Making a very welcome comeback to UK screens right now is the classic hospital drama ER. The show started up again a couple of weeks ago after leaving us on a monster of a cliff-hanger last season with the attack on the hospital putting staff and patients in grave danger. Here is a brief update so far for those who havn’t managed to catch the first few episodes of this exciting drama series.

This series picks up from where we left off and we are faced with some very tense moments for several of the main stars. In the most recent episodes shown on Channel four since the show started again we have seen Mum to be ‘Dr Abbey Lockheart’ going into a traumatic early labour and father ‘Dr Luka Kovac’ only just being saved after the violent attack he suffered left him unable to breathe. After a tense first episode Abbey gave birth to their child, but the poor little guy was soon rushed off to the special care unit after doctors discovered a problem with his heart.

Whilst Luka and Abbey struggled to come to terms with their baby’s condition, Samantha is facing problems of her own after being kidnapped by the men who caused the incident in the ER; her deranged ex husband and his gang of pals.

When they take her son long with them Samantha must keep calm and try to find a means of escape before things get even more out of hand. She finally realises help is not coming, and after being subjected to a humiliating rape ordeal Samantha shoots her ex husband and makes it to safety with her son in tow.

Feeling guilty for having shot someone and holding herself responsible for the whole incident she makes her awkward return back to work at the ER but to her relief is greeted with sympathetic words from all of her fellow colleagues.

Abbey and Luka’s son is released from hospital after making it through the rough patch of his first few weeks of life, and although the couple are relieved they soon realise that they both have a lot still to learn about being parents for the first time.

ER is shown on E4 on Thursdays at 9pm with repeats of the show on Channel 4 on Mondays at 10pm so you really have no excuse for missing an episode!

ER has fast become one of the best loved shows on TV and with its brilliant cast and tense, dramatic and realistic effects and storylines you can’t help but find yourself engrossed in the action. Tune in this week to find out what is going on in the world of your favourite fictional hospital now.

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Full cast list for ER: Abdoulaye NGom, Abdul Ayoola, Abraham Benrubi, Adrian Ricard, Aidan Gonzales, Akosua Busia, Alaina Reed Hall, Alan Alda, Alan Dale, Aldis Hodge, Aldo Ceceña, Alex Kingston, Alex Skuby, Alex Virzi, Alice Amter, Amy Aquino, Amy Stewart, Amzie Strickland, Andi Chapman, Andrea Parker, Andres Delgado, Andrew Bowen, Andrew Gonzales, Andrew McFarlane, Andy Powers, Andy Umberger, Angel Laketa Moore, Angelo Tiffe, Ann Ryerson, Ann Shea, Anthony Edwards, Anthony Giangrande, April L. Hernandez, Archie Kao, Arlow Stewart, Armand Assante, Ashlee Lauren, Ashleigh Ann Wood, Ashley Johnson, Barbara Eve Harris, Beah Richards, Bellina Logan, Ben Weber, Benjamin Brown, Billy Mayo, Billye Ree Wallace, Bob Minor, Bob Newhart, Bobby Nish, Bonnie Bartlett, Brad Blaisdell, Brad Greenquist, Bradley Whitford, Brent Fletcher, Brent Jennings, Brent Roam, Brian Chenoweth, Brian Lester, Britain Spellings, Brittney Baird, Brooke Stephens, Bruce Gray, Bruce Nozick, Bruce Weitz, Bruce Wright, Bruno Campos, Bryan Rasmussen, Burt Bulos, Busy Philipps, Cabria Baird, Caitlin Dulany, Callie Thorne, Candice Cook, Carl Lumbly, Carla Jimenez, Carlos Gómez, Carly Reichert, Carol Kiernan, Carole Goldman, Castulo Guerra, Catherine Paolone, CCH Pounder, Cecil Hoffman, Cecily Lewis, Chad Lindberg, Chad Lowe, Chad McKnight, Channing Chase, Charlayne Woodard, Charles Noland, Chimeka Crawford, China Shavers, Chloe Greenfield, Chris Edwards, Chris Sarandon, Christian Coleman, Christina Hendricks, Christine Elise, Christine Harnos, Christine Healy, Christopher Amitrano, Christopher Francis, Christopher Grove, Christopher Gxalaba, Christopher John Fields, Christopher Michael, Christopher Richardson, Claire Jacobs, Clancy Brown, Clarinda Ross, Claudine Claudio, Clea DuVall, Cole Hauser, Colton James, Commodore James, Conni Marie Brazelton, Connie Sawyer, Conor O’Farrell, Conrad Lindsay, Corey Parker Robinson, Cory Hardrict, Cress Williams, Cynthia Cervini, Cynthia Ettinger, Dahlia Salem, Damali Scott, Dan Hedaya, Dane Farwell, Daniel Dae Kim, Daniel Farber, Daniel Spink, Danielle Harris, Danny Glover, Danny Jacobsen, Danny Mora, Darnell Suttles, Darwyn Carson, David Allen Brooks, David Backus, David Brisbin, David Green, David Hayward, David Joyner, David Kaufman, David Krumholtz, David Patrick Green, David Richards, David Roberson, David Selburg, David Spielberg, Debbie Podowski, Deborah May, Debra Mooney, Dee Freeman, Deezer D, Demetrius Navarro, Dennis Boutsikaris, Derek Mears, Derick Alexander, Devyn La Bella, Diane Delano, Dinah Lenney, Dino Anello, Djimon Hounsou, Dohn Norwood, Dominic Janes, Don Cheadle, Don Oscar Smith, Don Perry, Donal Logue, Donna Pieroni, Drew Fonteiro, Drew Fontiero, Dumisani Mbebe, Dwier Brown, Eamonn Walker, Ed Lauter, Eddie Bo Smith Jr., Eddie Shin, Eduardo Ortiz, Edward Asner, Eileen Brennan, Eion Bailey, Eleanor Comegys, Eli Goodman, Elizabeth Barondes, Elizabeth Mitchell, Elizabeth Morehead, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Ellen Crawford, Emile Hirsch, Emily Wagner, Eric Payne, Erica Gimpel, Erik Palladino, Erin O’Shaughnessy, Eriq La Salle, Ernest Perry Jr., Ernie Hudson, Ernie Lee Banks, Esther Chae, Ezra Mabengeza, Flora Burke, Forest Whitaker, Frances Sternhagen, François Chau, Frank McRae, Fred Ward, Freda Foh Shen, Gabrielle Boni, Garret Dillahunt, Gary Riotto, Gedde Watanabe, Geoff Meed, George Cheung, George Clooney, George Eads, George Lugg, George Plimpton, Gerry Black, Gina Hecht, Gina Philips, Giorgi Tarian, Giovannie Pico, Glenn Howerton, Glenn Plummer, Glenn Taranto, Glenne Headly, Gloria Reuben, Goran Visnjic, Gregory Wagrowski, Hallee Hirsh, Harrison Page, Harry J. Lennix, Hassan Johnson, Hawthorne James, Heather DeLoach, Heidi Swedberg, Helen Geller, Henry O, Howie Johnson, Ingo Neuhaus, Iqbal Theba, J.P. Hubbell, J.P. Manoux, Jack Carter, Jackie Millines, Jacob Urrutia, Jake Lloyd, James Chisem, James Cromwell, James Earl, James Farentino, James LeGros, James T. Callahan, Jami Gertz, Jamie Lee Redmon, Janni Brenn, Jarreth J. Merz, Jasmine Di Angelo, Javi Mulero, Jeff Cahill, Jeff Corbett, Jeff Phillips, Jeffrey Alan Chandler, Jenette Goldstein, Jennifer Echols, Jennifer Jostyn, Jennifer Nicole Lynn, Jenny O’Hara, Jeremy Overstreet, Jeremy Ray Valdez, Jeris Poindexter, Jesse Head, Jesse Littlejohn, Jessica Gaona, Jessica Hecht, Jillian Bach, Jim Carrane, Jim Jenkins, Jimmie F. Skaggs, Jimmy Shubert, Joan Pringle, Joanie Fox, Joanna Gleason, Joe Basile, Joe Lisi, Joe Torry, Joel de la Fuente, John Aylward, John C. McDonnell, John Cullum, John Doman, John LaMotta, John Leguizamo, John Marshall Jones, John Prosky, John Siciliano, John Stamos, John Terry, John Walcutt, Johnny Ray McGhee, Jonathan Patterson, Jonathan Scarfe, Jonelle Allen, Jordan Calloway, Jorja Fox, José Zúñiga, Joy Bryant, Juanita Jennings, Judy Parfitt, Julia Pearlstein, Julianna Margulies, Julianna McCarthy, Julianne Nicholson, Julie Ann Emery, Julie Ariola, Julie Bowen, Julie Delpy, Julie Fulton, Julie Pop, Julius Tennon, Justin Doran, Justin Henry, K.T. Thangavelu, Kali Majors, Kamar De Los Reyes, Karla Zamudio, Kat Dennings, Kathleen Lloyd, Kathleen Wilhoite, Katie Mitchell, Keith David, Keith Diamond, Keith L. Lewis, Keith Robinson, Kellie Martin, Kelsey Oldershaw, Ken Lerner, Kenneth Alan Williams, Kenneth Tigar, Kevin Berntson, Kevin Michael Richardson, Kevin Sussman, Khandi Alexander, Kim Delgado, Kim Strauss, Kip Pardue, Kirsten Dunst, Kris Murphy, Kristen Johnston, Kristin Minter, Kurt Naebig, Kwame Amoaku, Kyle Chambers, Kyle Richards, L. Scott Caldwell, Lake Bell, Lance E. Nichols, Larry Michelson, Laura Cerón, Laura Innes, Lawrence Mandley, Lawrence Monoson, Lee R. Sellars, Leeza Vinnichenko, Leland Orser, Leo Rossi, Leontine Guilliard, Lesley Leason, Leslie Bibb, Liane Alexandra Curtis, Lili Flanders, Lily Mariye, Linara Washington, Linda Cardellini, Linda Shing, Lisa Dinkins, Lisa Nicole Carson, Lisa Vidal, Lisa Zane, Liz Torres, Liz Vassey, Liza Del Mundo, Liza Weil, Lois Smith, Louie Liberti, Louis Iacoviello, Louisa Abernathy, Louise Fletcher, Lourdes Benedicto, Luck Hari, Lucy Liu, Lucy Rodriguez, Luis Chávez, Lynn A. Henderson, Mädchen Amick, Malaya Rivera Drew, Malgoscha Gebel, Marcello Thedford, Marcelo Tubert, Mare Winningham, Mareo-Ahmir Lawson, Marg Helgenberger, Maria Bello, Maridean Mansfield Shepard, Marilyn Sue Perry, Marion Yue, Mariska Hargitay, Mark Dakota Robinson, Mark Elliott Silverberg, Mark Finney, Mark Hutter, Mark Valley, Martha Plimpton, Martin Hewitt, Marty Ryan, Mary E. Kennedy, Mary Heiss, Mary Mara, Mary McCormack, Mary McDonnell, Masam Holden, Matt Craven, Matthew Glave, Matthew Robert Gottlieb, Matthew Settle, Matthew Watkins, Maura Tierney, Maurice G. Smith, Maury Sterling, Max Kasch, Meg Thalken, Megan Cole, Megan Gallagher, Mekhi Phifer, Melissa Chan, Meredith Zinner, Michael Adler, Michael B. Silver, Michael Beach, Michael Bryan French, Michael C. Mahon, Michael Chinyamurindi, Michael Ealy, Michael Gross, Michael Ironside, Michael J. London, Michael Jace, Michael Manasseri, Michael Michele, Michael Patrick McGill, Michael Pena, Michael Spellman, Michael Weston, Michele Morgan, Michele Shay, Michelle Bonilla, Michelle Hurd, Mike Bacarella, Mike Genovese, Milana Vayntrub, Ming-Na, Miranda Kwok, Mirron E. Willis, Misha Collins, Mitch Hara, Mitchell Virzi, Moira Price, Monté Russell, Morris Chestnut, Myndy Crist, Nadia Shazana, Narmar Hanna, Natasha Gregson Wagner, Ned Bellamy, Nicholas D’Agosto, Nicole Bush, Nicole Nagel, Nina Sablich, Noah Wyle, Noel Arthur, Norma Maldonado, Nynno Ahli, Oliver Davis, Omar Epps, Omar McClinton, Oren Williams, Oscar Jordan, Page Leong, Pamela Gordon, Pamela Sinha, Parminder Nagra, Pat Carroll, Patrick Cranshaw, Patrick Fugit, Patrick Kerr, Patrick Thomas O’Brien, Paul Adelstein, Paul Benjamin, Paul Blackthorne, Paul Christino, Paul Dooley, Paul Freeman, Paul H. Kim, Paul Hipp, Paul James Palmer, Paul McCrane, Paul Moncrief, Paula Malcomson, Peggy Mannix, Penny Johnson, Perry Anzilotti, Petra Porras, Petrea Burchard, Phyllis Frelich, Pierre Epstein, Piper Laurie, Pragna Desai, Quanita Adams, Rachel Shapiro, Radmar Agana Jao, Rafael J. Noble, Randy Lowell, Randy Shabalala, Raphael Sbarge, Ray Porter, Raymond Alexander Cham Jr., Rebecca De Mornay, Red Buttons, Reg Basco Hernandez, Ren Hanami, Renee Victor, Rhyon Nicole Brown, Ricardo Medina Jr., Richard Denni, Richard Lexsee, Richard Minchenberg, Richard Narita, Rick Marzan, Rick Rossovich, Risé Stefani, Rishonda Napier, Robert Maffia, Roberta Valderrama, Roberto Alvarez, Roger Robinson, Rolando Molina, Roma Maffia, Ron Eldard, Ron Rifkin, RonReaco Lee, Rose Gregorio, Rosemary Clooney, Rossif Sutherland, Roxanne Hart, Russell Edge, Ruth Manning, Ruth Silveira, Ruth Zalduondo, Sal Rendino, Salli Saffioti, Sally Field, Sam Anderson, Sam Jones III, Sam Sarpong, Sam Vlahos, Sandy Martin, Sara Gilbert, Sasha Mitchell, Scott Cummins, Scott Grimes, Scott Jaeck, Scott Michael Campbell, Sergei Brusilovsky, Shane West, Shari Hamrick, Sharif Atkins, Shashawnee Hall, Shaun Duke, Shawn Smith, Shea Whigham, Sheila Kelley, Sherry Stringfield, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Shi Ne Nielson, Sid Conrad, Silas Weir Mitchell, Simone-Elise Girard, Skip Stellrecht, Skyler Gisondo, Sonya Eddy, Spider Madison, Stacey Travis, Stana Katic, Stephanie Dunnam, Steve Moramarco, Steve Vinovich, Steven Anderson, Steven Culp, Stuart McLean, Sue Jin Song, Sumalee Montano, Suzanne Carney, Tamala Jones, Tane Kawasaki, Taneka Johnson, Tara Chocol, Tara Karsian, Taraji P. Henson, Ted Marcoux, Ted Rooney, Terry Maratos, Thandie Newton, Theodore Borders, Thomas Kariuki, Thomas Rosales Jr., Thomas Wilson Brown, Tiger Mendez, Tim De Zarn, Tim Griffin, Tina Lifford, Tito Ortiz, Tod Thawley, Tom Bosley, Tom Everett Scott, Tom Gallop, Tom McGowan, Tom Poston, Tom Wright, Tommy Hinkley, Toy Connor, Tracy McCubbin, Tracy Vilar, Trevor Morgan, Tricia Dong, Troy Evans, Tshamano Sebe, Ty Granderson Jones, Tyra Ferrell, Valeri Ross, Valerie Mahaffey, Valerie Perrine, Vanessa Marquez, Veena Bidasha, Vernee Watson-Johnson, Veronica Cartwright, Victor Williams, Vikrum Shah, Vince Vieluf, Vincent Berry, Ving Rhames, Viola Kates Stimpson, Virginia Capers, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Warner Saunders, Wells Rosales, Wesley Thompson, William H. Macy, Yee Yee Lee, Yvette Cason, Yvette Freeman, Yvonne Zima, Zachary Browne.  

Mickey Blue Eyes, showing on Film4 (Thursday 9pm) this week is a romantic comedy from 1999 starring the likes of Hugh Grant, James Caan, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Burt Young, James Fox and Joe Viterelli.

The basic storyline revolves around polite, well mannered English auctioneer Michael Felgate (played by Hugh Grant - hey, how on earth did you guess from that description??) who comes to discover that his girlfriend is actually the daughter of one of the country’s biggest mobsters Frank Vitale (James Caan).

When her godfather decides to launder money selling his son’s gory and talentless artwork through Michael’s auction house, he soon finds himself getting deeper and deeper involved with a crime world that he understandably has no comprehension of.

The results that follow are genuinely hilarious as Michael poses as a member of the mob himself and tries to get up to speed with the lingo and actions of his girlfriend’s family often resulting in embarrassing and awkward situations that you can’t help but be amused by.

Hugh Grant plays a pretty standard role in the film, and although he doesn’t do anything different from the usual run of the mill acting and comedy you have seen from him in other movies (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill etc.) you can’t deny that this type of role really is perfect for him.

James Caan is fantastic as loud mouthed mobster boss Frank Vitale and it is great to see him back on the screen in this refreshing and funny role.

The scene between Caan and Grant in which Michael is learning how to pronounce words like a mobster is priceless; watching Hugh Grant’s face and accent as he attempts to say ‘fogetaboutit’ generates one of the best moments throughout the whole film and shows how well the two actors work together as an unlikely comedy duo.

Mickey Blue Eyes is not a highly intelligent film, or something that is going to blow you away when you watch it, but what it does have is a great cast matched with some equally humorous scenes that show the actors off to the best of their ability.

If you are a fan of Hugh Grant or James Caan you will love this film, as the whole plotline centres round these two key actors.

Recommended as a great ‘Feel Good’ type film if you are in need of a good laugh or simply something to pass the time if there’s not much else on.

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Full cast list for Mickey Blue Eyes: Aida Turturro, Alexis Brentani, Andy Redmond, Barbara Christie, Beatrice Winde, Ben Wang, Brian Davies, Bruno Gioiello, Burt Young, Carmine Parisi, Chris McGinn, Crystal Rose, David McConeghey, Dorinda Katz, Ed Wheeler, Ephraim Benton, Felicia Scarangello, Frank Pellegrino, Frank Senger, Frank Slaten, Gerry Becker, Glenn Kalison, Helen Lloyd Breed, Hugh Grant, James Caan, James Fox, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Joe Viterelli, John Di Benedetto, John DiResta, John Ventimiglia, Joseph R. Gannascoli, Joseph Rigano, Kevin Kean Murphy, Leonardo Sessa, Lisa Lang, Lori Tan Chinn, Lorri Bagley, Maddie Corman, Margaret Devine, Maria Ottavia, Mark Margolis, Marsha Dietlein, Melissa Marsala, Michael Kennealy, New York Joe Catalfumo, Paul Lazar, Richard Topol, Rocco Musacchia, Rose Caiola, Sara Colton, Scott Thompson, Shelagh Ratner, Stephen Dym, Steve Mellor, Sybil Lines, Tom Cassell, Tom King, Tony Darrow, Tony Sirico, Vincent Pastore. 

One of the lowest budget but most terrifying horror movies to hit the screens in 2002 was shown on Film4 Wednesday 24th January at 22:45pm.

Director Danny Boyle is the man responsible for creating one of the most disturbing films of 2002 on one of the tightest budgets imaginable. 28 Days later has quickly become a cult horror classic, bringing a whole new take on the Zombie film genre.

The story begins when star of the movie ‘Jim’ (played brilliantly by Cillian Murphy) wakes up from a coma in a London Hospital to find the place completely deserted, no staff, no patients, nothing. He ventures out to the streets of London and finds pretty much the same situation. The city is seemingly void of life, still and completely surreal.

Jim soon comes to learn that for the last 28 days while he lay in hospital a blood-borne virus called ‘Rage’ had accidentally been released from a testing facility and taken over England, New York and Paris turning anyone who came into contact with it into a psychotic zombie intent on killing anyone they come into contact with.

As he makes his way around London, he meets a few more uninfected survivors and together they travel across the city heading for Manchester where they have heard a rumour that other uninfected people are gathering. As they make their way there they must face several horrific scenes and fight for survival against the murderous zombies who will stop at nothing for their love of human flesh.

I loved this movie, plain and simple. It has all the key elements that a successful horror movie requires and many more. Made on such a tight budget the special effects are still believable and as realistic as any other horror movie and the acting is top notch.

My favourite scene in 28 days later has to be where Jim wakes up from the hospital, dazed and confused and heads out into a deserted London city centre. They actually closed down half of London to film this scene rather than attempting to rely on special effects and the hard work has definitely paid off creating a completely surreal and eerie scene that really sets the standards for the whole movie.

The relationships between the characters are solid but brief seeing as not all of them manage to survive together for long, and the acting is of high standards from everyone involved.

Cillian Murphy’s performance as Jim was particularly brilliant and it has been great to watch him go on to higher profile movies like the recent Wes Craven film ‘Red Eye’.

A must watch for horror fans everywhere with a great mix of blood and gore and genuinely scary scenes that will leave you sleeping with the lights on for weeks to come.

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Full cast list for 28 Days Later: Adrian Christopher, Al Stokes, Alex Palmer, Alexander Delamere, Bindu De Stoppani, Brendan Gleeson, Christopher Dunne, Christopher Eccleston, Cillian Murphy, David Schneider, Emma Hitching, Jeffrey Rann, Jenni Lush, Joelle Simpson, Jukka Hiltunen, Junior Laniyan, Justin Hackney, Kim McGarrity, Leo Bill, Luke Mably, Marvin Campbell, Megan Burns, Naomie Harris, Nicholas James Lewis, Nick Ewans, Noah Huntley, Paul Kasey, Ray Panthaki, Ricci Harnett, Richard Dwyer, Sanjay Rambaruth, Sebastian Knapp, Steen Young, Stuart McQuarrie, Terry John, Toby Sedgwick, Tristan Matthiae.

The O.C. Orange County, ‘It’s where all the beautiful people live’ and fans will be pleased to hear that the hit show has just launched its new series on E4 Tuesdays at 9pm.

For those not familiar with the basic storyline of The OC let me take a minute to fill you in. The OC (Orange County, California) is the home of the rich and the beautiful, the elite socialites whose lives revolve around nothing more than money, gossip and partying.

Probably the most normal of the people you will find living here are the show’s central family ‘The Cohens’.

Sandy Cohen is a highly successful lawyer with a rebellious streak who finds himself defending a young troubled teen ‘Ryan’. After finding that Ryan’s family have abandoned him kind hearted Sandy can’t help but to bring the kid home with him and have him stay in the pool house of their luxury mansion.

Needless to say, Ryan soon bonds with Sandy, his wife Kirsten and their son Seth and becomes a permanent part of their family, but not before causing a whole heap of trouble and turmoil along the way, leaving everyone to question whether a kid from the wrong sides of the track can ever really fit in with the lifestyle of those in The OC.

Series 4 kicks off with a bang. We find ourselves picking up 6 months down the line with the residents of The OC still reeling from the effects of Marissa Cooper’s tragic death.

Ryan has gone back to his old ways, having left the Cohen’s family home and returning to his destructive ways fighting for money and living in the back room of a bar.

Summer is away at college and has completely distanced herself from boyfriend Seth leaving him at home with his family picking up the pieces of so many ruined lives.

Julie Cooper’s marriage may be in crisis, but she is more concerned with tracking down daughter Marissa’s killer ‘Volchok’ and making him pay for the loss the family have suffered, and with her head caught up in all of this, fails to realise that her other younger rebellious daughter Kaitlin may be headed for serious trouble.

It has been speculated that this may be the final season of The OC, which would be a shame as it is one of the most loved teen dramas on our screens right now.

With a great blend of humour, serious issues and great plotlines this really is one series that you just can’t afford to miss out on. Repeats of the previous series can often be found on Channel 4 at the weekends or on E4 depending on their schedules at the time. You can also purchase series 1-3 on DVD if you are keen to play catch up!

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The OC cast list: Adam Brody, Adam Grimes, Alan Dale, Amanda Righetti, Andrea C. Pearson, Ashley Hartman, Autumn Reeser, Barry Newman, Barry Wiggins, Ben Diskin, Benjamin McKenzie, Bill Campbell, Blake Robbins, Bonnie Somerville, Bradley Stryker, Brandon Quinn, Bret Harrison, Brian McNamara, Bruno Amato, Cam Gigandet, Carrie Ann Nagy, Chase Kim, Chris Brown, Chris Carmack, Chris Kerner, Chris Pratt, Chriss Anglin, Corey Price, Craig Allen Wolf, Craig Susser, Cynthia Avila, Danielle Bisutti, Daphne Ashbrook, David Stifel, Derek Selander, Devin Mills, Devin Sidell, Doug Ballard, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Eric Balfour, Eric Mabius, Eric McIntire, Erin Foster, Garrett M. Brown, Gary Grubbs, George Contreras, Henri Lubatti, Holly Fields, J.D. Pardo, Jackson Rathbone, Jeff Hephner, Jeff Witzke, Jeri Ryan, Johnny Lewis, Johnny Messner, Jonathon Trent, Jordan Baker, Josh Kloss, Kat Sawyer-Young, Katherine Disque, Kathleen Marie Carr, Kathleen York, Kayla Ewell, Kelly Rowan, Kevin Sorbo, Kevin West, Kim Delaney, Kim Evey, Kimberly Oja, Kimberly Stanphill, Lamont Thompson, Lily Rains, Linda Lavin, Lisa Rotondi, Logan Marshall-Green, Marguerite Moreau, Mark Daniel Cade, Mark L. Young, Mary Castro, Melinda Clarke, Michael Adler, Michael Cassidy, Michael Nouri, Michelle Ongkingco, Mischa Barton, Morena Baccarin, Natalie Blalock, Navi Rawat, Nicholas Gonzalez, Nikki Griffin, Nikki Reed, Olivia Wilde, Patty Onagan, Paula Trickey, Perry Anzilotti, Peter Gallagher, Rachel Bilson, Richard Voll, Rosalind Chao, Ruth Williamson, Ryan Donowho, Samaire Armstrong, Scott Krinsky, Shailene Woodley, Shannon Lucio, Shaun Cozzens, Shaun Duke, Stephen O’Mahoney, Sven Holmberg, Tate Donovan, Taylor Handley, Tiffany Thornton, Todd Bosley, Todd Sherry, Tyson Chambers, Wayne Dalglish, Willa Holland.

The latest hit comedy show to make its way to channel 4 from America is ‘Ugly Betty’. This heavily promoted fictional series is set in the world of the high flying fashion industry with the most unlikely of lead stars! Betty Suarez (played by America Ferrera) becomes assistant to Daniel Meade (Eric Mabius), the manager of the top fashion magazine ‘Mode’ and soon realises that the only reason she has been taken on is because his father (the owner of the company) wanted him to hire an assistant who he would not be tempted to sleep with.

Betty’s unconventional look, garish braces on her teeth and drastic sense of style mean that she is soon made an outcast in the Mode office but as Daniel and Betty work together they find that they actually make a pretty good team, and for once Daniel Meade may have finally found an assistant that he can truly trust.

And let’s face it, with tough opposition from fellow colleague Wilhelmina Slater and a mystery woman determined to see him fail, Daniel really does need all the help he can get!

Having seen the first two episodes of Ugly Betty I must say that I am pleasantly surprised with the series so far. Actress Salma Hayek is one of the producers on the show, and also has a hilarious cameo role in the soap opera that is always playing in the background on the TV at Betty’s house.

You can tell that Hayek really wants us to like the lovable Betty and you really get the feeling that no matter how much flack this character takes from her fictional workmates she is always going to take the moral high ground and become a much loved asset to the ‘Mode’ team.

I love the way that the show is obviously based around real life magazines like ‘Vogue’ and such, and it does make you wonder if the work environments in the fashion industry actually do have similarities to the world of Ugly Betty.

Another thing that makes the show great for us brits is that there are two of our much loved British actresses starring as key figures in Ugly Betty. Both just happen to have been co stars of the brilliant Ricky Gervaise and have probably been hired due to the popularity of shows like ‘Extras’ and ‘The Office’ in the states currently.

I am curious as to how they are going to keep the show’s fresh and unique appeal without resorting to ridiculous or over the top storylines, as after all, there are only so many laughs to be had at Betty’s expense and hopefully we will see some key plot developments over the next few week to keep us entertained throughout the whole series.

All in all, Ugly Betty looks set to be just as big a hit here in the UK as it has been in the states and I look forward to following it through the next 14 episodes and seeing where the storyline takes us.

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Complete cast list for the TV series Ugly Betty: Alan Dale, America Ferrera, Ana Ortiz, Ashley Jensen, Ava Gaudet, Becki Newton, Brett Cullen, Christopher Gorham, Cicily Daniels, Debi Mazar, Diane Cary, Elizabeth Payne, Eric Mabius, Jill Latiano, Jowharah Jones, Judith Light, Kevin Alejandro, Kevin Sussman, Lucy Davis, Mark Indelicato, Michael Edward Rose, Michael Urie, Rhys Coiro, Sal Landi, Salma Hayek, Stelio Savante, Teddy Sears, Tony Plana, Vanessa Williams.

Jeepers Creepers 2 is set a few days after the original film ended leaving our gruesome villain ‘The Creeper’ just one final day of feeding left before he must return to hibernation.

This time his unfortunate victims are a group of cheerleaders and football players riding in their school bus on the way to take part in a big game, however when the bus breaks down and they find themselves stranded in the middle of nowhere they soon come to realise that not all of them are going to survive the night of terror ahead.

As The Creeper picks out his victims one by one, sniffing out each individual body part he needs from specific students it becomes a race against time for the group to attempt to head for safety and away from the isolation of the tour bus as it starts to become the most vulnerable position for them to be in.

Jeepers Creepers 2 is your typical sequel movie, it doesn’t live up to the original film by a long stretch but it contains just about enough action to keep you watching through till the end.

The Creeper is still a great character although he has definitely lost some of his scare appeal now and seems to have become something of a comedy figure much like other horror baddies such as Freddy Krueger.

The acting is not top notch in this film, but the main leads manage to pull off a somewhat convincing performance and it is also helped along by a cameo from Justin Long who played Darry Jenner in the original Jeepers Creepers movie.

If you enjoyed Jeepers Creepers then you will probably be a little disappointed by this follow up, but give it a go, it does have a few good scares and its worth watching if only to watch ‘The Creeper’ himself in action once again.

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Full cast list for Jeepers Creepers 2: Al Santos, Andrew Reville, Billy Aaron Brown, Bob Papenbrook, Darren Robertson, David Zepeda, Diane Delano, Drew Tyler Bell, Eric Nenninger, Garikayi Mutambirwa, Gil McKinney, Joe Reegan, Jon Powell, Jonathan Breck, Josh Hammond, Julie Soper, Justin Long, Kasan Butcher, Largo Woodruff, Lena Cardwell, Luke Edwards, Marieh Delfino, Marshall Cook, Nicholas George, Nicki Aycox, Phillip Currie, Ray Wise, Shaun Fleming, Stephanie Denise Griffin, Thom Gossom Jr., Tom Tarantini, Travis Schiffner.

Prison Break is the hit drama first aired in 2005. It has gained itself a big cult following in the states and has recently made its way to channel 5’s new sub channel ‘5 US’ with the second series due to air on 15th January.

Created by Paul Scheuring the plotline of the show revolves around Lincoln Burrows who is sent to prison for a crime he says he did not commit.

The only person who believes his side of the story is his brother Michael Scofield who as an engineer who worked on the design of the prison and who may be the only one that can help Lincoln and protect him from a giant conspiracy taking place inside the prison walls.

To help his brother escape from the prison Michael must resort to desperate measures; purposely getting himself locked up is the first step of the plan but it soon becomes apparent that even with his inside knowledge of the place making it out alive isn’t going to be an easy task.

Series one of this show took America and the UK by storm when it first aired, and series two sees the brothers facing the even tougher challenge of getting away and staying hidden. They thought that the worst was over and done with but they couldn’t be further from the truth!

Look out for the new series on Five US in the next few weeks; I’m sure it’s going to be worth the wait!

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Full cast list for Prison Break: Adina Porter, Al Sapienza, Alan Wilder, Alexandra Lydon, Amaury Nolasco, Angelina Riposta, Anthony Albert Jr., Anthony Fleming, Anthony John Denison, Anthony Starke, Antoine McKay, ‘Baby’ Dave Dilling, Barbara Eve Harris, Blaine Hogan, Bob Fanucchi, Brad Fleischer, Brandon DeShazer, Brandon Smith, Brent Allen Caputo, Brian Nicholas, Callie Thorne, Camille Guaty, Cedric Young, Chris Nolte, Chris Papadopoulos, Christian Stolte, Cliff Frazier, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams, Daniel Allar, Daniel J. Travanti, Daniel Ruben, Danny McCarthy, David Dino Wells Jr., Deanna Dunagan, Diana Scarwid, Dominic Purcell, DuShon Monique Brown, Dylan Minnette, Estella Perez, Frank Grillo, Gary Houston, Gianni Russo, Greg Cochara, Haley Nero, Helena Klevorn, Holly Valance, Howie Johnson, J.D. Evermore, Jacqueline Williams, James Zahn, January Scarpino, Jason Davis, Jason Wells, Javon Johnson, Jay Whittaker, Jeffrey S. Parkerson, Jennifer Joan Taylor, Jennifer Kern, Jennifer Toppan, Jessalyn Gilsig, Jim Moore, Joe Inscoe, Joe Nunez, John Billingsley, John Heard, John Lister, John Quilico, John Turk, John W. Weeks, Jonathan Samuels, Josh Hepola, Joyce Thurston, Justin Meeks, K.K. Dodds, Kelly O’Neil Jackson, Kristin Lehman, Kristin Malko, Kurt Caceres, Kurt Naebig, Kwame Amoaku, Lane Garrison, Larry Dotson, Larry Nazimek, Laura Wade, Lea Coco, Lester Kevin Senor, Linara Washington, Lindsey Nero, Luke Schneider, Mac Brandt, Mark Morettini, Marshall Allman, Matt DeCaro, Matt Dworzanczyk, Maurice Ripke, Max Kirsch, Michael Gaston, Michelle Forbes, Mike Jones, Muse Watson, Nick Doetsch, Ora Jones, Patricia Wettig, Paul Adelstein, Perry Crylen, Peter J. Reineman, Peter Stormare, Philip Rayburn Smith, Phillip Edward Van Lear, Rachel Leora, Rachel Loera, Randall Jones, Ranjit Chowdhry, Ray Frewen, Reggie Lee, Rich Komenich, Robert F. Cawley, Robert Knepper, Robert Michael Vieau, Robin Robinson, Robin Tunney, Rockmond Dunbar, Rolando Boyce, Romy Rosemont, Ron Bath, Russell Reynolds, Sarah Wayne Callies, Scott Jaeck, Seadon Adams, Silas Weir Mitchell, Stacy Keach, Steve M. Clark, T.J. Jagodowski, Tab Baker, Terry Berner, Thomas Edson McElroy, Tim Krueger, Todd Peters, Tom Lowell, Wade Williams, Wesley Walker, Wilbur Fitzgerald, William Fichtner, William Nero Sr., Zack Hopkins.

Having watched Darkness Falls on DVD recently I thought I?d write up a review of it to let you all know my views on this entertaining and under rated horror from 2003.

Darkness Falls stars Chaney Kley as Kyle Walsh, who as a young boy claims that one night he awoke to see ‘The Tooth Fairy’ in his bedroom. She appeared as a haggard, winged old crone who was terrified of the light, and as soon as he had caught a glimpse of her he became her next target.

Kyle manages to escape to safety but the tooth fairy claimed the life of his mother leaving him as the only logical suspect in her murder.

After being taken to a mental hospital and treated for ‘Night Terrors’ and a so-called irrational fear of the dark Kyle is released, but it is not long before an old friend Caitlin ‘Cat’ Greene (Played by Emma Caulfield - Anya from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) calls him up and begs him to return to the small town of Darkness Falls to help her with her brother who is also convinced he has seen the tooth fairy and that he could be next on her list of targets.

As they struggle for their lives, their only chance of survival is to stay out of the dark, because when the lights go down the tooth fairy is transformed from the mythical being who rewards you for losing a tooth, to a deadly and horrific ghoul who is determined to take revenge on the people of Darkness Falls for the way they treated her so many years ago.

Darkness falls is a great film that never quite received the attention it deserved when it was first released back in 2003. Although some of the scares are a little predictable, there are some genuinely creepy and tense moments that really stand out.

Emma Caulfield is great to watch as she takes on one of her biggest roles since playing the demon Anya in the TV series Buffy the vampire slayer and Chaney Kley plays your typical horror movie hero determined to save the day and banish his demons for good.

All in all Darkness Falls is a highly entertaining film with just the right mix of scares and humour to keep you glued to your seat for the 86 minutes run time.

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Full cast list for Darkness Falls: Aaron Gazzola, Andrew Bayly, Andrew Dauchy, Angus Sampson, Antony Burrows, Bruce Hughes, Bryce Alexander, Cecelia Specht, Chaney Kley, Charlotte Rees, Christopher T. Warren, Daniel Daperis, Emily Browning, Emma Caulfield, Gary A. Hecker, Gerard Cogley, Grant Piro, Jenny Lovell, John Stanton, Joshua Anderson, Joshua Parnell, Kestie Morassi, Lee Cormie, Mark Blackmore, Mark Wickham, Marnie Statkus, Matt Brown, Matt Robertson, Peter Curtin, Philip Reilley, Rayne Guest, Rebecca McCauley, Roy Edmunds, Steve Mouzakis, Sullivan Stapleton.