Look Out For...

RYAN DEVLIN

I've heard this young up-and-coming actor's name more than once in that past few weeks from Directors, Producers, Managers, and the like. He's creating quite a buzz about him. You might recognize him from various guest-starring roles over the past few years on TV, like "The War at Home," "Grounded for Life" and an arc on "Veronica Mars" (creepy rapist guy). He's a pretty versatile actor that can handle the cutesy boyfriend roles as well as some things with more of an edge. He just finished an anticipated pilot called "The World According to Barnes" for The CW, where he stars opposite Autumn Reeser; the series will hopefully get the greenlight sometime this week. Personally, he's a really cool guy with a great sense of humor and a passion for the craft. I hope he finds his way in this hustle-and-bustle business.

Good at Being Bad.

Two of my FAVORITE TV Villians...

ZACHARY QUINTO (SYLAR on "HEROES")
Quinto masters the perfect personification of evil, comic book style. He's a sympathetic character who became evil because he felt forgotten and alone. Now, however, his evil seems almost subhuman, like his heart was replaced with something cold and dark and even he is overwhelmed by it. I just love how he can be oh so creepy, and yet sometimes you really do feel a twinge of sympathy for him. Quinto is a pretty versatile actor to be able to capture all of this and still freak the socks off people with each coming episode. His facial expressions are genius and really bring depth and that true sense of evil to his character.

JAMES CALLIS (DR. GAIUS BALTAR on "Battlestar Galactica")
So I haven't even taken the time to delve into what a phenomenal cast this show has, and Callis is just the tip of the iceberg. He is such a versatile actor and you get to see many sides of what he can do on the show. While Quinto is the personification of evil, Callis presents a more human villian. He's a pathological narcissist who only looks out of himself, and yet he's a complete coward, weak and yet wildly intelligent. Not to mention, more than a little bit crazy. Talk about a difficult character to portray believably, and Callis does it with ease, brilliantly in fact. I think he might be one of the greatest actors I've seen in recent years, and I don't use that phrase lightly. There's such a charisma about him mixed in with all these things that even though his character is essentially a really bad man, part of me still wants him to win.

Swoon #2

Okay, its pretty hard to steal the scene from Jonathan Rhys Meyers, but some people are just unbelievably gifted in certain...areas. So I finally got a chance to watch the new Showtime series "The Tudors." I'm kinda indifferent at this point...it could be good, it could lose my interest and be boring. We'll see. Period pieces are tough. Anyhow, I'm getting off topic. I can't remember anything much about the performances because I kept getting distracted by a gorgeous British actor by the name of HENRY CAVILL. And I don't distract easily. I think it helps that his character is a bit of a badass and the boy does seem to have some real talent. I then spent the next hour or so trying to pinpoint who this strapping young lad really was. I can't find a picture to really do him justice though. Either way, he got my attention...and I'm gonna keep watching.

Yes, a clip. He's the hottie in the red t-shirt.

Keeping on the Radar...

Whatever happened to...Chad Donella. Great actor. I was watching an episode of "Cold Case" and his face popped up as a murdered gay man who had fought against AIDS in the 80s. It was a pretty tough character and he captured it extremely well. I couldn't remember what I recognized him from, then I realized it was the original Final Destination movie. After his teen feature success in the late 90's, it looks like he turned to indies and fell back into television guest starring roles. I'd like to see him elevated to a feature or lead television role again. He's got real acting clout.

Kelly's F#cking Rad! (Awesome.)

OH MY GOSH, OBSESSION!!! SHOES!! I have watched this video probably 100 times now and it still makes me laugh hysterically. The comedian playing "Kelly" is LIAM SULLIVAN. You can find out more information about him at THE LIAM SHOW. He's so so funny. I found his older stuff to be a little bit weak, but he's definitely found his niche with the "Kelly" videos. All of his characters are so creative and relateable on a comedic level. While now you can catch him in LA's Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre and all over youtube, I would expect him to expand to a larger scale audience in the near future.



His most-recent video: Text Message Break-up. The sketch stuff at the beginning is so hilarious. I love the subtlety from the "Don't Eat the Daisies" song in the background to the hilarity of the day to day. This guy really knows comedy. I just can't get enough.

I'm a Geek for GREEK

So, I'm sorry to admit that I was in fact a sorority girl in college...I know, I know...credibility out the window. But I feel that admission is necessary in understanding my obsession with a pilot recently picked up by ABC Family. ABC Family is a network most people know very little about...they syndicate some of our favorite shows of yester-year (TGIF anyone?) and those of the extinct WB. Still, apparently they have some of their own original programming as well, and I'm not just talking about those Christmas movies our parents make us watch each year. If you're into horses, I hear "Wildfire" is pretty interesting. Similarly, their newest shows "Kyle XY" and "Lincoln Heights" have gotten pretty decent reviews. Now, I've never really watched any of these, but the recently leaked pilot GREEK is a whole different ballgame. Its young and hip and fresh. As someone that lived it, it really does grasp the world of Greek life from its greatest moments to its biggest disappointments. More importantly, it does all of this while poking fun at the very things that it also works to promote. Never before have I felt such a sense of accuracy and amusement at this kind of teenage/young adult dramedy. I have to say, it got me hooked, and it does this through its quick-witted writing and really intriguing young cast. Introducing:

Spencer Grammer as "Casey Cartwright." I don't know if its necessarily raw talent, but this girl definitely keeps your intention. She's funny and sharp, and you really can see her as this struggling girl caught up in her own upward social mobility within her greek realm, which conflicts, of course, with her inherent good nature.

Jacob Zachar as "Rusty Cartwright." I'd seen this kid in a commercial or two before getting my hands on the pilot. He's got a unique look and acting style that works well for his socially awkward and yet adorably naive character. Think Adam Brody meets Topher Grace...he's cute, he's weird, and he's oddly relatable on a variety of levels.

Jake McDorman as "Evan Chambers." Jake is perhaps the most seasoned actor on this cast, having starred in decently successful shows and movies like "Quints" and "Aquamarine." He's definitely got a sexy quality to him, and while he might be used to playing a hearthrob, he's really quite good at playing someone with a little bit of a darker side to his all-american exterior. I like it.


Scott Michael Foster as "Cappie." I think this is the real breakout star here folks. Can you say CHARISMA? His lines are the ones that get the real laughs, and yet there's definitely a very human quality to his character. He was the most interesting to watch, for me at least. He's a real guy's guy too, which will help the show win over the male audience.



Clark Duke as "Dale." I told you guys before, this kid has real comedic talent. He serves as the outsider to the whole Greek experience in this series, giving new life to a bible-thumping confederate flag-waving freshman roommate character.



Paul James as "Calvin Owens." His character is definitely something new to bring to cable TV, and Paul tackles this task head-on. He effortlessly portrays the quintessential frat boy who is secretly happily homosexual, and he does it with style. By no means a stereotype, he brings real depth to an already complicated character.

Dilshad Vadsaria as "Rebecca Logan" and Amber Stevens as "Ashleigh." The sorority girls. In the pilot their characters are a bit along stereotypical lines, but I'm definitely interested to see where they end up. Amber is just adorable: she adds real personality to an already invigorating cast. Dilshad is a bit of a mystery to me, so we'll have to see what is revealed through her as the season progresses.

Aside from these series regulars, there is a fabulous supporting cast including some really funny and talented young actors like Aaron Hill (The Beaver), Zack Lively (Heath), Tiffany Dupont (Frannie), and Johanna Flores(Libby). All of which stick out in their own right against an immensely talented cast.

It's the Pitts!

MICHAEL PITT--This youngish actor reminds me a bit of a grittier Leonardo DiCaprio. He first caught my attention in an episode of "Law and Order: SVU" that aired in 2002, where he played a sociopathic teenage animal abuser. Man, can he be creepy. I love it. He's been in a wide range of projects, mainly indie movies that have a bit of an edge. While I haven't actually seen the film, his starring role in "The Dreamers" definitely looks intriguing. This guy is someone to keep an eye out for. He's got real talent.

Photo Date: 1 September 2003
Photo Credit: Jeff Vespa
(Copyright ©WireImage.com)

Someone Flies...Someone Dies.

So...HEROES.

OH MAN, IS THIS SHOW GREAT.

I cannot get through an episode without screaming at my television set...and that is a good thing. So much better than the Lost's and 24's of the world combined. But this is just my opinion of course (Hey, I still love these other shows too!). This show is awesome not only because of its unique ability to actually provide answers to all of its questions, but also due to its amazing cast. I've highlighted my favorite HEROES below.



Hayden Pannetiere. I've been singing the praises of Miss Pannetiere since the birth of this blog, so I won't delve into too much detail here. Nothing but love for that girl though. Nothing but love. She's the ingenue of the show and she plays her role well.





Greg Grunberg. Also doesn't need much detail. He's great in anything he does and is a veteran of hit shows like Felicity, Alias, and Lost. In a perhaps more meatier role than usual, Grunberg keeps us on our toes as with his constant internal struggle between doing what is right and following his heart. While he might not be your typical Hollywood hearthrob, there's something about this man that still makes the girls swoon.

Masi Oka. As the adorable Hiro Nakamura, Oka is the Cult Favorite, and believe me, he can really steal the show. Growing up with a strong American and Japanese background, he is able to really capture that loveable and determined naivete that his character requires. I'm sure it helps that Oka is a technical genius (thanks IMDB!), but his perfect blend of comedy and outright dedication to his "destiny" really helps humanize his character and keeps us begging for more.

Sendhil Ramamurthy. Who knew a geneticist could be so sexy? As thoughtful and determined Mohinder Suresh, Ramamurthy brings a degree of weight and intellectualism that the show would otherwise lack. Considering the part was originally written as a 55-year-old man, Ramathurthy's superior acting chops and degree of charisma really helped re-define the role as someone who we'd really be pulling for week to week.

Ali Larter. I have to admit I was skeptical going into the first few episodes of the show. Sure she had the star power, but I wasn't fully convinced this "Final Destination" actress had what it takes to convincingly portray a character with distinct multiple personalities. But I stand corrected, she's really got it. Probably one of the most difficult roles to play, slipping effortlessly from sweet-and-maternal Niki to violent-and-vengeful Jessica, I really started to believe that both of these characters had merged out of one being, and at certain points, she even managed to give me chills.

While these five are my front-running favorites, don't let that diminish the talents of the other lead heroes in this amazing ensemble cast. I really have learned to love them all in their own way, and I'm excited as more and more intriguing characters are introduced.

Spotlight on...

DJIMON HOUNSOU
This actor has a way of overwhelming his audience with a sense of warmth and kindness through one simple look in his eyes. It was his kind-hearted character Juba that really stuck out most in my mind from the movie "Gladiator." Now, he's doing it again as the determined Soloman Vandy in "Blood Diamond." He really knows how to captivate his audience and not get over-shadowed by some serious Oscar-contending actors like Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio.

IVANA BAQUERO
Wow, this young actress is only 12 years old, but her performance in "Pan's Labyrinth" gave me goosebumps. Its usually hard for someone so young to really grasp the emotion and depth of a character in such a complex movie, but Ivana does it seemingly effortlessly. I LOVED this movie, I LOVE this girl, and I'm sure I WILL LOVE what she brings to us next.

Boy, oh Boy!

Girls aren't the only ones with talent. I thought I'd pay homage to some great actors I've encountered bearing a Y Chromosome.


Hal Ozsan
This hottie of Turkish descent won over hearts on the uber-popular series "Dawson's Creek" way back when. That show is long gone, but Hal certainly is not. These days you can find him rocking out with his band "Poets or Pornstars" or exhibiting his acting talents on various tv shows and movies.



Jayson Blair
Pretty new to the whole hollywood scene, Jayson has yet worked up the usual laundry list of credits attained by most actors. Still, he's a talent that shouldn't be ignored. I would expect to see his adorable face with increasing frequency over the next few years.



Matt Lanter
I met this kid at a party back in early '05 when he was only 2 months in LA. That just goes to show that good talent doesn't always have to work its way up the ranks. In only a few months time, Matt had landed a starring role on the popular ABC series "Commander in Chief." He even had a notable arc in the increasingly popular series "Heroes." One thing is for sure, he's going places, and he's getting there fast.


Corbin Bleu and Zac Efron
These Disney Channel alumni are getting pretty big buzz post-"High School Musical" frenzy. Efron is rumored to be starring in the movie version of the musical "Hairspray," and Corbin's newest Disney Channel movie "Jump In" was one of the most watched programs in all of cable channel history. I would be interested in seeing where the future takes these two young hearthrobs.

Swoon.

Kyle Howard--This guy is bringing back boyish charm in a big way. We all knew and loved him when we were kids from films like "The Paper Brigade" and "House Arrest." Some of us even fell in love with him all over again with a short lived series "Grosse Pointe." Chances are though that you haven't been able to miss him lately on TBS's hit series "MY BOYS." He's charming, personable, and a really strong actor. I don't expect him to be going away anytime soon...

"These Guys are Incredible...They're Princes."

CLARK and MICHAEL

The comedy of this duo is SPOT ON.


You're probably already familiar with Michael Cera as the quirky yet lovable "George-Michael" on the critically acclaimed series Arrested Development. However, unless you follow YouTube and Myspace videos closely, you might have missed the equally comedic Clark Duke. As close friends, both share a subtle humor that is laugh-out-loud hilarious in my opinion. Check out their stuff at ClarkandMichael.com. According to the trades, they're working on a pilot for the new CBS internet channel INNERTUBE. I can't wait.