News and Select Press Clippings (expand headline to read more)
(Series -- The Hub, Fri. Oct. 29, 8 p.m.)
By BRIAN LOWRY (link to article)
Filmed in Vancouver by Front Street Pictures and the Hatchery with Incendo Media. Executive producers, Dan Angel, Billy Brown, Harvey Kahn, Kim Arnott; co-executive producers, Jane Stine, Joan Waricha; supervising producer, Charles Lyall; director, Neill Fearnley; writers, Angel, Brown.
With: Bailee Madison, Connor Price, Alisen Down, Casey Dubois, David Orth.
As unlikely as the idea of a horror anthology for kids sounded, R.L. Stine's "Goosebumps" was a big hit for Fox Children's Network in the 1990s, and its former chief Margaret Loesch has dipped back into that spooky bag of tricks in her new gig running kids cable network the Hub. Graced with the specter of a particularly good "The Twilight Zone" about a malevolent doll named Talking Tina, "The Haunting Hour" toes the narrow line between being mildly scary without giving kids nightmares, and should provide an adrenalin jolt to Hasbro-Discovery's start-up co-venture.Little Lilly (Bailee Madison) is overjoyed when her life-sized doll, Lilly D., arrives -- her parents having seemingly indulged her every whim. Gradually, however, bad things begin to happen around the house, with Lilly insisting that the apparently lifeless doll with the big creepy eyes is responsible, not her.
Lilly's parents, of course, are having none of this excuse, but her brother (Connor Price) begins his own rather skeptical investigation, spilling over into a second half-hour in the two-part premiere.
Writer-producers Billy Brown and Dan Angel also adapted "Goosebumps," and with the help of director Neill Fearnley and a nifty performance by kid star Madison, they've delivered a nicely paced little exercise that taps into such a fundamental childhood fear -- that doll might actually be alive -- as to resonate with adults along with their kids.
Similarly themed shows (including a knockoff of "Tales From the Crypt") were all the rage years ago, and the concerns expressed at the time appear almost quaint in hindsight. After all, kids have always been drawn to such material, and at least the parameters of such a series (smartly premiering right before Halloween) reassures parents nobody's going to wind up decapitated.
Nevertheless, the Hub includes a viewer-disclaimer at the outset suggesting parents watch with their kids. And unlike so much of the programming aimed at tykes, this is one of those offerings where that small act of family bonding won't feel like a chore for either half of the equation.
Camera, Michael Balfry; production designer, James Hazell; editor, Lisa Jane Robison; music, John sereda, Paul Michael Thomas; casting, Stuart Aikins, Sean Cossey. 30 MIN.
- The Province: Feb 8th, 2007
A couple of favourite performances early on this season are delivered by Alison Down and Gabrielle Miller - one of the three Comer Gas regulars (along with Fred Ewaniuck and Nancy Robertson) - who show up on this program. Down once again delivers, with her portrayal of the deeply odd, slightly depressed, definitely displeased and unhappily displaced Sault Ste. Marie. When asked by fellow apartment dweller Nitk (Ewaniuck) what is wrong with her, she hisses, "My job, this place, Supernatural B.C." Miller also gives manic and highstrung a good workout as the cooped-up and very pregnant Bobbi. Her desperate pre-baby antics are punctuated with both humour and pathos - two things that successfully inhabit and bring plenty of colour to the dingy halls of Robson Arms.
Airing this weekend: Fine Living, some froth, a returning Canadian crime drama and one very fine Canadian TV movie. If that's not enough for you, then be aware that noted thespian Tom Cruise talks at length about himself, and hockey games abound.
The movie is The Life (Sunday, CTV, 9 p.m.) and it is grounded in the grim reality of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. But it's not really grim. In fact it's about documenting the darkness and, by doing so, transcending it. Nobody is going to call it cheerfully uplifting, but it sure is life-affirming.
It was inspired by the documentary Through a Blue Lens, a remarkable NFB film about a group of Vancouver policemen who began video-documenting the lives of people on their beat to create an educational tool for use in preventing drug use among young people.
Here, Arnie (Bruce Greenwood) and Tony (Brian Markinson) are two beat cops who know every ravaged face on Skid Row. They know the addicts and the dealers and they've seen all their demons. As the drama opens, another young woman seems to be lost to the world of drugs and prostitution. A teenage runaway, she methodically tears down the posters her parents put up to appeal for help in finding her. Her story is the spine of The Life. It's a matter of wondering if she disappears into the sea of lost souls, or is brought out of it before she sinks.
As Arnie and Tony move through the streets, alleys and bars, it is Arnie who decides that what he sees should be documented and not merely held inside his police-officer's brain. He begins recording people as they tell him how they succumbed to drugs, and became thieves and prostitutes. Some of Arnie's superiors don't like him documenting his beat. Some colleagues are suspicious. But the tactic works. School kids are stunned to hear the stories of people whose lives have been devastated by drugs.
In all of this, one story stands out. That's the story of Crystal, a hooker who clings to her so-called boyfriend and sells herself to buy drugs. It's a stunning performance from Alisen Down. In what is generally a low-key drama, she's obliged to articulate a life in hell, without overdoing it and unbalancing the story. A scene in which she talks to high-school students is simply devastating.
Directed by Lynne Stopkewich (Kissed) and written by Chris Haddock and Alan Di Fiore (Da Vinci's Inquest), The Life often feels like a variation on an episode of Da Vinci's Inquest. Many of the Da Vinci cast turn up. It doesn't have the quiet, elliptical quality of a Da Vinci episode but, like that show, it is about compassion.
REPORTER : John Doyle
SOURCE : The Globe and Mail (Canada)
COPYRIGHT : Copyright © 2004 The Globe and Mail (Canada)
EMAIL : jdoyle@globeandmail.ca
In the brief time since Alisen Down returned to Vancouver to continue her acting career she has made great progress. She recently picked up a Gemini Award (and a Leo) for Best Actress in a Guest Starring Role on Cold Squad and a Gemini nomination for a Guest Starring Role in Da Vinci’s Inquest.
She is currently working on the successful new NBC/Pax TV show Mysterious Ways as series regular Professor Declan Dunn.*
It has been an interesting journey for the 24 year-old actress with stops at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in California and the British American Dramatic Academy in Oxford. She has enjoyed roles on the stage in Hurley Burley and Death & The Maiden, as well leading roles in independent films, The Good Burn, Bad Money and Late Night Sessions.
Despite her recent success Alisen remains down to earth and passionate as ever about future challenges. Vancouver Lifestyles’ Jim Gordon sat down over coffee with Alisen and talked about her close-knit family, her craft and always remembering Langley, the place she grew up.
( * Editor Note: Correction - Miranda Fiegelsteen, Declan was played by Adrian Pasdar. )
How did it feel being nominated for a Gemini twice in the same category?
It was extremely overwhelming. For a long time I didn’t let it sink in because it was just very emotional for me.
What happened when you won?
I couldn’t stop shaking. When I got up to the podium I was just trying not to cry. But my mother was there to support me and it all became too much. I mean, I was extremely grateful to the Canadian TV industry for recognising my work and I felt truly honoured.
Tell us a secret about the acting industry.
Breathing. That’s one of the most important things I’ve learned.
What is your greatest memory of growing up in Langley?
Going down to the creeks and ravines when I was a kid. I would sit there and listen to music, do some writing. It was all so peaceful. I still go down there to this day whenever I can. I always will.
What makes you happiest?
I really enjoy the work I do and the variety is wonderful. I’m really enjoying the show I’m on now, Mysterious Ways. And I also love the time I spend with my family and friends, as well as my dogs and cats. I’m a big animal lover.
What is your greatest achievement?
It’s tough to say because of my age. I look at it more as still a work in progress. I’m very proud, though, of the fact that I’ve not let fears and restrictions bind me.
What is the best record ever made?
Anything by Dave Mathews.
What is your favourite movie?
That’s a tough one because I have a few. But I’d say The Princess Bride, Shine as well as The Big Blue and The Professional with Jean Reno.
What role would you love to do?
I hear someone is getting ready to do a movie on Sylvia Plath. That, I would love to do. And even though she was incredible in the role, I’d love to try and tackle Jennifer Jason Leigh’s role of Dorothy Parker in The Vicious Circle.
What book or movie deserves to be rediscovered?
The Prophet or maybe Catcher in the Rye. As for movies, a delightful comedy called Noises Off with Christopher Reeve and Carol Burnett.
What was the best thing about studying at Oxford?
Working with Ben Kingsley. His talent is overwhelming. I also loved going down to the little shops in the morning and getting a cup of tea and sitting outside enjoying the moment and the environment.
What was your first role?
In grade school I landed the lead role in the school play, but because another girl was sick on the day of the audition, she got to try out the next day. She ended up getting the lead role and I became one of the 7 dancers.
Was that early preparation for the fickleness of your business?
(laughs) Yeah, I guess you could say that.
What would you like to do besides acting?
I really want to learn how to play the violin.
Finally, what would you like for Christmas?
Some wonderful, quiet time with family and friends...and oh yeah, a microwave!
REPORTER: JIM GORDON
SOURCE: http://www.vancouverlifestyles.com/
COPYRIGHT: Copyright © 2001 Vancouver Lifestyles Magazine. All Rights Reserved
Born in a suburb of Vancouver, B.C, where the series has just begun production on its second season, Down has studied acting in both Los Angeles and England. Under the category of "It's a Small World," one of her acting classmates in L.A. was Zuleikha Robinson, who now stars on FOX's "The Lone Gunmen," along with Tom Braidwood, who was executive producer of the Canadian series "DaVinci's Inquest," on which Down appeared.
"We shoot on the same lot," says Down. "I had no idea. One day, there was a knock on my trailer door, and I opened it, and there she was. I almost fell over, because I hadn't seen her in four years. She's beautiful and talented, and she's got a good heart, so it was nice to see her working and doing well, on the very same lot I was on."
On "Mysterious Ways" -- which has run on both NBC and PAX (where it now airs Tuesday at 8 p.m. EST), and will likely return to NBC this summer -- Miranda is a physics graduate student who works as an assistant to anthropology Professor Declan Dunn (Adrian Pasdar), who takes time off to investigate miraculous phenomena, with the help of psychiatrist Peggy Fowler (Rae Dawn Chong).
The enigmatic Miranda has caught many fans' fancy. Staggeringly bright, but reticent about it, she favors a Goth fashion style and rides a motorcycle (with leather jacket and chaps).
"I love my chaps," Down admits. "I feel bad because they're leather, but I get into the chaps, and I'm like 'Whooo! I'm a woman now!'"
Although the handsome Pasdar tones down his looks on the show with stubble and rumpled clothing, questions have come up about any possible romances between Declan and either Peggy or Miranda.
Says Down, "I don't know that there's going to be any romance. Right now, there's a great friendship that Declan shares with Miranda, and there's a great friendship that Declan shares with Peggy. I honestly don't know what the writers have in store for them, but right now, where things are, the friendship level, is a good place."
"It would look strange if, all of a sudden, Declan and Peggy were holding hands down the street. It would be a very different show. It's good to have that mystery there."
What does Miranda think of the impulsive, enthusiastic Declan? "There's a deep respect for each other there, even if I think sometimes Miranda gets a little frustrated with Declan, because Declan's like, 'OK, then we gotta do this ... OK, and you're doing this.' Miranda's like, 'OK, but I have school.' I like the banter that they have and the chemistry. It's a unique relationship, and half the time, I don't know what to think of Declan, so that must translate into Miranda."
"I think Miranda sees Declan in the same way I see Adrian -- as a brother and a friend."
As with any sibling, patience is required. "She's very patient," says Down. "At the same time, with all of Declan's goofiness, he's a very wise soul. He's constantly asking questions, constantly saying, 'We have to look deeper than the surface here.' That makes a remarkable human being."
Down also disputes the notion Declan is a geek. "I disagree. I don't think it's geekiness at all. It is so special and wonderful. He's like, 'Hey, I love life, and I have questions that I want answers to, so I'm going to answer them.' But in society, we walk around with these questions, but rarely do we look for the answers, and rarely do we find them. We just go along and say, 'OK, I have a lot of questions, and I'll never get them answered.'"
"Well, why not? Some of them can be answered, and some do remain a mystery. But why not look beyond that to find out what that is?"
Declan investigates phenomena ranging from weird coincidences to bleeding church windows to after-death visitations. "It causes me to believe more," Down says of the show's subject matter. "I'm of the opinion that there's more out there than we perceive, and that we're stronger than we think we are as human beings."
"With each show, it solidifies that belief, and it really does awaken curiosity in me, that there is more out there, and strange things do happen, but they can be good."
Can Miranda be a role model for girls interested in science? "The word 'role model' really scares me," says Down. "Miranda can be looked at for what you can do when you have determination. Miranda's a very strong, courageous woman. She's young, she does fall into things and follow her heart, and it's great that she's not embarrassed to be smart. How can you be embarrassed to be who you are? Who you are is so beautiful, no matter who you are."
Miranda spends a lot of time preventing Declan from causing disasters, and apparently that's often Down's job as well. "Adrian's really clumsy," she says. "He'll be playing with a prop, and I'll be like, 'I'll just take that away, and maybe I'll put it over here.' He was playing with a sharp thing one time, and I'm like, 'Adrian, don't play with that. What are you doing?' He's like, 'What? I can play with it.' And of course, he cut himself. I said, 'See, that's why I said not to play with it.'"
REPORTER: Kate O'Hare
SOURCE: ZAP2it.com
