Pop Culture Buzz

1.) “THE SLUMS OF BEVERLY HILLS”

“Slums of Beverly Hills” is a hilarious 1998 motion picture, written and directed by Tamara Jenkins. It tells a story of a teenage girl struggling to grow up in a Jewish family that moves every three months in the late 1970s. The film stars a young and talented Natasha Lyonne, the newly Oscar winning Alan Arkin (”Little Miss Sunshine”) and Academy Award winner/nominee Marisa Tomei (”My Cousin Vinny” and “In The Bedroom”).

As well as being a moderate box office success (considering it was an independent film), it was received very well by critics, some calling it a “1970s version of Clueless”. This modest dark comedy is coarsely funny and surprisingly touching at times. “Slums” is a great comedy with multi-textured characters that are all too human. It is the definition of a “comedy gem”.

2.) “KISS KISS, BANG BANG”

“Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang” is a brilliant 2005 crime/comedy film, which follows many conventions of the classic film noir genre. The movie is narrated by a small-time crook, Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey Jr.). He is self-aware and talks to the audience at various times through the movie. The script is fresh with crackling dialog and pitch perfect performances by Downey Jr. and Kilmer.

The film follows Harry as he finds himself caught up in an acting audition by mistake when he is running away from police after a failed robbery. Posing as an actor, he is brought to Hollywood for an audition, where he meets homosexual private-eye Gay Perry (Val Kilmer), who is there to aid Harry in research for his role in the movie. The result is a fun, original, smart detective movie with bite.

3.) “SO I MARRIED AN AXE MURDERER”

“So I Married an Axe Murderer” is a 1993 film starring Mike Myers and Nancy Travis. Myers plays Charlie McKenzie, a man afraid of commitment until he meets Harriet (Travis), who works at a butcher shop and may be a serial killer. When this movie came out I must have seen it over a dozen times at the local discount movie theater (tickets were $1.50).

This was Myers’s first film after achieving success in the Wayne’s World franchise and was not well received by most mainstream critics or at the box office, grossing a total of $11 million domestically. It has since managed to earn somewhat of a cult following on video, with many of its lines and strong Scottish dialects repeated by then-current as well as future fans of Myers’s work.

4.) “THE OPPOSITE OF SEX”

“The Opposite of Sex” is a 1998 film written and directed by Don Roos. It stars Christina Ricci, Martin Donovan and Lisa Kudrow. The film marked departures for both Ricci and Kudrow, cast against type for the roles they were known for at the time (Ricci for adolescents in The Addams Family and Casper, Kudrow for being the resident airhead on Friends). This is one of my favorite comedies of all time!

The film is a black comedy, narrated by and centered around self-absorbed, manipulative, cynical teenager Deedee Truitt (Ricci), who runs away from home after her stepfather’s funeral and moves in with her gay half-brother Bill, a teacher. Deedee seduces Bill’s lover, Matt, then tricks him into believing she has gotten pregnant by him. The result is a fresh, sharp, hilarious and at times tender film. Kudrow and Ricci were robbed of Oscar nominations fro their roles.

5.) “FLIRTING WITH DISASTER”

“Flirting with Disaster” is a 1996 American comedy film written and directed by David O. Russell about a young father’s search for his biological parents. The film stars Ben Stiller, Patricia Arquette, Tea Leoni, Mary Tyler Moore, George Segal, Alan Alda and Lily Tomlin. “Flirting With Disaster” is one of my top ten favorite feature film comedies ever.

This is one of Stiller’s first starring roles and it is still one of his best film performances to date. Leoni and Arquette give true to life performances that will have you in stitches. The stand out scene with Lily Tomlin and Alan Alda will leave you sore with laughter. Though written by O’ Russell (”Three Kings”) a lot of the dialog was improvised. This film is a smart modern adult comedy classic.

I’m not a huge fan of Bloc Party’s music but I can appreciate their retro sound and fun vibe. This song has it’s shining moments but it does remind me of Postal Service or Fischerspooner song. This fun music video is a campy take on Godzilla/The Power Rangers and has a great cheap look to it that comes off pretty funny. Currently this song is climbing up the U.K. charts. Check it out below:

BLOC PARTY

GRADE: D-

How much did I hate “Chuck & Larry”? Let’s just say it was close to beating “The Number 23″ starring Jim Carey (click here to read my review of that awful film) as the worst film of 2007. If it wasn’t for the brief cameos by David Spade and Nick Swarsdon I wouldn’t have laughed at all in this crap-fest.

If you have read this blog enough then you know I am gay. I have a liberal sense of what is PC and what is tacky when it comes to jokes and comedy in films. “Chuck & Larry” doesn’t offend, it is just absolutely worthless. The film tries to be a pro-gay film, but in the end it uses gay culture to get the cheap laugh.

Now I like Adam Sandler, he has his moments; “Happy Gilmore”, “Billy Madison”, “The Wedding Singer”, “50 First Dates” and “Punch Drunk Love” were entertaining pieces of cinema. So I can stand Sandler’s immature, fart jokes and macho humor.

“Chuck & Larry” from the get go has a sitcom feel to it. The cheesy special effects, the “Three’s Company” mis-understandings and the gay stereotypes are plentiful. This movie insults gay rights, gay people, gay couples, gay’s in the closet and even gay kids.

Watching Vingh Rhames come out of the closet was a funny moment, but why did her start talking like a woman as soon as the words “I am gay” started to come out of his mouth? Why does Jessica Biel’s character fall for a gay man? Why do none of the gay characters in the movie pick up on the obvious false relationship between Chuck and Larry?

I mean do we still need Streisand, Liza and Judy Garland gay jokes in a world that is able to make a film like “Brokeback Mountain” a financial hit? I know this is a movie and it’s supposed to be a “comedy”, but the set, delivery and ending of this film are just patheticly unrealistic. Since when did gays have it so good that straight people need to take advantage of our “benefits”??

Don’t be fooled by “Chuck & Larry’s” fake “soft side”. This movie not only degrades gay men, but it makes woman look like brainless drones that would think a guy that looks like Adam Sandler is hot. There is even a cruel, nasty scene with an obese man that is so out of place it is just gross.

And can someone tell me why Rob Schneider played a racist depiction of an asian person? Was that supposed to be funny? I could list the other mindlessly un-creative ways that Sandler and company tried to come off as liberal, witty and sexy but you get the picture.

To sum it up this film is absolute crap. I am confounded by the fact that this movie was a hit and has “fans”. I would love to ask those people that liked this film if saying the word “faggot” is funny and if they have any gay friends or relatives that think this kind of humor is acceptable or has any value.

I feel bad for Kevin James and Sandler, this movie is a pathetic attempt to look cool and understanding, but it is really just a vehicle to make money. Don’t believe the hype. Watching this movie won’t make you more tolerant of gays, if anything it will back up all the stereotypical things that people dislike about gays.

GRADE: B-

When the first “Ocean’s” movie debuted in 2001 it crackled with wit and charmed the socks off of the movie viewing public with it’s sleek look and star packed roster. It was a fun “popcorn” flick with no real value other than to entertain people. This was not Oscar caliber work in other words.

In 2004 “Ocean’s 12″ was released and it was a mild hit but it wasn’t the super hit that the previous film was. I personally hated that film, it was on my list as one of the worst films of the year. In my opinion it was a pathetic narcissistic journey into Hollywood biggest ego’s.

The gimmick of having multiple top billed actor’s in “13″ isn’t as obnoxious as it was in “Ocean’s 12″. The scenes with Clooney, Pitt and Damon don’t feel as if we are listening in on an inside joke like it has in the past. This movie has an even flow with it’s actor’s that “Ocean’s 12″ didn’t have. That movie was all over the map.

Although the scene with Pitt and Clooney in the airport towards then end does indulge in that snotty insider Hollywood humor for a moment. Those moments are the kind that irritate me. I get it, you’re all hot Hollywood big wigs and you are friends in real life, ha ha. I should give “Ocean’s 13″ it’s due, it comes off a lot less snarky then it’s predecessor.

“Ocean’s 13″ has a great plot and it has a lot more humor than the last two “Ocean’s” movies I think. At it’s core this is a revenge film, then it’s a heist caper and then a comedy. I appreciate all of the details that Director Steven Soderbergh incorporates into his scenes. Soderbergh is a master of the tight close up and panning huge crowd scenes within the casino. At the very least I learned a lot about the gaming industry and casinos that I had not known before by watching this film.

Al Pacino does a fantastic job as a new casino owner and he is a welcome addition to the already over crowded cast. I am really glad Julia Roberts or Katherine Zeta-Jones were not in this film, instead we get the delightful “cougar” Ellen Barkin. Barkin’s moments in this movie give “13′ that true comedic feel, especially her scenes with the hilarious Matt Damon.

Damon is on a streak lately, his roles always seem to highlight his talent’s. Even if I don’t agree with People Magazine’s pick of Damon as the Sexiest man alive, he shines in this movie a lot more than Pitt or Clooney do. Pitt seems to have taken a back seat in this film, his screen time is much smaller than the last two films.

Even though I liked this movie I am getting sick of the “Ocean” movies in general. I don’t doubt these films have a true fan following but I think it is time to retire these characters and all of the insider jokes that come with them. They were cute at the time, but I am guessing that they won’t stand up to the test of time.

In time people will look back at the “Ocean” movies as the vanity pieces they truly are. These movies are a prime example of when Hollywood has too much money to spend, but they are harmless and fun at times. Let’s just hope that this is the last movie in the “Ocean” series, this franchise is going nowhere fast and it needs to end while it’s still on top.

“Persepolis” is the 2007 animated film based on the graphic novel of the same name. The film was written and directed by Marjane Satrapi (author of the novel) and Vincent Paronnaud. It tells the story of a young girl in Iran during the Iranian Revolution. Through the eyes of the nine-year-old Marjane it shows how people’s hopes were dashed as the fundamentalists took power, forced the veil on women and imprisoned thousands

I am currently reading the Persepolis grpahic novels for a second time. I forgot how witty and subtle this book series is. The crisp black and white animation in this movie trailer has me pumped to see this big screen adapatation that won awards at Cannes earlier this year. This film could win big at the Oscar’s this year, and rightfully so. The material and feel of this book and film is sure to captivate audiences.

This little dance floor gem is straight off of the U.K. dance singles chart. It debuted high on the charts this week and for good reason, this song is a fun little ditty in which the U.S. will never have the pleasure of hearing on it’s airwaves. The video is purposefully cheesy and fun. The U.S. dance scene needs more acts like The Whip to mix things up.

“Teeth” may be the nastiest premise for a horror/comedy ever made. A vagina, with teeth, on the rampage…killing all in it’s path! Or that’s how I interpret this movie trailer below.

No matter anyway, I am sold! I love horror and creepy movies, and this film looks like it has it all. This film has cult classic written all over it, I will have to see this with an audience just watch the reactions.

TOTAL THIS WEEKEND / TOTAL SO FAR

1.) Beowulf $28,100,000 / $28,100,000

2.) Bee Movie $14,300,000 / $93,862,000

3.) American Gangster $13,218,000 / $100,993,000

4.) Fred Claus $12,000,000 / $35,799,000

5.) Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium $10,025,000 / $10,025,000

6.) Dan in Real Life $4,511,000 / $37,099,000

7.) No Country For Old Men $3,098,000 / $4,930,000

8.) Lions For Lambs $2,904,000 / $11,591,000

9.) Saw IV $2,330,000 / $61,848,000

10.) Love in the Time of Cholera $1,875,000 / $1,875,000

GRADE: B-

I was very hesitant giving this film a B-, if I were in a worse mood I may have just given it a C. These are very hard words for me to write. I love the “Shrek” films and think that the first movie was pure genius, it even won the first ever “Feature Length Animated Film” award at the Academy Awards back in 2002. The sequel “Shrek 2″ did the unthinkable by being just as good, if not better, than the original “Shrek”.

In the past animated side kicks like “Donkey” and “Puss N Boots” were delightful characters that helped to balance out Shrek’s moody disposition, in these films the pair become a bit obnoxious. The film has it’s bright moments with the focus on the Princesses being up-scaled. The voice work by Amy Poehler, Amy Sidaris, Cheri Oteri and Maya Rudolph is comic bliss. The action scenes with the Princesses get the most laughs in this film. Justin Timberlake doesn’t offer much up as “Arthur” the newest character in the series.

The animation in “Shrek the Third” is stellar and a step up from the original. The characters are more polished and the backgrounds are just as lush and realistic as ever (if not better). But as far as plot lines and story telling go, this tale of “Far Far Away” falls flat. The laughs are sporadic and they don’t come as fast as they did in previous “Shrek” movies. Some jokes I felt were too aimed at adults and just plain tacky.

The introduction of the creepy “Shrek” babies in this movie can only mean that “Shrek 4″ will be about Shrek raising a family. The premise at this point is getting thin, and if I were the producers, I would think of ways to end the franchise at #4 before the hip reputation of these films is completely ruined by mediocrity. This movies will make kids laugh and it will charm some folks, but this sequel doesn’t fall into the same “multiple viewings” category that the first two did.

I am a huge time Burton fan and this news has me tickled pink! Variety Magazine reports that Disney and Tim Burton have struck a new deal for Burton to create two more fantasy films for them. Tim Burton’s imagination has already taken film-goers to “Sleepy Hollow”, on “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” and into “Willy Wonka’s” factory and now, Variety Magazine reports that Burton will team up with Disney to give audiences a new version of “Alice in Wonderland”.

Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” is part of a new two-picture deal with Disney, the other film Burton has green lit is an expanded feature film version of his classic black and white 1984 short film “Frankenweenie”, and both of these two movies will be shown in 3-D. Disney films such as “A Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Meet The Robinsons” have been huge hits with family audiences this year alone. Burton’s macabre style and ability to move audiences makes him the perfect choice for “Wonderland”.

“Alice in Wonderland” will combine performance-capture imagery, currently seen in “Beowulf,” with live-action footage. Once he he has finished “Alice In Wonderland” Tim Burton will direct and produce “Frankenweenie”. “Frankenweenie’s” plot is about a pet dog brought back to life by his loyal kid owner, it showcases Burton’s classic twisted style and has a huge heart with some morbid elements to it. This movie short set the tone for Burton’s family friendly classics like “Edward Scissorhands” and “Big Fish”.

Variety Magazine also reports that Disney has been looking to increase its 3-D presence for some time now, and with the new technology that is available it has only helped fuel the studio’s need to corner the market. A Disney honcho tells Variety that Tim Burton was the only director the studio wanted for the “Alice” script. This is one of the smartest things that Disney has done in a long time if you ask me, I am pumped for both of these films!

(DISNEY IS TRYING ANOTHER “ALICE” ADAPTATION)

DIRECTOR TIM BURTON

Screenwriter Justin Marks is writing the “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe” script with Neil Ellice. According to RottenTomatoes.com Marks has heard all the rumors about the movie on the net (He-Man as a soldier in Iraq?) and he recently sat down with Toyfare Magazine to debunk them.

Marks told Toyfare Maagzine that it’ll be “a Skeletor movie,” Marks goes on to promise a non-wrestler cast, and talks about the challenge of melding the major elements of the He-Man myth into a deliberately enjoyable film. Marks goes on to say the following:

“He-Man is sword-and-sandals meets science fiction. If you avoid it and just try to make it sword and sandals, then it becomes a boring movie. If you just try to make it science fiction, it’s going to be really kitschy and weird, and it’s not going to be true to He-Man. You have to make it both”.

“So we have to come up with specific ideas, grounded, that would spawn a world that was people carrying around swords, and yet, guys like Tri-Klops running around with his spinning visor and this sort of nano-technological way about him. What is the sorcery that can create stuff like that”?

By the sound of that quote this guy Marks is the right man for the job. I personally love the idea of a He-Man movie with all the elements of the cartoon added into it with a true to the story plot. I had all of the toys growing up and watched every episode of the cartoon when I was a kid. I even followed the “She-Ra” spin off which was aimed at girls (and young gay boys). If this movie is done well there is a wealth of material available to create a decent franchise.

(THE 1987 FILM “MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE”)

I watched the 1987 film “Masters of the Universe” in the theater and remember being very disappointed. The casting of Dolph Lundgren as He-man was just the first mistake of many. And if you remember “Masters” too then you will know that a young Courtney Cox made her film debut in this movie. But, I can tell that the detail in which the screenwriter has already put into this script, that this film will be a fan boys wet dream. I for one hope so!

GRADE: A

By now everyone knows that “Project Runway” is the best reality television show on t.v. I would even goes as far as saying it one of the most entertaining shows on t.v. period. The chemistry between Heidi and Tim is just as infectious as ever.

After watching last night’s premiere of “Season 4″ I realized that I missed the judges banter and Tim’s catch phrase “Make It Work” more than I thought I did. The first episode of the new season of “Project Runway” delivered all the goods, bitchy competitors, wacky fashions and terrible designs. I can already tell that this season is going to be the best season of Bravo’s hit show yet.

This group of eclectic designers and their varying backgrounds are going to make this season way more diverse and controversial then ones from the past, I am sure. The wide array of personalities and designer backgrounds makes this group of contestants the most experienced and artistic group to date.

I am already torn on who I think will be able to make it to the top 5. But, I already have my favorites based on personality, their designs and (let’s face it) their “hot factor”. Even though it is early in the season, here are my choices/faves for the top 5:

1.) RAMI

2.) CHRISTIAN

3.) SWEET P

4.) JACK

5.) KEVIN

Right off of the bat, Rami is super hot and so is Kevin and Jack. Kevin may look like Joey Fatone with a Backstreet Boy’s facial hair, but he has some real talent. I also think that Sweet P and Christian will go far in this competition as well.

Christian’s jacket was beautifully designed and executed as was Kevin’s cocktail dress. But my favorite dress was the flowing gorgeous garment that Rami made. It absolutely looked ready for the red carpet on Oscar night, it was stunning.

Sweet P’s dress was playful and unique, I loved her sense of style. I was amazed at the color combo and pattern that cutie pie Jack created. I was mildly impressed by the purple and green dress that Chris made. I am unsure if the terrible spelled Victorya has any talent worthy of the show, but we’ll see.

Kit’s design seemed a bit too alternative as if she tried too hard to be quirky. I did like the color of Jilian’s dress but thought the design was boring. And lastly, Carmen could be this years dark horse, her design was subtle and fashion forward, but just didn’t pop.

Usually the first episode doesn’t kick off the series in high gear like it did last night. The competition is stiff this year and the judges will not let them make any excuses for crappy garments and shoddy work. It is obvious that some cast members won’t be here for long like; Marion, Steven, Elisa and the mis-cast Ricky.

I can already tell that this year will contain more drama, hard to beat designers and gorgeous creations than the last 3 seasons combined. The models this year are the worst yet I must admit. There is no “villain” that I can see just yet (or a Wendy Pepper if you will) but this WAS just the first episode. I am so excited Season 4 is finally here, my gay little mind can hardly stand it!

DUTCH SUPERSTAR DJ FEDDE LE GRANDE

Fedde le Grand is a Dutch house DJ and producer whose single “Put Your Hands Up For Detroit” hit number one on the UK’s singles and the top 5 in the Dutch singles chart, and five weeks in the Spanish dance chart. His follow up “The Creeps”, a remix of Camille Jones, reached the top 10 of the official UK singles chart. Fedde’s latest remix of Ida Corr’s “Let Me Think About It” has been a top U.K. dance hit for the past 6 weeks.

I am already a huge fan of Fredde’s collaborations and remixes. These music videos are just icing on the cake for a smitten fan. Not only do his remixes kick some major dancefloor ass, but the guy is smokin’ hot too. Fredde’s remarkable ear for hot dance remixes and pop melodies is right up my alley. I cannot wait for more of his material to come out.

WATCH THE FEDDE LE GRANDE MUSIC VIDEO COLLECTION BELOW:

“PUT YOUR HANDS UP FOR DETROIT”

“LET ME THINK ABOUT IT” W/ IDA CORR

“THE CREEPS (REMIX)” W/ CAMILLE JONES

1.) Homer Simpson - “The Simpsons”

Who would argue that Homer isn’t the best animated character of all time? His antics always seem to muster a laugh even from the hardest cynic. Whether he is being un-PC, drunk, a bad parent or a terrible worker, he always seems to endear himself by the episode’s end. Homer’s one liners and outrageous adventures have been a staple of t.v. cartoon history for the past 20 years. And by the looks of the success from the feature film that came out this past summer, he and his brood will be around for quite a long time.

2.) Spongebob Squarepants - “Spongebob Squarepants”

The most innocent and sweet character on this list is the childlike “Spongebob Squarepants”. This cartoon has been making parents, adults and kids laugh for almost 9 years with no sign of the “Spongebob” craze slowing down in sight. Spongebob is a loyal friend and a devoted employee, what better role model is there for kids to have? Celebrities like David Bowie and Scarlett Johansson have supplied their voices to the classic ‘toon with great results. Spongebob’s appeal is ageless and universal, you would have to be an old fart to not like Spongebob and his friends!

3.) Stimpy - “Ren & Stimpy”

This cartoon was ahead of it’s time when it debuted on Nickelodeon in 1991. The subversive and delightful humor was fresh and irreverent for a children’s cartoon on a children’s television network. Stimpy is undeniably stupid externally, idiotically yet adorably cheerful, and intelligent in some ways, and completely devoted to Ren, as he perceives Ren to be a good friend (despite Ren’s constant abuse toward him). Whether he is singing “Happy Happy, Joy Joy” or playing “Don’t Wizz on the Electric Fence”, Stimpy’s dead pan delivery and simple minded mistakes always make you laugh.

4.) Stewie Griffin - “The Family Guy”

Stewie Griffin is the most wickedly evil character on this list. His taboo, potty mouthed moments of fantasy are hilarious and just plain wrong sometimes. Making Stewie a closeted homosexual is a touch of pure genius by creator Seth McFarland. Stewie’s sophisticated attitude, nature and mannerisms are juxtaposed with typical childish interests and actions. The result is the most hysterical and entertaining animated toddler t.v. villain ever.

5.) Butters - “South Park”

Leopold “Butters” Stotch (voiced by Matt Stone) is my favorite character in the animated television series “South Park”. He is almost always the voice of reason and he usually gets the short end of the stick each time. His sweet and cute persona makes him stand out in the mean spirited world of Comedy Central’s hit cartoon series. Watching Butter’s bumping into his dad at a gay bath house has to be one of the best moments ever on “South Park”. He was mainly portrayed as the social outcast of his class in some of his first episodes and has since evolved into a great main character on the show.

6.) Jack Skeleton - “The Nightmare Before Christmas”

Jack Skeleton is a hero to thousands of “goths” all over the world. This charming, dark film has stood up to the test of time. Jack Skeleton (voiced by Oingo Boingo lead singer/composer Danny Elfman) is the coolest dead guy in cartoon history (sorry Casper) and his singing voice is terrific. This movie not only helped build the “Hot Topic” empire but Jack Skeleton’s appeal has been so big that “A Nightmare Before Christmas” returns on IMAX (and in 3-D) every Halloween/Christmas season (talk about marketing genius!).

7.) Roger - “American Dad”

Roger’s flamboyant speech pattern is a parody of Paul Lynde and is voiced by creator Seth McFarland. Roger is the best thing about the FOX animated series “American Dad”. Speculation exists regarding Roger’s sexuality, but let’s not forget that he is, after all, an alien. Roger brings a somewhat mediocre cartoon to a new level. I am sure this addition will piss some cartoon fans off, but his scenes alone on “Dad” are priceless cartoon moments.

8.) Beavis - “Beavis & Butthead”

Don’t get me wrong, I love Butthead, I do. But who can’t relate to the butt of all of Butthead’s jokes (no pun intended) and torture? Their feature length film was an animated comic surprise hit and critical darling. This cartoon defined a generation of “grunge” fans. Don’t let “B&B’s” dumb persona fool you, their cartoon has a lot to offer, even if it is a fart joke.

9.) Bender - “Futurama”

Bender is everyone’s favorite animated kleptomaniac, alcoholic futuristic robot. If you haven’t seen the under-rated Comedy Central hit t.v. show “Futurama” then you will have your chance to see new episodes in 2008. The re-runs of the canceled show airing on Comedy Central’s “Adult Swim” have been such a hit, FOX is bringing the show back. Fans of the show wouldn’t dispute that much of that success is due to Bender’s corrupt robotic appeal.

10.) Scooby-Doo -”Scooby Doo, Where Are You?”

The first cartoon I can remember ever watching is the “Scooby Doo, Where Are You” Saturday morning cartoon t.v. show when I was 4 years old. For years Scooby and his stoner friend Shaggy helped me get over my fears of the dark and monsters under my bed. Screw “Astro”, “Huckleberry Hound” and especially “Scrappy-Doo”, Scooby is the coolest dog in cartoon history.

11.) Yzma - “The Emperors New Groove”

Maybe it’s because of Eartha Kitt’s campy, pitch perfect vocal work, but Yzma is my favorite Disney villain of all time. Yzma and her companion Kronk are two of the wackiest most hilarious duo’s of recent cartoon memory. This film can still make me laugh even after seeing it so many times. It’s because of the character of Yzma and Kitt’s vocal talent that makes this film so entertaining and re-watchable.

12.) The Iron Giant - “The Iron Giant”

This character reminds me of the live action film character from “E.T.”. The story of “The Iron Giant” is very similar to the family classic by Spielberg, but it is also an emotionally charged original piece of animation considered to be one of the best animated films ever. His character voice work is done perfectly by a young Vin Diesel and was written and directed by Pixar’s Brad Bird (”The Incredibles” and “Ratatouille”). No wonder it has such an impact on fan’s, it’s a rare treat.

13.) Foxxy Brown - “Drawn Together”

Foxxy’s character is crude, a racial stereotype, a sexist depiction of a woman and she is straight up hilarious. Her show “Drawn Together” is the nastiest cartoon ever “drawn” and trumps anything “South Park” has ever shocked audiences with. It may lack the heart and warmth of a “nice” cartoon, but over the top funny as hell characters like Foxxy make “Drawn Together” relevant in the world of animation.

14.) Snagglepuss - “The Yogi Bear Show”/Vanity Smurf - “The Smurfs”

O.k. the only reason why I picked these characters is because even as a child I knew these cartoons were gay. Although I never related to the “butch” Peppermint Patty, these two gay characters made an impact on my little fragile mind. You could say these ‘toons paved the way for other gay characters like Xander (Drawn Together) and that one Care Bear that had a rainbow on on it’s tummy (o.k. that was a stretch). Snagglepuss’s signature gay catch phrases “Heavens to Mergatroid” and “Exit, Stage Left” still crack me up to this day.

15.) Eduardo - “Foster’s Home of Imaginary Friends”

Not only did I name my cat after this “scaredy-cat” giant, purple monster but I bought into the merchandising hype at the local mall and purchased a little Eduardo gear. His innocent, lovable and docile demeanor slams the mean, child eating stereotype that monsters get in the cartoon world. The animation on the Cartoon Network show “Foster’s” is gorgeous and the show has a huge heart. This show is great for the whole family to watch.

16.) Early Cuyler - “Squidbillies”

This Comedy Central “Adult Swim” cartoon original is not well known, but it has been an animated cult favorite of mine fro some time. “Squidbillies” is offensive, the animation is crude and almost juvenile, and there are only a handful of episodes. But the writing on this late night “Adult Swim” show, and Early’s hillbilly stereotype, are pure comic genius. Some people won’t be able to watch a complete episode of this show, some people will get the scathing humor and love it.

17.) Scrat - “Ice Age”

Even though he has never uttered a word, Scrat has become a truly classic cartoon character. Even when the sequel to “Ice Age” didn’t live up to the first film, the scenes with Scrat make both films worthy of the cartoon character hall of fame. Scrat’s small moments on screen always have the audience in stitches. Much like a silent film star, Scrat’s character is able to keep the audience laughing with just physical humor and silly sight gags.

18.) Roger Rabbit - “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”

Roger Rabbit scored Jessica Rabbit, so he has to automatically make my top animated characters list. Having only starred in one film and a few film shorts, Roger has had a lasting impression on the history of animated films since his debut in 1998. “Roger Rabbit” was groundbreaking and ahead of it’s time with it’s eye popping special effects when it was released. The film still has a lasting impression on audiences until this day, I still want to see a sequel.

19.) Dory - “Finding Nemo”

Ellen DeGeneres’ character from the Pixar smash “Finding Nemo” is the best Disney side-kick ever animated. Forget Robin Williams’ over the top work in “Alladin”, Ellen makes the sometimes forgetful, honest and sincere Dory an instant fan favorite. Each scene with Dory in it has me laughing to no end. The beautiful computer animation is only accented by the terrific voice work DeGeneres does as the delightful Dory.

20.) Eeyore - “Winnie The Pooh”

Eeyore never worried about telling people how he really felt. Some may think he was depressed, as I kid I thought he was practical. Seriously though, Eeyore didn’t go for cutesy laughs, he literally is the original “Debbie Downer” and party pooper. I have always had a love for gloomy weather and the rain, and especially for this sweet little Donkey created by Walt Disney over 40 years ago.

RUNNERS UP: Mutley - “The Laugh-A-Lympics”, Bobby Hill - “King of the Hill”, Mr. Horse - “Ren & Stimpy”, Ralphie Wiggum - “The Simpsons”, The Aliens - “Toy Story”, Orko - “He-Man”, Pebbles - “The Flintstones”, Gumby - “Gumby”.

The “Sex and Breakfast” movie trailer below is trying too hard to be cool and alternative. I get it, girls kissing other girls is hot. I am not sure if this complicated and long winded movie trailer will be able to sell tickets. In my opinion Macaulay Culkin is badly cast in this “sex romp”. If you ask me he should stick to comedies like the terrific “Saved”.

What is the point in making a movie about relationships when everyone in it is white, pretty and straight? This movie trailer lost me within the first few frames. If you’re going to make a movie about sex there has to at least be some depth to the story, and this movie looks just plain hollow.