E-Buzz

Shutter Island Review

2010-02-21T12:36:00.001-05:00

by Molly McKenna

After several delays that heightened anticipation for the film before
it even hit the screen, Martin Scorsese's newest mystery thriller,
Shutter Island, finally makes its debut this weekend. The film, set in
1954, follows US Marshall Teddy Daniels and partner Chuck Aule (played
by Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo) as they investigate the
disappearance of a prisoner of Shutter Island, a mental institution
for the criminally insane. But things go south when Daniels finds out
that shady things are happening on the island, and it becomes apparent
that he may never get off the island.

Shutter Island certainly delivers as a haunting psychological
thriller. From the moment Daniels arrives on the island, you get the
feeling that you can't trust anyone. As more about the history of the
island and its residents becomes apparent, you realize that Daniels
got more than he bargained for with this investigation. At almost 2
hours and 20 minutes, Shutter Island does feel long, but the countless
plot twists will make you want to keep your bathroom breaks to a
minimum.

Shutter Island is beautiful aesthetically;

through moody lighting and
spooky buildings that set you on edge from the beginning, Scorsese
delivers a period thriller that is as beautiful as it is entertaining.
However, the film seems to take itself too seriously at times.
Scorsese ineffectively tries to force on the audience a personal
connection with Daniels with lengthy dream sequences and flashbacks;
however, the character is carried by DiCaprio's fine performance as
the confused but inquisitive Marshall. Though the dialogue sometimes
felt forced or stilted, the spooky supporting cast, with Ben Kingsley
as the head of the island and Michelle Williams as Daniel's haunting
former wife, helps the pace along enough to keep the interest.

In all, while not perfect, Shutter Island is an entertaining
commercial thriller that will keep you guessing.

EBUZZ Giveaway!!!

2010-01-28T01:09:00.004-05:00

Movie goers get excited! Screen Gem’s have partnered up with us to promote their new movie Dear John (below is the synopsis). With only days till its premier, we have plenty of great prizes to give away to our EBUZZ viewers and Blog readers. The prizes include movie passes to an Ann Arbor Theater soon to be announced, t-shirts, bookmarks, 2 sets of Dear John limited edition postage stamps that feature art from the movie itself, and a copy of the Dear John novel signed by THE Nicholas Sparks!! The first few followers of our blog to email wolv.ebuzz@umich.edu will be some of the few lucky winners! When you email state in the subject box: your full name, Dear John, and your favorite WOLV TV show…hint hint EBUZZ! Also watch our show this coming week for more chances to win!

Getting closer to Valentine’s Day, it’s time for another great romance. Coming to theaters is Dear John, based on the novel by the best-selling author Nicholas Sparks, also greatly known for his other book the Notebook. The story surrounds a young soldier John, played by Channing Tatum, who on leave meets and falls in love with an idealistic college student Savannah, played by Amanda Seyfried, who is on her spring vacation. While falling head over heels for each other, reality checks in with their forced separation. They are separated when John is faced with increasingly dangerous deployments which span over the next seven years. While they are disconnected physically they continue their bond by sending a continuous stream of love letters overseas. With their lives filled with danger and passion, their ultimate fate is unknown. Watch it on the big screen February 5th.

#MusicMonday: Must Watch Video

2010-01-11T18:16:00.000-05:00

I've been slacking on my #MusicMonday posts. In fact, I've been slacking on posting altogether (my apologies). When I saw the following music video this morning I new, though, that no matter how busy I got today, I'd have to take time out to share this with you.
DJ Earworm's "United States of Pop" took massive hits from 2009 and made them into one, entirely awesome, and slightly sensory overloading, experience. The fact that he made the mix is impressive, the fact that there is a music video TO the mix, rocks my world.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!!!

Why I love the AP Entertainment Wire

2010-01-11T18:11:00.000-05:00

When I read the following AP entertainment wire story today I KNEW I was going to have to blog about it. I didn't include it in our morning show (come on, we report on REAL NEWS lol), but I did share it with the other morning show producer so we could have a laugh together. I'm sure you'll see the irony and laugh out loud as well.

Here it goes:

"HANNAH MONTANA" COULD BE DONE
NEW YORK (AP) -- Doesn't it seem like Miley Cyrus already has moved on from "Hannah Montana?" The show could be on its way out. A Disney Channel executive tells the New York Post "Hannah Montana" probably will shut down for good after filming its fourth season. But, he says "you never know in this business." And, a Disney spokeswoman confirms those comments but won't say anything more. Production on season four is expected to begin later this month. Those episodes will start airing in late spring and continue through next year. The Post reports that the fourth season will reflect the real-life struggle Cyrus is having about saying goodbye to the character that made her famous. The Disney Channel is just airing the third season now. The third season finale will air in March as a one-hour episode. That's when the character of Miley Stewart will decide if she wants to continue being popstar Hannah Montana in disguise or just be a regular girl.

Now let me highlight what made me laugh. "That's when the character of Miley Stewart will decide if she wants to continue being popstar Hannah Montana in disguise or just be a regular girl."
Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't that been the question in EVERY episode of the show since the series began? Isn't that what the movie apparently tackled in its plot too? So basically Disney is saying we'll officially resolve the issue in the last episode ever of the series. It's like Gilligan getting off the island. If he does, the show is over. So I guess Hannah won't be going full-out Miley anytime soon.
And how much you want to bet that the Hannah character dies in the end to make room for a big Disney Miley push? Maybe a Miley only season 4 album? Maybe a Miley headlining tour (oh wait, been there done that TWICE).
The good news is that if you AREN'T a Hannah fan, you only have one more year of fresh material to put up with. The bad news is that much like Hilary Duff's departure from Disney, Miley's separation will be the subject of serious debate for the next two years.

Big Shocker Miley ditching Hannah, NOT

2010-01-10T15:03:00.000-05:00

Anyone else wonder why the entertainment world has their panties in a twist over Miley Cyrus putting an end to her Hannah Montana days?
We all knew this was coming. Much like Hilary Duff once let Lizzie McGuire go, it was only a matter of time before Miley said goodbye to her blonde-wigged alter-ego.
The fact that the popular series has lasted four seasons is a testament to Miley's appreciation of Disney. If I were he I probably would have bailed after the Hannah Montana Movie hit theaters.
I do give Cyrus credit though, she's been really smart about her career thus far. Her slow, but deliberate seperate from her Hannah character has made it easy for her fans to grow up with her. She hasn't left many feeling alienated, and in the mean time has even matured to the point where she's gained support from older audiences (admit it, you've belted out "Party in the USA" when it has come on the radio). This spring she'll hit the big screen in her first non-Disney film: "The Last Song". The movie, which was written specifically for her by best-selling author Nicklas Sparks, also stars some solid adult talent (Greg Kinnear and Kelly Preston) which should be a great resume booster for the young talent.

The Climb, and the Fall

2009-12-11T17:35:00.000-05:00

Miley Cyrus' most successful single to date has undoubtedly been "The Climb". It's permeated both country, top 40, and adult contemporary charts for a time far surpassing its prime, and as such has raked in the accolades. The songs' appearance in "Hannah Montana: The Movie" propelled it even further into the realm of song superstardom.
Thus, it was no surprise to most when "The Climb" received a Grammy nomination for best song written for a movie. What WAS surprising was when it was announced that Disney was pulling the track from contention.
Apparently Miley's ballad wasn't actually written FOR the movie. Director Peter Chelsom found it while scouring Nashville for the movie's music and built the film around it (not the other way around).
It doesn't look like Cyrus has spent too much time (or any at all, for that matter) dwelling on the incident. Instead she's giving fans something new and exciting to look forward to musically. This time it's a remake of the Poison hit "Every Rose has its Thorns". Word even has it that Poison frontman Brett Michaels has even helped Miley record the remake.

Do Miley and Timberland Really "Belong to the Music"?

2009-11-20T19:15:00.000-05:00

I just listened to the new Miley Cyrus/Timberland track for the first time. They are certainly a pair I had a hard time picturing working together (Timberland doesn't scream "Squeaky clean Disney"). I think this may be the next "Party in the USA" adult-driven track. It's catchy, has a nice rhythm, and again has the power of Timberland--who has a lot of respect in the business right now--- behind it.
What do you think?

Catching up With Caspa'

2009-11-17T19:05:00.000-05:00

Allow me to introduce you to Joshua (Caspa’) Roomsburg (It's in bold because it's a name you shouldn't forget anytime soon). This West Michigan native is a SKILLED music maker. You can find the links to downloads of some of his tracks below, but before you do get to know that man BEHIND the music:

(KU): Who are some of your musical inspirations and why?

(Caspa'): There are many musicians I've used from time to time for inspiration.

2 PAC - Simply because he's the BEST!!!

Lil Wayne - For bringing a NEW sound and breath of fresh air to HIP HOP.

Jay-Z - For creating everlasting songs.

Eminem - For having so many songs I could relate to as a kid growing up.

Ludacris - For creating songs with passion and emotion.

Jadakiss - For being one of the best LYRICIST!!!

And Last but not least

Lil Flip - For being a REAL MC, as well as for being the first MAJOR artist I worked with.

(KU): Michigan has a rich musical history, but much of it is focused in and around the Detroit area... how do you think West Michigan's music scene compares?

(Caspa'): Personally, I believe in the NEW age music era there are equal opportunities on both sides of the state.. With that said, only the Performers/Songwriters/Producers who have the most national exposure and networking connections make great success in this business.

Due to prior work with DETROIT artist' I have seen both sides of the state make great progression. My producer from Ypsilanti MI, Flawless of THE OLYMPICKS who does production for the biggest DETROIT musicians has recently signed as an in house producer for MABACH MUSIC under the world wide recording artist RICK ROSS. Flawless introduced me to a few Detroit artist some of which are doing national projects as we speak.

On the other hand, I also see the spectacular progression WEST MICHIGAN has made in the last few years introducing ourselves into the worldwide music circuit. With Grand Rapids native Willie The Kid working with DJ. Drama that has been a breakthrough for a Local artist.
With his numerous national collaborations on the GANGSTA GRILLZ albums he has given WEST MICHIGAN the gateway to advance in the music industry.

There are many Muskegon, Holland, and Grand Rapids musicians who are good but either have no motivation, or no networking ability.

Soon enough, people will recognize WEST MICHIGAN as one of the best places for raw talent.

You also have to add to that DETROIT is a hard city to make anything happen in, don't get me wrong. But MUSKEGON has the LOWEST economy in the state, and if you think about it MICHIGAN has the lowest out of the UNITED STATES. Put it all together and you will have some of the BEST success stories to come from the bottom rather than a larger more recognized city.

(KU): You've collaborated on a number of tracks... who has been your favorite person to work with thus far?

(Caspa'): Yea, I've worked with too many artist to name but just to name my personal favorites;

LIL FLIP was a great artist to work with due to the fact of his world wide exposure.

As for on a personal note I would have to say my favorite artist to work with is CHRIS LEE.
Chris works with me day in and day out. We're currently working on a couple projects together. Caspa' & Chris Lee are putting out a mixtape together, as well as THE ALLIANCE mixtape to drop in JANUARY. THE ALLIANCE a NEW worldwide group Chris and I are a part of.

(KU): What are your long-term musical goals?

(Caspa') Honestly, there is NEVER one goal in this industry.
I can say I'd love to have a Multi-Platinum album, and a few more awards on these walls.

I started my company Ske-City Entertainment back in 2007.
My sole purpose of starting my company was to show my maturity and progression as an artist. It's not just about making songs anymore, this is LIFE how I plan to survive in years to come.

With that said, I make timeless records. Every song I write is because of a LIFE experience that I feel someone else in the world could relate to. If I can change one persons feelings by a song then that song has done it's job.

My goal is to touch as many peoples hearts as possible, and improve the quality of music which is being made at this very moment.

I will not be a one hit wonder, and I will not stop at 15 minutes of fame. I plan to become one of the biggest worldwide artist ever!!!!

(KU): Do you think the internet and music downloading has had a positive, or negative effect on the industry? How has it impacted your career?

(Caspa') As an independent artist I have to say the Internet has improved the chances of national exposure. Without MYSPACE, FACEBOOK, or TWITTER I would not have as big of a following as I have. When I release a link online for a {FREE DOWNLOAD} I get anywhere from 200 to 2,000 plays and downloads in the first hour. As where even with radio play not all of your fans have the same access to the songs when it is convenient for them. I don't believe I'm far enough along to realize the longevity role the Internet will hold on my career.

However, the Internet has also decreased ALBUM sales, as well as T.V. video exposure. People will not go out and buy a Store Purchased album when they can go online and download the exact same thing for half the cost, sometimes even for FREE.

I was actually thinking of this last night.

Why pay for Manufactured Distribution which can result in a loss due to the affects from INTERNET downloads, when you can now sign an ONLINE DISTRIBUTION DEAL that can do the same for you for a lesser cost and more effective result? This being a positive result from the Music Industry going ONLINE from an INDEPENDENT LABEL perspective.

As for a Major Label; YES, these results have shook the industry. With the average NEW artist to sign to a MAJOR LABEL for a longer deal with a lesser sign on bonus.

(KU): Do you write your own music? If so, where do you draw your inspiration from?

(Caspa'): Yes, I write all my own LYRICS. Like I stated before every song I create is from a LIFE experience. Something I have been through personally, or I have seen a friend go through.
The inspiration comes from my HEART, people always tell me I have a big heart. That's because I care about how people react to my music. Music is all about EMOTION and how you can create an interest for your explanation of these emotions.

As for production, I work with allot of great producers in the industry.
Flawless - THE OLYMPICKS {Mabach Music} (Detroit, MI)
C.P. Hollywood - {Slip N' Slide Records} (Miami, FL)
VYBE - {UNSIGNED} (San Jose, Ca)
Young Cash - {Custom Made Entertainment} (Dallas, TX)

(KU): What's your favorite place in Michigan and why?

(Caspa'): My favorite place in MICHIGAN is Muskegon, where else but Ske-City???
The reason being is this will always be home. No matter how far I go away or I where I move I've always returned to this city I love. I don't really know if it's the people around here, or because this is where my family and friends are but this is my city. This is what I call home.
WELCOME TO SKE-CITY!!!!!!!!!!

NOW CHECK OUT THE MUSIC HERE:

FREE DOWNLOAD

That’s Nasty - ft. Cash {Produced by, Cash}

http://www.mp3twit.com/px

Blow Ya Whistle - ft. Lil Flip {Produced by, Dj DocRok}

http://www.mp3twit.com/uw

Leave You Alone - {Produced by, CP Hollywood (SlipN’Slide Producers)

http://www.mp3twit.com/wf

Where You From - {Produced by, The OLYMPICKS (Mabach Music)

http://www.mp3twit.com/pz

For the First Time Ever, I Can't WAIT for Valentine's Day

2009-11-09T18:07:00.000-05:00

I am not one of those love-sick, sappy, sentimental people. Valentine's Day has always meant a crappy Hallmark holiday that has left me feeling sorry for the state of American culture. Call me synical, call me unhappy, call me jealous because I have yet to find that "special someone". It's cool. I just know that greeting card holidays aren't really my thing.
And yet, for the first time ever, I'm really looking forward to the pink and red covered calendar day this February. Why, you ask? Because what could turn out to be one of, if not the, best romantic comedy of the year will be hitting theaters.
Watch the trailer for the apporpriatly named "Valentine's Day" and you too will get giddy with excitement. With an all-star ensemble that makes the case of Ocean's 11 pale in comparison... this film already has every element necessary to get me into theaters.
Bradley Cooper.
Patrick Dempsey.
Ashton Kutcher.
And I'm just scratching the surface of the hot men involved in this flick.
For men, there are a series of delights for you too.
Emma Roberts
Julia Roberts
Jessica Biel
Jessica Alba
I'm still stunned I'm usuing all of those names TOGETHER.

So watch the trailer (below) and get excited for the chocolate love-fest that will be "Valentine's Day."

EBUZZ S5E4

2009-11-07T10:19:00.000-05:00

Watch Ebuzz Season 5 Episode 4 in News | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

EBUZZ Season 5 Episode 6!!!!!!

2009-11-06T17:00:00.001-05:00

Watch Ebuzz Season 5 ep 6 in News | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Glee's Mark Salling a.k.a "Puck"

2009-11-03T19:32:00.001-05:00

I have not been shy about proclaiming my love for Fox's hit new drama Glee. I think it is one of the best new shows on television... hands down. It crosses genres, takes risks, and tackles the new multi-media cross-platform culture like no other series in history. It's a High School Musical for grown-ups. It makes music, specifically choir and showchoir, cool again... and as someone who was in both all through high school that makes me like it even more.

It is because of my unyielding devotion to Glee that I bring you today a closer look at one of the series' stars: Mark Salling.
Salling plays "Noah Puckerman" better known as "Puck", the rebel-without-a-cause football playing man whore who also happens to join the showchoir. His role has grown substantially throughout the first half of the season and he now plays a crucial role in a key elemant of the season's plot-arc. It was his recent rendition of "Sweet Caroline", however, that melted my heartstrings.
Watch and fall in love:

Mark is the perfect cinderella-Hollywood story. I'd bore you with the details, but his official website can do that for me. I urge you to check it out and also fall in love with the extremely talented and ruggedly-good looking Mark Salling.

Halloween on Ebuzz!!!

2009-10-30T12:41:00.001-04:00

Check out our Halloween Episode of The Entertainment Buzz!!!

Watch The Entertainment Buzz S5E5 in Entertainment | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Lil Wayne off to Prison!

2009-10-28T20:24:00.002-04:00

Lil Wayne will be spending the next year in prison. However, the worst part about the experience is that he will have to shave his head! Bye Bye Dreadlocks! Weezy plead guilty to a criminal possession of a weapon in New York this past week. Dreads are almost always prohibited in New York correctional facilities. The only way he can keep the locks is if he claims to be a Rastafarian! I don't mean to stereotype, but that could be easy for him with the amount of ganja Wayne (aka Dwayne Carter) has been caught with over the years!

Cyrus Voted Worst Celebrity Influence

2009-10-28T19:11:00.000-04:00

Oh the IRONY (from Reuters):

Miley Cyrus, one of Disney's hottest stars of the past three years with hit records and hit films, has been voted the worst celebrity influence of 2009 by the very people who made her a star, tweens and teens, according to an online poll on Wednesday.
Cyrus, 16, took 42 percent of votes in the poll for AOL's JSYK.com (Just So You Know) website aimed at 9-15 year-olds, pushing Britney Spears and rapper Kanye West into second and third places, respectively, in a section on worst celebrity influences of the year.
No reasons were given for the poor showing of the singer-actress and the popular star of Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana" television series.

Miley may as well accept that fact that nothing she EVER does will EVER be right. Trust me girl, I know the feeling. You see there will always be people out to get here. There will always be jealous idiots who'd rather put her down than admit someone as young as her can simply be just that talented. There will always be those who chalk her fame and success up to that of her one-hit-wonder father. There will always be paparazzi looking for that one out-of-context photo that can ruin her squeaky-clean image and hopefully send her into a full fledged Brtiney/Lindsay-esque melt-down.
I sympathize because, while my demons are on a MUCH, MUCH, smaller scale... like almost everyone else in society they still exist. Like many of you I have battled peer pressure, critics, and a society that would like nothing else than to see you fall flat on your face.
America may be the land of opportunity, but it sure as hell isn't the land of "Let me hold your hand and help you get there."
This is the land of tough-shit, buckle-down, and work your ass off for every opportunity you get.
The kids that voted Miley a bad influence in that poll are probably some of the same teens that are out under-age drinking, bullying their peers, and taking place in other highly hypocritical acts.
When one of them puts out a super-successful TV series, a slew of multi-platinum selling albums, and a pair of box-office return gems... then they can vote however they darn well please.

A Little College Humor

2009-10-28T18:42:00.000-04:00

Admit it, you've totally watched a Pixar movie at somepoint in the last couple of years. If not you've at least seen the trailers with the Pixar Animations opening. Thus I bring to you an excellent video from CollegeHumor.com.
Believe me when I say this is well worth the two minutes it'll take from your life to watch.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Thank You CW for Getting Something Right

2009-10-26T17:18:00.004-04:00

The CW and I have a love hate relationship. I LOVE Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, 90210, and the Vampire Diaries. I hate the fact that they chose to pick up Melrose Place over a Gossip Girl spin-off. I also hate that they continue to extend the life of Smallville, a show I used to love, making it into a 7th Heaven like shell of itself now in its umpteenth year.
Today I am in love with the CW's decision to axe Ashlee Simpson-Wentz from the new MP. If you insist on making yet another classic remake, then at least do it justice. Simpson-Wentz ruined that show from the minute she stepped into the frame. Her character, Violet, is creepy, awkward, and her storyline is clearly an outlier in the greater scheme of the show. Executives had to see that everytime Aslee entered the picture she made fans uncomfortable.
I only hope the network makes another equally intelligent decision and decides to greenlight the GG spin-off. Brittany Snow deserves to be back on TV again... primetime just isn't the same without her.

Thank You Jib Jab

2009-10-26T16:54:00.002-04:00

Jib Jab is wonderful for a myriad of reasons. It makes fun of famous people, politicians, your family, and all in way that is harmless if not spot on.
My favorite part of the site comes around the holidays where it allows you to create your own free Jib Jab mash-ups.
While normally I turn into a grinch around Halloween (I could care less about the holiday... I blame it on overindulgence as a youth---I was the kid with the intricate and overdone costumes), this video made me laugh so hard I ALMOST have a new appreciation for the confectioners created celebration of candy.
If you enjoy it as well, you can make your own Jib Jab Halloween video (it's great for procrastinating!!).

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Things I'm Thoroughly Annoyed With Right Now

2009-10-21T18:49:00.005-04:00

As a news producer I also am responsible for scouring the entertainment wires on a daily basis to find a handful of stories worthy for the morning show "Breakfast Dish". This seems like it would be an easy task... there's always something going on in the entertainment world, right? WRONG!
There are always stories, sure... but never any good ones. The same names pop up time and time again. I'm guilty of feeding into this frenzy. I don't dare count how many Miley Cyrus themed posts have made it on this blog. I dish on the hot topics and buy into the petty gossip like anyone else. But this week... I've decided I've had enough. The same couple of names continue to pop up on the AP wires (and Miley Cyrus isn't even one of them!). Their stories are so over-told and under-developed that I cringe when I read them. Thus I'm creating a list of topics I'm thoroughly annoyed with right now.

1) Balloon Boy.
I'm not sure if Falcon Heene's story falls under entertainment or news anymore... but it continues to appear in both. This is a family that clearly wanted media attention... so what did America do? We gave it to them. I'm sick to my stomach just writing about this insufferable family that has taken up so much time and money in their attempts seek fame. Congrats you got it... now enjoy the view from your prison cell.

2) Jon & Kate Gosselin
I didn't care about Jon and Kate when they were together and their show was a ratings hit on TLC. I certainly don't care about them now that they are apart and publicly feuding like a bunch of 12 year old girls. I am not picking a side, as I think they are both equally to blame. Kate has turned into a media whore, while Jon has turned into, well, just a whore. The tragic thing about this saga is that the kids, the focal point of the show that made the family famous, are being left out of the conversation.
Imagine ten years from now when they are old enough to go back and look at this media debacle. What are they going to think of their family then?

3) Taylor Swift
Taylor I love you. I really do. I listen to your music incessantly on my iPod, I supported you whole-heartedly when that ass-hat Kanye West stole your thunder, and I have adored the way you have handled the spotlight in what is a very tough business.
So I don't blame you at all for the fact that your name is appearing in every AP wire story under the sun. In today's AP Country wire report you were the subject in three out of the six stories. Much like your friend Miley Cyrus, suddenly everything you say and do is newsworthy. I pray that you don't become trashy tabloid fodder and I continue to see positive headlines with your name attached. My worry is that soon the media will run out of the positive things to say, and they'll start digging to make up salacious rumors. As a result I'd rather not see your name in the headlines at all. I want you to continue rocking out to sold out venues, writing songs about boys who should have been nicer to you in high school, and letting out that curly mess of a blonde mane that has made you so famous.

4) The Kardashians
I admit I've watched both "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" and "Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami"... and because of that I am still perplexed as to why this family is famous. Having large... uh hum... "assets" isn't something I think should be worth a reality show. While this family may be fashion forward... their acting skills suck.. which, believe it or not, are really important when you are on TV-reality or not. Kourt's pregnancy, Khloe's marriage... I can't help but wonder how much of those acts were publicity stunts to boost their own Hollywood status. These are girls who HAVE to be in the spotlight... but have nothing to offer.

5) Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt
I have never watched the Hills... partly because just looking at Heidi Montag makes me want to vomit. When she opens her mouth, things get much---much--- worse. Much like the aforementioned Kardashians, I can't comprehend why these individuals are famous. Heidi may have an album, but her vocal talents are no greater than my own (and that's saying something). Spencer may have a cute face, but his IQ couldn't even get him into Michigan State... and they take just about anyone who applies. Do everyone a favor and step back OUT of the spotlight.

Miley's Goodbye Twitter Rap

2009-10-10T18:24:00.002-04:00

You've got to be kidding me. Not only did Miley Cyrus delete her Twitter, but she took time to make a video about why. Unreal. The irony... she says in the video she quit tweeting because it took so much time... I wonder how long it took her to come up with this YouTube gem?
Also Miley, please stick to pop... unlike Taylor Swift rapping is NOT in your future!

P.S. Don't worry, I haven't quit my Twitter yet (evidence at right --->) but when I do I'll spare you all the lame video.

Miley Twitter Mania

2009-10-09T12:37:00.003-04:00

I only wish that someday I will be of enough importance that when I delete my Twitter page it will cause a national entertainment news debacle. Ok, maybe not.
But that is what happened to Miley Cyrus. After a tweet mentioned how her "not boyfriend" (read: yes they're dating) Liam Hemsworth wanted her to delete her Twitter account, just like that the whipped little Disney princess did just that.
Personally I thought cyber-space was better off... but alas the entertainment and tween world stopped rotating at the thought that their number one source of celeb gossip couldn't communicate with them on a semi-personal level. Thus the crazy Twitter debacle ensued.
Leave it up to Miley's dad to use the very site she withdrew from to try and entice her to come back:
RT @billyraycyrus Words can hurt worse than bullets True.All the more reason to take this tool and tweet

RT @billyraycyrus I understand "it is true one bad apple spoils the bunch".But listen to the words of your songs "Stand... for what ya believe in"...Remember?

RT @billyraycyrus Miley. You are a light in a world of darkness. You were born"Destiny Hope Cyrus" for a reason.You can't leave everyone now.We r countin on u

So my question is this... is there a PR person in the background encouraging Billy Ray to get his daughter back in cyberspace? If I were Miley's PR person I'd be wanting her to get back on Twitter...it's free and easy shameless self-promotion. My guess is that it won't be long until @mileycyrus is back up and running again.

I'm Giddy for "Glee"

2009-10-09T12:25:00.002-04:00

I've written about this topic before... but I feel that it deserves some added attention. If you haven't at least given "Glee" a chance... shame on you.
I'm not saying everyone will like it. It's quirky, and different, and certainly breaks the prime-time television mold. But to me, those are all the more reasons to watch.
What's even more amazing is the way that "Glee" has managed to take a page out of the Disney playbook and turn this into a multi-media franchise.
Much like the way Disney shamelessly cross-promotes "Hannah Montana" to include concert tours and album sales, "Glee" cross-promotes it's killer soundtrack and soon-to-be stars. iTunes doesn't lie. Every week the songs featured in the previous episode of "Glee" are among the site's top sellers. And for good reason... they are catchy, fun, and sometimes even better than the originals.
To share my point I've put below my top five "Glee" performances. Watch and I bet even you will take a peek at the show's iTunes page before too long :)

It's My Life/Confessions

Halo/Walking on Sunshine

Alone

Taking Chances

Take a Bow

Conan does the Tim Tebow!!!

2009-09-29T20:03:00.002-04:00

Last week, Tonight Show funnyman Conan O'brien took a big spill. While filming a triathlon segment with Teri Hatcher, he slipped while running into the studio, smacking his head on the floor. Florida Gators concussed quarterback Tim Tebow would have been very proud of the way he absorbed the hit.

Why After 10 Seasons CSI is Still the Best Show on TV

2009-09-25T13:42:00.002-04:00

Most shows start to die out in their old age. Much like 7th Heaven after Jessica Biel left, once the principal characters depart the series tends to hang on by little more than a thread.
Shows like Smallville only stick around because they are on networks that value EVERY audience member, especially the small cult-followings that keep them running well past their expiration date.
Thus CSI is obviously the exception and not the rule. In its 10th season on CBS, the show has lost multiple lead characters (Warrick, Sara, and Gil Grisson have all left their regular roles) and exhausted multiple plot twists (the miniature killer, for example)... yet it still remains fresh and enticing, and thus one of the best shows on television.
Even with spin-offs trying to snag some of its viewers (CSI: Miami, CSI: New York), and similar crime-driven dramas looking to steal its spotlight (NCIS, NCIS:LA, Cold Case, the Mentalist)-the series continues to plow ahead as if there were no competition at all.
For proof I give you 10 Reasons why after 10 seasons, CSI is still the best show on TV:

1) When it loses a main character, it fills the void in a BIG way. Case in point... by William Peterson, hello Lawrence Fishbourne.

2) Even the characters who leave the series can't stay away... Sara Sidle left, but makes a multi-episode guest stint to start season 10...and it's good to have Jorja Fox back in Sin City.

3) GEORGE EADS. Need I say more? Besides his one bad season sporting a mustache, this man has been perfect in every way, shape, and form. He's hot, talented, and a killer crime-solver. When he almost died a few seasons back I almost stopped watching the series all-together. Thankfully he's still alive and well, and thus my support of the series continues.

4) Best season premiere opening sequence ever. I don't want to go into too many details because this you need to see for yourself. Talk about staying fresh and forever reinventing the series... the opening sequence is proof that it's being done on this show. No other series I've seen this season opened with such an explosively powerful visual element.

5) The cliff-hanger. Normally season premieres tie up lose ends, not unravel more of them. But, in the case of CSI, the season premiere continued to keep audiences hooked by leaving you with a question that will burn through your brain until (hopefully) it is answered in the next episode. It isn't over the top. And it isn't obnoxious... because the episode did provide enough conclusions to make you feel you got your money's worth as well. This is just brilliant writing.

6) 10 seasons and the crimes still never get old. I don't know how they do it. I thought they'd run out of clever ways for people to die. But, once again, I am totally wrong. Which each death there is a plausible twist that keeps you on your toes.

7) Syndication hasn't killed the series, but rather prolonged its life. More people have gotten hooked from the countless episode reruns on Spike than have lost interest. Syndication has also meant you can go back and revisit classic episodes that you haven't seen in a while considering the show's 10 year run. It's like watching the series all over-again... and falling in love all over again at the same time.

8) It hasn't ever jumped the shark. Some series creators get bored with their material (7th Heaven) or too cocky in their own abilities (Heroes) and go off on weird plot tangents that cause the series to jump the shark. Never in its 10 seasons has CSI been guilty of either of those two things. At no time have fans been left in shock because of crazy off-beat story lines. The show has stayed true to its purpose and as a result is being rewarded with another season in a top-spot in CBS's lineup.

9) Special effects lead the way. Other shows wish they could do in one season what CSI does in one episode. For television they have an incredible special effects budget. The use of computer generated material isn't overwhelming, and the added bonus of real scientific strategies makes the audience feel as though you are learning something while watching.

10) It has some of the most unique characters in television. Hodges. Grissom. Case in point. Each character is given just enough exposition that you learn their quirks and often their backgrounds, but you are never smothered with characterization to the point that it deprives you from a murderous storyline. Often times the characterization comes as a result of the murder investigation and you don't realize you've even gotten it until all is said and done.

"The Last Song" Gets Pushed Back

2009-09-24T21:07:00.003-04:00

Sorry Miley Cyrus fans... you're going to have to wait another four months to check out her new film "The Last Song". According to the AP wire today the release date got moved from its planned January slot to April 2nd. This move will play into the spring break crowds and hopefully catch what is a coveted week in releases for that age demo.
In the meantime you need to check out the leaked music video for the single from the film, "When I Look at You." The song is on Miley's new EP sold exclusively through WalMart. It will be featured on the film's sountrack and is already occupying a spot on my current iTunes playlist.
You can check it out below (note: Miley's sporting a nose stud during this video... real, or fake?).
Also you have until Friday to download Miley's new video for "Party in the USA" from ABC's website (abcmusiclounge.com).

Things I've Learned This Week

2009-09-21T17:15:00.002-04:00

I may have graduated from college, but the learning never stops. Here are some things that I've learned this week related to the entertainment industry.

1). Miley Cyrus and I shares something odd in common: We both don't eat green foods. I get made fun of for this trait all the time, so it's nice to know I share it with someone, especially a multi-millionaire Hollywood phenom. Want proof? Check out Miley's interview on Jay Leno's new show:

2). The EMMYs may actually be back. Neil Patrick Harris and Co. did a great job making the show less about the awards, and more about the entertainment factor. It helped that they were able to crack jokes at their own irrelevance for most of the night. To be honest, I don't even care about the winners. Without a Kanye West/Taylor Swift moment there wasn't anything worth a huge headline.

3). I love season premieres...and the internet. Your old favorites make their comebacks, and you get a chance to fall in love with fresh meat all at the same time. The internet and DVRs everywhere allow you to now watch as many as you can without having to miss out on the shows airing in competing time slots. I've been taking advantage of this, BIG TIME. So far I can't get enough of the CW's new lineup, including: Vampire Diaries, Melrose Place, 90210, Gossip Girl, and One Tree Hill.

4). Shows can surivive even when cast members you thought you couldn't live without leave.
I thought I was done with One Tree Hill last season. With Chad Michael Murray and Hillary Burton out, and the perfect ending that was the season finale I thought I'd never see it again and be forever happy. Then I watched the season premiere. I forgot those characters were ever even important. Sophia Bush and company had no trouble carrying on the great OTH tradition and thus they'll have my viewership throughout the season.

5). Following celebrities on Twitter is not a bad thing. I have been thoroughly entertained many a time thanks to my Twitter addiction. Celebrities post the craziest shit on there, and I eat it up. Want to make yourself feel better? Just read the post of a celeb whose making a fool of themself by having an online Twitter feud with another celeb (i.e. Perez Hilton and Demi Moore). Want to live vicariously through a 16 year old phenom? Follow the likes of Miley Cyrus. Want to see a celeb use their popularity for good? Try catching up with Ashton Kutcher.

6). Kelly Clarkson is a bad-ass. Read below to learn why I suddenly love this diva even more now.

Dear Kanye,

What happened to you as a child?? Did you not get hugged enough?? Something must have happened to make you this way and I think we’re all just curious as to what would make a grown man go on national television and make a talented artist, let alone teenager, feel like shit. I mean, I’ve seen you do some pretty shitty things, but you just keep amazing me with your tactless, asshole ways. It’s absolutely fascinating how much I don’t like you. I like everyone. I even like my asshole ex that cheated on me over you…which is pretty odd since I don’t even personally know you. The best part of this evening is that you weren’t even up for THIS award and yet you still have a problem with the outcome. Is winning a moon man that much of a life goal?? You can have mine if it will shut you up. Is it that important, really??

I was actually nominated in the same category that Taylor won and I was excited for her…so why can’t you be?? I’m not even mad at you for being an asshole…I just pity you because you’re a sad human being.

On a side note, Beyonce has always been a class act and proved again tonight that she still is. Go TEXAS!!

Taylor Swift, you outsell him ….that’s why he’s bitter. You know I love your work! Keep it up girl!

KC

Fall TV First Week Recap

2009-09-11T11:04:00.003-04:00

First of all, I apologize for my extended absence. The whole "real" job thing keeps getting in the way of "fun blogging time". But I'm making a conscious effort to come back, especially now that the new season of "The Entertainment Buzz" on WOLV TV is just a few weeks away.

Here is why, despite marking the end to my favorite season-Summer- I actually love the fall: Football, Michigan football, leaves changing, and THE START OF THE NEW TV SEASON!!!
Considering this isn't a sports blog, I'm going to tackle the start of the TV season as my topic today.

Most of the networks haven't released their big guns yet. The exception is FOX's Glee. I was a supporter of this show when the network released the pilot last spring. I'm STILL a supporter of the show after episode two hit the airwaves this past week. The series is fun, inspiring, full of Jane Lynch, and it features an incredible soundtrack. For me, this is a recipe for instant success. The show is slightly quirky, and has the potential to alienate audiences who don't go into it with an open mind...so I beg of you, go into it with an open mind. For any person who has ever been, or is in a choir or showchoir (I was in both: see below) this show is for you. Seriously, it's written for you. In honor of the season premiere I'm sharing with you a piece of my showchoir past. Have a good laugh, or vomit slightly in your mouth, then be sure to turn to FOX for next week's episode of Glee (it's much better :).

The only other network that really went all out with season premieres this week was the CW. I tuned in for 3 of their opening acts, and I was only disappointed by one (which for that network is a great start). I'll start with the yea and work to the nea.

Yea: Melrose Place. I cringed when I first heard the network picked up this remake rather than the Gossip Girl spin-off. Maybe I shouldn't have been so quick to judge. When (SPOILER ALERT) someone dies before the opening credits role, you know things are going to be juicy. There's sex, money, drugs, drama... everything the old MP had with a new age kick in the butt. I haven't warmed up to Ashlee Simpson-Wentz onscreen (which I blame on the fact that I watched 7th Heaven when she was on it, and she RUINED that show for me). I love that the writers mixed the old with the new right off the bat and weren't afraid to make some bold character statements in the first 40 minutes of the series. I'm giving this show at least another two weeks of my time.

Yea: Vampire Diaries. This is another series that I cringed when I heard about. I'm not an overboard Twilight fan (in other words, I've read the books, and seen the movie but don't drool over Robert Pattinson or think Kristen Stewart is the next big thing. I also don't have a single poster anywhere in my room). I thought this series would be a blatant rip-off and would simply just be taking advantage of the current fanged fad. Let me start then by saying that this series could have easily stood alone without the hype surrounding Twilight.
The cast is hot. The chemistry is hotter. And the storyline is already intriguing. There are many similarities to the Twilight franchise, but there are more differences. Fans of the series, and haters of the series can find something to love about the Vampire Diaries.

Nea: 90210. I loved this show last year. Now, I like it, but I'm struggling to love its season open. When the show began there were obvious protagonist and antagonist. You knew who to feel sympathy for, and who was the evil biatch. Now those lines have become increasingly crossed and I'm left wondering who to root for, if anyone. Annie has turned serious rebel without a cause, and she doesn't wear it well. Shenae Grimes was cast as the good girl... and while she's nailed playing the biatch already, it'll be hard for her to ever go back if that's what the writers intend.
Meanwhile Naomi has come full circle. You hated her, you felt sorry for her, now you're back to hating her again. If not for Silver and Adrianna there would be no one to like in the series right now. The introduction of a hot new male lead helped the season premiere, but it couldn't hold it entirely afloat. Cliff-hangers from last season's finale still weren't answered, and instead even more questions arose. Come on writers, through your fans a bone and give us something to grasp onto! I'll keep watching for now, but the show is dangerously close to losing my weekly support.

Will Wizards of Waverly Place the Movie be Magical?

2009-08-27T17:42:00.002-04:00

So it must be a pretty slow news day in Hollywood if I'm writing about a Disney Channel Original movie. I double checked the AP wire and all there was was Miley's stalker updates and Kate Gosselin hosting The View. Sorry but both of those topics make me nautious... so it's movie review time!
While I highly doubt I'll end up watching Wizards of Waverly Place the Movie... I don't think I'd discourage Disney fans from giving it a go. I have read multiple reviews and a USA Today preview and it sounds as though the movie will strike gold with its intended viewing audience. Thanks to Twitter, I was passed along the link to this clip featuring series star Selena Gomez. I'll be honest, out of all the Disney tween queens it appears she has the brightest acting future. I have a feeling if this film is at all a success, it'll be because of her incredible charm.
The movie is an extension of the popular TV series... which if you aren't aware already follows a family of wizards (yeah so the title pretty much says it all). The show is cute, quirky, and wholesome (Disney is a nutshell). While aimed at the younger crowd, I've seen it deliver a laugh or two to some twenty-somethings as well (you'd be surprised how many college kids watch the Disney Channel).
Like most Disney Channel originals, WOWP won't deliver amazing special effects, stellar acting, or a superb plot-driven feature. There is a reason the film didn't make it to the big screen... but remember neither did the first two High School Musicals. Don't knock a film just because it debuts on TV, but don't expect it to win any awards either.
So if you are bored this weekend WOWP may just be the two hour block of entertainment you were looking for... just don't blame me if it sucks... I warned you.

#MusicMonday: Miley Cyrus' new EP

2009-08-24T16:45:00.003-04:00

The Miley Cyrus machine is out to steal the Disney spotlight AGAIN. Let's look at what she's accomplished already over the past few months:

a) Demi and Selena have a Disney channel original movie (Princess Protection Program) too bad Miley upstaged that with the big screen release of Hannah Montana: The Movie. She also makes headlines while finishing up shooting The Last Song...written just for her by famed author Nicklas Sparks.
b) Demi releases her sophomore album and goes on tour. Miley releases not only the HM Movie soundtrack (with tracks from Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift onboard too), but the Hannah Montana Season 3 soundtrack. Oh, and she performs at every award show under the sun, and is about to hit the stage at the Today Show Summer Concert Series before starting up a fall tour.
c) Selena Gomez releases the Wizards of Waverly Place Movie, and it's soundtrack... all timed perfectly with the September release of her debut solo album "Kiss and Tell". Miley decides to release a 7-track E.P. which, is the subject of this review.

"The Time of Our Lives" is NOT going to be the time of your life. It's 7 tracks were thrown together to coincide with Miley's new clothing line (did I forget to mention that in a-c above? Oh well, tack that onto the list). Miley and Max Azria's line for WalMart goes great with an E.P. being pimped by the major US retailer.
Out of the 7 songs you'll only hear 5 brand new tracks (I'm not counting "Party in the USA" because it's already been sold as a single.)
The E.P. features the following:
1. "Kicking And Screaming"
2. "Party In The USA"
3. "When I Look At You"
4. "Time Of Our Lives"
5. "Talk Is Cheap"
6. "Obsessed"
7. "Before The Storm (Live)"

Below is a sampling of all seven tracks. I'm not impressed. The only good thing I can say is that at least she didn't pull a Hilary Duff and release a "greatest hits" album to fill space (Hilary's "Most Wanted" was a waste of money and shelf space). Instead she's just going to leave fans spending too much on too little, and craving more.
Does Miley think her fans are going somewhere? Is that why she feels the need to put out as many albums as possible? Don't get me wrong, I love most of her stuff (MOST, her latter albums have come a long ways...I've ingnored anything with "Hannah Montana" attached to it), but I'd rather wait for a quality product that be subdued with this crap.
I just hope that when the full album finally drops these songs don't reappear on it.

BTS with Hilary Duff on the Gossip Girl Set

2009-08-17T15:26:00.003-04:00

If you haven't voted in the latest EBUZZ poll already (shame on you if you haven't ;), here is some behind the scenes material that could help you make up your mind. Hilary Duff sat down with Access Hollywood to talk about her new role on the CW hit Gossip Girl. Here's what I've deciphered from the short interview:

* Hilary's character isn't too much of a stretch. She playes an uber famous actress who just wants to escape. I'm just Hilary has never felt as though SHE just wanted to fit in...

* It sounds like the character has potential... if the writers give her enough material to work with, and Hilary doesn't screw it up. I'm nervous about the cliche factor. This role has been played before. To be GG worthy it needs to be fresh and the storyline MUST contain a surprise now and then to keep fans interested.

* Duff's going to fit right in on the CW. It seems like the natural progression. Move from the tween market to the teen market BEFORE you make the jump to adult oriented works. Maybe this will be the launching pad she'll need for her NBC sitcom career to take off. As an actor you can't forget who your fan base is. The same people that grew up watching Lizze McGuire are now watching Gossip Girl.

Send It On

2009-08-13T18:38:00.005-04:00

I don't care if you loathe the Disney Channel and all of its stars... you HAVE to watch this music video. Only an organization as powerful as the Mouse could pull all this talent together and create such a powerful piece of art.
The best part about the new Disney Channel star's single "Send it On": it was created as part of Disney's efforts to enhance environmental awareness and going green.
So kudos to all involved because the final project has literally given me goosebumps.
Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez, and Demi Lovato, make magic together. I'll join Perez Hilton in saying that as much as I hate to admit it... their combined talents are breathtaking.
So what ever you do today... SEND IT ON!!!

Another Miley "Controversy" and other stuff I want to Vent About

2009-08-12T16:40:00.003-04:00

I write entertainment stories for the news every morning... which may be why I'm not as inclined to contribute to this blog with the same frequency as before. I hate seeing the same ridiculous headlines over and over again.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE entertainment related news and content. I love movies, music, and television. I love living vicariously through super star's incredible lives. But I don't love making mountains out of mole hills.
I know when something has run its course MICHAEL JACKSON I'M TALKING ABOUT YOU. Does anyone even care anymore? At least three M.J. related stories have been making the AP Entertainment wires everyday since his death. ENOUGH ALREADY.
And Miley Cyrus... oh Miley Cyrus. The critics ALWAYS find something to complain about. She doesn't do drugs, she isn't off getting impregnated, and she hasn't been caught heading into a club going commando. That being said, why must we tear this 16 year old apart? She danced with a pole ON TOP OF AN ICE CREAM CART, at the Teen Choice Awards. Wow. You mean to tell me she used a prop on stage that also doubles as an employment device for strippers? Poles can't possibly be used for something other than stripping... give me a break!
Accentuate the positives. Show off the celebrities that are doing GOOD things. You know, the ones visiting sick kids, raising money for charities, helping to save the environment, etc. People care about THOSE actions too. And Miley, for all the negative press she's gotten, participates in many of those positive endeavors.
I had planned on writing about Miley's pole dance in the #Whatwereyouthinking Wednesday column. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized then I'd have to write about myself in that same category.

Second Look: Show You Should Be Watching This Summe

2009-08-09T07:41:00.003-04:00

I'm calling this article "second look" because two months ago I would not have (and in a couple of cases didn't) recommend watching some of the following summer series. Luckily, because there is nothing else on, I have been patient with the following series and many have come to thoroughly surprise me. Television, especially during it's pilot season, is like a book...it may take a chapter or two to get into it, but once you find yourself in the middle you just can't put it down.

Summer hit: Royal Pains
USA has struck gold with this series. While the network is best known for Monk, Psych, and Burn Notice... I feel that the series most worth tuning in for started just over a month ago. The series follows a former surgeon who was fired after letting a billionaire hospital trustee die in favor of saving a kid's life. As a result, he and his brother move to the Hamptons where they start a concierge doctor service.
The series is like McGyver meets Desperate Housewives with a bit of House attached. You've got lots of character drama, but mostly great medical mysteries... and of course, a hot cast.
While this show draws from a number of previously successful series, it is entirely original. Mark Feurstein, or Dr. Hank Lawson, lights up the screen and steals every scene he's in.

Come From Behind Kid: Make it or Break It
I'll be the first to admit I royally bashed this show when it came out. The pilot episode was pathetic... then again so was the pilot episode of The Office, and we all know how that turned out. I thought this series would be a direct rip off of Stick It. The characters, the plot, it all seemed too eerily similar. BUT...and this is a big BUT...after four or five episodes (I know I'm shocked I gave it that long too) it really found its footing... and it's been on my 'must watch' list ever since.
There is now finally solid character development that has made the cookie-cutter elite gymnasts into people I actually care about. The cast is made up of entirely fresh faces (minus Candace Cameron Bure who is making a major post-Full House comeback), but they are showing they can hold their own. I'm impressed with the delicate mix of gymnastics and drama. You get enough of both that the scenario is believable. While the show may be stuck on ABC Family... I think it's one of the brightest stars in their lineup.

Hate to Admit I Like It: 10 Things I Hate About You
I wish they'd call this show something else. I like it, I really do. But the fact that it pretends to reflect one of my all time favorite movies is a royal slap in the face to what Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger were once able to accomplish on the big screen.
The characters names may be the same, but their purpose and attitudes are entirely different.
Kat is still your feminist misfit, but instead of Patrick going after her, she is going after HIM. Bianca is still the cheery blonde who's obsessed with her looks, but instead of already being popular, her character's mission is to BECOME popular. Chastity serves as the bitch in the TV version too, but Gabrielle Union the new version is not. And Mandella has gone from a Shakespearean crazed sidekick to a gothic girlfriend for Kat. The only solid cross-over has been Larry Miller who shines again as the girls dad and resident OBGYN. The fact that there's no "Ms. Perky" or awesome rapping English teacher makes me cry inside.
So as a stand alone series I am a fan. But as a spin-off of the film I am not impressed.

Trailer Tuesday: Jennifer's Body

2009-08-03T15:50:00.003-04:00

Let me start by saying that I am normally not a fan of scary movies. When I was in my early teens I went through the prerequisite scary movie slumber party stage (you HAD to see I Know What you Did Last Summer, Final Destination, Scream, and Urban Legends). Now I have a harder time renting scary flicks, let alone dragging myself to theaters to see them. To me they are generally too predictable, or over-the-top gory. The last scary film I saw was Prom Night, and that was only because a friend had rented it.
All that being said... I may just actually fork over the money needed to catch Jennifer's Body in theaters. I have been hearing the buzz surrounding this film for months. The fact that it stars two very hot young female leads has made Hollywood pay more attention than usual. Megan Fox is coming off the Transformers sequel, and thus her stock in only on the rise. Guys could care less whether or not she can act... they'll enjoy just looking at her for 90 minutes. And, from the looks of this trailer it appears that they get all sorts of extra sexual tension from the title character.
Amanda Seyfried, on the other hand, is still riding the coat tails of last summer's smash Mamma Mia... as well as her role in the Emmy nominated Big Love. I happen to be a fan of both and see a world full of potential for the young starlet. If she can hold her own on screen next to Megan Fox then she'll have more than one door open for her in Tinseltown.
So mark your calendars, because if the trailer is any indication Jennifer's Body will be a "killer" success.

New Miley Cyrus song leaked: Party in the USA

2009-07-28T13:52:00.001-04:00

Hollywood records pulled it off of YouTube before you could blink...but it's still popped up all over the web... begging the question---was it meant to be leaked?
Either way you can check it out here:

zSHARE - miley cyrus - party in the usa.mp3

Shared via AddThis

#MusicMonday: "Here We Go Again"

2009-07-27T15:11:00.004-04:00

I NEVER would have thought I'd admit to downloading ANYTHING of Demi Lovato's... and yet, here I sit about to write an entire post about her sophomore album.
It started when I first heard "Here We Go Again" on the radio. The song, and title of the new album, made me do an immediate double take. That couldn't be Kelly Clarkson, could it? I have Kelly Clarkson's albums, I'd know if it were on there. So who could be responsible for the catchy pop/rock ballad blaring through my speakers?
I happen to be a proud owner of SHAZZAM, so I stuck my cell out an awaited the display...
Demi Lovato: "Here We Go Again". At first I thought it was broken. There's no way that the Disney starlet could be responsible for this sure-fire hit.
I knew Lovato could sing... you had to be living under a rock to ignore all the promotion that came during and following her Camp Rock debut. When you sing with the Jonas Brothers you tend to get noticed. I just didn't realize that Lovato would be able to so quickly shed her 16 year old skin for a more mature sound.
Now "Here We Go Again" isn't necessarily "mature". But it reminds me more of Kelly Clarkson than... Hilary Duff. It doesn't stray from it's core audience, but at the same time it reaches out to pull in a new, untapped audience.
I figured if "Here We Go Again" was the top seller on iTunes within its first five minutes of coming out, it was worth me checking out.
And here I give my kudos to Lovato. She nailed it. Instead of following in fellow Disney teen queen Miley Cyrus' footsteps, Lovato choose music meant to make her stand out from the crowd.
There's not a hint of country here (Cyrus' songs, on the other hand, reek of it---in a good way). Instead each song pulls from a seemingly different artistic place. For example, "Got Dynamite" sounds more like something you'd hear from Pink (minus all the yelling). "U Got Nothing" is more Mandy Moore and The Weepies, only pop infused. "Remember December" is Lady Gaga minus the techno beat. It's still catchy and a potential dance hit (I'm already anticipated a remix, as is it's just a good car jam).
There are certainly tracks on the album I could do without...the Sonny With a Chance theme song being one of them. "Gift of a Friend" feels like it should be the theme to a Disney princess movie (and maybe it is...). It feels rather out of place and sing-songy for the album.
Unlike her Disney counterparts (with the exception of Cyrus who comes by it naturally--and already with three albums out THIS YEAR, has proven she's a hit maker), this album proves that Demi Lovato can actually sing. In fact, having seen her act I'm fairly certain that her musical skills trump anything she can do on screen.

Tolle Lege Thursday: Summer Musts and Movie Busts

2009-07-23T15:06:00.003-04:00

You're thinking I've gone off the deep end right? Now this idiot is making up names just to keep the alliteration. Well... you're WRONG! Tolle lege is Latin for "take up and read". I talk a lot of TV, movies, and music on this site... but my real passion involves a good book. So I decided that once a week I should celebrate the written word... it is what got me started doing this stuff in the first place.
Today's is a two part topic: Summer Must Reads, and Movies Based On Books That are Much Better.
I start with the former.

SUMMER MUST READS:
1)Anything by Janet Evanovich (particularly her "Stephanie Plum" series.)
The best thing about these books is that you get an ab workout...while you're reading. Evanovich is a master at crafting her characters. With fifteen books in the Plum series you'll have plenty to get you through your days at the beach.
2) Anything by Patricia Cornwell
Again Cornwell writes a series of books (Dr. Kay Scarpetta)... and I have yet to find one I didn't like. Granted, I much prefer the books at the beginning of the series (they're less political and take a few more risks)... this is still a series that doesn't dwindle with age.
My favorite is "Black Notice" because in the first page Cornwell writes a letter that's addressed from Epworth Heights in Luddington (yes she spelled it wrong, in reality it only has one 'd'). Considering that is my hometown that book will always be near and dear to my heart.
3) G.M. Ford
The name sounds like a bad play on the auto industry... but GM Ford will undoubtedly rev up your engines in his Leo Waterman and Frank Corso series. This well tattooed artist has a magnificent imagination and balances enough action, adventure, and mystery to keep you on the edge of your seat. With book names like "Who in the Hell is Wanda Fuca?" you know that you'll also be getting a good laugh during these reads.
4) Finally I leave the mystery genre to pass on some historical fiction: Philippa Gregory
I'll touch on "The Other Boleyn Girl" later on... so instead I'll suggest you spend time with Gregory's other period pieces, including: "The Other Queen" and "The Boleyn Inheritance". These are well researched, and incredibly presented novels that weave together fact and fiction in a way that makes you wish you could be thrown back in time. If you like history, even a little, you'll love these books.

MOVIES BASED ON BOOKS THAT ARE MUCH BETTER:
1) The Other Boleyn Girl
I love the movie. Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana, and Natalie Portman shine. But the movie doesn't hold a candle to Gregory's book. The movie cuts out a large chunk of the timeline... and isn't able to fully flesh out the characters in a way that does them total justice.

2) The DaVinci Code and Angels and Demons
Again, I loved both of these films... but Dan Brown's books have so much more to offer. They're seeping with details and woven with multiple story lines that the movies had to ignore in order to make. They are the type of books that make you think... and even if they are historical fiction does it hurt to question the status quo once in a while?

3) The Kite Runner
I'm upset that they even tried to make a movie out of this book. Every page is wrought with emotion. The story is raw, the characters incredibly well crafted. The movie got the message right... but it didn't capture nearly the emotion that the novel did. It failed to touch audiences in nearly the same way. And it melted down the culture that had made the book so unique because it didn't want to offend an American audience.

What Were They Thinking Wednesday: Lindsay Lohan

2009-07-22T14:32:00.003-04:00

Sticking with my alliteration themed days I've decided to give "What Were They Thinking Wednesday" a go.
I hate to start with the obvious, but a recent ABC Family original film has inspired me to bring this one up once again: Lindsay Lohan.
Dear Lindsay,
You had EVERYTHING going for you. You had the backing of the Disney franchise thanks to your adorable role in The Parent Trap and then your remake of the classic Freaky Friday. Even your part in Herbie Fully Loaded was given the golden treatment by the network. Despite the fact that you really can't sing... a studio actually gave you the tools necessary to sell thousands of albums and attempt to de-throne then reigning teen queen Hilary Duff. Forget the love triangle with you, Duff, and Aaron Carter... you had moved on to bigger and better things and could have gotten just about any guy in Hollywood. That is, before you took a giant plunge off the deep end.
Instead of riding the success of Mean Girls and using the star vehicle as an opportunity for real success... you managed to f-up a number of truly incredible opportunities. You had the chance to work with Jane Fonda and Felicity Huffman in Georgia Rule. Garry Marshal directs hits... yet he called you out for basically destroying what could have been a great film.
You blew it again in Bobby. The ensemble cast in Emilio Estevez's film was as superb as any every collected. You had the chance to get in on the project and once again showed why you were headed up sh*t creek without a paddle. When you get to work with the best you should try and LEARN from the best. Pay attention to their work habits, how they behave both on, and off screen, and how they manage their careers. You were so busy getting drunk and snorting coke you forgot that Hollywood waits around for no one.
As a result Linds, you are now making straight to TV movies. Your crazy girlfriend has dumped you, no guy in Hollywood would touch you with a ten foot pole, and every movie director cringes at the thought of having you on board (can you say liability much?).
While Hilary Duff may not have a blockbuster under her belt... she won the teen queen battle against you just by keeping her shit together. Sad, but true.

Trailer Tuesday: The Time Traveler's Wife

2009-07-21T14:16:00.004-04:00

I've decided to temporarily call today "Trailer Tuesday" because a) I like alliteration, and b) movie trailers can make or break a film... so why not pick them apart here before they even make it to the big screen?!

Today's trailer is from The Time Traveler's Wife.
The movie is based on the best-selling book and stars Rachel McAdams (The Notebook, Mean Girls) and Eric Bana. In the two minutes you get to see those stars on screen you know that the film is going to be magical. The chemistry is undeniable... and the storyline is magical.
The trailer did a great job of not giving too much of the story away. In two minutes you already love the characters enough to want to know what happens to them.
Eric Bana is incredibly sexy, and Rachel McAdams is beautiful...which makes even the brief glimpses you get of their love scenes here look super-steamy.
Rachel McAdams is an incredibly gifted actress. We already know she can carry an emotional drama... she did it with Ryan Gossling in The Notebook. We also know she can carry a comedy (The Family Stone, Mean Girls) and thus I expect when the script calls for it, she'll deliever on those one timers that are meant to break the emotional ice.
Finally the music at the end of this trailer is superb. It reminds me of the effect Snow Patrol's "Run" had when used in The Guardian trailer...emotional and uplifting.
All in all I give The Time Traveler's Wife four out of five stars.

Music Monday: Philos

2009-07-20T12:51:00.004-04:00

I've decided to take a page out of the Twitter book and develop themed days... hence EBUZZ will also adhere to #MusicMonday. If you have suggestions for the other days of the week please let me know.
Today I want to introduce you to a band I found thanks to Twitter...Philos. I was quoting lyrics from "Defying Gravity" the title song from one of my all-time favorite musicals (Wicked) and the group sent me a message telling me that they did a cover of that very song.
An iTunes download later and I was officially in love. I now am the proud owner of the bands latest EP and have included most of it in my current favorite iTunes play-list. I highly suggest you do the same.
The band has shared with me links to their website and YouTube videos of live performances of some of their songs. Below is the video for "Defying Gravity"... if you like it as much as I do you'll for sure want to check out the other links below!
http://www.philosrocks.com/
Philos on YouTube

Inside the New "10 Things"

2009-07-14T15:37:00.003-04:00

For the record I've given the new 10 Things I Hate About You a try. I have a rule that pilot's are a poor judge of a show's quality (e.g. the pilot of The Office really sucked), so it'll hold my attention for at least one more episode before I make the firm decision weather to become a fan or hold it forever in contempt.
As much as I've bitched about it in the past, I really WANT to like the new ABC Family series. Mostly, as a HUGE fan of the original film, I don't want it to ruin the franchise.
When I think 10 Things I'll always think Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles...but I have to come to terms with the fact that there is a new generation out there who will likely relate the franchise to its new stars: Meaghan Jette Martin and Ethan Peck.
TV Guide recently did an interview with Meaghan Jette Martin... I've included the "high lights" and my commentary below.

TVGuide.com: A lot of die-hard fans of the movie feel there shouldn't be a TV show, especially now that Heath has died. What do you think about that?
Martin: That's such an interesting thing because the movie is an adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew and Shakespeare passed away. Was the movie disrespecting Shakespeare? And Kiss Me Kate is a musical based off of Taming of the Shrew, [just like] 10 Things I Hate About You. Just because we're using the same title and character names doesn't mean we're trying to take away from the movie, because it's still an awesome movie. And obviously [director] Gil Junger and Larry Miller wouldn't be behind it if they didn't think it was worth it. And if people remember correctly, Heath Ledger actually wasn't so proud of the movie. He did not want to do a teen comedy.

I don't think Ledger ever said he wasn't proud of the MOVIE... I think he just wasn't a fan of sticking himself in the teen genre. That's why he turned down subsequent teen film roles to take on more adult characters. Also, as a fan the reason I don't want a remake is because I liked the original characters so much.

TVGuide.com: Larry Miller, who was in the 10 Things movie, is also on the TV show. Have you heard from any of the movie's other stars?
Meaghan Jette Martin: Unfortunately, I didn't get to go to the premiere party because I was working! [Laughs] But there were a lot of the original cast at the premiere party and all of our cast members who got to go said they were very encouraging. And a couple of them want to guest on the show, which I think would be super-cool. They could play our teachers or something.

It's probably a good sign that some of the movie's cast members showed up to the premiere and support the show. I doubt they would if it totally sucked. I'm just curious to see WHICH cast members attended. I would LOVE to see Allison Janney, Joseph Gordan Levvitt, or Daryl "the Chill" Mitchell back in the series. Better yet, there could be a NUMBERS-10 Things crossover episode where David Krumholtz reprises his role as the nerd and gives a math lecture to the 10 Things crowd (he plays a prof on the hit CBS show anyways!).

TVGuide.com: Kat goes to prom for Bianca in the movie. Are we going to see any of those sisterly favors?
Martin: There's going to be a dance in Episode 8. It's a true and honest relationship between Kat and Bianca. I have an older sister and we fight and bicker, but in the end we love each other and we make sacrifices for each other and help each other out.

If the dance scene features "Shout" or "Angels Fall" I may just have a heart attack. The dance scene from the film is one of my all-time favorite movie moments. Nothing beats the camera shot when Kat runs away from Patrick and down the stairs as the music in the background plays "God Knows Even Angels Fall". I get goosebumps just thinking about it.
And... on that note... if they dare have Kat recite a poem ANYWHERE in the TV serious I'll be uber-pissed off.

Leighton Meester OWNS "Good Girls Gone Bad"

2009-07-02T22:37:00.002-04:00

I posted the link to this song when it first hit the airwaves, now I want to share with you the totally awesome music video. Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester is killer in this cameo she did with Cobra Starship.
I used to think Blake Lively was the "it girl" of the series...now I'm not so sure...

Hugh Jackman and Miley Cyrus Together on the Big Screen?

2009-07-02T19:44:00.003-04:00

I had to check multiple sources on this one because seeing wasn't exactly believing. It appears, however, that Hugh Jackman REALLY IS teaming up with Miley Cyrus for a tween version of The Bodyguard.

Variety magazine is reporting that Jackman and Cyrus are to going to work together in a movie musical called Personal Security.

The muscle-bound Jackman is to play a tough New York police detective forced into bodyguard duty for a spoiled teen heiress (Cyrus) who is receiving kidnapping threats.

Wow big shocker: Miley Cyrus will be signing in a movie. Gee I wonder if she'll have original songs featured on the soundtrack?!

I'm not sure why Hugh needs to do tween films (when you've got the amount of serious hardware he already has and you've held leads in blockbuster films you don't usually have to revert to Disney level productions). Maybe he's channeling his inner Dwayne Johnson. It seems as though every once in a while A-list celebs like to lend themselves to films for younger audiences. It makes them feel relevant to all ages, not just the over thirty crowd.
Jackman should make this movie a sure hit. The "Sexiest Man Alive" will undoubtedly bring some female viewers who wouldn't otherwise have shelled out for a ticket.
I've made a list of other well known stars who took their acting down a peg in order to enlighten the teen audience.

Mark Harmon - Chasing Liberty
Michael Keaton - First Daughter/ Herbie Fully Loaded
Dennis Quaid - Yours, Mine and Ours
Jeff Bridges - Stick It
Vanessa Williams - Hannah Montana: The Movie

No More Need For the Promise Ring... Kevin Jonas is Getting Hitched!

2009-07-01T20:13:00.003-04:00

I was just going to say "a Jonas is getting married" in the headline but I didn't want to cause any heart attacks. Luckily Kevin Jonas, 22, is the JoBro getting hitched (no offense to Kevin but it's obviously Nick and Joe who rule the roles of heart throbs in the group).
Kevin reportedly popped the question to 21 year old girlfriend Danielle Deleasa. I'm sure you heard of Deleasa (cough, cough) as she is a former hairdresser. Luckily her man is raking in the dough right now so job security probably won't be much of an issue.
So how'd Kevin do it?
Apparently he showed up with cushion-cut diamond ring he co-designed with Jacob & Co. at her New Jersey home this morning. How original (NOT).
Kevin had mentioned that his Tiffany's promise ring (the pop star told reporters he was saving his virginity until marriage and wore the ring as proof) was getting banged up on his guitar... I'm guessing he was sick of his ring being the only thing getting banged.
It scares me that Kevin, who is my age, is ready to tie the knot. It makes me feel like I'm moving at an exceptionally slow relationship rate.

Hilary Duff Joins Gossip Girl Cast

2009-07-01T18:14:00.005-04:00

I did NOT see this one coming. Hilary Duff has made very few headlines since her Disney days... most recently she's been in the news for her production deal with NBC. Today, however, made Upper-East Siders look twice at her name as it was announced that she'll join the uber-popular CW show Gossip Girl.
Duff will take a page from Miley Cyrus' "Best of Both Worlds" routine when she plays Olivia Burke, a movie star who enrolls at NYU looking to lead a normal life (LIKE THAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN!) Duff's character will be roomates with Vanessa.
I'm not sure if Hilary will play a good girl, or a vixen but either way I'm more than a little shocked at the announcement. Remember... Duff TURNED DOWN the lead role in the CW's 90210 because she wanted to do "more mature" projects. It sounds like maybe she's decided she just wants to do successful ones. I don't remember the last time Duff did ANYTHING worth watching.
Will this be a career booster for the former Disney Tween Queen, or will she sink faster than the Titanic in her new gig? VOTE in the new EBUZZ poll and then find out this fall when Gossip Girl returns to the CW.

R.I.P. Farrah and Michael

2009-06-25T22:15:00.003-04:00

I was preparing to write a Farrah Fawcett post tonight. I planned on watching the 20/2o special and then providing a final thought on the life of a person who defined a generation.
All of those plans came crashing down when this afternoon the Michael Jackson news broke. Like any good journalist I completely switched gears and scrambled to not only get a story up on the web (BTW I had the story on WZZM BEFORE many of the networks had it on their sites) and write a breaking news story for the 5:30 show. Before the 6 o'clock aired Michael Jackson had been pronounced dead.
I'll be brutally honest... I have never been a fan of Michael Jackson the person. His eccentricities weren't for me. But his music...now that was something I was a fan of. To me music has no color, no gender, no bias. It transcends politics, economics, and religion. Michael Jackson proved that at a time when racial tension still dominated popular culture.
My earliest Michael Jackson memory wasn't of the man, but of his music. When I was in kindergarten the Ludington High School showchoir sang "Heal the World". They needed kids to do the background vocals and fill the stage. I tried out and was given one of the parts. I'll never forget being up on the stage in that auditorium in front of hundreds of people for the very first time.
"Heal the world. Make it a better place. For you and for me and the entire human race."

I wasn't around for Charlie's Angels. Farrah Fawcett never inspired my hair style, her poster never adorned my wall. Michael Jackson, on the other hand, has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. He is the reason that I went to every showchoir concert possible until I was in high school and finally able to try out for the group myself. He is one of the reasons that I stood on stage in front of hundreds belting out solo after solo. I wanted music to touch the lives of others as his music had touched mine. My theory is that if just one person is impacted by music in a positive way than it's worth it. Michael Jackson's music touched millions of people in that way.
That is why I'm forgetting about Michael Jackson the man. Unlike the specials on NBC and ABC I won't dwell on his court cases, his hotel/baby incident, or his plastic surgery nightmare. I'm going to remember Michael Jackson's music. Thriller, Bad, and the rest of the albums that transformed popular culture will continue to live on long after he is laid to rest. It will be another perfect example of how music never dies.

SELENA GOMEZ SUMMER SENSATION?

2009-06-22T22:13:00.002-04:00

I thought that the EBUZZ summer poll would be a runaway. I expected EBUZZ viewers to vote Miley Cyrus as the Disney star most likely to have the biggest summer. I'm happy to say that EBUZZ readers know their stuff...that's why Selena Gomez is neck and neck with Cyrus in the poll.
Selena is starting off her sensational summer with the Disney Channel Original Movie Princess Protection Program. Gomez will be joined onscreen by Demi Lovato and combined they should be a force to reckon with (I think the film could give the first HSM a run for it's money in ratings).
She'll get to bask in the glory of the film's success for a month before turning around to promote another Disney Channel Original film Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie. The trailer for which just came out and you can see below.
So my question is this: Can anyone compete with the Disney machine over the summer?

"Make it or Break it" Broke it.

2009-06-22T21:41:00.004-04:00

While I didn't originally intend on watching the Make it or Break it premiere on ABC Family, I found myself pulled in for the simple fact that there was absolutely nothing else on (I already knew that Jon and Kate were getting divorced so I chose to forgo that misery).
I kept the following list of observations and decided to share them with you (just in case you missed it ;):

*Way to take advantage of the post-olympic ferver. If the show only would star cute little Shawn Johnson I might just watch it again. They did pick a great Nastia Luiken character.
*Could they have stolen anymore things from Stick It? The leotards look almost identical, the main star looks freakishly like Missy Peregrym, and the mother looks JUST like the mom in the movie too!
*How could a gymnastics show feature so little gymnastics? I know they require special effects and stunt people, but you'd think they'd show more routines rather than fancy/crappy camera work to cover up their actress' inability to do any of the things the show requires.
*How on Earth are they going to come up with a seasons worth of this show? The less-fortunate gymnast can only over-take her spoiled rich competitors so many times. This show is going to end up like Gilligan's Island where you know how each episode is going to end and you'll end up stop caring.
*At least the guy is really hott. That's it. He can't act but he's really good looking so I can ignore that.

P.S. I know I've bitched about this before...but having seen a couple new teaser trailers for 10 Things I Hate About You during the show I decided to bitch again. They had someone remake "I Want You To Want Me" and have been using that for their teasers. I'm sorry but it's bad enough to remake a great movie into a TV show you shouldn't ruin a good song by remaking it too.

T SWIZZLE Is My New Favorite Rapper

2009-06-18T21:50:00.000-04:00

Thank you Taylor Swift for making my week...possibly my month.
I would go on and on about this but the video speaks for itself. T Swizzle is officially my all time favorite rapper.

Celebrity Michigan Fans

2009-06-16T20:26:00.004-04:00

There is nothing I like more than the University of Michigan. OK, maybe my family and friends...but after that it's clear where my allegiances lie. That is why I get absolutely giddy when I discover someone else who shares my passion for the Maize and Blue. That giddiness gets taken up a notch when that person is a high profile Wolverine. Below I've compiled a list of some prestigious celebrity Michigan (wo)men.

1.) Leo DiCaprio.
This one came as news to me. But you don't wear a Block "M" to a Lakers game unless you have some serious Wolverines spirit.

2.) Russell Crowe.
There's a great story behind this picture. I caught Crowe on the SIDELINES of Michigan Stadium where he was helping then head coach Lloyd Carr to a victory over the Fighting Irish. Carr had spent time with Crowe and his rugby team in South Sydney after Crowe learned the legendary coach used Cinderella Man as a motivational tool for Wolverine teams. Lloyd helped South Sydney win a title, and to return the favor Crowe made a special trip to A2 while in the States promoting a new movie. Great times.

3.) Michael Phelps.
Phelps only has two tatoos. One is of the Olympic rings (surprise, surprise). The other...it's a block "M". That love is permanent, and very real.

4.) Derek Jeter
You know him as a Yankee. I like to think of him as a Wolverine. Jeter went to Michigan (not for long, but still he set foot on campus and in a classroom). He continues to don the Maize and Blue and can be seen on the sidelines of important games (in the picture he's at the Michigan v. OSU game).

5.) Lindsay Lohan
I'm not a Lindsay fan 99.9 percent of the time...but when she dons the Maize and Blue I have the sudden urge to see Mean Girls all over again.

Finally...my favorite...Michigan celebrities who give Maize and Blue love on tape.

Patrick Stewart's proclaimation to 100,000 plus Maize and Blue faithful...

And Will Smith's Michigan over OSU prediction...

Teen Celebrity Shameless Promotion Awards, I Mean Choice Awards

2009-06-15T21:16:00.003-04:00

The ballot for the Teen Choice Awards is out. The show, which will air in August and will be hosted by the Jonas Brothers, is bascially a giant promotional tool for teen stars. Disney isn't hosting the award show, but they might as well be. The Jonas Brothers aren't just hosting, they're NOMINATED for more than one award (not that this is new, Hilary Duff and Miley Cyrus have both hosted AND won awards in the past-and both are Disney bred talent). Miley Cyrus has TEN, that's right TEN, nominations ranging from Best Actress to Best Female Artist. The uber-popular teen film Twilight has also racked up ten nominations and stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson are sure to take home an award or two. Other Disney products like Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato appear on the ballot and will likely gain some ground over the heavy favorites thanks to their heavily promotoed new movie airing on the Disney Channel later this month.
The teen choice awards truly are by teen choice. The log in website requires a date of birth and won't let anyone that isn't a true "teenage" engage in voting (that is unless they make up a date of birth within the teen range).
Miley Cyrus has already promoted the voting and awards show on her Twitter page: "i still cant believe im up for all the teen choice awards! please please please vote! :)"

Thank You Joe Jonas For Reinforcing the Fact that I DO NOT Have a Crush on You

2009-06-03T21:37:00.003-04:00

I haven't hopped on the Jonas Brother bandwagon, and after seeing the Joe Jonus "Put a Ring on It" video parody not only am I glad I haven't, but I'm certain I never will.
While I admit I like some of their music, the tight pants boys never made me drool (like a certain EBUZZ on-air personality I know...). Seeing this video was the first time I experienced that sensation and it was only because my urge to vomit caused me to salivate.
Joe Jonas, I know you want to sell more records, but wearing tight jeans makes me question your sexuality enough as it is...you looked WAY to comfortable in those high heels. I have nothing against homosexuals, I just have something against straight guys trying to act gay to sell records. I can tell if I should be insulted or if I should laugh.
You be the judge...

Rachel's life in Los Angeles!

2009-06-03T18:11:00.007-04:00

Hi E-Buzzers! Here I am writing to you from my new life in Los Angeles and I have a lot to share. I've just been searching for a job and have gotten to visit some really awesome places! I've been to ABC Studios, Warner Brothers (where I visited the Ellen DeGeneres set) and Nickelodeon. But, better than visiting those places was my trip to the MTV Movie Awards this past Saturday. I was able to get a ticket through a family friend and by some stroke of sheer luck, I also got a pass to the after party. Here's a shot of the theatre pre-show. The show itself was pretty awesome. Andy Samberg was an amazing host. Prior to the show, I was waiting in the line at the bar, and Whitney Port of The Hills and the City, asked me if that was the line for drinks and I said yes. While I dont necessarily consider her a valid celebrity, I was a bit starstruck to say the least. Once the show was over, I headed outside to the after party, which took place right outside the theatre, on a patio/grassy area. This party was SWARMING with celebrities. The first person I saw was Rumer Willis, smoking a cig and looking atrocious. As my friends went to get food, I decided to take advantage of the open bar as well as walk around scouting out celebrities. So my first encounter was with Ed Helms, aka Andy Bernard on the Office, as well as a cast member of the upcoming movie "The Hangover." He was AWESOME. So nice and just as funny in person as he is on the show! Here's a picture:

So after I met Ed, I walked around some more. And for those of you who didn't watch the show, it was basically the Twilight awards. They won almost every major award, and obviously the entire cast was there. So my goal for the night was to find some Twilight stars and boy did do that. So in my mingling around the party, I bumped into someone, and who else was i

t but Ashley Green, aka Alice Cullen of Twilight. She was a tiny little thing and was so sweet. She also offered to take a picture with me and it was very nice of her! So then after that I mingled around a little longer and and to my shock I ran into Esme a

nd Carslile Cullen, or Elizabeth Reaser and Peter Facinelli. They too were very sweet and on their way out of the party were kind enough to take a picture with me as well! Other celebrities in attendance were Forrest Whittaker, Taraji P Henson, Malin Ackerman, Damien Waynes, Ron Artest, Danny McBride, and others. Overall, it was a star-studded night that I won't soon forget! I will definitely keep the e-buzz faithful updated about all my celebrity encounters and such!

MTV Movie Awards Wrap Up

2009-06-01T00:41:00.003-04:00

It's late. I'm tired. And this MTV Movie Awards Wrap up, thankfully, will be kept short. Basically all you need to know is that teen and twenty something girls flooded the MTV site and voted a gillion times for everything that had to do with Twilight. Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and company won just about everything they were nominated for EXCEPT best song from a movie (which went to Miley Cyrus' "The Climb" from Hannah Montana: The Movie).
This goes to show you once again that fans don't know shit-which is why the Oscars are voted on by the academy. No offense to Twilight but it was NOT the best movie of the year. Slumdog Millionaire was better in every facet (well maybe not hotness of the main character, but that shouldn't really count). The MTV Movie Awards are another excuse for celebrities to shamelessly plug their upcoming projects in front of millions of viewers. MTV will run the seemingly endless show ten different times a day for the next two months until you want to vomit every time you turn on the TV and see a star holding a bucket of gold popcorn.
I didn't watch the show during its original air (the Red Wings Stanley Cup match took precedent), but luckily for me MTV re-aired it twenty five minutes later. My favorite moment of the night was when Ashley Tisdale won "Breakout Female" for her role in High School Musical:3. Here's my question: Can you be a "Breakout Female" if you've starred in the first two installments of the same franchise? Did everyone just ignore the fact that Disney had already put out two OTHER HSM movies? That's like giving a "Best Original Screenplay" award to one of the Rocky sequels.
In case you actually cared about the results of the show, they're as follows:

BEST MOVIE
* Twilght
The Dark Knight
High School Musical 3: Senior Year
Iron Man
Slumdog Millionaire

BEST MALE PERFORMANCE
* Zac Efron, High School Musical 3: Senior Year
Christian Bale, The Dark Knight
Robert Downey Jr., Iron Man
Shia LaBeouf, Eagle Eye
Vin Diesel, Fast & Furious

BEST FEMALE PERFORMANCE
* Kristen Stewart, Twilight
Angelina Jolie, Wanted
Anne Hathaway, Bride Wars
Kate Winslet, The Reader
Taraji P. Henson, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

BEST VILLAIN
* Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Derek Mears, Friday the 13th
Dwayne Johnson, Get Smart
Johnathon Schaech, Prom Night
Luke Goss, Hellboy II: The Golden Army

BEST COMEDIC PERFORMANCE
* Jim Carrey, Yes Man
Amy Poehler, Baby Mama
Anna Faris, The House Bunny
James Franco, Pineapple Express
Steve Carell, Get Smart

BEST FIGHT
* Robert Pattinson vs. Cam Gigandet, Twilight
Anne Hathaway vs. Kate Hudson, Bride Wars
Christian Bale vs. Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Ron Perlman vs. Luke Goss, Hellboy II: The Golden Army
Seth Rogen and James Franco vs. Danny McBride, Pineapple Express

BEST KISS
* Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, Twilight
Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy, Wanted
Freida Pinto and Dev Patel, Slumdog Millionaire
James Franco and Sean Penn, Milk
Paul Rudd and Thomas Lennon, I Love You, Man
Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron, High School Musical 3: Senior Year

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE, FEMALE
* Ashley Tisdale, High School Musical 3: Senior Year
Amanda Seyfried, Mamma Mia!
Freida Pinto, Slumdog Millionaire
Kat Dennings, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
Miley Cyrus, Hannah Montana: The Movie
Vanessa Hudgens, High School Musical 3: Senior Year

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE, MALE
* Robert Pattinson, Twilight
Ben Barnes, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Bobb'e J. Thompson, Role Models
Dev Patel, Slumdog Millionaire
Taylor Lautner, Twilight

BEST WTF MOMENT
* Peeing In The Sink, Amy Poehler in Baby Mama
Curved Bullet Kill, Angelina Jolie in Wanted
Jumping In The Poop Shed, Ayush Mahesh Khedekar in Slumdog Millionaire
Tasting Decapitated Head, Ben Stiller in Tropic Thunder
Naked Break Up, Jason Segel and Kristen Bell in Forgetting Sarah Marshall

BEST SONG FROM A MOVIE
Miley Cyrus "The Climb", Hannah Montana: The Movie
A.R. Raham "Jai Ho", Slumdog Millionaire
Bruce Springsteen "The Wrestler", The Wrestler
Paramore "Decode", Twilight

Project Green = Impressive

2009-05-29T17:22:00.004-04:00

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.

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

2009-05-28T23:09:00.002-04:00

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.

Tattoo Boo Boo Makes My Week

2009-05-27T23:45:00.003-04:00

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.

CW is Screwing me Over Again

2009-05-22T12:46:00.005-04:00

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.

BEST. NEWS. EVER.

2009-05-19T19:26:00.002-04:00

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.

Sherlock Holmes Trailer is Out and Awesome

2009-05-18T23:00:00.003-04:00

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

2009-05-18T13:43:00.002-04:00

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).

"That's So Gay" PSA?

2009-05-17T23:24:00.002-04:00

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.

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

2009-05-11T16:19:00.003-04:00

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:

Timberlake Outing Britney on SNL

2009-05-10T22:34:00.001-04:00

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

2009-05-10T21:47:00.003-04:00

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".

ANOTHER GET BUZZED GIVEAWAY: Hangover movie screening

2009-05-09T21:04:00.002-04:00

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?

2009-05-09T20:58:00.004-04:00

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

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

2009-05-08T16:30:00.005-04:00

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.

Another X-Men Already in the Works

2009-05-06T14:14:00.004-04:00

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.

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

2009-05-04T17:08:00.003-04:00

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.

My New Respect for Miley Cyrus

2009-05-03T22:01:00.002-04:00

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?

2009-05-03T14:27:00.004-04:00

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.

Streak

2009-04-30T20:09:00.003-04:00

So I stumbled upon this movie directed by Demi Moore and starring Brittany Snow. It caught my attention for more than one reason and I highly recommend taking fifteen minutes out of your day to take a look.
First of all the film is a little ironic. The movie centers around Snow who has been living with weight/body obsessed girls all through college. They monitor their food, work out constantly, and make fun of others that are overweight. In real life Brittany Snow went to rehab for her battle with anorexia and depression. I give her major kudos for attacking the subject by starring in a film that focuses on eating disorders and body image.
Secondly the title of the film "Streak" comes from the running of something eerily similar to Michigan's Naked Mile. While it can never actually be reproduced, it's nice to know everyone out there is trying.
To watch Streak for yourself just follow the link. It'll be worth it.

Where are They Now? Part 2

2009-04-30T10:13:00.003-04:00

During my childhood rarely could I turn on the television without seeing the face of this next actress. She was a Nickelodeon product through and through and may still be suffering the effects of that today.
23 year old Amanda Bynes has had her own TV show and clothing line, starred in movies, and has even lent her voice to a track or two on a top-selling soundtrack (Hairspray). But since the mega-musical hit came to theaters last summer Bynes has been a relative no-show in the industry.
In the early 2000s the star pigeonholed herself with a myriad of teen-centered films. What a Girl Wants, She's the Man, and Sydney White weren't exactly block-busters but they did keep Bynes a household name (especially because her co-stars included the likes of Channing Tatum!).
The real question...what is Bynes doing now? The answer: She's currently filming a TV pilot for ABC. That's right Bynes has progressed from Nickelodeon to the WB to finally landing a gig on one of the big four. Canned is supposedly about a group of friends who find themselves unemployed during these rough economic times and must discover what they truly want to do with their lives. According the internet reports the show hasn't officially been picked up yet, just ordered so it remains to be seen whether or not we'll actually SEE Bynes in that role.

Thanks Again Chuck Norris

2009-04-30T00:44:00.003-04:00

In a bout of insomnia tonight I came across the following video from an episode of Walker Texas Ranger. Here's what I know about the show: 1) Chuck Norris without any weapons can take down an army of men with machine guns without breaking a sweat. 2) Chuck Norris was the first Horatio Caine (that's right David Caruso, you didn't invent the ass-kicking father-figure). 3.) Chuck Norris builds super-stars.
It's that third thing that led me to share the following video. Before the Disney channel got a hold of Mitchel Musso and Selena Gomez, Chuck Norris did. While sadly their appearance on the show didn't include a fight scene (at least in this clip), it feature two of the Mouse's biggest future stars. Coincidence? I think not.

Crazier

2009-04-30T00:06:00.001-04:00

So I haven't been able to get Taylor Swift's "Crazier" out of my head all day. As a result I found the music video and despite its affiliation with Hannah Montana: The Movie I still like it. As a result I thought I'd share it with you. Hopefully it'll give you perma-grin also :)

Sorry Twilight Fans, Taylor Lautner is Taken

2009-04-29T22:19:00.003-04:00

Michigan native (Grand Rapids) Taylor Lautner, 17, has been on a number of woman's radars after his casting in the mega-hit vampire franchise Twilight. Fans of the series who have been drooling over the buff werewolf apparently aren't the only ones...
Lautner has recently been linked to Disney channel starlet (and rumored heir to the Miley throne) 16 year old Selena Gomez. The Wizards of Waverly Place star has been in Canada shooting Beezus while Launtner has been there shooting New Moon. People.com has reported the two have been spending lots of time together and have been spotted cuddling at the movies and eating together.
I've scoured Gomez's Twitter account (which she updates with a surprising frequency) and can't find any link to Lautner...but he may not have hopped on board the Twitter train himself so I won't rush to judgement on that point just yet.

Where are They Now? Part 1

2009-04-29T13:39:00.002-04:00

I saw a trailer for Ghosts of Girlfriends Past last night and noticed a familiar face: Lacey Chabert. It's been a while since I've seen the Mean Girls star and it got me thinking about other actors and actresses who've fizzled out since their break on the big screen. As a result I'm going to dedicate a series of posts to tracking down these "one hit wonders" of film. Considering Lacey was my inspiration, I'll start with her.

You may not have seen 26 year old Lacey Chabert on the big screen lately, but that doesn't mean she's taken a break from Hollywood. Chabert has starred in some lesser known works including Being Michael Madsen and Sherman's Way. The last time I saw Chabert she had starred in the ABC Family original movie Hello Sister, Goodbye Life. Chabert's voice may be more recognizable than her figure. She has lent her chords to animated series like The Wild Thornberries and Bratz. Chabert got her start as Claudia Salinger on Party of Five. My hope is that when the CW decides to do a remake of that series too she'll come back and join the new cast (come on what other 90's series could better compliment 90210 and Melrose Place?).

Another Britney BooBoo

2009-04-27T19:35:00.002-04:00

So a friend of mine opened my eyes to this video. All I can say is that it appears Britney Spears isn't expecting again...

Hilary Duff on NBC Tonight: Get Used to It

2009-04-27T17:55:00.004-04:00

Former tween queen (the first Miley Cyrus) Hilary Duff will be appearing as a guest on the popular NBC show Law & Order tonight. Duff will play a "young, irresponsible mother named Ashlee". First of all is it just a coincidence that there is currently another young celebrity mother whose name is spelled the exact same way (Simpson, anyone?)? I think not.
Second get used to seeing the Duffster on the Peacock. As was reported on this site earlier, Duff has a development deal with the network and is working on Barely Legal-a Doogie Howser like law show. Duff will play the youngest lawyer ever to pass the bar in California. It'll be a far cry from her last full-time TV gig (Lizzie McGuire), but should allow her to shed some of her tween image (if there's any still left).
It's been a while since Hilary has made headlines. Besides pictures surfacing of her a beau Mike Comrey (he's a professional hockey player), not much else has been worthy of media attention. Duff's most recent movies have found anything but commercial success (War Inc. = independent flop) and her latest musical endeavors haven't hit the charts.
I'm thinking the return to television is a chance for Hilary to start all over. Everything else is well... "So Yesterday". If the former tween queen can establish a new audience in TV she may just be able to re-incarnate her musical career too. Good luck. You'll need it.

Twitter Tabloids

2009-04-26T17:07:00.003-04:00

"Twitter Tabloids" that's what I just may start referring to entertainment sites/magazines as if they continue to publish absurd stories about celebrity's Twitter feeds.
As if the Ashton Kutcher/CNN race to a million followers wasn't ridiculous enough, entertainment sites are scouring EVERY celebrity Twitter page in hopes of breaking the next "big" story. Today People.com was the guilty party. They published an article about Miley Cyrus and Nick Jonas (for those of you that have been living under a rock they once dated) spending time together. The article's goal was to prove that rumors stating the two tween stars are getting back together is totally false. Their proof? Miley Cyrus' Twitter feed. True they are words directly from Cyrus, but in 140 characters can you really establish both a solid context and factual accuracy?
I admit I follow a number of celebrities on Twitter, not because I want to stalk them or really care about what they are craving for breakfast, but mostly because I think it's interesting to compare their updates to those of your average joe (like myself). I also enjoy seeing Twitter being put to good use, like in the case of Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore (in the interest of full disclosure I follow them both). The Hollywood power couple is using the service to gain attention to important causes. Recently they've asked users to help raise money for mosquito nets (it sounds silly but in reality is an important cause).
Last week stars used Twitter to respond to the Miss California's Perez Hilton question response during the Miss USA pageant. Miley Cyrus was just one of the celebrities to go back and forth with Perez Hilton on the topic. The conversation was incredibly intriguing but again got me wondering...is it newsworthy?
I hope that the entertainment media stops scrutinizing Twitter (although they won't), because my fear is that it will result in celebrities not feeling comfortable sharing their thoughts with the world. One slip up on Twitter and you could cost yourself a career.
My Twitter followers don't quite compete with the likes of Ashton or Demi, but it's still amazing to think that ANYONE cares what's going on in my life.
You can follow me on Twitter at: kaitlinurka

Emma Watson: Nerd?

2009-04-25T18:22:00.004-04:00

Emma Watson calls herself a nerd. To me that statement alone is worthy of a post. Being a self-proclaimed nerd myself I get much delight at hearing someone so popular make education sound so cool. It's nice to know that someone millions of youth will be looking up to in the coming months has a solid head on her shoulders. While I won't go as far as to say that Watson is the British Miley Cyrus (no sold out concert tours, or hit TV show to go along with her big screen success), she certainly has the same ability to serve as a role model thanks to her role as Hermione in one of the big screen's most successful franchises.
Watson is currently shooting "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows" and will likely be a media darling this summer as Warner Brothers prepares to release "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince".
In a recent interview Watson addressed the subject of her continuing education. Having scored incredibly high marks on her examinations the star is currently choosing between schools like Cambridge, Oxford, and Harvard. Right now she claims she is leaning towards the Ivy League (I still can't believe Michigan isn't on her radar ;)

"Here, I feel the specification is very narrow, whereas in America, you're encouraged to be broad and choose many different subjects," she explains. "For someone who has missed as much school as I have, I want to go back and discover what else there is. I always loved school -- I was a proper, proper nerd. I just want that back again."

On another interesting note...Watson has been seen swapping saliva with 27 year old Jay Barrymore. Considering Emma is only 18 years old I'm a little shocked this hasn't received more play in the media. Is there a double standard here? Miley Cyrus dates a guy four years her senior and everyone and their brother is calling foul. Emma Watson goes after a man 9 years older and no one pays any attention. I know that Watson is legally an adult so the rules change a bit...but still I'd take the four year gap over the nine year one anytime.

La Lohan Lowdown

2009-04-25T11:10:00.002-04:00

We used to have reoccurring segment on EBUZZ called "La Lohan Lowdown". Because it was so fun, and because Linds has been getting a lot of media attention lately, I've decided to resurrect it on the blog.
Lindsay has been milking her post Samantha Ronson breakup for all it's worth. Which makes me wonder: How much of the timing of the breakup had to do with publicity reasons? Lohan's career had been in the toilet (her latest feature is being shown for the first time on ABC Family), this has been the perfect opportunity for her to light a fire under her celebrity status. For the first time in a long time she's on talk shows NOT defending a night of binge drinking, but rather attempting to gain sympathy for a broken homosexual relationship. I'm not sure any publicist in their right mind would have planned such an event, but given Lindsay's history you have to work with what you're given. And this set of circumstances is more favorable than most regarding the former teen queen.
At the end of the day I have no sympathy whatsoever for Lohan. Breakups are rough, I get that. But to then go publicly bash your ex and take details of your relationship to the presses just isn't right. Lindsay should have taken a lesson form Miley and Kevin or Taylor and Joe...private breakups are the classier thing to do. You can make your millions from them AFTER you release a hit song in their honor ("7 Things", "Goodbye", all of Taylor's recent hits).

THE TURTLES ARE BACK!!!

2009-04-23T13:35:00.004-04:00

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles...HEROES IN A HALF SHELL--TURTLE POWER!!!

Sorry. I had to. I'm SUPER excited for the announcement that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are coming back to the big screen in LIVE action form. TMNT (the animated version that came out a few years ago) was a horrible way to end the franchise. The thought of another live action flick to bring the totally tubular turtles back into the limelight sounds like a winner to me.
The project is targeted for release sometime in 2011. It will be the fifth time that Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael will make their way onto the silver screen.
I have seen EVERY TMNT movie. When I was little my cousins and I each owned turtle costumes and would dress up on a daily basis to mimick our beloved heroes. I admit they still haven't inspired me to try anchovies on my pizza, but they did make it cool to be a nerd (thanks Leo!). I also own the TMNT soundtrack which sports incredibly awesome hits like: "Walk Straight" and "Pizza Power". No joke.
I'm not sure where I'll be in 2011, but I promise I'll find my way to theaters just so that for two hours I can revert back to my childhood self.

Wolverine Leak a Crowd Killer?

2009-04-23T13:25:00.003-04:00

FOX is currently having a sh*t fit over the leaked release of this summer's blockbuster "X-Men Origins: Wolverine". The movie giant is attempting to woo back fans who've already downloaded a copy of the film by claiming that the theatrical version includes a number of changes. The Huffington Post claims that the movie hasn't been reworked and points to the film's running time (107 minutes) as being exactly the same as the bootlegged versions.
I really don't care either way. The question I pose is whether or not the leaked version of the film will actually diminish box office returns? With all the added publicity surrounding the leak, and the question of what, if anything was changed as a result, could the film possibly be garnering a larger audience as a result?
Studios have been known to "leak" clips from popular movies in the past. Even if they just put selected scenes on their website they are still giving fans a glimpse into the unknown, and thus piquing interest. Oftentimes clips used in trailers, and even leaked clips from the film themselves don't end up in the final cut (The trailer for "The Perfect Man", for example, used scenes that were not in the theatrical version).
Maybe it's not such a bad idea to leak pre-cut copies of films as a marketing tool. I wouldn't want to give away the entire movie...but packages that include scenes that won't make the final cut could certainly give fans something to stew over while waiting for the final project. Studios normally put these things on the DVD extras...why not use some for a little pre-movie promotion?

Need a Laugh? Watch This

2009-04-22T14:37:00.002-04:00

I'm guessing most of you missed out on the Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards this year (I know I did). Usually I can do without the slime filled event, but while on E! I found a link to the story that covered this year's show. Reading about Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson getting dressed up like Miley Cyrus grabbed my attention to the point that I searched for, and found an online video of the debacle. Having interviewed Dwayne I was having a hard time picturing him looking ANYTHING like the tween queen.
So if you haven't seen it take a look. I promise if nothing else, you'll get a good laugh. I got an extra chuckle at the end of the video where Miley starts crying during her acceptance speech for her "Best Female Singer" award.

JoBros will host Teen Choice Awards-Big Surprise

2009-04-22T13:41:00.002-04:00

You had to figure it was either going to be Miley Cyrus or the Jonas Brothers. There really are no hotter teen acts in Hollywood right now. Fans of the JoBros can rejoice as FOX has announced the trio will host the "awards" ceremony which will air on August 10 (I use "awards" lightly because, let's be honest, the winners get giant surfboards.) Considering the show is smack dab in the middle of their world tour, I'm guessing it'll be used as one extra long advertisement. Disney will probably throw in a plug or two about their new show, and there'll probably even be a mention of their latest feature film. Did I mention they'll be performing too? If only Miley and Taylor would have saved their duet for THAT awards show...there would have been some real life drama worth watching.
And speaing of the JoBros new show...
I caught the trailer on YouTube (see below). I have not seen a worse display of acting since Misty May Treanor guest starred on Wizards of Waverly Place (oh yeah I watched it. I was a Misty May fan thanks to my Beijing experience).

Thank You Susan Boyle

2009-04-21T15:36:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to take a minute to thank "Britain's Got Talent" phenom Susan Boyle. The 47 year old internet celebrity has shown society once again that you can't judge a book by its cover. Our society is one that spends ridiculous amounts of time and money on fad diets, facials, and other superficial goods because we've grown up in a culture that continues to tell us looks are everything.
When Hillary Clinton ran for president everything from her wardrobe to her wrinkles were slammed in the press. At 16 years old Miley Cyrus hasn't gone out clubbing, or wound up in rehab, but she still makes the cover of magazine after magazine due to comments about her appearance. Brittany Snow actually wound up in rehab after suffering from depression and an eating disorder related to the pressure put on her by Hollywood to be thin. Sadly these cases aren't the exception, they're the rule. Open up any magazine and you'll find a story about a celebrity who's too thin or too fat, a diet fad that you can try to drop your own access weight, and the story in small print in the back about how American's shouldn't be so concerned with looks. Often times this last story is on the page opposite the story on the celebrity's weight issues.
I love that Susan Boyle has come right out and said she has no plans on changing who she is now that she has this new-found fame. For every man who passed up the opportunity to kiss her in her 47 years on this Earth shame on you. Paybacks are a bitch though, aren't they?
If you haven't seen her video yet should watch. The look on Simon's face is worth the seven minutes of your time. Trust me.

Susan Boyle on Britains Got Talent 2009!! Incredible Voice!! @ Yahoo! Video

90210 star picks backpacking over work

2009-04-21T15:29:00.004-04:00

The good news for "90210" star AnnaLynne McCord is that the series has been a success and will see a second season. This means the star will get a couple months of downtime before she's due back on set. While her cast mates will likely be using the downtime to capitalize on the show's popularity and make a movie or two, McCord has told reporters she's using the time to go backpacking through Europe!
In an article published in People McCord said:

"I had several offers for the summer, but I decided there wasn't anything I really 100 percent wanted to do," she explained. "I ended up telling my agent, 'I'm sorry. I'm not available. I'm leaving. Don't call me. I need some time and I just want to be by myself for a little bit.' "

While backpacking through Europe sounds awesome (I'm a little jealous I won't be joining), it got me wondering...is AnnaLynne McCord popular enough that her career can survive a summertiem drought? "90210" may be popular, but it is on The CW-and network that averages less than 5 million viewers per show. While that's still 5 million more than watch "The Entertainment Buzz", it's still pretty slim in terms of overall TV ratings. I just hope McCord enjoys her vacay, because he next may not be voluntary.

Owning All the Charts

2009-04-20T17:01:00.004-04:00

It's one thing to have a hit at the box office. It's another to have a hit at the box office AND 6...that's right 6 hits on the billboard charts as well.
I'm guessing that the Beatles were one of the last groups able to pull off such a feat. Notice how I haven't even mentioned the superstar's name yet? It's because it's almost too obvious.
Miley Cyrus is making bank with "Hannah Montana: The Movie" (it's made over 50 million dollars in just over a week in theaters). I'd be less shocked if I'd read that Miley also had A SONG in the top 100. That makes since. "The Climb" was released just prior to the film and serves as the title track. BUT, to read that Cyrus has 6 songs in the top 100 right now is borderline ridiculous. Two of Cyrus' hits are in the top fifty:
8. Miley Cyrus "The Climb"
28. Miley Cyrus "Hoedown Throwdown"

I guess this proves that not only isn't she a one hit wonder, but she's expanding her fan base. The tween set doesn't have enough power to put Miley on that pedastal all by themselves.

The Disney Stars Dominate

2009-04-19T18:53:00.002-04:00

For the second week in a row a Disney-born star led the way at the box office. This past weekend Zac Efron's "17 Again" buried the competition pulling in 24 million dollars. Miley Cyrus' "The Hannah Montana Movie" brought in another 12.7 million making it the fourth place movie for the weekend. Cyrus' flick has earned Disney a whopping 56.1 million in just ten days in theaters.
Yahoo!'s headline for the story is "Zac Topples Miley". Here is the problem with that...while Zac did "topple" Miley this weekend..."17 Again" still didn't have as good of an opening weekend as Cyrus' "The Hannah Montana Movie".
Either way Disney has shown why it pays to be associated with the ears.

Wishing I Too Were 17 Again

2009-04-19T00:13:00.004-04:00

My roomate and I went and saw "17 Again" tonight. I'll be honest (if you haven't figured it out yet I'm generally all about the honesty) before tonight I wasn't all on board the Zac Efron train. Now I'm riding in the engine car.
Efron made that movie. The storyline was nothing new (if you haven't seen "Big" shame on you). The other actors were hit or miss (Thomas Lennon was hilarious, but I could have done without Michelle Trachtenberg). Zac made a teenie bopper role into a serious display of acting. I, along with the other women in the audience, were all ready to jump out of our seats and through the screen to get at him.
The movie itself, as with others of its genre, got me to thinking. As I sit here, stomach turning in knots waiting on a phone call that will determine my future, I ponder: If I had it all to do over again would I want to be 17 again? Do I have regrets? Sure. Who doesn't? But I'm not sure I'd ever want to go back. Even now on the verge of graduation, I don't think I'd want to do it all again. It's not about the destination, it's the journey. I've had one hell of a journey. This week I've had to close a chapter in my life I truly loved, but who knows...maybe the next chapter will be even better.

It's Not a Nightmare...it's 10 Things I Hate About You!

2009-04-17T18:40:00.002-04:00

I was really hoping that it was all a bad dream. I thought for sure I'd wake up one day to find that the rumors of a "10 Things I Hate About You" TV series were just that-rumors. Instead my nightmare became even more of a reality today when I saw, for the first time, the promo for the series on ABC Family. It may only be 11 seconds long...but already I'm NOT a fan.

When Celebrities do Awesome Things...

2009-04-15T21:27:00.003-04:00

The latest Lindsay Lohan eHarmony video inspired me to search for other awesome celebrity spoofs worth viewing. It's so nice to know that in these tough economy conditions celebrities have found the time to break from their normally busy schedules to make viral videos.

Exhibit A: The Zach Efron Pool Party. With cameos from Brittany Snow, Vanessa Hudgens, Carmen Electra,Lance Bass, and the always funny Justin Long this one is one of my favorite.

Zac Efron's Pool Party from Zac Efron

Exhibit B: The M&M Cru. What other 16 year old on the planet could afford to put together a YouTube video as sophisticated as this AND enlist the help of a dozen hot celebs? None. Miley Cyrus once again proves she's the coolest teenager in America. You don't have to like her, but you have to admit the kid makes an entertaining video.

Exhibit C: Eva Longoria 'Sex Tape'. This is another Funny of Die classic. Kim Kardasian should have taken a lesson or two...

EVA LONGORIA SEX TAPE - watch more funny videos

Exhibit D: Natalie Portman Puppies. This video makes no sense to me at all, but I love the fact that Natalie Portman is making fun of her own political activism and the puppies are genuinely adorable. Thus it's the last video on my list. Enjoy!

NATALIE PORTMAN & RASHIDA JONES Speak Out from Natalie Portman

Is Miley Cyrus a Rolemodel? Who Cares?

2009-04-14T13:43:00.002-04:00

I go to MSN.com everyday to get an update on the news. Normally their rotating front page stories include some sort of breaking news, a feature, and an update on a continuing story. Today it featured a two part argument breaking down the question of whether or not Miley Cyrus is a role model. Why is Miley's status as a role model front page website worthy? Is her name so powerful that it induces massive increases in hit counts and thus warrants the attention? I don't doubt that for a second. I know for a fact that stories I post on this blog pertaining to the tween queen get significantly more hits than those that do not. I don't post on Miley Cyrus because she is one of my favorite people (at this point I'm getting rather sick of the starlet), I post on her because whether I like it or not she continually makes the news.
The argument as to whether or not Miley is a role model is borderline ridiculous. There is not doubt she is a role model. If she weren't then millions of tween girls wouldn't be sporting "Hannah Montana" apparel on a daily basis. If she weren't a role model then there wouldn't be an audience or a need for the sixteen year old to write an autobiography. And, most importantly, if she weren't a role model then the topic wouldn't be debatable.
The real question MSN was posing wasn't whether or not Miley Cyrus IS a role model, but rather if she's a Good role model. To this I also feel the answer is clear: Hell yes. Compare Cyrus to the other tween queens and their track records and I bet that most parents would clearly choose Cyrus as a model for their children than any of the other options. Lindsay Lohan equals disaster. Hilary Duff was great during her time, but she's a Disney has been and thus is irrelevant to the current generation. Selena Gomez is another great option for the youth of today, but she doesn't permeate society in nearly the same way (yet).
Cyrus has undoubtedly made mistakes, but so has every other person on the planet. Her mistakes have actually made her MORE appealing as a role model. She makes them, she admits them, and generally she learns something from them (it sounds like an episode of "Hannah Montana" doesn't it?). She has a great relationship with her family. She is openly religious and has talked about her choice to remain abstinent until marriage. Miley Cyrus admits to her insecurities and opens up about the pressures to look and act a certain way. She can sit down and have an adult conversation with people like Barbara Walters one day, and the next appear on a Disney 365 segment where she just as easily relates to kids her own age.
I'm passionate about this topic because I have seen first hand Miley's effect on kids. The only reason I have ever watched "Hannah Montana" is because I have babysat for a number of kids who can't get enough of the show. These are kids who, in their everyday conversation, use Hannah or Miley references to explain situations occurring in their own lives. The parents of these kids have used Miley's faults to open up important dialogues with their kids. Good things have come out of the this Disney multimedia machine, and in an age of cable television where sex, drugs, and violence are the norm on TV it's nice to see kids have a series they can relate to that doesn't contain all those things.

April Fools Flop Bloopers

2009-04-13T12:06:00.001-04:00

So the boys from "You Say Maize, I Say Blue" attempted to host last week's Ebuzz. How'd they do? Take a look below to see for yourself.

Obama's Dog Equals Michigan Nod

2009-04-13T11:54:00.004-04:00

If you haven't yet heard, the Obama's new Portuguese Water Dog is named Bo. While reports claim the name is a nod to Michelle Obama's dad and a cousin's cat, I beg to differ. I believe that the dog's name is actually a nod to the incredibly awesome Bo Schembechler. The Michigan Man is really the only Bo worth naming anything after...
Now they just need to get him a Maize and Blue colored collar/leash...

Hannah Montana Owns the Box Office

2009-04-13T11:45:00.003-04:00

I don't think anyone in the entertainment world was shocked when the box office figures from this past weekend were released. "The Hannah Montana Movie" owned the top spot grossing 34 million dollars, over five million more than its closest competitor "Fast and the Furious".
What gets me is that respectable adult media outlets aren't slamming the Disney flick. From Access Hollywood to ABC entertainment reporters are claiming this isn't all that bad of a movie. As a result I'm slightly torn. I have licked almost every one of Miley Cyrus' radio singles. Her music is catchy, she has a goody-two-shoes charm that appeals to the goody-two-shoes in me, and having seen an episode of "Hannah Montana" or two I can say I kind of like the quirky character that Disney developed. So the question is as follows: Do I spend the money to see the film and risk social suicide, or do I follow the unwritten code of adult-hood that denies me the opportunity to willingly see the kid oriented film?
The mature me says this movie will be retarded and I shouldn't waste my money. The kid in me says that you only live once and I should go for it. I can't tell if I really want to see it or if I really just want to procrastinate growing up. I liked being able to go see "The Lizzie McGuire Movie" because at the time it was age appropriate. I don't like that all of a sudden I've been cast out of an entire marketing group.
So maybe before I graduate I'll take one last leap into the world of kid-dom in an attempt to prolong my head first dive into adulthood. Maybe....

EBUZZ S4E18

2009-04-13T11:43:00.001-04:00

I realized I failed to share this episode of Ebuzz with all of you. So here it is! Enjoy!

What to Watch This Week

2009-04-06T12:26:00.004-04:00

Having been out of the country for a week I was feeling a little TV deprived (I should get used to it considering seasons are coming to a close and soon I'll be avoiding the medium all together). This week is sure to deliver some hits.
Monday: Gossip Girl got juicy last week with Serena's decision to leave the country, the introduction of Rufus and Lily's son (sort of), Chuck and Vanessa's affair, and Nate and Blair's second chance at romance. These last few episodes should be amazing especially leading up to the introduction of the show's spin-off. Remember Michelle Trachtenburg is due for a repeat guest appearance (they hinted at it last week).
Tuesday: I'm not an American Idol fan (I know right?) so I won't spend much time dwelling over that over-extended phenom. Instead I'll head back to the CW where there is a brand new episode of 90210. Last week's episode felt like it may have been jumping the shark, but look for a strong comeback this week when the characters can pull it back together. Dixon and Annie's relationship issues are enough to drive the show which makes Naomi's presence an added bonus. Also remember Tori Spelling is on her way back...so original fans of the series are in for a treat.
Wednesday: This is really the only off-night of the week in my opinion. There is nothing here I HAVE to watch...but Scrubs fans will be happy to note there is a brand new episode airing on ABC. If that doesn't float your boat there are some great cable movies on Wednesday night that could be equally worth your time. If you're lucky enough to have On Demand I suggest you check out the WB section and watch a classic episode of Veronica Mars instead.
Thursday: This is by far my favorite night of television...and the one I'm never around to watch live. CSI and the Office are both brand new. CSI's 200th episode was a total let-down, in my opinion. But I have a feeling this week Lawrence Fishbourne and crew will make amends.
***I just wanted to point out of the irony of the fact that the Disney Channel in preparation for the Hannah Montana Movie premeire is going back to the franchise that started it all with the airing of the Lizzie McGuire Movie.
Friday: This night belongs to CBS. With new episodes of Ghost Whisperer AND Numbers if you don't have plans these are the shows to watch. The good news is that if you plan on being at the bar like me you can watch Numbers On Demand the next morning!