Friday, May 29, 2009

Project Green = Impressive

I've always been impressed with the Disney Channel. Not only are they able to take average teenage girls and boys and make them into mega-stars, they're also able to gather together extreme amounts of talent to accomplish corporate goals. This time around the company seems to be selling out its stars for a GOOD cause (I know I had to do a double take too).
Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez, and Demi Lovato are just a few of the Disney Channel stars that have banded together to launch the Disney Project Green. The project aims to help give away over a million dollars to charities aimed at helping the environment. To kick off the project the Disney stars have put together a series of commercials that feature a song they all sang together. When I saw it on ET I'll admit I was more than a little impressed.
Helping the environment is a great thing to do. If you want to learn more (and don't want to take the Disney route to do so) check out this link for some great ways YOU can make a difference.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

10 Things I Hate About the New "10 Things I Hate About You"

While the ABC Family series 10 Things I Hate About You has yet to premiere, I'm ALREADY making a list of the reasons why I WON'T like the show based upon the extended preview I saw for the first time today.
1) These actors SUCK. You can't replace Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger (God rest his soul). The original cast was simply too good. I almost feel bad for these kids. I don't care if Gregory Peck is the grandfather of the guy who is playing Patrick Verona (Ledger's character in the film). You WILL not EVER be as good as Ledger was in the movie.

2) The plot elements aren't all the same. In the movie the Stratford sister's mom leaves them. In the preview it mentions she dies. I'm sure this is just one in a long list of changes the writer's of the series have made in order to provide more dramatic plot points. Instead they're just screwing with what WAS a cleverly designed film based on Shakespear's "Taming of the Shrew".

3) They are trying to bring back the best elements of the film in the worst way. Allison Janney was amazing as Ms. Perky in the film. Her character, while not the largest role, was certainly one of the best. In the preview her replacement seems to attempt to fill the void and I don't care how hard the writer's try...no other guidance councilor will be able to take her place (I doubt the characters will even be able to MAKE the same hilarious sexual references on ABC FAMILY).

4) I didn't see Mr. Morgan. Granted the preview was short so there is the potential they cast a character to fill the role left by Daryl "the Chill" Mitchell in the big screen version. But if they did a good job he should have made the extended preview. Mr. Morgan's character was pivotal in the film for a number of reasons (most importantly it provided the stage for Kat's poem in the end), it should be similar to Mr. Pheny's role in Boy Meets World if the show wants to succeed.

5) How many more Gyno jokes can Larry Miller make? I loved Larry Miller as Mr. Stratford in the film. I love that he's back in the show. I don't love that they are going to make me hate his character by using every sexual cliche possible and exploiting his role as a Gyno. The preview already gives an example of how they are bringing back his overly-concerned parenting style. It's as though they're trying to meld Mean Girls with the original film in order to make the sex jokes funny again. Well, they're not.

6) Did I mention I don't like the acting? Upon further review I feel the need to discuss this subject in more detail. Bianca's character in the film worked because you both loved her and hated her. Larissa Oleynik was able to make you feel for her and loathe her all at the same time. And you could genuinely sense the deeply rooted love between the sisters. I'm not feeling the love for Meaghan Martin here. Maybe it's because of her Disney roots (although I doubt it. Camp Rock was bad for all parties involved, not just her). I swear to God if they try to make her into a singing star in this series I'll vomit. ABC Family is not known for pumping out duel-threats. That's Disney's job. The minute the "talent show" episode comes around RUN.

7) Where's Andrew Keegan's character? The show needs a Joey. I'm not sure if he just didn't make it into the previews or what...but without the self-obsessed jock this show won't fly. Andrew Keegan was the antagonist and also served as the comic relief in many of the film's scenes. If you are really going to stay true to the foundation on which this idea was formed you must have a strong Joey presence.

8) What about the quirky sub-characters? Part of the movie's charm was the sub-characters like Boegy Loenstein who were both responsible for plot development AND comic relief. The show will need the same strong background characters in order to keep the framework together. I just doubt they'll be able to get the talent necessary to bring that to the table, especially considering you they have playing the leads.

9) It's on ABC Family. I mentioned this before, but I have to say it again. Part of the movie's appeal was it's sometimes crude sense of humor, drug and alcohol use, and sexual references. I'm not sure how strict ABC Family will be regarding these topics. I know you see a lot of that in Greek but will it be enough to keep 10 Things afloat?

10) It's premiering in the middle of the summer. When was the last GOOD TV show that made its debut in the middle of the summer? That's what I thought. If this were really that good they would have held it for a fall premiere. Maybe I'm just a pessimist. Maybe ABC Family programming works differently from other networks. Maybe the network is trying to follow in Disney's footsteps and steal the younger generation away during the summer months. If that's the case good luck. That will also mean you won't be going after the audience that fell in the love with the movie the first time around. I know this because they are all my age and will be out doing things this summer NOT watching ABC Family. This should be the type of show that ends up on the CW and competes with Gossip Girl, not ends up on ABC Family and competes with Hannah Montana.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Tattoo Boo Boo Makes My Week


I was going to avoid writing about Hayden Panettiere's tattoo boo boo until I read the following description of the starlet in the Sydney Morning Herald:
"More from Cannes and the world of celebrity irony, brought to you by blonde actress Hayden Panettiere - a woman described by some as a less attractive Miley Cyrus, which presumably means more genes from Billy Ray."
I'm not entirely sure what that means, or why it was necessary to add a Miley Cyrus reference to an article about a mis-spelled tattoo but it made me laugh to the point where I felt it necessary to share the wealth.
I know Hayden tried to be cool by writing Vivere senza rimipianti, it reads, with an extra 'i' in rimpianti (Italian for "live without regret"). It's certainly better than putting a Chinese character on your ankle (cliche). Honestly though, if I'm going to put something permanent on my body I'm going to be damn sure that I get it right. The only thing that could have made this situation funnier was if the misspelled word meant something else in Italian. Sadly that wasn't the case. Oh well. It looks like the "less attractive Miley Cyrus" will have to "live without regret" regarding her permanent error.

Friday, May 22, 2009

CW is Screwing me Over Again


Everytime I find a show I like the damn CW takes it away. It happened last year with Life is Wild (which, by the way, I fully admit was not a GREAT show, but it was given the worst time slot on the network so its survival rate was pretty low). This year it's happened again with Privileged. The witty comedy starring Joanna Garcia and Lucy Kate Hale was finally picking up steam when the network decided it wasn't worthy of a second season. Honestly? You pick up shows like One Tree Hill (which I love) and Smallville for their 75th seasons, but you won't continue to build a fresh new brand with more potential staying power? No wonder the network suffers. Look at their most popular shows: Gossip Girl and 90210. They're new. They're fresh. And they're taping into a new market and generation of TV viewers. One Tree Hill could have easily ended the series this year. The finale felt more like a series finale and viewers would have been (hell I was) thrilled with its conclusion. Don't pull a 7th Heaven and keep a show around until none of the original cast is even in it and no one cares anymore.
The other piece of bad news I read today is that the CW won't be picking up the spin-off pilot for the fall. Dawn Ostroff, the president of the network claims there's still hope for the show, especially for a mid-season pick up, but that there were so many good new pilots they were having a hard time making a decision. Well there shouldn't have been such a hard time. Every show Josh Schwartz touches turns to gold. Examples: The O.C. Chuck, and Gossip Girl. Why would you throw away a chance for another success with a built in fan base? Again I don't understand the decision making process. If Melrose Place starring Ashlee Simpson gets picked up over the Gossip Girl spin-off then Dawn Ostroff should be fired on the spot.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

BEST. NEWS. EVER.


I was disappointed when I first heard that Zac Efron gave up the lead in the "Footloose" remake. Now I'm thinking it was the best move he ever made.
It has been confirmed that Gossip Girl hunk Chace Crawford has been given the lead. Let's put it this way...this is like finding out on your 21 first birthday that your first legal pull at a slot machine just netted you 1,000 dollars. Ok, maybe not quite, but I still think this is the best news out of Hollywood since...well I can't think of anything to compare it to right now because I'm still in euphoria.
Chace will join an already star-filled lineup which includes "Hayden Panettiere, Amanda Bynes and "Dancing With the Stars" pro dancer Julianne Hough", according to US Weekly.
If you are as big a fan of this news as I mean then keep checking back because I promise I'll find every update possible to post on the EBUZZ blog. Thank God it's coming out next year so the wait won't be for too ridiculously long.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Sherlock Holmes Trailer is Out and Awesome

I've always been a Sherlock Holmes fan which is why when I heard they were making another movie inspired by the classic character I was both excited and petrified all at the same time. As a lover of novels my biggest fear is that Hollywood will destroy a classic character or tear apart a beloved plot. The reason I'm leaning more towards excited for the release of this film is due to the following:
1) It appears to be based only on the characters and not on one of the classic short stories...thus the plot will be fresh.
2) If Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, and Rachel McAdams signed on it can't be too bad. These are A-listers and will undoubtedly do the characters they play justice.
3) It's a Christmas Day release which means the studio thinks it'll be really big. That's normally a VERY good sign.

After watching the trailer I'm inclined to believe the aforementioned things will come to be and I will immensely enjoy the film. Your thoughts?

It's True, Miley's Influence Reaches into the Twilight Genre as Well

There is nothing more handsome then being serenaded by a gorgeous man. So when I saw there was a video of Twilight's Taylor Lautner singing I had to check it out. Then I heard WHAT he was singing and it almost blew me away. I don't know if this video will make Miley cool for other closet Miley Cyrus males out there, but it certainly makes the boys hot who broke into song (at least IMAO).

Sunday, May 17, 2009

"That's So Gay" PSA?

As I mentioned a few months back when celebrities used their star power to rock the vote, I love a good Hollywood PSA. Normally. That was until I came across this little gem. Hilary Duff is just one of a handful of celebrities who have joined to raise awareness for a "that's so gay" campaign. Apparently they don't want you to use "gay" as a replacement for "stupid". While I don't like the use of derogatory language that could be harmful to others I see a red flag with the dislike of this particular word.
Gay originally was inserted into the English language to mean "happy". Just because society decided to give it another meaning that described homosexuals, and has since used it as an adjective to describe poor taste doesn't mean it should be outlawed all together. I understand it may be offensive to some, but honestly I feel it's better than some of the other verbal options out there. As Dane Cook said on his special tonight if you have issues with that then you'll certainly need to remove the use of "raped" from your everyday vocabulary. The next time your putt holes out, you got over charged at a restaurant, or your friend killed you in online Halo don't even THINK about saying you got raped.
By the way, the following PSA is really gay.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Moment Of Truth: Gossip Girl Spin-off Show Tonight!

I have been waiting for tonight's Gossip Girl ever since it was announced they would be doing a backdoor pilot for the potential 80's inspired spin-off. Now the moment has arrived and Josh Schwartz and company will be laying it all on the line come 8PM.
My fingers are crossed that the back-door pilot will be a success. Not only would I LOVE to see more Gossip Girl each week, but every preview I've seen says Brittany Snow and company tear up the screen.
Check out Brittany's preview of tonight's episode here:

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Timberlake Outing Britney on SNL

As if we didn't know already that Britney and Justin were NOT virgins while together, in his recent SNL stint Justin hilariously revealed to all once in for all the truth behind his romance with pop's princess.

Happy Mother's Day

Thank you Justin Timberlake for again coming up with the perfect gift idea on this very special holiday. While my mother probably wouldn't appreciate the following video, the rest of you will. If you missed this week's Saturday Night Live then don't miss the follow up to "Dick in a Box".

Saturday, May 9, 2009

ANOTHER GET BUZZED GIVEAWAY: Hangover movie screening


THE HANGOVER: Movie Trailer - The most amazing bloopers are here
Look good? Want to see more?
Then just follow the link below to print out a special screening pass to see The Hangover on May 20th in Birmingham, MI.
Go on...all the cool kids are doing it ;)
http://www.gofobo.com/screenings/hangover/32440?promo_code=FILM1877

GET BUZZED GIVEAWAY: Want to Win Terminator Salvation Screening Passes?


Christian Bale on the big screen. That statement alone should make you want to enter the following contest. If you're going to be in the Detroit area the week of May 18th be sure to enter for your chance to win TWO VIP passes to screen Terminator Salvation BEFORE it officially hits theaters. You won't just get to watch the advance showing though...you'll get a special introduction from the director himself: McG!!!
Follow the link below for more information and for your chance to enter and win. Good luck!
http://43kix.com/wap/generic.php?item=1395

Friday, May 8, 2009

I Told You We'd Be Hearing From Leighton Meester soon!


I feel like I just wrote the post about Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester's attempt at a music career, and now today I bring you her first official foray into the field.
Ryan Seacrest was kind enough to premiere Cobra Starship featuring Leighton Meester's "Good Girls Go Bad" on his show today.
As much as I hate to admit it, it's seriously catchy and will likely be a summer anthem (although Rascal Flatt's "Summer Nights" is a WAY better summer tune). Meester doesn't really show off a range, but she does deliver so in my opinion the jury's still out. The techno pop of the song overshadows any serious vocals.
Listen and decide for yourself here.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Another X-Men Already in the Works


FOX isn't wasting any time glowing in the success of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, instead they're already planning another franchise film.
The film will be a development deal for Candian star Ryan Reynolds who will reprise his role as "Deadpool".
According to Variety:
The character is one of the most popular in Marvel Comics' X-Men universe. Deadpool is Wade Wilson, a mercenary who, dying of cancer, submits himself to the Weapon X genetic alteration experiment and emerges as an indestructible semi-sane anti-hero. Reynolds seemed destined to play the character. In one reference in the Marvel Comics, Deadpool is described as a mix between "a Shar Pei and Ryan Reynolds."


That isn't the ONLY X-Men related project FOX is working on. They're also attempting to create another Wolverine sequel. While I haven't seen the film, I'm told that it leaves the door WIDE open for such a film.

Monday, May 4, 2009

There are Some Celebrities, Thank God, Who Will NEVER HAVE Singing Careers

One of the greatest traditions in all of sports in the 7th Inning Stretch in baseball, and no one does it better than the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs usual have someone of note lead the stretch and recently that person was Chi-town native Denise Richards.
While some celebrities pose a duel, or even triple threat (Miley Cyrus, Hilary Duff, Selena Gomez, Madonna, Justin Timberlake, etc.) there are others we'll never have to worry about. Denise Richards is one of them. Take a look at this video to see why exactly we'll never be hearing a record from this silver screen star.
Also: The words to "Take Me Out To the Ball Game" are not that hard. The fact that she had to use a cheat sheet is a little scary.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

My New Respect for Miley Cyrus

I have been riding the Miley Cyrus fence for a while now. I don't consider myself a fan, but I am certainly not a "hater". Now I think I might be falling over towards the "fan" side of the fence after having found this hilarious interview on YouTube.
The video came up on my YouTube homepage and inspired a quick look. I didn't expect to watch the entire thing, and ended up watching BOTH parts.
The video is of Miley on a British talk show. She gives the host a serious run for his money while at the same time exacerbating many cultural stereotypes. I have to give her credit: she's smart, witty, and charming.

Leighton Meester: Another Duel Threat?

Leighton Meester has proven she can hang with the best of them as the star of the CW's hot teen drama Gossip Girl. Now it appears she'll try to become a legitimate duel threat as she's set to release an album this fall.
I'm not entirely sold on the idea that Meester can make it on the music side. If she does it will be with deep brooding melodies...don't look for her to pump out sugar pop anytime soon. Considering the Septmeber release date, I'm guessing the CW will do something similar to Bethany Joy Galeotti's musical breakout on One Tree Hill and tie the music into the show. I just hope that don't suddenly develop a storyline that allows Blair to become a budding musician (we've already seen that plot device used-BORING).
In Meester's defence, she appears to have a legitamate set of pipes. This YouTube video of her signing "Bette Davis Eyes" shows that with professional help she can put together a solid sounding record. Now the question remains whether or not she'll be able to make it sell.