John Cho

TV News: ABC’s ‘FlashForward’ Will Move Forward For Full Season

BrianTT — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:16:23 -0600

CHICAGO – It comes to no surprise to hear that freshman series “FlashForward” got picked up for a full season by ABC, according to popular blogger Michael Ausiello.

FlashForward
Photo credit: ABC/Ron Tom

Since its series premiere, “FlashForward” has hit the 12 million mark, boosting ABC’s ratings time period 32 percent over last year in its Thursday night time slot. Not to mention that this is the first regular series since “Friends” to beat “Survivor” in the 18-49 demographic.

With the show’s success ABC has ordered an additional 12 episodes, bringing the season one episode total to 25. The announcement was made a few days after ABC picked up “The Middle,” “Modern Family” and “Cougar Town.”

“FlashForward,” which airs on ABC, airs on Thursday nights at 7PM CST. It stars Joseph Fiennes, John Cho, Jack Davenport, Zachary Knighton, Peyton List, Dominic Monaghan, Brian F. O’Byrne, Courtney B. Vance, Sonya Walger, and Christine Woods. It was created by David S. Goyer and Brannon Braga.

By ANGIE RENTMEESTER
Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com

TV Review: ABC’s ‘FlashForward’ Could Easily Be the Next ‘Lost’

BrianTT — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:27:20 -0600

CHICAGO – Do you think that if the creators of “Lost” were allowed a glimpse at their futures when their hit show began that they would have seen a montage of all the series that it would inspire? The latest is ABC’s clever and potentially addictive “FlashForward,” a strong genre entry that needs a better time slot and some serious buzz to become the next “Lost” and not the next failed wannabe, but has the potential to be a real breakthrough hit.

Television Rating: 4.0/5.0

I’m sure the creators of “FlashForward,” including David S. Goyer (writer of “Batman Begins,” “Blade,” story credit on “The Dark Knight”) are tired of the “Lost” comparisons, but they’re inevitable and impossible to ignore - a multi-layered cast, a supernatural mystery, a show that uses jumps in time as a storytelling device. And the density of the writing on the show is both what makes it interesting and what could doom the series. For every “Lost” there are a few shows like “The Nine,” series that viewers didn’t commit to every week and that left fans unsatisfied by their early demise.

FlashForward
Photo credit: ABC/Ron Tom

Before we get into what “FlashForward” is about and why it’s one of the most promising shows of the new season, I’d like to speak directly to anyone with power at ABC or any of their friends or relatives. MOVE this show. 7pm on one of the most crowded nights of the week could be a kiss of death for this series. The fact is that “FlashForward” is going to appeal to a young audience, the same fans who write “Lost” fan fiction and I know for a fact that a lot of those people are committed to “Bones” or “Survivor” and the new shows “Community” (which is moving to 7 in a few weeks) and “The Vampire Diaries” have already had strong premieres. Why stick “FlashForward” into such a ridiculously overcrowded time slot. Find an open 9pm slot and put it against “The Jay Leno Show”. This kind of dense, detailed fictional writing is the anti-“Leno”.

FlashForward
Photo credit: ABC/Ron Tom

“FlashForward” even opens like “Lost” - with a disaster. A man crawls from a crashed car to hear screaming and see that a horrible disaster has happened. We flash back just a bit and get to that moment again, where it turns out that the entire world has blacked out for 137 seconds and seen a glimpse of sixth months into the future (which just happens to coincide with the beginning of sweeps…clever.)

Of course, if most people were given a glimpse of six months from now all they would probably see is them eating an Egg McMuffin or taking a shower, but that doesn’t make for good TV. No, all the leads on “FlashForward” see major changes ahead.

Lead character FBI Agent Mark Benford (Joseph Fiennes) sees men with guns and a complex conspiracy; His doctor wife (Sonya Walger) sees herself with another man and one that she hasn’t even met yet; Benford’s partner (John Cho) sees nothing but blackness; and so on.

The premiere of “FlashForward” is crammed with a bit too much plot. It feels like the creators are worried they may not have long on the air and they hit the ground running as fast as they can. We’re introduced to a dozen characters, the main event happens, everyone quickly realizes (too quickly) the connections, and the episode’s final scene leaves audiences wanting more.

FlashForward
Photo credit: ABC/Ron Tom

Because of the “crammed with content” feel of the premiere, it’s hard to tell exactly what “FlashForward” will be. Will every episode be an action-driven one like the premiere? It’s doubtful. The smoke monster may have been cool but fans fell in love with the characters on “Lost” as much as anything else and that’s what’s going to drive the success or failure of “FlashForward” and it’s impossible to grade it with such a plot-heavy pilot.

The potential is definitely there. Fiennes is well-cast, Cho is interesting, and Brian F. O’Byrne has been a great character actor for years. And the production value of the show is ridiculously impressive. The opening scenes play like a theatrical-caliber action film. And I can’t stress enough the excellence of the final scene, one that will almost certainly force anyone who makes it that far to tune in next week.

David S. Goyer and Brannon Braga have been here before. They tried a supernatural mystery called “Threshold” a few years ago and it never caught on. Will this be the next “Lost” or the next “Threshold”? By the time the show catches up with its characters in April 2010, we’ll know for sure.

‘FlashForward,’ which airs on ABC, premieres on September 24th, 2009 at 7PM CST. It stars Joseph Fiennes, John Cho, Jack Davenport, Zachary Knighton, Peyton List, Dominic Monaghan, Brian F. O’Byrne, Courtney B. Vance, Sonya Walger, and Christine Woods. It was created by David S. Goyer and Brannon Braga.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 16 ‘Star Trek: D-A-C’ Xbox Games

HollywoodChicago.com — Wed, 13 May 2009 22:59:42 -0600

CHICAGO – We’re riding the critically acclaimed wave of the just-released “Star Trek” film from J.J. Abrams starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, Eric Bana, Anton Yelchin, Zoe Saldana, John Cho, Leonard Nimoy, Bruce Greenwood, Ben Cross and Winona Ryder with an extremely exciting edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film!

We’re giving away 15 “Star Trek: D-A-C” Xbox 360 games plus one family four-pack grand prize to see the new film at any Kerasotes theatre as well as the Xbox game, too!

To win your very own copy of “Star Trek: D-A-C” for Xbox 360 and Xbox Live as well as for your chance at the grand prize all courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, all you need to do is convince us you’re the biggest Trekkie in the land using this Web-based submission form.

That’s it! Directions to enter this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.

The poster for the “Star Trek: D-A-C” video game for Xbox and Xbox Live.
Image credit: Paramount Digital Entertainment

The new “Star Trek” film opened wide on May 7, 2009 and currently has raked in more than $100 million in box-office receipts. Here is the video game synopsis for “Star Trek: D-A-C”:

Star Trek: D-A-C is a fast-paced, top-down space shooter inspired by the new motion picture. This pick-up-and-play game allows you and your friends to choose starships (from a list that includes the all-new U.S.S. Enterprise) and battle it out online!

Enlist in Starfleet or join the Romulan empire as you battle with up to 11 friends in game play modes including solo play, online versus and online cooperative.

Command the powerful flagship, the nimble fighter or the devastating bomber each with their own unique capabilities. Choose your side, fire your weapons and boldly go where no man has gone before!

To secure your free “Star Trek: D-A-C” Xbox game and for your chance at our “Star Trek” grand-prize pack, you must be logged into your HollywoodChicago.com Web site account. If you don’t yet have one, you can quickly register here. Having a free Web site account with a valid e-mail address is required to win this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup.

Next, simply convince us why you’re the biggest Trekkie in the land! You must submit your answer using this confidential, Web-based submission form. Please do not comment in this Hookup. Your entry will be invalid if you only comment here and don’t submit into our Web-based form. Please only submit your answer using this submission form.

You must include your first and last name and e-mail address in your submission. Your personal information, which will be kept strictly confidential and is only for awarding winning entries, will not be sold or shared elsewhere.

Convince us why you’re the biggest Trekkie in the land now!

Like all Hookups here, this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film is simple: The first 15 people who submit valid entries win our “Star Trek: D-A-C” Xbox games and one person has a chance at winning our grand prize of four movie passes for the new film as well as the Xbox game as well!

The one grand prize winner will be judged by us based on your energy and submission quality. All Xbox winners for this title will be e-mailed a unique code to download and receive the game to it can be stored on your Xbox permanently. Good luck!

Read our review of the new “Star Trek” film from J.J. Abrams.
Read our ranking of the various “Star Trek” films.
Read our “Star Trek: Motion Picture Trilogy” Blu-ray review.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Pure Summer Entertainment Lives on in J.J. Abrams’ ‘Star Trek’

BrianTT — Fri, 08 May 2009 09:56:58 -0600

CHICAGO – It will be a stunning surprise if the summer of 2009 produces another slice of movie entertainment as satisfying and well-made as J.J. Abrams rollicking “Star Trek” reboot, a film that not only delivers on high expectations but shatters them by clicking on every single level.

Rating: 5.0/5.0

“Star Trek” features a character travelling through time (not a major spoiler…don’t write hate mail) and that’s exactly what writers Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman and director J.J. Abrams have done with their film, returning to the start but also injecting their own life into a dead franchise.

Read Brian Tallerico’s full review of “Star Trek” in our reviews section.

The film opens with an attack on a Federation ship that happens to have among its crew members the man who would be the father of the king of the Trekker world - Kirk. His son James Tiberius is born on an escape pod as his dad crashes into a gigantic Romulan vessel. Years later, a rebellious young Kirk (Chris Pine) is recruited for Starfleet Academy by Captain Pike (Bruce Greenwood), a man who knew his father and sees the same leadership skills in the new cadet.

In the blink of an eye, Kirk is aboard the Enterprise and dealing with a universal crisis that could mean the end of Earth. I wouldn’t dare ruin the surprises of this clever script, but Kirk is, naturally, joined by Spock (Zachary Quinto), Uhura (Zoe Saldana), Sulu (John Cho), Chekhov (Anton Yelchin), Bones (Karl Urban) and Scotty (Simon Pegg).

‘Star Trek’ stars Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Anton Yelchin, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Bruce Greenwood, Winona Ryder, and Tyler Perry. It was written by Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman and directed by J.J. Abrams. It opens on May 8th, 2009. It is rated PG-13.

Continuing reading for Brian Tallerico’s full “Star Trek” review.

Chekov (Anton Yelchin), James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), Scotty (Simon Pegg), Bones (Karl Urban), Sulu (John Cho), and Uhura (Zoë Saldana) in "Star Trek."
Photo credit: Paramount

Video: Clip From ‘Star Trek’ With Zachary Quinto, Chris Pine

BrianTT — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:14:02 -0600

CHICAGO – Before you go see “Star Trek” this weekend, check out this great clip courtesy of Paramount. The film features Chris Pine (Kirk), Zachary Quinto (Spock), Simon Pegg (Scotty), Zoe Saldana, John Cho, Anton Yelchin, Bruce Greenwood, Leonard Nimoy, Eric Bana and Winona Ryder and opens in theaters on Thursday, May 7, 2009.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Slideshow: 22-Image Gallery From ‘Star Trek’ With Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto

BrianTT — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:28:22 -0600

CHICAGO – This 22-image slideshow contains the official press images for “Star Trek” starring John Cho, Ben Cross, Bruce Greenwood, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Winona Ryder, Zoë Saldana, Karl Urban, Anton Yelchin, with Eric Bana and Leonard Nimoy. The film, written by Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman and directed by J.J. Abrams, opens on May 8th, 2009.

Synopsis:

“The greatest adventure of all time begins with “Star Trek,” the incredible story of a young crew’s maiden voyage onboard the most advanced starship ever created: the U.S.S. Enterprise. On a journey filled with action, comedy and cosmic peril, the new recruits must find a way to stop an evil being whose mission of vengeance threatens all of mankind.

The fate of the galaxy rests in the hands of bitter rivals. One, James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), is a delinquent, thrill-seeking Iowa farm boy. The other, Spock (Zachary Quinto), was raised in a logic-based society that rejects all emotion. As fiery instinct clashes with calm reason, their unlikely but powerful partnership is the only thing capable of leading their crew through unimaginable danger, boldly going where no one has gone before!”

You can click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through this slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos credited to Industrial Light and Magic and Paramount. All Rights Reserved.

Star_Trek_01: James T. Kirk (Chris Pine, left) and Spock (Zachary Quinto, right) quickly form an adversarial relationship.
Star_Trek_02: The drill from the Narada in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_03: Chekov (Anton Yelchin), James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), Scotty (Simon Pegg), Bones (Karl Urban), Sulu (John Cho), and Uhura (Zoë Saldana) in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_04: Director J.J. Abrams (left) discusses a scene with Zoë Saldana (right, as Uhura) on the set of “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_05: Director J.J. Abrams (center) discusses a scene with actors John Cho (left, as Sulu), Anton Yelchin (center left, as Chekov), Zachary Quinto (center right, as Spock), and Chris Pine (far right, as James T. Kirk) behind-the-scenes of “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_06: Director J.J. Abrams (right) discusses a scene with actor Chris Pine (far left, as James T. Kirk) behind-the-scenes of “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_07: Bruce Greenwood stars as Pike in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_08: Zoë Saldana (center) stars as Uhura in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_09: Uhura (Zoë Saldana, left) gets hit on by James T. Kirk (Chris Pine, right) at a bar in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_10: Spock (Zachary Quinto, left) and James T. Kirk (Chris Pine, right) in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_11: Spock (Zachary Quinto, left) and James T. Kirk (Chris Pine, right) in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_12: Scotty (Simon Pegg) in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_13: Spock (Zachary Quinto) in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_14: Eric Bana stars as Nero in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_15: James T. Kirk (Chris Pine, left) and Sulu (John Cho, right) in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_16: James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_17: The rebellious James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) decides to enroll in Starfleet Academy in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_18: Chris Pine stars as the headstrong and rebellious James T. Kirk in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_19: Chief Engineer Olson (Greg Ellis, left) James T. Kirk (Chris Pine, center) and Sulu (John Cho, right) embark on their first mission in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_20: Anton Yelchin stars as the 17-year-old Chekov in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_21: Anton Yelchin stars as the 17-year-old Chekov in “Star Trek.”
Star_Trek_22: John Cho stars as Sulu in “Star Trek.”

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Slideshow: 37-Image Gallery From London Premiere of ‘Star Trek’

BrianTT — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 07:00:29 -0600

CHICAGO – This 37-image slideshow contains red carpet and press conference photos from the London premiere of “Star Trek,” featuring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Eric Bana, John Cho, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, and director JJ Abrams. The film opens on May 8th, 2009.

You can click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through this slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos credited to Paramount Pictures/Jorge Herrera. All Rights Reserved.

ST_London_01: Zoe Saldana
ST_London_02: Zoe Saldana
ST_London_03: Zoe Saldana
ST_London_04: Zachary Quinto
ST_London_05: Zoe Saldana
ST_London_06: Simon Pegg
ST_London_07: Simon Pegg
ST_London_08: Eric Bana
ST_London_09: Karl Urban
ST_London_10: John Cho
ST_London_11: John Cho
ST_London_12: Zoe Saldana
ST_London_13: Camilla Dallerup
ST_London_14: Claire Merry
ST_London_15: Claire Merry
ST_London_16: Claire and Tom Chambers
ST_London_17: John Cho
ST_London_18: Karl Urban
ST_London_19: Zoe Saldana
ST_London_20: Zoe Saldana
ST_London_21: Zoe Saldana
ST_London_22: J.J. Abrams
ST_London_23: Chris Pine
ST_London_24: Chris Pine
ST_London_25: Chris Pine
ST_London_26: Chris Pine
ST_London_27: Chris Pine
ST_London_28: Simon Pegg
ST_London_29: Simon Pegg
ST_London_30: Simon Pegg
ST_London_31: Simon Pegg
ST_London_32: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto
ST_London_33: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto
ST_London_34: Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg and John Cho
ST_London_35: Eric Bana, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Chis Pine, Director J.J. Abrams, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg and John Cho
ST_London_36: Lorraine Kelly and Zachary Quinto
ST_London_37: Karl Urban, John Cho, Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Slideshow: 22-Image Gallery From Berlin Premiere of ‘Star Trek’

BrianTT — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:09:48 -0600

CHICAGO – This 22-image slideshow contains red carpet and press conference photos from the Berlin premiere of “Star Trek,” featuring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Eric Bana, John Cho, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, and director JJ Abrams. The film opens on May 8th, 2009.

ST_Berlin_01: Chris Pine
ST_Berlin_02: JJ Abrams
ST_Berlin_03: John Cho, Zoe Saldana
ST_Berlin_04: Karl Urban
ST_Berlin_05: Zachary Quinto
ST_Berlin_06: Zachary Quinto, JJ Abrams
ST_Berlin_07: Luise Helm
ST_Berlin_08: Andrea Kemter
ST_Berlin_09: Nandina Mitra
ST_Berlin_10: Jytte-Merle Bohrnsen, Tino Mewes
ST_Berlin_11: Zoe Saldana
ST_Berlin_12: Zoe Saldana
ST_Berlin_13: Zoe Saldana
ST_Berlin_14: Karl Urban
ST_Berlin_15: Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg
ST_Berlin_16: Sven Sturm, Eric Bana, Zachary Quinto, J.J.Abrams, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Chris Pine
ST_Berlin_17: John Cho, Eric Bana, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, J.J.Abrams, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine
ST_Berlin_18: Eric Bana, Zoe Saldana
ST_Berlin_19: Zoe Saldana
ST_Berlin_20: Chris Pine
ST_Berlin_21: Davorka Tovilo
ST_Berlin_22: Zoe Saldana

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Video: Trailer of J.J. Abrams’ ‘Star Trek’ With Chris Pine, Eric Bana

BrianTT — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:51:17 -0600

CHICAGO – We’re continuing to fill our video player with Summer 2009 movie previews and today’s entry is the highly-anticipated “Star Trek” from director J.J. Abrams. The film stars John Cho, Ben Cross, Bruce Greenwood, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Winona Ryder, Zoë Saldana, Karl Urban, Anton Yelchin, with Eric Bana and Leonard Nimoy. “Star Trek” opens on May 8th, 2009.

Synopsis:

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Slideshow: 26-Image Gallery From World Premiere of ‘Star Trek’ With Chris Pine, Eric Bana

BrianTT — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:49:29 -0600

CHICAGO – This 26-image slideshow contains red-carpet shots from the premiere of J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek” in Syndey, Australia on April 7th, 2009. Cast and crew members in attendance include Zachary Quinto, Chris Pine, John Cho, Eric Bana, J.J. Abrams, Karl Urban, and Bryan Burk. “Star Trek” opens on May 8th, 2009.

Star_Trek_Premiere_01: Actor Eric Bana, who plays Nero, arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_02: Actor Zachary Quinto, who plays Mr Spock, arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_03: Actor Zachary Quinto, who plays Mr Spock, and Director J.J. Abrams arrive.
Star_Trek_Premiere_04: Actor Chris Pine, who plays James T Kirk, arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_05: Actor Zachary Quinto, who plays Mr Spock, and Director J.J. Abrams arrive.
Star_Trek_Premiere_06: Actor Chris Pine, who plays James T Kirk, arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_07: Tara Moss arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_08: Actor Eric Bana, who plays Nero, arrives with his wife Rebecca Gleeson.
Star_Trek_Premiere_09: Cast and crew (L-R) Karl Urban, Chris Pine, Bryan Burk, Zachary Quinto, J.J. Abrams, Eric Bana and John Cho arrive.
Star_Trek_Premiere_10: Jonathan Pease arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_11: Actor Zachary Quinto, who plays Mr Spock, arrives..
Star_Trek_Premiere_12: Actor Zachary Quinto, who plays Mr Spock, arrives..
Star_Trek_Premiere_13: Actor Eric Bana, who plays Nero, arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_14: Laura Dundovic and guest arrive.
Star_Trek_Premiere_15: Actor Eric Bana, who plays Nero, arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_16: Laura Dundovic arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_17: Laura Dundovic arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_18: Actor Karl Urban arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_19: Laura Csortan arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_20: Laura Csortan arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_21: Cast and crew (L-R) actor Zachary Quinto, director J.J. Abrams, producer Bryan Burk, actors Chris Pine, Karl Urban, Eric Bana and John Cho arrive.
Star_Trek_Premiere_22: Tara Moss arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_23: Tara Moss arrives.
Star_Trek_Premiere_24: Tara Moss and guest arrive.
Star_Trek_Premiere_25: Tara Moss, Rove McManus and his girlfriend Tasma Walton arrive.
Star_Trek_Premiere_26: Renee Bargh arrives.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com