Its principal defect is that it just isn’t funny. Tasteless? Yes. Vulgar? Undoubtedly. But funny? Not really. Mind you, lovable serial killers are a hard sell.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Burke And Hare review: The killer farce that's just hare-brained
Its principal defect is that it just isn’t funny. Tasteless? Yes. Vulgar? Undoubtedly. But funny? Not really. Mind you, lovable serial killers are a hard sell.
Jon Stewart Speech Closes 'Rally To Restore Sanity And/Or Fear'
Comedian tells fans rally was about working together, not 'ridicule.'
By Mawuse Ziegbe
Jon Stewart speaks at the "Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear"
Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images
Jon Stewart's "Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear" Saturday (October 30) was a smorgasbord of the satire and send-ups of pundits, politicians and public issues Stewart's "The Daily Show" has specialized in for years. However, at the end of the three-hour event at the National Mall in Washington DC, Stewart used that same incisive humor to drive home the point that Americans aren't as crazy as the media would have us believe, and that the everyday triumphs that don't make the news are truly representative of the American people.
Stewart kicked off speech by addressing the question that was likely on many attendees and viewers minds: What exactly was the point of the rally? Stewart ventured to answer the question, suggesting, "Some of you may have seen today as a clarion call for action." He also considered the possibility of wayward tourists getting caught in fray, joking, "Clearly some of you just wanted to see the Air and Space Museum and just got royally screwed."
Then Stewart broke down the intentions of the rally, which he maintained was not simply about poking fun.
"This was not a rally to ridicule people of faith, or people of activism, or to look down our noses at the heartland or passionate argument, or to suggest that times are not difficult and that we have nothing to fear. They are and we do. But we live now in hard times, not end times," Stewart declared, to the roar of thousands of attendees swarming the site.
He went on to examine the role of the press in exacerbating conflict among Americans.
"The country's 24-hour, political pundit, perpetual, panic conflict-inator did not cause our problems. But its existence makes solving them that much harder," he said. "If we amplify everything, we hear nothing."
Stewart cautioned listeners about buying into propaganda that may obscure the real issues citizens should be tackling.
"Not being able to distinguish between real racists and Tea Party-ers, or real bigots and Juan Williams or Rick Sanchez, is an insult, not only to those people, but to the racists themselves who have put in the exhausting effort it takes to hate," Stewart said, referencing former CNN anchor Sanchez, who was booted from the network for his unsavory comments about Stewart and other Jewish Americans. "Just as the inability to distinguish terrorists from Muslims makes us less safe, not more."
Stewart maintained he feels "strangely, calmly good" because he doesn't take media portrayals at face value. Yet, he conceded he understands how certain representations can hinder honest, straightforward dialogue about significant issues.
"The image of Americans that is reflected back to us by our political and media process is false. It is us through a funhouse mirror ... the kind where you have a giant forehead and an ass shaped like a month-old pumpkin," he said. "Why would you reach across the aisle to a pumpkin-assed, forehead eyeball monster?"
Stewart said he knows that most people reach across the aisle when it matters, saying, "We work together to get things done every damn day! The only place we don't is here [points to Capitol Building] or on cable TV."
"Most Americans don't live their lives solely as Democrats, Republicans, liberals or conservatives. Americans live their lives more as people that are just a little bit late for something they have to do. Often something they do not want to do. But they do it. Impossible things [are accomplished] every day that are only made possible through the little reasonable compromises we all make," he said.
Referencing a screen playing footage of cars slowly inching through traffic, Stewart used the image of the highway as metaphor for how Americans make those compromises, ceding the road when necessary and recognizing that everyone is headed toward a similar goal. He also touched on the diversity of drivers on the road, noting that the cars could be steered by anyone from a mom with two kids to a "Mormon Jay-Z fan."
While Stewart opened his speech outlining the messages he wanted to relay through the rally, he closed by explaining what the event meant to him.
"Sanity has always been in the eye of the beholder," he said, "And to see you here today, and the kind of people that you are, has restored mine."
Did you attend Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert's "Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear"? Let us know in the comments!
Related PhotosSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1651165/20101030/story.jhtml
Milla Jovovich Minka Kelly Minki van der Westhuizen Miranda Kerr
VIDEO: 'Community' Hates My Name, But I Still Love 'Community'
ZING.Can you say "zing" about a joke that a future episode of a TV show makes at your expense? (Well, your name's expense?) I hope so, because ZING. Community, you got me good.
Coming up next week on Community's pop culture homage agenda is their Mean Girls spoof, "Aerodynamics of Gender," guest-starring Hilary Duff. And by now, I bet you can guess what her character's name is. Watch the sneak peek of her introduction:
Source: http://www.buddytv.com/articles/community/video_community_hates_my_name-38521.aspx
Vanessa Hudgens Vanessa Marcil Vanessa Minnillo Vanessa Simmons
'Rally To Restore Sanity/Fear' Attendees Expected 'Silliness' And 'Unity'
'It's an anti-fear-based media rally,' explained one.
By James Kuo
Thousands gather at the "Rally to Restore Sanity And/Or Fear" in Washington, D.C. Saturday
Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The media has spent the last few weeks trying to guess what Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert had planned for their "Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear" — without much success. But on Saturday (October 30), the day of the event, the attendees had a clear idea of what they expected: to laugh and experience a moment of political and cultural catharsis.
"I expect to laugh and to see just plain silliness," Lilly Pinto, 26, from Arlington, Virginia, told MTV News.
Jen Stokes said she came because she believed the rally provided a healthy political counterpoint to extreme political dialogue. "There have been a lot of Tea Parties in D.C., so it is refreshing to have something a majority of people can relate to. Also, it seemed like a lot of fun."
Her friend Haley Smith, who wore a leprechaun hat in celebration of Halloween (and to symbolize her fears), agreed.
"It's an anti-fear-based media rally," Smith explained.
Wes Harden, Shane Waters and Austin Burry drove 11 hours straight from Detroit to make it to the rally. Each of them wore a mask and held mops in one hand and a Red Bull in the other signifying their desire to clean up Washington and their tiredness, respectively.
"D.C. has become such a circus, so I think this rally was necessary to show that we can be a united nation and accomplish something," Harden said.
The National Mall was filled with four blocks of people (organizers estimated the crowd at 250,000) carrying signs and wearing costumes for the three-hour event that combined "Daily Show" and "Colbert Report"-style humor with musical performances.
David, a college student from Berkeley, California, declared the event a success and was glad to see everyone "take it down a notch."
Meredith Canyon wore a bear suit (Colbert's ultimate fear), because she thought it was perfect bear suit weather. She wanted to make sure that she was there for an "epic moment in history. Twenty years from now, I can say that I was here," she said after the rally.
Related PhotosSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1651168/20101030/story.jhtml
The Biggest Loser changed my life
Tired of spending her singing career in the shadows, backing superstars like Mary J. Blige and Beyonc�, background vocalist Montina Cooper took a giant personal step this year when she auditioned for season 10 of The Biggest Loser. At 287 pounds, Montina bravely bared all at her hometown audition but didn?t land a coveted spot on the show. Disappointed, Montina, was told not to give up as a second chance at coming to the Biggest Loser Ranch could be in her future.
Click here to read more.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/InTouchWeekly/~3/2wPXnKxtxzM/montina_cooper_the_biggest_los.php
Yemeni Authorities Check 'Dozens' More Packages [Investigations]
Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gawker/full/~3/kWgYiLbighk/yemeni-authorities-check-dozens-more-packages
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Drake Takes Miami
Drizzy kicks off his Light Dreams and Nightmares Tour in Miami.
Related ArtistsOzzy Osbourne, Yusuf Islam Duel At Jon Stewart Rally
The O'Jays also hit the stage at Stewart and Stephen Colbert's 'Rally to Restore Sanity And/Or Fear.'
By Mawuse Ziegbe
Ozzy Osbourne and Yusuf Islam at the "Rally to Restore Sanity And/Or Fear"
Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images
Thousands of fans crowded the National Mall in Washington DC Saturday (October 30) for Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert's "Rally to Restore Sanity And/Or Fear," and the two politician-skewering funnymen trotted out a slew of legends to entertain the crowd.
About midway through the show, which already featured a nearly 40-minute set from John Legend and The Roots, Stewart announced the next performer, Yusuf Islam. The folk icon formerly known as Cat Stevens, hit the stage with an acoustic rendition of "Peace Train." However, instead of letting Yusuf placidly strum along, Colbert stormed the stage, ranting about the song's message of harmony. The satirical pundit then proclaimed, "My train is arriving at the stage now and the conductor has an important announcement to make!"
Colbert did a fine job of busting up the performance, and cleared the way for a surprise appearance from one of rock and roll's greatest show-stoppers: Ozzy Osbourne. Decked out in a black ensemble with his signature colored glasses, the Prince of Darkness screamed as he took the stage and led the band through the metal classic "Crazy Train."
However, before Osbourne could finish, Stewart snatched the mic and reprised the whole interrupting-the-rock-legend-thing, spewing protests like, "I will not get on that train! I am not comfortable on that train!" Stewart commanded Yusuf to start up again with "Peace Train," until Colbert jumped in, saying, "I'm gonna pull the emergency brake on this rainbow, moonbeam choo-choo!" Osbourne and Yusuf went back and forth, volleying metal and folk classics about trains, until both gave up the fight, embraced each other and left the stage.
But the audience wasn't left without a stellar performance from some music legends. Colbert and Stewart paced about, lamenting the lack of singers to belt train-related hits, until a line from the smooth chorus of the O'Jays "Love Train" wafted through the air.
"Is that the sound of Philadelphia?" Stewart wondered.
Colbert queried, "Was that the sweet Philly soul?"
It sure was. The legendary soul group then took the stage in slick white suits, busting easy throwback moves to their 1973 single to the delight of the crowd.
What did you think of the "Rally to Restore Sanity And/Or Fear"? Let us know in the comments!
Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1651162/20101030/osbourne_ozzy.jhtml
Charlie heads back to work after hospitalization
The show must go on for Charlie Sheen! The troubled actor was hospitalized after being found drunk and naked by police in his New York hotel room early Tuesday morning, but it hasn't hampered his professional duties. An insider tells In Touch that Charlie is scheduled to start shooting the indie romantic comedy She Wants Me on October 28. "It's about a writer-director who wants to hire his girlfriend to play the lead in his movie," says the insider. "Charlie plays a version of himself. True Blood's 23-year-old Brit Morgan plays an actress who lands a movie with Charlie and they start dating. Hilary Duff is also in the movie ? it's a cute script." The 45-year-old actor also appears as himself in the November 5 comedy Due Date, with Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis. 
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/InTouchWeekly/~3/bCJzU4CurUA/charlie_heads_back_to_work_aft.php
Backstabbing, bunions and sexism. Real ballroom dancing is NOTHING like Strictly
The success of Strictly Come Dancing has given ballroom a new lease of life. But does it give an accurate portrayal of the world of competitive dancing? Award-winning Hannah-Louise Annetts, 22, should know.
Nikki Blonsky Fumes Over Marie Claire's Online Journalist's Anti-Fat Blog
After Sharon Osbourne voiced her disappointment over the blog, now Blonsky launches hers, saying 'That (article) was completely out of line.'
Vampires Were Right: Blood Will Keep You Looking Young Forever [Science]
Friday, October 29, 2010
Taylor Swift Refuses to Deny Jake Gyllenhaal Romance Rumor on 'Ellen'
When host Ellen DeGeneres asks her about the swirling report, Taylor refuses to deny or confirm it, simply saying 'You have a picture of us on the (TV) screen, don't you?'
Wayne Brady Is Not a Game Show Host ... Just Ask Him
Filed under: Reality-Free, Celebrity Interviews
There's no doubt that Wayne Brady is quick on his feet, but what I found out when I spoke to the 'Let's Make a Deal' host earlier this month was that he's also quick to make sure his career isn't pigeonholed.Mention that an improvised rap he did on the CBS daytime game show reminds you of one he did on Drew Carey's version of 'Whose Line Is It, Anyway?' and he'll take pains to mention that he's been honing these skills in his stage show and elsewhere for years. Ask how the chemistry between him and announcer Jonathan Mangum came about and he'll make sure to tell you that the two of them have been performing together for close to two decades.
But, most of all, Brady refuses to define himself as a game show host. "In my head, a game show host is the guy that stands there and just goes, 'And now, what are you doing, Jim?' And that's not me. I was hired to bring something else to it," he told me.
Brady and I spoke about the show's second season, its move from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, and what he thinks of Carey's recent weight loss.
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Source: http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/10/29/wayne-brady-is-not-a-game-show-host-just-ask-him/
'Friday Night Lights' Fan Columnist: Calling All Dillon Departures and Arrivals!
Season 5 begins! But with oddly more departures than arrivals. Julie and Landry are off to college. And hard to believe, but Dillon's parents are less present than ever, away pursuing the ever scarcer almighty buck, in the meantime abandoning their kids. Gone are Jess' dad, to Dallas to open three rib franchises, causing her brother Andre to act out and be bratty. Vince -- now officially Jess' boyfriend -- has a heart-to-heart with Andre, asking him to help Jess and be the man of the house.Becky's mom is on a casino boat, presumably bartending or running a blackjack table, replaced at home by her mostly absent trucker dad and his new bitchy wife and their baby. Her stepmom hisses that she "didn't sign up for this" and "fix it" to her husband about the generally well-behaved Becky, who takes refuge with Billy and Mindy in -- of all places -- Tim's old room. The Riggins are surprised and reluctant but welcome Becky -- in no small part due to guilt over Tim (and, I'm thinkin', free Stevie-sitting!). But this feels somewhat plot-forced, I have to say. Speaking of ...
Source: http://www.buddytv.com/articles/friday-night-lights/friday_night_lights_fan_column-38501.aspx
Orange County's Vicki Gunvalson Hospitalized for Internal Bleeding [Illnesses]
Charlie heads back to work after hospitalization
The show must go on for Charlie Sheen! The troubled actor was hospitalized after being found drunk and naked by police in his New York hotel room early Tuesday morning, but it hasn't hampered his professional duties. An insider tells In Touch that Charlie is scheduled to start shooting the indie romantic comedy She Wants Me on October 28. "It's about a writer-director who wants to hire his girlfriend to play the lead in his movie," says the insider. "Charlie plays a version of himself. True Blood's 23-year-old Brit Morgan plays an actress who lands a movie with Charlie and they start dating. Hilary Duff is also in the movie ? it's a cute script." The 45-year-old actor also appears as himself in the November 5 comedy Due Date, with Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/InTouchWeekly/~3/bCJzU4CurUA/charlie_heads_back_to_work_aft.php
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Kanye West's 'Runaway' Film: A Pop-Culture Cheat Sheet
From 'Armageddon' to 'Under the Cherry Moon,' 'Ye took cues from all over.
By James Montgomery
Kanye West and Selita Ebanks in "Runaway"
Photo: Def Jam
Here at MTV News, we like to cover the story from all angles, which is why, one day after publishing our high-culture cheat sheet for Kanye West's "Runaway" film, we're back with the lowbrow accompaniment. It's somewhat fitting, because while West's film is no doubt arty and abstract, it's also a big-budget, popcorn event too, the kind of thing that's littered with fast cars and explosions and lyrical nods to the Kings of Leon and Alec Baldwin.
So, really, we'd be doing a disservice — to West, his fans and Alec Baldwin — if we didn't do a pop-culture cheat sheet for the film. So here, alphabetized for your perusing pleasure, is our list of the films, fruits and, uh, fleshy abdominals that are referenced in "Runaway." And though our list is extensive, it's probably not perfect, so if there's something we missed, let us know in the comments below!
"Armageddon": The 1998 Michael Bay blockbuster about a team of deep-core drillers hired by NASA to save the earth from a rapidly advancing asteroid. Shockingly not based on actual events. The film is loaded with special-effects shots of fiery bits of space ephemera rocketing through the atmosphere, just like the opening scene of "Runaway." You could just as easily put "Deep Impact" in here too, since they're basically the same film.
"Bambi": Classic Disney film from 1948 about an orphaned deer and his adorable pals Thumper and Flower. The scene in which Bambi's mother is shot by a hunter is credited by some for helping the animal-rights movement gain traction around the world. None of that really applies to "Runaway," but there are plenty of cute little deer in it.
Blueberries: Antioxidant-rich flowering plants of the genus vaccinium. For reasons clear only to West, the table in the "Runaway" dinner sequence is covered in blueberries, though, according to some, they symbolize eternity and optimism of the future. Also, they are delicious.
"The Brother From Another Planet": Odd 1984 film from director John Sayles about a mute alien who crashes in New York City. The fact that "the Brother" is only distinguishable from other men by the three large toes he has on each foot seems to have been echoed in the phoenix's large golden claws.
Every single action movie ever: Over the past two decades, nearly every action movie made has featured a scene in which the hero turns his or her back and strides confidently away from a gigantic explosion (usually, this scene is shot in slow-motion). It's gotten so bad that the Lonely Island comedy troupe even released a song called "Cool Guys Don't Look at Explosions." And, well, in "Runaway," Kanye is guilty of the same thing, scooping up Selita Ebanks and walking away from a massive fireball — in slow-motion, of course.
"The Fifth Element": Tongue-in-cheek 1997 Luc Besson sci-fi film about a cab driver (and ex-special forces soldier) who rescues a mysterious, childlike alien/ "supreme being" with bright orange hair. Turns out, she's the key to saving the entire universe from destruction. Also turns out that like the phoenix in "Runaway," she spends a whole lot of time sniffing stuff and pawing at inanimate objects.
"Marie Antoinette": Eye-catching, vaguely anachronistic 2006 Sofia Coppola film about the teenage bride of Louis XVI, who eventually becomes the very frivolous queen of France. The elaborate dinner scene in "Runaway" — and, in particular, West and Ebanks' stilted interactions at it — remind us of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI's initial meeting at an equally lavish dinner party.
Rose, Amber: Bodacious model and socialite/ former paramour of West. Their relationship made headlines, and West makes a joking reference to the tabloid coverage of Rose's sexual preferences in "Runaway," when, during the dinner scene, a guest compliments him on the phoenix's beauty, then rhetorically asks, "Do you know she's a bird?"
"Splash": The 1984 romantic comedy about a New York City man who falls in love with a mermaid; the parallels between it and "Runaway" should be fairly obvious, though the dinner scene — in which the phoenix sniffs at a terrine, dips her claws in a glass of champagne and fumbles a loaf of bread — instantly made us think of the famous bit in "Splash" where the mermaid is invited to a White House dinner and proceeds to horrify guests by devouring a lobster, shell and all.
Situation, the: Bulgy, egomaniacal star of MTV's "Jersey Shore" most famous for his rippling abs and for being on "Dancing With the Stars" for about three minutes. His six-pack makes an appearance in "Runaway" on the midsection of Selita Ebanks' phoenix, who, moves it, shakes it and just ... wow.
Tarantino, Quentin: Academy Award-winning writer/director who is also an unconscionably bad actor. We're not saying West's directorial chops are quite to Tarantino's level just yet, but acting-wise, well, the two are pretty much on par.
"Under the Cherry Moon": Slightly disastrous 1986 Prince vehicle about a gigolo who scams rich women out of their inheritances. Presented in black-and-white and featuring lavish sets, costumes and musical numbers, it was arty, ambitious and a total flop at the box office. Fans who saw advance screenings of "Runaway" in New York mentioned "Cherry Moon" as an obvious reference point for West's film, and we tend to agree. In particular, the dapper tuxedo 'Ye wears during the film's centerpiece musical performance seems to be a loving nod to the Purple One's outfit in "Moon."
What did we miss? Share the pop-culture references you noticed in the comments!
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1650899/20101026/west_kanye.jhtml
MTV Rough Cut: 'It's Kind Of A Funny Story'
MTV Rough Cut: 'It's Kind Of A Funny Story'
Zach Galifianakis and Emma Roberts talk about ther upcoming movie "It's Kind Of A Funny Story" and a few other projects they may or may not be working on in the future.
Source: http://www.mtv.com/videos/?id=1648285
Milla Jovovich Minka Kelly Minki van der Westhuizen Miranda Kerr
Aktually Koming Soon: A Kardashian Kredit Kard
We really wish were were making this up, but: Mastercard is coming out with a prepaid, Kardashian-based credit card.
The item will be available to consumers on November 10 - and we'll just let Kim take it from here, as we must go purchase canned goods for the upcoming Apocalypse:
"I am so excited to reveal to you guys that Kourtney, Khloe and I have partnered with Mobile Resource Card to create our very own Kardashian Prepaid Mastercard," Kim blogged today.
Kontinued Kardashian:
"To me, the coolest thing about this prepaid card is that when you get the card you also get a Mobile Mone account for free and you can transfer your money between your accounts when you need it, using your phone. It’s like having an ATM in your phone, LOL. No one likes going to banks and ATMs and we’re constantly on our phones, so why not make it easy to manage your money from your mobile!?"
We don't have an answer for that, Kim. Or for what's become of society.
Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2010/10/aktually-koming-soon-a-kardashian-kredit-kard/
'Charlie's Angels' Series Steps Into Filming in Jan. 2011
The new head of ABC programming has revisited the revival project, tapping two new writers to replace Josh Friedman.
Source: http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00036389.html
Christina DaRe Christina Milian Christina Ricci Chyler Leigh
Taylor Swift Connects To Fans During 'Today' Show
'Her songs give me an excuse to post lyrics about my ex on Facebook,' one audience member says.
By James Kuo, with reporting by Joel Hanek
Taylor Swift performs on the "Today" show on Tuesday
Photo: Bryan Bedder/ Getty Images
The sun had yet to rise at Rockefeller Center when Taylor Swift's loyal fans (and dedicated parents of loyal fans) lined up for a chance to see her perform on the "Today" show Tuesday morning (October 26).
Swift was promoting her new album, Speak Now, which is garnering rave reviews for its relatable lyrics and ability to showcase Swift's growing maturity. But many in the audience were loyal long before that album dropped on Monday.
One excited fan, Julia McBrien, was surprised by her friends for her birthday early Tuesday morning, when they showed up to take her to the show. "Taylor Swift looked like an angel," Julia exclaimed after the performance, which she called "spectacular." Swift's voice was mellifluous and lively, even over the sound of her screaming fans as she walked into the crowd. Afterward, she took the time to sign CDs and take pictures with some lucky audience members.
Rachel Kuen said her favorite part of the show was "when Taylor actually hopped off the stage and came walking through the crowd."
Swift also has some major international pull with her fans as well. Jessica Hollingbery, a native from across the pond was asked specifically by a friend back home in England to come watch the show for him.
Beyond connecting with her friends on a purely spatial level, Swift also connected with her fans emotionally. The speculation about the subjects of Swift's songs (subjects like John Mayer and Taylor Lautner) gave one fan one really great reason to love Swift: Mary-Kate Seville proudly displayed a poster listing the 13 reasons she loves Taylor Swift, and reason number eight reads, "Her songs give me an excuse to post lyrics about my ex on Facebook."
What do you think of Taylor's new album? Tell us in the comments!
Related Photos Related ArtistsSource: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1650880/20101026/swift__taylor.jhtml
Blake Lively Blu Cantrell Bonnie-Jill Laflin Bridget Moynahan
Micah Sloat Afraid 'Paranormal Activity' Will Upset Spirit World
The movie star admits he's always nervous before scenes with ouija boards, crucifixes and other symbols of black magic and demon worship.
