News

Twenty years ago, one of the greatest sitcoms of all time went off the air… but one of its characters lived on.

Yes, NBC’s infamous Friends spinoff Joey, with Matt LeBlanc reprising his role as Joey Tribbiani, premiered two decades ago today, on Sept. 9, 2004 — just four months after Friends ended its 10-season run. But it wasn’t nearly the success that its predecessor was, with the cancellation axe falling after just two seasons. And while Friends is still incredibly popular to this day with streaming audiences, Joey is nowhere to be found on streaming. Now why is that, we wondered?...

Batman: Caped Crusader is an animated pulp-noir superhero action-adventure series created by Bruce Timm, JJ Abrams, and Matt Reeves. Based on the DC Comics superhero of the same name by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, the Prime Video series is set in the 1940s and it follows the story of Bruce Wayne newly working as Batman as he goes against several masked weirdos, criminals, and corruption in Gotham City. Batman: Caped Crusader’s voice cast includes Hamish Linklater, McKenna Grace, Minnie Driver, Toby Stephens, Christina Ricci, Jamie Chung, Diedrich Bader, Reid Scott, Jason Watkins, Tom Kenny, and Krystal Joy Brown. So, if you love the visuals, dark storyline, and noir aspects of Batman: Caped Crusader here are some similar shows you could watch next.

Batman: The Animated Series (Prime Video) Credit – Warner Bros.

Batman: The Animated Series is an animated pulp-noir superhero action-adventure series created by Eric Radomski and Bruce W. Timm.

Looking back, the early nineties were the best of times and worst of times for Batman fans. In 1989, fans got their first big-budget Hollywood Batman movie, followed by the 1992 sequel Batman Returns. Both of these films boasted A-list talent and made huge money. But they weren’t really interested in Batman, at least not the guy that comic book readers loved.

But 1992 saw the launch of Batman: The Animated Series, a cartoon that gave fans some of the best ever tales of the Dark Knight, in any media. Created by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski, The Animated Series took some visual cues from Burton’s movies, especially in its designs for Catwoman and the Penguin, but it was grounded in the Bronze Age comics by Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams as well as 1940s cinema.

Taking a lead from the Fleischer Brothers’ Superman cartoons, Timm and Radomski insisted upon smooth animation for their project,...

In November of 1993, writer/director John Lafia (Child’s Play 2) unleashed Cujo Cocaine Bear (great punk band name) upon the world with Man’s Best Friend. In the movie, a Tibetan Mastiff named Max 3000 is released from a genetic research facility by a reporter named Lori (Breakfast Club’s Ally Sheedy) while trying to expose a company for their cruel experiments on animals. We eventually learn that while Max might look like the best boy ever, he has a lot more in common with Wesley Snipes’ Simon Phoenix character from Demolition Man than he does Lassie.

While in the lab’s care, Max has been experimented on and genetically enhanced with the DNA of a slew of dangerous animals. For example, if threatened he can camouflage himself with the colors of your garage and hide there like a chameleon before deciding to pop out and bite your dick off. He has super strength,...

Burbank, CA – Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the most universally acclaimed film in the Dark Knight’s legendary cinematic history when the newly-remastered animated movie Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, comes to 4K Ultra HD for the very first time. From Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment, the film will be available to purchase on 4K Ultra HD on September 12, 2023.

The release will also include an all-new featurette Kevin Conroy: I Am The Knight, which takes a look at the legacy of Kevin Conroy, who voiced Batman for 30 years in film, television, video games and more.

Rooted in DC’s acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series and released theatrically on Christmas Day 1993, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm has not only been ranked by Time magazine as one of the 10 best Super Hero movies ever, but is also arguably the core fans’ all-time favorite Batman film. The movie has been rated at the...

Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the most universally acclaimed film in the Dark Knight’s legendary cinematic history when the newly-remastered animated movie Batman: Mask of the Phantasm comes to 4K Ultra HD for the very first time on September 12, 2023, Bloody Disgusting has learned.

The release will also include an all-new featurette Kevin Conroy: I Am The Knight, which takes a look at the legacy of Kevin Conroy, who voiced Batman for 30 years in film, television, video games and more.

Rooted in DC’s acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series and released theatrically on Christmas Day 1993, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm has not only been ranked by Time magazine as one of the 10 best Super Hero movies ever, but is also arguably the core fans’ all-time favorite Batman film. The movie has been rated at the top of the Dark Knight film franchise by such popular entertainment media as Empire,...

“Dutch” is dreadful. It’s a shambling, rambling recycling of clichés and conventions from ’70s Blaxploitation fare mixed with stilted murder-trial melodrama and half-baked morsels of sociopolitical topicality. But, really, to describe this rancid slice of ineptitude that way is to risk making it sound a lot more interesting than it is. Written and directed by Preston A. Whitmore II (“This Christmas”), who obviously went about both tasks with all the zeal of someone paying off a debt, the movie progresses in bumpy fits and starts, with a time-tripping, flashback-within-flashback structure that does little to energize, and much to confuse, its simplistic plot.

The protagonist is introduced as Bernard James (JJ Batteast), a Black youngster who proves his loyalty to his white Italian boss at a pizzeria by fatally shooting a would-be robber. This greatly impresses a mob boss uncreatively christened Fat Tony (Robert Costanzo), who just happened to be...

Stars: C. Thomas Howell, James Duval, Leslie Easterbrook, Robert Costanzo, James Hong, Douglas Bennett, Daz Crawford, Ray Wise, Constance Brenneman, Carrie Finklea, Teddy Margas, Allana Matheis, Suzanne Quast | Written by Chris W. Freeman, Spain Willingham, Drew Fortune | Directed by Chris W. Freeman, Spain Willingham

When Breen Nash (Howell) accidentally kills his only client and meal ticket, he turns to an ancient herbal extract with the hope that it will resurrect both his client and his career, but soon learns this elixir brings out the worst in those who imbibe… turning them into bloodthirsty, shape-shifting beasts! Leaving Breen no recourse but to stop the creatures himself before his own inner beast consumes him.

Less of a horror film and more of a diatribe on the horrors of Hollywood, Beast Mode is a fun, funny, horror comedy that is not afraid to poke fun at the Hollywood system – from filmmakers to financing...

It looks like Champions has lost after all. TVLine reports the NBC TV show has not found another network for a possible second season and will remain cancelled.

As reported earlier, cancelled the comedy after only season this past June. The series centers on Vince (Anders Holm), a former basketball star who now runs a Brooklyn-based gym and must look after his theater-loving teenage son. The cast also includes Andy Favreau, J.J. Totah, Fortune Feimster, Ginger Gonzaga, Mouzam Makkar, Yassir Lester, Robert Costanzo, and Mindy Kaling.

Read More…...

Pre-Order the set on Amazon!

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

And DC Entertainment Present

Batman:The Complete Animated Series

Deluxe Limited Edition

Coming October 16, 2018 To

Blu-ray™ Box Set And Digital

Burbank, CA – Batman: The Animated Series, the most acclaimed animated

super hero television series in history, arrives this fall in an all-encompassing package befitting its

revered place in the annals of fan-favorite entertainment. Remastered for the first time since its

broadcast airing from 1992-1995, Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited

Edition will be available from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Digital and in a stunning Blu-

ray™ box set ($112.99 Srp) on October 16, 2018.

Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, the Emmy Award-winning series captured the imaginations

of generations, setting the standard for super hero storytelling for the past quarter-century with its

innovative designs, near-perfect voice cast and landmark approach to DC’s iconic characters and

stories. Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited...

Burbank, CA – Batman: The Animated Series, the most acclaimed animated super hero television series in history, arrives this fall in an all-encompassing package befitting its revered place in the annals of fan-favorite entertainment. Remastered for the first time since its broadcast airing from 1992-1995, Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition will be available from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Digital and in a stunning Blu-ray box set ($112.99 Srp) on October 16, 2018.

Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, the Emmy Award-winning series captured the imaginations of generations, setting the standard for super hero storytelling for the past quarter-century with its innovative designs, near-perfect voice cast and landmark approach to DC’s iconic characters and stories. Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition box set includes all 109 thrilling episodes, plus two bonus disks containing the recently-remastered, fan favorite animated films Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero.

The...

Network: NBC. Episodes: 10 (half-hour). Seasons: One. TV show dates: March 8, 2018 — May 25, 2018. Series status: Cancelled. Performers include: Anders Holm, Andy Favreau, J.J. Totah, Fortune Feimster, Ginger Gonzaga, Mouzam Makkar, Yassir Lester, Robert Costanzo, and Mindy Kaling. TV show description: From creators Charlie Grandy and Mindy Kaling, the Champions TV show is a single-camera sitcom. The series centers on Vince (Holm), a former high school baseball star who abandoned his aspirations to run his family's Brooklyn gym. Secretly, Vince has been making arrangements to sell the business and take off for Florida. When his old fling, Priya (Kaling) shows up with their 15-year-old son, Michael (Totah), it upends all his plans. Read...

Vulture Watch Have we got a winner? Has the Champions TV show been cancelled or renewed for a second season on NBC? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of Champions, season two. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you? What's This TV Show About? An NBC sitcom from creators Charlie Grandy and Mindy Kaling, Champions stars Anders Holm, Andy Favreau, J.J. Totah, Fortune Feimster, Ginger Gonzaga, Mouzam Makkar, Yassir Lester, and Robert Costanzo, with Kaling guest starring. The comedy centers on Vince (Holm), a former high school baseball star who abandoned his aspirations to run his family’s Brooklyn gym and lives above it with his sweet, naïve younger brother, Matthew (Favreau). When...

Once upon a time, the Peacock Network was renowned for its comedy lineup. Although recently, NBC has had achieved some success sitcoms like The Good Place and its revival of Will & Grace, it is still trying to bring back the laughter and its "Must See TV" slogan. The Champions TV show is the network's latest look at the funny side of life. Can it live up to its name in the Nielsen ratings race? Will Champions be cancelled or renewed for season two? Stay tuned. **Status update below. From creators Charlie Grandy and Mindy Kaling, Champions stars Anders Holm, Andy Favreau, J.J. Totah, Fortune Feimster, Ginger Gonzaga, Mouzam Makkar, Yassir Lester, and Robert Costanzo, with Kaling guest starring. The new NBC TV series centers on Vince (Holm), a former high school baseball star who abandoned his aspirations to...

Is the first season of the Champions TV show on NBC a winner or a loser? As we all know, the Nielsen ratings typically play a big role in determining whether the TV show Champions is cancelled or renewed for season two. Unfortunately, most of us do not live in Nielsen households. Because many viewers feel frustration when their viewing habits and opinions aren't considered, we'd like to offer you the chance to rate all of the Champions season one episodes. **Status update below. An NBC sitcom from creators Charlie Grandy and Mindy Kaling, Champions stars Anders Holm, Andy Favreau, J.J. Totah, Fortune Feimster, Ginger Gonzaga, Mouzam Makkar, Yassir Lester, and Robert Costanzo, with Kaling guest starring. The comedy centers on Vince (Holm), a former high school baseball star who abandoned his aspirations to run his family’s Brooklyn gym and lives...

Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, NBC has cancelled its Champions TV show after one season. The low-rated comedy, from creators Charlie Grandy and Mindy Kaling, premiered on March 8, 2018 and never quite lived up to its name in the Nielsen ratings race. Reportedly, the cast options will expire, so any hope for a second season elsewhere, would mean making new deals with the players. An NBC sitcom, Champions stars Anders Holm, Andy Favreau, J.J. Totah, Fortune Feimster, Ginger Gonzaga, Mouzam Makkar, Yassir Lester, and Robert Costanzo, with Kaling guest starring. The comedy centers on Vince (Holm), a former high school baseball star who abandoned his aspirations to run his family’s Brooklyn gym with his younger brother, Matthew (Favreau). When Vince’s old fling, Priya (Kaling) drops off their teenaged son, Michael (Totah), so the boy can attend a...

Burbank, CA (March 1, 2018) – Warner Archive Collection (Wac) celebrates the 20th anniversary of Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero with a remastered Blu-ray release of the award-winning animated film. Now available for preorders, Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero will be available March 27, 2018 via wb.com/warnerarchive and your favorite online retailer.

To hail the arrival of Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero on Blu-ray, Wac will host an hour-long panel at WonderCon on Friday, March 23 at 1:00pm in Room 300B. Warner Archive Podcast hosts D.W. Ferranti & Matthew Patterson and some surprise guests will show remastered footage and discuss the film and the evolution of Mr. Freeze from a goofy villain into an endearing multi-dimensional character who just wants to find a cure for his dying wife.

Originally released as a direct-to-video film on March 17, 1998, Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero will be released on Blu-ray in its original 4×3 Fullframe aspect ratio. The 67-minute film will be accompanied by several special features,...

This may make you feel old and happy at the same time! It’s been 20 years since Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero was released and to honor the anniversary, Warner Archive Collection is coming out with a remastered Blu-ray version of the award-winning animated film. Below are all the details on the release and some special news for Wondercon 2018 attendees.

Originally released as a direct-to-video film on March 17, 1998, Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero will be released on Blu-ray in its original 4×3 Fullframe aspect ratio. The 67-minute film will be accompanied by several special features, including Art of Batman: Music Montage; Get the Picture: How to Draw Batman; the film’s theatrical trailer; and the Batman: The Animated Series/The Bew Batman Adventures/Batman Beyond “Mr. Freeze Saga” in chronological order – four episodes entitled “Heart of Ice,” “Deep Freeze,” “Cold Comfort” and “Meltdown.” The episodes will be presented in standard definition.

In Batman & Mr.

Another horror icon joins the cast of Witchula, and it’s Kane Hodder (Hatchet, Old 37, Friday the 13th series)! Hodder will play a pivotal role in the film and will also take the position as Stunt Coordinator. Also in today’s Horror Highlights: a look at the teaser for the devilish Born Again and production details on Valentine DayZ.

Kane Hodder Joins the Cast of Witchula: Press Release: “Hollywood, Calif. – Aug. 8, 2016 – PRLog — ‘Witchula’, which many are already referring to as the “real Expendables of horror,” has announced the addition of Kane Hodder to a cast that already features horror icons Bill Oberst Jr. and Eileen Dietz, as well as indie favorite Marilyn Ghigliotti. Hodder is best known for his iconic roles of Jason Voorhees in the Friday the 13th franchise and as Victor Crowley in all three ‘Hatchet’ films. Hodder will not only act in the film in...

Police on New York's Staten Island say they're confident they've apprehended the elusive "Ninja Burglar," who they claim has confessed to more than 100 residential break-ins since his arrest on Wednesday. A statement supplied to People by Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon's office suggests Wednesday's collar abruptly ended 46-year-old Robert Costanzo's infamous crime spree, which spanned 10 years and three separate states. Costanzo, a convicted rapist who claims to have victimized five women, has been formally charged with committing three burglaries while dressed entirely in black. He'd also conceal his face during the burglaries, and described himself to one victim as a "ninja.

Police on New York's Staten Island say they're confident they've apprehended the elusive "Ninja Burglar," who they claim has confessed to more than 100 residential break-ins since his arrest on Wednesday. A statement supplied to People by Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon's office suggests Wednesday's collar abruptly ended 46-year-old Robert Costanzo's infamous crime spree, which spanned 10 years and three separate states. Costanzo, a convicted rapist who claims to have victimized five women, has been formally charged with committing three burglaries while dressed entirely in black. He'd also conceal his face during the burglaries, and described himself to one victim as a "ninja.

Tim here. One of the most important events in animation in all of 2015 happened this week; it is important to stress that this doesn't mean it's also one of the best things. But the first new piece of animation from living legend Ralph Bakshi in almost 20 years is certainly worth spending a moment with, though now that I've seen the 22-minute Last Days of Coney Island – currently available for rental on Vimeo, where it just had its world premiere – I can't really claim that I want to stretch that moment out too long.

The film finds Bakshi, whose 77th birthday was October 29, returning to the territory of his most characteristic works from the early 1970s, including Heavy Traffic, the infamous race relations fable Coonskin, and his groundbreaking debut, Fritz the Cat. That is, it's a story about the New York City of Bakshi's battle-hardened memories of youth, involving deeply...

Two major bits of casting news related to TV series based on comic properties.

First up, Jaimie Alexander will reprise her "Thor" role as Asgardian warrior Lady Sif in the currently filming fifteenth episode of "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.".

She marks the first super-powered character from the films to guest star, and the first non-shield agent character from the films to appear.

On the DC side, the rumor of actor Donal Logue playing Jim Gordon in Fox's upcoming Batman prequel TV series "Gotham" turned out to be false, but Latino Review firmly believes Logue is very much in the series.

They now say that he's up for the role of Detective Harvey Bullock, a blunt and aggressive cop and 40-something man who mentors the young Gordon in the pilot. Robert Costanzo memorably voiced the role in various animated incarnations of "Batman".

Available on Blu-ray, Sneak Peek Part 1 of the animated feature "Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman", starring actress Kyra Sedgwick as the voice of 'Batwoman'.

"...a new heroine has arrived in 'Gotham' whose identity is a mystery— even to 'Batman'.

Batman must figure out who 'Batwoman' is and stop familiar enemies the 'Penguin' and 'Rupert Thorne', from selling illegal weapons to the nation of 'Kasnia', with gangster 'Carlton Duquesne', hired to provide protection.

"'But Bruce Wayne', Batman's alter ego, becomes involved with 'Kathy Duquesne', the crime boss's daughter, 'Dr. Roxanne Rocky Ballantine', a new employee at 'Wayne Tech' and 'Sonya Alcana'..."

Cast also includes Kevin Conroy, Kimberly Brooks, Kelly Ripa, Elisa Gabrielli, David Ogden Stiers, Kevin Michael Richardson, John Vernon, Héctor Elizondo, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Eli Marienthal, Tara Strong, Bob Hastings and Robert Costanzo.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Batman: Mystery Of The Batwoman...

In case you’re not so familiar with the title, let us first inform you that 2 Dead 2 Kill is an upcoming action thriller directed by Michael J. Hach. The pic has quite interesting cast on board (read: Robert Costanzo, Costas Mandylor and Valery Ortiz are all in), and revolves around a street warrior in search of millions of dollars of stolen heroin. Or, something like that. Head inside to check out the trailer & let us know what you think.. Written by Michael J. Hach and Roland Zaleski, the movie will tell us the story of a drug addicted former narcotic agent...

Sneak Peek "Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman", starring actress Kyra Sedgwick as the voice of 'Batwoman'.

Available for the first time on Blu-ray disc, the animated feature from Warner Bros. Animation, will be released March 12, 2013.

"...a new heroine has arrived in 'Gotham' whose identity is a mystery— even to 'Batman'. Batman must figure out who 'Batwoman' is and stop familiar enemies the 'Penguin' and 'Rupert Thorne', from selling illegal weapons to the nation of 'Kasnia', with gangster 'Carlton Duquesne', hired to provide protection.

"'But Bruce Wayne', Batman's alter ego, becomes involved with 'Kathy Duquesne', the crime boss's daughter, 'Dr. Roxanne Rocky Ballantine', a new employee at 'Wayne Tech' and 'Sonya Alcana'..."

Cast also includes Kevin Conroy, Kimberly Brooks, Kelly Ripa, Elisa Gabrielli, David Ogden Stiers, Kevin Michael Richardson, John Vernon, Héctor Elizondo, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Eli Marienthal, Tara Strong, Bob Hastings and Robert Costanzo.

Click the images to...

Michael Rispoli has landed the male lead in ABC's comedy pilot The Manzanis. The project, which stars Kirstie Alley, focuses on a family who clash with their neighbours when they move to a quiet New Jersey town. Alley has already signed up to play the matriarch Angela, while Rispoli will star as her husband Nick. Robert Costanzo has also joined the project and will play Nick's father Joe, while Rhea Perlman will appear in (more)...

Exclusive: Michael Rispoli (The Black Donnellys) has landed the male lead opposite Kirstie Alley in ABC’s multi-camera comedy pilot The Manzanis. Also cast in the family comedy is veteran actor Robert Costanzo. Written by sitcom veterans Marco Pennette and Dave Flebotte, The Manzanis stars Alley as Angela Manzani, an opinionated wife/mother who, along with her Italian American husband, Nick Manzani (Rispoli), and their 3 kids moves to a quiet New Jersey neighborhood where they clash with their new, WASPy neighbors. Constanzo will play Nick’s father, Joe, while Rhea Perlman was recently cast to play Nick’s mother, Camille. ABC Studios and studio-based Brillstein Entertainment Partners are producing, with Pennette, Flebotte, JoAnn Alfano, Aaron Kaplan and Jason Weinberg executive producing. Rispoli next co-stars on Starz’s period drama Magic City.

A Db is towed away in a car. Castle (Nathan Fillion) asks a reknown forensic pathologist, Clark Murray (Robert Picardo) to look into the death of Beckett's (Stana Katic) mother. He comments Castle usually contacts him to ask about a head in a microwave. It's a ten year old cold case. Martha (Susan Sullivan) asks what 'Dr Death' was doing here. Beckett doesn't know what he's doing and Martha tells him to drop it as it's Beckett's private business. Castle tells her there's no reason to say anything until he knows something for certain. It's not like he's snooping in her underwear drawer. Alexis (Molly Quinn) announces she's going to the Prom with Owen. Castle hasn't even met him yet. Beckett refuses to do a background check on Owen for Castle. Ryan (Seamus Dever) claims he should be more worried that Owen is a teenage boy. Esposito (Jon Huertas) wouldn't...

In 2000, the world first met Judy Moody, the amusingly mercurial heroine of Megan McDonald.s bestselling book series. Since then, the adventurous tyke has inspired eight additional books and the series has sold a phenomenal 14 million copies in 23 languages. Now Judy is poised to make her big screen debut in Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer. Have a listen as director John Schultz, producer Sarah Siegel-Magness, executive producer Bobbi Sue Luthor, author Megan McDonald and the actors talk about the film in this new Behind-the-Scenes Featurette.

Synopsis:

When her best-laid plans for a summer full of fun go comically awry, an imaginative young girl creates her own vacation adventures in Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer. Based on the beloved, bestselling book series by Megan McDonald, Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer is an irresistible and delightfully funny treat for adventure-loving kids and adults.

This summer, Judy...

The most wonderful time of the year is once again upon us. The Christmas season is here and with that comes Christmas TV episodes!

For the 25 days leading up til Christmas Day this month, we’ll be spotlighting some of the best Christmas-themed episodes from some of Geek culture’s greatest shows. Each day we’ll cover different shows and episodes and encourage you to watch along with us. So come one, come all, to the 25 Days of Geek TV Christmas!

Monday, December 6th, 2010 - Day 6: Batman: The Animated Series

Season 4, Episode 1: "Holiday Knights"

Directed by: Dan Riba

Written by: Paul Dini

Starring: Kevin Conroy, Tara Strong, Mathew Valencia, Mark Hamill, Ron Pearlman, Arleen Sorkin, Diane Pershing, Bob Hastings, Marilu Henner, Robert Costanzo, Liane Schrimer

Original Air Date: September 13, 1997

You can also purchase a copy of the episode at Amazon or iTunes [...]...

The most wonderful time of the year is once again upon us. The Christmas season is here and with that comes Christmas TV episodes!

For the 25 days leading up til Christmas Day this month, we’ll be spotlighting some of the best Christmas-themed episodes from some of Geek culture’s greatest shows. Each day we’ll cover different shows and episodes and encourage you to watch along with us. So come one, come all, to the 25 Days of Geek TV Christmas!

Sunday, December 5th, 2010 - Day 5: Batman: The Animated Series

Season 1, Episode 02: "Christmas With The Joker"

Directed by: Kent Butterworth

Written by: Eddie Gorodetsky

Starring: Kevin Conroy, Loren Lester, Bob Hastings, Robert Costanzo, Mari Devon, Clive Revill, and Mark Hamill.

Original Air Date: November 13, 1992

You can purchase a copy of the episode at Amazon or iTunes [...]...

We're all for getting out in the summertime, but there might not be anything more refreshing than cooling off in a movie theater... or seeing a movie in the comfort of your air-conditioned home on demand, on DVD, or online... or better yet catching a classic on the big screen at a nearby repertory theater. With literally hundreds of films to choose from this summer, we humbly present this guide to the season's most exciting offerings.

May 1

"Eldorado"

The Cast: Bouli Lanners, Fabrice Adde, Philippe Nahon, Didier Toupy, Franise Chichy

Director: Bouli Lanners

Fest Cred: Cannes, Warsaw, Glasgow, Palm Springs,

The Gist: When Elie (Adde), a hapless young thief attempts to rob Yvan (Lanners), a 40-year-old car dealer, the two form a unlikely friendship that leads to a road trip across Belgium in this slight comedy that won the Best European Film at the Director's Fortnight at Cannes last year.

We caught wind of a new indie supernatural thriller from director Jonathan Williams entitled House Of Eternity, which was scripted by Jonathan Williams & J. Andrew Colletti. Starring in this film is Geoff Tate (Lead Singer of Queensryche!), Candice Night (Lead Singer of Blackmore's Night), Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville,) Omar Gooding (Baby Boy), Lenny Venito (Sopranos, Knights of Prosperity) and Robert Costanzo (Friends, Spy Kids). Shooting this spring, the film follows a newlywed couple from New York City who move to North Carolina and are attacked by a ghost that lives there.

HBO is opening the door to The Doorman, a single-camera comedy from brothers John and Nick Turturro. The pair will write and executive produce the project, based on Nick Turturro's 12-year experience working as a doorman in New York. Nick Turturro also is set to star in the show, which has received a script commitment from the premium cable network, with John Turturro attached to direct the pilot. Nick and John Turturro have appeared together in several projects, most recently in the TNT original movie Monday Night Mayhem. NYPD Blue alumnus Nick Turturro recently signed on to do a four-episode arc on the NBC drama Third Watch. He is repped by Agency for the Performing Arts' Matt Ochacher and Joel Dean, manager Robert Costanzo and attorney Howard Fishman. John Turturro recently co-starred opposite Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson in Anger Management. His upcoming features include David Koepp's Secret Window and Spike Lee's She Hate Me. He is repped by ICM.

Barely a year after Disney's "Air Bud" was released with moderate success, athletic pooch Buddy returns to conquer the gridiron in a formulaic follow-up from Dimension Films.

Played mainly by Rush and Zak, the leaping, four-legged hero is the primary attraction for targeted family audiences in "Air Bud: Golden Receiver", which is dedicated to the memory of the original Buddy.

Despite advancing for a few first downs in the early going, "Golden Receiver" is a see-saw battle with a game plan that includes lame slapstick, junior high school sports, familial discord and winning the championship to save mom's romance and the coach's job. When the focus is on supersmart Buddy foiling the villains or running for a touchdown, the movie delivers bush-league thrills that will appeal best to the 10-and-under crowd.

Director Richard Martin -- son of comedian Dick Martin, who makes a cameo as a befuddled sportscaster with Tim Conway in the finale -- is more concerned with keeping the pace fast than adequately telling the uncomplicated story. The central conflict between lead Josh (Kevin Zegers, reprising his role from the first film) and his single mother (Cynthia Stevenson) over the intrusion of dashing veterinarian Patrick (Gregory Harrison) into their lives is fumbled when it's obvious the two bland adults are made for each other.

Urged on by best friend Tom (Shayn Solberg), sulking Josh decides to play for the Fernfield Timberwolves even though basketball is his first sports love. He bears a grudge against affable, friend-to-all-animals Patrick, who pursues Stevenson's mousy character with all the best intentions.

Desperately needing some genuine tension, the film is unfortunately blitzed on several occasions by two Russian circus kooks (Nora Dunn, Perry Anzilotti) who steal extraordinary animals and pets for their traveling show. Inspired by Boris and Natasha, the cartoonish creeps lose ground every time their play is called, though they succeed in sidelining Buddy the day of the big game.

A little "pooch smarts" and the help of a righteously vengeful chimp save the day, but the piling on of cliches, such as the crowds breezily accepting a dog playing in organized school sports, stifles any hope of a game-winning comeback. Instead, Buddy in his cute shoulder pads and helmet leads the Timberwolves to a last-second triumph, though Josh has to struggle momentarily with his emotions when one of his star teammates is injured.

Warm and gentle overall, with tackle football portrayed as rough-and-tumble fun, "Bud II" is eager-to-please fluff with inspiring themes and values. One is hounded, however, by the almost soulless approach, which is somewhat countered by the spirited performances of Zegers, Stevenson and Robert Costanzo as the beleaguered coach.

AIR BUD: GOLDEN RECEIVER

Dimension Films

Keystone Pictures

in association with Dimension Films

A Robert Vince production

Director: Richard Martin

Screenwriters: Paul Tamasy & Aaron Mendelsohn

Producer: Robert Vince

Executive producers: Michael Strange, Anne Vince, William Vince

Director of photography: Mike Southon

Production designer: Rex Raglan

Editors: Bruce Lange, Melinda Seabrook

Costume designer: Patricia Hargreaves

Music: Brahm Wenger

Casting: Abra Edelman, Elisa Goodman

Color/stereo

Cast:

Josh Framm: Kevin Zegers

Jackie Framm: Cynthia Stevenson

Patrick Sullivan: Gregory Harrison

Natalya: Nora Dunn

Popov: Perry Anzilotti

Coach Fanelli: Robert Costanzo

Tom: Shayn Solberg

Running time -- 89 minutes

MPAA rating: G...

Winner of the audience-selected Best of the Fest Award at the 13th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (where it received its world premiere), "With Friends Like These ..". is a bona fide crowd-tickler.

An entertaining portrait of a quartet of acting buddies whose long friendship is put to the test when each is up for the same role in a Martin Scorsese picture, the comedy occasionally treads on sitcom terrain, but a terrific ensemble and some surprise cameos significantly boost the material.

As yet undistributed, the modestly budgeted "With Friends" should have little problem rectifying that situation based on the initial response.

Representing their profession's working class, Johnny (Robert Costanzo), Steve (Adam Arkin), Dorian (Jon Tenney) and Armand (David Strathairn) manage to make a living out of bit parts with the support of their wives and girlfriends (Amy Madigan, Laura San Giacomo, Elle Macpherson and Lauren Tom, respectively), but none has gotten his proverbial big break.

It potentially arrives when Johnny gets a call from a bulimic casting agent (Beverly D'Angelo) who informs him that Scorsese is going to be doing the definitive version of "Capone" and Johnny fits the character description. Promising to keep the audition hush-hush but unable to contain his excitement over the prospects of finally saying goodbye to playing "goombah hit men," Johnny inevitably reveals the news to each of his fellow thespians, who secretly line up their own auditions.

While the rest of the proceedings follow a fairly predictable course, writer-director Phil Messina keeps the characterizations rich and amusing, and his cast maintains a winning camaraderie.

In an example of life imitating art, character actor Costanzo (a former regular on "NYPD Blue") is given his Big Shot to shine here (it doesn't hurt that the part was written for him), and he takes full advantage of the opportunity. Likewise, "Chicago Hope"'s Arkin and specifically "Brooklyn South"'s Tenney each get a rare chance to show off their comedy chops and likewise seize the moment successfully.

While he's certainly a fine, versatile actor, Strathairn, meanwhile, doesn't quite cut it as the suspiciously low-key Armand, whose family might actually be members of the Family, as in Mafiosi. The requisite ethnic physicality just isn't there, and it comes down to a casting miscue.

Other roles fit like a glove, with San Giacomo standing out on the distaff side as Arkin's long-suffering wife and the always effective D'Angelo shining as the high-strung casting agent. Popping up here and there are Bill Murray as an obnoxious, food-hording TV producer, Garry Marshall as Strathairn's car-dealing dad, Michael McKean as a proctologist to the stars and, of course, Scorsese as Scorsese. The latter does a particularly convincing job.

WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE ...

E.K. Gaylord II Prods., Winner Communications, Foundry Film Partners

A Robert Greenhut/Parkway/Quadrant production

A Philip F. Messina film

Credits: Director-screenwriter: Philip F. Messina; Producers: Robert Greenhut, Amy Lemisch; Executive producers: E.K. Gaylord II, John Ein, Marty Feinberg; Director of photography: Brian J. Reynolds; Production designer: Beth DeSort; Editor: Claudia Finkle; Costume designers: Mary Kay Stolz, Joanna Dendel; Music: John Powell, Hans Zimmer. Cast: Steve: Adam Arkin; Armand: David Strathairn; Dorian: Jon Tenney; Johnny: Robert Costanzo; Hannah: Amy Madigan; Samantha: Elle Macpherson; Steve's Wife: Laura San Giacomo; Armand's Girlfriend: Lauren Tom; Theresa: Beverly D'Angelo; Armand's Father: Garry Marshall. No MPAA rating. Running time -- 105 minutes. Color/stereo.