The debut film from the American Film Company, this tells the story of the trial and eventual execution of Mary Surratt, owner of the boarding house where the Lincoln assassination was planned.
Directed by Robert Redford, the film is well shot. I'm by no means an expert on costumes and such, but the film seemed to be accurate in that regard.
As far as the historical accuracy of the movie... from what I know of the events surrounding the assassination, it seemed to follow along rather well.
Overall, I liked it. I'm looking forward to the next projects from the American Film Company, 'The Arsenal' (John Brown and the Harper's Ferry raid) and 'Midnight Riders' (Paul Revere and gang)
For another view on this movie, please see this blog post:
Another look at 'The Conspirator'
Along with new shows, here is a quick rundown on the shows that are returning for another (or in some cases) final season.
Archer - an animated show on FX, it tells the tale of Sterling Archer, the best agent of ISIS. Its over the top and pokes fun at the spy genre.
Hawaii Five-O - A reboot of the 60's television show of the same name, this follows the adventures of Garrett and Dan-o Williams. A bit on the gritty side, it also has a good does of humor coming from Scott Caan (Williams). Check it on CBS.
The Big Bang Theory - A comedy for geeks and non-geeks alike, this show is entering its fifth season this Thursday. A telling indicator of how good it is, is that my wife quite enjoys it as well. Its a show for everybody.
Fringe - Lets all take a moment to thank the TV gods that FOX has managed to keep this on the air. I mean, its Sci-Fi on FOX, so it should have been canceled LONG ago. Given the way the last season ended, I don't recommend jumping in at the start of this season, but do pick it up on DVD.
Chuck - Entering its fifth and final season, the perennial fan favorite has made it this long. Long on the bubble to be cancelled, it always made it through. Another geek TV staple, it tells the adventures of Chuck (who has a computer in his head (that's the short version)), his new wife (spoiler) Sarah (CIA super spy) and their crew as they take down big bad's like Timothy Dalton! Who knows what their last season will bring.
House. Sigh. So good for so long, and yet recently has not been all that good. Returning for its 8th ( and probably final ) season, I'll watch. Even though its faltered, I'm hoping it can go out on a high note.
So, I thought that I had covered the shows I wanted to see this season. Until I turned on the TV last night and caught the premier of 2 Broke Girls.
It stars Kat Dennings (Thor) as Max and Beth Behrs () as Caroline. Caroline is a former massively rich girl, who must now work for a living. Her journey to find a job leads her to Brooklyn, where she gets a job as a waitress alongside Max. Hi jinks ensue.
So far, it looks pretty interesting. Time will tell of course, as it is VERY early in the TV season. Check it out Mondays on CBS.
The 2011 TV season approaches. Here are the new shows that I will be checking out.
Person of Interest (CBS)
Starring Michael Emerson (LOST) and Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ), and based on a screen play by JJ Abrams. Emerson plays a super rich guy who found a way to find people connected to crimes. He hires Jim Caviezel to help him out. It looks pretty interesting. I like the Minority Report basis of this show. And, given that I'll watch Michael Emerson read the phone book, I'm sold right there. Starts 22 Sep 11 at 10:00 PM on CBS
Terra Nova (FOX)
Time travel to the time of the dinos? Sold, I'm in. Don't recognize any of the actors, other than Stephen Lang (Gettysburg, Gods and Generals. Oh, and Avatar) But the plot about sending people back in time for some reason is good enough for me to check out. Starts 26 SEPT 11 at 8:00 on FOX
Once Upon a Time (ABC)
Based on fairy tales, and set in modern day Maine, this stars Jennifer Morrison (House, Kirk's Mom) as a bail bond collector whose son convinces her to help him save the Enchanted Forrest. Also starts Robert Carlyle as Rumpelstiltskin . Not sure how this will go, as its on Sunday's on ABC. So either pleasantly dark, or a bit family friendly silly. I hope for a bit of both. Check it out starting October 23 on ABC at 8:00 PM.
Hell on Wheels (AMC)
A series based on the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad and a former Confederate soldier who seeks vengeance? YES PLEASE! Oh, extra salsa on this awesome omelet? Chief O'Brien Colm Meaney stars as well. The Old West is a big area of interest of mine, and to see a new show based in that time is quite exciting. I can't wait to see it. On AMC starting November 6.
So there you have it. The new shows I will be checking out. Stay tuned for a review of this shows as they premier, and a similar post to returning shows that I will be viewing.
