $2.2 million in Q2 ’16, up from Q2 ’15’s $1.7 million. In addition, and as Cook mentioned in his quote, Apple’s Internet-connected Services sector (read: iTunes & App Stores, Apple Music) is also on the rise reaching $6 million in revenue, up from the year-ago quarter’s $5 million.

Despite the optimism there, however, Apple’s stock dropped some points following news of the overall quarterly revenue decline. With Apple’s Wordwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) around the corner, here’s to hoping the tech giant (and still the world’s most valuable company) has some exciting announcements up its sleeve (iPhone 7? iOS 10? The shrouded in mystery Apple Car?) to pick up some forward momentum!

Looking ahead to the third fiscal quarter of 2016, Apple CFO Luca Maestri expects revenue between $41 billion and $43 billion.

[Via Apple]

On the scene: ‘Making A Murderer’ defense attorneys go on tour

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When I found out the defense attorneys from Netflix’s Making A Murderer were going on a national tour to discuss the Steven Avery case and the American criminal justice system in general, I nabbed a ticket on the spot! I saw Dean Strang and Jerry Buting at the Beacon Theatre in New York City tonight and the conversation, though not revelatory, was very engaging.

You might think that there’s a niche audience for this kind of thing, but they managed to nearly fill up the entire theatre with fans of the documentary, public defenders, and lawyers. The moderator led the discussion based on questions provided by the audience.

Strang said he experiences “lasting discomfort” with the Avery case. They both “long for” his exoneration. It was clear that the case emotionally impacted them and still sits with them to this day. Though they remain disheartened about the conviction, they are enthused that the worldwide exposure of the case is opening up a discussion about reforming the criminal justice system. “The needle is finally moving,” said Buting.

And yes, in case you were wondering, Strang was called a “beloved hero heartthrob” on stage and he told his admirers that they “need to get out more.” Ha! The two were also asked how many marriage proposals they’ve gotten since the doc came out. “Too many to count,” deadpanned Buting. Elsewhere, Strang performed a riveting Donald Trump impression and that alone made the cost of admission totally worth it.

Speaking of which, the attorneys shared that some of the ticket proceeds are going to the Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth, the innocence project that is currently aiding Brendan Dassey’s ongoing case. #TheyDidntDoIt

Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange’ teaser dives headfirst into alternate dimensions

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In December, we caught a mere glimpse at Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) as the next Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero, Doctor Strange. Today, we are gifted with the first teaser trailer for Marvel’s Doctor Strange and it flips the MCU on its head, quite literally, in fact. The brief official logline released by Marvel reads, “When famous neurosurgeon Stephen Strange (Cumberbatch) suffers career-ending injuries in a devastating car crash, he seeks help in the furthest reaches of the world! Hoping to find cures for his injuries, Strange instead uncovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.”

The powerful entity who teaches Strange how to harness magic and travel across dimensions is known as The Ancient One, played here by a very bald Tilda Swinton. “You’re a man looking at the world through a keyhole,” The Ancient One tells Strange. “You’ve spent your life trying to widen it. Your work saved the lives of thousands. What if I told you that reality is one of many?”

We’ve seen aliens invade Earth, we’ve traversed the The Bifröst Bridge to Asgard where gods like Thor rule the land, and we’ve even witnessed myriad mutant powered people. Doctor Strange introduces an entirely new spin on the MCU with the exciting introduction of magic and alternate dimensions, and I cannot wait to see how Stephen Strange’s transformation into the Sorcerer Supreme affects everything that has come before and will come after.

Cumberbatch and his immediately acceptable English accent is joined on screen by Swinton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Michael Stuhlbarg, Mads Mikkelsen, and Benedict Wong.

Doctor Strange, directed by Scott Derrickson (Sinister, Deliver Us from Evil), hits theatres November 4. Dive into the gallery below to view not one but two epically cryptic theatrical posters.

[Via Marvel; Twitter]

‘Star Wars’ spinoff ‘Rogue One’ teaser trailer arrives

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UPDATE (4/7): As promised, here is the first teaser trailer for Rogue One! It debuted on Good Morning America this morning, and it packs quite the punch even for a one-minute forty-second tease. John Williams’ iconic score has a new edge here, blending his classic keys with something entirely new. It introduces Felicity Jones’ character, who we now know is named Jyn Erso. “This is a rebellion, isn’t it? I rebel,” she says and just like that she immediately wins the hearts of Star Wars fans everywhere. Ben Mendelsohn looks to be channeling his inner evil he commands so well (see Bloodline) as an Imperial villain, and Forest Whitaker comes to Jyn’s aid in stealing the Death Star plans with a warning: “If you continue to fight, what will you become?” Also, be on the lookout for exciting callbacks to the original trilogy; Mon Mothma and the AT-ATs are back, and is that The Emperor underneath a black robe? Enjoy!

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hits theatres December 16, 2016. The initial teaser for the teaser has been moved under the fold.

PREVIOUS (4/6): Yes, it’s a teaser for a teaser but… STAR WARS! Tomorrow Disney drops the first official teaser trailer for the Star Wars spinoff movie, Rogue One. To get your blood pumping, the studio’s released this 10-second teaser of the teaser and even it cannot disappoint. You’ll hear TIE Fighters whizzing, you’ll catch a glimpse of a stormtrooper dressed in all-black armor, and that’s pretty much it! Just enough to raise the hairs on every Star Wars fanboy and fangirl out there who are surely still high off The Force Awakens. Be sure to check back here Thursday morning for the full teaser.

So here’s what we know so far about Rogue One. Continue reading ‘Star Wars’ spinoff ‘Rogue One’ teaser trailer arrives →

What to watch this month: ‘Orphan Black,’ ‘Kimmy Schmidt,’ ‘Game of Thrones’ & more

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Winter is coming to television this month. That’s right–Game of Thrones makes its long-awaited return and the world will know the fate of beloved character Jon Snow. With Thrones also comes one-two comedic punch from HBO, Silicon Valley and Veep. Elsewhere, the Walking Dead spinoff takes the high seas, Orphan Black journeys further down the rabbit hole, Kimmy Schmidt begs to be binged, AMC is preparing a miniseries starring Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie. It’s a jam-packed month for new TV. Jump after the break for premiere dates, posters, and previews. Continue reading What to watch this month: ‘Orphan Black,’ ‘Kimmy Schmidt,’ ‘Game of Thrones’ & more →

Status update #8 on your favorite new and returning shows

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May is fast approaching, the month when the majority of network TV series reach their season finales, some with cliffhangers galore. We’re still waiting on many network executives to make final decisions on the fate of their shows, and today I’m back with the latest report concerning your favorite ones. Without further ado…

CBS, in typical fashion, is bringing back the majority of its programming next fall. In one fell swoop, The Eye renewed 11 series: dramas Blue Bloods, NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, Hawaii Five-0, Madam Secretary, Elementary, and Scorpion, comedies Mom and 2 Broke Girls, and reality shows Survivor and The Amazing Race. Elsewhere, the time has come to say goodbye to Person of Interest. The addicting crime procedural/serial hybrid from executive producers J.J. Abrams, Jonathan Nolan, and Greg Plageman debuts its fifth and final season on Tuesday, May 3. The EPs released a joint statement for fans, and you can read it after the break.

FOX, meanwhile, is placing lots of confidence in striving drama Gotham and reliably funny comedies Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Last Man on Earth. The DC Comics-based series will return for a third season, and the Andy Samberg and Will Forte sitcoms have secured a fourth and third season, respectively.

ABC swiftly removed biblical drama Of Kings and Prophets from its primetime schedule after two wildly low-rated airings. The end.

FXX is primed to make history with a two-season pickup of veteran sitcom It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia. Seasons 13 and 14 are currently in the works, and if FX’s sister network eventually greenlights a record-breaking 15th season, it will make It’s Always Sunny the longest-running live-action comedy series of all-time.

AMC, in the least surprising move, has announced that it wants more Better Call Saul. The Breaking Bad spinoff is officially coming back for a 10-episode third season in 2017. Elsewhere on the cable network, martial arts drama Into the Badlands secured a second season.

One dislikes ending on a sour note, but here goes: HBO has opted not to bring back Togetherness for a third season. Its second season, which currently has two episodes remaining, will be its last. The underrated drama from filmmaking brothers Jay and Mark Duplass puts marriage and friendship under a microscope and explores adult relationships with strong sense of finesse and intimate emotion. This one will be missed. Continue reading Status update #8 on your favorite new and returning shows →