Fall TV Preview 2018

The fall television season is almost upon us. Most of the shows will return in a couple of weeks. Only trying a few new shows this year. Here’s the run down of what I’ll be watching (by premiere date):

OZARK [NETFLIX]

Upcoming Season: 2

Premiere Date/Time: Fri, Aug 31 @ 12:01am

Genre: Crime Thriller

Starring: Jason Bateman (Arrested Development, Juno, Game Night)

Laura Linney (Truman Show, Mystic River, Love Actually)

Creators: Bill Dubuque & Mark Williams (The Accountant, A Family Man)

Showrunner: Chris Mundy (Low Winter Sun, Hell on Wheels)

Why I watch: Bateman is fun to watch and the interesting/dark story

[NEW!] TOM CLANCY’S JACK RYAN [AMAZON]

Upcoming Season: 1

Premiere Date/Time: Fri, Aug 31 @ 12:00am

Genre: Action Drama

Starring: John Krasinski (The Office, A Quiet Place, 13 Hours)

Wendell Pierce (The Wire, Treme, Suits, The Odd Couple, Bad Moms)

Creators: Carlton Cuse (Lost, Bates Motel) & Graham Roland (Fringe)

Premise: Early years of Jack Ryan from analyst to operative

Why I’ll give it a chance: Like Krasinski and Jack Ryan character

What could hurt it: Might not have access as it is on Amazon

[NEW!] KIDDING [SHOWTIME]

Upcoming Season: 1

Premiere Date/Time: Sun, Sep 9 @ 10:00pm

Genre: Comedy Drama

Starring: Jim Carrey (Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind, Yes Man)

Judy Greer (Ant Man, Archer, Miss Guided, The Descendants)

Creator: Dave Holstein (Weeds, I’m Dying Up Here)

Director: Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind)

Premise: A famous children’s icon struggles with a crumbling family life

Why I’ll give it a chance: Love the Carrey/Gondry collaboration

What could hurt it: Seems like Death to Smoochy and Carrey’s hairstyle

[NEW!] MANIAC [NETFLIX]

Upcoming Season: 1

Premiere Date/Time: Fri, Sep 21 @ 12:01am

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi

Starring: Jonah Hill (21 Jump Street, Moneyball, Wolf of Wall Street)

Emma Stone (La La Land, Birdman, Easy A, The Help)

Creator: Patrick Somerville (The Bridge, The Leftovers)

Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga (True Detective, It)

Premise: Two strangers are in a mysterious pharmaceutical trial

Why I’ll give it a chance: The director is amazing with his visuals

What could hurt it: Stone doesn’t grab me in the trailer  

THE BIG BANG THEORY [CBS]

Upcoming Season: 12

Premiere Date/Time: Mon, Sept 24 @ 8pm (moves to Thurs that week)

Genre: Friends Comedy

Starring: Jim Parsons (Garden State, The Muppets, Normal Heart)

Johnny Galecki (Roseanne, In Time, Christmas Vacation)

Creators: Chuck Lorre (Mom) & Bill Prady (Dharma & Greg)

Showrunner: Steve Holland (Rules of Engagement)

Why I watch: For some sweet moments and for the show to end

YOUNG SHELDON [CBS]

Upcoming Season: 2

Premiere Date/Time: Mon, Sept 24 @ 8:30pm (moves to Thurs that week)

Genre: Family Comedy

Starring: Iain Armitage (Big Little Lies, The Glass Castle)

Zoe Perry (Scandal, The Family)

Creators: Chuck Lorre & Steven Molaro (The Big Bang Theory)

Showrunner: Steven Molaro (The Class, The Big Bang Theory)

Why I watch: The kids are pretty darn entertaining especially Missy

THE GOOD DOCTOR [ABC]

Upcoming Season: 2

Premiere Date/Time: Mon, Sept 24 @ 10pm

Genre: Medical Drama

Starring: Freddie Highmore (Bates Motel, Finding Neverland)

Richard Schiff (West Wing, I Am Sam, The Affair)

Creator/Showrunner: David Shore (House, Houdini and Doyle)

Why I watch: Freddie Highmore is an amazing actor

Coming up: More dealing with Dr. Glassman’s cancer

[NEW!] MANIFEST [ABC]

Upcoming Season: 1

Premiere Date/Time: Mon, Sept 24 @ 10:00pm

Genre: Supernatural Mystery

Starring: JR Ramirez (Jessica Jones, Power)

Josh Dallas (Once Upon a Time, Thor)

Creators: Jeff Rake (Mysteries of Laura) & Matthew Fernandez (newcomer)

Premise: A flight disappears and reappears five years later

Why I’ll give it a chance: I’m up for a new mystery supposedly like Lost

What could hurt it: If it becomes another Flash Forward or The Event

THIS IS US [ABC]

Upcoming Season: 3

Premiere Date/Time: Tue, Sept 25 @ 9pm

Genre: Drama

Starring: Mandy Moore (A Walk to Remember, Saved, Tangled)

Sterling K Brown (ACS: The People vs OJ Simpson, Black Panther)

Creator/Showrunner: Dan Fogelman (The Neighbors, Grandfathered)

Why I watch: Top notch writing and performances

MODERN FAMILY [ABC]

Upcoming Season: 10

Premiere Date/Time: Wed, Sept 26 @ 9pm

Genre: Family Comedy

Starring: Ty Burrell (Back to You, Finding Dory)

Julie Bowen (Boston Legal, Weeds, Lost, Ed)

Creators: Steve Levitan (Just Shoot Me, Frasier, Wings)

Christopher Lloyd (Wings, Frasier, Out of Practice, Back to You)

Why I watch: Just waiting for this sometimes funny show to end now

THE GOOD PLACE [NBC]

Upcoming Season: 3

Premiere Date/Time: Thu, Sept 27 @ 8:30pm

Genre: Divine Comedy

Starring: Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars, Frozen)

Ted Danson (Cheers, Becker, CSI:, Fargo)

Creator/Showrunner: Michael Shur (Parks & Recreation, Brooklyn 99)

Why I watch: Very funny characters and interesting twists

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE [NBC]

Upcoming Season: 44

Premiere Date/Time: Sat, Sept 29 @ 11:30pm

Genre: Sketch Comedy

Starring: Kate McKinnon (Ghostbusters, The Spy Who Dumped Me)

Kenan Thompson (Good Burger, Snakes on a Plane)

Creator: Lorne Michaels (30 Rock, Portlandia)

Why I watch: It’s an institution. Always something to talk about.

THE SIMPSONS [FOX]

Upcoming Season: 30

Premiere Date/Time: Sun, Sep 30 @ 8pm

Genre: Animated Comedy

Starring: Dan Castellaneta (Hey Arnold!)

Hank Azaria (Smurfs, Ray Donovan)

Creator: Matt Groening (Futurama)

Showrunners: Al Jean (The Critic) & Matt Selman (newcomer)

Why I watch: I’ve seen every episode, why stop now?

[NEW!] HAPPY TOGETHER [CBS]

Upcoming Season: 1

Premiere Date/Time: Mon, Oct 1 @ 8:30pm

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Damon Wayans Jr. (Happy Endings, Let’s Be Cops, New Girl)

Amber Steven West (Ghosted, The Carmichael Show, Greek)

Creator: Austen Earl (Great Indoors) & Tim McAuliffe (Last Man on Earth)

Premise: A married couple take in a mega star and try to keep up with hm

Why I’ll give it a chance: I really enjoy Damon Wayans Jr.’s acting style

What could hurt it: The premise is pretty dumb  

THE WALKING DEAD [AMC]

Upcoming Season: 9

Premiere Date/Time: Sun, Oct 7 @ 9pm

Genre: Drama / Horror

Starring: Andrew Lincoln (Love Actually, Strike Back)

Norman Reedus (Boondock Saints)

Creator: based on Robert Kirkman’s graphic novel

Showrunner: Angela Kang (Terriers)

Why I watch: It’s an intense hour of drama and zombies

THE FLASH [CW]

Upcoming Season: 4

Premiere Date/Time: Tue, Oct 9 @ 8pm

Genre: Action/Adventure

Starring: Grant Gustin (Glee, 90210, Arrow)

Jesse L Martin (Law & Order, Smash, Rent)

Creators: Greg Berlanti (Dawson’s Creek, Everwood, Eli Stone)

Andrew Kreisberg (Boston Legal, Arrow) & Geoff Johns (Arrow)

Why I watch: More of a guilty pleasure at this point

HOUSE OF CARDS [NETFLIX]

Upcoming Season: 6

Premiere Date/Time: Fri, Nov 6 @ 12:01am

Genre: Drama

Starring: Robin Wright (Forrest Gump, The Princess Bride, Wonder Woman)

Michael Kelly (Man of Steel, The Sopranos, Now You See Me)

Creator: Beau Willimon (Ides of March, Mary Queen of Scots)

Why I watch: It's like dark West Wing; will see how it does without Spacey

THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON [NBC]

Upcoming Season: 6

Premiere Date/Time: ongoing @ 11:30pm

Genre: Talk Show

Starring: Jimmy Fallon (SNL, Fever Pitch, Whip It)

Creator: Lorne Michaels & NBC

Why I watch: It’s always filled with fun moments and games

LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS [NBC]

Upcoming Season: 6

Premiere Date/Time: ongoing @ 12:30pm

Genre: Talk Show

Starring: Seth Meyers (SNL, The Awesomes, New Year’s Eve)

Creator: Lorne Michaels & NBC

Why I watch: Mostly just his Closer Looks, sometimes his interviews

LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER [HBO]

Upcoming Season: Still in Season 5

Premiere Date/Time: Sun, still running @ 10:30pm

Genre: ‘News’ program

Starring: John Oliver (Daily Show, Community)

Creator: John Oliver

Why I watch: Love Oliver’s rants and in depth stuff

What new shows are you going try this year?

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Emmy Predictions

Film: Won't You Be My Neighbor?

GENRE: Documentary

RATING: PG13 for some language
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 34 minutes

DIRECTOR: Morgan Neville (20 Feet from Stardom)

PLOT: The life and legacy of an iconic children’s TV host.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Loved Mr. Rogers Neighborhood as a child

STORY STUFF: A great in depth look at Fred Rogers. His commitment to children and helping through kindness is so needed right now. Not too much of a stretch when someone calls him the second coming of Jesus. He’s the ultimate role model. It brought a tear to my eye a couple times. His defense of PBS to the senate and the response made me well up. While the doc likes to contrast Rogers with the violence of children shows, they are unfair by not mentioning other helpful shows like Mr. Dress-Up, The Friendly Giant and Sesame Street.

ACTING STUFF: Good choice of interviewees.

ARTISTIC STUFF: Good classic footage. The added animation was just okay. Not much more to say.

VERDICT: Three and a half stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You watched the show or appreciate human kindness

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Fall Television Preview

Film: Mission:Impossible - Fallout

GENRE: Action

RATING: PG13 for violence and some language
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 27 minutes

STARRING: Tom Cruise (Minority Report, Top Gun, Edge of Tomorrow)

Henry Cavill (Man of Steel), Ving Rhames (Pulp Fiction, Con Air)

DIRECTOR: Christopher McQuarrie (MI4: Rogue Nation, Jack Reacher)

WRITER: McQuarrie (Usual Suspects, Valkyrie, Edge of Tomorrow)

PLOT: Ethan Hunt tries to track down some plutonium without releasing a former adversary 

FULL DISCLOSURE: Expectations high. Love this series.

STORY STUFF: What a fun ride! With the exception of the second installment, I thoroughly enjoy all the Mission Impossible films. Love the action, the double-crosses, the humour and the outrageous stunts. This one is no exception. While I found the story a tad more complicated, the awesomeness more than made up for it. I found it a bit confusing that they didn’t start off with a big action sequence like the last couple. And their version of fifteen minutes greatly differs with reality. But these are small quibbles when it comes to this action flick. I also really enjoyed the locations this time around (especially St. Paul’s Cathedral).

ACTING STUFF: Cruise is his intense self. Rhames and Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead) are fun like always. The bad guys are not too cartoonish. Alec Baldwin (30 Rock) also shines. Not a fan of Angela Basset but I have my reasons (much like Susan Sarandon).  

ARTISTIC STUFF: The action sequences are amazing. Every chase is edge of your seat fantastic. It helps knowing it’s not just a bunch of CG effect. These films are just so well produced. Bring on the next sequel.

VERDICT: Five stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You want to see a great action flick on the big screen.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

Film: Skyscraper

GENRE: Action

RATING: PG13 for violence and some language
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 42 minutes

STARRING: Dwayne Johnson (Jumanji 2, Moana, Rampage, Baywatch)

Neve Campbell (Scream), Chin Han (The Dark Knight, Ghost in the Shell)

DIRECTOR: Rawson Marshall Thurber (Dodgeball, Central Intelligence)

WRITER: Thurber (Dodgeball, Central Intelligence)

PLOT: The Rock jumps into a burning skyscraper to save his family from terrorists. From a crane.  

FULL DISCLOSURE: Low expectations but felt compelled.

STORY STUFF: Where to begin? Skyscraper tries to be Die Hard but dies easily and quickly. This film was cringingly predictable. The first five minutes or so set up all the obstacles and solutions that would happen at the end of the film. The casting department should be fired. Two of the people introduced were so obviously bad guys; the actors often play bad guys and they even look evil. Epic fail. I also hate it when cops are morons and are untrusting of the protagonists. Also, joining the cops to possibly take down people instead of staying safe with your asthmatic son? Mother of the year folks. This film is laughable and not intentionally. Mystery Science Theatre 3000 would have a hay day.

ACTING STUFF: Bad guy was terrible. Couldn’t even understand his accent at times. Campbell was okay but made some bonehead moves. Johnson got the job done but wasn’t as charismatic as he usually is. Everyone else was cardboard.

ARTISTIC STUFF: There were some interesting (and bizarre) aspects of the skyscraper. The stunts were comically impossible and mostly found in the trailer. Hard to believe you can scale the side of building with duct tape wrapped around your hands. Ethan Hunt is wasting too much money on gadgets in Mission: Impossible apparently.

VERDICT: Half a star out of five

SEE IT IF: You need something to snicker at or you’re a pyromaniac

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Mission: Impossible – Fallout

Film: Ant-Man and the Wasp

GENRE: Action

RATING: PG13 for sci-fi violence
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 58 minutes

STARRING: Paul Rudd (I Love You Man, Anchorman, Our Idiot Brother)

Evangeline Lilly (Lost, Hobbit), Michael Pena (Crash, End of Watch)

DIRECTOR: Peyton Reed (Ant-Man, Yes Man, The Break Up)

WRITERS: Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers (Spiderman: Homecoming)

Paul Rudd (Role Models), Andrew Barrer & Gabriel Ferrari (newcomers)

PLOT: Scott tries to help Hope and Hank rescue Janet from the Quantum Realm while still being under house arrest from Civil War.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Not a fan of Lilly. Liked the first Ant-Man.

STORY STUFF: The story is not too bad but I can’t believe it took five people to write it. The push of the story works with the attempts to rescue Hank’s wife. The villain is refreshingly not trying to rule the world. However, the Walton Goggins (Justified) role seems tacked on, it doesn’t seem like there is much to do for Pena and his boys (but I like their company name), and the ex-wife and her husband are nothing like their original roles – a little too supportive for my taste.

ACTING STUFF: While everyone performs relatively well, I really enjoyed Randall Park (Fresh Off the Boat) as Det. Woo trying to catch the elusive Scott Lang violating his house arrest. Of course, Rudd is at his charming best. Pena gets to have some fun as well. Still not a fan of Lilly but at least her hair looked better this time around.

ARTISTIC STUFF: Good use of CG and playing with size. Also nice to see more of San Francisco in this one.

VERDICT: Three stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You liked Ant-Man or feel the need to watch all Marvel films

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Skyscraper, Mission: Impossible – Fallout

Film: Tag

GENRE: Comedy

RATING: 14A for language and sexual content
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 40 minutes

STARRING: Ed Helms (The Hangover trilogy, The Office, Vacation)

Jon Hamm (Mad Men, Baby Driver), Jeremy Renner (Avengers)

DIRECTOR: Jeff Tomsic (newcomer)

WRITERS: Rob McKittrick (Waiting…) & Mark Steilen (newcomer)

PLOT: A group of friends, now adults, get together once a year for a month for an all-out game of tag.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Looked silly but fun. Liked the casting.

STORY STUFF: The concept of this film is really fun to watch unfold, even more so when you realize it’s based on a true story (and even funnier when you see actual footage of the real people playing). The vibe of this film reminded me of Games Night. My only issues with the story revolve around a love interest that is completely unnecessary and the ‘no tag back’ rule that seems to get forgotten at times. Other than that, very funny and full of inappropriate humour.

ACTING STUFF: It’s the sweet casting that makes this film work. Helms knows how to play for laughs, Hamm can play equal maturity and goofiness, Jake Johnson (New Girl) has great stoner non-sequiturs, Hannibal Buress (Neighbors) has clever commentary and Renner knows how to have fun while using his stellar action chops. Also, Isla Fisher hasn’t been this crazy since Wedding Crashers. All in all, you are rooting for everyone in this film.

ARTISTIC STUFF: Great use of slow motion action shots. Also very funny music choices with gangsta rap and Crash Test Dummies’ “Mmm, Mmm, Mmm, Mmm” which gets an encore by the cast during the credits.

VERDICT: Four stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You liked Game Night or can get behind the concept.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Ant-Man & the Wasp

Film: Jurassic World - Fallen Kingdom

GENRE: Action Adventure

RATING: PG-13 for lots of violence
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 8 minutes

STARRING: Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy, Passengers)

Bryce Dallas Howard (The Help, The Village), Rafe Spall (Roadies)

DIRECTOR: J.A. Bayona (The Impossible, A Monster Calss)

WRITERS: Derek Connolly (Kong: Skull Island, Jurassic World),

Colin Trevorrow (Jurassic World, Star Wars IX)

PLOT: Gotta get the dinosaurs off the island, then out of a house. You know, the usual.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Not my favourite franchise, but usually have fun.

STORY STUFF: It’s kind of two films in one. The one on the island and then the more horror-style dinos in the house. There are numerous references and homages to the first Jurassic Park in this one. If you loved the T-Rex/lawyer scene and the suspense of the raptor in the kitchen, you will get to experience that fun again. I found it surprisingly graphic for PG-13; I guess it’s because being eaten whole doesn’t give off much blood. Anyway, I found it pretty entertaining throughout, although it could have been a tad shorter. The end credit sequence is not worth the wait.

ACTING STUFF: Lots of screaming and running around. Pratt is fantastic as usual. Howard also brings it. Liked her a bit better this time. Spall is the right kind of smarmy. Justice Smith (The Get Down) is fun as the scaredy-cat. Although I miss Jake Johnson. Good dino acting too.

ARTISTIC STUFF: The CG work is incredible and the action sequences are intense. I did not like the choral music during the last hour of the film; stick with the orchestra.  Also, how many times do we need to see Claire’s feet? We get it, she’s wearing more sensible shoes this time around. You learned your lesson.

VERDICT: Four stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You like Jurassic Park or Chris Pratt or dinosaurs.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Tag; Ant-Man & the Wasp

Film: Ocean's 8

GENRE: Comedy Crime

RATING: PG-13 for language and suggestive content
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 50 minutes

STARRING: Sandra Bullock (Miss Congeniality, The Proposal, Speed)

Cate Blanchett (Thor 3, Carol), Anne Hathaway (Les Mis, Bride Wars)

DIRECTOR: Gary Ross (Pleasantville, Hunger Games, Seabiscuit)

WRITERS: Gary Ross (Big, Dave), Olivia Milch (newcomer)

PLOT: Debbie Ocean gets an all-female crew to steal some jewels at the Met Gala   

FULL DISCLOSURE: Loved Ocean’s 11 & 13. 12 was meh.

STORY STUFF: Not bad but a tad predictable. It’s probably because of seeing the other Ocean films, but the formula is pretty set. There are some fun moments throughout but it gets dull in the last quarter of the film. Too much time post-heist. Liked the couple of members from the original trilogy making cameos to give the film some more credibility.

ACTING STUFF: While all the cons do a fine job, two of the actresses took it up a notch. You could tell that Hathaway was having a blast playing completely self-involved actress; it was fun to watch. I also enjoyed Rihanna, who played it cool. Actually, now that I think about it, I also enjoyed Awkwafina (Crazy Rich Asians) as Constance. The main guy was very blah. And while the late night host playing the insurance agent was fun and all, it seemed like a bizarre casting choice.

ARTISTIC STUFF: Ross manages to evoke a similar slickness as the other Ocean films, but Sodherbergh was better. Some nice music choices. Not much else to say.

VERDICT: Two and a half stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You forget the plot of the other Ocean films.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

Film: Incredibles 2

GENRE: Animated Adventure

RATING: PG for action violence
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 58 minutes

STARRING: Craig T Nelson (Coach, Parenthood, Blades of Glory)

Holly Hunter (The Big Sick), Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul)

DIRECTOR: Brad Bird (Iron Giant, Mission:Impossible-Ghost Protocol)

WRITER: Brad Bird (Incredibles, Ratatouille, Tomorrowland)

PLOT: Bob has to take care of the kids while Helen is out saving the world and trying to get superheroes reinstated.   

FULL DISCLOSURE: Loved the first film. Little worried about the sequel.

STORY STUFF: Brad Bird is very gifted storyteller. The plot is full of action, humour and family drama. I didn’t find the Elastigirl antics as enthralling as the home stuff. On the home front, watching Bob try to handle his kids was entertaining. Violet had some great teen angst but Dash’s math issues seemed a little tame. The best part of the film, however, is Jack-Jack. He is fantastic. The giggles, the powers, the adorableness, so awesome. There is a fight with a raccoon that will bring the biggest smile to your face.

ACTING STUFF: All the voice acting is well done. The Parr family is strong as usual. Odenkirk has always been quite the salesman. I didn’t recognize Catherine Keener’s (Being John Malkovich) voice as Evelyn, but I didn’t really like her character much anyway. Love Eli Fucile’s as Jack-Jack; did I mention the giggles?

ARTISTIC STUFF: Same outstanding animation you expect from Pixar. I also love how Bird goes for the retro-style wherever he can; it’s so sharp. I will say that two elements seemed to come from strange sources: Speed 2 and Justin Timberlake’s ‘Rock Your Body’ video.

VERDICT: Four stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You enjoy Pixar or the work of Brad Bird or cute babies.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Ocean’s 8, Tag, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom