I was sitting FRONT ROW in Ballroom 20 for the True Blood panel that started off with Joe Manganiello blowing me a kiss. (I blew one first and he returned it, apparently, I was in heaven and now exactly feeling anything but bliss ha ha)
Some highlights included:
Michael McMillian and Anna Camp banter as Steve and Sarah Newlin.
Rob Kazinsky and Ryan Kwantlen discussing the preparation for their "shaving" scene together (homoerotic dream 'Jason' has about 'Ben')
Anna Paquin talking about Sookie always being in danger, and finally learning somethings after everything she has been through.
Brian Buckner said they would 'return to their roots' with on central storyline versus the multiples as of late. (Thank Billith!)
“We’re going to try to condense the number of stories we’re telling and make this really feel like we’re coming home. I wanna bring it in a little bit. Not to discount Charlaine [Harris’] books at all, but my hope is to get all these people we love living under this one story and one threat. Really just make it about this small town we’ve all come to know and love.”
The preview for the rest of the season shows Sookie giving a eulogy, shows some major action (sexy and violent rawr!) Check it out here:
Loved seeing everyone on the panel, though disappointing Alexander Skarsgård and Stephen Moyer were not there, it worked out as it was already a pretty packed panel and felt too short.
And of course Nelsan Ellis saying "Rihanna and make-up" get him into the "Lafayette" mood. Another fan asked how Lafayette would use the scard Nelsan was wearing and he showed us this:
Ryan Kwantlen demonstrated how he was doing pull ups and Anna Paquin was supposed to walk in after three, but would delay coming in, then do her lines extra slow to make him suffer doing the pull-up's even longer.
Here are some more photos from the panel....
Seriously my new fave is Warlow akak Ben aka Rob Kazinsky.
The NERD HQ Schedule for "Conversations for a cause" has been highly anticipated again this year and was finally released.
Where is it:? Petco Park.
How much are tickets? $22 each.
How many seats? 250 seats.
How many tickets can I buy? 2 tickets per panel per order.
You can order multiple panels at once (for example Psych, Sherlock, Haven).
Multiple orders are allowed.
Proceeds goes to @operationsmile -
See more at: http://www.thenerdmachine.com/nerd-hq-2013-conversations-for-a-cause-panel/#sthash.S6XBHsjW.dpuf
THURSDAY Psych: 9AM The Maze Runner: 4PM Sherlock: 5PM
FRIDAY I, Frankenstein: 12:15PM Orphan Black: 3PM 300: Rise of an Empire: 4:15PM Joe Manganiello: 5:30PM Haven: 6:30PM
-Channing Tatum
-The dancing and stripping
-The relationships that develop
-most the dialogue and jokes
-Channing Tatum
-Joe Manganiello
-Alex Pettyfer
-Kevin Nash
-Matthew McConaghey
-Channing Tatum
The Bad:
-too much talking and plot and clothes on scenes
-the lead girl was horrible. She mastered the bitch face but her dialogue was stiff and her laugh annoying and forced.
-some storylines / goals weren't achieved and I would have liked to see them wrap up more successfully - maybe a sequel? ha ha!
Overall it is amazing....,
The group dances and Channing Tatum aka Magic Mike's dance routines are so good. Of course he WAS a stripper and IS a dancer and so it is to be expected. The others were good and Alex pettyfer made me LOL as he was the new "kid" learning.
Some favourite scenes:
-Matthew McConaghey training Alex Pettyfer to grind, and rotate and then STICK IT
-Channing's moves - not just because I am me and he is he, but legit - some awesome moves!
-The themed dances. From safari to medical to combat to rain gear, to individual costumes such as Tarzan and firemen, I seriously couldn't get enough of it. I am not usually one of THOSE girls, but good lawrd I was tonight! Those men are mmmm mmmm mmmm
-the amusement park. Everything about that scene slayed me. Alex interupting his sister and Channing, the two guys grinding the bench and umbrella as the sister walks away - seriously funny shit!
-initiation of Alex Pettyfer's character. Kevin Nash gets him working fast ha ha "massage it in"
-hurricaine party
-Breakfast Food Lover scene (Channing comes in and says to Alex's sister "so i hear you like breakfast food" and she gets all bitchy "he must be drunk, I don't fucing cook" or something like that, to which Channing's character says "we were going to go to IHOP but you just stay here breakfast hater" or something like that - it becomes their "thing" the whole movie ha ha)
-"my wife has great breasts, touch em" "I love you man"
Some uncomfortable scenes:
-drugs
-barf
-the sister's scenes, when she had to talk
-Joanna
Gah, I am still taking it in... I will add more... I had a few too many at the premiere party after the movie - we all got free appies and drinks and Magic Mike swag... so fun!
There is another screening on Wednesday and a midnight release Thursday then my "Girls and Gays Night" Friday (we are doing cocktails and then going to see Magic Mike.
Man, I COULD see it 4 times this week... maybe... heh heh
Season 5 returned and already I am more impressed than I was with Season 4.
It picks up directly where it left off... Tara has been shot by Debbie, Jesus was just killed by Lafayette, Jessica and Hoyt are through and she and Jason have been together. We discover Russell Edginton is "de-cemented" that fellowship preacher dude Steve is back - as a vampire. Most importantly, Sookie has told Eric and Bill to walk away.
Pam shows up and Lafayette and Sookie convince her (in a floral yellow Walmart sweat suit) to make Tara into a vampire. Pam agrees reluctantly stating that half of Tara's face is blown off and she may come back "fucktarded" love Pam!
Jessica is fratinizing wityh frat boys, enjoying the single life, much to Jason's despair. She does save him from the fellowship, preacher (newly vamp) guy Steve, who glamours Jason and admits he is gay and in love with Jason - wow!
Eric and Bill are trapped by the vampire authority (government) and manage to escape. One of the drivers is in fact Eric's vampire sister Nora - they reunite with some hot and dirty sex. (They are siblings in the case that they share maker Godric - *sigh* I miss Godric so hard! I love him!) anyways, they take on new fake id and are ready to escape life when they are ambushed.
Sheriff sleeps with blonde waitress, her sons come home and see this. Not sure what is going on with this story line next.
Alcide comes by and Sookie almost tells him about Debbie but Lafayette stops her. He has a hilarious line and facial expression where he gets up in Alcide's face and tells him to leave. Love that hooker!
Something weird happened with Terry in the war, his old vet friend is in town and there is talk about all of their crew having issues with "fires" who knows - it feels like an uneccessary side plot - again.
Meanwhile Sam Merlotte is accused of killing werewolf pack leader (his girlfriend, Luna's ex) marcus and escapes them by shape shifting into a bird. They find him at his girlfriends and threaten her so instead of tell the truth (it was Alcide) he accepts the blame and is taken away. Sam shows them where Marcus' body is and the mother werewolf and some of the pack eat his body *gag* while Luna arrives with Alcide and confesses it was him who killed Marcus (making him Alpha?) and some werewolves bow to him - looks like there will be a divide with in the pack....
It ends with a bawling Lafayette and Sookie over Tara's dead, unvamped body. Convinced Pam was unsuccessful in changing her, all of a sudden Tara whips out of the grave and in Sookie's face. She is a vampire....
Quotes:
“I am wearing a Walmart sweatsuit for y’all, If that ain’t a demonstration of team spirit I don’t know what is.” - Pam to Lafayette and Sookie
“I’ve been around the block enough times to know that fangs are basically like twin hard-ons, hard-ons for trouble or for feeding on somebody, never just for talking, not ever,” - Jason to Steve
“I think that’s why I started acting the way I did, all murderous and whatnot, Now that I have been blessed with immortality, I finally have the strength to say it: I’m a gay vampire American. And I love you, Jason Stackhouse." - Steve
“A friend of yours?” asks Bill. “It’s my sister, actually,” replies Eric. HA HA HA
The new identities: Bill’s was “Marcellus Clark,” Eric’s “Ike Applebaum” HA HA HA
Also from a review I read:
Judging by the three episodes I’ve seen, the action is going to come fast and furious this season.
And we can look forward to the appearance of Christopher Meloni (Law & Order: SVU) as the vampire Roman, one of the head honchos of the Authority.
Vampire politics will play a role, as the Authority battles a vampire cult called the Sanguinistas, who believe that humans exist only as vampire Happy Meals.
June 29 I will be at my local theatre to see Magic Mike starring the very sexy Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer, Matthew McConaughey and more, get down and dirty as male strippers.
This movie is based loosely on Chan's real life before he was an actor, and all I can say is "DAMN, WHY DIDN'T I GO SEE MALE STRIPPERS IN FLORIDA!?!??!"
Good golly, I remember when the video of Channing came out from his previous career....
Anyways, my friends, who are awesome and know of my obsessionintense love for CHANNING TATUM have been asking me about the premiere. I had planned to go, but I can't because of work and because they have selected it as the closing night filmn for L.A. Film Fest....
Magic Mike‘, which the Playlist says “is a big crowd-pleaser — for the ladies and dudes”, will have its world premiere as the closing-night film at the Los Angeles Film Festival on June 24th. Individual tickets will go on sale on May 29th, but you can CLICK HERE to buy a pass to the festival.
So if you want to go either fork out money for the LAFF pass, or wait for the individual ticket sale May 29.
If you go I insist you tell ALL tell him Mandy in Vancouver says hi, he won't remember me, but I don't care, I met him 5 times in 3 glorious days in March and he held my hand and said my name and *sigh*
Let me know if you go!!!
Here are some links you may enjoy if you love Channing like I do:
Every so often, real life cramps my ability to stay on top of things that are important outside RL... like Channing Tatum and other hotties... This photo is almost too hot to handle... Chris, Channing, Joe sandwich? YES PLEASE!
I died tonight... at first a little because I missed the True Blood Panel, but then, a lot because friends of mine met Alexander Skarsgård.... *dies*
Yes, other friends met him last night at a celebrity filled Summit party, but somehow today was harder to deal... I could have been there... next year - no if's, and's or but's!
Anyways, enough of my whining! Let's get to the details of the True Blood panel at SDCC.... Since I was not there I am relying on others who were!
A Q&A session moderated by Entertainment Weekly's Tim Stack featured Ryan Kwanten,, Rutina Wesley, Nelsan Ellis, Deborah Ann Woll, Kristin Bauer van Straten, Joe Manganiello, and Kevin Alejandro and more!
Want to read all about it? Click below for more. Also see the preview reel at the bottom for some hints on what's to come this season!
In Attendance: Alan Ball, Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgard, Rutina Wesley, Nelsan Ellis, Kevin Alejandro, Deborah Ann Woll, Kristin Bauer van Straten.
Moderator: Tim Stack from Entertainment Weekly
Here comes “the most attractive cast on television!” – Tim Stack.
Why do people live in Bon Temps? “If you could live in Bon Temps, wouldn’t you?” – Alan Ball
Anna: “There’s the part of Sookie who’s sweet. And there’s the part of her that has really dirty vampire sex. Possibly with two vampires.”
Alan: “If you translate the spell placed on Alex, it says ‘you will lose your memory, your shirt, and you will still be insanely hot.’”
Alexander Skarsgard asked about whether Eric forgets his shirts all the time too. Saying the outfit Sookie finds for him at her/his house was maybe Hoyt’s.
Alan Ball on the outfit: “You’ll wear dorky outfits for several episodes, and still be insanely hot.”
Stephen Moyer says Bill and Portia will see each other again. But it’s not a big thing on Bill’s mind with the witchy goings on.
Is Jesus secretly dark? Kevin: “There’s a little darkness if everyone. You’ll have to watch to find out.”
Tara as a lesbian cage fighter? “I love the UFC. But I personally don’t like labels. I think Tara fell in love and didn’t know what happened but at least she’s smiling for a change.” – Rutina
Ryan: “I think he’s enjoying the fact that he’s now being called Ghost Daddy.”
Little girl from the audience: “I love you Deborah!” Deborah: “Oh, you’re too young to watch our show.”
Pam’s face-falling-off? Kristin: “We work hard to make you squeamish. But it’s a very technical experience. 9-hour day, 9-hour shoot.”
Is there hope for Bill and Sookie? The crowd applause’s/boos.
Anna: “It’s more complicated than that.”
What’s the deal with Arlene’s baby? Alan: “We’ll find out what it is about that doll that makes it creepy. And it’s something creepy.”
Will we see the famous shower scene? Alan pauses. “There will be a moment where Sookie and Eric are together in a shower. “It may not be exactly what happens in the books. It may be weirder. And dirtier.”
Anna talks about how being so short is an obstacle with the naked men scenes. Especially turning around to Alcide while Eric was in the water and trying to not have a direct look at his bidness.
Favorite scenes so far this season? Alan: “Jason’s ritualistic gang rape.” Ryan: “I’ll take it.”
Alex’s favorite scene this season so far? Eric’s swim in the sun.
Joe Manganiello is filming a movie in Atlanta and Sam Trammell’s about to have twins – in case you’re wondering why they did not attend!
Alan: “What I love about the comic books – it’s more story in a different format.”
Fan questions begin! Why’s Eric’s voice higher this season? Alex: “I was more of a robot. But I’m becoming more and more human.”
Are we going to see Pam’s made story? Alan: “You will definitely see it in Season 5.” Alex: “Aww, my baby.” Kristin: “Daddy.” Baby talk.
If Lafayette could date someone, would it be Eric, Jason, or Bill? Nelsan: “I must say I’m happy with the squeeze I got. But I’ll do all 4.”
Oh boy! Janina Gavankar bum-rushes the fan questions! Tells the cast they’re all going to hell!
Kristin: “Pam’s only vulnerable about her Maker. And now, losing her face.”
Random Zoolander 2 question to Alexander. He says it’s up to Ben Stiller, but he’d enjoy doing it.
Alan Ball asked about Eric’s memory return and how it happens, affects the political climate. Won’t reveal any details. “I think the vampires are going to stick together because they’re fighting a common enemy. And that enemy is Michelle Bachman.”
Panel asked whether Claudine’s death will heighten or diminish Sookie’s powers. Alan Ball says that those who’ve read the books know fairies are born in litters and are identical. Very cryptic, especially with how free the show is with the source material.
Sookie can still read minds, we just don’t hear about it.
Is the storyline between Sam and Tara done? Alan: “Nothing’s ever done on this show.”
International Truebie love? Alan: “This show is universal. People all over the world love crazy messed up weirdness.”
Alan: “This show has a tremendous amount of life. I hope we get to a point where we have to explain why vampires seem to be aging.”
Nelsan was asked about his appearance yesterday on the TV Guide panel and why he was wearing a hat and sitting back. “I was nervous to hear what people was going to say to me when I came out.”
Inspiration? Anna: “Even though these characters are supernatural, they’re grounded in human reality. What Sookie goes through is real.”
Stephen: “It all comes down to the writing. Unless the writing is good, you can’t do it. We’ve got an unbelievable group surrounding Alan.”
Fan asks Nelsan to call her “hooker.” Nelsan gives his best “hookah.”
There will be a Hooligans type place with male and female strippers in season 5.
Ghost like things will make an appearance on the show. Demons will play a larger part later this season. Alan Ball says they’re looking at adding more supernatural beings in season 5.
What supes haven’t we seen yet? Alan: “Cream of mushroom?” Ha. “Spirits without bodies. Brujo-based creatures. More research to come.”
Most memorable experience? Alex: “It was fun flying. Flashbacks. Stuff in Swedish, the Viking stuff. Why Eric is who he is today.”
Making Six Feet Under vs. True Blood? Alan: “True Blood is never depressing. The supernatural nature makes it fun to come to work.” ” The same depressing stuff is just more fun on TB .”
Kristin: “I’d like to think Eric is willing to do anything to save Pam. Alex: “He doesn’t care about many, but she means a lot to him.”
Kristen was asked about how Eric would react if Pam were the one with her memory wiped. Alex: “He’s willing to meet the true death for his progeny.” Audience gave a big “Awwww” to that. Pam without her memory would love children, wear bad clothes, and bake cookies.
“I like you a lot…baby steps, baby steps. But there’s potential.” Alex telling a fan he may grow to love her, but it’ll take time. Amazingly charming.
Alan Ball likes deviating from the books because it keeps all fans on their toes. “We try to remain true to the spirit and world of the books.”
Books vs. writing the show? Alan: “1. The books are all Sookie’s story. We can’t do that. 2. If we stuck to books, there would be no surprises.”
“She takes her clothes off all the time. Just wait for this season!” Alan Ball says of Anna Paquin’s Sookie.
Fan thanks the True Blood panel for making his “marriage relations a whole lot better.” Crowd goes wild.
Actors talking about how they auditioned for the show. Alex sent in a tape. Nelsan thrusted his crotch at Alan. “Something you want to remember if you want to be an actress,” Ball quips to a groan.
Deborah Ann Woll speaks for the first time. Fans love her. She had to do her death and vampire rebirth scene. Ryan Kwanten was part of the first round of auditions.
Rutina Wesley talking about getting on the show, and fans are yelling out they love her. I think they’ve begun to redeem Tara in the fan’s eyes this season. There’s a great shot of Tara with a shotgun in the teaser trailer that got an enormous pop.
Rutina: “When I got the part, I literally started crying. I’m very thankful to you, Alan, for the opportunity.” *tears*
Stephen Moyer had been burglarized. After he got his kid to sleep with his teddy, Stephen got the call. He flew to LA the next day and met Anna for the first time. Anna Paquin went through numerous readings. “I stalked Alan until he gave in.” Anna thankful that Alan was able to see beyond what’s on the page in the book and who she is.
HUGE thank you to the fans who waiting in line ALL DAY to attend today’s panel.
Here is a "sizzle reel" with a sneak peek on what's to come this season - rawr!
Joe Manganiello, who plays werewolf Alcide on HBO’s True Blood, recently talked to Men’s Health magazine. With his return to season 4 this month, all talk centred around his physique.
“I have to look this way. Because somewhere there’s a kid just like I was, who looks at the werewolf in the comic book, then looks up at the screen. And I want him to say, ‘Wow! That’s right, that’s what it looks like.’ I grew up reading comic books. I watched so many comic book movies where the actors weren’t as built as the characters in the book. It made me mad because they didn’t look right.”
And to look that way, Joe has to endure an hour of pain for every workout. He explains that while he was interested in a sports career as a youngster, it was the abuse of steroids around him, that deterred him from following that path. Our Joe prefers hard work over drug use to get a perfect body. See it for yourself below...
