Donald Trump announced today that Carrie Prejean will keep her crown as Miss California despite the controversy surrounding her views on same-sex marriage and the semi-nude photos of her that surfaced on the Internet. "We are in the 21st century," Trump, who owns the Miss USA pageant, said. "We have determined that the pictures taken were fine." As for the anti-same-sex-marriage answer she gave during the nationally-televised pageant last month, Trump said, "She gave a very honest answer when asked a tough question."
Well folks...here we have a story of TWO hypocrites.
1) Miss California has every right to believe what she wants about gay marriage. BUT when you get on a soapbox and act holier-than-thou and then we find out that you have done tons of semi-nude photo shoots -- well then you are a hypocrite. What God-loving Christian does that? And yes, more and more photos are now showing up -- check TMZ for yourself -- she reveals a full boob in one. So please, Miss California supporters, don't tell us that these are tasteful model shots.
2) Donald Trump -- where do we start? He fired Khloe Kardashian on this season's Celebrity Apprentice -- not for the task at hand -- but because she had a DUI in her past. We've learned that the teetotaler can't handle anyone else drinking. But somehow he can accept Miss California doing pornography in the past? Here I thought the organizers say the Miss USA Pageant is a serious scholarship-driven program for respectable young women. And that all who participate are role models for young girls. Yeah, right.
UPDATE:
On June 10, Carrie Prejean was dethroned as Miss California for 'contract violations.' An EntertainmentBlogger poll that followed netted the following results:
Do you think Carrie Prejean was justifiably dethroned as Miss California?
Yes - a bit of a hypocrite = 39 votes (72%)
No - she deserved better = 15 votes (28%)
Total votes = 54
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Out of This World Opening Weekend for New Star Trek
No surprise here: I predicted a $75 million opening weekend for Star Trek -- and it did slightly better -- earning $76.5 million. Paramount Pictures said director J.J. Abrams' reboot of the beloved sci-fi franchise made $4 million just in pre-midnight screenings Thursday - plus a record $8.2 million in IMAX showings.
The studio had estimated that the movie would make about $50 million for the weekend, but figured that strong reviews helped carry it to the bigger opening. I have not read one bad critical review....have you? In fact, the film has so far received 96 percent positive reviews on RottenTomatoes.com.
The studio had estimated that the movie would make about $50 million for the weekend, but figured that strong reviews helped carry it to the bigger opening. I have not read one bad critical review....have you? In fact, the film has so far received 96 percent positive reviews on RottenTomatoes.com.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Movie Review: STAR TREK
Let me first preface this review by saying I was never a Star Trek superfan. I watched -- and mildly enjoyed -- some repeats of the original series, but never any of the follow-ups or movie editions. So, you may be surprised by this (former?) non-superfan's review that follows...
Star Trek
J.J. Abrams (Lost, Cloverfield) resurrects the Star Trek franchise in this fun prequel that tells the story of how Kirk and Spock met -- and the full Enterprise crew bonded. With fast-paced action, lots of humor and a nod to the original (perfect cameo for original Spock, Leonard Nimoy), the movie will surely please both old fans and newbies. Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto (Heroes) head up the youthful cast. What could have been a 90210-like disaster, turns out to be thrilling two-hour ride into space. Bring on the sequels -- live long and prosper, J.J. Abrams!
Grade: A-
Star Trek
J.J. Abrams (Lost, Cloverfield) resurrects the Star Trek franchise in this fun prequel that tells the story of how Kirk and Spock met -- and the full Enterprise crew bonded. With fast-paced action, lots of humor and a nod to the original (perfect cameo for original Spock, Leonard Nimoy), the movie will surely please both old fans and newbies. Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto (Heroes) head up the youthful cast. What could have been a 90210-like disaster, turns out to be thrilling two-hour ride into space. Bring on the sequels -- live long and prosper, J.J. Abrams!
Grade: A-
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Tony Nominations Announced
Billy Elliot, the tale of a British coal miner's son who dreams of becoming a dancer, has the potential to win a record number of 2009 Tony Awards, honoring the best of the Broadway season.
Its 15 nominations announced yesterday - tying the number received by The Producers in 2001 - included best musical and a rarity: the three boys who share the title role - David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik, Kiril Kulish - were named together for best actor in a musical.
The Tony Awards will be presented on Sunday, June 7. A complete list of nominees can be found here:
http://www.tonyawards.com/en_US/nominees/index.html
Its 15 nominations announced yesterday - tying the number received by The Producers in 2001 - included best musical and a rarity: the three boys who share the title role - David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik, Kiril Kulish - were named together for best actor in a musical.
The Tony Awards will be presented on Sunday, June 7. A complete list of nominees can be found here:
http://www.tonyawards.com/en_US/nominees/index.html
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
CDU: Comedic Legends
Hollywood has lost two comedic geniuses -- less than two weeks apart.
Dom(inick) DeLuise, the portly actor/comedian, whose career spanned 50 years and included memorable turns in movies such as The Cannonball Run, Spaceballs, Robin Hood: Men in Tights and Blazing Saddles, died last night in Los Angeles. He was 75.
Bea(trice) Arthur, the tall, deep-voiced actress who considered herself lucky to be discovered by television executives after a long stage career that included a Tony award for the musical "Mame," died of cancer Saturday, April 25 at the age of 86. The star also won Emmy awards for her TV roles in "Maude" and "The Golden Girls."
Both DeLuise and Arthur appeared in the 1981 Mel Brooks' cult classic (and the funniest movie I've ever seen), History of the World: Part I.
Dom(inick) DeLuise, the portly actor/comedian, whose career spanned 50 years and included memorable turns in movies such as The Cannonball Run, Spaceballs, Robin Hood: Men in Tights and Blazing Saddles, died last night in Los Angeles. He was 75.
Bea(trice) Arthur, the tall, deep-voiced actress who considered herself lucky to be discovered by television executives after a long stage career that included a Tony award for the musical "Mame," died of cancer Saturday, April 25 at the age of 86. The star also won Emmy awards for her TV roles in "Maude" and "The Golden Girls."
Both DeLuise and Arthur appeared in the 1981 Mel Brooks' cult classic (and the funniest movie I've ever seen), History of the World: Part I.
Monday, May 4, 2009
NBC's Fall Schedule Sneak Preview
LOS ANGELES (AP) - NBC is adding four new dramas to its 2009-10 schedule, including a pair of medical shows and the Ron Howard-produced "Parenthood," based on the 1989 movie he directed, the network announced Monday.
Two new comedies, "Community" with Chevy Chase and "100 Questions," were announced, and the network is ordering prime-time episodes of the "Saturday Night Live" fake newscast "Weekend Update." NBC said it's renewing "Heroes" and newcomers "Parks & Recreation" with Amy Poehler and police drama "Southland."
NBC is building its next schedule on a bold gambit, giving its daily 10 p.m. EDT slot to "The Jay Leno Show" - the title announced Monday - after he steps aside as "Tonight" show host this month. Conan O'Brien takes over the late-night talk show June 1.
The fourth-place network, which has struggled to launch new shows, is "doubling down on its scripted commitment," said Ben Silverman, co-chair of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. "We're going to have more strength from 8 to 10 p.m. than we've ever had to assure that Jay has big lead-ins," Silverman said.
NBC had previously announced the return of "30 Rock,""The Office,""Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,""The Celebrity Apprentice,""Biggest Loser" and "Friday Night Lights." The new reality shows "The Marriage Ref," produced by Jerry Seinfeld; "Breakthrough With Tony Robbins" and "Who Do You Think You Are?" also had been announced.
The fate of other series won't be known until NBC unveils its full schedule May 19. That includes "Medium,""Chuck,""My Name Is Earl" and the original "Law & Order." NBC's announcement jumped the gun on the traditional "upfront week" in which networks present their lineups to the advertisers who make preseason ad buys.
Seth Meyers anchors "Weekend Update," which is expected to kick off NBC's Thursday nights. The network already has two comedies on Thursday starring former "Weekend Update" anchors - Poehler and Tina Fey of "30 Rock," and it's likely they'll be making return visits. That announcement doesn't seem to bode well for "My Name Is Earl," a comedy considered on the bubble, but Silverman said no decision has been made about the show.
The new shows announced this morning:
Two new comedies, "Community" with Chevy Chase and "100 Questions," were announced, and the network is ordering prime-time episodes of the "Saturday Night Live" fake newscast "Weekend Update." NBC said it's renewing "Heroes" and newcomers "Parks & Recreation" with Amy Poehler and police drama "Southland."
NBC is building its next schedule on a bold gambit, giving its daily 10 p.m. EDT slot to "The Jay Leno Show" - the title announced Monday - after he steps aside as "Tonight" show host this month. Conan O'Brien takes over the late-night talk show June 1.
The fourth-place network, which has struggled to launch new shows, is "doubling down on its scripted commitment," said Ben Silverman, co-chair of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. "We're going to have more strength from 8 to 10 p.m. than we've ever had to assure that Jay has big lead-ins," Silverman said.
NBC had previously announced the return of "30 Rock,""The Office,""Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,""The Celebrity Apprentice,""Biggest Loser" and "Friday Night Lights." The new reality shows "The Marriage Ref," produced by Jerry Seinfeld; "Breakthrough With Tony Robbins" and "Who Do You Think You Are?" also had been announced.
The fate of other series won't be known until NBC unveils its full schedule May 19. That includes "Medium,""Chuck,""My Name Is Earl" and the original "Law & Order." NBC's announcement jumped the gun on the traditional "upfront week" in which networks present their lineups to the advertisers who make preseason ad buys.
Seth Meyers anchors "Weekend Update," which is expected to kick off NBC's Thursday nights. The network already has two comedies on Thursday starring former "Weekend Update" anchors - Poehler and Tina Fey of "30 Rock," and it's likely they'll be making return visits. That announcement doesn't seem to bode well for "My Name Is Earl," a comedy considered on the bubble, but Silverman said no decision has been made about the show.
The new shows announced this morning:
- "Parenthood," starring Peter Krause ("Six Feet Under"), Maura Tierney ("ER"), Craig T. Nelson ("Coach") and Bonnie Bedelia as family members dealing with the pressures of life. The show was shadowed by tragedy last week when NBC executive Nora O'Brien died after collapsing on the set in Northern California.
- "Trauma," about the heroics of San Francisco paramedics and deemed by Silverman the "adrenaline-rush" successor to NBC's recently departed "ER." The cast includes Derek Luke ("Notorious"), Aimee Garcia ("George Lopez") and Jamey Sheridan ("Law & Order: Criminal Intent"). Peter Berg is the executive producer.
- "Mercy," a hospital drama that puts nurses at center stage. The ensemble cast includes Taylor Schilling ("Dark Matter"), Jamie Lee Kirchner ("Rescue Me"), James Tupper ("Men in Trees") and Guillermo Diaz ("Weeds").
- "Day One," a saga about neighbors who must rebuild their lives and society after a mysterious catastrophe decimates the world's infrastructure. Adam Campbell ("Date Movie"), Catherine Dent ("The Shield") and Julie Gonzalo ("Eli Stone") star. The drama is planned as a "big event" to follow the Winter Olympics, Silverman said.
- "100 Questions," a comedy about a young woman (Sophie Winkleman, "Peep Show"), looking for love with the help of an online dating site and counselor (Amir Talai, "The Ex List"). It's a traditional multicamera sitcom, a format that has dimmed in popularity in recent years, but which NBC believes in, Bromstad said.
- "Community," a sitcom about community college misfits that brings Chevy Chase of "Saturday Night Live" fame back to TV. The cast includes Joel McHale ("The Soup"), Gillian Jacobs ("The Book of Daniel") and Yvette Nicole Brown ("Rules of Engagement").
Yet Another Woodstock Anniversary Concert
Some performers from the 1969 Woodstock concert are heading back for the 40th anniversary show this summer. On the bill for August 15 are The Levon Helm Band, Jefferson Starship, Big Brother and the Holding Co., Ten Years After, Canned Heat, Mountain, and Country Joe McDonald. Helm performed at the original Woodstock concert with The Band.
This summer's concert will be held at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel. It was built on the site of the dairy farm trampled on by some 400,000 people on the weekend of August 15-17, 1969. It includes an amphitheater and a museum up the hill from the original stage. Let's hope it has wheelchair ramps -- for the concert-goers AND the performers.
This summer's concert will be held at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel. It was built on the site of the dairy farm trampled on by some 400,000 people on the weekend of August 15-17, 1969. It includes an amphitheater and a museum up the hill from the original stage. Let's hope it has wheelchair ramps -- for the concert-goers AND the performers.
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