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By Michael Lopez

C'mon admit it. It's fun to see an actor branch out beyond his "comfort zone." For the past three years, we've seen Taylor Lautner do nothing but brood in the never-ending stream of Twilight flicks. But with this week's Abduction movie, he's getting to flex his action chops and he actually pulls it off rather well.

Granted Taylor has quite a competent cast to back him up. Abduction features the established talents of Sigourney Weaver, Harry Potter’s Jason Isaacs, and, one of our personal faves, Alfred Molina. It's also got a very skilled auteur in the director's seat, namely Boyz N The Hood’s John Singleton.

But the true star of this movie is Lautner, going through the motions of rage, fear, and sadness as he watches his world turn upside down. Taylor plays the role of Nathan Price, a seemingly normal teen who soon discovers he was "abducted" as a child.

Mixing a nice bit of mystery and suspense, Abduction lets the audience share in Nathan's confusion. After seeing his picture on a missing kids website, this seemingly all-American teen has to reevaluate his normal parents and the entire life he knew.

Was he really kidnapped? Are the people who raised him secretly evil? And could there be even more nefarious characters looking to get their hands on the secrets Nathan holds? That's the premise that sets this movie on a fast-paced adventure across speeding trains, massive explosions, and an epic grand finale at Pittsburgh's PNC Park.

Obviously we don't want to give too much away, other than to say that Abduction is a fun thriller that's sure to appeal to Twilight fans and action movie buffs alike. Sure Lautner is no Shakespearean thespian, but he does a great job beating up bad guys and could have a solid future in the shoot-em-up genre.

Bottom line: It's doubtful that you'll be adding Abduction to your DVD library anytime soon. But if you're looking to escape for 90 minutes (and love watching car chases and explosions), this is definitely a solid pick. Taylor's a likeable presence in this and so is his up-and-coming costar Lily Collins (who happens to be a rockstar's daughter).

Are you planning on watching Abduction? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Abduction, Alfred Molina, Blogger: Michael Lopez, John Singleton, Lily Collins, Movie Reviews, Movies & CineMás, Taylor Lautner, Twilight

By Michael Lopez

What do you do when you're dealing with a struggling new Law & Order series? Bring in Alana de la Garza. Adored by L & O fans for her four-year portrayal of assistant D.A. Connie Rubirosa, Alana is being brought back on board for the series spinoff Law & Order: Los Angeles.

In the final four seasons of the original Law & Order series, de la Rosa was highly praised for her Rubirosa character. Brilliant, tough and always willing to push a case to the limit, Connie built up quite a fan following. So much so that when word spread that she would be coming back for a spinoff, TV gossip sites were overwhelmed with positive feedback.

And right now, Law & Order: Los Angeles is in need of some good news. Since its premiere back in September, L & O: LA has had endured its share of shakeups. Original series stars Skeet Ulrich, Regina King and Megan Boone have already departed, and Alfred Molina’s character has undergone a major career change.

Execs are hoping Alana can help improve things. She’s already proven herself to be a hit with audiences and we all know she’s got great acting chops (de la Garza has taken home an Imagen and an ALMA Award for the role). Plus, creator Dick Wolf thinks she’ll make a great Angelino.

“Alana has a huge following and it will be interesting to follow her character as she comes to terms with Los Angeles justice,” he said.

Are you excited to see Alana come to Law & Order: L.A.? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Alana de la Garza, Alfred Molina, Hot Stuff, Law & Order, Law & Order: Los Angeles, Television

By Michael Lopez

What a nutty past few days in San Diego, eh? Thousands of peeps, wild costumes, and celebrities unveiling tasty tidbits about next year’s summer blockbusters. Fans are still debating what the “defining” moments of this year's Comic-Con were.

Was it the footage from the new “Green Lantern” movie? The extended “Tron: Legacy” trailer? Or that dude that dressed up like War Machine from “Iron Man 2”?!

Rather than stir up endless debate, we at Blogamole think it’d be more fun to zero in on the Top 5 Latino Moments! Here it is for your enjoyment…The good, the bad, and the geeky.

Guillermo Del Toro’s "Haunted Mansion" Movie
We already hyped this, but you have to admit that it was a true Comic-Con highlight! That Eddie Murphy “Haunted Mansion” movie was atrocious and in the gifted hands of Guillermo, this one has A LOT of potential. Besides, why should Johnny Depp’s ride have all the fun?

Robert Rodriguez’s Tease About "Predators 2"
Were we the only ones who predicted “Predators” would be a hit? It seems like the critical and commercial success of this summer underdog has taken some by surprise. Not us! And obviously not producer Robert Rodriguez, as he was dropping sequel hints all through Comic-Con. Could he even direct “Predators 2”? As he told IGN, “I don’t know…I think I have too many people wanting me to do ‘Sin City 2’ first!”

Alfred Molina Joins "Law & Order"
Ok, so we had to throw at least one TV teaser in here. Fresh off his bad guy appearance in “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” versatile Latino actor Alfred Molina will now be stepping into some “Law & Order” detective shoes. Not a bad move, seeing what a successful television franchise this is. And better yet, this new spinoff is set in LA!

"V"’s Morena Baccarin Goes Blonde?!
This is probably the most disappointing news we circled in on this year. Gorgeous Brazilian-born actress Morena Baccarin surprised everyone at the convention by showing up with platinum blonde tresses! We sure hope this has to do with her “V” character, because we LOVED her as a short-haired brunette!

Blanka From Street Fighter Was There!
Yes, we had to get at least one funny fan costume in here. So who better to represent Latinos than “Street Fighter II’s” Brazilian bad guy, Blanka?! We’ve got to admit, this little dude’s got the costume down perfect! Right up to the red dreads and torn shorts! Eat your heart out Hulk!

What was your favorite thing about Comic-Con 2010? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Alfred Molina, Celebrities, CineMas, comic-con, Guillermo del Toro, Morena Baccarin, Robert Rodriguez