[Sven2]

Quite old comment, from 2007, that hasn't lost its merit. The frustration at the unanswered questions in the show that some people declared a flaw is equaled to.... Well, read.

"Great show, great writing, great actors, great mystery:

John's identity can only be defined by identifying his father and we are undertaking our quest to define John without that crucial knowledge.

In that great mystery lies the primary attraction of the show. In every episode we are sorting and sifting dialogue, actions, scenes and storylines for just a little bit more information from John or about John that will allow us to identify his father, and thus let us know precisely who and what John is and what his objective is. When we don't get enough information to allow us to solve the mysterious identity of John's father and/or when we get contradictory/ambivalent evidence that does not advance our quest, we are driven to the heights of manic frustration. I know just how Cass feels!

But isn't that precisely the frustration that humankind has had through the ages? Although always searching for clues,information and facts that would help us mortals know and define a supreme being (along with identifying and clarifying the supreme being's grand plan) the information presented to us is never concrete enough for many to find the answer and to be at peace with it. Some need only the Bible and it's teachings as the evidence to define the supreme being and his plan, some are satisfied with other holy books, teachings and creeds, mathematics, science, etc. Acceptance of these forms of evidence relies solely on the believer's faith in the evidence.

Many others, the "doubting Thomases", aren't satisfied by faith in these types of evidence alone and require more tangible evidence. These are the folks who are still on the quest. These are the folks who daily experience the frustration of knowing there may be some higher power but are stifled in their search because if that higher power exists, it is not doing anything to directly make that fact known.

Then, while the quest is ongoing, one person appears bearing a strange message; a different way of thinking, like nothing that any of the searchers are used to. It makes no sense. And in the end, the searchers ignore the message because the speaker is odd and because of their inability to grasp the simplicity of what appears to be nonsensical. This is the second aspect of the show that has us all hooked. And, because we can't define who or what John is, and because he is bringing his father's message in a strange fashion ("parrot talk"), he is being ignored, despised, persecuted and held in suspicion.

Now, I have to ask Vietnam Joe how that herb is treating him."
--KWarner722

from:
Blogspot Post

[Sven2]

The news feed never stops.
This review has many accolades to JFC, but I am sorry for the lengthy post! I am afraid that something happens and we once again will lose those interesting thoughts about our beloved series. That would be irreversible.


"John from Cincinnati – A Quick Intro to the HBO Series

by admin on June 22, 2010

When the Sopranos finale aired about a month ago, some loyal viewers camped out on their sofas watching HBO and hoping John From Cincinnati would fill up some of the emptiness. Alas, John From Cincinnati offers one hour of the least concrete show I have ever seen, in fact the show is a genre unto itself. I do want to say though, that it is also one of the most intriguing and original shows airing right now. After watching a show, you can log onto a few of the preferred forums and see people breaking it down – into themes, quotes, characters, references. After attributing the dialogue as best as they can, the viewers then work on theories – what does it all mean if the extinguish is near and the Internet is big? What about the word on the wall? What about Cass's Camera? What about John? Perhaps the weirdest show on television right now, John From Cincinnati hits you hard – leaving you feeling like one of the Yost surfers after being wiped out by a wave. I'll cover the basics here – but don't dare miss an episode! You'll be left feeling more lost than Mitch Yost.

Who Done It?

The show was created by the acclaimed David Milch (responsible for HBO's Deadwood) and Kem Nunn (the surf-noir novelist) who make John From Cincinnati feel like the Imperial Beach of television – not quite in this world, but not quite out of it.

The Place:

The indicate is perfectly located in Imperial Beach (IB), California – the last stretch of surf territory before entering Mexico, and an spot which captures that desolate, end-of-the-world feel. It's hard to tell whether it's the perfect place for the Apocalypse or a miracle. The cast is spread out around the territory, convening at one major space – the Snug Harbor Motel. The other regular locales include the Yost home, the surf shop (also owned by the Yosts), Kai's trailer, Bill's home, the coffee shop, and the motel where Linc and Cass are staying.

The Family:

Unlike the Sopranos, John From Cincinnati focuses on a (somewhat) traditional family. Enter the Yosts, the nexus of the IB failures, misfits, and shady characters. The three generations include Mitch and Cissy Yost, their son Butchie, and his son, Shaun. While it is obvious Mitch and Butchie each had their own reign in the surfing world (and Shaun, only 14, who has Butchie's surf skills is likely to have his too), now the Yosts face an onslaught of dreadful luck, anger, addiction, and pain. But there is hope and that hope lies with John.

The Stranger:

John Monad (From Cincinnati). John Monad is a stranger, who isn't really from Cincinnati, and he is something else. After his arrival, the Yosts are touched by something otherworldly – something greater than anyone of them can imagine – and John seems to be the source. John's presence has already broken boundaries of time, space, and logic and one can only imagine what's next.

The Extended Family:

Bill Jacks is still a cop, even if he is no longer with the police force, even if he has completely isolated in retirement, grieving over his wife Lois. His house is chunky of parrots and cockatoos that encourage him through life and he tries to remain strong enough to fill the gaps that Butchie has made in Shaun's life. Kai is like the glue holding what's left of the Yosts together. She maintains the surf shop, takes care of Shaun and Butchie, and generally keeps things as level with the family as possible. Tina Blake gave birth to Shaun, but abandoned him on Cissy's doorstep because she knew that he would have a better life that intention. After leaving IB, she became an adult film star and only returned when she saw Shaun's accident on the news. She's hoping to have a second chance in Shaun's life, but Cissy is far from blissful about her return.

The Remaining Astronomical Players:

Meyer Dickstein is the lawyer (engaged to a fiancé that frightens him) that loves surfing and is dedicated to helping Butchie stay alive and well. He serves as the local law expert, although he does focus on Butchie. Barry Cunningham, the new owner of the Snug Harbor Motel, won $11 million in the dwelling lottery and returned to IB with the hope of making friends, improving the Motel, and overcoming the past to create a better future. Linc Stark customary to represent Butchie in his prime and comes back for a second helping of the Yosts after seeing Shaun's tape. Linc has a lot of obstacles to overcome before the Yosts will allow him to portray Shaun, especially since Mitch blames Linc for Butchie's downfall. Cass is supposed to be all about vintage, but she's about a enormous deal more than that. Her camera will hold the key to questions that haven't even been proposed yet. Originally posing as a filmmaker for Linc, she has since become a free agent and has changed her focus from Mitch to John. Exact Freddy Lopez knows Butchie from Hawaii, before Butchie became a heroin addict and misplaced his talent. While Freddy is ultimately a tough criminal, he has a soft spot for Butchie and his family and will do his best to protect them."

from:
http://californiapublicrecordsearch.org/103/john-from-cincinnati-a-quick-intro-to-the-hbo-series/

[SaveJFC Admin]

http://paullevinson.blogspot.com/2007/06/some-thoughts-on-john-from-cincinnati.html

This is a blog that was written when the show originally aired.  He gives commentary on each episode.

[Sven2]

Santa Anita bets on HBO's "Luck" to win
07/03/2010


"Cast members of David Milch's pilot for HBO called LUCK, including Dustin Hoffman, left, who presented the winner's trophy to Ann and Jerry Moss after Zenyatta's victory in the Grade I $250,000 Santa Margarita Invitational Stakes Saturday, March 13, 2010 at Santa Anita. (Courtesy Benoit Photo)

For Santa Anita Park, Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman, writer and producer David Milch and HBO might be just the trifecta the historic racetrack needs.

Most of the HBO horse racing pilot "Luck" was filmed here last spring and if the popular movie channel "greenlights" it as a full-fledged series, it would be an around-the-world promotion for the track and the declining horse racing industry as well, racetrack officials said.

"It's beyond the word boost," said Dennis Mills, CEO of the Aurora, Canada-based MI Developments, which acquired the racetrack in April. "They are featuring Santa Anita in all of their shots, in all of their series. It's like, by the time that series is finished - if it ever finishes... everyone in the world will know Santa Anita."

HBO officials say their programming department has yet to make a final decision as to whether the pilot, which was written by Milch of "Deadwood" fame and directed by Michael Mann, will be picked up as a series.

But racetrack officials believe there is "a very strong possibility" that HBO will go forward with the high-stakes drama, which would also star Nick Nolte as a horse trainer.

"They have told me it's not official yet but they have been asking a lot of questions about how to make a series work here," said Pete Siberell, director of special projects at Santa Anita.

HBO officials have even discussed a potential fast track with Santa Anita, in which shooting would start as early as this fall during the Oak Tree meet, and a slow track, in which filming would start during the racetrack's winter meet, he said.

HBO shot 20 out of 25 days of its pilot at the racetrack this spring, and would probably shoot about 10 hour-long episodes for its first season, Siberell said.

"If it's like what HBO has done on other shows, like `Deadwood' and `The Sopranos,' it's cutting edge stuff," he said. "We'd be hitting a whole new audience that we've never hit before, fairly affluent younger people... We can expect a lot of people coming to Santa Anita just to see where the show was shot. It would also raise interest in the sport."

In Deadwood, South Dakota, tourism and gambling revenues shot up after the HBO historical Wild West fictional series based on the small mining town began to air in March, 2004, business officials there said.

"People were amazed that this town existed up here," said Lee Harstad, marketing director for the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce. "It was a very big boon to our economy, to the area."

Deadwood's total gross gaming and slot machine revenues increased from about $62 million in 2003 to about $84 million in 2005, a measure of the increased tourism that the town generated at that time, Harstad said.

The town, which has a population of about 1,300, receives about 2 million visitors a year."

from:
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_15436783

[Sven2]

Some flatly declare our beloved show "the most daring". (We'd agree!) Judging by their lexicon, they're young, perhaps know few things about pot and don't read Tim Goodman and Co. Good for them.

It's a short exchange on some TV blog.

"...--This one had to be a two-part answer.

John From Cincinnati is- just flat out is- the most daring show ever to be on television. It's slow moving. It has very challenging dialogue. And nothing is fully explained. And it got better and better and better as it went along. I really wish I could have seen more.


--yay, glad to see you on the train!
I have never heard of this John From Cincinnati thing...sounds interesting, what is it actually about?


--a guy who may or may not be the second coming of christ shows up out of the blue and lives with/around this very troubled family of famous surfers and the other ancillary people in their life. He has magical powers and crazy things happen. People come back from the dead, have visions, levitate... it's nutty. And the dialogue is insane. It's just so weird and awesome and takes a while to digest. I adore it.

--I love John from Cincinnati soooo much."

from:
http://cornelius-mcfee.livejournal.com/146089.html

   

[Sven2]

Not about JFC, still useful info.

"Want Ian McShane? Watch the new Starz series starting July 28. PILLARS OF THE EARTH. Eight parts. Based on the Ken Follett best-seller. McShane plays a major character. Another ruthless manipulator. (grins). Waleran Bigod. Funny hairdo, but I'll at least try to watch anything he's in. "

from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/10/tv-characters-weve-lost-w_n_630038.html#comments

[Sven2]

Jul 14 2010

Hollywood Reporter

Milch, Mann, Hoffman land HBO series

HBO has given a series order to "Luck," a new drama with an A-list pedigree.

The series has "Deadwood" scribe David Milch writing the script, Dustin Hoffman in the lead role and Michael Mann directing the pilot. (With those kind of auspices, you don't need much luck to secure a greenlight).

"Luck" is billed as provocative look at horse racing – the owners, gamblers, jockeys and diverse gaming industry players.

"Michael Mann delivered a pilot from David Milch's brilliant script that took our breath away," said HBO programming president Michael Lombardo. "We are truly excited that these two artists, and our extraordinary cast headed by Dustin Hoffman, will be bringing 'Luck' to life."

The show begins production this fall at Santa Anita and other Los Angeles locations.

The rest of the cast: Dennis Farina, John Ortiz, Kevin Dunn, Richard Kind, Jason Gedrick, Ritchie Coster, Ian Hart, Tom Payne, Kerry Condon, Gary Stevens and Nick Nolte.

Executive producers are Milch, Mann and Carolyn Strauss; co-executive producer Henry Bronchtein and producer Hoffman.

from:
http://livefeed.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/07/hbo-orders-horseracing-drama-starring-dustin-hoffman.html

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


EW.com

HBO orders new drama 'Luck' starring Dustin Hoffman
by Lynette Rice


HBO announced today that it has picked up the new drama series Luck that stars Dustin Hoffman. The project from David Milch (The Wire) and Michael Mann (Heat) focuses on horse racing. "Michael Mann delivered a pilot from David Milch's brilliant script that took our breath away," said Michael Lombardo, president, HBO programming. "We are truly excited that these two artists, and our extraordinary cast headed by Dustin Hoffman, will be bringing Luck to life."

Luck will begin shooting this fall at Santa Anita Park and other Los Angeles locations. It also stars Dennis Farina, Jason Gedrick and Nick Nolte and features guest star Jill Hennessy.

from:
http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2010/07/14/hbo-orders-new-drama-luck-starring-dustin-hoffman/

[Sven2]

More details about "Luck".

"Cable network Home Box Office has approved writer/producer David Milch's new series, "Luck," described as a cutting-edge depiction of life on the racetrack, for an inaugural season with shooting to commence at Santa Anita either this fall or early in 2011.

Daily Variety, in announcing the decision July 14, said that highly placed executives at HBO have indicated that "Luck's" first season will consist of a pilot and seven to nine additional weekly episodes.

Milch, who created "Luck,"  is also a prominent Thoroughbred horse owner who has won two Breeders' Cup races.

The pilot for "Luck," which is due to air on HBO late next year, was shot primarily at Santa Anita this past March and April. Milch enlisted the services of major director Michael Mann, whose credits include "Miami Vice," "Ali," and "Public Enemies." Mann is to remain in an advisory capacity for the upcoming series.

Milch also procured the services of actors Dustin Hoffman, Nick Nolte, Dennis Farina, and John Ortiz for the pilot. Although they will not all remain series regulars, it is believed those actors who contributed to the pilot will maintain a presence as "Luck" develops in seasonal episodic form.

"It's hard to quantify how much we feel this could mean to Santa Anita and horse racing in general," said Pete Siberell, Santa Anita's community and events coordinator.  "Anyone who's watched 'Hill Street Blues,' 'NYPD Blue,' or 'Deadwood' knows what David Milch is capable of. He has a heart-felt passion for racing and although he'll be delving into to some dark areas on occasion, we feel strongly that "Luck" has the potential to have a similar impact to that of "The Sopranos,'" which also aired on HBO.

"This is great news and it couldn't have come at a better time," Siberell added. "Horse racing is experiencing many challenges right now, and now, more than ever, we need to be reaching out to new people in a creative and innovative way. "Luck" is going to generate a lot of buzz and it is going to get people talking about racing and about Santa Anita, which is fantastic.

"From what we understand, the people at HBO are absolutely thrilled with what Michael Mann has been able to put together thus far and we feel that people are going to view horse racing as they've never seen or imagined it before, with a compelling plot line, dynamic acting, and film production that Mann is famous for."

from:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/57934/hbo-oks-first-season-for-racing-drama-luck

[Sven2]

A very long and very interesting article from New Yorker about Mr.Milch life and work, appeared February 14, 2005.

http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2005/02/14/050214fa_fact_singer?currentPage=all

[Sven2]

There is a blog devoted to all about Garret Dillahunt with the latest news and trailers.

http://www.garret-dillahunt.net/

Unfortunately he is constantly cast in roles of psychopaths and murderers. Dr.Smith is such a rare and beautiful exception, the part is so well suited him, that soft and kind demeanor, quiet and calming. "I am so happy" - I will not forget that scene.

[Sven2]

Latest news about "Luck" and the usual smear of JFC.

"How do they make sure that "Luck" is more "Deadwood" and less "John From Cincinnati"?
Lombardo makes it clear that "John" was developed before they were in their seats. David Milch has a clear vision for the first season. (of "Luck")"There's a confidence in the storytelling that was enormously compelling," Lombardo says. They love the script and love the world. "There's no question that we take the journey with him," Lombardo says. Plepler adds that Milch is writing "Luck" from his gut, while "John" may have been more from his head, more cerebral. Both men agree that the show will be accessible even if you aren't a horse-racing fan. Lombardo emphasizes that it isn't all about gambling. There are trainers and jockeys and owners.

How did the "Luck" pilot go? "This will either be magic or mayhem," Lombardo recalls thinking before they shot. But he felts it was ultimately magic. He says that the creative environment was productive and that Dustin Hoffman and David Milch loved working together. "With Dustin, he has a producer credit," Lombardo says, pointing out that the Oscar winner wants to be heard."

from:
http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/2008-12-6-the-fien-print/posts/press-tour-live-blog-hbo-executive-session

The author's, Daniel Feinberg, questions are in itallic.

[Sven2]

Emily Rose, (Kass) who is playing Audry in "Haven" on SyFy (Kass) speaks about Mr.Milch and JFC.

EMILY ROSE: Yeah. I mean, I think with genre stuff, it's quirky, right? JOHN FROM CINCINATTI is a great one. I feel like whenever you're doing longer-arc things, it's about being true to what the writers' desires are on that and what's been cool about JOHN FROM CINCINATTI and what's cool about this one [HAVEN] is, [JOHN FROM CINCINATTI creator] David Milch doesn't tell you where it's going, so you have to trust the process, which as an actor is very scary. Because you want to be really prepared – you want to be as prepared as you can be. David Milch is very much like, "Here's your script, now go do it the day of." So you just have to trust. And in [HAVEN], too, I feel like I'm very much having to trust as it unfolds, because I don't know what's going to happen in this town of Haven – they haven't laid it all completely out for me, so I just have to trust it. I think the whole new take with Syfy about changing their brand and "Imagine greater" and that whole thing is so cool, because it's broadening the genre. I think a lot of people maybe felt like it was very niche and very [concerned with outer] space, and what's exciting about Syfy is that it's really broadened how it's doing its genre, so it's more accessible to everybody and I'm glad, because I want to be able to have accessible characters. I think Syfy's shows are really interesting, because they really do encourage the imagination and there's not a lot of stuff out there encouraging that.

Do you have any idea what the producers saw in you that made them go, "You're Audrey?"

ROSE: I think I have a spunky tenacity [laughs]. When I get in a room [to audition or perform], I really want to do the best I can do and I'm very strong-willed about it. And I think maybe that's what they saw.

from:
http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=3937

She definitely wants to "work here". The reviews are mixed though. Is anybody watching "Haven"? What do you think?

[Sven2]

Happy Birthday, Ramon!

"Luis Guzmán (1956, 54, Latino character actor seen on TV's Oz, John from Cincinnati and How to Make it in America; Greendale Community College on the sitcom Community erected a statue of Guzmán on its campus in tribute)"

What is the sitcom "Community", does anyone know? ("How to Make it in America" feels fake to me, I only could stand two episodes, is anyone watching it?)

[SaveJFC Admin]

("How to Make it in America" feels fake to me, I only could stand two episodes, is anyone watching it?)

I watched the first season.  I wouldn't be sad if it didn't come back for another season.  I think it's a interesting premise...  Young talented but poor guy with an in to a wealthy crowd and a good-guy-hustler as a best friend try to make it in the apparel industry of NYC.  I like the street shots of NYC and I always like Guzman.  We'll have to see if it matures in season 2.

[Sven2]

Sorry, "I was remiss", so that's the "yesterday" news.

JENNIFER GREY – will be "Dancing With the Stars". "A beloved actress of both film and television, Jennifer Grey is best known for her starring roles in the iconic movies "Dirty Dancing" and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." Grey starred as Frances "Baby" Houseman in the award-winning box office hit, "Dirty Dancing," which is widely considered one of the best dance movies of all time. Some of her other films include the Ben Affleck movie "Bounce," "Red Dawn" and "The Cotton Club." She starred in the television sitcom "It's Like, You Know..." and has made memorable television appearances on such shows as "Friends," "John from Cincinnati," "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and an upcoming episode of the medical drama, "House". Grey has also starred in various television movies, including "A Case for Murder," CBS's "The West Side Waltz" and the Lifetime original movie "Road to Christmas." The daughter of Tony® and Academy Award® winner Joel Grey, she resides in Los Angeles with her family, actor/director Clark Gregg and daughter.


Read more: http://www.spoilertv.com/2010/08/dancing-with-stars-all-new-lineup-of.html#ixzz0zA55bovI

The actress was  diagnosed with cancerous lump on her neck, the tumor removed and Ms. Grey will dance in the company of Michael Bolton, Bristol Palin and some others.
(I didn't see a single episode of DWS, so got no opinion or interest)