Pop Culture Buzz

GRADE: D

By now we all loathe or are sick of Tom Cruise by now. We all know he is a serious closet case and that the tabloids have it right with this nut job, he is a train wreck with dwindling power in Hollywood! Now that doesn’t take away from the fact I liked “War Of The Worlds” a lot. I can distinguish between when a movie is good or bad, and still review the movie based on it’s merits and not gossip. But all of this insight didn’t help the fact that “MI:3″ was boring, long and not very creative at all.

Philip Seymour Hoffman is wasted as the main villain, and the film techniques that director J.J. Abrams uses in “MI:3″ are loud, obnoxious and over stylized. J.J. Abrams is the creator/director of the T.V. action classics, “Alias” and “Lost”. This movie doesn’t have the creativity or excitement of these free network primetime shows.

This movie is supposedly known for its creative spy techniques, plot twists and top notch acting and directing credits. Here we are pulled through mindless action scenes like a kid having a hissy fit. I didn’t get the plot, and after the first half hour loathed every character. I asked my partner to describe the plot to me after he told me that he liked this movie, and he couldn’t!

I never liked this franchise, the original was mildly entertaining. “MI:2″ was drivel and uneven though it was a huge monetary hit. I scratched my head when this movie was in pre-production with disbelief. I asked myself, “do we need another “Mission Impossible”? I like action films, the spy genre and even (most) Tom Cruise films….but this is a rotten film with a crazy star, and that is all it is!

The show that is possibly getting the boot? “Studio 60″, by Aaron Sorkin. I do not care for Aaron Sorkin t.v. shows. I am not a big fan of his frantic, busy, fast paced filming or sporadic dialogue. The rumors are that there is only 3-4 more episodes left. This news does not bode well for NBC, who is suffering from bad programming choices and failed shows.

I personally think the show gives too many details away, and the subject matter (a “backstage” peek at an “SNL like” show is unbelievable. This premise wears thin as the viewer is constantly thrown obscure industry jokes, quick camera moves and a too detailed intimate look at a comedy variety show and its actors.

Last week, “Studio 60″ had 7.7 million viewers. Compare that with competing “CSI: Miami”, with 17.5 million. This may be due to the competition or the night it was scheduled to air, either way NBC is in trouble! If you are a fan of this show, enjoy it while you can.

Other Shows That I Think Are In Trouble:

“Men In Trees” and “What About Brian” on ABC.

“Friday Night Lights” on NBC.

“Shark” on CBS.

This week “Saw 3″ did what people have predicted would happen, it debuted with stellar numbers opening at number one. This is the 3rd straight movie from the franchise to do this. The $34 million dollar opening make its the biggest Halloween movie debut ever. Wow, that is big praise for a mediocre, sadistic, gory mess. Don’t get me wrong, I like sadistic villains and gore, but this movie chose to take the easy textbook route with cheap thrills. We get to look forward to “Saw 4″ next Halloween in 2006, and then “Saw 5″ will come out around Halloween of 2007.

“The Departed” and “The Prestige” are still doing very well with movie goer’s. “The Grudge 2″ (rated a dismal PG-13) is not showing to be much of a hit, even though it opened at number one 2 weeks ago. The biggest loser of them all is “Marie Antoinette” which is falling fast after an abysmal opening last week. “Running With Scissors” debuted to harsh reviews but is doing well in limited release.

1 Saw III $34,300,000

10 Running with Scissors $2,550,000

** STARS

The first “Saw” movie was a superb gore-fest. It utilized the shock ending perfectly, and brought in a new age in horror movies. The main baddie “Jigsaw” has now earned ranks in the villain hall of fame along with Pinhead, Michael Meyers, Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger.

Unfortunately this movie doesn’t bode well for the franchise. “Saw 2″, although entertaining, hinted at the slow decline of these films. There is already rumblings of a “Saw 4″, which I am not looking forward to after viewing “Saw 3″.

In the first two “Saw” films “Jigsaw” somehow escapes his own demise, yet he plows through innocent people with glee. In this movie his appearance and longevity in the film is implausible. The whole premise of the movies wears thin after a while. We can only stand so much torture and rotting corpses with no plot to be seen.

The plot has more holes in it than Swiss cheese, stinky Swiss cheese. you don’t route for anyone to get out of the film alive, you pretty much give up like most of the victims in this turkey. Gross is one thing, silly and all over the map is something completely else. This movie is a mess, and not for the obvious gory reasons.

Here is a link to a fun Justin Timberlake mash up, and once again he is bringing “Sexy Back”. I had no idea “sexy” left, but thanks anyway Justin. I like this mash up, thank you Coop for the link below!

LISTEN TO THE JUSTIN MASH UP HERE!

There is drama today as the new ads for The Dixie Chicks documentary “Shut Up And Sing” have been pulled from NBC & The CW Network. “Shut Up And Sing” chronicles their controversy over lead singer Natalie Maine’s statement, “I am ashamed the President is from Texas” at a concert over 3 years ago. The excuse being thrown around by the netowrks is that they cannot find programming to put the ads on. Huh?

This new type of censorship is only going to boost ticket and c.d. sales, most likely backfiring the politically motivated intention of the ban by the networks in the first place. I love The Dixie Chicks, and have tickets to see them this coming November.

Their latest album is an intimate, moving, sincere, harsh response to this mess. It is one of the best c.d.’s to come out all year. They once again prove talent, angelic voices and true musicianship can overcome any obstacles, even a bad Presidency.

BELOW IS THE POWERFUL AND STIRRING TRAILER:

If anyone is going to re-make the classic slasher movie “Halloween” it should be Rob Zombie. His movie “The Devil’s Rejects” was one of the best, most goriest horror films to come out in years. I loved the action and grity look of the movie.

Now we hear that Rob Zombie is doing the re-make of “Halloween”, without Jamie Lee Curtis of course. The original “Halloween” is considered to be the original slasher movie, and is one of the most profitable independent movies ever! It was made for almost nothing when it came out in the early 70’s, and it set the trend for maniac killer splatter films.

The soundtrack is one of the most recognized pieces of movie music ever. Thinking of it gives me the chills. I hope they don’t touch any aspect of Michael Meyers look. The bleached William Shatner mask from the original is key to the character and the creep factor. Let’s hope this is a translation of the original and not a complete re-do.

LOOK AT THIS PICTURE…….

ENOUGH SAID!

When will this fool just come out of the closet? It is pretty pathetic! And that hair? I mean, do I really need to point out the obvious? All I can say is, EEEWWW!!

HERE IS A CLIP FROM “DA ALI G SHOW” W/ BRUNO:

If you watch “Da Ali G Show” on HBO you know that Sacha Baron Cohen’s genius is never ending. His characters are always dead on and brutally on target. “Ali G” is already a part of our pop culture universe with his appearance in Madonna’s “Music” video, and a failed attempt at a feature length film available on DVD.

With just one week before the world knows the brilliance that is known as “Borat” we hear that Cohen is in a huge bidding war for his last remaining “Ali G” character “Bruno”. Berlin based “Bruno” is a gay fashion reporter and his antics on the show lift the skirt on a vapid, shallow industry. This should be hilarious to say the least!

A LINK TO THE STORY IS BELOW

SACHA BARON COHEN’S “BRUNO” BIDDING WAR!

BELOW IS A LINK TO THE ARTICLE!

MARILYN MANSON RE-DOING “ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW”?

I think this is a great idea. I have been wondering when they would try to re-do this classic musical. Who else better to re-make the tranny goth horror opus? This would be a marriage made in heaven. I hope they give it a darker feeling and emphasize the “horror” aspect of the movie.

Some movies should not be touched, this one can use a modern spin. The music and lyrics shoudl stay the same, but a new modern sounding twist may be fun too.

Kinda….

I think the South Park creators have always pushed the limits of taste and what is funny, and most of the time it is with funny scathing results. I watched the “Hell On Earth 2006″ episode of South Park last night. It was one of the funniest episodes in a long time. The whole bit about guys showing up at Halloween parties dressed as “The Crow” just get action was hilarious!

Below I have attached a picture of the shocking, offensive image. I thought the bit was funny and loved the current nature of the joke. I mean c’mon, there is a sting ray hanging out of his chest!

“TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES” COMPUTER ANIMATED MOVIE TRAILER!

NICOLE RITCHIE SEEKS HELP TO GAIN WEIGHT!

SNOOP DOGG ARRESTED FOR WEED & GUN POSESSION, AGAIN!

“HOSTEL 2″ NEWS!

“PANS LABRYNTH” THE SCARIEST MOVIE OF THE YEAR?

AWESOME RE-MAKE ALERT!

Follow the link below for the awesome “Day Of The Dead” trailer! I love zombie movies and this one looks to be a wild ride. I am really excited for this movie!

DAY OF THE DEAD TRAILER!

B+

At first the concept of a whole movie based on talking cars seemed kind a bit to kid friendly. But once again Pixar proves the world wrong! This movie is charming, sweet, fun and original.

Pixar knows how to tell a story, and the imagery is truly ahead of the pack! The seamless, meticulous details are beautiful. In true Pixar style the supporting characters are so much more funnier than the main characters. I love the variety of bold colors and the boy-ish vibe this film has.

I didn’t love this movie like I have other Pixar films, and so far this is not the best animated film this year. But, I appreciate its colorful outlook on life, and its creative feel. “Cars” after a second viewing didn’t excite me like when I first saw it in theaters.

The voice talent is top notch and Paul Newman makes a great beat up old jalopy! Truly though, Bonnie Hunt is an unknown comedic genius! I liked the familiar screenplay, reminiscent of the 90’s movie “Doc Hollywood” and the “city mouse/country mouse” feel to the story. The subtle lessons and funny one liners kept coming in this charmer. I laughed a lot in this movie. Pixar has a great writing staff, the pop culture references are all over the place.

This film was so detailed and spot on with classic Looney Tune type antics and creative imagery. If you love animation, and if you think Pixar is STILL ruler of the animation world…than you will “like” this movie…not love it as much as “Finding Nemo” or “Toy Story”. It will make you giggle and feel giddy like a child, and that is a redeeming quality of a family film.

This is another home run for Pixar and for the future of family films. I am excited to see or hear what the next Pixar film is gonna be about! They keep delivering with every movie! “Cars” will be nominated for the full length animated Oscar, no doubt about it.

The powers of make up and camera trickery have worked their magic to help Tara Reid look respectable on today’s “The View”. But her slow drawl and demeanor were still sloppy and unprofessional. She sounds like she is smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. I understand she was butchered by a bad plastic surgeon, but the vapid, shallow lifestyle she portrays on E! and in the press is indicative of these problems.

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I didn’t buy this appearance, although I give points to her publicist for spinning this into a sympathy piece. She couldn’t articulate herself or express a clear thought. She was on some sort of downers or she needed a nap. She jumped on every band wagon she could to look like she knew what she was talking about, but made herself look dumb. Either way this was a bizarre guest host with a non sympathetic story. BORING! Why does she deserve to be a celebrity, I forget?!