Pop Culture Buzz

Mariah Carey is back after her mega succesful album “The Emanicpation of Mimi” with a sweet, sexy tune that plays down the drama of many of her past hits.

I have to admit I am liking Mariah more for pretending she even walks around her house in that kind of lingerie….well, maybe her crazy ass does…I love that she uses “30 Rockâ€? sitcom star Jack McBrayer (Kenneth) in this music video!

Anyway, “Touch My Body” is the lead single from Mariah Carey’s upcoming album with Island, titled “E=MC2″ which is due April 15, 2008. The title is a play off of her album “The Emancipation of Mimi”.

I must say, even though the song is slowly creeping up to growing on me, the video knocked it a couple of notches down on my list of listenables. It’s just too campy and corny. Check it out and let me know what you think…

Here’s the highly anticipated video for Janet’s new single “Feedback”, from her upcoming album “Discipline”. She’s back with the choreography and looking better than ever. Hopefully this c.d. will be a bigger hit then her last two flops “Damita Jo” and “20 Y.O.”

I definitely am feeling the futuristic vibe of the video, and I’m so glad to see Janet doing what I love to see her do - dance. I really like the cohesiveness of the video, and I like that she’s coming back with a concept. The song isn’t very original but I think this one may be a hit for her.

WATCH JANET’S “FEEDBACK” MUSIC VIDEO BELOW:

THE NEW JANET

It has taken Myers four years to do his first live-action movie since 2003’s terrible train wreck of a movie “The Cat in the Hat” and a decade to create an original comic character (his last being 1997’s “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery”). This is why this summer’s “The Love Guruâ€? with Meyers is already creating buzz.

Meyer’s finally returns with “The Love Guru”, which hits screens June 20. The film, which also stars Jessica Alba, Justin Timberlake and Ben Kingsley, features Myers as Pitka, an American left as a child at the gates of an ashram in India. Pitka becomes a self-help guru who tries to smooth the marital rift of a hockey star and his wife.

Myers, a native of Ontario, told USA Today that he wrote the film because of his interests in Eastern philosophy and hockey. Why did it take so long for Meyers to create another character? He told USA Today that he is very protective of his original live-action characters. He was quoted as saying:

“I’ve written and created everything I’ve done and it takes me a year to reflect on what I’ve done, a year to let the idea incubate and a year to create” a new character.”

Although I love Mike Meyers films (”So I married AN Axe Murderer”, “Wayne’s World” and “Austin Powers”) and his technique mentioned above, this trailer below borders on familiar and tired. I really want to like this film and I am sure I will see it when it comes out this summer, but I am worried.

The addition of bad actress and box office poison Jessica Alba doesn’t give me any confidence that this movie will be in the same league as Mike Meyers past blockbuster films. I just hope that the “Wayne’s World” shtick and “Austin” powers gags don’t create a bomb at the box office and ruin his creative record with comedic characters.

WATCH “THE LOVE GURU” MOVIE TRAILER BELOW:

MEYERS AND ALBA IN “THE LOVE GURU”

“Talladega Nights” Shake and Bake buddies Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly will be reteaming with each other in this summer’s comedy “Step Brothers.” They’ll play two spoiled middle aged sons who become competitive step brothers after their parents marry each other.

The film “Step Brothers” is directed by Adam McKay, produced by “Knocked Up’s” Judd Apatow, and will star Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly. The film will be released on July 25, 2008. The screenplay is written by Ferrell and McKay. The teaming of Riley and Farrell is comic gold for those who love their films and the trailer below is proof of their perfect chemistry in action!

The good news about “Step Brothers” is that it will be R rated. For fans of the last couple of Farrell PG-13 rated comedies “Blades of Glory” and “Talledega Nights”, and of Riley’s recent hilarious send up “The Dewey Cox Story” (which was also rated R), this is an exciting piece of information.

CHECK OUT THE HILARIOUS “STEP BROTHERS” TRAILER BELOW:

FARRELL & RILEY AS “STEP RBOTHERS”

GRADE: B+

With “American Gangster” Ridley Scott delivers a solid, riveting, no-frills portrait of a cop and the mobster he’s trying to catch. But in the end this film offers nothing new to the “gangster movie” genre. At the very least “American Gangster” is a great title: clean, slick, commercial and a perfect fit for the product. The only thing that makes this movie stand out is the pitch perfect acting by its two leads.

“American Gangster” is based on the life of drug-kingpin-turned-informant, Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington). Lucas became a heroin kingpin by traveling to Asia’s Golden Triangle to make connections, shipping heroin back to the US in the coffins of soldiers killed in Vietnam. Lucas eventually outplays all of the leading crime syndicates and becomes not only one of the city’s mainline corrupters, but part of its circle of legit civic superstars.

Just as soon as he starts to make upwards of one million dollars a day in drug sales, Lucas is suddenly shadowed by lawman, Richie Roberts, who finally helps bring the kingpin to justice. The two then eventually work together to expose the crooked cops and foreign nationals who made importing heroin so easy.

Russell Crowe plays Richie Roberts, an outcast cop close enough to the streets to feel a shift of control in the drug underworld. Both Lucas and Roberts share a rigorous ethical code that sets them apart from their own colleagues, making them lone figures on opposite sides of the law. Watching both of these characters struggle with there station in life is what gives this film its edge.

“Gangster” may not be Ridley Scott’s “Godfather”, but it’s certainly as close as he’s ever going to get. If anything, watching Oscar winners Crowe and Washington on screen together is a film lovers dream. They both have a searing intensity that lights up the screen. I am not sure why Ruby Dee (who plays Lucas’ mom) received a nomination by the Academy this year, her role was pretty pathetic. In summary, I say check this movie out if you like the familiar sounding plot and want to see some great acting.

Mark Ronson’s cover of one of the greatest Radiohead tracks ever “Just” (from their sophomore album “The Bends”) is another fresh interpretation off of his breakthrough CD titled “Version.” Ronson just won the “Best Producer” Award at this year’s Grammy ceremony for producing Amy Winehouse’s revolutionary “Back to Black” album.

Ronson not only enlisted the help of the formidable Daptones horn section (The Dap Kings) for “Just” but he also got Alex Greenwald, the lead singer of Phantom Planet (best known for “California”, the theme to “The OC”).

A dynamite combination of snappy horns and dusty drum breaks, Mark Ronson’s version of “Just” offers up a funky new twist on an already brilliant song. I look forward to seeing Mark Ronson perform with the Dap Kings at this year’s 3 day long Coachella Music Festival.

MARK RONSON

CHECK OUT MARK RONSON’S “JUST” MUSIC VIDEO BELOW:

PHANTOM PLANET LEAD SINGER ALEX GREENWALD

“You Don’t Mess with the Zohan” is yet another silly comedy created by and starring Adam Sandler. The story was written by Adam Sandler, Judd Apatow, and Saturday Night Live genius Robert Smigel and will be directed by Dennis Dugan. Sandler’s production company Happy Madison will produce the film.

The comedy, developed at Revolution Studios from an original screenplay by Apatow, Smigel and Sandler, follows the exploits of a Mossad agent who fakes his death so he can anonymously move to New York and become a hair stylist. If the plot sounds flimsy then you know it is an Adam Sandler comedy for sure.

The only reason why this looks in the slightest bit appealing is Judd Apatow’s attachment to the project. Whatever he touches becomes comic gold (”40 Year Old Virgin”, “Superbad”, “Knocked Up”). Sandler has left a seriously bad taste in my mouth after last years offensive “I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry.” It couldn’t be any worse than “Norbit” I guess!

CHECK OUT THE “YOU DONT MESS WITH THE ZOHAN” TRAILER BELOW:

ADAM SANDLER AS “ZOHAN”

WINNERS

Best film: No Country for Old Men

Best director: No Country for Old Men, Joel and Ethan Coen

Best actor: Daniel Day-Lewis, There Will Be Blood

Original screenplay: Juno

Documentary feature: Taxi to the Dark Side

Documentary short: Freeheld

Original score: Atonement

Cinematography: There Will Be Blood

Song: “Falling Slowly”, Once

Foreign language film: The Counterfeiters

Honorary Oscar: Robert Boyle

Film editing: The Bourne Ultimatum

Best actress: Marion Cotillard, La Vie en Rose

Sound mixing: The Bourne Ultimatum

Sound editing: The Bourne Ultimatum

Adapted screenplay: No Country for Old Men, Joel and Ethan Coen

Supporting actress: Tilda Swinton, Michael Clayton

Animated short: Peter and the Wolf

Live action short: Le Mozart des Pickpockets

Supporting actor: Javier Bardem, No Country for Old Men

Art directions: Sweeney Todd

Visual effects: The Golden Compass

Makeup: La Vie en Rose

Animated feature: Ratatouille

Costume: Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Toy Story 3 is a computer-animated 3-D film being produced by Pixar Animation Studios, slated for release on June 18, 2010. It is a sequel to the hugely successful Pixar films “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2.” If this film is as inventive and huge as the first two “Toy Story” films then we can expect another marketing bonanza!

Lee Unkrich, who edited the previous films, and co-directed the second, took over from the original director, John Lasseter. However, Lasseter remains as producer. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen and a majority of the original character voices have been confirmed to return to the cast.

The “Toy Story 3″ plot (leaked by The Wall Street Journal) centers on Woody the cowboy and his toy-box friends who are dumped in a day-care center after their owner, Andy, leaves for college. I think this brilliant storyline is ripe with all kinds of Woody and Buzz antics. This movie has been in development hell for over 10 years. Thank god Disney and Pixar kissed and made up!

The classic Jules Verne novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” is being made into a 3D film, and by the looks of the trailer below this could be a fun ride with awesome visuals. “Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D” will star Brendan Fraser (”Crash,” “The Mummy”) as a science professor who falls through the earth.

Fraser’s character stumbles upon a major discovery that launches him and his nephew on a thrilling journey deep beneath the Earth’s surface, where they travel through never-before-seen worlds and encounter a variety of unusual creatures.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D” is directed by Academy Award-winning visual effects veteran Eric Brevig (”Total Recall,” “Pearl Harbor”). The film will be projected using Real D Cinema technology. “Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D” is scheduled for a July 11, 2008 release.

“The Ruins” is an upcoming 2008 horror-thriller film directed by Carter Smith and starring Jena Malone and Joe Anderson. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Scott Smith.

“The Ruins” follows a group of friends who become entangled in a brutal struggle for survival after visiting a remote archaeological dig in the Mexican jungle, where they discover something deadly living among the ruins.

Scott Smith also wrote the book “A Simple Plan” which was adapted for the screen and directed by Sam Raimi starring Billy Bob Thorton. If this film is as smart, tense and thrilling as his first novel/movie adaptation then we are in for a real creepy treat.

Duffy (born Aimee Anne Duffy), is a Welsh female soul singer-songwriter from the U.K. who is not to be confused with other recent European soul singers like Sia, Jem, Adele, Kate Nash, Amy Winehouse etc etc. I know that this huge flux in European soul singers may be getting to be too much for some music fans to follow, but I welcome it with open arms.

The first single of Duffy’s debut album “Mercy” is a sexy and catchy tune that is currently the number one song in the U.K. The Brit’s have been loving the female solo soul singers a lot lately and with good reason, Duffy and other singers like Adele offer a fresh sound to the tired pop landscape.

Currently Duffy is on tour and she will be making a stop at The Coachella Music Festival in Indio, CA. I have tickets for this three day show and am excited to see some new talent like Duffy play live. Check out Duffy’s soulful “Mercy” music video below and judge for yourself.

The trailer for “The Signal” below is right up my alley. Although the premise sounds familiar to a recent Stephen King novel titled “Cell”, I am still very excited to see this movie.

Currently Eli Roth is in pre-production with Stephen King’s “Cell” with a release date scheduled for 2009. “The Signal” is an independent horror film with a wide theatrical release on February 22, 2008. Read the Wikipedia synopsis below:

“The Signal” is a science fiction horror film told in three parts from three perspectives in which a mysterious transmission invades every cell phone, radio and TV, turning people into killers.”

“The film was shot in three parts (called “transmissions”) that were made by different directors without input from the other two during the shoot. As a result, all parts feel different: one a visceral thriller, one a black comedy, one a mystery-love story.”

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1.) Amelie

“Amelie” is a 2001 French film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and starring the fabulous Audrey Tautou. “Amelie” is a whimsical and creative depiction of contemporary Parisian life, set in Montmartre. It tells the story of a shy waitress who decides to change the lives of those around her for the better.

The blending of fantasy elements and special effects through Amelie’s daydreams is brilliant. Audrey Tatou gives one of the sweetest performances in years as the title character. This film will make you fall in love with Paris and keep your faith in love alive. This is one of the purest most original romantic movies of all time, hands down!

2.) Run Lola Run

“Run Lola Run” is a 1998 film by Tom Tykwer, starring Franka Potente as Lola. The film is set against the gritty urban scenescape of Berlin and has a pounding techno soundtrack. The film is a frenetic, inventive thriller that explores the life-altering impact of seemingly inconsequential actions.

The director of “Run Lola Run” tells the plot three times with cunning variations that are executed like a masterful music video. This fast paced rollercoaster ride is wickedly inventive and it will keep you in its grip until the last frames. I also recommend fans of electronic dance music to check out the classic dance heavy soundtrack.

3.) Ma Vie En Rose (”My Life In Pink”)

“Ma Vie En Rose” (”My Life in Pink”) is a 1997 Belgian film directed by Alain Berliner. It tells the story of a boy named Ludovic, who was born in a male body despite having a female gender identity. The film shows the struggle over gender identity he and his family go through in such a painfully realistic way.

The filmmakers and actors of this film have created one of the most authentic, touching households ever put on film. Even though some parts of this movie are harsh and sad, it has just the right recipe to leave a smile on your face.

4.) Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

This Academy Award winning Chinese-language film (featuring the “Wuxia” martial arts style) was released in 2000 and was directed by Ang Lee. The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and was nominated for six other Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Made on a mere US $15 million budget this film became a surprise international success. It grossed $128 million in the United States alone becoming the highest-grossing foreign-language film in American history. This movie is one of those films you can re-watch over and over again.

5.) Like Water For Chocolate

“Like Water for Chocolate” is a 1991 film based on the popular novel, published in 1989 by first-time Mexican novelist Laura Esquivel. When “Like Water For Chocolate” was released it slowly became the highest grossing foreign film ever released in the United States at the time.

“Like Water For Chocolate” is a funny, touching, sumptuous, and incredibly romantic ode to the joys of love and food that is a rare treat for movie lovers who have not seen it. The book is also a terrific and fulfilling read that, just like the film, is peppered with fantastic authentic Mexican recipes.

6.) Pan’s Labyrinth

“Pan’s Labyrinth” is an Academy Award-winning Spanish language fantasy film written and directed by Mexican film-maker Guillermo del Toro. The movie takes place in a dual setting: in the “real world” the story is set in Spain during the turbulent period shortly after the Spanish Civil War.

The main character Ofelia wins over your heart within the first few moments of this film. And much like Alice down the rabbit hole this trippy fantasy has just as many dark moments as it does fantastical creatures and worlds. This film is not only a dark thrilling war time epic, but a great fantasy film for the ages.

7.) Life Is Beautiful

“Life Is Beautiful” is a 1997 Italian language film which tells the story of a Jewish Italian, (played by Roberto Benigni, who also directed and co-wrote the film), who must learn how to use his imagination to help his son survive their internment in a Nazi concentration camp.

This movie is not for the faint of heart and for those who are sensitive to heavy subject matter. Roberto Benigni won the Academy Award for Best Actor and Best Foreign Film for this tender and uplifting tale of hope and loss. Make sure you have lots of Kleenex when you watch this one folks!

8.) Persepolis

“Persepolis” is a 2007 award-winning animated film based on Marjane Satrapi’s autobiographical graphic novel of the same name. The film was written and directed by Satrapi with Vincent Paronnaud. It is currently nominated for a 2007 Best Animated Feature Length Film by The Academy (which it will lose to “Ratatouille”).

This heartbreaking and crisp black and white animated feature is a one of a kind masterpiece. Fusing real world history and pop culture references “Persepolis” gives insight into a time in history many Americans have no clue about. This fill will enlighten and charm fans of both animation and foreign cinema.

9.) Y Tu Mama Tambien

“Y Tu Mama Tambien” (literally translates to “and your mom, too”) is a 2001 Mexican film written by Carlos Cuarón and directed by Alfonso Cuarón. “Y Tu Mama Tambien” was a big critical and financial success and was also nominated for the 2002 Academy Award for Original Screenplay.

The film is a coming-of-age story about two teenage boys taking a road trip with a woman in her late twenties is a smart, steamy mix of road movie, coming-of-age story and political satire. Anyone with a passion for cinema, and indeed sex, should see this sexy and moving movie as soon as possible.

10.) All About My Mother

“All About My Mother” is a 1999 Spanish film written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar. The film deals with complex issues such as AIDS, transvestitism, sexual identity, gender, religion and faith but with Almodovar’s classic tragicomedy touch and dark humor.

“All About My Mother” is an affecting, wonderfully acted, but oddly quaint drama filled with marvelous performances, fabulous wit, and some dizzying images. By the time I was done watching this movie in the theater for the first time I was in love and wanted to see it again.

RUNNERS UP: “Kung Fu Hustle”, “The Sea Inside”, “The City of Lost Children”, “Spirited Away”, “The Host”, “Volver”, “La Vie En Rose”, “Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down”

GRADE: B

Sia is an Australian-born pop singer with some big singing chops and a hip look. In addition to her solo career, Sia sings vocals for Zero 7 on their hit singles “Destiny” and “Distractions” from their debut album “Simple Things.” Zero 7’s second album, “When It Falls”, featured Sia on “Somersault” and “Speed Dial No. 2.” A third album (which was nominated for a Grammy in 2006) titled “The Garden” found six contributions from Sia, three of my favorites are “Throw It All Away”, “This Fine Social Scene” and “You’re My Flame.”

In January of 2008, Sia’s fourth LP entitled “Some People Have Real Problems” was released in Starbucks stores across the U.S. Critics have been giving a luke warm reception to her latest album, but after listening multiple times it has grown on me. Sia has a husky growl that aspires to be more soulful then it really is but I don’t mind her earnest vocal abilities. I like her range and eclectic style.

At times Sia can sound like a true gospel singer and then turn around and sound like a top 10 pop tart within the same song. Nowhere else is this more apparent than in her funky song “The Girl You Lost To Cocaine”. Sia’s catchy marketable sound is clear in her recent single “Buttons”. The Tori Amos-like piano arrangements in “Buttons” and the bizarre music video that accompanies it highlight Sia’s quirky style.

Sia recently recorded her own version of Britney Spears’ “Gimme More”. Though it is not yet scheduled for commercial release, its popularity is increasing amongst Youtube users (hear “Gimme, Gimme” on the Youtube clip below). Sia’s sense of humor is just as obvious in fun songs like “Lentil”, “Playground” and “Death By Chocolate” off of “Some People Have Real Problems”.

Sia may remind folks of other piano driven vixens like Regina Spektor or Fiona Apple but her style is quite unique. Her voice is effective and haunting in some of her more restrained songs like “Soon We’ll Be Found” and “I Go To Sleep”. My favorite track on this colorful CD is hands down “Little Black Sandles”. The song is so catchy and original that I think it has great mainstream radio potential.

Although “Some People Have Real Problems” is not groundbreaking or overtly artistic, it is relevant and has an original sound. I have been a big fan of Sia’s work with Zero 7 for years and think her decision to go solo in a big way is appropriate. Sia’s voice is definitely one-of-a-kind and effective, which is why I recommend this perky little CD to fans of creative alternative rock and roll.

HEAR SIA’S COVER OF BRITNEY SPEARS “GIMME MORE” BELOW:

WATCH SIA’S “BUTTONS” MUSIC VIDEO BELOW: