‘Merlin’ reimagines major characters

(Published July 24, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

Characters from the Arthurian legends get the “prequel” treatment in the British fantasy series “Merlin,” centering on the famous sorcerer several years before he became Camelot’s sagacious mage. It’s not exactly “Smallville” meets “Harry Potter,” but the show depicts the heroic feats of a young wizard and a young knight destined for greatness.

Merlin (Colin Morgan) hides his innate mystical abilities when he moves to Camelot, where magic is strictly prohibited by the reigning King Uther Pendragon (Anthony Head). Sorcerers, regardless of age or allegiance, are arrested and publicly executed. Merlin becomes the assistant to the trustworthy court physician Gaius (Richard Wilson), and is immediately hired as Prince Arthur’s (Bradley James) servant after saving him from a vengeful assassin.

Unlike in old myths and other interpretations where Merlin was much older than Arthur and somewhat manipulative of the future king, the show’s versions of the characters are nearly the same age who initially disliked each other. Refreshingly, this iteration of Prince Arthur is already a skilled warrior and sometimes an infuriating jerk. But Merlin discovers their shared destiny and covertly uses his abilities to protect him.

The love angle between Arthur and the servant girl Guinevere (Angel Coulby), known simply as Gwen, is developed during the second season. The future royal spouses, interestingly, befriend and fight alongside the recurring character Lancelot (Santiago Cabrera). The future knight is instrumental in ruining their marriage and the prophesied fall of Camelot.

But the most engaging among the reimagined characters is Morgana (Katie McGrath), portrayed in most legends as a powerful villainess. Formerly the kind-hearted ward of King Uther, Morgana secretly discovers and accepts her magical nature, gradually transforming into a sorceress who plots the king’s defeat in the show’s darker episodes.

It has its silly comedy episodes – like when an ensorcelled Uther marries a troll-woman - but most stories are serious adventures, made lively by dramatic conflicts, competent action sequences and flashy special effects (there’s a dragon character voiced by John Hurt). Merlin and Arthur’s early heroism and exploits, together with Morgana’s metamorphosis, amusingly expound on their connected and inescapable destinies.

“Merlin” Season 3 airs Fridays, 9 p.m. on Diva Universal.

Too darn tame

Disney’s “Prom” is an oddity. On the one hand, its super-safe, ultra-clean story is a break from the racy teen comedy-dramas; on the other hand, it’s so normal that you’re reminded of your own very tame and uneventful prom. So while it’s quite relatable, it’s not terribly exciting and the teen characters’ eye-rolling predicaments barely make us feel genuine concern for them.

Understandably, the upcoming prom is a pretty big deal for them; they’re high schoolers, after all. The overachiever Nova (Aimee Teegarden) finds herself smitten with bad boy Richter (Thomas McDonell), who dislikes the fuss surrounding the event. The other characters are couples and couples-to-be, all racing against the clock to either prepare or look for dates for prom night. A sizeable part of the movie is about their puppy love dramas and going to the party with the “right” person.

It lacks any real escapist element, and it’s devoid of some real-life high school situations—there are no clichéd bullies or mean girls, thankfully, but there’s no mention whatsoever of sex or other “rebellious” behavior. “Prom” is strangely familiar, but it also feels like an overly sanitized alternate reality with no real pressing conflicts.

Bugle Boy

Cool-looking “The Amazing Spider-Man” pics from Entertainment Weekly. Emma Stone does look like Gwen Stacy, and Andrew Garfield looks kinda puny but adorkable enough a la Peter Parker. As for the new suit, those changes aren’t too much of a departure; it’ll probably look better in the movie (I’m reminded of the not-so-photogenic yellow and blue jumpsuits from “X-Men: First Class,” which actually looked good, especially when the heroes were in motion). More than that, though, I hope that it’s a good reboot, and that a perfect Mary Jane (and Felicia Hardy!) will be cast eventually. It’ll be out in July, 2012.

Crystal Reed, horror fan turned ‘Wolf’ lover

(Published July 17, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

“I feel that art is gray – there is no black and white or right and wrong,” said American actress Crystal Reed, who stars as Allison Argent in MTV’s new supernatural drama “Teen Wolf.”

In a recent phone interview, Reed expounded on pursuing an artistic path after quitting her studies at Detroit’s Wayne State University. “I auditioned for the prestigious BFA conservatory program,” she said. “They were very strict about the methods of acting, very particular about how we do things and I started questioning whether or not it was the right place for me, and whether or not [one] truly needed a degree to be an artist.”

Reed moved to Chicago, where she pursued theater and improv opportunities, and eventually landed roles in “CSI” and “The Hard Times of RJ Berger.” She appeared last year in the sci-fi flick, “Skyline,” and will be seen in the coming comedy, “Crazy, Stupid Love.”

She describes the re-imagined “Teen Wolf,” loosely based on the 1985 film that starred Michael J. Fox, as “a thrill ride.”

How is the new “Teen Wolf” different from the original film?

I did watch the original before I knew I was even part of the new show. I love it! I think it’s great. But I think the major difference is that our show is really scary, and the original was quite funny. In the original, when Scott turns into a werewolf, everybody claps for him on the basketball court. But in our show, Scott (Tyler Posey) is hiding the fact that he’s a werewolf. Also, the center of our show is Allison and Scott’s relationship, and everything really revolves around that.

Were you a monster/horror genre fan before this?

I’m a huge fan! My favorite scary movie is “Rosemary’s Baby.” I think Mia Farrow is incredible. I watch it over and over. But growing up, I would always watch “Tales From the Crypt.” I was never allowed to, but I would watch that, and “Child’s Play.”

How is “Teen Wolf” different from shows with werewolves like “True Blood” and “Vampire Diaries”?

I think “Teen Wolf” is in a category of its own. I’m a huge “True Blood” fan and I think it’s incredible. Alan Ball is a genius, the acting is phenomenal and the show has nudity. If we were to compare, I think the biggest difference is that “Teen Wolf” is funny and it still feels like it’s original. Jeff Davis, the creator, really wrote the characters in a way that they seem authentic, especially the relationships, the friendships. You just believe them. It feels like these kids are really going through these things. It’s funny, scary and sexy, and those things set it apart from those shows.

Why do you think werewolves are popular nowadays?

I think it’s popular because the idea that something so bad could possibly have a good side to it – you don’t really know what you’re getting yourself into. People want to explore stuff like that!

“Teen Wolf” premieres July 17, 9:00 on AXN Beyond.

2 Cool 4 Super-School

Super kids today...

Avengers Academy and Initiative

Academy recruits and Initiative graduates, current and erstwhile trainees of the Avengers: Finesse, Reptil, Cloud 9, Komodo, Veil, Mettle, Striker, Hardball, Trauma, Butterball, Hazmat.

Teen Titans

Teen Titans, the post-One Year Later and Final Crisis rosters combined: Bombshell, Superboy, Wonder Girl, Static, Ravager, Miss Martian, Blue Beetle, Kid Eternity, Kid Flash, Red Robin, Aquagirl.

Young Avengers

The Young Avengers roster, plus young Avengers from the team’s different incarnations: Stature, Wiccan, Iron Lad, Vision, Rage, Hulkling, Scarlet Spider, Speed, Hawkeye, Patriot, Mastermind Excello.

Born Free to Follow Your Heart

My thanks to the original posters and owners; I found these posted on Tumblr blogs:

Yeah, why are the homophobes ignoring Leviticus 19:27?

Sir Ian the conqueror!

Never change for the unthinking idiots.

Hogwarts, war zone

Iconic fantasy hero Harry Potter’s big screen adventures end with the bittersweet second installment to “The Deathly Hallows,” showcasing the final climactic battle between the magic-wielding forces of good and evil. It’s been an eventful journey for Harry and his friends; their shared missions, growth and adeptness in the mystic arts have been vividly chronicled across the span of eight films.

And it’s an epic showdown at Hogwarts, as Voldemort’s forces finally attack the school harboring the young fugitive mage, who’s been busy looking for items essential to his arch-enemy’s ultimate destruction. While the earlier films focused on the students’ magical education, they are now tested in an actual battleground, fighting for their very lives during the daring school siege!

The spellbinding saga’s beloved and reviled characters are characteristically portrayed memorably by their respective actors, and it’s especially elating to see previously unseen confrontations and interactions. Most of the supporting cast get their shining moments, either in fight scenes, flashbacks, or even the “afterlife” sequences. “Deathy Hallows Part 2” certainly will keep fans of the films charmed by appearances of some deceased characters.

Heavy in action and effects wizardry, this last film has a few quiet scenes revealing important truths behind some of the puzzles in the preceding parts. While it gets jarring to suddenly be thrust into some lengthy and relatively calm scenes when the film is mostly dominated by depictions of tumult and destruction, there’s clarity in storytelling and it’s better-paced than the first “Deathly Hallows.” The conclusion to the spectacular mystic war satisfies, and the brief but enchanting epilogue will leave fans of the franchise wanting more.

Gay Families are REAL

If you do a Google Images search of “gay family” (with quotation marks), most pictures that appear depict exactly that. Then there’s that weird “Family Gay” image of Stewie and Brian Griffin. But the most out-of-place photo of all is the one in the upper right corner, showing a group of kids wearing shirts promoting a homophobic site. The bigotry of the adults in their lives being imprinted on such innocent children is just horrid.

Still, there’s hope for them yet. Perhaps in the future, some of those children will realize that homophobia, not gayness, is wrong. Perhaps by that time, other kids being warned by their “holy” religious leaders against homosexuality and gay relationships will realize that condemning others based on their gender identity is immoral. Maybe future generations will be more accepting of gay unions, and will automatically recognize the bonds between gay people and their families.

To those who say that gay people, gay families, and gay relationships are “disgusting,” “masagwa,” “kadiri,” or evil, shame on you. Shame on you, you self-righteous guardians of “morality” and promoters of destructive hive mentality. You encourage self-hate when you spew your insecurities. Read your “holy” books well. You say that it’s written there that you can condemn gay people, and it is, but you ignore other similarly dubious and utterly idiotic passages altogether. Gayness isn’t a sickness or a disorder. Just because a family has a less-active father doesn’t mean that a child will end up gay. And please, telling gay people that it’s “okay to be gay” while telling them not to “practice homosexuality” because you label it “sinful” basically means that you don’t accept them at all. What idiocy!

Times have changed; the pink triangle is now a symbol of gay empowerment, reversing its original meaning and purpose (it was a badge used for identifying gay people in concentration camps back in World War II). The recent New York gay marriage legalization and the Baguio gay weddings are moving victories. But it’s disappointing that homophobia in the country immediately reared its ugly head, accompanied by similarly ugly anti-gay union signature campaigns and shameless meddling by avowed celibates. Many committed gay couples want to get married to avail of the rights and benefits that straight couples get, but more importantly, to express their love for, and devotion to each other. But the bigots keep repeating the same old verses.

I’m reposting part of what Republican (yes, Republican!) and anti-Prop. 8 lawyer Theodore Olson said early last year:

“The fact that individuals who happen to be gay want to share in this vital social institution is evidence that conservative ideals enjoy widespread acceptance. Conservatives should celebrate this, rather than lament it… When we refuse to accord this status to gays and lesbians, we discourage them from forming the same relationships we encourage for others. And we are also telling them, those who love them, and society as a whole that their relationships are less worthy, less legitimate, less permanent, and less valued. We demean their relationships and we demean them as individuals. I cannot imagine how we benefit as a society by doing so.”

What They Said

Self-explanatory stuff, images from Invincible # 80 and Spider-Girl # 5. Funny because they’re true.

X-Men # 1, 20 Years Later

Oh, X-Men # 1. It’s been two decades! I remember getting my copy of the issue from a comic shop in Makati and bringing them and Uncanny X-Men # 281 to school for my friends to read. I was so excited; my favorite artists back then were Jim Lee and Whilce Portacio, who were the regular pencilers for Uncanny X-Men and X-Factor, respectively. I liked the revamped look of the characters and the fact that they were split into two X-teams, gold and blue.

Jim Lee is now Geoff John’s artist on the new, rebooted JLA title, which will be out in print and digital formats by August 31. The DC Universe is being relaunched, changing the existing continuity, according to the recent FAQ release. 52 titles will be released, all first issues. DC doesn’t want to call it a reboot, because it’s “a launch.” If costumes, concepts and histories are changed at the same time, then it’s a reboot. Sheesh.

Anyway, the first time I read news about it, I initially thought, “oh, another Heroes Reborn.” Jim was involved in that too, when Marvel updated the Fantastic Four and the Avengers for a year before reverting them back to “normal,” back in the late ‘90s. I felt that it was another stunt, but the FAQ states that these upcoming changes will stick and be around for “years” to come. The revamped JLA, I’m not excited; Jim’s style looks ordinary now and the designs don’t really stand out anymore. I hope he still improves, though, storytelling-wise and design-wise.

Of all the titles being rebooted, I’m most interested in the two Legion titles. I’ve gotten used to the team being retooled and reimagined, and each incarnation “counts,” as seen in the Legion of 3 Worlds mini, so I’m looking forward to that.

Back to the X-Men. I still read the various X-titles. I still like the characters and mythology, and appreciate how they’ve evolved all these years, thanks to various talented creative teams. The succeeding eras that rekindle childlike enthusiasm include the Grant Morrison and Joss Whedon runs. I respect Mike Carey too; he’s currently writing X-Men: Legacy, which started out as the aforementioned adjectiveless X-Men. It’s now 250 issues old.

Shatner as cranky but redeemable ‘Dad’

(Published July 3, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

Family ties are renewed every week in the sitcom “S#*! My Dad Says” (or “Bleep My Dad Says”), starring William Shatner as the grumpy, divorced and gun-toting Ed Goodson, whose recently unemployed writer son starts living with him after running out of options.

Ed and Henry (Jonathan Sadowski) barely communicated in the years prior to the new arrangement, so each has to get used to the new housemate’s quirks. Because of Ed’s perpetually cranky disposition, Henry initially hesitated asking to stay temporarily at his dad’s place.

And while Ed’s not one to mince words, he finds it hard to express his own feelings, and be more openly welcoming of Henry. The former military doctor, however, recognizes the opportunity to be a better father to his more communicative child, a former magazine writer. Henry is given a new mattress and moves in, finally forming a closer bond with his deliberately incommunicado parent, as well as with his half-brother and neighbor Vince (Will Sasso).

Shatner’s mostly deadpan delivery of biting one-liners almost consistently charms, even when the routinely situated punch lines don’t always work. It’s not Shatner’s first time in a comedic setting; the veteran actor appeared memorably in the sci-fi sitcom “3rd Rock From the Sun” and in a number of riotous “Late Night With Conan O’Brien” sketches. But the show is something else entirely. It grows on the viewer, especially since the family-centric situations are easily relatable and the dad’s ongoing mission of “redemption” offers insights into generational differences.

Sadowski is competent and comfortable as the twenty-something son getting introduced to his doctor-gardener father’s seemingly odd customs and routines. “MADtv” alumni Sasso and Nicole Sullivan (as Henry’s sister-in-law Bonnie) are essential components to the comic equation, providing the foil to the oft-awkward father-son tandem.

Co-created by “Will and Grace” progenitors David Kohan and Max Mutchnick, among others, the show sometimes tackles gay issues. Ed becomes more sensitive to a gay waiter, Tim (Tim Bagley), whom he befriends, hires as a maid, and also treats like a son. Ed’s petulant but straightforward behavior (plus his tendency to make a fool of himself) surprisingly attracts confident women, including a popular self-help guru played by Cybill Shepherd.

It’s not always laugh-out-loud funny, but the show usually succeeds in evoking hearty smiles, and even tugs at the heartstrings from time to time.

The show airs Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. on Jack TV.

Sandbox Showdown

X-Babies Vs. Tiny Titans! Beware Speedy’s cupcake arrow!

Less than meets the eye

(Dear SM MoA Imax, no one was handing out 3D glasses when my companion and I entered the cinema; I had to rush out to get them shortly before the movie started. I noticed that some people didn’t get theirs, either.)

Some spoilers ahead.

“Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” thankfully, isn’t the travesty that was “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.” That doesn’t mean it’s fully recovered from its problematic aspects; if anything, this third movie doesn’t veer too far away from the established Bay-flick trappings.

“Dark of the Moon” rehashes familiar story elements, and sticks with the confusing, overly ornate designs--Prime still looks like there’s trash clumped all over him, even when he’s not sporting his scrap-looking flight gear--making it hard to really appreciate this live-action version’s overall look. It’s often a challenge to immediately figure out action scenes, and the brief slow-mo sequences don’t really give clarity to the slugfests.

Megan Fox and her character are out and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley plays Sam’s (Shia LaBeouf ) new girlfriend Carly, introduced as someone with ties to the British embassy and the military. Like the previous movies’ attention to the romance angle, Sam and Carly’s cutesy relationship is defined amid thunderous conflicts and much running, the actors adequately sharing some onscreen chemistry. They’re a pretty normal, feelgood summer movie couple, threatened by a conspiracy dating back to the Space Race. This is the second time in mere weeks that the Kennedy administration’s been connected to fantastical epics, but we don’t care about this secret history tidbit as much as the one in “X-Men: First Class.”

John Malkovich and Frances McDormand appear as new characters; the former is wasted while the latter charms but is pretty forgettable. John Turturro is less annoying than in the previous parts. The human-Autobot interactions don’t really make us care for their bond but the Bumblebee-Sam friendship still moves, however fleetingly. And Chicago is invaded and conquered by Decepticons, which looked cool for about a few minutes, but the subsequent liberation process got quite tedious.

Again, this is pretty bearable compared to the second film, but it has its laughable moments. One of them was Carly taunting Megatron into betraying a new ally, because she witnessed the Decepticon leader getting bitch-slapped by that newer character earlier. Megatron’s such a softie; he didn’t do or say anything to the girl, he just attacks the other robot. It would’ve been impressive had Megatron undermined her verbally, “lower” life form that she is, then scared her off with a warning shot, mockingly said “thank you,” and attacked the new robot anyway. But no, that didn’t happen.

And Optimus Prime can get really corny, as exemplified by his declaration to an enemy: “You didn’t betray me. You betrayed yourself.”

Ugh.

‘Outsourced’: Universal hotline

(Published June 22, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

The weekly sitcom “Outsourced,” about an American heading a call center in India, regularly pokes fun at aspects of both countries’ cultures. But while the situations may inspire discussions on differences, the show also depicts universal similarities between people, their location and traditions notwithstanding.

The proverbial fish out of water, Todd Dempsy (Ben Rappaport) must adapt to the changes that come with being transplanted to Mumbai. But the transition isn’t smooth, even when he thinks that he’s assimilated quite nicely.

Todd often has to explain to his employees the idea behind the gag and novelty items that they’re selling. He also had to contend with harassment complaints filed by his agents at one point, totally oblivious of his mistakes. The young boss and his mostly enthusiastic set of employees routinely question each other’s customs, but issues are often resolved by the end of the episode.

A few distinct agents are focused on: Manmeet (Sacha Dahwan), confident and overly friendly to female clients; Madhuri (Anisha Nagarajan), timid but talented breadwinner of her family; Gupta (Parvesh Cheena), the outcast dreaming of Bollywood stardom; Asha (Rebecca Hazlewood), who has a crush on Todd but is focused on picking the proper suitor for her arranged marriage; and Rajiv (Rizwan Manji), the annoying assistant manager openly coveting Todd’s job.

“Outsourced” further illustrates the appeal of the underdog: Despite Todd’s success, he’s considered a failure by his dismissive father. Todd’s employees are sometimes picked on by elitist call center agents of another company in the same building. In the standout episode “Todd’s Holi War,” he leads his bullied team in outwitting and “outmuscling” their well-dressed tormentors during the “Holi” festival.

Newcomer Rappaport and the cast members form a tight ensemble, adding charm and freshness to the periodically campy but celebratory series.

“Outsourced” airs on Wednesdays, 8:30 p.m. on 2nd Avenue, and on Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. on Universal.

Blinking light

Effects-heavy but a popcorn flick devoid of fun moments, “Green Lantern” is based on the long-running DC comic book of the same name. Bequeathed a will-powered ring by a dying alien, cocky and misunderstood pilot Hal Jordan becomes part of an intergalactic police force, creating light constructs and fighting space-spawned menaces connected to his predecessor.

Understandably, the film is its own entity, as it compresses and revamps details from the source comic book. That may initially impress the loyal reader, but the potential of the semi-faithfulness isn’t fully explored and the movie focuses instead on a very typical, surprise-free hero’s journey. Hal Jordan is played by Ryan Reynolds, who spices up the role a bit despite his sometimes-annoying jokey demeanor. Reynolds gives Hal some recognizable personality, at least, because Hal’s pretty dull in the comics.

Blake Lively makes a decent Carol Ferris, also a strong-willed pilot and Hal’s longtime friend and occasional lover. Unfortunately, their pairing has no sparks; their scenes together are unexciting, and the movie slows down considerably whenever they’re focused on.

As for the villains, the disfigured psychic Hector Hammond (Peter Sarsgaard) and the cosmic creature Parallax aren’t at all distressing antagonists; one’s typically the vengeful nerd conveniently pining for Carol, while the other’s a cloudy mass reminiscent of the film version of Galactus. A respected Green Lantern, Sinestro (Mark Strong), isn’t a villain yet, but older fans might wish that his fascistic tendencies were more concretely hinted at. Still, he’s shown as someone likely to pursue his own agenda.

The super-brawls proceed mechanically, sadly, disappointing with less-than-imaginative fight tactics and emotionally disconnecting confrontations. “Green Lantern” ultimately does little to make the main character a sympathetic and awe-inspiring figure, and his cosmic feats lack grandeur and lasting impact.

Cold comfort

It’s easy to dismiss “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” as a cheesy family flick, as the trailer rather painfully shows Jim Carrey teaching a group of penguins some dance steps. Carrey’s practically done everything, but it still strikes you as odd that he’d be involved in something so… strange.

But it’s surprising that it’s not at all a horrifically done or treacly pet movie; “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” actually pleasantly diverts with its yarn about fathers and children, unresolved issues and recovering relationships. The family comedy-drama’s titular character Tom Popper (Carrey) is a divorced real estate developer who inherits a couple of penguins. He transforms his posh apartment into their cold but comfy habitat, his ex-wife (Carla Gugino) and their kids becoming closer to him again because of the adorable new pets.

There aren’t new stuff or surprises happening here; the movie is pretty formulaic with its family-oriented themes and stages of epiphany, but it’s still quite heartwarming and cute. A toned-down Carrey sufficiently provides humanity to a partly-fantastical setting. Also, Tom’s assistant Pippi (Ophelia Lovibond) amuses consistently with her quirky obsession with words starting with the letter “p.”

Stars and Lightning

Just random Marvel characters, so no real theme here. Hmm, let’s connect them anyway: Thor’s dad Odin declared Dazzler the winner of a singing contest. Dazzler is rumored to be Shatterstar’s mother. Shatterstar almost hit on Thor.

Classic Thor

Thor, son of Odin and Gaea, Avenger and former All-Father.

Disco Dazzler

Dazzler: Retrospective collects disco diva Alison Blaire’s greatest hits and previously unreleased studio tracks, remastered for this special release. The artist, praised by All-Father Odin himself for her “voice so sublime,” was declared “the fairest songstress of Asgard and Midgard” early in her career.*

Track List:

(1) Love From Beyond (2) The Shattered Star (3) A Little Girl’s Dream (4) The Power Cosmic (5) Asgardian Idol (6) You Only Live Twice (Feat. Lila Cheney) (7) Siege Perilous, Siege Fabulous (8) Go For It! (Feat. Johnny Storm) (9) Hammer Bay Heartbreak (10) X-Lovers (11) Black Bolt Screaming (12) Mutant And Proud (2011 Utopia Remix)

*Dazzler # 16

Shatterstar + Rictor

Bodacious bisexuals Ric and ‘Star sometimes smooch in the GLAAD award-winning X-Factor book by Peter David.

Music in their heads: “The Ballad of You and I” by Melee and “I Will Remember” by Hard Rain.

They Got the Beat

Go-Go’s vocalist Belinda Carlisle and her 19-year-old son, actor-activist James Duke Mason, discuss his homosexuality in a recent Advocate video (scroll down that page, it’s below the article). Belinda mentions seeing hints--Duke was furious when she postponed their scheduled “Brokeback Mountain” movie outing, for example--but still admits to feeling shocked and worried when he came out a few years ago. She accepted it, eventually: “Of course I’m gonna have a gay son.”

Aww. They really are making heaven a place on earth. Okay, only older, ‘80s pop music-loving people will get that reference.

New ‘Skins’ less edgy but still racy

(Published June 13, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

The new American remake of the acclaimed British teen drama “Skins” duplicates its themes and controversial content—about a group of sexually active and weed-smoking teens. But this new MTV series is less edgy, although its depictions of sex, drug use and bad behavior are still racy, and it tackles subjects too touchy for regular US network shows.

Those already familiar with the original series may find the re-imagined version a toned-down déjà vu, as it has virtually the same characters and storylines but sans the excessive use of expletives and with less nudity. MTV Asia blurs out certain intimate scenes as well.

The Americanized characters are still believable, thanks to their core traits. Tony (James Newman) is the manipulative alpha male; Michelle (Rachel Thevenard) is the hot but insecure girl; Stanley (Daniel Flaherty) is the awkward virgin smitten with Michelle.

There are major changes: The pill-popping and depressed Cadie (Britne Oldford) doesn’t have an eating disorder, which was exceptionally portrayed in the original show. And instead of a gay guy, this version has a lesbian, Tea (Sofia Black-D’Elia), a cheerleader easily bored by overly dramatic and confused partners.

The Tea-centric episode exemplifies the potential of the show, creatively utilizing elements exclusive to the American setting. She discovers her senile grandmother’s sexual identity during the latter’s sad recollection of the homophobic “Lavender Scare” in the 1950s.

Tea also has a one-time tryst with Tony, but it makes sense because she likes challenges and considers him an equal. Interestingly, British Tony had a brief affair with the gay guy, so this is a different rapport altogether.

Its more insightful changes make “Skins” interesting and may still impress diehard fans of the predecessor, even if they find the interpretation uneven. But the uninitiated viewer will nonetheless be stunned by the interwoven tales of teen pain, over-indulgence and rebellion.

“Skins” airs Sundays, 11 p.m. on MTV Asia.

Lively and Lustrous

Lookit Finn’s hair! This was the big reveal in the “To Cut a Woman’s Hair” episode of “Adventure Time.” Jake is super-stunned.