Hollywood’s Top 8 Most Sexist Films

KNOCKED UP

knockedupThough Katherine Heigl entered a firestorm for suggesting her character in ‘Knocked Up’ might be sexist, she was onto something. With a nagging wife and a killjoy girlfriend, it would be an understatement to suggest the women in the film were not well-represented. After all, what girl wouldn’t like her soon to be baby-daddy smoking weed all day? Only a shrew, of course. Seth Rogen and Judd Apatow did not take kindly to the criticism of their film, but it appears they got the memo, because in Rogen’s film, ‘Neighbors,’ his on-screen wife was portrayed in a far better, cooler light. In truth, Rogen admits to his real-life wife’s influence, saying, “My wife read the script. She’s a writer. She’s one of the people who was like, ‘This isn’t how it would be. We get along, I want to have fun too…’ And then as we started talking about it, that actually became the most exciting idea of the movie to us. That we could portray a couple where the wife is just as fun-loving and irresponsible as the guy, and they get along really well. In a comedy, that’s almost non-existent. An actual healthy couple that really likes each other.”

 

 

 

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON
BlackWidow-AvengersOne might think a kick-ass woman like Black Widow was invincible, but everyone needs an achilles heel, right? In a bid to live a more normal life, Black Widow makes a play for Bruce Banner during ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron,’ but he’s The Hulk, and there’s no future. Black Widow then gives a speech about her devastating infertility, which was a sad requirement of the job. It didn’t take long for the audience to erupt, objecting to the idea that all a woman really wants is to get married and have babies, even if she can save the world instead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

pretty womanPRETTY WOMAN

Do women need to be rescued? ‘Pretty Woman’ is timeless, which may or may not be concerning. It’s a classic Cinderella story, and it’s about time the roles were reversed, especially in an economy where women are increasingly more successful. Plus, what’s so wrong with prostitution? It’s the oldest profession there is (that’s a joke . . . . sort of).

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMERICAN HUSTLE

american hustleThough the movie itself might not be sexist, the Sony hacks revealed sexism behind-the-scenes when the public learned that the leading women in ‘American Hustle’ were paid less than their male counterparts. When Jennifer Lawrence addressed her sub-par salary in comparison to Bradley Cooper, she started a national conversation and other actresses spoke up on her behalf with similar stories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUMPER

Jumper‘Jumper’ might be responsible for the enduring, off-screen romance between Hayden Christensen and Rachel Bilson, but the under-performing action film fell short for its female lead, who was completely helpless throughout most of the movie. If only the writers could have jumped to the future to see Rebecca Ferguson kick some serious ass in ‘Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation.’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEX AND THE CITY

SATC‘Sex and the City’ became famous for it’s anti-establishment view of single women, proving that there’s more to a woman’s goals than finding a man and having babies. But when Carrie finally landed the man of her dreams in the end, the show bowed to convention for the sake of its Mr. Big storyline.

 

 

 

 

 

 

JURASSIC WORLD

Bryce_Dallas_Howard_HeelsWho says a woman can’t outrun a dinosaur in heels? ‘Jurassic World’ received serious criticism for his portrayal of Bryce Dallas Howard’s character, whose incompetence was only surpassed by a strange desire to run around in heels throughout the film. Dallas Howard defended the decision, saying, “This character needed to seem ill-equipped to be in the jungle. She was somebody who looks like she belongs in a corporate environment for a reason because she was someone who was disconnected from the animals and disconnected from that reality and disconnected from herself. She doesn’t at all expect that she’s going to be tromping through the jungle.” As for the director, he insists that we don’t need to “to surrender a woman’s femininity in order for her to be a badass action hero.” I need not reiterate the Rebecca Ferguson point previously mentioned, as she was both feminine AND a badass.

 

TRAINWRECK
Trainwreck-PosterWhile many might tout ‘Trainwreck’ as a movie about an empowered woman taking ownership of her sexuality, Amy Schumer’s character was no Samantha Jones. Schumer didn’t help matters much on her press tour when she said the lead was acting out sexually because she was “in pain.” Does a woman really need a reason to get laid, and does an excessive amount of partners mean she’s “broken?” The ending felt like a standard romcom rescue rather than a woman’s struggle to give up her fun life for monogamy.

 

Katherine Heigl Clears Her Image On Howard Stern

Katherine_heigl

I’ve been very hard on Katherine Heigl over the years, which may or may not be fair, because I’m guessing she didn’t need another blogger bashing her during that time. There’s no need to rehash what landed her on the Hollywood shit-list, but in case you’re wondering, click HERE. Though Heigl has tried to correct her cantankerous image, she’s failed to fully reform in the public eye, UNTIL NOW. Heigl visited the Howard Stern show, and the format allowed her to adequately explain herself absent sound bites. For the first time in history, I finally understand her intentions. Here’s a rundown.

In response to that infamous comment about ‘Knocked Up’ being “sexist.”

Heigl said that though she liked the film, she personally felt her character was judgmental and unlikable. That doesn’t mean she took issue with the writing, she just would not personally hangout with the uptight chick she played. She might not have ever said that out loud, but she was somewhat when a Vanity Fair interviewer asked her to respond to the idea that the film was sexist (as in, the men are cool and the women are nags). Since she’s obviously not good at navigating controversial comments, she stepped in it. And Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen have yet to forgive her.

In response to removing her name out of Emmy contention.

Heigl rose to fame on ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ but there was a slow year for her character, and when asked to sift through her material to find something worthy of submitting to the Emmys, she simply felt she didn’t have a deep enough performance to compete. Though she didn’t think anyone would notice, they did, and when asked about it, she stepped in it again. She admits to apologizing to Shonda Rhimes. She also explained that the nature of an ensemble cast is difficult, because with 7 series regulars, everyone wants their time to shine.

Is she difficult to work with?

She doesn’t think so, but she’s so concerned about her image, she’s lost her “voice,” and she’s constantly baited by interviewers to give them something juicy or “f-ck up,” as Heigl puts it. In fact, her shoes once fit too tight, and she didn’t say anything for fear of fanning the fire.

And there you have it. Let this be a lesson to anyone in hot water. If you want to clear your name, go on Howard Stern.

21st Annual Critics’ Choice Awards — See Photos

The stars came out for the 21st Annual Critics’ Choice Awards, and below are some highlights from the show and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the cocktail hour and after-party where guests celebrated achievements and sipped on Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio and Chianti Classico Riserva. Enjoy!

attends the 21st annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 17, 2016 in Santa Monica, California.

attends the 21st annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 17, 2016 in Santa Monica, California.

attends the 21st annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 17, 2016 in Santa Monica, California.

attends the 21st annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 17, 2016 in Santa Monica, California.
Rachel McAdams attends the 21st annual Critics’ Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 17, 2016 in Santa Monica, California.
attends the 21st annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 17, 2016 in Santa Monica, California.
Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone attends the 21st annual Critics’ Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 17, 2016 in Santa Monica, California.
attends the 21st annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 17, 2016 in Santa Monica, California.
Justin Theroux attends the 21st annual Critics’ Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 17, 2016 in Santa Monica, California.
attends the 21st annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 17, 2016 in Santa Monica, California.
Kristen Schaal and Will Forte attends the 21st annual Critics’ Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 17, 2016 in Santa Monica, California.
attends the 21st annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 17, 2016 in Santa Monica, California.
Constance Zimmer attends the 21st annual Critics’ Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 17, 2016 in Santa Monica, California.
attends the 21st annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 17, 2016 in Santa Monica, California.
Krysten Ritter attends the 21st annual Critics’ Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 17, 2016 in Santa Monica, California.
attends the 21st annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 17, 2016 in Santa Monica, California.
Emmy Rossum attends the 21st annual Critics’ Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 17, 2016 in Santa Monica, California.
leslie mann judd
Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow

Lena Dunham Bares All — Addresses ‘Girls’ Nudity at TCA

There comes a point in every performer’s life where they’re so used to unconditional accolades they’ve forgotten the sound of genuine criticism. Judd Apatow, Jenni Konner and Lena Dunham should all take a moment to self-reflect on the TCA reporter who asked about Dunham’s gratuitous nudity in ‘Girls.’ According to Entertainment Weekly, the reporter specifically said, “I don’t get the purpose of all the nudity on the show — by [Dunham] in particular . . . . I feel like I’m walking into a trap where you go, ‘Nobody complains about all the nudity on “Game of Thrones,”’ but I get why they do it. They do it to be salacious and titillate people. And your character is often nude at random times for no reason.” Judd Apatow quickly pounced, sarcastically asking the man if he had a girlfriend, followed by Jenni Konner’s very public “rage spiral” for “accus[ing] a woman of showing her body too much.” Dunham herself seemed less enraged, saying, “I totally get it. If you’re not into me, that’s your problem and you’re going to have to work that out with professionals.”

While it’s easy to shout from the rooftops with rage, I’d be more impressed with a legitimate answer. Dunham stated that her choice to bare all is a “a realistic expression of what it’s like to be alive,” and while that makes for a good sound bite, it doesn’t go to the heart of his point. First, the nudity in ‘Girls’ is extremely distracting. It’s certainly realistic to be naked during a sex scene, but if you watch the show, it’s as if Dunham is deliberately getting naked to prove a point to the audience rather than furthering a scene. Sure she’s a refreshing, non-anorexic protagonist. But let’s go for a drink before I see your goods.

Watch the season three trailer below.

Movie Review– ‘This is 40’

20130103-125854.jpgThis film felt like an extended episode of ‘Modern Family’ minus the laughs. And though I have no idea what forty feels like, this certainly shed light on all of its unwanted woes. The Judd Apatow directed flick stars his wife (Leslie Mann), which is concerning, especially considering all her unlikable traits. If I were her, I’d have long conversation with my husband after reading a script that may or may not be based on his personal life. As for her on-screen husband, played by Paul Rudd, he’s predictably more likable, and I’d venture to guess that has a thing or two to do with what I deem to be Apatow’s sexism, an observation I gained from ‘Knocked Up,’ which is now solidified. Apatow has a keen ability to turn his women into vile naggers with sweet husbands who are just trying to survive their wrath. There’s not much else to say other than — it’s probably a good idea to make movie characters likable — and funny.

RATING: 2/5 DISHES

HBO’s ‘Girls’ — Best New Show on Television

I was recently tipped off by a very annoying individual to watch HBO’s Girls. Naturally, I rolled my eyes and ignored the suggestion. Then in a moment of weakness, I watched it, and I was mesmerized. Though I’m a huge Sex and the City fan, the comparisons between the two shows is what initially turned me off. But those comparisons are far off the mark. It’s an artsy, character-driven show. In fact, the main character, Lena Dunham, is also the creator and writer. The idea began with a call from Judd Apatow who took a liking to Dunham afer watching her independent film, Tiny Furniture. Apatow is also a producer. Watch the trailer below.

Tabloid Gossip — Week-in-Review — Celebrity News

  • Eva Longoria and Eduardo Cruz are definitely back-on. E! Online
  • That kid from Hanson is expecting his fifth child. TheCelebrityCafe
  • Melissa Joan Hart has a bun in the oven. Wonderwall
  • True Blood co-star’s Anna Paquin & Stephen Moyer are having a baby. Cinema Blend
  • Does Mike Tyson have a prison guard love-child? Gossip and Soaps
  • Gerard Butler might have had sex with a girl in a port-a-potty. Perez
  • Howard Stern v. Judd Apatow. Reality TV Magazine
  • Ashton Kutcher & Mila Kunis might be dating. Stuff
  • Simon Cowell gave his ex-fiance a $5 million house. Yahoo!
  • Kelsey Grammar got a tattoo of his wife’s name. Digital Spy
  • Kim Kardashian is worried about Khloe Kardashian. Ashtrochicks
  • Jessica Simpson is still pregnant. People

 

Katherine Heigl Addresses her “Image Problems” — Handles it Well

Katherine Heigl addressed her image problems head-on, while promoting her new film. Though I’ve picked on Heigl for “biting the hand that feeds her,” I think her response shows that she’s on the right track.  The truth is that most of what she said in the press was correct.  It all started with Grey’s Anatomy, when Isaiah Washington called T.R. Knight a faggot on set, and the creators brushed it aside, leaving Knight to handle the media bedlam on his own.  Heigl bashed both the show and Washington, in defense of her best friend.  She scored major points with me for doing so, and then quickly squandered my support when she publicly discussed her contract negotiation with Grey’s Anatomy, saying that she called it off because “she wasn’t getting the respect she deserved.”  Everyone knows that you don’t publicly discuss your contract — it’s unprofessional.  To make matters worse, she took herself out of the Emmys, because she didn’t feel that the writing was good enough to warrant an award.  Again, it’s not the best idea to insult your writers, especially since writer fatigue is common on a long-running show, and an actor can’t expect great material for five seasons straight.  She also called Knocked-Up ” sexist,” which didn’t sit well with Seth Rogen and Judd Apatow, who later bashed her on Howard Stern.  Personally, I thought the movie was sexist, but it’s not exactly a press-friendly statement.  So here’s the moral of the Katherine Heigl story — sometimes she’s right and sometimes she’s not.  If the girl could just reign it in a little, instead of becoming a robot that churns out the stereotypical answers in interviews (which I predict we will start to see), she’ll be just fine.  Watch her discuss the issue below.