News good and bad

First, the good ... Director David Cronenberg told MTV News that he is moving forward with a sequel to his superb 2007 film Eastern Promises. DO NOT follow the link if you have not seen the film, as it reveals a crucial plot twist. Without giving it away, the ending made the movie—though it was satisfying on its own—feel like a small part of a much larger story. When it was over, I wanted to see more of Viggo Mortensen's Nikolai and the Russian gangsters operating in London's underworld. Viggo and Cronenberg will have their hands full trying to top Eastern Promises, but given that they have made not one but two excellent films together (see also: A History of Violence), I think they will be up to the task.




Now for the downer ... Actor/musician Andy Hallett, best known as the green-skinned, karaoke-singing demon Lorne on the TV series Angel, died Sunday, of congestive heart failure at the age of 33. Apparently, he had been suffering from heart problems for the past five years, problems so severe that they had virtually ended his acting career. Andy was always such a warm presence on Angel, a show that went to some awfully dark places. He was far from a household name, but he had many fans (I'm one of them), who I'm sure are sending their thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

R.I.P.

Andy Hallett

1975-2009