Pop Culture Buzz

According to The Hollywood Reporter, director Marcus Nispel “is in final negotiations” to take over the long-discussed remake of the “Friday the 13th” horror film franchise, which is being brought back to theaters via (and I quote) “an unholy union between New Line, Paramount/MTV, and Michael Bay’s “Platinum Dunes” production companies. Nispel directed Michael Bay’s recent “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” re-make, so he is in familiar territory.

A script for the film has already been written, which will apparently leave out some of character development that existed in the original movies. While Jason made only a brief appearance in the final frames of the first movie in 1980 and didn’t even put on his famous mask until the third movie, the new movie will focus on Jason, who will wear the mask and kill, and keep the famous setting of Crystal Lake.

I know you have heard it before, but I am deeply in love with the U.K. dance music scene. Juicy dance floor nuggets like this one from Bodyrox keep me bumping and grinding at my desk at work as I fill my days searching for that perfect dance track.

I like this songs hard guitar driven sound these two guys created with this song. Plus you got to love the hard edged guest lead singer and her punk rock look. Check out the music video by Bodyrox below:

Calvin Harris’ debut c.d. “I Created Disco” is one the most welcomed surprises of 2007. His blend of dance house and techno with an 80’s style is pure pop perfection! I am a huge fan of his quirky music video’s and I hope he tours the U.S. in support of his disc.

Once again the Brits have a leg up on the U.S. music scene with this fresh artist. Harris along with Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen and Mark Ronson are revolutionizing radio friendly pop music. Check out the “Coulours” music video starring Calvin Harris below:

I really like Tom Hanks as an actor and I honestly can’t stand Julia Roberts as an actress. I truly believe the Academy gave her the Oscar a few years ago just to get it out of the way.

I thought Julia Robert’s role wasn’t Oscar worthy, but it was a bad year for Actresses. “Erin Brokavich” had it’s entertaining moments, but it was more of a Lifetime movie than a quality film in my opinion.

These two factors are why I am torn on if I like this “Charlie Wilson’s War” movie trailer or not. On one hand the story and plot seem truly delicious, on the other, it stars Julia “fake laugh” Roberts. I may be suckered into watching this if the reviews are positive. Check out the trailer below:

“Tin Man” debuts on the Sci-Fi channel on December 2nd, 2007. For those of you not familiar with the channel they have been making cheesy made for t.v. movies for a while. They have one good quality t.v. show that I know of, “Battlestar Galactica”. But this project, based on the books “The Wizard of Oz”, actually has some promising things going for it.

Even though “Tin Man” looks strange and creepy, I kind of like it. I am curious to see how the Sci-Fi channel pulls this movie off just by looking at the pictures of the cast from the film. “Tin Man” even has an A-list cast with Richard Dreyfuss, Zooey Daschenel and Alan Cumming. Check out the bizarre movie trailer below:

ZOOEY DESCHANEL AS “DG” IN THE SCI-FI CHANNEL’S “TIN MAN”

1.) Bee Movie $26,000,000 / $72,214,000

2.) American Gangster $24,319,000 / $80,679,000

3.) Fred Claus $19,225,000 / $19,225,000

4.) Lions For Lambs $6,710,000 / $6,710,000

5.) Dan in Real Life $5,872,000 / $30,678,000

6.) Saw IV $5,010,000 / $58,086,000

7.) The Game Plan $2,410,000 / $85,414,000

8.) P2 $2,200,000 / $2,200,000

9.) 30 Days of Night $2,100,000 / $37,358,000

10.) Martian Child $1,750,000 / $6,013,000

“Valkyrie” is the 2008 historical thriller film directed by Bryan Singer and starring Tom Cruise. The films plot is based on the real life plot of German army officers to assassinate Hitler. Cruise will portray the leader of the plot, Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg. I think Bryan Singer is the perfect director for “Valkyrie”.

CHECK OUT THE “VALKYRIE” SNEAK PEAK FEATURETTE BELOW:

The nominations for the 80th Academy Awards won’t be announced until January 22, but the names of the films being submitted for consideration have already been announced. And this year was not a great year for animation by the looks of this list! I mean c’mon, “Bee Movie”? “Aqua Teen Hunger Force”? “TMNT”? I’ve seen these movies, they are not Oscar worthy, trust me!

Variety Magazine reports that in the animated feature film category, the Academy will have 12 movies to consider and they have to whittle the list down to three nominees. Do you think the voters will have problems narrowing down this list? Here is the list of submitted animated feature length films:

- “Alvin and the Chipmunks”
- “Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters”
- “Bee Movie”
- “Beowulf”
- “Meet the Robinsons”
- “Persepolis”
- “Ratatouille”
- “Shrek the Third”
- “The Simpsons Movie”
- “Surf’s Up”
- “Tekkonkinkreet”
- “TMNT”

Yes, you read that right, “Alvin and the Chipmunks” people! I mean the trailer for “Alvin” alone is incredibly bad, the movie couldn’t be any better…trust me. If I had to pick the three nominees now it would be; “Ratatouille”, “Persepolis” and “The Simpsons Movie”. If “Beowulf” turns out to be a hit then it may replace the Cannes Film Festival winner “Persepolis”.

I will be doing a write up of the graphic novel turned big screen animated feature “Persepolis” as soon as the trailer is released. I have read the beautifully written black and white graphic novel and I am sure the movie will be amazing. I have seen most of the movies on this list and have to say I enjoyed “Surfs Up” and think it is deserving of a nomination also.

Attention Goldfrapp fans! Below is the full track listing for the new Goldfrapp c.d. “Seventh Tree”! The picture posted above and below are from the Goldfrapp fan club email I received this morning. I am loving Alison’s new look! I also have copied the actual email I received from the Goldfrapp fan club below:

Hallo M’Deers,

As promised, we’re working on getting you a sneaky peak at the finished artwork. Bear with us, these things take time. But it won’t be too long now. In the meantime, here’s a BRAND NEW picture for you, which is not the album artwork. We just thought that you’d like to see it.

I for one am really excited for this album. Goldfrapp have consistently delivered fresh, innovative pop dance music with a rocking alternative edge with their last two c.d.’s. This album will no doubt give Goldfrapp the true artistic recognition they deserve.

If you haven’t yet read my review of Robyn’s breakthrough pop c.d. “Robyn” then check it out in the “Music Reviews” section to the right of this page. “Handle Me” is just one of the many fresh and hot tracks on Robyn’s c.d. Not only did she produce, write and distribute this album but she does her own music video’s too. Robyn is the best thing currently happening in pop music at the moment, period!

THE SHAPESHIFTERS

This song and music video was made for gay video bars. I can just see this playing on every gay dance floor this side of the pond. This song is (of course) rising up the U.K. dance charts at the moment. This song is pure old school disco with a little bit of 90’s diva house mixed in for good measure. That’s never a terrible thing in my book!

I am a little tired of Avril Lavigne’s “I’m a punk” persona. If ever there was a poser in pop music, it would be her. I prefer Ashlee Simpson’s no apologies, sugar sweet blend of rock pop over this type of music. This video does nothing to win me over, Avril looks more fake than ever. Watch her “Hot” music video below:

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ORIGINAL STORY POSTED @ SHOCKTILLYOUDROP.COM

Victor Salva is officially on board to write and direct “Jeepers Creepers 3,” the latest installment in MGM’s franchise that he helped to create in 2001 with a superior sequel released in 2003. Both films introduced audiences to The Creeper, an ancient creature that comes out of hibernation for 23 days to feed.

Victor Salva is an American film director, mostly of horror movies. His body of work includes the films “Powder” and “Jeepers Creepers”. His work is often overshadowed by his conviction for sexually molesting a 12-year-old boy in the 80’s. Salva pleaded guilty in 1988 to five felony counts of child sex abuse; he served 15 months of a three-year prison sentence.

Early rumblings on the web say that Salva is committed to overseeing the third chapter himself. Whether it will fly straight-to-DVD or into theaters remains to be seen. Shocktillyoudrop.com also adds that “Jeepers 3″ may pave the way for a television series Salva is discussing with MGM and American Zoetrope (both mainstays in the franchise to date).

“JEEPERS CREEPERS” CREATOR VICTOR SALVA

The initial Jeepers Creepers opened at $13 million, breaking Labor Day weekend box office records at the time. Its follow-up was met with a $15 million bow two years later during a similar holiday release period. Together, the films have pulled in a little over a $100 million, not counting DVD sales.

Shooting will begin on the threequel either before he begins production on or after he completes his new film “Entity”. Salva has stated on several occasions that “Entity” is the closest he will ever get to a sequel to his underated 1995 film “Powder”. He wrote it shortly after “Powder” as part of three films he refers to as his “alien trilogy”.

“Jeepers Creepers 2″ is one of my all time favorite horror films. It has so many homoerotic subliminal messages in it that they are hard to count. “Powder” was a truly sweet picture which was over shadowed by Salva’s legal drama. I am not sure if it is cool to be a fan of a convicted felon or not, but Salva’s films do entertain. If Roman Polanski can get away with his crime, then someone like Salva (who served his time) deserves a second chance in my opinion.

This clever and cute computer animated movie trailer was screened before Jerry Seinfeld’s “Bee Movie”. This almost 2 minute “Panda” clip was more entertaining then “Bee Movie” as a whole in my opinion. Dreamwork’s animated films are pretty much hit (”Shrek” or “Antz”) or miss (”Bee Movie”, “Shrek 3″ or “Shark Tale”). The casting of Jack Black as the lazy main charcter is pure genius. Check it out below:

1.) “LUCAS”

I related to only a few characters in teen movies growing up, “Ducky” from “Pretty In Pink” was one, and Corey Haim in “Lucas” was another. Haim’s spot on portrayal of an unpopular band geek hits all the right awkward notes. The movie doesn’t talk down to it’s teen viewers, it tells their story in a true to life fashion. If you have ever felt like a high school outcast in real life then this sweet story will tug at your heart strings.

2.) “THE LEGEND OF BILLIE JEAN”

“The Legend of Billie Jean” is the ultimate teenager empowerment film. This movie was way ahead of it’s time with it’s rebellious teenage heroin and revolutionary message, “Fair Is Fair”. I must have watched this film more than any other on this list. As far as a teen idols go Helen Slater (Christian’s sister) takes the cake. Her butch hair-do and positive message to teenagers still has relevance to this day.

3.) “HEATHERS”

“Heathers” was one of the first teen dark comedies to ever be filmed. It’s macabre plot is still controversial and twisted to this day. “Heathers” has a shrewd premise which is wrapped up in great comedy writing topped off with great performances by Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. The subject of teen suicide has never been so authentically portrayed onto the big screen with such funny results. In just two words “Heathers” is “big fun”.

4.) “WEIRD SCIENCE”

This movie has no significant pop culture relevance to it but it sure did crack me up when I was a teenager. I watched this movie as much as I could when I was 13 and still can’t get enough of it. This movie has so many quotable lines I don’t know where to start. Not to mention the theme song by Oingo Boingo (with lead Danny Elfman) kicks some major ass! It’s hard to admit, but this is my favorite John Hughes movie, hands down.

5.) “THE BREAKFAST CLUB”

Many people would say that this film is the best teenager movie out there. I agree it’s up there, but it is the most obvious choice and I’ve never been one to pick something just because it is popular (I learned that from watching too many teen movies). “Breakfast Club” defined an entire generations views of high school. It also depicts high school detention and the hierarchy of cliques pretty well. Not to mention the theme song will always remind people of what it was like to be a rebellious teen.

6.) “MEAN GIRLS”

This is the Lindsay Lohan that people fell in love with. Her performance in “Mean Girls” hits all the right comedic notes. Lohan looks absolutely gorgeous as the new girl that doesn’t fit in. Her introduction into lunchroom politics and high school cliques is priceless. This movie updated a stale genre and made Lohan a star. I attribute all of “Mean Girls” success to Tina Fey’s brilliant screenwriting which doesn’t try to pander to today’s youth.

7.) “DAZED & CONFUSED”

“Dazed & Confused” gives us a great look at life in high school during the 70’s. “Dazed” is a deeply detailed, spot on depiction of the last day of school in the summer of 1976. After watching this film I was immediately in love with the soundtrack. Ben Affleck, Parker Posey and Matthew McConaughey give terrific comedic performances that will leave you in stitches. This movie has more substance and detail than any other movie on this list

8.) “BRING IT ON”

How could I forget the best cheerleader movie of all time? Full of over the top cheer competitions and sassy quotable lines, “Bring It On” started a craze of sports themed teen movies that never really took off (”Step Up”, “Drumline”, “Stick It”) . “Bring It On” is very smart and witty, it delivers the jokes with great timing and precision without dumbing down the dialog for the target teen audience.

9.) “ELECTION”

The brightest film on this list is hands down “Election”. This dark comedy gave us the first glimpse of Reese Witherspoon’s transformation technique as an actress which garnered her a Oscar in 2005. Director/Writer Alexander Payne shows both sides of the drama that is high school through a butt kissing student (Witherspoon’s Tracy Flick) and a bored teacher (Matthew Broderick) with realistic and hilarious results.

10.) “BETTER OFF DEAD”

“I want my 2 dollars!”. Who doesn’t know that line from one of the silliest 80’s teen movies ever created? This is my favorite John Cusack film by far. This wacky over the top movie follows Cusack’s character as he attempts and fails suicide multiple times. The hilarious supporting characters make this 80’s comedy classic one of the most memorable cult teen movies ever made.

RUNNERS UP: “NOT ANOTHER TEEN MOVIE”, “CAN’T BUY ME LOVE”, “SUMMER SCHOOL”, “SIXTEEN CANDLES”, “CLUELESS”, “AMERICAN PIE”, “KIDS”, “RUSHMORE”, “FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF”.