Entertainment Weekly's PopWatch Blog | PopWatch

PopWatch Entertainment Weekly's PopWatch Blog

Archive: June 2010 (121-130 of 584)

Jun 24 2010 05:27 PM ET

Could Channing Tatum star in the 'next' 'Avatar'?

Categories: Avatar, Movie Casting, Movies, Sci-Fi

Channning-Tatum-Avatar Image Credit: Tatum: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage.comSo you remember how after Titanic grossed the GDP of a small island nation, everyone began wondering if Hollywood could find the “next” historical romantic epic to captivate the world starring a puppy-dog-eyed man-boy and an impossibly beautiful British actress speaking in an American accent? And then Hollywood tried, and it was called Pearl Harbor, and it was an interminably long and cloying disaster even when Michael Bay wasn’t busy blowing things up?

Here’s hoping Ion avoids that same pitfall. News came out today that Channing Tatum is attached to star in the new sci-fi romantic epic that’s apparently given Hollywood Avatar fever, to the point where The Hollywood Reporter story about the casting news speculatively called Ion the “next Avatar?” in its headline. Ridley and Tony Scott are both attached to produce the film, which “revolves around a man who travels to different Earths and dimensions in order to find his reincarnated lover.” Screenwriter Will Dunn reportedly tried last year to sell Ion to studios to no avail, but now that Avatar has grossed the GDP of a medium-sized island nation, suddenly those same studios — including Avatar‘s own Fox, which is in the lead to pick up Ion — have decided sweeping sci-fi romantic epics are good business after all. READ FULL STORY »

Jun 24 2010 05:20 PM ET

Madonna and daughter's fashion line looks revealed

by Archana Ram

Categories: Fa-fa-fa-fa-fashion, Madonna, To Care or Not to Care

Come August, nerd glasses, star prints, and bustiers underneath blazers will be all the rage — or so Madonna and her daughter, Lourdes, hope. Sketches for the mother and daughter’s Macy’s fashion line were revealed this week, showcasing a line that seems to be piggy-backing on the current, slightly inexplicable 1980s trend. The pieces don’t push the envelope by any means, and they seem to be literally regurgitated from Madonna’s 1980s looks, but it does seem like exactly what we’d expect from the pop queen and her spawn. Plus, the safe fashion options seem like the right choice for such a mass retailer.

The duo’s line, Material Girl, hits floors Aug. 3.

What do you guys think of the line? Would you wear any of it?

Jun 24 2010 04:23 PM ET

'Pretty Bird' on DVD: Exclusive clip to get you through Kristen Wiig withdrawal

by Mandi Bierly

Categories: DVD/Video, Movies

Pretty Bird, the directorial debut of actor Paul Schneider (Parks and Recreation‘s Mark) based on the true story of three would-be entrepreneurs who set out to invent and market a personal rocket belt, hits DVD June 29. We’ve got an exclusive clip for you below. On their first date, Curtis Prentiss (Billy Crudup) asks Mandy Riddle (Saturday Night Live‘s Kristen Wiig) to name a film that changed her life. Definitely not the answer we anticipated… READ FULL STORY »

Jun 24 2010 04:10 PM ET

The iPhone 4: Worth the wait?

by Margaret Lyons

Categories: iPhone/iPad apps, Tech

Happy iPhone 4 day, PopWatchers. The early reviews are in, and people seem pretty dazzled by the Retina display screen, miffed about the lingering yellow spots of bonding agent, and impressed by the faster processing.

None of that could make me stand in the oppressive New York heat today, though. Unless that bad boy dispenses, oh, infinity glasses of Sauvignon blanc and can pay off student loans, I feel comfortable waiting for a little bit.

What about you, PopWatchers? Were you waiting in line to pick up your pre-ordered iPhone 4, or are you holding off?

Jun 24 2010 03:30 PM ET

Michael Jackson TV tribute guide

by Christian Blauvelt

Categories: In Memoriam, Michael Jackson, Music, Television

Tomorrow, June 25, marks the anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death. In addition to the mass moonwalks that undoubtedly will pop up all over the globe, TV networks are scrambling to provide coverage for still-grieving fans of the fallen King of Pop. Aside from the reverent tribute specials — including the BET Awards, which will honor Jackson this Sunday — there will be video countdowns, tours of Neverland Ranch, and documentaries on the Jackson family. For those still interested in the tabloid-fodder side of MJ’s life, never fear: Specials on his entourage, children, and several docs on the conspiracy theories surrounding his death are also airing. Yes, there will even be a hard-hitting look at the special relationship between Michael and Bubbles the Chimp.

Below, we’ve assembled the ultimate viewer’s guide to all things Jackson airing this weekend, so put on your sequined glove, red jacket, and fedora, and get ready to pay respects to pop music’s late, great King. READ FULL STORY »

Jun 24 2010 03:15 PM ET

Luke Jerram's 'Play Me, I'm Yours' art installation: Play us a song, piano strangers (and Cyndi Lauper!)

by Breia Brissey

Categories: Art, Have You Seen This?, Inappropriate Crushes, Made Us Think, Web Surfing

No one wants to hear me play the piano. My repertoire features only one song: “I Dropped My Dolly.” Yeah, I’m THAT bad. But if I wanted to, I could take my act (I use the term loosely) a couple of blocks down to Times Square and play to my heart’s content. All thanks to artist Luke Jerram’s “Play Me, I’m Yours” art installation across New York City.

Jerram installed 60 pianos across Manhattan and the surrounding areas for anyone to play from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (The pianos are locked for safe keeping and opened again in the morning by volunteers.) From Battery Park to Central Park, pianists can showcase their skills while others enjoy the music. And if you’re not in New York, you can still enjoy the show — the “Play Me, I’m Yours” website offers photos and videos.

That’s how I stumbled across none other than Cyndi Lauper performing at the Times Square 44th Street location. (See video of her performance after the jump.) Had I known she was there, I would have bolted out of the office and run the six blocks to have a listen. I mean, really. How important can work possibly be when Cyndi Lauper is outside singing? For free! I think the answer is pretty clear. READ FULL STORY »

Jun 24 2010 02:34 PM ET

Michael Jackson: Life.com photos help celebrate the King of Pop

by Brad Wete

Categories: In Memoriam, Made Us Think, Michael Jackson

Tomorrow (June 25) marks the one-year anniversary of Michael Jackson’s untimely death. Thankfully, the undisputed “King of Pop” left us with some incredible memories. Life.com has published several galleries chronicling the rise to musical royalty all the way to when he was laid to rest. There’s Michael hanging with friend Sophia Loren, eerie parallels to Elvis Presley, and some amazing performance shots.

Jackson was known for plenty. Mostly good. Some not so good. How will you remember him?

Jun 24 2010 02:29 PM ET

What is Auto-Tune, Alex? Why, the greatest thing to come to 'Jeopardy!' in years!

by Kate Ward

Categories: Games, Ridiculata, Television, Things That Are Awesome!

On last night’s Jeopardy!, Alex met Auto-Tune. And believe me, PopWatchers, when I say it was the most pivotal and necessary meeting since Harry and Sally. Flotsam and Jetsam. Meat and Potatoes. Click here to watch Alex deliver the best rendition of “Go Down Moses” seen on television since this guy came along. You’re welcome. [Vulture]

Jun 24 2010 02:05 PM ET

YouTube's new vuvuzela button: Now with more ear-splitting!

by Darren Franich

Categories: Ridiculata

Image Credit: Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty ImagesThat sound you hear is all of humanity covering its ears. World Cup viewers across the world have already lost uncountable brain cells thanks to the persistent bleating of the vuvuzela, the popular stadium horn that makes a noise which scientists describe as “the cry of a lovesick emu being attacked by zombie buzzards in an echo chamber.” And now, the world’s third-most-popular website has fallen victim. YouTube has added a soccer-ball icon to all newly uploaded videos. Clicking on that button will create a sonic wall of vuvuzela shrieks. On the plus side, this button actually makes watching America’s Got Talent videos more entertaining. Just check out this video of Katy Perry clones performing a trapeze act. Oh god, Howie Mandel is dancing! Vuvuzela! Vuvuzela!

Clearly, this is just a clever dotcom joke (although maybe it’s also to celebrate YouTube’s recent court victory?) PopWatchers, where do you think this ranks next to the Google Pac-Man? And is the vuvuzela more or less annoying than the trash can drum?

Jun 24 2010 01:45 PM ET

Lifetime really loves lady cops

by Mandi Bierly

Categories: Television

We’ve already reported Lifetime’s hope for an Army Wives spin-off that would focus on Pamela Moran (Brigid Brannagh) and her partner in the Atlanta police department (Gabrielle Union). Now, the network is calling in for backup. Among the hour-long pilots in development for 2011 are three more female cop shows, Variety reports. There’s the untitled drama from Drop Dead Diva creator Josh Berman that would center on “a San Diego police detective who’s the mother of two and on the verge of divorce”; Exit 19, from Jeffrey Bell (V), which follows a single mother in the NYPD (if that sounds familiar, it’s because it’s been bouncing around for years); and Against the Wall, from Annie Brunner (Hung), about “a Chicago police woman who joins the Chicago Police Dept.’s Internal Affairs division — causing a rift with her cop brothers.”