Moviefone Copyright 2011, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc. Moviefone Good old fashioned elbow grease. Toy Story 3. But it's also understandable to live in fear after the various "third" horrors, like Rocky III (starring Mr. T) or the confusing and unnecessary Back to the Future 3. I went into Men In Black 3 fully expecting the latter, to be disappointed by an antiquated franchise and to see several A-list actors phoning it in.

Imagine my surprise when, after a semi-clunky beginning, I actually found Men In Black 3 to be engaging and fun, despite the use of time travel as the major plot point. Starring our old favorites, Will Smith (Agent J) and Tommy Lee Jones (Agent K), we jump back into the alien-fighting fray almost immediately as an extraterrestrial mastermind (Boris The Animal, played expertly by Jemaine Clement) escapes from his lunar prison to take over Earth.

It's not that cut-and-dry, of course, as Boris must travel back in time to successfully kill Agent K. In most cases, when films (and to some extent, TV -- ahem, Heroes) incorporate time travel into plotlines, things get convoluted quickly, and often there's no way out of the muck. Thankfully, director Barry Sonnenfeld and his writers keep it simple, without annoying back-and-forth trips and overlapping eras. In fact, the time travel sequences are visually pleasing, and it's fun to watch Smith as he "jumps" his way through space and time.

Agent J learns of Boris' plot, and travels back to 1969 in order to save his partner from certain death. This is where we meet the young, outgoing Agent K (Josh Brolin), who nails the to-be curmudgeon role with his stern brow and subtle smirk. Another concern of mine going into Men In Black 3 was the relationship between Brolin and Smith; I wasn't fully convinced that the pair's chemistry could match that of Smith and Jones, but it's solid. After seeing Brolin in the role, you almost feel bad for Jones. He certainly isn't a spring chicken anymore, that's for sure, despite the pounds of makeup they pile on him.

Speaking of makeup, the effects aren't a marvel by any stretch, but the cornucopia of aliens and strange beings are always fun to look at, and some of the "fishy" species at the beginning of the movie are giggle-worthy. It's these little details and the supporting characters on the fringes of Men In Black 3 that save the movie. Aside from the aforementioned Boris (who is just so deliciously evil, with teeth, voice and eyes to match), scene-stealers include Emma Thompson (as psuedo-love interest Agent O) and Michael Chernus as the ubiquitous comic book guy.

One character, though, doesn't just steal scenes -- he almost steals the entire movie. Griffin (Michael Stuhlbarg) is the last of his species, a protective, emphatic being who simultaneously exists in the past, present and future. Any scene featuring his character is automatically better than any of the rest, enough that I found myself wishing they would make him Agent G and bring him into the fold.

Sure, there are some shoddy aspects to Men In Black 3, but they're buried underneath a heartwarming story that'll draw you in (which I cannot reveal here, lest I ruin the movie for you). We can forgive the occasional dull dialogue, plot holes and rampant cheesiness, because hey, this is a franchise that has laid dormant for 10 years, and they really could have butchered it. Instead, we get another chance -- probably the last one -- to revel in the adventures of the Agents as they battle some aliens.

While not entirely necessary, Men In Black 3 adds a pleasant bookend to the franchise, and fits nicely into the summer blockbuster roster.

]]> Wed, 23 May 2012 14:41:39 EDT 1539553 Battleship reviews, I was expecting the worst. Critics are going on and on about the horrible dialogue, the tedious effects and the raucousness, so I didn't have a single hope for the movie. (I also feared for Taylor Kitsch, one of my favourite underrated actors.)

I've learned that maybe this is the way to go when you're off to see a big summer blockbuster -- set the bar really, really low, and you can't help but be pleased with whatever you see on screen. The beauty of having an overactive imagination is this: your mind will make whatever you've heard negative things about seem far worse, even leagues worse than the reality of it.

Brace yourself, folks. Battleship is not as bad as you've heard. It's not cerebral, the plot is nonsensical at times, and yes, the basic laws of physics are violated in almost every frame, but it's a summer blockbuster, tried and true. (Think Armageddon.) There are things that occur in Battleship that I can guarantee you've never seen/heard before, on screen at least, and make the movie worth seeing, if only for a laugh.

BEWARE: SOME MINOR SPOILERS!

1. Rihanna Shoots A Machine Gun -- Multiple Times
We're not talking a dinky one, either. We're talking a two-handed, on-the-deck-of-a-ship machine gun. Now, if she would only take off that silly-looking Navy hat (which, for some strange reason, she wears for the duration of the film, even while in the water).

2. The Soundtrack Is Full of Loud, Oddly Chosen Rock Songs
I felt like I was back at my high school dance with the number of blaring rock anthems in this movie. Meant to stir up patriotism and get you behind the cause, tunes like AC/DC's 'Thunderstruck' rattle your teeth as more things explode in front of your eyes. (The Stone Temple Pilots' 'Interstate Love Song' -- which we all haven't heard since the late '90s -- is also played. Tear.)

3. Credit Is Given to a Board Game/Toy Company
When was the last time you saw this happen? It's one thing to thank a comic book or original novel for source material, but this is completely different. Right on, Hasbro. While we're at it, I'd really like to thank you for Trivial Pursuit.

4. They Actually Play Battleship On Screen
I won't reveal how or why or when, but you'll know it when you see it. This part of the movie was very clever.

5. There's a Crime Involving a Chicken Burrito
As ridiculous as this opening scene is, for some reason Kitsch is appealing in a slapstick way. Never thought I'd say that! Allegedly, the filmmakers were inspired by this real-life burglary mishap.

6. We Don't Have to See Another "Typical" Alien
Getting sick of those typical aliens with the huge eyes, three fingers and skinny bodies? Well, you don't need to worry about that with the Battleship aliens. They're like humans mixed with Muppets mixed with Bioshock splicers.

7. War Veterans Get Some Serious Payback
Those old guys (vets from the Korean War, mostly) certainly knew how to kick ass, and that doesn't fade with age. Just because their bodies deteriorate physically, doesn't mean their zest for revenge goes along with it. There's something so fulfilling about an elderly man shouting, "Motherf---er!"

8. Hooray! Both Men and Women Are Exploited!
At first I thought it was just going to be Kitsch and Alexander Skarsgard with their shirts off, wet in the water. I was right and wrong. Yes, they're both shirtless for a scene or two, but we also get to see Brooklyn Decker shamelessly showing off her -- ahem -- physique at nearly every turn. Ah, summertime.

9. A Guy With Two Fake Legs Fights an Alien
You read that right. I won't get into who wins the fight, but man, is it ever entertaining. It's this type of thing that saves Battleship -- it's not afraid to have fun, often at its own expense.

]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 14:22:07 EDT 1524765 Cobie Smulders as Robin Scherbatsky from "How I Met Your Mother," where she plays the sarcastic Canadian. She certainly takes a different turn in "The Avengers" as Maria Hill, the hard-as-nails former director of S.H.I.E.L.D. Smulders is as far away from her TV character as she could possibly be in a skin-tight suit, wielding a gun and leaping through flames.

Moviefone caught up with Smulders on an "Avengers" press tour, where she spoke to us about stunt love, gun love, and an unstoppable Joss Whedon love.

Were you a fan of "The Avengers" before you took the role?
I was familiar with some of the characters. I had seen "Iron Man" and "Iron Man 2"; but as soon as I got the call that I was going to screen test with Samuel L. Jackson, I immediately went on the computer to research S.H.I.E.L.D. and Maria Hill. [Laughs] She's a new character [in the movie universe], so I was able to take what was already established in the comic books and then, with the help of Joss Whedon, add to it as well.

How much did you work with Joss? And what was it like?
I did spend a lot of time with him. Joss is an amazing man, and he gives you a lot of time even though he probably doesn't have it. He spent a lot of time with me, even though I have one of the smaller roles in this character-driven project. He was there every step of the way, and he wrote the audition scenes that didn't even end up in the movie! He was there at the screen tests, he was there at wardrobe fittings, he was there when we were discussing my bang length. [Laughs] You can imagine how much time he spent with the other characters in this film. I pretty much signed on because he was in charge.

Since your character is new, did you feel any pressure or like you had something to prove?
Absolutely. In not only a new-character sense, but also in a actor-playing-with-really-huge-actors sort of way. I feel like all my answers come back to Joss, but that's how it is. He was so good at giving me confidence. First and foremost, I wanted to make the fans happy. I took what they said to heart, and I wanted this woman to look like she was in charge, that she was comfortable standing up to Nick Fury. I wanted to look like I could take someone down.

You did some of your own stunts, correct?
A lot of it was me, yeah! [Laughs] I wanted to. There's something that feels more organic about watching a stunt that's done by you. There's also a feeling of accomplishment doing it yourself. I was kind of a pain in the ass on set sometimes because I'd be doing a scene with Sam [Jackson] and I'd insist that I get to shoot as many times as him. It's just cool. It's just bad-ass. The whole first scene, of me driving the Jeep, that's mostly me. I wanted to do more.

Did you have fun wielding a gun and wearing a skin-tight suit?
Too much. [Laughs] The most important thing to me, going into this film, was training, and I wasn't given any. I hired someone myself and I started doing boxing, tae kwon do and jujitsu. I hired this great guy out of Los Angeles who trains SWAT teams. He helped me become more familiar with police protocol and tactics, how you would enter a room with a gun, all of these things that I really wanted to get into my mind so I could just focus on Maria when I got on set.

Had you shot a gun prior to this role?
No. I shot prop guns on set, but that's it. The thing that I learned after spending an afternoon in the shooting range - which I think I'm never going to do again - was that I have a great respect for the weapon. I thought I was going to be filled with adrenaline, and that maybe I'd go buy a gun afterwards, but I just left going, "It's not for me." I know how they work now, I know what they can do. Of course, my character on "HIMYM" is a gun enthusiast, so they always have me doing goofy things like shooting the guns into the air, and I always looked at it as a prop. Until now.

"The Avengers" opens wide in North America on May 4.]]> Fri, 4 May 2012 09:22:09 EDT 1470891 Joss Whedon's "The Avengers," however, Mark Ruffalo nearly takes over the film as Banner. He is simultaneously morose and hopeful about his powers, and rather than portraying a one-note character, Ruffalo really brings him to life.

Moviefone caught up with the actor on an "Avengers" press tour in Toronto, where he spoke to us about taking on such an iconic role, comic book fandom and having a movie that his kids can actually see.

In what way did you put your mark on this character?
Joss and I talked a lot about it before I even took the role. We both saw it as a continuation -- we leave the last version, he's been on the run for almost ten years. We wanted to explore what happened to him after that. We felt like he might have some control over The Hulk, and so we kind of picked up there. He's older, he's in his mid-40s, and there comes a time when you're that age when you start to accept your shortcomings as well as your gifts. You also tend to want to face those things head-on. We wanted him to have a sense of humour and irony about where he finds himself - and to finally accept that he can use his powers to the world's advantage.

Did you feel pressure due to the various incarnations of The Hulk before you?
Yeah. It was a weird call to get. It also wasn't an easy call to make. Because there have been such great actors who've played Banner, and because there is so much intense interest from the fan scene, particularly about Banner and The Hulk, I was definitely nervous. I really wanted to know how we could add to this. The one thing that was exciting to me, that no one else has done, was actually play The Hulk too. Luckily, the technology is such now that I could actually do that. I always felt, in the past movies, that there was always this disconnect when Banner turned into The Hulk. I never felt that human continuation, and The Hulk never looked like the guys playing him.

That was a fight we had with Marvel, early on. They made it a rule never to have The Hulk look like Banner. But Joss and I really wanted to infuse The Hulk with a real human quality.

Who can you relate to most -- The Hulk or Bruce?
[Laughs] Probably Bruce Banner. There was a time in my 20s where I was the definition of the angry young man -- there were plenty of fistholes in the drywall. But that's not a good place to live your life. I'm glad I've been able to Banner-ize my existence.

Were you a comics guy prior to taking this role?
It was such a part of my culture when I was a kid. My cousins and I were always like, "I'll trade you a dozen DCs for a Marvel!" Later, there was the Bill Bixby TV show [ "The Incredible Hulk"]. That was the only thing that could bring me into the house for dinner. Then I got into Frank Millers 'A Dark Night' and I became a major fan of 'X-Men.' I guess I was a geek, but also a surfer, a jock, everything.

How is it working on a film that your kids can see (for a change)?
Really nice. My children, as you well know, won't be able to see any of my movies until they're in their 20s. They haven't been able to see what I do. When this came along, it was great because it was a character I really loved and it was a Joss Whedon project, and I knew he knew how to do this well. Robert Downey and I spoke beforehand too, and he was like, "You can do this, bro!" He'd also made this a world that an actor like me can fit into.

My kids love The Hulk. They're three little Hulks. My son's like Banner, with The Hulk inside of him that he's trying to control. A man dropped some groceries near my daughter, and she helped him pick them up. The guy turned around and was like, "You're so strong!" and she was like, "I'm the baby Hulk!" [Laughs]

"The Avengers" opens wide in North America on May 4.]]> Thu, 3 May 2012 14:25:39 EDT 1471109
Not the genre itself, but more the quality of these "blockbuster" superhero movies. They all had the same overacting, mind-numbing special effects, and A-listers at the helm, often miscast. (See: Edward Norton in The Incredible Hulk.) They became tiresome and predictable.

Maybe that's why I so thoroughly enjoyed The Avengers. Yes, it has your traditional "save the world" credo, the action-hero one-liners, the whole bit, but there's something very genuine about this movie. While I give most of the credit to director Joss Whedon (who knows how to create a project from beginning to end), his team of writers and the work of Marvel/the incredible Stan Lee, I have to bestow kudos on the ensemble of actors who pull it all together.

Some hit their character's mark better than others, though I will say that they're all appealing in their own right. But who lights up the screen the most? Who do we really end up caring about? Here, in a very particular order, are my rankings for the Avengers.

Warning: There may be some SPOILERS.

]]> Thu, 3 May 2012 13:41:24 EDT 1474035
He's Brad Smith, a professional football player, Canada's first-ever "Bachelor." Most recently with the Edmonton Eskimos, the Quebec native wants to take time away from the sport to find love.

After waiting several months with bated breath, "The Bachelor Canada" finally revealed the Canadian man looking for love. Smith was interviewed on Breakfast Television this morning at the top of Toronto's CN Tower. He's looking for a "low-maintenance" kind of girl, and definitely considers himself a romantic.

The enduringly popular reality show is slated to start on Citytv this fall. The U.S. host of "The Bachelor," Chris Harrison, announced on a January visit to Toronto that the search for a batch of ladies was going strong -- we assume the contestants are ramping up for full competition at the moment.

Smith is joining as the 15th bachelor in the franchise, and is the second Canadian to search for love on "The Bachelor." The first Canadian was Jesse Palmer, the fifth Bachelor, who ended up briefly dating his choice. They broke up after several months together.

We wish better luck to our new Canadian bachelor.

The Hall Of Bachelors (From Series Past)




]]> Tue, 1 May 2012 08:21:46 EDT 1464213
Although the past several summers have been a bit weak when it comes to both the science fiction and action genres, this season looks to make up for it with a heavy dose of seat-shaking, suspenseful flicks. We'll have superheroes ("The Avengers"), fairy tales brought to life ("Snow White and the Huntsman"), new action stars ("The Bourne Legacy"), old action stars ("The Expendables 2") and an "Alien" prequel a new Ridley Scott movie ("Prometheus").

Indeed, a storm is coming, and it's going to be way more entertaining for audiences than for Bruce Wayne. (Would you want to deal with Bane yourself? We didn't think so.) You can check out the full list of this summer's action and sci-films, below. Keep your eyes out this week for the rest of Moviefone's 2012 Summer Movie Preview.



]]> Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:08:00 EDT 1459673 America's Next Top Model" is my guilty pleasure. I've watched it since the early days of Adrianne Curry, the first-ever winner; I've seen Tyra Banks' hair morph from sleek bob to red weave to waist-length 'do; and I've witnessed the endless cycle of judges come and go. None of these changes have been particularly shocking. But when Tyra announced last week that she was firing long-time "Top Model" personalities Nigel Barker, Jay Manuel and Jay Alexander, I was floored.

Aside from the contestants' shifting attitudes and characteristics from season to season, that fired triad was the meat of the show. Now gutted, whatever poses as "America's Next Top Model" will be nothing of the sort. Nigel and "The Jays" are as much a part of the identity of "ANTM" as Tyra herself -- in fact, most of their "celebrity" and popularity came from their roles on the show.

In recent seasons, Tyra has been getting some pretty big-name fashion talent, like Donatella Versace, Franca Sozzani, Diane von Furstenberg and Rachel Zoe, but most of those are one-offs. Former Vogue Editor-in-Chief Andre Leon Talley was a judge for four cycles on "ANTM," but he was out of there quickly, without making much of an impact. Straight up, these overtly famous fashion folk don't mesh with the -- pardon me -- bargain-basement air of "ANTM." It's like a French chef judging 6th grade students' oatmeal cookies. What is "ANTM" without Miss Jay's sashays, Mr. Jay's silver hair and Barker's self-entitled British snarkiness? Not much. It's as if we need the vacuousness to fill the vacuum, if that makes any sense.

As an "ANTM" fan, I feel like I have special access to the inner workings of Tyra's brain. (Let's be honest: At the best of times, it's nearly impossible to understand her.) I understand what she's trying to do, but I'm afraid it won't work. Currently in its 18th season, "ANTM" has grown hopelessly stale. While still enjoyable to watch for all the core reasons -- making fun of and judging others, watching people fall on the runway, bad makeovers, and yes, mocking Tyra's insanity -- the formula has become predictable and tired. Tyra is looking for something, anything, to revive this franchise, and this is the queen of last-ditch efforts.

Tyra and her producers probably witnessed the major press given to shows like "American Idol" and "X Factor" as they retool(ed) their judging panels, and thought, "Hey, why can't I get a piece of that?" The major difference here is, on "Idol" for example, the judges chose to leave for the most part, or there were extenuating circumstances. "Idol" also has mainstay Ryan Seacrest, who, if he left, would totally alter the show and probably signal its death. That's what will happen to "Top Model." There will be no continuous thread to pull it all together. Tyra's occasional step-ins just aren't enough.

And this is her last attempt, I bet. What scandal/cheap viewer grabs have we not seen on "ANTM"? We've had a short-girls-only cycle, a plus-sized winner (this was epic for "ANTM"), fainting at the judging panel, mysterious oustings, random departures, disqualifications, Tyra eruptions, underage drinking and smoking, cheating with male models, countless ridiculous runway shows and now, Brits vs. Americans. Clearly a judges panel shake-up, a major one, was the only thing left to do.

But it won't work. The show is just too old. Tyra has promised a brand new format, and is excited for the future of the show. But this is the equivalent of putting new tires, paint and some decals on an old jalopy. If it's broken underneath, it's broken. It's time to sell it for whatever you can and buy a new one. Lord knows Tyra has the money.]]> Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:13:32 EDT 1447161
Hosting two of her 'Lifeclass' motivational sessions in Toronto, the iconic Winfrey has attracted thousands of people to the convention centre. ET Canada's Cheryl Hickey managed to score an exclusive interview with the legend; the two women discuss Oprah's Lifeclass tour, what it's like being show-less, and how this time "away" has helped her deal with the challenges life poses.

Cheryl Hickey's Exclusive One-on-One With Oprah Winfrey]]> Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:28:44 EDT 1429216 Cold War-era NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) facility, in essence a nuclear fallout vault, located 60 storeys underground. Nicknamed "The Hole," the base is barely visible from the surface, but the multiple warning signs and fences with electrified barbed wire give away its significance.

It's shocking that this place hasn't been used for a movie shoot before. "The Colony," a science-fiction suspense thriller starring Laurence Fishburne, Bill Paxton and Kevin Zegers, and directed by Jeff Renroe ("Seven Deadly Sins," "Anvil! The Story Of Anvil"), is the first-ever (and most likely the last) to shoot down here. After going through several security checks, we're driven down "the tunnel" into the facility -- away from any trace of sunlight -- and it's like taking a time machine to the 1960s.

The basic plot of "The Colony" falls in line with the original function of the NORAD base, which was constructed in the event that the Russians (the Soviets at the time) nuked North America. Essentially, in "The Colony," a new Ice Age has engulfed the planet, and a rag-tag group of survivors are forced to live underground; of course, the unforeseeable happens and a vile species of something is on the loose, terrorizing the remaining population down in the vault. It truly becomes survival of the fittest, but to the extreme.

Moviefone was invited to the set -- and boy, do we have some awesome stuff to share with you. Here are the top 9 "coolest" things we learned (pun intended).

1. The History Of "The Hole" Adds To The Mystique
A star attraction during the Cold War era, "The Hole" used to give tours to civilians. It's certainly impressive once you get down there, which is no easy feat. You have to be driven down a very long, small tunnel to access it. Once you're on your feet, you have to have a helmet on at all times. You pass decontamination areas, 19-ton steel vault doors and enter a complex the size of a shopping center. The NORAD facility is built to withstand a 4-megaton bomb (just to put it in context, that's 270 times stronger than the Hiroshima bomb), and man, it certainly feels like it!





2. The Screenplay Was Altered To Adapt To "The Hole"
There weren't any earth-shattering changes made to the script, but Renroe and his writers made some adjustments based on the base. "The Hole" is basically an already-built world, so the team just took in their surroundings and went with it. The solid rock walls of the tunnels and caves below-ground have natural staining that has occurred over time, for example. "This place is made for my movie!" exclaims Renroe.

3. This Isn't A Zombie Movie
Renroe and his team also emphasize that this is not a zombie movie. Despite the fact that the plot and underground space lend themselves to a post-apocalyptic zombie tale, the director didn't want to go in that direction. Instead, the movie focuses on what happens to humans when the typical societal structures are absent, or wiped away altogether. He also hints that there is some sort of creature involved in the plot, but wouldn't go into detail, and unfortunately we can't give away anything further.

4. "The Road," "28 Days Later" Were Big Influences
Along that same vein, Renroe and the writers were heavily influenced by these two apocalyptic movies. In particular, "The Colony" uses the aspects of societal breakdown and the struggle to survive as its two main themes. Both Paxton and Zegers emphasized these points in their interviews. Producer Paul Barkin is especially proud of the movie, saying "You've never seen a Canadian movie like this."

5. There Will Be No Explosive Pyrotechnics Or Gunplay In "The Colony." In Fact, There Can't Be
The entire underground facility is one big fire hazard. Since it's located so far underground, and since it's so difficult to physically get there, if a fire ever happened, it would be impossible to get emergency crews down there fast enough, if at all. As a result, nearly every single thing on set is fireproofed. Old-school "Asbestos Warning!" signs are everywhere, and since the inception of the base, every employee has been offered advanced firefighting training, just in case. It's one of the most fireproof buildings in Ontario. Don't expect any explosive pyrotechnics or gunplay in "The Colony"!

6. We Are Some Of The Last Civilians To Be Down Here
As mentioned earlier, there used to be tours of the facility, but those ended quite some time ago. By the 1990s, the Soviet threat had (obviously) subsided, and the facility was very expensive to maintain, so the authorities moved most of the operational equipment above-ground. Since officially opening in October of 1963, the facility has operated 24/7; it has never been shut down in 43 years of service. The future of the NORAD base has yet to be determined. (May we suggest more movies?)

7. This Is The Deepest Movie Set In The World
At sixty storeys deep, it's hands-down the deepest movie set ever. The main installation of the facility is a three-storey building resting on short steel beams. You can actually walk under it. The beams are meant to absorb the shock of a nuclear strike. How effective is it? On New Year's morning in the year 2000, there was a 5.2 earthquake centred in North Bay, and not a single employee felt a thing down in base.

8. There Are Major Hazards At Every Turn
You name it, "The Hole" has it: falling rocks, potential asbestos exposure, structures containing mercury, mold, lead-based paint and PCBs, high drops, and even sound pressure levels above 87 dBA. From the beginning of the tour, we were told to stay on the path and not stray. These various harmful things and warnings were enough to get us to obey.

9. The Government Didn't Interfere With The Script
You'd think, with such a massive military presence in the building (they were tailing us at every turn, some even snapping pictures), that the US and Canadian governments would have some say in the script, but they didn't interfere at all. Besides the restrictions of no pyrotechnics and gunplay -- strictly for safety reasons -- Renroe and his team were given the go-ahead for everything else. If the underground base was still operational, we have a feeling things might have been different.

Expect to see "The Colony" hit theaters in 2013 -- and come back to Moviefone for our eventual interview with star Laurence Fishburne.]]> Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:34:27 EDT 1417780 Star Trek: Voyager" to be one of the lesser series in the franchise, paling in comparison to the original or to the fan favorite "Star Trek: The Next Generation." Four years into the series, perhaps in an attempt to "sexualize" the show, the relatively unknown Jeri Ryan was cast on "Voyager" as the emotionless, yet sexy Borg, Seven of Nine.

The move was a successful one, and fans enjoyed watching Seven grow from a robotic assimilator into a human being. In fact, her storyline was the most comprehensive and in-depth of all the characters. Her skintight outfit probably helped, too. Set to appear at Toronto's Comic Con, Ryan spoke with HuffPost TV about that outfit, the alleged animosity between her and co-star Kate Mulgrew and why she signed on to "Voyager" in the first place.

Do you still look back fondly on your "Star Trek" days?
I do. Some parts more than others, but yeah, she was a great character to play. As an actor, that's really a gift. She had a huge development arc -- she didn't even start out human! [Laughs.] That's a lot of growth over four years.

Do you ever catch an episode of "Voyager" these days? And if you do, what are your thoughts about yourself back then?
I haven't seen an episode in years, actually, and I usually only see snippets or pictures. It's kind of funny because it feels so long ago. Oddly, in a way, it also feels like yesterday.

Do you miss Seven's suit at all?
[Laughs.] You can probably gauge from the long bout of laughter that no, I don't really miss it.

I read that there was a corset under there.
Oh yeah. Apparently they don't wear bras and underwear in space. It was a very elaborate undergarment. I have to say that Robert Blackman, the costume designer, is an absolute genius. That costume was a real feat in engineering, because the producers had said that they wanted it to look like skin, to be skin-regenerative fabric. For the breast mound, they wanted two individual breasts and they wanted it to hug every curve, like skin.

Sorry, the breast mound?
[Laughs.] Yep, that's what they called it. The fabric naturally stretches from high point to high point, right? So he had to devise this construction, this corset. It also added to the mechanical non-human look of Seven.

That's amazing. It looks completely seamless on screen.
It was an event. If I had to go to the bathroom it was a 20-minute production shutdown. It's true, no joke. The whole crew had to know about it, too. "10-1, everybody take five, take 10, take whatever. Jeri has to use the bathroom." People had to get me dressed and undressed, so I had a full-time dresser. I couldn't do it myself.

Is it possible for you to pinpoint your favorite Seven moment?
I don't have a favorite moment specifically, but some of my favorite episodes are when Seven was really starting to explore her humanity. Like when The Doctor was teaching her to date -- I thought that was a really lovely episode. Those episodes weren't just the "haughty Borg looking down on humanity" theme. She was more interested in learning about humans.

At an event a couple years back, Kate Mulgrew mentioned that there might have been some animosity between the two of you. Is that true at all?
[Laughs.] It was not a super-easy four years for me, I will say that. It does not stick out as a wonderful, wonderful work experience. It was tough. It was difficult.

One of the bright parts of "Voyager" was definitely the three strong female characters.
Yeah, that was great. B'Elanna Torres was very strong and got to kick ass and take charge. I say the same thing now as I said then: I don't have a problem with Seven's overtly sexual physical appearance, if only because of the way she was written and developed. If it was a crappy character, then OK. But she was so nuanced and beautifully written.

The majority of "Star Trek" actors tend to be known for that role and not much else. Was that a fear of yours going in? You seem to be a bit of an anomaly, since you haven't had much trouble getting other roles.
That was a huge concern for me when I signed on initially. My agent came to me three times with this role, and I kept passing. I kept saying, "Absolutely not!" I wasn't a "Star Trek" fan. I never watched it. All I knew was that the actors are pigeonholed and that's all they do. It was so early in my career I didn't want to kill it.

What really got me to do it was one particular audition scene. Well, there were two. One which I absolutely hate, which was the infamous "Harry Kim, take off all your clothes" scene, which, of course, they shot and used. The other one, which they didn't shoot, was so beautiful. It was Seven and she was with Chakotay, and she has her first experience of laughter. In that scene, I really saw the possibilities of the character. That's what got me to do it. I've been lucky, though. Immediately afterwards, I was on "Boston Public," and I just kept going from there.

Do you still have fun when you go to comic conventions?
Yeah, I definitely do. I used to not be able to attend conventions because I had stalkers. Finally, the conventions agreed to get security for me, and they're really on top of it. It's nice that I can see the fans and interact with them again. They're such a nice, supportive audience, and they're very enthusiastic.

Jeri Ryan will be appearing at Toronto Comic Con on April 14.
]]> Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:54:27 EDT 1413141 Body of Proof" may be on the bubble, but star Jeri Ryan (and the rest of the cast) hopes that it will be renewed for a third season.

"We're very much on the bubble," Ryan recently told HuffPost TV. "For our last two episodes [March 27, April 3] we've had great overall numbers. Our overall viewers are higher than most of the shows I've ever dealt with, and higher than most of the shows that are considered hits."

Indeed, viewership for "Body of Proof" has risen to its highest levels since the beginning of the season. Its placement immediately following the "Dancing with the Stars" results show has certainly helped. For the past two weeks, ABC has secured the No. 1 position for the solid two-hour block from 9-11 p.m.

Ryan still has her fears, though, since the networks don't necessarily look at overall viewer numbers when considering renewal.

"Our demographic numbers, which are the only things advertisers care about, are low," says Ryan. "So, something like 'New Girl' gets double or triple our demographic numbers, but we get double their overall viewers. But that's a hit, yet we're on the bubble. It's hard! It's such an archaic system!"

"Body Of Proof" also towered over its timeslot competitor, "Fashion Star," by 6 million viewers. Ryan believes it's unfair to judge a show's future based on viewer numbers alone, however.

"So much of the viewership now is not watching it live. They're watching on DVR and skimming through all the ads, so it's too bad we're sticking to the old advertising model," she says. "Somewhere down the line, things will have to change, but I guess for now it is what it is. We're all hoping."

The season two finale of "Body Of Proof" airs Tuesday at 10 p.m. on ABC.

Want to help save "Body Of Proof"? Participate in E! Online's 'Save One Show' initiative on Twitter.]]> Mon, 9 Apr 2012 16:13:49 EDT 1412918

I spent a lot of time watching "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" when I was younger, especially in my pre-teen years. It's funny how you don't appreciate something at the time, but when you go back to watch it, you realize: Man, my generation had it made when it came to cartoons.

Sure, the animation was a bit gritty and sometimes the episodes were slow, but that's the way it was done at the time. And now I'm going to sound like an old man when I say that all of these "modern" cartoons seem like a frenetic jumble of bright colors and loud noises, without any real substance. Take me back to the days of "The Smurfs," "Snorks," "C.O.P.S." and "He-Man."

Upon rewatching the first three episodes of 1988 series "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," I was pleasantly whisked back to an easier, simpler time. Here are my top 10 rediscoveries upon rewatching:

1. The Theme Song Is Amazing
When I heard the "heroes in a half shell" part, which is voiced by some odd synthesizer instrument, I got chills, literally. Memories of eating a bag of chips after school while watching and singing along to it rushed before my eyes.

2. Guess Who Wrote And Performed The Theme Song?
I had to look it up -- where did this masterwork come from? Turns out it was none other than "Two and a Half Men" executive producer Chuck Lorre. I know, crazy!

3. The Animation Is Classic
Again, yes, it can be gritty at times, and more often than not the voice syncing is off, but c'mon, this was the 1980s. There's so much comfort to be found in the subtle mistakes you can point out.

4. April O'Neill Was Hot For a Cartoon
Who doesn't love a nosy investigative reporter? April O'Neill just didn't give a f**k -- to hell with her editor! And that yellow form-fitting jumpsuit was the coup de grace.

5. The Premise Of The Show Is So Random
Splinter the talking rat learns ninjutsu from his owner in Japan. When his owner is killed, his cage is broken in the scuffle. Splinter heads to New York City on a boat, and takes up residence in the sewers. He stumbles upon four baby turtles who've come into contact with radioactive green ooze, and as a result, he too is exposed. They all grow larger, and he takes it upon himself to teach the turtles ninjutsu. Together, they take on Shredder, a.k.a. the man who killed Splinter's owner. Truly random, truly terrific.

6. You Wouldn't Believe Who Voices Shredder
When I first heard Shredder's voice, it sounded awfully familiar. Like, really familiar. Then it was unmistakable: It's James Avery, otherwise known as Uncle Phil from "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."

7. This Was No Flash In The Pan
"TMNT" started off as a short miniseries (many people behind the scenes thought it was too ridiculous to catch on in North America), but then began it's multi-season run in 1988. It ran for almost 10 years, ending in 1996. If you're lucky, you can still catch it in syndication.

8. Some Sound Effects Are Totally Off (Very Endearing!)
As with the voice syncing, some sound effects are just plain off. The main standout for me was when the turtles eat pizza (which just so happens to be all the time). Instead of an "eating" noise, it makes a squishing sound, as if someone's walking in a swamp. Maybe the pizza is just really cheesy.

9. "Turtle Tips": PSAs Before There Were PSAs
Along with the social awareness that blossomed in the mid-90s, "TMNT" started airing "Turtle Tips" in between back-to-back episodes. They would focus on issues like environmental protection. Wouldn't it be great to have some more "Turtle Tips" now? Imagine the four turtles teaching us about the hazards of the internet?

10. Krang Is Possibly The Best Cartoon Villain Out There
How cool is the concept of a giant brain as a villain? Krang sits in a robot body (strangely, in the stomach area), and barks orders at the subservient Shredder. In reality, we know that Shredder could easily slice and dice Krang, but we know he won't. It's the very far-fetchedness of "TMNT" that makes it one of the most creative, enjoyable cartoons ever created for TV.

(Canadians, you're in luck! Teletoon Retro is bringing back "TMNT" -- it premieres Friday, April 6 at 10:30 p.m. ET, and will be airing Fridays at 10:30 p.m. ET, Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. ET, and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. ET.)]]> Thu, 5 Apr 2012 17:05:25 EDT 1406817 Lily Cole ("The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus") is the perfect casting choice for Ernessa, the vampiric ghostly character in Mary Harron's "The Moth Diaries," which hits theaters in limited release this week. Cole's modelling experience also helps, as Ernessa spends much of the movie floating like a wisp from scene to scene.

Based on the popular young adult book of the same name, "The Moth Diaries" follows the story of a young woman (Rebecca, played by Sarah Bolger) sent to an elite all-girls boarding school. Cole's Ernessa stymies Rebecca's excitement by interfering with her circle of friends, but not in the usual teenage way. Ernessa seems to favor nighttime activities, and dresses like she's from another era. (Hint: she is.) She is dark, cryptic and expressionless, and seems to be able to put the other girls in a trance. Everyone except Rebecca, that is.

Moviefone caught up with Cole at the Toronto Film Festival, where she talked about her real-life experiences at an all-girls school (stop fantasizing, fanboys), how she approaches playing a supernatural character and what's going on with that sidelined Marilyn Manson project.

]]> Thu, 5 Apr 2012 14:33:35 EDT 1406370

Attempting to measure the "Real Housewives" franchise is a dubious exercise at best.

In terms of reality shows, it really is the most ostentatious spectacle of them all (except for the horror that was "The Swan") -- and it's probably why it's all the more addictive: After over a decade of mind-numbing reality shows, the producers-that-be have crafted a perfect formula with "Real Housewives." Created to be very watchable, each version of the franchise is aggressively argumentative, scripted (but made to seem not scripted, and often denied) and just plain juicy. Everyone who watches it wants to talk about it. Forget the reality in your own life, let's talk about these women!

Now Canada is entering the fray with their own version, "The Real Housewives of Vancouver" (premiering April 4, 9 p.m. ET on Slice). Odd that they chose a city more well-known for big trees and outdoorsy activity, but maybe that's the point. The women featured in "RHOV" are so far from the typical Vancouverite that it might as well take place in Los Angeles. (Interestingly, two of the five housewives are actually American, but are now Canadian citizens.) Each of them, whether the fortune is self-made or not, has access to serious cash, and they have no qualms about showing it off. So how does this show fare against its older American cousins?

Character Appeal
No one else can be Nene Leakes, that's for sure. The five women of "RHOV" -- Christina, Ronnie, Jody, Mary and Reiko -- are difficult to discern at first, but they all slowly establish their own personality characteristics. Sadly, it's easiest to tell them apart based on how much they drink. If you must know how to remember who's who, it's like this: Christina is the partier and isn't afraid to do anything, Ronnie seems perpetually upset about something, Jody is the shorter one who says whatever's on her mind, Mary has overly large cheekbones and used to be a singer, and Reiko has a wicked collection of exotic cars, plus she's at least half-Asian (we never really learn about her lineage). Together, they're like a cacophony of caged, drunk, manicured animals.

Verdict: On Par

Smuttiness
Oh, there is smut. Christina, the youngest (she's 30 now), admits to being a gold digger. She's been married and divorced twice already, and expresses no real remorse about her broken marriages. She's easily the most entertaining of the bunch, though, with her booze binges and antics in front of the camera. In an upcoming episode, it appears she poses topless on the beach; her gay best friend also provides several laughs (unfortunately, he can't really laugh himself. His skin is completely wrinkleless.) Three of the women are married with kids, so their partying is a little less intense -- but don't fret. We see each of the women behaving badly. Trust.

Verdict: A Bit Below Average

Bitchiness
This show is epic with the bitchiness. It's literally non-stop arguing, judging, yelling, swearing and insulting. Throwing alcohol onto the fire just makes things more intense. It's difficult to keep track of who hates who, and why. A major issue one episode has completely dissolved by the next episode, and just when you think one woman has mended fences with another, she's trash-talking her behind her back, to the woman she originally hated! I'm telling you, all this ridiculousness makes my head spin. If you could can the amount of fake laughter on "RHOV," you'd have the market cornered on falsity.

Verdict: Above Average

Lavishness
These women are rich. We're not talking modest fortunes here. We're talking an exotic car collection featuring Ferraris, Bentleys and Lambourghinis, whale sperm facial treatments (I know, wtf?), designer collars for their dogs, amazing oceanfront homes and breathtaking penthouse condos, and Prada bags aplenty. No matter where the cash came from, these women know how to spend, too. Impromptu five-star weekend escape to Whistler? Sure! No problem! I'll be taking the limo up.

Verdict: On Par

Addictiveness
For fans of the franchise, this show will probably be very addictive. For non-fans, it'll be a mystery why anyone watches at all. At a recent "RHOV" panel, one of the producers of the show stated that the "Real Housewives" franchise is replacing the soap opera, which is both scary and very true. Who wants to watch the snail's pace soaps when so much happens in one little hour on "Real Housewives"?

Verdict: On Par

Overall Verdict: Don't expect your stereotypical Canadians here. These five ladies are just as naughty, and nowhere near as nice.

"Real Housewives of Vancouver" premieres on April 4 at 9 p.m. on Slice. Its regular time will be every Wednesday on Slice at 10 p.m.

]]> Wed, 4 Apr 2012 12:37:39 EDT 1400169