Pop Culture Buzz

“TWILIGHT” SYNOPSIS FROM WIKIPEDIA.COM

Seventeen-year-old Isabella Swan moves to the small town of Forks, Washington to live with her father, Charlie. There, she finds herself drawn to a mysterious classmate, Edward Cullen, who is revealed to be a 108-year-old vampire.

Although Edward discourages the romance, they soon fall in love. When the arrival of three nomadic vampires puts Bella’s life in danger, Edward and his family must band together to save her before she is killed.

The movie trailer below looks like the recent sci-fi action hit “Jumper” but with a teen vibe. Let’s hope the action is more of the focal point and not the romance. I’d hate to see a vampire version of “90210″ or “Dawson’s Creek”. Watch the sneak peak trailer below:

GRADE: F

While I am on the subject of spoofs I might as well review this stinky turkey while it fresh in my memory. “Meet the Spartans” chooses to make fun of macho historical epics like “300″ and romantic comedies like “Meet the Parents” (sounds bad already, I know). But all we get are old jokes that include parodies of Britney and Kevin, “Deal or No Deal” and “America’s Next Top Model”. They are as unfunny as they sound.

“Meet the Spartans” spends a lot of time trying to be funny by winking and nodding at the camera. It also seems like the same gay joke is told over and over. Apparently, Carmen Electra has become the current parody movie “go to actress” (she is also starring in the upcoming “Disaster Movie” which is a farce about, duh…disaster pictures which has a bad title already going against it). Electra’s acting is just as wooden as it was when she was in “Scary Movie 4″, “Epic Movie” and “Superhero Movie”.

“Meet the Spartans” gives this genre a bad name. It’s too bad this genre has more stinkers than classics in it’s history on the big screen. Rent Mel Brooks’ “The History of the World, Part 1″ if you want to see an adult comedy that pokes fun at bloated Hollywood period pieces using original jokes. This movie is just another insult to comedy fans by the Hollywood machine.

WATCH THE TERRIBLE “MEET THE SPARTANS” TRAILER BELOW:

A parody or spoof film is a comedy that satirizes other film genres or classic films. Movie parodies are one of my favorite genres of comedy films. I will be the first to admit that there are more bad parody films than great ones. Below are my top ten favorite spoofs of all time, have I left any out? Read my list and enjoy!

1.) Top Secret

Why is this film #1 and not one of the dozens of other films I can choose from? Two words…Val Kilmer. This spy thriller spoof has it all; boob gags, singing, dancing, fake poop and beastiality jokes! This is the comedy I watch the most when I am looking for the easy laugh and the most quotable lines.

2.) Airplane!

Most critics call this spoof “the best of all time” and for good reason. This Zucker classic paved the way for sight gags in films to come. This take on disaster films is right on point in the flashback dance scenes. Many of these jokes aren’t politically correct even by today’s standards. And surely you can’t forget Mrs. Cleaver talking “jive”…oh yeah, “don’t call me Shirley”.

3.) Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear

This classic comedy stars Leslie Nielsen in a spoof series that pumped life blood back into the genre. This sequel was hands down the best in the side splitting gag filled series. Even OJ Simpson does a great job. This film contains the best spoof film love scene ever made with Frank Drebin and Jane mocking the film “Ghost”.

4.) Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery

Yes, this is a spoof and most likely “Austin Powers” is the most lucrative series of them all. Mike Meyers first “Powers” film was a modest hit when it was released in theaters but boomed on DVD. When the sequels came out they broke box office records. Meyers is at his peak in this multi-role all time comedy classic.

5.) The Princess Bride

This take on fantasy films is not only the most romantic but it also the smartest in the bunch. Rob Reiner’s classic is told like a bedtime story but plays like a sweet adult comedy. The hilarious over the top characters and great acting by Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin and Billy Crystal make this film a subtle spoof masterpiece.

6.) Spaceballs

Mel Brooks is the king of parodies. He created the genre with great films like “Young Frankenstein” and “History of the World, Part. 1″. His spoof on space epics still holds up today. The inspired comedic work by John Candy as “Barf” and Rick Moranis as “Dark Helmet” is funny as hell. As of 2007, an animated sequel TV series is in preparation.

7.) Scary Movie 2

This series of parody films makes jokes at the expense of countless crappy horror remakes and with great laughs and gross out humor. Tori Spelling has some of the most hilarious moments in this raunchy Wayan’s Brothers farce. Chris Elliott steals every scene he is in as the creepy butler.

8.) Don’t Be a Menace in South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood

Gangster films were long over due to be made fun of and leave it to The Wayans Brothers to do it right. All the right racial jokes and weed gags will keep you in stitches. Trying to point out which coming of age ghetto film each scene takes place in is just half the fun of this silly ride.

9.) Not Another Teen Movie

Teen romances and high school films are the easy targets made fun of in this witty comedy spoof. All of your teenage favorites are ridiculed in this small little comedic gem. This film has great 80’s star cameos and enough John Hughes films spoof moments for any teeny bop movie fan.

10.) Hot Shots!

Poking fun at “Top Gun” and the slew of military action romance pictures of the early nineties and late eighties “Hot Shots” has some great visual gags and over the top moments. Charlie Sheen stars in this terrific play on macho movies that is another Zucker classic.

RUNNERS UP: “Walking Hard: The Dewey Cox Story”, “Blazing Saddles”, “Mars Attacks”, “Police Academy”, “Robin Hood Men in Tights”, “History of the World, Part 1″, “Hot Fuzz”, “National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon”, “High School High”, “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka”, “Galaxy Quest”, “Shaun of the Dead”

THE WORST: “Mafia!”, “Epic Movie”, “Superhero Movie”, “The Comebacks”, “Scary Movie 3 & 4″, “Date Movie”, “Undercover Brother”, “Spy Hard”, “Dracula: Dead & Loving It”, “Meet the Spartans”

FROM COMINGSOON.NET

Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation have obtained the motion picture rights to “The Smurfs”. The parties will develop a dynamic, live action/animated major motion picture based on the iconic and lovable sky blue colored classic characters.

David Stem and David Weiss are in negotiations to be brought on board to write the screenplay. Stem and Weiss are the award-winning screenwriters behind “Shrek” 2 and 3, and other notable animated projects including “The Rugrats Movie”, and “Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius”

Commenting on the announcement Belgrad said, “The Smurfs are one of the best-known franchises and among the most beloved collection of characters in the world. These classic characters have entertained millions of people and several generations all over the world for more than half a century. We’re very excited to introduce a new generation to Papa Smurf, Smurfette and the other Smurfs in all of their ‘three apple tall’ glory.”

“Through Animation and Imageworks, our visual effects and character animation studio, we have an extraordinary capability to mix animation and live action having created a number of fully-realized CG characters in live action films from ‘Stuart Little’ to ‘Spider-Man 3,’” said Osher. “We couldn’t be more delighted or excited about working together on The Smurfs motion picture.”

“The entire team at Sony Pictures Animation is tremendously excited to team with our colleagues at Columbia Pictures and Kerner Entertainment in bringing the Smurfs to the big screen. This is our first hybrid film and we’re excited to expand our creative initiatives in this direction” said Minghella, president of production for Sony Pictures Animation.

Best known in the U.S. for the long-running Hanna-Barbera cartoon, the Smurfs were created in 1958 by Belgian cartoonist Pierre Culliford, known throughout the world as Peyo. The Smurfs — originally called Les Schtroumpfs in French — were created for a Belgian series of comic books, first as minor characters, but soon taking on a life of their own.

The peaceful little characters were featured in a best selling line of statuettes (selling over 300 million worldwide), models, games, toys, theme parks, and, of course, the immensely popular television series.

Running as part of NBC’s Saturday-morning lineup from 1981-1990, the cartoon was a huge critical and commercial success, twice winning Daytime Emmy Awards(r) for Best Children’s Entertainment Program, running for 256 episodes, and inspiring seven specials.

LISTEN TO A NON-STOP MIX OF OVER 100 OF MY FAVORITE TUNES FROM SOME OF MY FAVORITE MOVIES WITH NO REPEATS!

CLICK THE “STREAMING MUSIC� TAB IN THE CATEGORY SECTION TO THE RIGHT TO LISTEN TO PAST JUKEBOXES!

TOTAL THIS WEEKEND / TOTAL SO FAR

1.) Kung Fu Panda $60,239,130 / $60,239,130

2.) You Don’t Mess with the Zohan $38,531,374 / $38,531,374

3.) Indiana Jones 4 $22,793,630 / $253,014,750

4.) Sex and the City $21,218,305 / $99,177,283

5.) The Strangers $8,941,970 / $3,610 $37,298,770

6.) Iron Man $7,477,439 / $288,847,640

7.) Narnia: Prince Caspian $5,658,836 / $125,977,010

8.) What Happens in Vegas $3,437,801 / $72,267,894

9.) Baby Mama $806,750 / $57,931,215

10.) Made of Honor $804,055 / $44,689,497

GRADE: A+

My Morning Jacket is an American rock band known for their reverb-heavy sound, their eclectic mix of indie rock, country rock, southern rock, psychedelic, and jam band styles, and enthusiastic and energetic live shows. Formed in 1998 in Louisville, Kentucky, the band signed with ATO Records four years later.

The band’s moniker comes from a discarded coat lead singer Jim James found while sifting through the remains of his favorite bar after it burned down. The coat was embroidered with the letters “MMJ” on it.

Singer/songwriter/guitarist James’ band mates are bassist “Two Tone” Tommy, drummer Patrick Hallahan, guitarist/pedal steel guitarist/saxophonist/vocalist Carl Broemel and keyboardist Bo Koster.

My Morning Jacket’s last album “Z” is a modern day rock and roll classic packed full of familiar sounding rock jams that never cease to get old after listening to it over and over again. So you can guess how much pressure this latest album is up against. “Evil Urges” is already the best rock and roll CD of 2008 hands down. Once again MMJ have crafted the perfect package of modern rock with a hint of classic harmonies thrown in.

The album begins with the ethereal title track and holds onto the jugular up until the last song. MMJ went for a more mainstream approach on this new record and I am guessing it will make this album an instant critical favorite as well as a mainstream hit. For example, the lush sounding “Librarian”, which is a masterful song with lyrics that weave a story with gorgeous imagery. MMJ have been the coolest unknown jam band for a while, and this is about to change.

Lead singer Jim James raw and powerful voice has never sounded so strong with his wide ranging falsetto. The emotional charge his unconventional singing voice adds to the well crafted lyrics is pure magic. The wit and charm like in the song “Highly Suspicious” is endlessly entertaining, the lyrics pop and stay with you long after the song has ended. How can you not giggle at a funky lyric like; “peanut-butter-pudding surprise”?

The haunting stretched out guitar licks and thumping bass lines like in the romantic sweeping track “Thank You Too” are heart aching and emotional. This is especially true on the hard rock charged head banging song “I’m Amazed” that has a slight country edge to it. The sounds on this record are refreshingly eclectic and comforting.

Just yesterday I listened to this record twice in a row, it is that great. After catching these guys at Coachella in 2006 and then again this year, I have become a die hard fan who loves to spread the message that MMJ are one of the best touring rock bands out there today. I plan on catching these guys when they play at the Greek Theater here in the bay area as well.

BEST SONGS: “Evil Urges”, “Highly Suspicious”, “I’m Amazed”, “Thank You Too”, “Touch Me I’m Going To Sleep”, “Librarian”

WATCH THE “I’M AMAZED” MUSIC VIDEO BELOW:

WATCH THE “EVIL URGES” PROMO VIDEO BY MY MORNING JACKET BELOW:

“The Sun & The Neon Light” is the third studio album by Berlin-based electronic band Booka Shade, released on 26 May, 2008 on Get Physical Music. The album features 14 tracks, including new, shortened versions of “Karma Car” and “Planetary”, both of which had been previously released as EPs. Their previous album titled “Movements” spawned two massive club hits called “Mandarine Girl” and “Body Language”.

By the look and sound of “The Sun & The Neon Light” in the video below, it is very obviously the creation of two men still in love with the dancefloor. After watching them spin a terrific set at Coachella this year I am excited to hear their new album as soon as I can! Check out the promo video for their new CD below.

This movie is an adaptation based on the memoir of ”Philadelphia Inquirer” columnist John Grogan’s life with his yellow Labrador retriever, that stars Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson. The story is a collection of anecdotes about Marley running wild in Grogan’s home and looks at the dog’s 13-year life.

The plot follows a family as they learn important life lessons from their adorable, but naughty and neurotic dog. This movie looks too white washed and corny for me, which is too bad because I like Aniston. I can’t stand Owen Wilson so I will most likely catch this on Netflix. Why the studio thinks people need a “teaser” for a run of the mill romantic comedy that comes out this winter, I have no clue!

JENNIFER ANISTON & OWEN WILSON (W/ “MARLEY”)

REAL LIFE - “SEND ME AN ANGEL” (1983)

PAT BENETAR - “INVINCIBLE” (1985)

TINA TUNER - “WE DON’T NEED ANOTHER HERO (THUNDERDOME)” (1985)

LIMAHL - “THE NEVERENDING STORY” (1984)

I saw the trailer for “Madagascar 2″ before the delightful “Kung Fu Panda” sneak peak last night and I am a huge fan of the first, so I loved this new footage of the sequel. I am a huge fan of cartoons and the first “Madagascar” was a fun, silly little romp that had some great voice work moments by Chris Rock and David Schwimmer. It looks like the follow up will be another smash for Dreamworks in 2008!

Check out the trailer for the sequel below!

*** 1/2 STARS

I was not only surprised by how much I liked “Kung Fu Panda” I was blown away by the non-stop action and originality of the whole film. The computer animation is only rivaled by that of the magicians at Pixar. The fresh, vibrant and crisp images on the screen are spectacular, it only helps that the story and characters are just as fresh and exciting.

This comedy is truly about story and it doesn’t rely on pop culture references, fart jokes or screwball antics to tell it’s tale. The action sequences will take your breath away they are so captivating. The ancient Chinese setting and wide array of various talking animals makes this a creative and superb piece of family entertainment. This is one of the best computer animated films I have ever seen.

The voice work by Jack Black as “Panda” and Dustin Hoffman as “Master Shifu” is absolutley superb and side splittingly hilarious. All of the dialog in this movie is snappy and crackling with wit and new jokes. There is not one frame in this film that feels familiar or recycled from other animated features. “Kind Fu Panda” is a stand alone piece of entertainment who’s charm can reach all ages.

The underlined themes and plot in “Panda” are perfect for little ones, and it doesn’t come of preachy or heavy handed. All of the gorgeous animation and terrific character work make this cartoon a shoe-in for a Best Animated Oscar nomination. I can easily call “Kung Fu Panda” one of my favorite films of 2008 so far, rush to go see this one folks!

WATCH THE EXTENDED “KUNG FU PANDA” TRAILER BELOW:

*** STARS

I have seen every episode of the “Sex & the City” cable TV series. I am a die hard fan. So if you don’t care for the TV show then there is no way this film will change your mind and win you over. This is a film made for the fans and it works as a great companion to the landmark HBO series. If this movie were cut down to make 5 episodes, they would be the best 5 episodes in the show’s 6 season lifespan.

Like a warm blanket or an overdue reunion with an old friend, the “Sex & The City” movie made me giddy with excitement within the first few moments when I heard the theme song during the opening credits. All 4 actresses slide into their most notable roles with ease and a comfortable precision that translates into superb acting and terrific comedic timing by them all.

This film strikes all the right emotional notes and comedic punches. I found myself laughing out loud and taking mental notes of the many classic one-liners. The most endearing thing about the series and these characters is the strong bond between four friends. This movie is a greeting card to female friendships and independent women everywhere (and of course, their gay pals).

I felt that the “Sex & the City” movie was thoroughly enjoyable and it stayed true to the heart of all these characters that fans have come to love and know like the back of their hand. As the movie ended you started to get the feeling that this won’t be the last time we will see these characters on the big screen. The wit and integrity of the classic HBO show has only been heightened by this hugely successful big screen addition.

“Warwick Avenue” is the third single from the debut album Rockferry by Duffy. Aimee Anne Duffy (born 23 June 1984 in Gwynedd, Wales), known professionally as Duffy, is a Welsh singer-songwriter. Her album “Rockferry” is currently a critical and top 10 chart hit in both the UK and USA.

This second single is a breezy romantic throw back that was the perfect cool down song when I saw Duffy perform at Coachella. Duffy’s warm familiar sound has a softer edge than her neo-soul counterpart Amy Winehouse. Her album has already made a spot in my top albums of 2008 list and it makes for great driving music.

WATCH THE “WARWICK AVENUE” MUSIC VIDEO BELOW:

TOTAL THIS WEEKEND / TOTAL SO FAR

1.) Sex and the City $55,740,000 / $55,740,000

2.) Indiana Jones 4 $46,000,000 / $216,881,000

3.) The Strangers $20,710,000 / $20,710,000

4.) Iron Man $14,000,000 / $276,625,000

5.) Prince Caspian $13,016,000 / $115,674,000

6.) What Happens in Vegas $6,850,000 / $66,074,000

7.) Baby Mama $2,220,000 / $56,143,000

8.) Speed Racer $2,140,000 / $40,558,000

9.) Made of Honor $2,000,000 / $42,965,000

10.) Forgetting Sarah Marshall $1,040,000 / $60,466,000