The Americans have landed
There are many confusing things about Americans. They say “bay-sel” instead
of basil and think pumping gas is something to be proud of. But they do make
some exceedingly good TV shows. They’re the Mr Kiplings of television, if
you will. So following hot on the heels of Glee, True Blood and Jersey
Shore, it’s time to prepare your TV for a total transatlantic takeover…
Gossip Girl returns Wednesday, 8pm, ITV2 The blow-dries are back (oh,
Chace, how we missed you) but Serena and Blair better watch their Queen Bee
crowns when Chuck’s family friend Raina (Tika Sumpter) joins the cast. And
probably gets off with at least five members of it.
Boardwalk Empire starts Tuesday, 9pm, Sky Atlantic Brought to you by
big-shot movie director Martin Scorsese, this gangster spectacular is set in
Prohibition times. Steve Buscemi (owner of the squishiest face in film)
plays the corrupt mayor of Atlantic City.
The Big C starts Thursday, 9pm, More4 A smash hit in the States, this
series stars Laura Linney (Love Actually) who, after being diagnosed with
cancer, decides to shake up her life. Sex And The City’s Cynthia Nixon and
Precious star Gabourey Sidibe also pop up.
Arrested Development starts Tuesday, 9pm, SkyFX This off-the-wall
sitcom is finally returning to UK screens, and we suspect all those who
joined the Facebook group ‘1 Million Strong To Get Arrested Development Back
On The Air’ will be feeling pretty smug.
Leak me baby one more time
Britters’ new single Hold It Against Me had to be released early after a
demo of the track got posted online. But which other celeb plans have sprung
a leak? Britney Spears, Hold It Against Me is out February 20.
1 Midnight Sun
Twilight author Stephenie Meyer thought she’d pen a book from Edward’s
perspective (ker-ching!) but some naughty Twi-hard put her draft version on
the interweb and Steph was so miffed she pulled the plug on it. Great. Now
we’ll never know how Edward put up with that sulky whinger Bella for so
long…
2 Terminator Salvation
Not only was Christian Bale’s shouty rant at a lighting guy leaked online
(YouTube it) but so was the original ending of the film. Apparently the
director had planned a huge twist with John Connor turning into a Terminator
and killing everyone. But when a clip went public, it was changed for
something less evil.
3 Lost – the finale
As we prepared to say goodbye to invisible monsters and polar bears, loads of
Lost spoilers popped up online. And also the entire ending. But seeing as
that was just all the actors looking cheesy in a church, it didn’t matter
much. Except to the polar bear – he was promised the big finish.
From page to screen
We take a look at the books getting the big movie treatment. Read now, feel
smug later.
1 One Day by David Nicholls
Movie out September 30
If you’re not reading this novel, someone within a five mile radius will be.
It’s a hilarious and heartbreaking story about two uni friends and where
they find themselves on the same day every year. Anne Hathaway plays leading
lady Emma.
2 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Movie out 2012
Fashion fans listen up – Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge, Romeo + Juliet) is trying
his lavish hand at adapting the most stylish novel ever. Leonardo DiCaprio
plays charismatic cad Jay Gatsby and Carey Mulligan is ingénue Daisy.
3 The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Movie out October
This story of African American maids working in white households in ’60s
Mississippi was the book of 2009. You’ll fall in love with feisty maids
Minny and Aibileen, while new It girl Emma Stone plays a writer called
Skeeter Phelan.
4 Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Movie out May 4
R-Patz (yes, stop screaming and listen) plays Jacob Jankowski, a man who runs
away and joins the circus. There he meets Rosie the elephant and star
performer Marlena (Reese Witherspoon, right). Guess which one he falls in
love with?
WORDS: KATE WILLS PHOTOGRAPHY: PHOTOSHOT, LANDMARK MEDIA, GETTY IMAGES,
CAPITAL PICTURES, ALAMY, FILMMAGIC
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