Sleepy Hollow S3- A Mystery Fans Can't Wait To Uncover

      (Photos courtesy FOX Network)

It's only 18 days, 10 hours and 20 minutes until the big Season 3 reboot premiere of Sleepy Hollow, but who's counting? Like all Sleepyheads, I gleefully take each little crumb FOX has slowly been

leaving, like a trail leading to something you just know is going to be exactly what you've been waiting for.  It's been a very long hiatus, after an extremely tumultuous season two, and while I am very optimistic about the new season, many Sleepyheads are wary about the numerous changes made. Personally, I think the changes are a positive thing that was necessary to bring the show back to it's former Season one glory.

The Sleepyhead fandom is a very passionate one, fierce and vocal so it wasn't that much of a surprise that we ranked eighth in Neilsen Ratings analysis of the most influential fandoms on social media. There are a slew of fans who support Sleepy Hollow, showing the love via Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram and various blogs.

On twitter conversations among Sleepyheads have run rampant since day one as to Ichabod and Abbie's romance because anyone can see their chemistry explodes off the screen!  Fans relish each touch, glance and hug as we attempt to dissect the meaning behind each moment, as well as their true feelings for each other. There are debates galore on twitter and tumblr- will they or won't they? How much will we get this season? Will it be a slow burn or will they get them together by the end of the season? What happens if they don't get together and there's not a season four?  The list goes on and on.

When asked about the relationship during their panel at DragonCon this past weekend, Tom and Nicole claim it's purely platonic/works better being good friends.  Let me remind you of something Henry Parrish (John Noble) said in 'The Golem', "A good puzzle misleads you, it sends you in one direction, it fools you into thinking you know what's going on. But once you discover the trick, you see there's often a hidden meaning."  And let me further quote what the Succubus said to Ichabod, from one of my favorite episodes, 'Heartless', "I sense your desire, it burns strong though you try so hard to hide it."  I asked the writer that penned this episode, Albert Kim if the siren meant Ichabod's feelings for Abbie.  He answered, "If you like".  A little confirmation?? All I know, is that Ichabod and Abbie together are the show. One cannot survive without the other- that's the bottom line.  They are the only two that can go through their Mission, much like Mulder and Scully on the XFiles. Ultimately, though we may have to endure each having other relationships, Ichabod and Abbie are the only ones who can be completely honest about everything due to the special bond and destiny they share. We'll have to tune in to see what's in store but I say Ichabbie Forever!

Of course you can't have a conversation about Ichabod without talking about the loss of his infamous long hair this season!  I'll be honest with you, I was upset.  I love Tom Mison in that wig, I mean he is "Super Hot Jesus" after all!  However, the photos we've seen of his new shorter locks has me convinced that I, along with Tom, can now live without the wig! Not only has Ichabod's new look been fodder for speculation, but the biggest has been about Abbie's! As photos slowly began trickling out, we kept seeing Tom (which we don't mind), but Sleepyheads worldwide cheered Thursday when we finally got the money shot!  A solo picture of Abbie with her new FBI Agent look and can I just say our girl looks amazing!

I think the year-long separation has been a much-needed one for Ichabod and Abbie to move forward to the next chapter.  So what is the next chapter you ask?

*SPOILER ALERT*

In the season premiere, called "I, Witness", we learn that Ichabod and Abbie have been apart from each other for about a year, apparently without any contact. Both have gone through changes of their own, I think really trying to find themselves, where they fit in and how to move forward.  Abbie's decision to complete training at Quantico was something I believe she really needed to do after everything that happened. What I'm finding tough to believe, is that after all Ichabod and Abbie have been through, mean to each other, Ichabod would just take off without leaving a note or saying anything.  Apparently he's gone back to his roots to England (I would give anything to see Crane on a Plane), and returns, although nothing has been confirmed, could he be teaching at the University? If so, I can just hear his students calling him "Professor Crane", which is immediately reminiscent of Indiana Jones and all the girls drooling over him with dreamy eyes!  At any rate, I'm sure by now he's got himself a real job, like a real boy (insert Pinocchio reference here "little wooden puppet boy"), it appears as though he has a new pad as well. I think this season Ichabod Crane will be a mix of Indiana Jones meets Remington Steele meets Inspector Clouseau, at least that's my assessment!

Abbie returns to Sleepy Hollow where her ex-lover, Special Agent Daniel Reynolds, is now in charge and her boss.  Not sure how I feel about this, but I will say that it's nice to see Lance Gross working with Nicole.  He'll bring a very interesting dynamic into the equation and I'm wondering if he'll be clued in as to Abbie's Witness duties or will be in the dark, like Sheriff Reyes was? I sort of picture him eventually being like A.D. Skinner on the XFiles, who was sucked in with the Cigarette Smoking Man but was always on Mulder and Scully's side.  We'll see if that's how he'll fit into the mix.  

This season focus is shifted back to Ichabod and Abbie, their Mission at hand- the Second Tribulation.  What is the Second Tribulation?  In the Book of Revelations, the two Witnesses are brought back, revealed as the Antichrist goes into the temple in Jerusalem.  There are great earthquakes, worldwide economic collapse, famine, war, numerous diseases spread that causes widespread illness and death. Wow! Sounds like stuff that's going on in our world today- funny how fiction sometimes mimics reality! It's pretty heavy that's for sure.  So what is the infamous "twistory" our evil geniuses (aka) Sleepy Hollow writers have conjured? This is what we know so far...

Pandora, played by Wayward Pines' Shannyn Sossman, seeks Ichabod and Abbie's help after a jar is accidentally opened.  One can just imagine what is let out of Pandora's jar and if this woman is who she says she is.  Will they be able to put whatever evil that crept out of the jar, back?  Will those who escaped from Purgatory last season play into any of this?  We'll have to wait and see.

Another sort of time shift are the flashbacks to Ichabod and Betsy Ross (Nikki Reed), presumably to learn exactly when and how George Washington's spy ring was created, how she fit in and what really went on.  

In the timeline of Ichabod's life that we know, Betsy Ross was his girlfriend before he met Katrina and was eluded to a couple of times over the past two seasons.  I'm anxious to see the writer's take on Betsy Ross.  For some reason I've always pictured her as an older woman, but a leader among the women of the Revolution.  I think adding Reed to the cast is a smart move to hopefully reel in a new audience, as she has quite a following thanks to the Twilight Saga.  For those who may not know, she played Rosalie Cullen, Edward Cullen's sister in the saga.  

According to an interview with Michael Ausiello, there are several people from Sleepy Hollow we'll meet this season, including Susan James (Charlene Amoia) who seems to be conducting her own investigation into a conspiracy involving her office.  She'll be introduced in the season premiere.

Of course everyone is aware that fan favorite Joe Corbin (Zach Appleman) is back in town, ready to pick up where his father, Sheriff Corbin left off.  I think this is another smart move.  Many Sleepyheads said last season it would make sense to have Joe join Team Witness because he's from Sleepy Hollow, has ties to Abbie and Jenny, as well as is the late Sheriff's son.  He'll be a great addition to Team Witness and I'm anxious to see how he'll work with Jenny too.  I believe Jenny and Joe will help our dynamic duo in whatever they need to acquire.  Several of us have also speculated as to whether or not we'll see more about what Jenny was doing for Sheriff Corbin, what she was gathering for him.  I think with Joe in town, we'll finally learn more about that.

The news I think fans are most excited about is the big crossover event set to air October 29, where Sleepy Hollow meets Bones.  Apparently it's been six months since Brennan and Booth went their separate ways. Booth got a job as an instructor at Quantico, which is where Abbie meets him. She needs Brennan's advice on an 18th century case using 21st century technology, so seeks their help. I wonder what Brennan will say when she learns Ichabod is a time traveler from 1781?  Will she believe it?  Will Abbie talk to Brennen about being in a relationship with Booth while working together? I hope so! Filming of this episode began this week.  

Friday, September 11, production took over Lawrenceville Square as they filmed the Halloween episode.  As previously reported, the episode involves a legion of undead solders who come back to finish what they started!  Sleepyhead @zed_pm tweeted out this picture of the location.

Sleepy Hollow would not be Sleepy Hollow without the creatures and monsters conjured by our writers, then created by makeup genius Corey Costellano.  So what's in store for Season 3?  Since it's been reported there will be no Headless Horseman, who is the new big bad?  I think there will be a plethora of baddies gunning for Ichabod and Abbie. including an army of British Soldiers who have risen from the dead!  I'm guessing Sleepy Hollow meets The Walking Dead?  According to EW, General Howe is leader of the Dragur, a legion of resurrected red coats "who are back to finish what they started 240 years ago!"

The writers also mentioned there would be fairies this season. However not the pretty, wholesome, good-natured fairy that left money under your pillow for a tooth!  Interestingly, this tooth fairy knows Ichabod and has played a part in sabotaging his Mission in both his past and present lives.  Why has Abyzou (fairy) been doing this and how will it affect the Mission now remains to be seen.

I think the creeper I'm most intrigued by, is how Jack the Ripper returns thanks to some type of demonic instrument that releases him (my guess is it's Pandora's jar)!  Everyone knows the story of the infamous serial killer Jack the Ripper, a name that emerged after a mysterious letter, supposedly from the killer, was sent to the media.  The string of unsolved murders of prostitutes working the streets of Whitechapel, England remains one of the greatest unsolved crimes in history! The gruesome way the Ripper killed these women, then disemboweled them is horrific. Will Ichabod and Abbie uncover who the Ripper is? Does he restart his diabolical rampage in Sleepy Hollow?  I can't wait to see this episode!

As the October 1st premiere date nears, fans are getting more excited than ever and expectations are high, especially after such a great weekend at DragonCon in Atlanta, Georgia. Though I wasn't able to attend, it was clear from social media that fans still love our Sleepy Hollow with a passion! Fans on hand for Tom Mison and Nicole Beharie's panel said it was incredible and those little Miharie (smush word for Tom and Nichole) moments like the fist pump (video courtesy Sleepyhead Brittney), sideways glances told us we have nothing to worry about.  Everyone that met them had nothing but good things to say, how amazing they are and yes, they really are incredible.                                                                                                                                                    

The titles of the first four episodes have been released: 

Season 3, Episode 1: "I, Witness"

Season 3, Episode 2: "Whispers In The Dark"

Season 3, Episode 3: "Blood and Fear"

Season 3, Episode 4: "The Sisters Mills"

Season 3, Episode 5:  title not released but it is the 

Sleepy Hollow-Bones crossover episode.  

Description: "Ichabod's old nemesis returns from the dead (General Howe), 

Ichabod and Abbie turn to Temperance Brennan and Seely Booth to unlock

 18th century secrets, using 21st century technology." 

The one thing fans are waiting for is an actual S3 promo! I have a feeling it's coming Sleepyheads...hang in there a little longer!  FOX also announced Friday that the cast and Executive Producers will be at the New York Comic Con this year, panel is set for Oct. 11.  I'm thinking we may just get to screen a new episode?? I hope so!!  Check out the NYCC website for details and schedules.

All in all Season 3 is shaping up to be a fun, thrilling, suspenseful and revealing one! Don't miss a moment of Sleepy Hollow, beginning Oct 1, Thursdays, 9 p.m. on FOX!

*Season 2 DVD/BluRay is out Tuesday, September 15, so don't forget to pick up your copy today. 
You can order an advance copy at Amazon or Target.  Then join us on twitter September 19 at 8pET for our S2 DVD Party!  We'll have 1 hour of Sleepy Trivia for prizes, then watch Heartless, Mama, the deleted scenes and gag reel from the DVD!

*Be sure to set a reminder to be sent to  your devices via FOX Calendar

*Check out the Sleepy Hollow Addicts website for all the pics and stories from DragonCon, as well as exclusive Ichabbie videos and interviews by SHA.

*Sleepy Hollow Addicts Blogtalk Radio show returns Oct. 2 at 10pET- join me as we dissect the S3 premiere and look to what's coming this season!

*Catch up on Sleepy Hollow via Hulu or FOX website

TV Press Release: Marvel's 'Agents of Shield' Releases Soundtrack

One of the biggest shows on ABC television is Marvel's Agents of Shield, as viewers embrace anything involving heroes saving the day.  The creative genius behind this series, as well as the string of blockbuster flicks, Marvel's The Avengers, Joss Weidon, has also been a part of the collaborative team

responsible for the soundtrack.  Working with Emmy Award winner Bear McCreary (Outlander, The Walking Dead), the CD is set to be released Oct 9, 2015, however a digital album is available now wherever music is sold.  

“I’ve always adored superheroes and their musical fanfares,” said McCreary. “Collaborating with Marvel, Joss Whedon and his creative team is truly a dream come true.  Together, we craft a score each week that I hope measures up to the insanely high standards of Marvel fans around the world.” 

 

“The first season of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was the most ambitious season of television I have ever been involved in. The sheer scope of this project was daunting: to score 22 episodes in 22 unique orchestral sessions, with orchestras ranging from 55 to 95 players, at the best sound stages in Los Angeles, with each episode requiring minimally 30 minutes of score!”

Included on the soundtrack are some of Marvel and McCreary’s favorite cues, including the main title theme, "Aftermath of the Uprising" and "0-8-4," and “Cello Concerto” from the episode “The Only Light in the Darkness,” an episode that centered around Coulson’s ex-girlfriend, a cellist.

“My musical fascination with Coulson’s ex began in Episode 11 [The Magical Place]. There was a scene where Raina mentions The Cellist to Coulson and strikes a deep, emotional nerve,” said McCreary. “I was thrilled as I read the script for ‘The Only Light in the Darkness’, realizing that the episode would not only provide a chance for me to expand the Cellist Theme, but that the character herself would actually play it on screen.”  McCreary worked closely with the actress who played The Cellist, Amy Acker, on set to make sure it appeared she was a cello virtuoso.

 

The episode ‘0-8-4’ blends grandiose orchestral writing with intense synths.  McCreary is also noted for his use of ethnic instrumentation in his scores.  He described, “this episode is almost entirely one giant action cue (or so it felt when I was writing it) so I relied on the heavy synths and pounding percussion to cut through the chaos during moments when the orchestra alone would be unable to compete with the sound design The South American setting of “0-8-4″ gave me an excuse to bring an ethnic component to the score.”

 

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. track list follows:

 

1.  "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Overture" 

2.  "Showdown at Union Station" 

3.  "0-8-4" 

4.  "Rocket Launch" 

5.  "The Obelisk" 

6.  "Aftermath of the Uprising" 

7.  "Gravitonium" 

8.  "Cal" 

9.  "Cello Concerto" 

10.  "Willing to Sacrifice" 

11.  "Alien DNA" 

12.  "FZZT" 

13.  "Garrett" 

14.  "Hail Hydra" 

15.  "Helicopter Rescue"

16.  "Terrigen Crystals" 

17.  "The Big Bang" 

18.  "The Rising Tide" 

 

Written by Bear McCreary, Steven Kaplan

Album Produced by Joe Augustine & Bear McCreary

Score Produced by Bear McCreary & Steve Kaplan

 

About Bear McCreary

His out-of-the-box thinking led WIRED Magazine to call Bear McCreary a “Secret Weapon.”  His unique combination of atypical instrumental background (he is a professional accordionist) with rigorous classical training prepared him to compose for disparate genres.  By the age of 24, McCreary was launched into pop culture history with his groundbreaking score to Syfy’s hit series Battlestar Galactica, for which he composed “the most innovative music on TV today” (Variety). It “fits the action so perfectly, it’s almost devastating: a sci-fi score like no other” (NPR).  Io9.com declared Bear McCreary one of the Ten Best Science Fiction Composers of all time, listing him alongside legends John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith and Bernard Herrmann.  In addition to earning his first Emmy® Award in 2013, McCreary was voted “Composers’ Choice Composer of the Year – Television” for 2013 by his peers in ASCAP, the first award of its kind.

 

An Emmy® Award winner for Da Vinci’s Demons McCreary also composes for The Walking Dead (which shattered records with 17.3 million viewers for its fifth season debut), STARZ’s debut series Outlander (for Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore who he previously worked with on (Battlestar Galactica), Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.—the #1 series debut of the 2013 fall season, the STARZ series Black Sail, the Syfy series Defiance, and the feature films Angry Video Game Nerd: The Movie, Everly and Europa Report.  McCreary recently earned his fourth Emmy nomination, his first for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Drama), with Outlander.

 

 

About "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."

 

Joss Whedon, the creative genius behind the feature film “Marvel’s The Avengers,” one of the highest grossing films of all time, and the iconic television series “Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” has co-created “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” a dynamic, action-packed one-hour drama that brings back Agent Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) to lead a team of highly skilled agents to investigate extra-normal and super human people and events worldwide.

 

“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” stars Clark Gregg as Director Phil Coulson, Ming-Na Wen as Agent Melinda May, Brett Dalton as Grant Ward, Chloe Bennet as Agent Daisy Johnson, Iain De Caestecker as Agent Leo Fitz, Elizabeth Henstridge as Agent Jemma Simmons, Adrianne Palicki as Agent Bobbi Morse, Nick Blood as Agent Lance Hunter, Henry Simmons as Alphonso "Mack" Mackenzie and Luke Mitchell as Lincoln Campbell.

 

“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” Marvel’s first television series, was co-created by Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon & Maurissa Tancharoen (“Dollhouse,” “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog”), who also serve as executive producers along with Jeph Loeb (“Marvel's Daredevil,” “Lost,” “Marvel's Agent Carter”) and Jeffrey Bell (“Angel,” “Alias”). “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” is produced by ABC Studios and Marvel Television, and is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound.

 

The third season of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. premieres on September 29^th at 9/8c on ABC. The digital soundtrack is available at digital retailers today and the physical album will be available wherever music is sold on October 9, 2015.

*Press release by ABC Network, September 9, 2015

Movie Review: M. Night Shyamalan's 'The Visit'- A Fun Thrillride Worth Taking

I remember when I was little, it was so exciting to go to grandma and grandpa's for the weekend. They were the quintessential Italian grandparents, always there with amazing homemade Italian food, bread to feed the fishes in the pond out back and would give us treats we normally wouldn't get at home.  Remember that warm, loving, safe feeling?  All I can say is this one trip down memory lane you may not want to remember!

The Visit, the latest grim tale from award-winning writer/director/producer M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Signs, Unbreakable) and producer Jason Blum (Paranormal Activity, Insidious series, The Purge), is set to be released in theaters nationwide September 11.  Tonight I had the privilege of watching an advance screening in Seattle and I give it a big thumbs up!  Before I delve into my review, just take a moment to peruse these three simple rules...then be afraid! Be very, very afraid!

 Grandma's rules might just send you over the edge: 

1. Have a great time

2. Eat as much as you want

3. Don't leave your room after 9:30 p.m. 

I'll reiterate...PLEASE do not leave your room after 9:30 p.m.!  

If you want to see a fun, psychologically jarring, suspenseful movie just in time for the Halloween season, this is it!  I characterize it as Psycho meets Paranormal Activity meets Blair Witch Project meets Twilight Zone.

The Premise:

A single mom (Kathryn Hahn) estranged from her parents, finally allows her aspiring director 15 year old daughter Becca (Olivia DeJonge) and hipster 13 year old son Tyler (Ed Oxenbould), to visit grandma and grandpa for the first time. Being a budding young filmmaker, Becca decides to make a documentary of the trip, as well as attempt to uncover the real reason behind her mother's abrupt departure from home at the age of nineteen, refusing to return or maintain contact with her parents again.  As the story unfolds, we learn why Becca and Tyler have some quirks of their own and the reasons behind their divided feelings about their father, who left his family for another woman. Needless to say, the underlying drama allows the audience to connect to the characters on an emotional level and actually care about them.

The cinematography of the landscape and the centuries old, sprawling farm house in the middle of nowhere pulls the audience in, to not only visually see the isolation but also feel it.  No Internet, no cell phone reception, no television.  The only link to the outside world is via brief Skype conversations with their mother while on a week-long cruise with her boyfriend.  I couldn't do it! I admit I'm addicted to my phone and the Internet! LOL

Of course upon laying eyes on the remote location you just know something creepy is going to happen! What would you do if grandparents you never met before had some strange, macabre and disturbing behavior once the sun goes down? Is it because they're old, have dementia or is there something more sinister to it? In true classic Shyamalan form, he strings you along like a puppeteer as some unsettling, frightening and dark behavior from Nana (Deanna Dunagan) and Pop Pop (Peter McRobbie) immediately emerge in the dead of night!

It has a real Blair Witch Project type feel as Becca and Tyler shoot the documentary, which at times we see from their point of view.  Obviously Blum's fingerprints are all over, reminiscent of Paranormal Activity upon the idea to covertly capture what's going on after 10:00 p.m. What ensues will send chills up your spine!

I'd say DeJonge and Oxenbould really stole the show.  They were fantastic, doling out humor throughout the film, then just the right amount of fear so it wasn't over-the-top (though Nana and Pop Pop are at times) and make the audience want to join their journey to uncover the truth. Though there are typical pop up scares, the one that got me the most was the bedroom scene between Becca and Nana.  I don't want to spoil it for you, but might I suggest sleeping with the lights on when you get home?

All in all, I'd say compared to my number one and two Shyamalan favorites The Sixth Sense and Signs, for me The Visit ranks in the number three spot with an A-.  I liked it enough that I really want to see it again and movie goers who love mystery-thrillers, mixed with humor and a twist on the side, will leave the theater feeling like they've just been on an emotional roller-coaster ride!

The Visit will be released by Universal Pictures nationwide September 11, 2015.  Be sure to follow The Visit on Facebook, Twitter, use #TheVisitMovie and check out the website for more information about the film.
 

Project UROK's Founder Jenny Jaffe Hopes To Help Those Struggling w/Mental Illness

Jenny Jaffe, founder of 'Project UR OK' has a mission to help teens and young adults who may be dealing with mental health issues.  Jaffe is a bright light, casting a ray of hope to those afflicted with mental illness who may feel alone or like no one understands what they are going through.  Not only has Jaffe created an incredible online community, but well-known celebrities also dealing with various issues have come forward to bring awareness to this cause.

Project UR OK invites people to anonymously write or post a video about their experiences or what they are going through. The goal is to let those dealing with mental health issues know they are not alone, there are a ton of every day, ordinary people also going through the same things. This is a safe place to meet others, to gather information, as well as access resources. 

Jaffe is no stranger to mental health issues, having struggled with depression and thoughts of suicide at a very young age.  She felt sad, had high-levels of anxiety, felt helpless with no desire or energy to do the things most kids her age did.  Though she and her family had no explanation as to why she was feeling this way, after finally going to the doctor, she was diagnosed with severe depression, OCD, and anxiety.  Over the years different combinations of medications affected her ability to function, however now she feels back in control of her life, her destiny.     

Sadly this is the case with a lot of teens and young adults in America today, as pressures from peers and family mount, anxiety or thoughts of suicide are occurring at an unprecedented rate.  The National Center for Children of Poverty reports that 20% of adolescents have diagnosis of mental health issues and 20-30% of those adolescents will have an episode of depression before they reach adulthood.  An alarming 50-75% of adolescents develop anxiety disorders or attention-deficit disorder and suicide is ranked as third for teens and young adults.  Incredibly, 500,000 to one million young adults, ages 15-24 attempt suicide each year (that we know is reported). It's staggering to think of how many young people feel they are alone and no one cares.  

Another key issue surrounding mental health, is actually getting help.  In a system where the almighty dollar is king, insurance reigns and mental health care professionals are inundated, it's an uphill battle to gain quality treatment or counseling.  Luckily for Jaffe, she got the help she needed via medication and has spent most of her life in counseling. Now she wants to be a resource, as well as a voice for young people afflicted with mental health issues. 

Jaffe talks about her own experience, at the age of ten being suicidal.  Like other kids her age, she was scared to ask for help and felt the only way out was suicide.  In addition to this, she was afflicted with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) which is another type of mental illness.  It enhances anxiety, with preoccupation of danger or that something bad is going to happen.  Some have horrible images that pop in their minds no matter what they are doing and are unable to shake the feelings, they are in a sense obsessed or compulsive.  Having been on several types of medications, as well as counseling for most of her life, Jaffe encourages others to seek the help she's been so lucky to have. She talks about a time when she didn't even think she'd graduate from high school or have friends, a life.  She's literally been "through my own personal hell and back" and she wants other teens, young adults to know they can make it too.  

Not only has Jaffe struggled, but so has her sister Brooke who was also afflicted with severe depression. In her video, she talks about how much depression is "in your mind", meaning there is that little voice within, telling you life is horrible or you're a bad person, etc...  It has a way of permeating through your thought process, interrupting your concentration, making it almost impossible for you to accomplish anything.  She explains how she resisted getting help, or even admitting anything was wrong.  "It doesn't make you a weak person, in fact, it makes you stronger if you can get through it- trial by adversity."  This is typical, especially if you're independent.  I mean, who wants to admit they need help or might need someone? I'm very much like that myself, so I completely understand the need to handle whatever situation on your own. Jaffe and her sister Brooke are here to tell you it's okay to ask for help. It's okay to tell people what you're going through and it's okay to need them. While the first step is difficult, once you do, it'll feel like the world has been lifted off your shoulders. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. 

Jaffe decided it was important to reach out to some celebrities that might be willing to tell their own story dealing mental health issues. She was shocked at the amount of response she received and only validated her path with the project. On the Project UR OK site you'll find several well-known stars who share their experiences including Entertainment Reporter Perez Hilton, Wil Wheaton (Star Trek: The Next Generation) and Jake Plunkett (Manager, SNL) to name a few.  

Ultimately Jaffe hopes the site will become a safe haven for those struggling with various issues, who will feel comfortable talking about what they are going through, which will in turn help others.  Life is precious. It shouldn't be taken for granted, and the key is that no one can truly deal with the illness except you.  If you've ever heard that song by Wilson Phillips "Hold On", I love the lyrics which ring so true- "No one can change your life except for you.  Hold on for one more day, things will go your way, hold on for one more day."  Having dealt with my own depression over my lifetime, I can say without a doubt, things do get better but you have to reach out.

Please check out Project UROK, where you'll find a community of people who are struggling just like you.  There are tons of videos, blogs and resources.  Only you can change the course of your life.  

I love this video- Chris Hardwick (Founder of Nerdist.com & host of The Talking Dead), interrupted Wil Wheaton's testimonial for Project UROK.  

MOVIE NEWS: SEATTLE'S 'CINERAMA' SET TO LAUNCH FAN FILM SERIES

Movie goers in Seattle know one of the best theaters downtown is the historic Cinerama, which was recently renovated to ensure audiences has the most exhilarating experience.  Starting September 4 they are hosting the first-ever series of fan favorite classic flicks, giving die hard film fanatics a chance to watch classics on the big screen. 

The series will continue for two weeks, from September 4-17 and there are some really great iconic films on the list, including the following:

September 4

No Country for Old Men

Vertigo

The Big Lebowski

September 5

Forest Gump

Citizen Kane

Harry Potter & Prison of Azkaban

Inception

September 6

The Wizard of Oz

The Sound of Music

The GodFather

Spirited Away

American Graffiti

September 9

Pulp Fiction

September 10

Raiders of the Lost Ark

September 12

Blade Runner

September 13

Chinatown

September 16

Blue Velvet

September 17

Akira

For tickets, a complete list of featured films and times go to:

  Cinerama 

Next up: Everest (rated PG13), starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh Brolin, Jason Clarke, and John Hawkes, premieres September 18, with several different formats to choose from, including: 1st Week: 3D, Dolby Atmos, 2nd Week: 3D and 2D, Dolby Atmos. Everest is a docudrama, based on a true story of mountaineers who face the brutality of the famous peak.  

Coming October 2, is The Martian (not yet rated), tells the story of Astronaut Mark Watney, who is left behind, presumed dead after a fierce storm.  He finds himself a lone survivor in a hostile environment.  His goal is to signal Earth, to let them know he's alive!   

Buy advance tickets now Cinerama

truTV's 'IMPRACTICAL JOKERS LIVE' w/HOST HOWIE MANDEL CELEBRATES 100th EPISODE

Impractical Jokers is produced for truTV by NorthSouth Productions (Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta, Double Divas), with Charlie DeBevoise, Mark Hickman, Joe Gatto, James Murray, Brian Quinn, and Sal Vulcano serving as executive producers.  The series celebrated their 100th episode last night via first-ever LIVE punishment in New York City's South Street Seaport in front of hundreds of fans.  

Getting the crowd hyped up for the evening's festivities was the Jokers' trainer, highwire expert and Ringling Bros. Circus clown Bello Nock, best known as the "World's Greatest Dare Devil." With his signature foot-tall red hair, Bello walked the highwire first to demonstrate just how "easy" a challenge it would be for the Jokers to complete, much to delight of the masses waiting for the main event.

Hosted by Howie Mandel, Impractical Jokers stars Q, Murr, Joe and Sal made a grand entrance on a double-decker bus, then each gingerly walked a highwire five stories above the street, as thousands nervously watched the terrifying challenge to see who could walk the farthest.  Ultimately the goal was to raise the most money for their charity.  

The first to hit the highwire was Murr, who as fans familiar with a popular past episode know, has a strong aversion to heights. With his three best friends cheering him on and the crowd below chanting his name, Murr was able to make it about 9.7 ft. across the wire before falling off. 

Next up was Sal, who motivated himself by doing a little dance with his eyes closed before stepping onto the wire and making it an impressive 9.2 ft.

Then came Joe, wearing his always entertaining Captain Fat Belly costume, which he was forced to wear after being declared the “biggest loser” at the end of the 100th episode. Joe, who was the frontrunner voted by Impractical Jokers fans leading up to the live event as the most likely to walk the farthest, gave it his all and made it about 5 ft. across.

Last but not least was Q, who after a few false starts, was able to walk the full length of the tightrope using his own distinctive technique, to claim victory and win $50,000 for his favorite charity. The three remaining Jokers’ charities will each receive $10,000 donations.

As part of the live punishment special, GEICO gave fans the power to save one of the Jokers from having to walk the highwire first – and also the power to set the order of walkers. Launching the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 2, truTV and GEICO allowed fans to vote for the GEICO Save to #SAVEJOE, #SAVEMURR, #SAVEQ, or #SAVESAL via their social channels. The results were tallied in an online leaderboard at www.trutv.com/jokers100 and revealed on-air during the live punishment special. The lucky Joker who decided everyone’s fate was Q.

truTV partnered with FanDuel (www.fanduel.com,) the largest one-day fantasy sports operator, to each contribute $25,000 towards a $50,000 cash prize for the winning Joker’s beneficiary. The other three charities will each receive $10,000, provided by truTV. Sal walked for Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF); Joe for Daniel’s Music Foundation; Murr for theMake-A-Wish Foundation and Q for the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

*Be sure to check out truTV's website for more on upcoming events and shows: truTV 

*Follow truTV's YouTube Channel, Tumblr. 'like on Facebook, twitter, Connect anytime truTV Everywhere

STAR WARS: TARGET LAUNCHES 'FORCE FRIDAY'

#StarWars #ForceFriday #ShareTheForce is here!  TARGET just released the long-awaited line of ‘Force Awakens’ collectibles fans have been waiting for!  

If you're a die-hard fan like me, this is the day you've been waiting for! I can't tell you the amount of hours my brothers and I spent collecting all the figures when Episodes I, II and III came out.  Spending time in long lines at Toys R Us or Target, waiting for the doors to open at midnight to get those first exclusive collectibles. It's all part of the fun of being a Star Wars fan.  

Today, Target has a plethora of the most in-demand Star Wars collectibles.  Be sure to “Shop the Force” for the exclusive BB-8 droid from Hasbro, light sabers, LEGO® products and more.  As anticipation for the new movie rises, fans will get a glimpse of the new characters in Star Wars: The Force Awakens leading up to the Dec. 18 release.  A few of the collectibles unveiled by Target on Force Friday include:·        

*An exclusive, remote controlled BB-8 droid from Hasbro that moves and sounds just like it does in the film·         

*Bladebuilder compatible light sabers with lights and sounds at the push of a button and more than 100 combinations·         

*All-new and collectible Star Wars-themed Micro Machines and Battle Sets·      

*A LEGO® Star Wars First Order Special Forces TIE Fighter that lets you intercept and destroy the enemy

Check out the full gallery of collectibles released: Target

Target is kicking off Force Friday with midnight openings in 207 stores nationwide and will continue into Saturday, September 5 with family fun including out-of-this-world photo ops, giveaways and toy demos. Leading up to the film’s release, Target will continue to be the ultimate fan shopping destination with a designated in-store Star Wars shop offering hundreds of new and exciting licensed products across numerous categories including toys, apparel, grocery, housewares and exclusive items found only at Target and Target.com.

As part of a series of innovative activities leading up to the theatrical release of the new movie, Target also recently launched “Share the Force”, the first digital collection of Star Wars memories.  The collection, which includes celebrity fans Minka Kelly, Chris Hardwick and Bobby Moynihan, will go on to be archived at Lucasfilm – becoming an everlasting example of how we’re all connected by the force.  

So get in line for some amazing new collectibles only released by Target!