Though I respect creative integrity, I also know a thing or two about our legal system. That being said, it was probably the world’s dumbest idea to cast actual teenagers for Mtv’s new controversial show, Skins. Apparently, the creators wanted to keep the series true to the British version, and that includes casting teenagers to engage in sexually explicit scenes, which may or may not be child pornography. Aside from the ridiculous legal issue, the show just doesn’t work. To help explain my point — I’d like to tell a little story about my childhood. Once upon a time, my father and I went to see an American movie in England. During one of the previews, I noticed a bunch of naked women in the shower, and I figured it was the trailer for some R rated film that was inappropriately placed before PG movie. At the end of the naked shower scene, the camera panned to the naked woman’s wrist, at which point I noticed a very nice looking watch. It was a watch commercial! I was somewhat traumatized — partly because I felt like I was watching porn with my father, and partly because I felt too young to be watching a shower orgy. So what’s my point? The point is that, while something might work for the sexually free England, here in America we are prude. And Skins just doesn’t translate. I tried watching the English version immediately after watching the American version, in hopes that the problem was merely an adaptation issue. Nope. I found the English version equally as offensive and terrible. I’m not sure I’d pull my advertisements from the show, but I certainly watched my first and last episode.
Jesse James Engaged to Kat Von D — Takes Jab at Sandra Bullock
What’s the shelf-life on using social media to flaunt your new relationship after cheating on your ex-wife? Not only has Jesse James used twitter to declare his love for Kat Von D, but he’s also made an official engagement announcement, saying that 2010 was the “best year of his life.” First, if it’s true that the year your marriage fell apart because of your infidelity was in fact your greatest year, keep it to yourself. There’s no need to tell the entire world (which includes your ex-wife). Second, using twitter to write sweet nothings to your new lady is completely inappropriate. Just ask Leann Rimes. It’s too soon — and tacky.
Don’t Play Scary Trailers in My Romantic Comedies
Can anyone guess what my favorite movie genre is? You got it — romantic comedies. Why? Because I go to movies as an escape, and I generally like to turn my brain off for the entire two hours. Every so often I’ll make an exception for a Tom Cruise action flick, but overall, the schmaltzier the better. So you can imagine my angst when I went to see Country Strong, and I saw an extremely disturbing trailer for a horror film. I was traumatized, and I found it very difficult to reset my mind in time for the cheesiness I desired. I thought trailers were supposed to match the genre of the movie. Are there just too few movies now to meet my interests?
Music Spotlight: Lykke Li
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I’ve recently discovered my affinity for Swedish musicians. First, Erik Hassle, and now Lykke Li. Sure, they have much different musical styles, but perhaps Sweden is churning out some really good musicians. As per my usual routine, I discovered Lykke Li on Pandora through my Florence + The Machine station. I then went to Grooveshark and listened to her entire Youth Novels album, which is incredible. She has yet to achieve mainstream success in the United States, with the exception of her appearance on Last Call With Carson Daly in 2009 (yes, Carson Daly is still alive) and a performance at the 2009 Lollapalooza Music Festival. Listen to her music below. I recommend Little Bit.
[soundcloud]http://soundcloud.com/lykkeli/sets/lykke-li[/soundcloud]
Movie Review: Country Strong
I delayed seeing this film, because the trailer made it look cheesy and ridiculous. On a whim I watched it, and it was shockingly good. The film follows the career of Kelly Canter, a country music superstar, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. She’s been to rehab multiple times, and her husband, James Canter (Tim McGraw), takes her out of rehab early so she can continue her tour. Garrett Hedlund plays her “sponsor,” and he objects to Canter’s early release, partly because she isn’t ready and partly because they’ve been carrying on an affair in rehab, and he doesn’t want her to leave. Canter wants him close, so she tells her husband she wants him as her opening act on tour. Her husband complies, but only if he shares the stage with Chiles Stanton (Leighton Meester), a very pretty and talented aspiring country music star. Though I was impressed with all the actors in the film, I was particularly impressed with Tim McGraw, who I couldn’t decide whether to love or hate throughout the entire film. It’s clear much he loves his wife, despite the way he mistreats her. It’s also clear how much Beau loves his wife, so it’s impossible to predict the end result. Until the last twenty minutes, I had no idea who the characters would end up with. It’s the least predictable romantic movie I’ve ever seen.
Ricky Gervais Defends Himself to Piers Morgan — Makes Sense!
Would you judge me if I admitted I’m attracted to Ricky Gervais? Sure, he’s openly gay, but it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve liked a gay man. Okay, it was high school — don’t judge. So why the attraction? Because, as you can see from the video below, Gervais won’t cower to the criticism about his Golden Globes performance. He insists he did nothing wrong, saying that if he kissed celebrity ass instead, it would be “nauseating.” I completely agree. First, what do you expect when you hire Gervais for the job? And second, most celebrities are raging narcissists with no sense of humor. So it’s only fitting to take them down a peg.
UPDATE: Well, this is embarrassing. Ricky Gervais isn’t gay. The kind commenter below pointed out that he’s had the same girlfriend for the last 29 years. Next time I make a personal confession on my blog, I’ll be sure to do my research.
Jennifer Lopez Threatens Ricky Gervais — Admits She’s Humorless
Jennifer Lopez wasn’t pleased with Ricky Gervais at the Golden Globes, saying that there was an uncomfortable silence in the room while he was telling his jokes. And Lopez had no problem threatening Gervais directly. Upon seeing him backstage, she said, ‘Listen! I will kill you, you understand, I am from New York, my husband fights, we both fight, we will beat you up after the show … with a couple of bleep bleeps in there.” First of all, I imagine that the Lopez wasn’t sitting at the “fun table,” during the show, so it doesn’t surprise that her friends are also humorless. Second, if you can’t take a joke, then don’t go to an awards show hosted by Ricky Gervais. Having said that, I fear for Gervais, who would likely lose in a throw-down with Jennifer Lopez.
American Idol Is Officially Done — Sucks Without Simon Cowell
Well, it’s official. Start saying your goodbyes to American Idol. I watched the show tonight and hoped for the best. But it just doesn’t work without Simon Cowell. The ship needs a captain, and the captain can now be seen on X Factor, which will soon trounce American Idol in the ratings. I know this not only because I’m a genius, but also because that’s exactly what happened in England. Simon Cowell started in England on a show called Pop Idol, which exploded in the ratings. When he left Pop Idol for X Factor, Pop Idol tanked, and X Factor became an immediate hit. Why? Because Cowell is a necessity, and without him, it’s just another talent show. So Simon — if you’re reading this — I missed you tonight, and I found myself waiting for you to appear at the table. I’ll see you soon.
Jennifer Aniston Hated her ‘Friends’ Haircut — Gasp!!!
How dare she! In a recent interview, Jennifer Aniston revealed that she hated her famous haircut from Friends, calling it the “ugliest haircut she’s ever seen.” In truth, this is actually pretty funny. I’ve always said that Jennifer Aniston would make a great dinner date, because that whole good girl persona is just an act. Can you imagine what she’d say about you know who if she had a couple of drinks? As an aside, I’d like to note that I have tried for years to duplicate the Rachel haircut, and no hair dresser has been able to achieve it. So thanks to Jennifer Aniston for saving me some time. The Rachel requests are officially over!
Movie Review: The Dilemma
A few months ago I wrote a post about how high concept movies are doomed at the box-office. The Dilemma further confirms my theory. It’s a story about a man who finds out his best friend’s wife is having an affair, and he’s plagued about what to do. I don’t need to write anything further about the plot, because the film never survives the concept. The only funny moment of the entire film was shockingly executed by Channing Tatum, who plays the man that Winona Ryder’s character is sleeping with. Other than that, you’ve just got two friends, a “dilemma,” and two relatively boring female characters.