Watch Game of Thrones' Seventh Episode a Week Early!

HBO GO unsheathes a special Game of Thrones offer for subscribers that lets users view seventh episode "You Win or You Die" immediately after episode six!

If you're anything like us, the wait in between Game of Thrones episodes, though merely a week, drives us madder than the Mad King himself with anticipation!  But no longer!

Once this Sunday, May 22nd's episode "A Golden Crown" rolls its credits, HBO GO has a special offer for subscribers that allows them to immediately view episode seven "You Win or You Die" through the service!  And trust us, once you've seen the climax of "A Golden Crown," you're going to need that next episode to avoid early withdrawals!

And if you weren't aware or watching already (which you should, now that season two is in store), the series stars Sean Bean as Ned Stark, and boasts an otherwise impressive cast comprised of Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister,  Mark Addy as King Baratheon, Lena Headey as Queen Cersei, and a host of others all vying for the iron throne of the fictional Westeros.

HBOGo.com also allows access to special features where you'll be able to see "alert feeds" that offer special features as you watch, including commentary from the creators, behind the scenes looks, maps, 3-D costume and item renderings and character guides!

Need more reasons to watch?  Check it out, and sign up for HBO GO to watch episode seven after the official press release!

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HBO GO USERS GET EARLY LOOK AT EPISODE SEVEN OF Game Of Thrones STARTING MAY 22

Following the debut of episode six of Game Of Thrones on Sunday, May 22 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET), episode seven of the hit HBO series, entitled “You Win or You Die,” will immediately be available to subscribers on the HBO GO platform. HBO GO can be accessed at hbogo.com or via the HBO GO app – now available for download on Apple’s iPad®, iPhone® and iPod touch® and numerous smartphones using Google’s Android™ operating system – and is free of charge to HBO subscribers through participating television providers. 

Watch Game of Thrones' Seventh Episode a Week Early!

HBO GO unsheathes a special Game of Thrones offer for subscribers that lets users view seventh episode "You Win or You Die" immediately after episode six!

If you're anything like us, the wait in between Game of Thrones episodes, though merely a week, drives us madder than the Mad King himself with anticipation!  But no longer!

Once this Sunday, May 22nd's episode "A Golden Crown" rolls its credits, HBO GO has a special offer for subscribers that allows them to immediately view episode seven "You Win or You Die" through the service!  And trust us, once you've seen the climax of "A Golden Crown," you're going to need that next episode to avoid early withdrawals!

And if you weren't aware or watching already (which you should, now that season two is in store), the series stars Sean Bean as Ned Stark, and boasts an otherwise impressive cast comprised of Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister,  Mark Addy as King Baratheon, Lena Headey as Queen Cersei, and a host of others all vying for the iron throne of the fictional Westeros.

HBOGo.com also allows access to special features where you'll be able to see "alert feeds" that offer special features as you watch, including commentary from the creators, behind the scenes looks, maps, 3-D costume and item renderings and character guides!

Need more reasons to watch?  Check it out, and sign up for HBO GO to watch episode seven after the official press release!

----------

HBO GO USERS GET EARLY LOOK AT EPISODE SEVEN OF Game Of Thrones STARTING MAY 22

Following the debut of episode six of Game Of Thrones on Sunday, May 22 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET), episode seven of the hit HBO series, entitled “You Win or You Die,” will immediately be available to subscribers on the HBO GO platform. HBO GO can be accessed at hbogo.com or via the HBO GO app – now available for download on Apple’s iPad®, iPhone® and iPod touch® and numerous smartphones using Google’s Android™ operating system – and is free of charge to HBO subscribers through participating television providers. 

Comic-Con: The Hobbit Just Got a Little Funnier with Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry does it all. He writes, acts, speaks, blogs -- basically, he's putting us all out of jobs. His latest role will be that of an ordinary human, albeit one who gets to hang out with hobbits and dwarves and dragons.

Compared to the The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbitwas always a lighter adventure, a prequel meant for younger readers as a segue into the epic, dark experiences of the Fellowship of the Ring and their quest to Mordor. Keeping with his past trilogy, it's likely that Peter Jackson's upcoming adaptation of The Hobbit will keep the same grim tone, but with recent casting additions, there may be room in the film for a bit more comedy.

According to Peter Jackson's official Facebook page, British comedian/writer Stephen Fry has been cast in the film as the Master of Laketown. Bilbo Baggins and his posse of dwarves are welcomed to the town by the Master, who's real intentions are driven by greed and weakness.

Jackson and Fry have a previously relationship, spending a good part of the last decade working together on a remake of the 1955 war film The Dam Busters. Now Jackson's expanded his relationship with Fry, bringing him into theHobbit fold in a role that could be more substantial than the original text would have you believe, now that the source material is being broken into two parts.

For those unfamiliar with Fry, or simply need a reason to love this bit of casting, watch this:

Jackson also updated with a few more casting additions, including relative unknown Ryan Gage as the Master of Watertown's slimy servant Alfrid and Conan Stevens as the orc Azgog. Jackson posted a picture of himself and Stevens on set, to give you an idea how tall this lumbering actor really is (Jackson is aroundn 6'5"). Not someone you want to mess around with.

The Hobbit is a strong contender for a panel at SDCC this year, so keep your eyes peeled for official announcements soon.

Comic-Con: The Hobbit Just Got a Little Funnier with Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry does it all. He writes, acts, speaks, blogs -- basically, he's putting us all out of jobs. His latest role will be that of an ordinary human, albeit one who gets to hang out with hobbits and dwarves and dragons.

Compared to the The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbitwas always a lighter adventure, a prequel meant for younger readers as a segue into the epic, dark experiences of the Fellowship of the Ring and their quest to Mordor. Keeping with his past trilogy, it's likely that Peter Jackson's upcoming adaptation of The Hobbit will keep the same grim tone, but with recent casting additions, there may be room in the film for a bit more comedy.

According to Peter Jackson's official Facebook page, British comedian/writer Stephen Fry has been cast in the film as the Master of Laketown. Bilbo Baggins and his posse of dwarves are welcomed to the town by the Master, who's real intentions are driven by greed and weakness.

Jackson and Fry have a previously relationship, spending a good part of the last decade working together on a remake of the 1955 war film The Dam Busters. Now Jackson's expanded his relationship with Fry, bringing him into theHobbit fold in a role that could be more substantial than the original text would have you believe, now that the source material is being broken into two parts.

For those unfamiliar with Fry, or simply need a reason to love this bit of casting, watch this:

Jackson also updated with a few more casting additions, including relative unknown Ryan Gage as the Master of Watertown's slimy servant Alfrid and Conan Stevens as the orc Azgog. Jackson posted a picture of himself and Stevens on set, to give you an idea how tall this lumbering actor really is (Jackson is aroundn 6'5"). Not someone you want to mess around with.

The Hobbit is a strong contender for a panel at SDCC this year, so keep your eyes peeled for official announcements soon.

Venture Bros. 'Ladle' Out First Details of Animated Special

Adult Swim serves up the first details and synopsis from The Venture Bros. upcoming animated special "From the Ladle to the Grave: The Story of Shallow Gravy."

Frith Almighty, it's been a good six months since we've seen any new Venture Bros. but the good folks at Adult Swim are finally ready to ladle out a fresh helping!

A ways back we learned from Doc Hammer and Jackson Publick themselves that not only had The Venture Bros. Been renewed for a fifth and sixth season, but that their new contracts included both a 60-90 minute special, as well as a Summer short to tide over fans.  Thanks to the Adult Swim upfronts, we now have our first details of what to expect when the fifteen-minute short drops on July 24th.

The second Venture Bros. inter-season special in their history, this Summer special "From the Ladle to the Grave: The Story of Shallow Gravy" will outline the truly fictional story behind Hank, Dermott and H.E.L.P.E.R.'s legendary two-man-one-robot band Shallow Gravy, last seen rocking the titular madness of "Operation P.R.O.M!"

From the official press release:

THE VENTURE BROS. SPECIAL—FROM THE LADLE TO THE GRAVE: THE STORY OF SHALLOW GRAVY

See the Venture Family as you’ve never seen them before: in a 15-minute documentary-style animated special. Follow the meteoric rise, the equally meteoric fall, and the decidedly un-meteor-like second coming of the most important band Hank Venture, Dermott Fitctel and H.E.L.P.eR. robot have ever been in: Shallow Gravy. If you’re hungry for rock, then open wide, because here comes a ladle of heavy metal fire and metaphoric meat drippings. 

Launched on Adult Swim in August 2004, The Venture Bros. is an inspired spoof of 1960s action cartoon shows such as Johnny Quest. Created by Jackson Publick III (King of the Hill, The Tick), the 30-minute animated series follows the bizarre misadventures of the Venture family. The Venture Bros. Special—From the Ladle to the Grave: The Story of Shallow Gravy premieres July 24 on Adult Swim.

But that's not all!  You can also check out our five-part interview with creators Doc Hammer and Jackson Publick covering everything from today's movies and TV, to who and what we might expect when the Venture Bros. returns for their ten-episode fifth season! 

Venture Bros. 'Ladle' Out First Details of Animated Special

Adult Swim serves up the first details and synopsis from The Venture Bros. upcoming animated special "From the Ladle to the Grave: The Story of Shallow Gravy."

Frith Almighty, it's been a good six months since we've seen any new Venture Bros. but the good folks at Adult Swim are finally ready to ladle out a fresh helping!

A ways back we learned from Doc Hammer and Jackson Publick themselves that not only had The Venture Bros. Been renewed for a fifth and sixth season, but that their new contracts included both a 60-90 minute special, as well as a Summer short to tide over fans.  Thanks to the Adult Swim upfronts, we now have our first details of what to expect when the fifteen-minute short drops on July 24th.

The second Venture Bros. inter-season special in their history, this Summer special "From the Ladle to the Grave: The Story of Shallow Gravy" will outline the truly fictional story behind Hank, Dermott and H.E.L.P.E.R.'s legendary two-man-one-robot band Shallow Gravy, last seen rocking the titular madness of "Operation P.R.O.M!"

From the official press release:

THE VENTURE BROS. SPECIAL—FROM THE LADLE TO THE GRAVE: THE STORY OF SHALLOW GRAVY

See the Venture Family as you’ve never seen them before: in a 15-minute documentary-style animated special. Follow the meteoric rise, the equally meteoric fall, and the decidedly un-meteor-like second coming of the most important band Hank Venture, Dermott Fitctel and H.E.L.P.eR. robot have ever been in: Shallow Gravy. If you’re hungry for rock, then open wide, because here comes a ladle of heavy metal fire and metaphoric meat drippings. 

Launched on Adult Swim in August 2004, The Venture Bros. is an inspired spoof of 1960s action cartoon shows such as Johnny Quest. Created by Jackson Publick III (King of the Hill, The Tick), the 30-minute animated series follows the bizarre misadventures of the Venture family. The Venture Bros. Special—From the Ladle to the Grave: The Story of Shallow Gravy premieres July 24 on Adult Swim.

But that's not all!  You can also check out our five-part interview with creators Doc Hammer and Jackson Publick covering everything from today's movies and TV, to who and what we might expect when the Venture Bros. returns for their ten-episode fifth season! 

Dexter's Got A Brand-New Nanny For Season Six

Showtime announces former Off the Map star Aimee Garcia will join the sixth season of Dexter as Batista's sister and a new nanny for baby Harrison.

Ah, fresh blood. We aren't exactly sure what happened to Dexter's old nanny, but we don't mind another new face for season six one bit, particularly one this pretty.



Fresh off the cancellation of ABC's Off the Map, TVLine reports that Dexter has recruited Map star Aimee Garcia for a new role in the coming season as baby Harrison's new nanny Jamie, and none other than Angel Batista's sister herself! Could there be romance in the air, amidst all the blood spatter? After Lumen left (and thank Harry she did), we know Dexter doesn't mind getting down a bit in the wake of his wife's murder.

Oh, and don't worry about Dexter's former nanny Sonya, as the report points out "sources confirm she either got fired, quit, or died." Hmm. Alright then.

Garcia joins several new faces for the cast of season six, most recently hip-hop artist and actor Mos Def, and the big news of Colin Hanks' season-long recurring role as "Travis, a highly intelligent young expert on ancient artifacts who gets linked to a series of grisly murders in Miami."

Other known details for season six include the reveal that Dexter's relationship with sister Deb (Jennifer Carpenter) will take center stage this season, and the announcement of three as-yet-uncast recurring roles for the season.

Dexter begins shooting in Los Angeles May 25th for a likely Fall premiere of the sixth season's first episode, titled "Those Kinds of Things!" (SpoilerTV)

But don't take our word for it! Check out the teaser trailer, and make your bloody mark in the comments section below!

Dexter's Got A Brand-New Nanny For Season Six

Showtime announces former Off the Map star Aimee Garcia will join the sixth season of Dexter as Batista's sister and a new nanny for baby Harrison.

Ah, fresh blood. We aren't exactly sure what happened to Dexter's old nanny, but we don't mind another new face for season six one bit, particularly one this pretty.



Fresh off the cancellation of ABC's Off the Map, TVLine reports that Dexter has recruited Map star Aimee Garcia for a new role in the coming season as baby Harrison's new nanny Jamie, and none other than Angel Batista's sister herself! Could there be romance in the air, amidst all the blood spatter? After Lumen left (and thank Harry she did), we know Dexter doesn't mind getting down a bit in the wake of his wife's murder.

Oh, and don't worry about Dexter's former nanny Sonya, as the report points out "sources confirm she either got fired, quit, or died." Hmm. Alright then.

Garcia joins several new faces for the cast of season six, most recently hip-hop artist and actor Mos Def, and the big news of Colin Hanks' season-long recurring role as "Travis, a highly intelligent young expert on ancient artifacts who gets linked to a series of grisly murders in Miami."

Other known details for season six include the reveal that Dexter's relationship with sister Deb (Jennifer Carpenter) will take center stage this season, and the announcement of three as-yet-uncast recurring roles for the season.

Dexter begins shooting in Los Angeles May 25th for a likely Fall premiere of the sixth season's first episode, titled "Those Kinds of Things!" (SpoilerTV)

But don't take our word for it! Check out the teaser trailer, and make your bloody mark in the comments section below!

Johnny Depp is Back To Buckle Your Swash on Stranger Tides

The fourth Pirates of the Caribbean film sets the franchise even with two good and two lousy.

Try as we might, we can't see any movie in a vacuum.  This is most evident with a franchise film.  Is there a way to critically approach Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tideswithout contextualizing it among the previous three films?  Is there a point?  This movie does not exist on its own, nor could it.  To say, then, that On Stranger Tides is good "for aPirates film" is a reasonable analysis, even if film studies purists may turn their nose at such a turn of phrase.

But I think we all know what I mean.  The Pirates franchise is a curious one, indeed.  For something that has greatly altered what we wear on Halloween and what embarrassing uncles like to quote, it's been an intellectual property with a rather noticeable problem: only one of the three previous movies is any good.  The third one, in fact, was bloody awful.

This fourth one is not.  By Pirates standards it is streamlined and focused.  Jack Sparrow is back and the lost love of his life (Penelope Cruz) needs him to help her find the Fountain of Youth for her father, Blackbeard.  Captain Barbossa on the hunt, too, looking to avenge himself against Blackbeard, but also to make sure that the Spaniards don't get to the fountain first.  Stand-ins for Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley are here, too, this time as a hunky minister and a mermaid.

The movie has serious problems.  It thinks the comedy is far funnier than it is (the vamping is, at times, insufferable) and some of the action scenes feel undercooked (a chase through London could only be described as medium-speed.)  Special effects-wise there's nothing that comes close to the breathtaking Davy Jones or his band of undead, barnacled seamen from Dead Man's Chest - a five year old movie.  The big fountain set at the end may as well have had had a Stage 12 sign it looked so fake.  (Points, though, for a very calculated homage to the Star Trek episode City on the Edge of Forever in the production design.)

And yet I found myself having what can only be described as "a good time at the movies."  Johnny Depp ably buckles swash and, dammit, it's just fun to hear him "do the voice" again.  Philosophically, I know this places me very much in the "part of the problem" camp with regard to Hollywood's addiction to sequels, but if I'm feeling this way, there's a good chance you'll feel this way, too.

Also, Fans of Deadwood will lose their sh*t at Ian McShane's hammy portrayal of Blackbeard.  He's basically doing Al Swearingen in Disney drag and it is phenomenal.  His big reveal and monologue probably wasn't meant to elicit laughter, but I couldn't help myself.

With the much blander Rob Marshall at the helm instead of the inspired and kinetic Gore Verbinski, this does, at times, feel like a movie on Prozac.  It doesn't fall low, but neither does it reach highs.  Even the most memorable scene - an attack by vicious mermaids - fails to completely wow.  Despite its big 3D production, there's not much going on visually that you'll miss if you wait for this on Blu-ray.  Unless you've got cash brimming from your pockets or absolutely have to get out of the house, I think this one will do much better with the reduced expectations of home viewing.  Plus you can even dress up like a pirate and no one will notice.

Johnny Depp is Back To Buckle Your Swash on Stranger Tides

The fourth Pirates of the Caribbean film sets the franchise even with two good and two lousy.

Try as we might, we can't see any movie in a vacuum.  This is most evident with a franchise film.  Is there a way to critically approach Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tideswithout contextualizing it among the previous three films?  Is there a point?  This movie does not exist on its own, nor could it.  To say, then, that On Stranger Tides is good "for aPirates film" is a reasonable analysis, even if film studies purists may turn their nose at such a turn of phrase.

But I think we all know what I mean.  The Pirates franchise is a curious one, indeed.  For something that has greatly altered what we wear on Halloween and what embarrassing uncles like to quote, it's been an intellectual property with a rather noticeable problem: only one of the three previous movies is any good.  The third one, in fact, was bloody awful.

This fourth one is not.  By Pirates standards it is streamlined and focused.  Jack Sparrow is back and the lost love of his life (Penelope Cruz) needs him to help her find the Fountain of Youth for her father, Blackbeard.  Captain Barbossa on the hunt, too, looking to avenge himself against Blackbeard, but also to make sure that the Spaniards don't get to the fountain first.  Stand-ins for Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley are here, too, this time as a hunky minister and a mermaid.

The movie has serious problems.  It thinks the comedy is far funnier than it is (the vamping is, at times, insufferable) and some of the action scenes feel undercooked (a chase through London could only be described as medium-speed.)  Special effects-wise there's nothing that comes close to the breathtaking Davy Jones or his band of undead, barnacled seamen from Dead Man's Chest - a five year old movie.  The big fountain set at the end may as well have had had a Stage 12 sign it looked so fake.  (Points, though, for a very calculated homage to the Star Trek episode City on the Edge of Forever in the production design.)

And yet I found myself having what can only be described as "a good time at the movies."  Johnny Depp ably buckles swash and, dammit, it's just fun to hear him "do the voice" again.  Philosophically, I know this places me very much in the "part of the problem" camp with regard to Hollywood's addiction to sequels, but if I'm feeling this way, there's a good chance you'll feel this way, too.

Also, Fans of Deadwood will lose their sh*t at Ian McShane's hammy portrayal of Blackbeard.  He's basically doing Al Swearingen in Disney drag and it is phenomenal.  His big reveal and monologue probably wasn't meant to elicit laughter, but I couldn't help myself.

With the much blander Rob Marshall at the helm instead of the inspired and kinetic Gore Verbinski, this does, at times, feel like a movie on Prozac.  It doesn't fall low, but neither does it reach highs.  Even the most memorable scene - an attack by vicious mermaids - fails to completely wow.  Despite its big 3D production, there's not much going on visually that you'll miss if you wait for this on Blu-ray.  Unless you've got cash brimming from your pockets or absolutely have to get out of the house, I think this one will do much better with the reduced expectations of home viewing.  Plus you can even dress up like a pirate and no one will notice.

The Awesome Gross Chick From Bridesmaids Announces Two Projects

The Bridesmaids scene-stealer is doubling-down with two new comedies.

When I first reviewed Bridesmaids I was so swept up with Kristen Wiig's performance (the best film comedienne since Madeline Kahn) that there were few column inches left to talk about the other performances.

As I exited the SXSW premiere, however, I recall saying to friends that "if it were a just world, Melissa McCarthy would be starring in films of her own."

Well, there's nothing like a movie overshooting its estimates (it made $25 million at the box office this weekend) and receiving near-universal praise to make miracles happen.

Deadline reports that McCarthy is teaming with Bridesmaids co-writer Annie Mumolo on a quest movie to steal the Stanley Cup for her dying husband. The husband will be played by McCarthy's actual husband, Ben Falcone, who plays the object of McCarthy's affection in the soon-to-be-if-not-already airplane scene in Bridesmaids.

What disgusting things are in store for this noble vessel?

Entertainment Weekly is also reporting that Bridesmaids director Paul Feig is setting up a project for McCarthy to star in.  Nothing is yet known, except for the quote pulled in The Film Stage's article, "“If an actress like Melissa becomes a huge star? THAT is a world I want to live in.”

McCarthy uglied herself a bit for the role in Bridesmaids, but no matter how you slice it she has "unconventional Hollywood looks."  To that end, we must all do what we can to support Ms. McCarthy and her career.  Because she's really effing funny and we need more of that.

The Awesome Gross Chick From Bridesmaids Announces Two Projects

The Bridesmaids scene-stealer is doubling-down with two new comedies.

When I first reviewed Bridesmaids I was so swept up with Kristen Wiig's performance (the best film comedienne since Madeline Kahn) that there were few column inches left to talk about the other performances.

As I exited the SXSW premiere, however, I recall saying to friends that "if it were a just world, Melissa McCarthy would be starring in films of her own."

Well, there's nothing like a movie overshooting its estimates (it made $25 million at the box office this weekend) and receiving near-universal praise to make miracles happen.

Deadline reports that McCarthy is teaming with Bridesmaids co-writer Annie Mumolo on a quest movie to steal the Stanley Cup for her dying husband. The husband will be played by McCarthy's actual husband, Ben Falcone, who plays the object of McCarthy's affection in the soon-to-be-if-not-already airplane scene in Bridesmaids.

What disgusting things are in store for this noble vessel?

Entertainment Weekly is also reporting that Bridesmaids director Paul Feig is setting up a project for McCarthy to star in.  Nothing is yet known, except for the quote pulled in The Film Stage's article, "“If an actress like Melissa becomes a huge star? THAT is a world I want to live in.”

McCarthy uglied herself a bit for the role in Bridesmaids, but no matter how you slice it she has "unconventional Hollywood looks."  To that end, we must all do what we can to support Ms. McCarthy and her career.  Because she's really effing funny and we need more of that.

Deleted Scene From Mega mind Lays on the Guilt

Tina Fey socks it to Will Ferrell in this deleted scene from Dream works Animation's Mega mind.

Even in a modern, 3D, computer animated film there are things that hit the editing room floor. Only they do it more expensively than any ofther type of film imaginable.

This sequence from Megamind shows TV reporter Roxanne Ritchie (Tina Fey) really sockin' it to Will Ferrell's Megamind for slaying Brad Pitt's Metro Man.

I won't lie and call this a laugh riot, or even all that visually appealing, but for we obssessive completests out there, you need to watch this or you'll know, for the rest of your life, there's a part of Megamind you didn't see and it will drive you crazy.

Deleted Scene From Mega mind Lays on the Guilt

Tina Fey socks it to Will Ferrell in this deleted scene from Dream works Animation's Mega mind.

Even in a modern, 3D, computer animated film there are things that hit the editing room floor. Only they do it more expensively than any ofther type of film imaginable.

This sequence from Megamind shows TV reporter Roxanne Ritchie (Tina Fey) really sockin' it to Will Ferrell's Megamind for slaying Brad Pitt's Metro Man.

I won't lie and call this a laugh riot, or even all that visually appealing, but for we obssessive completests out there, you need to watch this or you'll know, for the rest of your life, there's a part of Megamind you didn't see and it will drive you crazy.