• Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail still has the number one spot locked down, grossing up to $65 mil in its second week. Meanwhile the Jonas Brothers 3D concert supposedly disappointed by coming in at #2 with $13 mil. I, personally, think that any amount of money made off of what should be a DVD-recorded concert is a win-win. Slumdog Millioniare shot up from the #5 spot to #3 with $115 mil after proving its worth and winning a substantial amount of Oscars, including best picture. It snatched the spot from Taken, shoving it to #4 with $108 mil. He's Just Not That Into You is starting its decline at #5 with $78 mil and Paul Blart in its 7th week actually moved up one spot to #6 with $128 mil, but Coraline freefell from #2 to #7 in its fourth week with $61mil. While its true that Shopaholic is already checking out at #9 after its 3rd week with $34 mil and Fired Up was doused at #10 in its second week with $10 mil, the real failure this weekend had to have been Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li, which debuted at #8 with less than $5 mil. Ouch! Retiring from the top 10 are Friday the 13th with $60 mil and The International with $21 mil. Unsurprisingly, the guys behind Friday are planning on pulling a Saw and continue the saga since it debuted so well. However, it only lasted in the top 10 for 3 weeks, so it doesn't really seem like a wise choice.
• Megan Fox (Transformers) and William Moseley (Chronicles of Narnia) are rumored to be joining Paul Giamatti in the action adventure Ironclad. Set in 1215, it tells the story of a king who tries to nix the Magna Carta and rule England with an iron fist. "Barring his way stood the mighty Rochester castle, a place that would become the symbol of the rebel's momentous struggle for justice and freedom." This would be Moseley's first non-Narnia-related feature film role.
• Eddie Murphy has been tapped to play Richard Pryor in Bill Condon's (Dreamgirls) biopic, subtitled Is It Something I Said?
• I'm not quite sure why but Drew Barrymore is being considered to direct the third Twilight book, but I am intrigued. I've heard of stunt-casting, but honestly...stunt-hiring?
• Jim Carrey and Jake Gyllenhaal will team up to star in the musical Damn Yankees, which will be produced by the guys behind Hairspray. The play is about a "happily married middle-aged man whose devotion to a hapless pro baseball team prompts him to make a Faustian bargain with the devil to help the team." Satan turns him into the team's best hitter in exchange for his soul. The deadline for deciding whether or not he'll officially take the deal happens during the World Series. So he either loses the game or loses his soul. It's not an easy choice, especially when the devil sends Lola--as in "Whatever Lola wants/bum/bum bum/Lola gets"--to seduce him. Naturally, Carrey will play the devil and Gyllenhaal will play the slugger. I'm not too excited about the casting choices, but that Lola song better be done right, so whoever's chosen for the wily seductress better be incredible.
• Anton Yelchin--remember the name--never forget it. First he was hilarious in the underappreciated Charlie Bartlett. Then he was cast in not one, but two major blockbusters this summer, Star Trek and Terminator Salvation. And now the 20-year-old Russain ingenue is being considered for the title role of the Green Lantern. Granted Ryan Gosling and Emile Hirsch (who destroyed Speed Racer) passed on the role, but Yelchin has something about him that elevates any film. Unfortunately, critics are wary that he won't be able to pull off the character of a professional test pilot who becomes a cosmic superhero, especially since the character is supposed to be between 25-30. Honestly, he couldn't do any worse than Hirsch.
TV NEWS
• Brittany Snow returns to TV to play young Lily in the "Gossip Girl" spinoff. Oh if only Milo Ventimiglia were five years younger and not attached to "Heroes," he'd be a perfect young Rufus.
• "Reaper": Newcomer Armie Hammer will play the devil's favorite son.
• "Heroes": Matt's ex-wife returns and his baby has powers too.
• "Secret Life of an American Teenager": Amy gives birth on the season finale March 23rd!
• "Lost": If you remember the skeletons that were found hugging each other in a cave a few seasons ago, then you might start wondering if it could be one of the castaways as a result of all the time traveling. Who knows? They might even be Jack and Kate.
• Am I the only person who only found Christa Miller entertaining on the "Drew Carrey Show"? She's soooo annoying on "Scrubs," and now she's been cast as Courtney Cox's best friend in her upcoming ABC series "Cougar Town." And I was just getting used to that name. Busy Philipps ("Dawson's Creek") is also playing her bff, and Dan Byrd ("Aliens in America") will eventually leave "Heroes" as Sylar's sidekick to play Cox's son.
• Expect No Doubt's official reunion announcement to come in the form of a performance on "Gossip Girl."
• Two superstar spawns are beginning their Hollywood reign with jobs at the CW. David Cassidy's daughter Katie will play an up-and-coming publicist in the "Melrose Place" remodel, and Steven R. McQueen, grandson of the one and only, will play the outcast younger brother of the lead character in "Vampire Diaries."
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
MUSIC: New Black Eyed Peas: "Boom Boom"
Black Eyed Peas are reuniting for a new album called The E.N.D., which stands for The Energy Never Dies, that'll hit iTunes June 9th. The first track off the album, "Boom Boom," is back to "My Hump" basics with a little techno thrown in and an Indian snake charmer's beat. You can listen to it on Will.i.am's website Dipdive.com!
NEW IN THEATERS: Street Fighter, Jonas Bros, Crossing Over, & Echelon Conspiracy
If you have a secret passion for video game action movies, and/or the 1994 Jean Claude Van Damme Street Fighter didn't satisfy you, and/or you have a major crush on Lana from "Smallville," then you should go watch Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li. There's an ass-kicking Kristin Kreuk ("Smallville") playing an interpol agent named Chun-Li, who enters an underground fighting tournament to avenge her father's death. Her enemy is played by Neal McDonough (Edie's husband on "Desperate Housewives"), and the cast is rounded out by Robin Shou (Mortal Kombat: Annihilation), Chris Klein (Just Friends and American Dreamz), Moon Bloodgood ("Journeyman"), Michael Clarke Duncan (Green Mile), and Black Eyed Peas' rapper Taboo. You know an action movie is legitimate once they have their token rapper.
If you want to have your ear drums blown out by hoards of teenage girls, go watch the Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience. Prepare to dance, sing, mock, and, of course, be amazed. Just in case, the idea of watching a concert on a huge screen isn't enticing to you, you might be interested in learning that there's also a behind-the-scenes documentary sprinkled in between songs, not to mention cameos from pop sensations Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift. Perhaps you'll even catch the subtle beginnings of Taylor and Joe's now defunct relationship.
If you liked the illegal immigration plot of Crash, then you'll love Crossing Over. It covers the lengths to which people will go to stay in America, the strict laws that are implemented, the age ranges of immigrants who are deported unfairly, and the trouble that they get in to fit into American society. The best part isn't even that Harrison Ford, Ray Liotta, Ashley Judd, Jim Sturgess (21), and Alice Braga (I Am Legend) are starring. It's that it doesn't just cover the Mexican border. There are immigrants who are Asian, Indian, South African, British, Australian, etc. It's the melting pot boiling over.
If you liked Eagle Eye, then you might want to see Echelon Conspiracy. It's a suspense thriller about a cellphone (*cough* commercial *cough*) controlled by an NSA computer that--instead of throwing you into sudden panic by threatening your life and everyone you love at first--gives you orders that leads to survival (not dying in an airplane crash) and wealth (Vegas baby!). Unfortunately, whoever mysteriously gets this in the mail is eventually murdered...by the computer. Of course, there's a reason the recipient was chosen, which the government has to figure out. Edward Burns (27 Dresses) and Ving Rhames play the agents tracking Shane West ("ER"), and for some reason a badass version of Tamara Feldman (Natalie on "Dirty Sexy Money") is inserted between sex scenes.
If you want to have your ear drums blown out by hoards of teenage girls, go watch the Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience. Prepare to dance, sing, mock, and, of course, be amazed. Just in case, the idea of watching a concert on a huge screen isn't enticing to you, you might be interested in learning that there's also a behind-the-scenes documentary sprinkled in between songs, not to mention cameos from pop sensations Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift. Perhaps you'll even catch the subtle beginnings of Taylor and Joe's now defunct relationship.
If you liked the illegal immigration plot of Crash, then you'll love Crossing Over. It covers the lengths to which people will go to stay in America, the strict laws that are implemented, the age ranges of immigrants who are deported unfairly, and the trouble that they get in to fit into American society. The best part isn't even that Harrison Ford, Ray Liotta, Ashley Judd, Jim Sturgess (21), and Alice Braga (I Am Legend) are starring. It's that it doesn't just cover the Mexican border. There are immigrants who are Asian, Indian, South African, British, Australian, etc. It's the melting pot boiling over.
If you liked Eagle Eye, then you might want to see Echelon Conspiracy. It's a suspense thriller about a cellphone (*cough* commercial *cough*) controlled by an NSA computer that--instead of throwing you into sudden panic by threatening your life and everyone you love at first--gives you orders that leads to survival (not dying in an airplane crash) and wealth (Vegas baby!). Unfortunately, whoever mysteriously gets this in the mail is eventually murdered...by the computer. Of course, there's a reason the recipient was chosen, which the government has to figure out. Edward Burns (27 Dresses) and Ving Rhames play the agents tracking Shane West ("ER"), and for some reason a badass version of Tamara Feldman (Natalie on "Dirty Sexy Money") is inserted between sex scenes.
TV Topic: "Privileged" Season Finale
In every season of a series, characters evolve:
Megan started off as...a naive, boyfriend-less, aspiring journalist, who neglected her family and failed to reign in the materialistic twins she had to tutor.
Now...she's diligently working on a draft of her first book. She's a consistent role model to Sage and Rose. She's managed to develop a semi-healthy relationship with her sister and relinquish herself from daddy-babysitting duties. And most importantly, she not only has a boyfriend, but prospects for a new one. What's that? No, not the editor-in-chief of the magazine she masterminded—and yet was banned from joining—but the hot British guy she drunkenly slept with after Will dumped her. Way to evolve Megan! *shakes head in shame*
Sage started off as...a feisty and self-centered fame whore, who was so jealous of the budding bffness between Rose and Megan that she often plotted against her.
Now...she's curbed the sarcasm for self-analysis. She canned the Hollywood takeover, which was revealed to be her attempt at making enough money to care for her little sister without Laurel's charity, and opened herself to new possibilities. She lightened up on Megan, realizing she wasn't a threat. And she started dating Louise, who tamed the she-devil within and brought out the softer side of Sage. But most importantly, she developed a strong sense of self, choosing to dump Louise because of his homophobic religious qualms against Marco's pending gay marriage.
Rose started off as...a sweet pushover who trailed her big sis and had an overwhelming obsession with all things wealthy.
Now...she's on a quest to develop her own identity and become independent from all the people who think she's incapable of even dressing herself. She's also more selfless, always concerned about Megan getting along with her family and Sage getting the guy she wants. The new independence streak is a definite improvement.
Will started off as...an obnoxious playboy prick who thought he deserved some sort of standing ovation because he was trying to get photographer jobs without his wealthy father's influence.
Now...he's working his butt off to prove himself at his dad's magazine while struggling with the fact that he only got the job because the editor-in-chief was ordered to give it to him. He's falling in love with Megan and gradually (at molasses speeds) becoming a better person because of her. But he's also venturing into new territory with this whole monogamous situation, which is turning him into a bit of a jealousy monster. I guess Prince Charming can't be charming all the time.
I think all in all it wasn't a bad freshman season. I learned a lot about these folks. However, I can't say I'll miss all of them if they go. Will is wearing on me and Rose is awfully boring when she's being responsible. I want some more romance and journalism thrown in there. wink wink Robert Buckley wink wink!
One other note, before I close up shop, TV.com includes this in the season finale synopsis blurb: "Megan and Lily discover that Arthur is drinking again and that Shelby wants him to give her another chance." But that didn't happen in the episode...I think. All I remember is Megan saying that her father's not answering her phone calls. I would imagine that if that had happened, Megan would be frantic to stop him from taking that thieving bitch back. Oh well, maybe they added it to next season...assuming there will be one.
Megan started off as...a naive, boyfriend-less, aspiring journalist, who neglected her family and failed to reign in the materialistic twins she had to tutor.
Now...she's diligently working on a draft of her first book. She's a consistent role model to Sage and Rose. She's managed to develop a semi-healthy relationship with her sister and relinquish herself from daddy-babysitting duties. And most importantly, she not only has a boyfriend, but prospects for a new one. What's that? No, not the editor-in-chief of the magazine she masterminded—and yet was banned from joining—but the hot British guy she drunkenly slept with after Will dumped her. Way to evolve Megan! *shakes head in shame*
Sage started off as...a feisty and self-centered fame whore, who was so jealous of the budding bffness between Rose and Megan that she often plotted against her.
Now...she's curbed the sarcasm for self-analysis. She canned the Hollywood takeover, which was revealed to be her attempt at making enough money to care for her little sister without Laurel's charity, and opened herself to new possibilities. She lightened up on Megan, realizing she wasn't a threat. And she started dating Louise, who tamed the she-devil within and brought out the softer side of Sage. But most importantly, she developed a strong sense of self, choosing to dump Louise because of his homophobic religious qualms against Marco's pending gay marriage.
Rose started off as...a sweet pushover who trailed her big sis and had an overwhelming obsession with all things wealthy.
Now...she's on a quest to develop her own identity and become independent from all the people who think she's incapable of even dressing herself. She's also more selfless, always concerned about Megan getting along with her family and Sage getting the guy she wants. The new independence streak is a definite improvement.
Will started off as...an obnoxious playboy prick who thought he deserved some sort of standing ovation because he was trying to get photographer jobs without his wealthy father's influence.
Now...he's working his butt off to prove himself at his dad's magazine while struggling with the fact that he only got the job because the editor-in-chief was ordered to give it to him. He's falling in love with Megan and gradually (at molasses speeds) becoming a better person because of her. But he's also venturing into new territory with this whole monogamous situation, which is turning him into a bit of a jealousy monster. I guess Prince Charming can't be charming all the time.
I think all in all it wasn't a bad freshman season. I learned a lot about these folks. However, I can't say I'll miss all of them if they go. Will is wearing on me and Rose is awfully boring when she's being responsible. I want some more romance and journalism thrown in there. wink wink Robert Buckley wink wink!
One other note, before I close up shop, TV.com includes this in the season finale synopsis blurb: "Megan and Lily discover that Arthur is drinking again and that Shelby wants him to give her another chance." But that didn't happen in the episode...I think. All I remember is Megan saying that her father's not answering her phone calls. I would imagine that if that had happened, Megan would be frantic to stop him from taking that thieving bitch back. Oh well, maybe they added it to next season...assuming there will be one.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
BUZZ: Meredith's Brother on "Grey's," Death on "Lost," Rady in "Melrose Place," Wahlberg & Ferrell, and more
SPOILERS
• "Grey's Anatomy": There's a rumor that Meredith is getting a biracial 20-something brother next season, who is a product of her mother and the chief's affair. Maybe we'll get a hint from Christina's avid reading of her private journals.
• "Greek": Dale and Rusty might become roommates again, and Rebecca will pretend to have allegiance to one sorority (Franny's new regime?) while secretly in alliance with another (Casey's?).
• "90210": Sara Foster (The Big Bounce) was cast as Naomi's big (neglectful) sister.
• "Burn Notice": Adding to Michael's already mounting troubles, a Miami detective will soon start to investigate his true identity. I mean, the police must think its weird that some guy is going around doing their job for them...without a cape or spandex.
• "Prison Break": There's a rumor that the series finale will end with a flashforward of Michael and Sara living happily ever after with their child. What? You thought he was going to die?
• "The Mentalist": Patrick will be temporarily blind in one episode and it's said to be quite entertaining...as entertaining as blindness can be, of course.
• "Dollhouse": We will soon meet Alpha...without realizing it. Although, I'm assuming that whoever it is will not come into contact with anyone who has already met him and who doesn't get their memories wiped often, which means it can't be any of the clients, so that kind of narrows it down...unless he gets plastic surgery.
• "Lost": A semi-major character will die. It's been confirmed that Juliet is considered fully major, so it won't be her. Sonya Walger, who plays Penny, isn't though. Tear. She's even more likely to be the future deceased since she just scored the lead in a new ABC conspiracy theory series called "Flash Forward." However, the studio is claiming that she'll work both into her schedule. Also, the season finale will introduce two new characters: "Jason is a former soldier whose gravitas makes him a natural-born Pied Piper; and Samuel is a J.R. Ewing (minus the Stetson, accent, and drunk wife) whose day isn't complete without a corporate takeover."
NEW SHOWS
• It's official! "Lipstick Jungle" had its weeds whacked. Lindsay Price, who played the bubbly Victory, just signed on for ABC's newest drama "The Witches of Eastwick." Yeah, it's based on that 1987 film with Jack Nicholson, Susan Sarandon, Cher, and Michelle Pfeiffer. The plot is tweaked in that it'll follow three young witches who are coming into their powers. Lindsay will play "a hardworking, shy reporter for the local newspaper." Newcomer Jaime Ray Newman has also signed on. There's one more lead role to cast, and since Jaime is a brunette/red head, I'm guessing whoever it is will be blonde as the three-female-leads trend usually goes. In regards to Lindsay's previous series being canceled, to be fair, Lindsay has been quoted as saying that "Lipstick Jungle" still isn't dead, and that this new role is secondary. Um, ok.
• Could the "Dollhouse" be folding already? Amy Acker, who plays a scarred doctor on the series, just signed on for the small-town murder mystery "Happy Town," where she'll play Geoff Stults' ("October Road") wife. She isn't exactly a main character, but her story hasn't even been told yet...unless Alpha returns to finish her off. (She was the other survivor besides Echo in the massacre.)
• Michael Rady has been a hot commodity in Hollywood ever since he made his big screen debut in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants back in 2005. First he scored a role in CBS's racy "Swingtown," then he courted Casey in "Greek," and now he's the first to be cast in the CW's "Melrose Place" reboot. He'll "play Jonah Miller, a cute and quirky 25-year-old aspiring filmmaker who makes his living as a videographer of weddings and bar mitzvahs for the rich and famous after moving to Los Angeles with his fiancee a year ago." It's supposed to be a throwback to a former character named Billy, who was a struggling writer.
• Cole Hauser has a new gig following the cancellation of his FOX cop series "K-Ville." He'll play the lead in the CBS series "Washington Field," where an elite FBI team handles crises around the world.
FILM NEWS
• Samuel L. Jackson is officially Nicky Fury...as in, he signed on to play him for 9 Marvel comic films (Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America, The Avengers, etc.). So no matter what movie includes the character, he'll always be the Nick Fury. I wish they did that with all comic book characters. They're making Justice League now and Christian Bale and Brandon Routh won't be playing Batman and Superman. Super lame.
• Speaking of heroic figures, another comic book adaptation called Suicide Squad is in the works. It follows "a team of supervillains given one last shot at redemption by the government by accomplishing missions that will most likely kill them." I hope it won't be campy or tongue-in-cheek. I want to see some scary bastards doing these deeds.
• A Total Recall remake is in the works, which will continue to explore the underlying theme of reality vs. delusion...but, you know, with action.
• Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg are teaming up for a buddy cop action comedy called B Team. If there is a God, they'll figure out a way to work in "Say hello to your mother for me."
• I'm not sure what it means when they say Peter Baynham, the guy who writes for Borat and Bruno, has been tapped to write the Arthur remake with comedian Russell Brand (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) in the lead. Is it safe to say that chaos will ensue? If you don't recall, the story is about a "boozy playboy whose plan to marry into a moneyed family goes awry when he falls in love with a working class gal." I can't wait to see who they picked for the female lead. I hope it's someone who looks seemingly corruptible, like Anna Paquin ("True Blood").
• Ok, this last bit of news is completely irrelevant and not really my style, but there's a rumor that Zac Efron proposed to Vanessa Hudgens. The only reason why I'm reporting this is because I thought since they already graduated in High School Musical, there would thankfully never be another sequel (the second and third kind of sucked). But then earlier this week I realized they could actually make a fourth movie called High School Reunion Musical, and now...now I'm worried they might concoct some ungodly creation like High School Sweethearts Get Married Musical (or something like that). Please Zac, I know Vanessa doesn't have any, but please maintain some self-respect.
• "Grey's Anatomy": There's a rumor that Meredith is getting a biracial 20-something brother next season, who is a product of her mother and the chief's affair. Maybe we'll get a hint from Christina's avid reading of her private journals.
• "Greek": Dale and Rusty might become roommates again, and Rebecca will pretend to have allegiance to one sorority (Franny's new regime?) while secretly in alliance with another (Casey's?).
• "90210": Sara Foster (The Big Bounce) was cast as Naomi's big (neglectful) sister.
• "Burn Notice": Adding to Michael's already mounting troubles, a Miami detective will soon start to investigate his true identity. I mean, the police must think its weird that some guy is going around doing their job for them...without a cape or spandex.
• "Prison Break": There's a rumor that the series finale will end with a flashforward of Michael and Sara living happily ever after with their child. What? You thought he was going to die?
• "The Mentalist": Patrick will be temporarily blind in one episode and it's said to be quite entertaining...as entertaining as blindness can be, of course.
• "Dollhouse": We will soon meet Alpha...without realizing it. Although, I'm assuming that whoever it is will not come into contact with anyone who has already met him and who doesn't get their memories wiped often, which means it can't be any of the clients, so that kind of narrows it down...unless he gets plastic surgery.
• "Lost": A semi-major character will die. It's been confirmed that Juliet is considered fully major, so it won't be her. Sonya Walger, who plays Penny, isn't though. Tear. She's even more likely to be the future deceased since she just scored the lead in a new ABC conspiracy theory series called "Flash Forward." However, the studio is claiming that she'll work both into her schedule. Also, the season finale will introduce two new characters: "Jason is a former soldier whose gravitas makes him a natural-born Pied Piper; and Samuel is a J.R. Ewing (minus the Stetson, accent, and drunk wife) whose day isn't complete without a corporate takeover."
NEW SHOWS
• It's official! "Lipstick Jungle" had its weeds whacked. Lindsay Price, who played the bubbly Victory, just signed on for ABC's newest drama "The Witches of Eastwick." Yeah, it's based on that 1987 film with Jack Nicholson, Susan Sarandon, Cher, and Michelle Pfeiffer. The plot is tweaked in that it'll follow three young witches who are coming into their powers. Lindsay will play "a hardworking, shy reporter for the local newspaper." Newcomer Jaime Ray Newman has also signed on. There's one more lead role to cast, and since Jaime is a brunette/red head, I'm guessing whoever it is will be blonde as the three-female-leads trend usually goes. In regards to Lindsay's previous series being canceled, to be fair, Lindsay has been quoted as saying that "Lipstick Jungle" still isn't dead, and that this new role is secondary. Um, ok.
• Could the "Dollhouse" be folding already? Amy Acker, who plays a scarred doctor on the series, just signed on for the small-town murder mystery "Happy Town," where she'll play Geoff Stults' ("October Road") wife. She isn't exactly a main character, but her story hasn't even been told yet...unless Alpha returns to finish her off. (She was the other survivor besides Echo in the massacre.)
• Michael Rady has been a hot commodity in Hollywood ever since he made his big screen debut in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants back in 2005. First he scored a role in CBS's racy "Swingtown," then he courted Casey in "Greek," and now he's the first to be cast in the CW's "Melrose Place" reboot. He'll "play Jonah Miller, a cute and quirky 25-year-old aspiring filmmaker who makes his living as a videographer of weddings and bar mitzvahs for the rich and famous after moving to Los Angeles with his fiancee a year ago." It's supposed to be a throwback to a former character named Billy, who was a struggling writer.
• Cole Hauser has a new gig following the cancellation of his FOX cop series "K-Ville." He'll play the lead in the CBS series "Washington Field," where an elite FBI team handles crises around the world.
FILM NEWS
• Samuel L. Jackson is officially Nicky Fury...as in, he signed on to play him for 9 Marvel comic films (Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America, The Avengers, etc.). So no matter what movie includes the character, he'll always be the Nick Fury. I wish they did that with all comic book characters. They're making Justice League now and Christian Bale and Brandon Routh won't be playing Batman and Superman. Super lame.
• Speaking of heroic figures, another comic book adaptation called Suicide Squad is in the works. It follows "a team of supervillains given one last shot at redemption by the government by accomplishing missions that will most likely kill them." I hope it won't be campy or tongue-in-cheek. I want to see some scary bastards doing these deeds.
• A Total Recall remake is in the works, which will continue to explore the underlying theme of reality vs. delusion...but, you know, with action.
• Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg are teaming up for a buddy cop action comedy called B Team. If there is a God, they'll figure out a way to work in "Say hello to your mother for me."
• I'm not sure what it means when they say Peter Baynham, the guy who writes for Borat and Bruno, has been tapped to write the Arthur remake with comedian Russell Brand (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) in the lead. Is it safe to say that chaos will ensue? If you don't recall, the story is about a "boozy playboy whose plan to marry into a moneyed family goes awry when he falls in love with a working class gal." I can't wait to see who they picked for the female lead. I hope it's someone who looks seemingly corruptible, like Anna Paquin ("True Blood").
• Ok, this last bit of news is completely irrelevant and not really my style, but there's a rumor that Zac Efron proposed to Vanessa Hudgens. The only reason why I'm reporting this is because I thought since they already graduated in High School Musical, there would thankfully never be another sequel (the second and third kind of sucked). But then earlier this week I realized they could actually make a fourth movie called High School Reunion Musical, and now...now I'm worried they might concoct some ungodly creation like High School Sweethearts Get Married Musical (or something like that). Please Zac, I know Vanessa doesn't have any, but please maintain some self-respect.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
TRAILERS: Funny People, Fame, The Boat That Rocked, and Trucker
Fame: The musical remake is underway. Here's a sneak peak at the new cast with a few familiar faces, like Kay Panabaker ("Summerland"), Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (Camp Rock), and Walter Perez ("Friday Night Lights").
RELEASE DATE: September 25
Trucker: Michelle Monaghan (Eagle Eye) plays an untraditional mom who has to take care of her son now that his dad is dying from cancer. Slowly she learns to love herself by learning to love him.
The Boat That Rocked: In this comedy, Phillip Seymour Hoffman teams up with a couple of Brits (Bill Nighy, Gemma Arterton, Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh, and Nick Frost) to tell the story of a bunch of bachelors who run an illegal radio station on a boat in the 1960s. It looks pretty funny.
RELEASE DATE: April 3 (UK)
Funny People: Adam Sandler plays a terminally ill comedian--WAIT!!--who decides to take an aspiring comedian (Seth Rogen) under his wing so that he can form a genuine frienship before he goes. In the process, he realizes that he's not over the girl of his dreams (Leslie Mann from Knocked Up) who is married to a hot Australian (Eric Bana from Hulk) and has two kids. Just when you think it'll end sappy--despite all of the hilarious jokes within every miniclip--you learn that he gets a second chance at life and maybe even at love. Here are a few hilarious lines:
• "The one that got away: guy's have that...and serial killer's have that."--Adam on stage. I never thought of how disturbingly true that is.
• "You're hiding some Judaism."--Adam to Seth. "I don't think I can hide that. My face is circumsized." --Seth responds.
• "Her husband's going to kill us. He's from Australia. They kill things there."--Seth to Adam
• One of Seth's friends tell him that a candle near his dying grandfather's bedside flickered and they thought he went to heaven, and Jonah Hill responded, "You don't pass through fire to go to heaven. I think he went to hell."
Oh dear god, I'm going to die laughing at this movie:
RELEASE DATE: July 31
RELEASE DATE: September 25
Trucker: Michelle Monaghan (Eagle Eye) plays an untraditional mom who has to take care of her son now that his dad is dying from cancer. Slowly she learns to love herself by learning to love him.
The Boat That Rocked: In this comedy, Phillip Seymour Hoffman teams up with a couple of Brits (Bill Nighy, Gemma Arterton, Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh, and Nick Frost) to tell the story of a bunch of bachelors who run an illegal radio station on a boat in the 1960s. It looks pretty funny.
RELEASE DATE: April 3 (UK)
Funny People: Adam Sandler plays a terminally ill comedian--WAIT!!--who decides to take an aspiring comedian (Seth Rogen) under his wing so that he can form a genuine frienship before he goes. In the process, he realizes that he's not over the girl of his dreams (Leslie Mann from Knocked Up) who is married to a hot Australian (Eric Bana from Hulk) and has two kids. Just when you think it'll end sappy--despite all of the hilarious jokes within every miniclip--you learn that he gets a second chance at life and maybe even at love. Here are a few hilarious lines:
• "The one that got away: guy's have that...and serial killer's have that."--Adam on stage. I never thought of how disturbingly true that is.
• "You're hiding some Judaism."--Adam to Seth. "I don't think I can hide that. My face is circumsized." --Seth responds.
• "Her husband's going to kill us. He's from Australia. They kill things there."--Seth to Adam
• One of Seth's friends tell him that a candle near his dying grandfather's bedside flickered and they thought he went to heaven, and Jonah Hill responded, "You don't pass through fire to go to heaven. I think he went to hell."
Oh dear god, I'm going to die laughing at this movie:
RELEASE DATE: July 31
BUZZ: Madea Takes #1, Watts & Pinto in Woody's Next Film, Derek Leaving "Grey's," and more
• Although Tyler Perry's lucky streak is still going strong, since Madea Goes to Jail debuted at #1 with $41 mil, critics still aren't as impressed with him as his fans are. Fired Up, however, predictably opened with a mediocre $6 mil at #9. With the lack of new films in theaters, surprise hit Taken jumped up one spot to #2 with $95 mil, animated masterpiece Coraline moved up two spots to #3 with $53 mil, and the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire climbed up four spots to #5 with $98 mil. On the flipside of things, conspiracy thriller The International freefell after its second week to #10 with an embarrassing $17 mil. Friday the 13th may have opened big in its first week, but it dropped dramatically to #6 with $55 mil. Rom-coms He's Just Not That Into You and Confessions of a Shopaholic came in at #4 with a healthy $70 mil and at #7 with $28 mil. While Paul Blart: Mall Cop is on its way out at #8 after 6 weeks with $121 mil, The Pink Panther 2 exited the top 10 with a disappointing $29 mil and Push was shoved out with a meager $25 mil.
• Rumored Shrek 4 Plot: "Longing for the days when he felt like a "real ogre," Shrek is duped into signing a pact with the smooth-talking dealmaker, Rumplestiltskin. Shrek suddenly finds himself in a in a twisted, alternate version of Far Far Away, where ogres are hunted, Rumplestiltskin is king and Shrek and Fiona have never met. Now, it's up to Shrek to undo all he's done in the hopes of saving his friends, restoring his world and reclaiming his one True Love."
• Since Woody Allen managed to get the much-deserving Penenlope Cruz her first Oscar, ladies are gunning for a role in his next picture. The International's Naomi Watts and Slumdog Millionaire's Freida Pinto are rumored to be in his next untitled film with Josh Brolin and Anthony Hopkins.
• Emily Blunt is officially not starring in Iron Man 2, opting for the comedy Gulliver's Travels instead.
• Chiwetel Ejiofor is rumored to be joining Angelina Jolie in her Salt spy thriller.
• There's a wild rumor going around that a Superman Returns sequel--not reboot--is in the works and its called Superman Unleashed. Doesn't that sound like a horror movie?
• Megatron is rumored to be in the Transformers sequel even though Michael Bay said he wasn't.
• "Grey's Anatomy": After Derek is informed in a deposition--no doubt concerning the recent death of his latest pregnant patient--that more of his patients have died than survived, he decides to quit. But don't worry, he's not leaving the series. In other news, Richard's wife will try to mend his relationship with Bailey, and Izzie's interns will unknowingly diagnose her illness.
• Rumored Shrek 4 Plot: "Longing for the days when he felt like a "real ogre," Shrek is duped into signing a pact with the smooth-talking dealmaker, Rumplestiltskin. Shrek suddenly finds himself in a in a twisted, alternate version of Far Far Away, where ogres are hunted, Rumplestiltskin is king and Shrek and Fiona have never met. Now, it's up to Shrek to undo all he's done in the hopes of saving his friends, restoring his world and reclaiming his one True Love."
• Since Woody Allen managed to get the much-deserving Penenlope Cruz her first Oscar, ladies are gunning for a role in his next picture. The International's Naomi Watts and Slumdog Millionaire's Freida Pinto are rumored to be in his next untitled film with Josh Brolin and Anthony Hopkins.
• Emily Blunt is officially not starring in Iron Man 2, opting for the comedy Gulliver's Travels instead.
• Chiwetel Ejiofor is rumored to be joining Angelina Jolie in her Salt spy thriller.
• There's a wild rumor going around that a Superman Returns sequel--not reboot--is in the works and its called Superman Unleashed. Doesn't that sound like a horror movie?
• Megatron is rumored to be in the Transformers sequel even though Michael Bay said he wasn't.
• "Grey's Anatomy": After Derek is informed in a deposition--no doubt concerning the recent death of his latest pregnant patient--that more of his patients have died than survived, he decides to quit. But don't worry, he's not leaving the series. In other news, Richard's wife will try to mend his relationship with Bailey, and Izzie's interns will unknowingly diagnose her illness.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Oscar Wrap-Up: Best Moments & Best Dressed
BEST MOMENTS
• I was truly pleased that Penelope Cruz won for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and overjoyed that Slumdog Millionaire practically took every award home--most importantly Best Picture and Best Director. I was even excited that Milk's screenwriter Dustin Lance Black won because it was the only trailer of the year that made me cry on words alone. And, of course, I'm happy Heath Ledger was acknowledged for his tremendous work. I just secretly wished his daughter would actually go up there and accept it on his behalf. Is that nutty of me? Kate Winslet's speech was the best though--even though Sean Penn and Lance Black's speeches were pretty poignant--because of the part in the beginning when she told her dad to whistle so she could see him and he did it almost instantly.
• When Twilight's Robert Pattinson waltzed out with Mamma Mia's Amanda Seyfried, I immediately thought, what is he doing there? Then as I heard their introduction of 2008's romantic plots, from an undead romance to a girl searching for her father among three bachelors, I realized it wasn't too far-fetched for him to be there. However, he was still creepy as ever. lol My second double take involving him was when there was a close-up of Mickey Rourke and he was sitting behind him. It was almost like a split screen--the way Rourke was in the foreground of the shot--I hope that doesn't foreshadow Pattinson's future. And the last double take of the night actually happened this morning when I saw an Oscar party photo of Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron chatting up Pattinson. He seemed more interested in talking to Efron despite the fact that Hudgens was rumored to be joining the Twilight sequel's cast, but that still doesn't make it any less bizarre. I mean, were they exchanging trade secrets? I know for a fact that Pattinson didn't watch High School Muscial, so what could they possibly be talking about?
• Tina Fey and Steve Martin's presentation was pretty funny. I liked how the scene was set with a voice over and Martin sort of played the straight-man. But I loved it even more that when her name was announced, she got an even louder applause than he did. If I were her, I would've fainted--a room full of award-winning actors just exploded in applause...for you!
• Ben Stiller had me in stitches as I watched the audience squirm and fidget in an attempt not to show any visual amusement at the fact that he was mocking Joaquin Phoenix's new life choices by rocking a unruly beard, wild hair, shades, and a barely audible pitch. Natalie Portman was good at setting up his jokes, but I just wonder if Joaquin will hold this against any of them. I mean, he could write a rap song about it...and we might actually have to listen...out of pity of course.
• I sort of fast-forwarded through some of the presenter speeches that heralded each nominee separately, but I caught a part of Whoopi Goldberg's intro for Amy Adams in Doubt where she alluded to her former role as a nun in Sister Act. I can't believe they dragged Whoopi out of bed for that. lol
• I can't remember who introduced Anne Hathaway's role in Rachel Getting Married, but I agree with her, she should keep singing. Hugh Jackman pretended to drag her on the stage to join him in a musical number that described the films nominated for Best Picture and she had to play the role of Nixon. It oddly ended in them getting romantic, but the upside was that she really got to belt it out. Who knew?
• I thought it was kind of odd that they invited Cuba Gooding Jr. to introduce Robert Downey Jr.'s character in Tropic Thunder, and even odder that they wanted him to complain about stealing black roles from his people. But Downey seemed truly amused--more amused than when Tim Gunn asked him how it felt to be sleeping with the boss, in reference to his wife being a producer on Sherlock Holmes, while they were on the red carpet. Awkward.
• Beyonce--lip-syncing or not--had an incredible performance with Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Amanda Seyfried, and Dominic Cooper, where they mixed together several musical numbers, including ones from High School Musical and Mamma Mia. Even though I thought it was a little odd that HSM was at the Oscars--I mean, I get the appeal, but--I think Hugh Jackman's right, "The musical is back!!" I'm very close to begging someone to fork over triple digits to see Guys and Dolls on Broadway with me and I'm itching to see the Fame remake this year.
• Even though the performance of the Slumdog Millionaire theme song was beautifully executed--in spite of John Legend's confusing addition--I really hoped they could bribe M.I.A. to sing her song off the soundtrack while laying in a bed, since she's recovering from giving birth. lol Ridiculous, I know, but it was Slumdog's night. Speaking of which, can I just say that those kids were freaking adorable--one of them even wanted to be introduced to Miley Cyrus. (Honestly, of all the people in the world.) If I were Dev Patel, I would've told them to go up to Angelina Jolie and politely request to be adopted. I'm sure she would've considered it.
• The best audience member I have to say was John Mayer. I nearly died laughing when I saw him sitting there next to Jennifer Aniston. Really Jen? You just couldn't go alone or...bring an adult as your date? You just had to bring your boy toy? Reports are saying that she and Angelina were being cordial towards each other, smiling and stuff. These reporters must've forgotten that they're talking about award-winning actresses whose job it is to lie their asses off. Hmm, I wonder if Jen ever won an award, if she'd mention Brad just to piss Angie off. lol I totally would. Then I'd throw it at her. ;)
• Oh, and even though I thought Hugh Jackman did a charmingly good job and I appreciate a host who can sing, maybe they could also get one who didn't seem so exhausted the whole time.
BEST DRESSED
• I was truly pleased that Penelope Cruz won for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and overjoyed that Slumdog Millionaire practically took every award home--most importantly Best Picture and Best Director. I was even excited that Milk's screenwriter Dustin Lance Black won because it was the only trailer of the year that made me cry on words alone. And, of course, I'm happy Heath Ledger was acknowledged for his tremendous work. I just secretly wished his daughter would actually go up there and accept it on his behalf. Is that nutty of me? Kate Winslet's speech was the best though--even though Sean Penn and Lance Black's speeches were pretty poignant--because of the part in the beginning when she told her dad to whistle so she could see him and he did it almost instantly.
• When Twilight's Robert Pattinson waltzed out with Mamma Mia's Amanda Seyfried, I immediately thought, what is he doing there? Then as I heard their introduction of 2008's romantic plots, from an undead romance to a girl searching for her father among three bachelors, I realized it wasn't too far-fetched for him to be there. However, he was still creepy as ever. lol My second double take involving him was when there was a close-up of Mickey Rourke and he was sitting behind him. It was almost like a split screen--the way Rourke was in the foreground of the shot--I hope that doesn't foreshadow Pattinson's future. And the last double take of the night actually happened this morning when I saw an Oscar party photo of Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron chatting up Pattinson. He seemed more interested in talking to Efron despite the fact that Hudgens was rumored to be joining the Twilight sequel's cast, but that still doesn't make it any less bizarre. I mean, were they exchanging trade secrets? I know for a fact that Pattinson didn't watch High School Muscial, so what could they possibly be talking about?
• Tina Fey and Steve Martin's presentation was pretty funny. I liked how the scene was set with a voice over and Martin sort of played the straight-man. But I loved it even more that when her name was announced, she got an even louder applause than he did. If I were her, I would've fainted--a room full of award-winning actors just exploded in applause...for you!
• Ben Stiller had me in stitches as I watched the audience squirm and fidget in an attempt not to show any visual amusement at the fact that he was mocking Joaquin Phoenix's new life choices by rocking a unruly beard, wild hair, shades, and a barely audible pitch. Natalie Portman was good at setting up his jokes, but I just wonder if Joaquin will hold this against any of them. I mean, he could write a rap song about it...and we might actually have to listen...out of pity of course.
• I sort of fast-forwarded through some of the presenter speeches that heralded each nominee separately, but I caught a part of Whoopi Goldberg's intro for Amy Adams in Doubt where she alluded to her former role as a nun in Sister Act. I can't believe they dragged Whoopi out of bed for that. lol
• I can't remember who introduced Anne Hathaway's role in Rachel Getting Married, but I agree with her, she should keep singing. Hugh Jackman pretended to drag her on the stage to join him in a musical number that described the films nominated for Best Picture and she had to play the role of Nixon. It oddly ended in them getting romantic, but the upside was that she really got to belt it out. Who knew?
• I thought it was kind of odd that they invited Cuba Gooding Jr. to introduce Robert Downey Jr.'s character in Tropic Thunder, and even odder that they wanted him to complain about stealing black roles from his people. But Downey seemed truly amused--more amused than when Tim Gunn asked him how it felt to be sleeping with the boss, in reference to his wife being a producer on Sherlock Holmes, while they were on the red carpet. Awkward.
• Beyonce--lip-syncing or not--had an incredible performance with Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Amanda Seyfried, and Dominic Cooper, where they mixed together several musical numbers, including ones from High School Musical and Mamma Mia. Even though I thought it was a little odd that HSM was at the Oscars--I mean, I get the appeal, but--I think Hugh Jackman's right, "The musical is back!!" I'm very close to begging someone to fork over triple digits to see Guys and Dolls on Broadway with me and I'm itching to see the Fame remake this year.
• Even though the performance of the Slumdog Millionaire theme song was beautifully executed--in spite of John Legend's confusing addition--I really hoped they could bribe M.I.A. to sing her song off the soundtrack while laying in a bed, since she's recovering from giving birth. lol Ridiculous, I know, but it was Slumdog's night. Speaking of which, can I just say that those kids were freaking adorable--one of them even wanted to be introduced to Miley Cyrus. (Honestly, of all the people in the world.) If I were Dev Patel, I would've told them to go up to Angelina Jolie and politely request to be adopted. I'm sure she would've considered it.
• The best audience member I have to say was John Mayer. I nearly died laughing when I saw him sitting there next to Jennifer Aniston. Really Jen? You just couldn't go alone or...bring an adult as your date? You just had to bring your boy toy? Reports are saying that she and Angelina were being cordial towards each other, smiling and stuff. These reporters must've forgotten that they're talking about award-winning actresses whose job it is to lie their asses off. Hmm, I wonder if Jen ever won an award, if she'd mention Brad just to piss Angie off. lol I totally would. Then I'd throw it at her. ;)
• Oh, and even though I thought Hugh Jackman did a charmingly good job and I appreciate a host who can sing, maybe they could also get one who didn't seem so exhausted the whole time.
BEST DRESSED
TV Topic: "Friday Night Lights" Best Episode of the Season...so far
Jason Streets' Money Issues
I'm not going to bullshit you. I kind of hate the whole Jason Street-crippled-struggling-dad storyline this season--almost as much as everyone hated the Tyra-Landry-murder plot from last season. I just don't see why he's so desperate to please a woman who barely shows any affection for him, and I was a little disappointed in how they were sewing up his character arc before he left the show. But then the most magical thing happened.
First, the Riggins brothers predictably flaked on him after he set a rigid schedule on fixing up the house they bought. He was so overworked that he eventually broke down in front of the coach, admitting that he'd made a horrible mistake in blowing all of his savings on Tim's house-flipping idea. The coach did what he does best: he pitched in and spent a few hours helping him out. The next day though the boys were back to painting and hammering as though no argument was had or irresponsibility was shown. Jason seemed totally relaxed and back into the renovation spirit, until his phone rang and he rolled his wheel chair a somewhat safe distance from them to have the cutest conversation with his baby son Noah. I'm not sure which was more heartbreaking: the part where he pretended as though his son would sing the other half of a song they always sang "together" or the part where Tim, Billy, and Herc stopped everything they were doing to make the most puzzled and remorseful faces they could muster. It was like it finally dawned on them that this renovation isn't an after school project or a weekend adventure, it's his livelihood and the only route to his son.
Matt & Julie's Reignited Love
I was never on the Matt and Julie pep squad. I didn't get fitted for the uniform or shake the pom-poms or learn the cheers. I'm just not a fan. She's manipulative and selfish and a whiny little brat, and Matt's had too much disappointment in his life to be stuck with that for a girlfriend. However, during the first round of their relationship, they were supposed to have sex for the first time. It was Julie's idea, but she eventually renegged, which is totally understandable. When the series returned, Julie had moved on to flirting with a loser college kid who thought he was too cool for proper hygiene and then she developed a crush on Riggins when he was crashing on their couch, which ended in her drunkenly throwing herself at him in the middle of the night. Despite all of her efforts, she's still a virgin. Matt, on the other hand, lost his virginity to his grandmother's hot young nurse Carlotta who eventually returned to Guatemala for her family. While he was in that relationship and while he was recovering from its end, Julie gradually worked her way back into his life. And once the new kid, J.D., stole his starting quarterback position, she swooped in to hold his hand and be his shoulder to cry on. I have to admit, she's pretty damn good.
In this episode, the school was having a dance, so I thought he was going to invite her as his date. But instead they ditched and went to the lake. After hours of heavy flirtation, she said it was late and time to go home, but flipped her hair back and tilted her head like she was waiting for him to make a move. Luckily, Matt-minus-football isn't completely socially retarded. He kissed her and she pounced on him like a cat in heat. We're then shown an adorable, wordless scene of him driving her home in the morning--with no interference from her parents who had their own date-night that probably rendered them unconscious for most of the morning--that ended with Julie staring into the mirror like she expected to look different after losing her virginity. I hope this doesn't backfire and she doesn't regret it, cause Matt deserves a little drama-free happiness these days.
The New Kid
We're not supposed to like J.D. (Jeremy Sumpter from Peter Pan and "Clubhouse"). He stole Matt's position, he's rich, he has his whole future ahead of him, and his dad's a douche. But this episode showed a side of J.D. that allowed him to be liked. He's rather...pathetic. lol If Matt was unprepared for the tidal wave that is Dillon football and all of its drunken partying and irresponsible antics, then J.D. is like a virgin aimlessly feeling around in the dark. Who better to devirginate him than the professional manwhore Riggins? (I really do think Riggins should become a gigolo. He'd make millions and have Lyla living in style. lol) Tim started off doing the right thing after coach told him to cut the boy some slack and refocus the team on the game and not the hazing--having forced him to run naked across the field--by showing him around town. But he sort of veered off course when he forced J.D. to go to a house party that kids preferred over the lame school dance. Wandering off to makeout with Lyla no doubt, he left J.D. to be peer-pressured by his fellow teammates who pounded him with so much liquor that he was dancing on tables and mugging for cell phone cameras (that might come back to bite him in the ass). Riggins and Lyla eventually carried his drunk ass home, which led to his father forcing him to tell the coach that he got drunk and apologize after church. Awkward--especially, since the coach was the one who told Riggins to watch over him. I think he won't be hazed anymore, but chances are he's not done rebelling. I mean, after he single-handedly won the big game, his dad waltzed into the locker room and grabbed him before he could go out to celebrate with the team. Clingy much?
Tyra & her stupid cowboy Cash
Every time Tyra's mom speaks, I want to punch her in the face. I just think women like that should have their ovaries revoked so that they can't spread their stupidity. She had the audacity to tell Tyra to forgo college so she could keep her cowboy, and then expressed astonishment when Tyra revealed that Cash paid for her college applications, so he clearly wants her to go. Angela erupted in excitement at the "good man" her daughter had snagged. Tyra sees it and I see it--the utter idiocy that oozes out of that woman. The only difference is that I won't ever follow in her footsteps, but Tyra doesn't seem to be able not to. I get it. The boy is really hot and he's not always drunk like Tim, and he has a well-paying job unlike Tim. She has Lyla beat by two points already, yet somehow I think the fact that Tim would never abandon his child trumps both of those qualities. Sure, he says the kid isn't his and the woman claiming to be his baby's mama is a nutjob who says he is the father to her two-year-old son when he last had sex with her five years ago, but...I still don't trust him. Not even a little. What really annoyed me though wasn't Tyra's willingness to just take his word for it, it was how she immediately thought of Landry once she thought she'd been duped. Landry ISN'T your fall-back boyfriend. Get a life you selfish bitch. That being said...
Landry is an idiot
Why are you writing love songs about Tyra? She isn't love-song worthy. She has never done anything for you--other than be attractive--that merits being worshipped artistically. I'm glad the new girl said what everyone was thinking: Get over her. Unfortunately, next week Landry commits a common male mistake of assuming that a girl is hot for you because she pays more than ten seconds of attention to you. I think it's pretty hilarious that his band's new guitar player turns out to be a lesbian, but even funnier that Landry doesn't discover this until after he tells Tyra that he has a new girlfriend...I really hope it's after. I can't imagine what the benefits would be in knowingly lying about that. He does know that he'll eventually need proof right? We'll see.
I'm not going to bullshit you. I kind of hate the whole Jason Street-crippled-struggling-dad storyline this season--almost as much as everyone hated the Tyra-Landry-murder plot from last season. I just don't see why he's so desperate to please a woman who barely shows any affection for him, and I was a little disappointed in how they were sewing up his character arc before he left the show. But then the most magical thing happened.
First, the Riggins brothers predictably flaked on him after he set a rigid schedule on fixing up the house they bought. He was so overworked that he eventually broke down in front of the coach, admitting that he'd made a horrible mistake in blowing all of his savings on Tim's house-flipping idea. The coach did what he does best: he pitched in and spent a few hours helping him out. The next day though the boys were back to painting and hammering as though no argument was had or irresponsibility was shown. Jason seemed totally relaxed and back into the renovation spirit, until his phone rang and he rolled his wheel chair a somewhat safe distance from them to have the cutest conversation with his baby son Noah. I'm not sure which was more heartbreaking: the part where he pretended as though his son would sing the other half of a song they always sang "together" or the part where Tim, Billy, and Herc stopped everything they were doing to make the most puzzled and remorseful faces they could muster. It was like it finally dawned on them that this renovation isn't an after school project or a weekend adventure, it's his livelihood and the only route to his son.
Matt & Julie's Reignited Love
I was never on the Matt and Julie pep squad. I didn't get fitted for the uniform or shake the pom-poms or learn the cheers. I'm just not a fan. She's manipulative and selfish and a whiny little brat, and Matt's had too much disappointment in his life to be stuck with that for a girlfriend. However, during the first round of their relationship, they were supposed to have sex for the first time. It was Julie's idea, but she eventually renegged, which is totally understandable. When the series returned, Julie had moved on to flirting with a loser college kid who thought he was too cool for proper hygiene and then she developed a crush on Riggins when he was crashing on their couch, which ended in her drunkenly throwing herself at him in the middle of the night. Despite all of her efforts, she's still a virgin. Matt, on the other hand, lost his virginity to his grandmother's hot young nurse Carlotta who eventually returned to Guatemala for her family. While he was in that relationship and while he was recovering from its end, Julie gradually worked her way back into his life. And once the new kid, J.D., stole his starting quarterback position, she swooped in to hold his hand and be his shoulder to cry on. I have to admit, she's pretty damn good.
In this episode, the school was having a dance, so I thought he was going to invite her as his date. But instead they ditched and went to the lake. After hours of heavy flirtation, she said it was late and time to go home, but flipped her hair back and tilted her head like she was waiting for him to make a move. Luckily, Matt-minus-football isn't completely socially retarded. He kissed her and she pounced on him like a cat in heat. We're then shown an adorable, wordless scene of him driving her home in the morning--with no interference from her parents who had their own date-night that probably rendered them unconscious for most of the morning--that ended with Julie staring into the mirror like she expected to look different after losing her virginity. I hope this doesn't backfire and she doesn't regret it, cause Matt deserves a little drama-free happiness these days.
The New Kid
We're not supposed to like J.D. (Jeremy Sumpter from Peter Pan and "Clubhouse"). He stole Matt's position, he's rich, he has his whole future ahead of him, and his dad's a douche. But this episode showed a side of J.D. that allowed him to be liked. He's rather...pathetic. lol If Matt was unprepared for the tidal wave that is Dillon football and all of its drunken partying and irresponsible antics, then J.D. is like a virgin aimlessly feeling around in the dark. Who better to devirginate him than the professional manwhore Riggins? (I really do think Riggins should become a gigolo. He'd make millions and have Lyla living in style. lol) Tim started off doing the right thing after coach told him to cut the boy some slack and refocus the team on the game and not the hazing--having forced him to run naked across the field--by showing him around town. But he sort of veered off course when he forced J.D. to go to a house party that kids preferred over the lame school dance. Wandering off to makeout with Lyla no doubt, he left J.D. to be peer-pressured by his fellow teammates who pounded him with so much liquor that he was dancing on tables and mugging for cell phone cameras (that might come back to bite him in the ass). Riggins and Lyla eventually carried his drunk ass home, which led to his father forcing him to tell the coach that he got drunk and apologize after church. Awkward--especially, since the coach was the one who told Riggins to watch over him. I think he won't be hazed anymore, but chances are he's not done rebelling. I mean, after he single-handedly won the big game, his dad waltzed into the locker room and grabbed him before he could go out to celebrate with the team. Clingy much?
Tyra & her stupid cowboy Cash
Every time Tyra's mom speaks, I want to punch her in the face. I just think women like that should have their ovaries revoked so that they can't spread their stupidity. She had the audacity to tell Tyra to forgo college so she could keep her cowboy, and then expressed astonishment when Tyra revealed that Cash paid for her college applications, so he clearly wants her to go. Angela erupted in excitement at the "good man" her daughter had snagged. Tyra sees it and I see it--the utter idiocy that oozes out of that woman. The only difference is that I won't ever follow in her footsteps, but Tyra doesn't seem to be able not to. I get it. The boy is really hot and he's not always drunk like Tim, and he has a well-paying job unlike Tim. She has Lyla beat by two points already, yet somehow I think the fact that Tim would never abandon his child trumps both of those qualities. Sure, he says the kid isn't his and the woman claiming to be his baby's mama is a nutjob who says he is the father to her two-year-old son when he last had sex with her five years ago, but...I still don't trust him. Not even a little. What really annoyed me though wasn't Tyra's willingness to just take his word for it, it was how she immediately thought of Landry once she thought she'd been duped. Landry ISN'T your fall-back boyfriend. Get a life you selfish bitch. That being said...
Landry is an idiot
Why are you writing love songs about Tyra? She isn't love-song worthy. She has never done anything for you--other than be attractive--that merits being worshipped artistically. I'm glad the new girl said what everyone was thinking: Get over her. Unfortunately, next week Landry commits a common male mistake of assuming that a girl is hot for you because she pays more than ten seconds of attention to you. I think it's pretty hilarious that his band's new guitar player turns out to be a lesbian, but even funnier that Landry doesn't discover this until after he tells Tyra that he has a new girlfriend...I really hope it's after. I can't imagine what the benefits would be in knowingly lying about that. He does know that he'll eventually need proof right? We'll see.
TV Topic: "Dollhouse": Why You Should Watch!
In its second week on the tube, "Dollhouse" ratings went down. Hopefully Joss Whedon's clout will give it a reprieve. Perhaps a fresh start in the Fall and a prime-primetime spot will get people watching. I didn't particularly enjoy the first episode, but the second was much much better.
The plot this time around involved several helpful flashbacks that provided insight into the personalities and objectives of Boyd (the cop), Laurence (the uptight, veritable 2nd-in-command to the British kahuna Ms. Dewitt), Dr. Saunders, and, of course, the rogue agent Alpha:
• The scars on Dr. Saunders's face were inflicted by Alpha, and although he murdered almost everyone in the Dollhousea few months back, he spared Echo for a reason not yet revealed.
• The reason Alpha malfunctioned is because he developed what is known as a composite event, where memories pile up instead of erase like they're supposed to. So he must've started realizing what he was and where he was.
• Echo is the most requested of all the agents.
• I though Echo's interest in the boy she went on a date with last week was an anomaly, but apparently she always tells her handler that she'll be right back because she wants to return to wherever her job took her to that day.
• When an agent gets a new handler, they have to go through a conditioning process. The handler has to say a few scripted comforting sentences that the agent will subconsciously remember whenever they are out in the field with a different imprint/personality. So, if say Echo were sent on an extreme sports date and the man (an unrecognizable Matt Keeslar from ABC Family's "The Middleman") who requested her turns out to be a psycho who intended on hunting her instead of hunting with her, then her handler could find her, say a scripted sentence, and she'd reply her programmed response, automatically trusting him.
Now here's why you should keep tuning in:
• Alpha, a Dollhouse agent turned serial killer, went rogue, flipped out, and is presumably hunting Echo, the only person he chose not to kill or attack at all. Why?
• Ms. Dewitt doesn't consider government investigator Paul Ballard a threat, but Laurence is keen on getting him out of the way. Sometimes I wonder if he was programmed to be that much of a prick, which makes me wonder if the agents can keep their imprints for longer than a day and what the side effects are if they do.
• The best part of this episode was the last scene. We learn that Alpha's composite event isn't a one-time glitch. It seems like it's happening to Echo too. We've seen evidence of her scratching to the surface of her imposed imprints--sometimes recalling her former self or realizing that she isn't who she says she is. She's so strong-willed against the programming that instead of responding to the scripted statements that her handler tried to use to calm her down when he found her bleeding in the woods, she used his lines to calm him after he was speared with an arrow. In fact, she wasn't even trained for combat, but she still managed to outwit and out-maneuver her attacker. But the best part of all had to be in the very last scene. Her date/attacker gave her this whole speech about how his father use to tell him to "put his shoulder to the wheel" simultaneously smacking his shoulder as he said this. It was his way of saying that he believes in survival of the fittest and he was determined to come out on top. After she was wiped and the imprint was removed, Laurence started taunting her, consistently stating that she was nothing because she had no personality of her own and was practically brain dead. She seemed understandably confused and rather indifferent in her robotic state until he walked away, and she smacked her shoulder. Chills, my friend. I got chills.
EW's Ken Tucker reviewed the series and came to the conclusion that one of the series' major flaws was that "we have to start from scratch with each installment and buy into Echo's new personality. The result: no consistent hero to root for every week." But I think it's moments like that one that prove otherwise. We're rooting for the girl Echo used to be--the one scratching to the surface. I'm definitely tuning in this Friday to see what happens when Laurence kidnaps Ballard and when Ballard meets the object of his obsession.
Catch up on episodes and watch for free on Hulu.com.
The plot this time around involved several helpful flashbacks that provided insight into the personalities and objectives of Boyd (the cop), Laurence (the uptight, veritable 2nd-in-command to the British kahuna Ms. Dewitt), Dr. Saunders, and, of course, the rogue agent Alpha:
• The scars on Dr. Saunders's face were inflicted by Alpha, and although he murdered almost everyone in the Dollhousea few months back, he spared Echo for a reason not yet revealed.
• The reason Alpha malfunctioned is because he developed what is known as a composite event, where memories pile up instead of erase like they're supposed to. So he must've started realizing what he was and where he was.
• Echo is the most requested of all the agents.
• I though Echo's interest in the boy she went on a date with last week was an anomaly, but apparently she always tells her handler that she'll be right back because she wants to return to wherever her job took her to that day.
• When an agent gets a new handler, they have to go through a conditioning process. The handler has to say a few scripted comforting sentences that the agent will subconsciously remember whenever they are out in the field with a different imprint/personality. So, if say Echo were sent on an extreme sports date and the man (an unrecognizable Matt Keeslar from ABC Family's "The Middleman") who requested her turns out to be a psycho who intended on hunting her instead of hunting with her, then her handler could find her, say a scripted sentence, and she'd reply her programmed response, automatically trusting him.
Now here's why you should keep tuning in:
• Alpha, a Dollhouse agent turned serial killer, went rogue, flipped out, and is presumably hunting Echo, the only person he chose not to kill or attack at all. Why?
• Ms. Dewitt doesn't consider government investigator Paul Ballard a threat, but Laurence is keen on getting him out of the way. Sometimes I wonder if he was programmed to be that much of a prick, which makes me wonder if the agents can keep their imprints for longer than a day and what the side effects are if they do.
• The best part of this episode was the last scene. We learn that Alpha's composite event isn't a one-time glitch. It seems like it's happening to Echo too. We've seen evidence of her scratching to the surface of her imposed imprints--sometimes recalling her former self or realizing that she isn't who she says she is. She's so strong-willed against the programming that instead of responding to the scripted statements that her handler tried to use to calm her down when he found her bleeding in the woods, she used his lines to calm him after he was speared with an arrow. In fact, she wasn't even trained for combat, but she still managed to outwit and out-maneuver her attacker. But the best part of all had to be in the very last scene. Her date/attacker gave her this whole speech about how his father use to tell him to "put his shoulder to the wheel" simultaneously smacking his shoulder as he said this. It was his way of saying that he believes in survival of the fittest and he was determined to come out on top. After she was wiped and the imprint was removed, Laurence started taunting her, consistently stating that she was nothing because she had no personality of her own and was practically brain dead. She seemed understandably confused and rather indifferent in her robotic state until he walked away, and she smacked her shoulder. Chills, my friend. I got chills.
EW's Ken Tucker reviewed the series and came to the conclusion that one of the series' major flaws was that "we have to start from scratch with each installment and buy into Echo's new personality. The result: no consistent hero to root for every week." But I think it's moments like that one that prove otherwise. We're rooting for the girl Echo used to be--the one scratching to the surface. I'm definitely tuning in this Friday to see what happens when Laurence kidnaps Ballard and when Ballard meets the object of his obsession.
Catch up on episodes and watch for free on Hulu.com.
TV Highlights: "Ugly Betty": Fashion Week, Baby is Born, and Daniel Eric Gold
This episode was pretty major--some seriously funny shit happened.
BEST MOMENTS
• Wilhelmina staging a Messiah/Simba-type birth on the runway was both ingenious and hilariously sacrilegious. Loved it.
• I wasn't that excited that newcomer Daniel Eric Gold (Charlie Wilson's War and Definitely, Maybe) was guest-starring as Betty's new YETI partner and potential Henry replacement. I mean, I was happy she was getting a new guy, but I have to admit his headshots don't do him justice. He's actually a pretty charming and adorable guy--definitely boy-next-door material. Of course, now I'm just waiting for his huge secret to drop and blow Betty away.
• I really appreciated the bonding moment between Hilda and her father's nurse's Elena (Lauren Velez from "Dexter"). I may not be a Queens girl, but us borough chicks would truly not be that impressed with more than half of what we see on the runway. Betty's revelation was necessary though. Mocking the profession that has employed her for the last three years is a major faux paux, but realistically--art, or no art--some of that shit's just weird. lol Oh and I also loved that Justin gave up his ticket to the Mode fashion despite the fact that he was desperate to go. That was very mature of him--crazy, but mature.
• I liked the cinematography of the closing scene where Betty mock-strutted the runway with Daniel, the room faded to black as they walked into the brightly lit backstage, and they shoved each other playfully. Nicely done.
BEST LINES
• Wilhelmina, who is notoriously known as a spoof of Anna Wintour, was suffering from displacement syndrome when she was being shut out from major events during Fashion Week. *GASP* When Mark discovered she had to sit in the second row of Proenza Schouler, he offered this as his punishment while opening the moving car's door: "You say the word and I will kill myself."
• By far the best compliment Mark has ever given, inspired by Wilhelmina's fear that she'd gone soft: "You are still as horrible and evil as the day that Satan himself placed you in your mother's arms."
• Amanda's adorably racist comments just can't get any better than when she described how much Betty loves Tequila because she's Mexican: "It's like mother's milk to her."
• Betty's so adorable when she's flustered. She was partnered up with a sports journalist for her YETI program and he took her to the men's locker room where she bumped into a tall naked man, causing her to squeal: "I didn't see anything...although now I think we might be married."
And now for my theories of the season:
• I really thought that Holly left the fashion show early because she was insecure, but apparently she has some secretive medical news that she's keeping from Daniel. I don't think she's dying. I think she's pregnant with Connor's baby, which--let's be honest--is ten times more juicy of a storyline. That would be the second time Daniel was denied fatherhood. Ouch!
• As for next week's preview concerning Mode's missing millions and Betty being framed for swiping all of it, I think Connor is behind it all. He is their financial advisor and Daniel did steal his girl. What better way to get back at him? I know even Wilhelmina would appreciate the treachery.
BEST MOMENTS
• Wilhelmina staging a Messiah/Simba-type birth on the runway was both ingenious and hilariously sacrilegious. Loved it.
• I wasn't that excited that newcomer Daniel Eric Gold (Charlie Wilson's War and Definitely, Maybe) was guest-starring as Betty's new YETI partner and potential Henry replacement. I mean, I was happy she was getting a new guy, but I have to admit his headshots don't do him justice. He's actually a pretty charming and adorable guy--definitely boy-next-door material. Of course, now I'm just waiting for his huge secret to drop and blow Betty away.
• I really appreciated the bonding moment between Hilda and her father's nurse's Elena (Lauren Velez from "Dexter"). I may not be a Queens girl, but us borough chicks would truly not be that impressed with more than half of what we see on the runway. Betty's revelation was necessary though. Mocking the profession that has employed her for the last three years is a major faux paux, but realistically--art, or no art--some of that shit's just weird. lol Oh and I also loved that Justin gave up his ticket to the Mode fashion despite the fact that he was desperate to go. That was very mature of him--crazy, but mature.
• I liked the cinematography of the closing scene where Betty mock-strutted the runway with Daniel, the room faded to black as they walked into the brightly lit backstage, and they shoved each other playfully. Nicely done.
BEST LINES
• Wilhelmina, who is notoriously known as a spoof of Anna Wintour, was suffering from displacement syndrome when she was being shut out from major events during Fashion Week. *GASP* When Mark discovered she had to sit in the second row of Proenza Schouler, he offered this as his punishment while opening the moving car's door: "You say the word and I will kill myself."
• By far the best compliment Mark has ever given, inspired by Wilhelmina's fear that she'd gone soft: "You are still as horrible and evil as the day that Satan himself placed you in your mother's arms."
• Amanda's adorably racist comments just can't get any better than when she described how much Betty loves Tequila because she's Mexican: "It's like mother's milk to her."
• Betty's so adorable when she's flustered. She was partnered up with a sports journalist for her YETI program and he took her to the men's locker room where she bumped into a tall naked man, causing her to squeal: "I didn't see anything...although now I think we might be married."
And now for my theories of the season:
• I really thought that Holly left the fashion show early because she was insecure, but apparently she has some secretive medical news that she's keeping from Daniel. I don't think she's dying. I think she's pregnant with Connor's baby, which--let's be honest--is ten times more juicy of a storyline. That would be the second time Daniel was denied fatherhood. Ouch!
• As for next week's preview concerning Mode's missing millions and Betty being framed for swiping all of it, I think Connor is behind it all. He is their financial advisor and Daniel did steal his girl. What better way to get back at him? I know even Wilhelmina would appreciate the treachery.
TOP 10 Fall 2009 NYC Fashion Week Designs & Trends
After going through more than a hundred runway slideshows at NYmag.com, I settled on these top 10 as my favorite new trends and designs:
10. Embellished shoulder designs: This trend popped up on several runways. At first I was a little iffy, since it reminded me of those God-awful shoulder pads of the 80s and 90s, but they really managed to give it that "Mad Men" edge.
Victoria Beckham
9. One Shoulder Strap: I've seen this trend several times over the years, which is surprisingly known for its elegance, but it wasn't until I saw this maroon number that I realized its aesthetic potential. Honestly, the dress would be gorgeous with or without the strap, but something about its addition--reminiscent of a Miss America sash--makes her seem that much more refined.
Pamella Roland
8. Intricate Coat Design: From the high cuffed collar to the button-down vest, complete with tuxedo-like tail, this jacket may be purely for show, but I just love how it screams badass.
G-Star Raw
7. Oscar-worthy gowns: Fall fashion week is a great time to showcase your best gowns for Oscar red carpet, stage, and after-party consideration. I personally loved this semi-sheer, polka-dotted, plunging v-neck ensemble that would be complimentary to a range of torsos.
Jason Wu
6. Pleats: This wasn't exactly uber popular on the runway, but I'm definitely feeling the full-dress pleats--as opposed to just a skirt--and think designers should explore all of the wonderful possibilities it can bring.
Jill Stuart
5. Layers: Piling on clothes, mixing patterns and textures, and combining all the colors of the rainbow has long been a hobo staple on the runways, but there's something to be said for a single tone ensemble that focuses on form. This belted turtle neck-dress combo seems oddly futuristic and ahead of its time.
Tse
4. The Trenches: I've already purchased my Spring trench from the Gap, but I've never found them warm enough to wear in the Fall...until now. Now only did Christian feminize the trench using subtly tiered ruffles, but he managed to mix a little Sherlock Holmes with a Troop Beverly Hills girl scout vibe.
Christian Siriano, former "Project Runway" winner
3. Huge Collars: Whereas last year the runway was littered with models cinched at the waist with pencil thin belts, this year they were all bundled with puffed up collars.
Miss Sixty
2. Fabric Sculptures: Adding sequins, beads, or even ribbon to a dress can give it the oomph that it's missing, but managing to create a masterpiece with just one piece of material is beyond impressive.
Tuleh
1. Incredibly subtle detail: This was my favorite dress on the runway this season. It has the cinched puffed shoulders with a vanilla beaded texture and a conservative length perfect for a dinner party at the white house, a five-star restaurant date, or a wedding reception.
Ports 1961
To flip through all the NYC fashion shows of the Fall 2009 season and choose your favorites, visit NYmag.com for slideshows and video.
10. Embellished shoulder designs: This trend popped up on several runways. At first I was a little iffy, since it reminded me of those God-awful shoulder pads of the 80s and 90s, but they really managed to give it that "Mad Men" edge.
Victoria Beckham
9. One Shoulder Strap: I've seen this trend several times over the years, which is surprisingly known for its elegance, but it wasn't until I saw this maroon number that I realized its aesthetic potential. Honestly, the dress would be gorgeous with or without the strap, but something about its addition--reminiscent of a Miss America sash--makes her seem that much more refined.
Pamella Roland
8. Intricate Coat Design: From the high cuffed collar to the button-down vest, complete with tuxedo-like tail, this jacket may be purely for show, but I just love how it screams badass.
G-Star Raw
7. Oscar-worthy gowns: Fall fashion week is a great time to showcase your best gowns for Oscar red carpet, stage, and after-party consideration. I personally loved this semi-sheer, polka-dotted, plunging v-neck ensemble that would be complimentary to a range of torsos.
Jason Wu
6. Pleats: This wasn't exactly uber popular on the runway, but I'm definitely feeling the full-dress pleats--as opposed to just a skirt--and think designers should explore all of the wonderful possibilities it can bring.
Jill Stuart
5. Layers: Piling on clothes, mixing patterns and textures, and combining all the colors of the rainbow has long been a hobo staple on the runways, but there's something to be said for a single tone ensemble that focuses on form. This belted turtle neck-dress combo seems oddly futuristic and ahead of its time.
Tse
4. The Trenches: I've already purchased my Spring trench from the Gap, but I've never found them warm enough to wear in the Fall...until now. Now only did Christian feminize the trench using subtly tiered ruffles, but he managed to mix a little Sherlock Holmes with a Troop Beverly Hills girl scout vibe.
Christian Siriano, former "Project Runway" winner
3. Huge Collars: Whereas last year the runway was littered with models cinched at the waist with pencil thin belts, this year they were all bundled with puffed up collars.
Miss Sixty
2. Fabric Sculptures: Adding sequins, beads, or even ribbon to a dress can give it the oomph that it's missing, but managing to create a masterpiece with just one piece of material is beyond impressive.
Tuleh
1. Incredibly subtle detail: This was my favorite dress on the runway this season. It has the cinched puffed shoulders with a vanilla beaded texture and a conservative length perfect for a dinner party at the white house, a five-star restaurant date, or a wedding reception.
Ports 1961
To flip through all the NYC fashion shows of the Fall 2009 season and choose your favorites, visit NYmag.com for slideshows and video.
Friday, February 20, 2009
BUZZ: Carter Returns to "Gossip Girl," Hudgens "Dead @ 17," Chris Tucker & Eddie Murphy, Kutcher & Heigl, and more
TV NEWS
• Sebastian Stan is returning to "Gossip Girl" to reprise his role as Carter Baizen, the guy who tried to con Nate before Chuck outsmarted him. Since his plan was foiled, he plans to play the male version of Georgina--out to get revenge on Chuck by sleeping with Blair! In other GG news, you might notice that guys Serena has no recollection of meeting tend to pop back into her life. First Dan, then Aaron, and now her new buy Gabriel. This time, however, she'll wish she did. *cue ominous music*
• I can't believe they chose Amy Smart (Just Friends and Crank) to play a woman who would be the future first female president of the U.S. in the new CBS series "See Cate Run." Really? I think I'll pass.
FILM NEWS
• Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Watchmen and "Grey's Anatomy") is in negotiations to sign on for another comic book movie called The Losers. It's about a "special forces team betrayed by their handler and left for dead. The Losers regroup in the interest of revenge and the opportunity to remove their names from a secret CIA death list and to conduct covert operations against the CIA and its interests." I didn't think I'd ever say this, but I'm starting to feel comic book film fatigue--pace yourself Hollywood.
• McG's (Terminator Salvation) next project is an adaptation of Jon Stock's espionage thriller Dead Spy Running. Blogs are claiming that it'll be a wittier version of The Bourne Identity--I think they mean "witty," because there isn't anything funny about Bourne kicking ass. I'm not too sure about this film, especially since it's said to begin with "the protagonist running the London Marathon, where a fellow racer is strapped with explosives." Although, the idea of the lead character spending the film clearing the runner's father's name sounds pretty interesting.
• Owen Wilson and Paul Rudd might team up with Reese Witherspoon in James L. Brooks' romantic comedy, How Do You Know? "Rudd would play a white-collar executive vying for Witherspoon's affections, while Wilson would portray a professional baseball pitcher who is also a love interest." Everything's still up in the air until Rudd decides whether or not he'll be in another comedy called Dinner for Schmucks.
• Lovers of the comic series Dead @ 17 might be excited that it's being adapted into a film. For those unfamiliar with the plot, it's about "a 17-year-old girl named Nara Kilday who dies and is resurrected - a saviour who fights evil monsters." She's like the undead Buffy. I swear I don't hate Vanessa Hudgens, but I can't fathom why anyone would think she could pull this off.
• Brett Ratner (Rush Hour) is working on an action film called Trump Heist that will team up Chris Tucker (who's only come out of retirement in the last 10 years for Rush Hour sequels) and Eddie Murphy (who seems to only entertain us properly these days if he's playing a jackass in Shrek).
• Ashton Kutcher is set for a football comedy called Traded, where "a superstar NFL quarterback and a 12-year-old middle school geek who magically trade bodies." Zac Efron's 17 isn't even out yet and they're already making carbon copies. I really thought Kutcher was better than this--although I have no evidence of that. I do, however, have high hopes for his project with Katherine Heigl though. In Five Killers, "a woman meets the man of her dreams while on vacation. Married bliss is turned upside down when they discover that their neighbors may be assassins hired to kill them." This could be Mr. and Mrs. Smith-type fun.
• I'm really interested in seeing who they cast for the adaptation of Danny King's action comedy School for Scumbags, where "a teen who, after being expelled from a long list of schools, lands at a campus for 'misdirected' teens where the teachers are actually professional thieves who teach them to execute the heist of the century." Sounds like my kind of school.
• Little Fockers, the second sequel to Meet the Parents, is in the works.
• Kevin McKidd (the army doc on "Grey's Anatomy" and former "Journeyman") was signed on for Thor, but it looks like producers are searching for his replacement. I guess he likes his steady gig on ABC.
• I have good news for Twilight fans. Those rumors of Madonna appearing in the next film are not true. Since her manager Guy Oseary is a producer on the film, she might have a few songs on the soundtrack, but there's no guarantee. Go ahead. Take that huge sigh of relief.
• Sebastian Stan is returning to "Gossip Girl" to reprise his role as Carter Baizen, the guy who tried to con Nate before Chuck outsmarted him. Since his plan was foiled, he plans to play the male version of Georgina--out to get revenge on Chuck by sleeping with Blair! In other GG news, you might notice that guys Serena has no recollection of meeting tend to pop back into her life. First Dan, then Aaron, and now her new buy Gabriel. This time, however, she'll wish she did. *cue ominous music*
• I can't believe they chose Amy Smart (Just Friends and Crank) to play a woman who would be the future first female president of the U.S. in the new CBS series "See Cate Run." Really? I think I'll pass.
FILM NEWS
• Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Watchmen and "Grey's Anatomy") is in negotiations to sign on for another comic book movie called The Losers. It's about a "special forces team betrayed by their handler and left for dead. The Losers regroup in the interest of revenge and the opportunity to remove their names from a secret CIA death list and to conduct covert operations against the CIA and its interests." I didn't think I'd ever say this, but I'm starting to feel comic book film fatigue--pace yourself Hollywood.
• McG's (Terminator Salvation) next project is an adaptation of Jon Stock's espionage thriller Dead Spy Running. Blogs are claiming that it'll be a wittier version of The Bourne Identity--I think they mean "witty," because there isn't anything funny about Bourne kicking ass. I'm not too sure about this film, especially since it's said to begin with "the protagonist running the London Marathon, where a fellow racer is strapped with explosives." Although, the idea of the lead character spending the film clearing the runner's father's name sounds pretty interesting.
• Owen Wilson and Paul Rudd might team up with Reese Witherspoon in James L. Brooks' romantic comedy, How Do You Know? "Rudd would play a white-collar executive vying for Witherspoon's affections, while Wilson would portray a professional baseball pitcher who is also a love interest." Everything's still up in the air until Rudd decides whether or not he'll be in another comedy called Dinner for Schmucks.
• Lovers of the comic series Dead @ 17 might be excited that it's being adapted into a film. For those unfamiliar with the plot, it's about "a 17-year-old girl named Nara Kilday who dies and is resurrected - a saviour who fights evil monsters." She's like the undead Buffy. I swear I don't hate Vanessa Hudgens, but I can't fathom why anyone would think she could pull this off.
• Brett Ratner (Rush Hour) is working on an action film called Trump Heist that will team up Chris Tucker (who's only come out of retirement in the last 10 years for Rush Hour sequels) and Eddie Murphy (who seems to only entertain us properly these days if he's playing a jackass in Shrek).
• Ashton Kutcher is set for a football comedy called Traded, where "a superstar NFL quarterback and a 12-year-old middle school geek who magically trade bodies." Zac Efron's 17 isn't even out yet and they're already making carbon copies. I really thought Kutcher was better than this--although I have no evidence of that. I do, however, have high hopes for his project with Katherine Heigl though. In Five Killers, "a woman meets the man of her dreams while on vacation. Married bliss is turned upside down when they discover that their neighbors may be assassins hired to kill them." This could be Mr. and Mrs. Smith-type fun.
• I'm really interested in seeing who they cast for the adaptation of Danny King's action comedy School for Scumbags, where "a teen who, after being expelled from a long list of schools, lands at a campus for 'misdirected' teens where the teachers are actually professional thieves who teach them to execute the heist of the century." Sounds like my kind of school.
• Little Fockers, the second sequel to Meet the Parents, is in the works.
• Kevin McKidd (the army doc on "Grey's Anatomy" and former "Journeyman") was signed on for Thor, but it looks like producers are searching for his replacement. I guess he likes his steady gig on ABC.
• I have good news for Twilight fans. Those rumors of Madonna appearing in the next film are not true. Since her manager Guy Oseary is a producer on the film, she might have a few songs on the soundtrack, but there's no guarantee. Go ahead. Take that huge sigh of relief.
FILM: New in Theaters - 2/20/09 & AMC Oscar Freebie
If you're a fan of Tyler Perry's antics and men in drag, then go watch Madea Goes to Jail.
If you like dumb teen comedies with plenty of T&A, cute boys, and familiar C-list actors (like 90210's Naomi), then you might enjoy Fired Up! It's the story of two jocks (Eric Christian Olsen from Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd and Nicholas D'Agosto from "Heroes") who are so girl-hungry, they ditch football training for cheerleading camp. Naturally, they assume it'll be easy, until they're introduced to the cutthroat cattiness of cheerleading competitions. If it were properly written, the film could've been an examination of female relationships through a male perspective, but it's just a teen comedy, so expect sight gags, unrealistic romantic situations, and gay jokes.
If you're gearing up for this Sunday's Oscar night and you're interested in seeing all 5 Best Picture nominees, you can get an all-day pass at select AMC Theaters Saturday Feb. 21st for $30 (complete with unlimited free refills of a large popcorn). Check out the schedule:
Milk – 10:30 a.m.
The Reader – 1:05 p.m.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - 3:45 p.m.
Slumdog Millionaire - 7:15 p.m.
Frost/Nixon – 9:45 p.m.
If you like dumb teen comedies with plenty of T&A, cute boys, and familiar C-list actors (like 90210's Naomi), then you might enjoy Fired Up! It's the story of two jocks (Eric Christian Olsen from Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd and Nicholas D'Agosto from "Heroes") who are so girl-hungry, they ditch football training for cheerleading camp. Naturally, they assume it'll be easy, until they're introduced to the cutthroat cattiness of cheerleading competitions. If it were properly written, the film could've been an examination of female relationships through a male perspective, but it's just a teen comedy, so expect sight gags, unrealistic romantic situations, and gay jokes.
If you're gearing up for this Sunday's Oscar night and you're interested in seeing all 5 Best Picture nominees, you can get an all-day pass at select AMC Theaters Saturday Feb. 21st for $30 (complete with unlimited free refills of a large popcorn). Check out the schedule:
Milk – 10:30 a.m.
The Reader – 1:05 p.m.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - 3:45 p.m.
Slumdog Millionaire - 7:15 p.m.
Frost/Nixon – 9:45 p.m.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
MUSIC: Top 50 Global Best Selling Albums
Prefixmag.com posted a list of the Top 50 Global Best Selling Albums and there are a few surprises. Here are the top 20:
1. Coldplay: Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends
2. AC/DC: Black Ice
3. Various Artists: Mamma Mia! The Movie Soundtrack
[The #1 Film Soundtrack! I totally get that. The theatrics of it can be addicting.]
4. Duffy: Rockferry
[Wow! I can't believe Adele beat her out for Best New Artist at the Grammy's if it is a worldwide consensus that she's the #1 female artist of the year. Oh well, at least she won Best Pop Vocal Album.]
5. Metallica: Death Magnetic
6. Leona Lewis: Spirit
[Hmm, maybe if she had better material she would've out-ranked Duffy hands-down.]
7. Amy Winehouse: Back to Black
8. Various Artists: High School Musical 3: Senior Year
9. Lil Wayne: Tha Carter III
10. Rihanna: Good Girl Gone Bad
11. Madonna: Hard Candy
12. Beyonce: I Am...Sasha Fierce
13. P!ink: Funhouse
14. Guns N' Roses: Chinese Democracy
15: Britney Spears: Circus
16. Jack Johnson: Sleep Through The Static
17. Il Divo: The Promise
[That's impressive for their genre.]
18. Taylor Swift: Fearless
[Miley was so close to outranking her. She actually came in at #23. But I think Taylor deserves it. It was definitely her year. She even came in again at #45 with her self-titled album.]
19. Jonas Brothers: A Little Bit Longer
[It still blows my mind every time someone nominates them for Breakout Artist of the Year. I feel like they've been around for so long, they don't even qualify. But I guess when you've been inundated with news about them, the days seem like years. lol They deserve it though, it was an incredibly mature sound considering their fanbase. They actually appear on the charts twice--at #39 with Jonas Brothers.]
20. Various Artists: Camp Rock OST
[See what I mean, inundated. Disney succeeded in creating yet another teen musical cash-cow.]
...and here are few more notables:
30. T.I.: Paper Trail
[Wow! I wonder how Kanye feels about getting outdone by T.I...and I wonder if he'd attribute his success to the fact that he's in prison now.]
31. Kanye West: 808's & Heartbreak
32. Michael Jackson: Thriller (25th Anniversary Edition)
[I can't believe this actually appeared in the top 50. I love me some Michael, but they're re-releases. You could create your own Greatest Hits on iTunes.]
33. Katy Perry: One of The Boys
[This is pretty huge for Katy, but I just wonder if her sophomore album will be able to live up to the hype.]
35. Ne-Yo: Year of The Gentleman
[He's come a long way--made a name for himself that isn't necessarily synonymous with "Usher-clone."]
40. Seal: Soul
[I had no idea he was so popular.]
I'd seriously recommend Estelle's Shine.
1. Coldplay: Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends
2. AC/DC: Black Ice
3. Various Artists: Mamma Mia! The Movie Soundtrack
[The #1 Film Soundtrack! I totally get that. The theatrics of it can be addicting.]
4. Duffy: Rockferry
[Wow! I can't believe Adele beat her out for Best New Artist at the Grammy's if it is a worldwide consensus that she's the #1 female artist of the year. Oh well, at least she won Best Pop Vocal Album.]
5. Metallica: Death Magnetic
6. Leona Lewis: Spirit
[Hmm, maybe if she had better material she would've out-ranked Duffy hands-down.]
7. Amy Winehouse: Back to Black
8. Various Artists: High School Musical 3: Senior Year
9. Lil Wayne: Tha Carter III
10. Rihanna: Good Girl Gone Bad
11. Madonna: Hard Candy
12. Beyonce: I Am...Sasha Fierce
13. P!ink: Funhouse
14. Guns N' Roses: Chinese Democracy
15: Britney Spears: Circus
16. Jack Johnson: Sleep Through The Static
17. Il Divo: The Promise
[That's impressive for their genre.]
18. Taylor Swift: Fearless
[Miley was so close to outranking her. She actually came in at #23. But I think Taylor deserves it. It was definitely her year. She even came in again at #45 with her self-titled album.]
19. Jonas Brothers: A Little Bit Longer
[It still blows my mind every time someone nominates them for Breakout Artist of the Year. I feel like they've been around for so long, they don't even qualify. But I guess when you've been inundated with news about them, the days seem like years. lol They deserve it though, it was an incredibly mature sound considering their fanbase. They actually appear on the charts twice--at #39 with Jonas Brothers.]
20. Various Artists: Camp Rock OST
[See what I mean, inundated. Disney succeeded in creating yet another teen musical cash-cow.]
...and here are few more notables:
30. T.I.: Paper Trail
[Wow! I wonder how Kanye feels about getting outdone by T.I...and I wonder if he'd attribute his success to the fact that he's in prison now.]
31. Kanye West: 808's & Heartbreak
32. Michael Jackson: Thriller (25th Anniversary Edition)
[I can't believe this actually appeared in the top 50. I love me some Michael, but they're re-releases. You could create your own Greatest Hits on iTunes.]
33. Katy Perry: One of The Boys
[This is pretty huge for Katy, but I just wonder if her sophomore album will be able to live up to the hype.]
35. Ne-Yo: Year of The Gentleman
[He's come a long way--made a name for himself that isn't necessarily synonymous with "Usher-clone."]
40. Seal: Soul
[I had no idea he was so popular.]
41. Sugarland: Love On The Inside
[It's only recently that I noticed this Country Rock band. I could've sworn everyone preferred Rascal Flatts, and that the new group Lady Antebellum was skyrocketing to the top.]
44. Dido: Safe Trip Home
[She first brokeout back in 2000 after singing the haunting chorus on Eminem's "Stan" track, and has steadily been climbing back to stardom with her third album.]
46. Chris Brown: Exclusive
[I would've thought he'd place hire, but I guess I imagined his fanbase to be as large as his public persona.]
47. Twilight: Twilight OST
[I'm not even a little surprised. I mean, if Catherine Hardwicke should feel the need to capitalize off of a director's journal--that will most likely blame the studio for all of the film's inadequacies--it's pretty obvious anything connected to the film will sell.]
48. Jason Mraz: We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things
[He totally deserves a higher ranking. He's been flying under the commercial radar for too long. I was a major fan of "I'm Yours" way before he released it on his album and his tracks deserve more recognition.]
49. OneRepublic: Dreaming Out Loud
[There isn't a season of TV that hasn't featured one of their songs, so it's no surprise music lovers have built their album up to top 50 status.
Are there any albums you'd add to the list?
I'd seriously recommend Estelle's Shine.
BUZZ: Efron as "Johnny Quest," Bekmambetov & Downey Jr., "House of Flying Daggers" Remake, and more
• James Tupper (Jack from "Men in Trees") will join NBC's drama "Mercy" as the resident McDreamy.
• Zac Efron is looking to destroy his commercial career Emile Hirsch-style. Much like the indie prince who tried his hand at blockbusters with Speed Racer, Efron is rumored to be up for the lead in The Adventures of Johnny Quest. The cartoon series, which centered on a computer wiz who brings down international criminals for the Quest Foundation, originated in the 60s and was revived in the late 90s. The content is very futuristic and I'm a little worried on how they plan on recreating Questworld, a coveted weapon and unpredictable computer-generated virtual reality. In the cartoon, Johnny would wear a headset to solve puzzles, locate hidden objects, battle evildoers and escape death. But that could easily turn out looking like Robert Rodriguez's The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl 3-D...which looked cheesy. Well, we'll see. Also, The Rock is being considered for the role of Johnny's bodyguard Race Bannon--I see he's trying to corner the kiddie market, what with his latest involvement in the Race to Witch Mountain remake.
• Oh how I love Timur Bekmambetov, the genius behind Wanted, Day Watch, and Night Watch. His next project, The Days Before, is about "a race of aliens who invade Earth by traveling backwards through time and wiping out humanity, one day at a time, yesterday by yesterday." That sounds difficult to film, but since the hero of the film has to "stay a yesterday ahead of them" and "convince the world that the end is coming" every day, it'll be kind of like Groundhog's Day meets Independence Day, but with better cinematography. I'm totally psyched that America is embracing one of my favorite directors, but I'm also excited about Robert Downey Jr. and Reese Witherspoon possibly scoring the lead roles. I just hope that Witherspoon takes a page out of Downey's handbook and changes her look up a bit. Blonde and puppy-dog-eyed is only interesting the first one hundred times around. I know she changed it up a lot for her role in Walk the Line, but she kind of had to. Otherwise, she's usually just your average blonde. I hope she takes creative liberties with her look like she did in one of the films she produced Penelope. I like wild child Reese.
• For God knows what reason Sam Raimi is rumored to be making an Americanized version of House of the Flying Daggers, the 2004 Oscar-nominated Asian epic.
• Paul Giamatti has expressed interest in playing the Penguin in future Batman films. Hmm.
• Jean-Claude Van Damme is interested in doing Bloodsport 2, a sequel to his 1988 classic film, Wrestler-style, with the lead as a drunk, abusive bum. Look what Mickey Rourke started--not everybody gets to have a comeback people.
• Newcomer Armie Hammer is set to gueststar on the last three episodes of "Gossip Girl" this season as Serena's new boy toy, a sexy European socialite. He'll get her into the trouble that they'll have to call on Georgina to get her out of. Can't wait.
• Zac Efron is looking to destroy his commercial career Emile Hirsch-style. Much like the indie prince who tried his hand at blockbusters with Speed Racer, Efron is rumored to be up for the lead in The Adventures of Johnny Quest. The cartoon series, which centered on a computer wiz who brings down international criminals for the Quest Foundation, originated in the 60s and was revived in the late 90s. The content is very futuristic and I'm a little worried on how they plan on recreating Questworld, a coveted weapon and unpredictable computer-generated virtual reality. In the cartoon, Johnny would wear a headset to solve puzzles, locate hidden objects, battle evildoers and escape death. But that could easily turn out looking like Robert Rodriguez's The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl 3-D...which looked cheesy. Well, we'll see. Also, The Rock is being considered for the role of Johnny's bodyguard Race Bannon--I see he's trying to corner the kiddie market, what with his latest involvement in the Race to Witch Mountain remake.
• Oh how I love Timur Bekmambetov, the genius behind Wanted, Day Watch, and Night Watch. His next project, The Days Before, is about "a race of aliens who invade Earth by traveling backwards through time and wiping out humanity, one day at a time, yesterday by yesterday." That sounds difficult to film, but since the hero of the film has to "stay a yesterday ahead of them" and "convince the world that the end is coming" every day, it'll be kind of like Groundhog's Day meets Independence Day, but with better cinematography. I'm totally psyched that America is embracing one of my favorite directors, but I'm also excited about Robert Downey Jr. and Reese Witherspoon possibly scoring the lead roles. I just hope that Witherspoon takes a page out of Downey's handbook and changes her look up a bit. Blonde and puppy-dog-eyed is only interesting the first one hundred times around. I know she changed it up a lot for her role in Walk the Line, but she kind of had to. Otherwise, she's usually just your average blonde. I hope she takes creative liberties with her look like she did in one of the films she produced Penelope. I like wild child Reese.
• For God knows what reason Sam Raimi is rumored to be making an Americanized version of House of the Flying Daggers, the 2004 Oscar-nominated Asian epic.
• Paul Giamatti has expressed interest in playing the Penguin in future Batman films. Hmm.
• Jean-Claude Van Damme is interested in doing Bloodsport 2, a sequel to his 1988 classic film, Wrestler-style, with the lead as a drunk, abusive bum. Look what Mickey Rourke started--not everybody gets to have a comeback people.
• Newcomer Armie Hammer is set to gueststar on the last three episodes of "Gossip Girl" this season as Serena's new boy toy, a sexy European socialite. He'll get her into the trouble that they'll have to call on Georgina to get her out of. Can't wait.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
VIDEO: Kanye West's "Welcome to Heartbreak" vs. T.I. & Timberlake's "Dead and Gone"
I love that Kanye West used a twist on the fade-in/out for "Welcome to Heartbreak," making the faces imprint into each other--not to mention the incredible use of creative textures.
It's awesome compared to this video by T.I. & Justin Timberlake for "Dead and Gone" that's awfully literal (but still well-done):
It's awesome compared to this video by T.I. & Justin Timberlake for "Dead and Gone" that's awfully literal (but still well-done):
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)