Elementary 2012 - Fall Preview

American broadcaster CBS released a sneak peak trailer earlier this month for the latest adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes franchise staring Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu.

'Elementary' is a new modern day drama which shows much likeness to the popular BBC drama 'Sherlock' which is set in Modern day Britain but featuring Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. However 'Elementary' is set in a modern day New York and stars popular movie actress Lucy Liu who is perhaps most famous for her role in the Charlie's Angels films. Lui is cast as a female version of John Watson, Sherlock's ever present 'Side-Kick' in the popular novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Liu's character is aptly named Dr. Joan Watson and is supporting popular British actor Jonny Lee Miller as the lead character 'Sherlock Holmes'.

Miller has worked with Benedict Cumberbatch, star of the British BBC drama 'Sherlock' previously in the National Theatre stage production of Mary Shelly's 'Frankenstein'. In which they swapped roles each night, they both were awarded and 'Oliver' award this year for their roles in the production.

The trailer presents a darker and more American take on the popular franchise however what was perhaps significant was that they ensured that Miller's English accent was still present in the series. The trailer shows how the series is similar to that of American detective shows such as NCIS and CSI which makes me believe that this series will become a hit in America where it is due to show in the fall and in England and surrounding countries.

The trailer shows a behind the scenes take on the show and features interviews with directors and the leading actors and actresses giving an insight into the show. Compared to the popular BBC series the costume's Sherlock is adorned in doesnt seem to live up to those worn by Cumberbatch, however I might be just biased in my views.

'Elementary' is sure to be a hit in both England and America so make sure you check out the trailer now and tell me what you think!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrDVSxNycKc

Oliver Awards 2012 - The Winners

Many famous English Actors and Actresses adorned the Red Carpet last night at the Royal Opera House for the 2012 Oliver Awards.

Many famous faces including Celia Imrie, Barbara Windsor, Jonny Lee Miller and James McAvoy attended the awards last night. However they were somewhat overshadowed by four young girls who stole the show by winning Seven Awards for their roles in 'Matilda the Musical'.

Best Actor was won by Jonny Lee Miller and Benedict Cumberbatch for their roles in the National Theatre Production 'Frankenstein' which is to be shown in selected Vue and Picture House cinemas later this year due to popular demand. Unfortunately Cumberbatch could not be there to claim his award with Miller as he is currently in LA filming the latest edition of Star Trek.

Best Actress was won by Ruth Wilson for Anna Christie at the Donmar Warehouse. This is the second consecutive win for Wilson who won the award for her performance in A Streetcar Named Desire at the Donmar Warehouse in 2010. 

For more information on the winners and losers of the award show visit the website - http://www.olivierawards.com

Sherlock remake to be set in New York

American Broadcaster 'CBS' announced they plan to remake the popular BBC series 'Sherlock' which is based around Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novel's and short stories on the detective Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. John Watson.

The CBS remake 'Elementary' is to be set in New York, Jonny Lee Miller is set to play the infamous Sherlock Holmes and the American Network have controversially announced that they have signed actress Lucy Liu to play the role of 'Joan Watson'.

CBS were criticised by their choice of the casting involving both lead parts in their new production.

Jonny Lee Miller was cast alongside Benedict Cumberbatch in the National Theatre stage production of Mary Shelly's novel 'Frankenstein'. Sue Vertue producer of the BBC 'Sherlock' added her thoughts to the casting of Miller telling the independent: "Let's hope their pilot script has stayed further away from our Sherlock than their casting choice."

Charlie's Angels star Lucy Liu was cast just last week as 'Joan Watson' who is a Former Surgeon who has lost her license and CBS were consequently criticised for changing John Watson's sex. One fan wrote "Dear Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, I am So very Sorry, and honestly, sir ashamed at the things we do in the name of profit." However Lucy Liu is not the first female Watson, CBS cast a female Watson in their 1987 pilot 'The Return of Sherlock Holmes'.

What made fan's perhaps most angry was the fact CBS wanted to remake 'Sherlock' in the first place, This is NOT the first time American production companies have remade UK television programmes.

The popular BBC television show 'The Office' which was written by Ricky Gervais and Steven Merchant in 2001-2003 was remade by NBC into 'The Office' which featured actors such as Steve Carell and is currently in it's eighth season proving very popular with American audiences.

MTV also adapted the popular teenage E4 television programme 'Skins' last year however it was later cancelled due to poor ratings and criticism over its sexual content featured in the programme and was argued to contain 'Child Pornography' as many of the actors were under the age of 18.