Archive: June 2009 (221-230 of 438)

Jun 14 2009 02:54 PM ET

Michael Moore's new movie trailer wants your money

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Two years after his last critique of the nation's governing bodies (aka The Man) in 2007's Sicko, agitprop documentarian Michael Moore is back with a new movie — and this time, his target is…[drumroll]…The Economy! In a just-released teaser clip (above) for the untitled film, Moore puts on his trademark everyguy persona (and yes, a baseball cap) to poke fun at the big bad blue chip firms that helped get us into the recession.

As much as I think Moore's movies can be a little one-sided, I'm excited to see what he has to say about all this — especially since Hollywood's been its usual slow-poke self at addressing the crisis. (As far as I can tell, their best effort so far has involved John Travolta with a biker 'stache and a laptop. Pick up the pace, guys.)

What about you, PopWatchers? Are you interested to hear what Moore has to say about the economy?

Jun 14 2009 12:00 PM ET

David Letterman, Ed Asner: Old(er) dudes are having their day!

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Filed under: Movies, Television and tagged: , ,

Letterman-palin_l No matter where you fall in the David Letterman-Sarah Palin war of words, you have to admit the 62-year-old host is having a moment. Forget that he's poised to sign yet another contract extension that will keep him at The Late Show until he's at least 65; Madison Avenue appears primed and ready to declare him the new King of Late Night, even though its only been 13 days since Conan O'Brien took over The Tonight Show. After a splashly debut, O'Brien's numbers slipped preciptiously over his first week — so much that by June 9, Letterman actually beat his NBC rival in the overnight ratings (though O'Brien looks like he could wind up the man to beat with younger audiences). Obviously, this is a marathon, not a sprint, but the fact that a grey-haired funny man is (still) kicking some serious ass is a blissful and welcome diversion from the barrage of kids that Hollywoods continues to force feed us.

Of course, I think Megan Fox and Shia LaBeouf are looking well above 200 degrees fahrenheit, but I'd gladly forgo the picture-perfect stars of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen if it means boosting the backend profits for another sorely underappreciated member of the 60-and-over crowd, Ed Asner, the voice of Up's beloved Carl Fredricksen. Up until a month ago, it would have seemed unthinkable to base an animated movie around a crochety, 78-year-old character – but aren't we glad Disney did? The flick's still rocking the second place spot at the box office, which makes the 79-year-old Asner a humongous box office draw (so what if he's in cartoon form? It still counts). Who says you need a scantily-clad "actress" hovering over an exposed engine to get our motors running?

What do you think, P-Dubs? Is 78 the new 23? Is it nice to see the old guys finish first?

Jun 13 2009 08:29 PM ET

Tearjerker Commercials: Love 'em or hate 'em?

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I'm sitting there, idly watching Paula Deen on the Food Network — hey, I like butter; don't judge me — and this State Farm commercial comes on. Almost as soon as Michael Jackson's angelic young voice starts belting out "I'll Be There," water starts leaking from my eyes. Here's the spot:

Now, I don't mind a well-made commercial, but the last thing I expect to do during a commercial break is try and hold back tears. I almost resent this kind of emotional sneak attack: I should get some kind of warning. Especially when it's not Olympic season, when I know that companies from McDonalds to Home Depot will concoct ads that zero in my sports sweet spot, like this Visa spot that left me a wreck:

Does it bother you when tearjerker ads pounce on you like a beast in the night, or does the surprise, momentary release come like a warm blanket?

Jun 13 2009 08:18 PM ET

'SYTYCD': Cat Deeley blogs it for EW!

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Cat-Deely-Dance-blog_l[1]Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of weekly posts by So You Think You Can Dance host Cat Deeley. Check back every Friday to get Cat’s take on the week’s action and exclusive scoop from behind the scenes. And don’t forget to make your picks for this week’s eliminations in our SYTYCD Prediction Challenge.

It’s not easy finding bona fide stars! But…by George…I think we’ve done it!

The first studio show of So You Think You Can Dance went out on Wednesday, followed by the live results show on Thursday. What an exciting week! Our Top 20 for season 5 are truly amazing. The dance talent is incredible in all the different genres, they’re a fun and vivacious bunch, and all of them have done pretty well in the gene pool — I think they may be our most visually pleasing Top 20 yet!

Before I began hosting the show I had preconceptions about just how competitive and cutthroat this TV program would be, but I have been shocked, surprised and delighted by the camaraderie, friendship and general team-player attitude of all the dancers. I know this seems hard to believe, as of course, there is only one title of “America’s Favorite Dancer” and there is only one check for $250,000.

But when you take 20 ordinary people and put them in the most extraordinary situation magic happens, and hopefully every single one of them will walk away with a life experience that they will tell their kids and grandkids about! Yes, they will be pushed beyond their physical capabilities, yes they will be emotionally challenged, and yes the pressure will sometimes be intense…. But we’re also going to have some fun!

READ FULL STORY »

Jun 13 2009 03:41 PM ET

Susan Boyle sings on the 'Britain's Got Talent' Tour: When's she coming stateside?

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The Britain's Got Talent tour kicked off last night in Birmingham (that's England, not Alabama). And of course, the show's star attraction was Susan Boyle, who belted out her signature tune, I Dreamed a Dream, to rapturous applause.

Despite reports about her shaky nerves, Boyle looks pretty happy on stage. Dressed in a shiny silvery sheath, the Scottish sensation seems much more animated than she ever did on TV — she's working the diva-style hand flourishes and the dramatic glares. And the audience can't seem to get enough, bursting into cheers for every high note.

So the big question is: If the tour is a huge hit in the UK (where it's already sold out three of its dates), will it ever come to the US? There's no word on a stateside extension yet, but it seems like Simon Cowell would be a fool not to cash in on America's Boylemania while it's hot.

So how about it, PopWatchers: If the BGT tour does hop the pond, will you buy tickets to catch Boyle in the flesh? Or do you prefer your SuBo in YouTube-size bites?

More Susan Boyle:

Susan Boyle hospitalized after 'BGT' finals  |  Susan Boyle loses 'Britain's Got Talent'!  |  Susan Boyle: Why we watch…and weep  |  Simon Cowell: 'Distractions' could doom Susan Boyle  |  Susan Boyle: overrated? British pop star Lily Allen thinks so…  |  Susan Boyle's audition gives Simon his second spontaneous 'O' of the week  |  Susan Boyle starting on the makeover: Like you wouldn't…?  |  Susan Boyle wanted to quit 'Britain's Got Talent,' judge says  |  Susan Boyle: America, what's your problem?

Jun 13 2009 02:49 PM ET

'The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3': Good flick, but what was up with the webcam?

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Filed under: Movies and tagged: ,

 Taking-Pelham-Travolta_l [SPOILER ALERT] I just saw The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, and overall I totally agree with Lisa Schwarzbaum's B+ review: The movie is a tight, self-aware thriller that doesn't waste any time in getting your pulse up and keeping it there. That's why I was so surprised to realize at the end of the film that one of its subplots — the whole webcam "say you love me" story thread — went absolutely nowhere.

Putting aside the weird logic of it (Who would try to use a webcam in a subway car?), I'm just confused by the fact that the plotline never amounted to anything in the story. Was the camera supposed to give the police secret information? Or anger the hijackers when they found out it was broadcasting the incident live to the news? Or give the guy some inside info about what was happening in the outside world? If so, those scenes ended up in the delete file and all we got were a few moments of uncomfortable comedy as the guy tries to placate his girlfriend without alarming the armed goons behind him.

To me, it felt like an awkward attempt to remind viewers that the movie — based on the 1974 classic –takes place in the now, and not the 1970's. But a webcam? If they really wanted it to feel of-the-moment, they should've had the guy pull out his iPhone and start Twittering the whole thing. Or better yet, have the grade-school kid do it, since the average NYC kid nowadays could give Steve Jobs a run for his money in the tech savvy department.

So what do you think, PopWatchers: Was the webcam subplot pointless? Or was there some deeper meaning that I missed?

More 'Taking of Pelham':
Video: 'Taking of Pelham 1 2 3' reviewed by Owen Gleiberman and Lisa Schwarzbaum
Movie review: 'The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3'

Jun 13 2009 02:13 PM ET

Adam Lambert on '20/20': Still gay, but he has made out with girls

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Filed under: About Last Night, American Idol, Television and tagged: , , ,

We already got the shocking, NO-WAY! reveal in Rolling Stone — American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert is gay. Still, as Chris Connolly points out in the video embedded here, last night on 20/20 was the first time he talked about it on TV. Oh! Well that is an event. The seven-plus-minute segment didn't unearth much — he's gay, he didn't want to put it all out there during the Idol competition, he played dress-up as a kid. There is a sentimental-piano-backed moment where his mom lovingly and casually talks about supporting her son throughout his life. I guess if I had to pick one highlight from the interview, it was the moment he provided hope for all the swooning tween girls unbothered by the fact that Adam likes boys: "I wouldn't ever give myself the label bisexual, but bi-ciurous, yeah. I've been known to make out with girls from time to time. Couple drinks invovled, you know, it's fun. And who knows, maybe it'll go further someday, I dunno. Who's the lucky woman…" Keep those gals-a-gushin'. Smart move, Glambert.

Jun 12 2009 11:48 PM ET

Mini Doc Jensen: Matthew Fox talks Season 6! 'Lost' meets 'Top Chef'!

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Lost-jack_l Okay, the juicy news first. Matthew Fox has reportedly spilled some intel on Lost's top secret sixth and final season. Appearing at the Monte Carlo Television Festival, the actor–whose character Jack Shephard is presumed obliterated by a hydrogen bomb called Jughead (see: the Season 5 finale)–fielded some questions about the narrative structure of next year's episodes, and even went so far as to guess how audiences might react to it. You can read TV Guide's summary of Fox's comments here–and you can read my extensive analysis in my much-delayed Doc Jensen column, posting at long last on Monday.

In other Lost news, exec producers Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof will be breaking their post-season-finale radio silence on Wednesday, although probably not in the fashion you were expecting. Still, it sounds entertaining: The producers will be appearing on an episode of Top Chef Masters. Contestants will prepare a meal for Cuse and Lindelof, using only foodstuffs one might find on the Island: seafood, tropical fruit, and–ugh–boar meat. (Seriously: Check out the boar's head in this sneak peek of the episode.) I don't normally watch the show, but now, of course, it's on my radar, as I have no doubt the episode will be encoded with clues and studded with oblique literary references that require my obsessive scrutiny. My guess is that it's probably going to be pretty entertaining, too.

But as entertaining as the season finale of "Totally Lost"? Man, I would have to say it's a toss-up. Yes, kids: It's done. A monstrous, madcap opus, featuring the resolution of the big mystery everyone is talking about: Who shot Pig E.? (Key: "everyone" = 36 people) You'll get Pig E.'s orientation video, plus the character introduction of the year, that international man of mystery, Ben Svetkey. Come back here Monday for the goods and the crazy. In the meantime: Who knew Al Trautwig of "Al Trautwig's Lost Thoughts" was actually THE Al Trautwig, the famous New York-area sportscaster! I didn't! But now that I know, I'm totally obsessed. Check out his stuff here–dude is smart!

See you next week,

Doc Jensen
Jun 12 2009 11:00 PM ET

What would you do with a cardboard cutout of Brad Pitt?

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There's no question that the sight of Brad Pitt on the side of the road would stop traffic. But stop motorists from speeding? They're giving it a try in Russia: Our old Cold War foes, always so progressive and innovative in their approach to law enforcement, are now putting cardboard cutouts of Angelina Jolie's hunky, very happy partner dressed as a traffic cop at dangerous intersections in Siberia in order to get drivers there to slow down. (Good lord, it's Siberia! What are they in such a rush for–you know, besides leaving?) According to the Associated Press, the campaign seems to be effective, and flesh-and-blood Siberian cops consider their cardboard Pitts "kind of like a colleague."

All of which begs the question: If you had a cardboard cut-out of Brad Pitt dressed up as a police officer, how would you use him to fight crime? In general, if you had a life-sized inanimate replica of Brad Pitt at your disposal, what would you do with it? (Nothing in the Lars and the Real Girl vein, please.) 

Jun 12 2009 10:47 PM ET

Enter the Fray: 'American Idol,' Jessica Alba, Will Ferrell, and more

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Enter-the-Fray_l Though I missed the actual Tony Awards broadcast, I was able to catch up on the evening's highlights by reading Thom Geier's thorough liveblog of the event. And, of course, by reading this account of what was clearly the most buzzworthy part of Sunday's show: Bret Michaels' spectacular scenery collision. (I only allowed myself to watch — and laugh — once I knew he'd be alright.) Here's what else you talked about this week:

10. Drag Me to Hell is ''wicked fun,'' according to Owen Gleiberman, so why didn't it fare better at the box office?

9. Earlier this week, rumors swirled that TBS might continue producing new episodes My Name is Earl. Sadly, we learned yesterday that the comedy's actually gone for good.

8. Mike Bruno admired Megan Fox's little black dress at the Transformers Seoul premiere.

7. Kate Ward took her mom to see the not-so-parent-friendly Hangover. Hilarity ensued.

6. Recently fired Miss California USA Carrie Prejean's leaked emails: diva alert!

5. Contessa Brewer and John Ziegler threw down re: the Palin/Letterman spat.

4. Chris Harrison promised a personal hard copy of his Bachelorette blog if the comments section went haywire again. Luckily for our planet's trees, the comments seem to be working fine.

3. After 19 Entertainment officially signed American Idol winner Kris Allen and runner-up Adam Lambert, Michael Slezak championed Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, and Mishavonna Henson as the next season 8 contestants to ink a deal. It worked for Allison. That just leaves 'Noop Dawg and Mishavonna…

2. Does Land of the Lost's dismal box office take mean America is over Will Ferrell?

1. Chris Nashawaty got sucked into the bad-movie vortex last weekend when he found himself watching Jessica Alba's ''deep-sea treasure turd'' Into the Blue instead of his Netflixed Ingmar Bergman film, a phenomenon we're all quite familiar with.

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