Henson Leaves Muppet HQ
Brian Henson, son of the late Jim Henson, announced Thursday that he is stepping down from his post of chairman of Jim Henson Co., the company that brings you Kermit the Frog. Henson said he had been thinking about the move since German media giant EM.TV & Merchandising bought the company two years ago. He announced his intentions in a company-wide email, reiterating the company's values, such as "When in doubt, throw penguins." Essentially, the company should never take itself too seriously.
Kung-Fu Pandas
Dreamworks has a concept for you: MASTER P, KUNG FU PANDA. The film will be total CG. In the story, a gang of snow leopards invades a bamboo jungle and the animals must find a prophesied warrior to defend them. That warrior comes in the form of a lazy panda who must become a kung fu master.
Hee hee hee!!!
Pampering The Celebs
Whether you're negotiating a raise, a home loan, or just a great price on that garage-sale knicknack, you need to think like a pop star: Be bold, and insist on getting exactly what you want. To give you an idea of what we mean, take a look at some of the specific (and, in some cases, outrageous) demands Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Busta Rhymes, and seven other musical prima donnas have written into their contract riders before they'll agree to appear in concert.
MARIAH CAREY When it comes to dealmaking, Mariah is without peer (witness the $68 million she recently earned for being dropped by one record label and signed by another). On the road, though, Carey's needs are not quite so upscale. Sure, she asks for a tea service for eight, along with champagne flutes and wine glasses. But she also has the common sense to insist on bendy straws to sip from.
JENNIFER LOPEZ When J. Lo attended the recording session for the charity single ''What's Going On'' last fall, she still submitted her standard rider, demanding a trailer at least 40 feet long, furnished all in white (flowers, tablecloths, drapes, candles, and couches), a VCR and CD player, and an ''assortment of current R&B, hip-hop, and salsa'' CDs, for which she offers 43 selected titles. Love don't cost a thing, but being a diva sure can be expensive.
JANET JACKSON In her current tour rider, Jackson requests $75 worth of white flowers (tulips, roses, gardenias, and lilies) and fresh ice for drinks, specifying ''NO FISH ICE.'' She explains, ''If it had never happened, I wouldn't have to write this...'' Ewww, nasty.
BRITNEY SPEARS Spears' 2000 rider demands a private phone line in her dressing room -- but she'll fine the promoter $5,000 if the number gets published and anyone calls her. Otherwise, her tastes are simple: General Foods International Coffee, Cap'n Crunch and Froot Loops, and Pop Tarts. (You are what you eat.)
MARY J. BLIGE: When it comes to getting paid, Mary J. Blige wants no more drama. But in 1997, when she earned $100,000 per show, she required promoters to pay her in cash -- in crisp $100 bills. As that other hip-hopper sang, ''It's all about the Benjamins.''
BUSTA RHYMES Rhymes' contract shows that he knows how to unwind after a show. The rapper's rider requests a 24-piece bucket of KFC, six bottles of Moet champagne, and one full box of ribbed condoms.
CHRISTINA AGUILERA: What a girl wants, what a girl needs -- sometimes these things are contradictory. Aguilera's 2000 contract asks for both health food (organic fruits and veggies, soy milk and soy cheese, and Flintstones chewable vitamins) and sugary drinks (Nesquik, Coca-Cola -- ''NOT Pepsi, no diet'').
DESTINY'S CHILD The diva trio's demands are simple, but particular: fine china, two large strawberry candles, and black towels (an oddly common request among pop stars). Also, fresh ginger root is ''very important.''
DIXIE CHICKS Because their audience is largely female, the Chicks' 2000 contract demands that venues provide extra women's restrooms, converting some of the men's rooms if necessary. Also, the talented threesome require a 10 a.m. tee time at a local golf course in each town.
MOBY The artist behind ''Play'' and ''18'' does the work of 10 musicians by himself. Maybe that's why his 2000 contract calls for 10 pairs of white cotton crew socks and 10 cotton boxer shorts. Or maybe he's just a little obsessive.
Wow! That's A Lot Of Punctuation!
Ah yes, it's a weekend where I will be walking a walk for charity, but even though I can walk the walk, no charity will be given to the 2 new films bowing at a multiplex near you. Nope, if they deserve critical lambasting, then I shall be the lamb that bastes them!
The first lamb to the slaughter? Well, it's the latest Tom Clancy book starring Jack Ryan to make it to the big screen. The Sum Of All Fears has Ben Affleck picking up where Harrison Ford picked up for Alec Baldwin and starring as Jack Ryan.
Now before I pass judgment on this film, I think I want to see it again. Y'see, everyone in the group I was in thought it was a great, interesting film. I thought that it was simply a grown- up, less cartoonish version of Independence Day. Now that wouldn't be a bad thing if the film was clever, taut or gave us a reason to care other than the fact that we love the character of Jack Ryan.
But it doesn't,...at least it didn't the first time I saw it. I will definitely see it again soon as I love the character of Jack Ryan, but The Sum Of All Fears just didn't hook me and I have to admit that at one point during the film I was thinking that if a studio put together a box set of director Stephen Frears' films, they could call it "The Sum Of All Frears."
But then the movie hooked me again...
So a mixed review on The Sum Of All Fears after one viewing, but consider me back in line already!
After I see Undercover Brother again, that is! I don't suppose I'll laugh harder this summer, at least until I see Austin Powers in Goldmember.
Undercover Brother was hilarious! Just hilarious! It is to Blacksploitation films (a genre I love) as Austin Powers is to the James Bond franchise. The trailers, which are aimed at a least-common denominator audience, make the film seem less clever than it actually is. Undercover Brother needn't be a guilty pleasure - it's made with enough savvy to be appreciated on its own terms. There are laughs aplenty, and, as a bonus, viewers don't have to worry about being subjected to farts, urine, feces, semen, or any of the other foul substances that have overrun modern-day comedies.
As I said, and I quote: "I don't suppose I'll laugh harder this summer, at least until I see Austin Powers in Goldmember."
And that latter laughfest opens on July 26th!
In the interim, I am back in line this weekend to see if The Sum Of All Fears gets better the second time and to just laugh and enjoy myself watching the exploits of Undercover Brother. Maybe I'll see you there!
Enjoy the popcorn and I'll see you at the movies!
Street date alert
Wrapping up this week in Disc News, HBO has finally announced a street date for what they promise will be their biggest DVD set ever, the highly-acclaimed, Emmy-winning miniseries Band of Brothers. Arriving on November 19, watch for full specs soon.
...The Rolling Stones are planning a massive re-issue campaign of their first few releases.
JERRY'S RETURN?!?!
ABC is giving the greenlight to a new half-hour comedy based on the bestselling series of books, "Letters From a Nut," featuring introductions by Jerry Seinfeld.
The books feature writer Ted L. Nancy (who some, myself included, believe is actually Seinfeld) sending goofy letters to corporations and entertainment companies.
Sounds like a great idea for a show!
REHABBING
Diana Ross entering the Promises rehab center in Malibu, California, for unspecified "personal issues," according to her publicist. "Diana Ross voluntarily entered Promises to clear up some personal issues before she starts on a summer tour in both the U.S. and abroad," reads a statement. "She wants to be in great shape because she is someone who feels a sense of responsibility to her family and fans."
Not A Literal Trip! Just A Figurative One.
It's day 212 on the set of "The Matrix" sequels. Wanna take a trip to see what is going on?
This Proves The Old Addage That If You Put Out Stuff That People Want, They Will Buy It (PS To The Record Labels- Sales Are Down Because You Have Been Releasing Too Much Crap!)
The new Eminem CD shows that, contraray to what they are saying, that the music labels can prosper.
STAR WARS: EPISODE II EASTER EGGS
The Star Wars films are brimming with so much detail, that they require
multiple viewings to soak it all in. First time screenings are to watch
the main characters and the core story, but with subsequent viewings
it's hard not to let your eye wander and take in some of the extras.
Sometimes, the details are intentional elements meant to remind you how
the galaxy fits together. Other times, it's an unintentional flub that
illustrates the complexities of filmmaking (keep track of the color of
the clothes that Padmé packs on Coruscant in Episode II, for example).
And, on occasion, the filmmakers purposely put in a little visual joke
to reward sharp-eyed (or in some cases, sharp-eared) movie-goers.
Here's some of the things to watch for the next time you go to see
Attack of the Clones.
Trundling along the streets of Mos Espa as Anakin and Padmé
go to meet Watto is none other than R5-D4, the grumpy astromech
from Episode IV that blows its stack in front of Luke.
What has become a tradition of sorts is the "Wilhelm," the
affectionate moniker given to a very distinct scream sound effect
used in all of the Star Wars films (and quite a few non-Star Wars
films too). In A New Hope, it's the stormtrooper that plummets
down the Death Star chasm. In Episode II, it's a Naboo soldier
thrown in the opening explosion of the film.
The very first shot of Episode II has an homage to another
sci-fi classic as the camera tilts up to the crowded orbital
traffic of Coruscant. "That shot had been executed in 2001: A
Space Odyssey," explains John Knoll, one of Episode II's
Visual Effects Supervisors. "I put an Orion space plane
flying in there."
Star Wars continuity purists will have a hard time
explaining just how an X-wing fighter and TIE fighter got
into the speeder chase over Coruscant.
By now, many have spotted the familiar Millennium Falcon-style
Corellian freighters docked on Naboo. "It was George Lucas'
idea," says VFX Supervisor Pablo Helman. "He said something
like, 'should we dare go there?' And we did." In addition to
those saucer-shaped freighters, expanded universe fans might
be able to spot a Corellian bulk freighter, the same model as
Talon Karrde's Wild Karrde.
It appears that Fett genes and low headroom don't mix. In
an homage to the classic Star Wars misstep, wherein a
stormtrooper bangs his head on a low-hanging door, Jango
Fett also takes a wallop on the noggin -- complete with
sound effect -- as he enters the Slave I after
tangling with Obi-Wan.
"There's these big cow-like creatures called shaaks that
Anakin rides on Naboo," explains Knoll. "The shaaks got to
be a bit of a joke with the crew. I put one in the asteroid
sequence, in a reference to Ken Ralston [visual effects artist
in the classic trilogy] having put potatoes and tennis shoes
in space battle scenes previously. So there's a shaak there,
but it's got the asteroid shader on it with craters. You really
can't see it unless you start to look at it and see the
legs and snout."
"There may be a shaak on fire during the Clone War," hints
Ben Snow, another of Episode II's Visual Effects Supervisors.
"It was almost a competition. Can anyone get a shaak in
their scene?"
Of course, for every confirmed Easter Egg, there are dozens of imagined
ones (Luke's landspeeder? Sebulba? Darth Maul? Joey Fatone?). Keep a
close eye on the screen during your next viewing, but remember: your
eyes can deceive you; don't trust them.
Tiny Web Site
If you haven't seen it yet, here's your chance to view the world's smallest Web site.
The Fact The Someone Knows This Is A Bit Unnerving
Well before rapper Eminem's new record hit store shelves Sunday, it had already become the second-most-played CD in computer drives around the world, according to one closely watched measure. Want to know how?
The Fourth INDIANA JONES Movie Has A Release Date!
Coming Attractions is reporting that the OFFICIAL release date for the next INDIANA JONES movie will be July 5th, 2005. Apparently this is a very reliable source for them, and they say they "do not have any doubts" as to it's validity.
Director/writer Frank Darabont has officially signed to pen the script for the next Indy movie.
Here's to hoping the other three movies are out on DVD by then.
Theron Ready to Pull THE ITALIAN JOB
Charilize Theron is in negotiations to join Mark Wahlberg for THE ITALIAN JOB, a remake of the 1969 movie of the same name that starred Michael Caine and Benny Hill.
In the new version, which takes place in L.A. and Italy, Charlie's (Wahlberg) robber gang stages a traffic jam so that they can steal back a safe of gold that was stolen from them by a double-crossing associate. Theron would play Stella, a safecracker and driver. Stella's also Charlie's love interest and the daughter of his mentor.
Bowie Dusts Off 'Ziggy Stardust' Movie
Ziggy will soon play guitar again when Cowboy Pictures begins a national reissue of the David Bowie concert film "Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars."
The film will open July 10 at New York's Film Forum, followed by a national rollout this summer and fall.
D.A. Pennebaker ("Don't Look Back") captured Bowie's final live performance as Ziggy Stardust at the Hammersmith Odeon in London in 1973, filming Bowie both on stage and backstage.
Bowie's album "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars" celebrates its 30th anniversary June 6. To mark the occasion, EMI will release an enhanced version of the album containing an additional CD with outtakes and demos.
Bowie will release a new album, "Heathen," on June 11, the first release under a new distribution deal with Columbia Records. Additionally, the Museum of Television and Radio in both New York and Los Angeles will next month begin a three-month Bowie retrospective.
"X-Men 2" Lures Cumming to Role of Nightcrawler
While Marvel's wall crawler "Spider-Man" continues to rack up summer grosses for Sony, Fox has added a Nightcrawler to its Marvel franchise "X-Men."
Alan Cumming has signed to join the X-Men mutant superhero roster, playing a shadowy blue-tinted superhero with a tail whose great gift is the ability to teleport from one location to another. At the same time, "Tadpole" star Aaron Stanford has been set to play Pyro, a mutant who becomes part of the junior X-Men team. He has the ability to manipulate fire.
Once again directed by Bryan Singer, "X-Men 2" will begin production in Vancouver on June 17. Returning is the original good guy cast of Patrick Stewart, Halle Berry, James Marsden, Hugh Jackman, Anna Paquin and Famke Janssen. Also back is Ian McKellen as the villainous Magneto.
This Will Make Bruce Very, Very Happy!
An unreleased song is the highlight of a new Beach Boys collection.
Stay calm Bruce! Stay calm!
Patrick Stewart Talks STAR TREK X And X-MEN 2
He dismisses talk that Star Trek: Nemesis will mark his farewell to the 24th Century. "There's been a lot of gossip about this being the last Next Generation film. Those conversations are only happening in the fan community. As far as the studio is concerned, and our executive producer is concerned, and indeed as far as all of us are concerned, though we all have our own opinions and feelings, there is nothing official at all about it being the last."
"Although," Stewart concedes, smiling, "this would be a very appropriate way to take our leave of Star Trek. Everything about the ending of this movie has a sense of closure about it, but there is also a huge opportunity for a sequel to this movie just sitting there, should it be taken up. And my feeling is that with Paramount it will totally be a matter of profits. If this film does really well, there will be another one. And that will continue, so long as they do well. The first time one does badly then, `Clang!' We shall be put out to graze."
Not that the passing of Jean-Luc Picard weighs too heavily on Stewart. With X-Men 2 looming, he's in the enviable position of juggling two blockbusting fantasy franchises. "The script for X-Men 2 is very different in tone from the first one, which in any case I always felt was just an extended trailer. It was sort of `This is who the X-Men are, this is the kind of thing that they do, and that's all we can tell you for now.' It was an establishing movie."
No More After GOLDMEMBER
Mindy Sterling, who plays Frau Farbissina, says in a sad tone, "I'm told this is the last Austin film, but I certainly hope there's a four, five, six and seven. These movies are so much fun and I think we need to laugh these days."
Sterling divulges, MINOR SPOILER ALERT, "The most hilarious new character is Goldmember who is one of Dr. Evil's entourage. He's a big bad guy."
Contrary to rumors, he isn't gold-plated. "It was definitely a huge makeup job for Mike Myers to play him. Let me just say that he dresses in gold and he's really tan." Many of her scenes are with Caine, who plays Austin's swinging pop. "He gets kidnapped by Dr. Evil. It's about Austin getting him back," she says, adding that the babes are in for double the trouble. "Austin's dad is also a babe magnet. Frau is actually turned on by him. I cannot say how far she goes or if it becomes a love triangle with Dr. Evil."
Our bet is on Dr. Evil. "I love that bald, sexy look," she says. Sterling admits that her toughest scenes were making love to Evil. "Mike Myers just looks at me in his evil, sexy way and I want to laugh until I cry, but I can't cry or my makeup will run. It's a horrible dilemma."
Another UNDERCOVER BROTHER
The movie doesn't hit theaters until Friday, but according to columnists Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith plans are already in the works at Universal for a sequel to Eddie Griffin's "Undercover Brother".
Usually, says Griffin, "a studio will say, 'If the picture does such and such, and performs in such and such a way, we'll make a follow-up.' But producer Brian Grazer has already talked to me about a sequel, and I've said, 'Hell, yes!' " He says his role, spun off from the satirical series about a top operative working at a secret organization, "is one of the funniest characters I've ever played."
Griffin expects to make the sequel next year and adds that he would want John Ridley back to write the script. "His sensibility is a monster on the first 'Undercover' movie."
MOURNED
Mildred Wirt Benson, journalist and original author of Nancy Drew, the popular children's mystery series about a young sleuth which captivated a generation of young girls, died Tuesday in Toledo, Ohio. She was 96.
AMERICA'S MAYOR
Oscar-nominated actor James Woods has signed on to play former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani in "Rudy!", a two-hour cable movie to air later this year on USA Network about his tenure in office, climaxing with the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Eminem's New CD Debuts Atop Charts
Eminem's new album made its debut at No. 1 on the album charts, according to figures released Wednesday.
"The Eminem Show," featuring the song "Without Me," sold about 285,000 copies for the sales week ending Sunday — the day it was officially made available for sale.
The album was originally set for release June 4, but it was bootlegged so heavily that his label, Interscope Records, moved the sale date up to Tuesday. Late last week, they took the unusual step of making the record available to retailers two days earlier, and the album reportedly was made available as early as Friday at some stores.
The disc is Eminem's follow-up to his Grammy-winning disc, "The Marshall Mathers LP," which sold a then unprecedented 1.7 million copies in its first week of release in 2000.
E! Busts Out with Anna Nicole Smith Bio Series
From aging rocker to embattled Playmate: The first new cable bio series to follow MTV's hit "The Osbournes" will center on Anna Nicole Smith.
E! Networks has greenlit a weekly half-hour reality-based series revolving around the busty model-widow for a late July or early August debut. "The Anna Nicole Smith Show" likely will air in a 10 p.m. slot on a to-be-determined night.
An E! executive said the network got the idea before "The Osbournes" became a cultural phenomenon.
After an edition of "True Hollywood Story" featuring Smith continued to generate ratings success after several repeats, E! initially considered a "THS" spinoff before opting for a project based purely on Smith's life. "The Osbournes"' success gave the network more confidence in that direction.
"No one will ever believe it, but we started thinking about this project before 'The Osbournes' hit. Obviously when that show came in, ours became a much better idea to us," said Mark Sonnenberg, E! executive VP of entertainment.
The series will follow Smith, her teenage son, her attorney and her assistant in their not-so-everyday Los Angeles-based life.
"Five minutes of life through the eyes of Anna Nicole is more fascinating than an entire lifetime for some people," Sonnenberg added. "She packs a lot in."
Borland rebuffs Durst's invite to rejoin Bizkit
Despite Fred Durst's bizarre online appeals for ex-bandmate Wes Borland to return to the fold, the guitarist is in no hurry to rejoin Limp Bizkit.
Durst recently posted Borland's personal e-mail address and told fans to drop him a line, asking him to rejoin the group, which has been holding open auditions for a replacement.
Borland was not amused, appearantly he didn't appreciate his personal e-mail being posted.
And anyway, most of the fans who sent him mail encouraged him NOT to reunite with Durst and company.
"Although I did not read the hundreds of e-mails themselves, I took time to browse over the subject titles," Borland wrote. "75% or more of all the e-mails pleaded for me not to return. I was amazed. Thank you all for the support. You again have let me know that you agree with my decision".
More Murray On DVD
A catalog title that I have been waiting for has just been announced from Columbia TriStar! Bill Murray's first foray into dramatic acting, "The Razor's Edge," will arrive on August 20th! Presented in 2.40:1 anamorphic widescreen and Dolby Digital 4.0 surround, extras are minimal, including filmographies, production notes and a trailer, plus the usual bad new Columbia box art.
Now if I could only recieve release announcements for "Strange Brew" and "Quick Change" everything would be all right!
There Are Some Fun Goodies On The "Vanilla Sky" DVD
Paramount Home Entertainment has hidden some additional footage on their release of the Tom Cruise flick 'Vanilla Sky.'
From the disc’s Main Menu, go to the 'Special Features.' There, select the 'Photo Galleries' and once you get to that menu, highlight the 'Special Features' menu entry. Press the 'Right' arrow key now on your remote control to highlight David’s mask. If you press 'Enter' now you will be treated to about six minutes of outtakes and additional footage.
HARRY SITUATION
Director Chris Columbus, who helmed the first two Harry Potter films, reportedly not returning for the third installment because he wants to move his family back to America from England, according to London's Times. Warner Bros. executives are now talking with director Alfonso Cuaron (Y Tu Mama Tambien, A Little Princess) about taking over the job.
Ozzy's Daughter Covers Madonna
The daughter of stadium-packing rock star Ozzy Osbourne may have a hit of her own soon, covering an artist quite unlike her dad.
Kelly Osbourne has released a remake of Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach" as part of the soundtrack album from the family's hit MTV reality series. "The Osbournes," the highest-rated series in MTV history, follows the daily life of dad Ozzy, mom Sharon, 17-year-old Kelly and 16-year-old Jack.
Kelly Osbourne has never had a singing lesson and did not plan on a recording career, but the Madonna fan said she's pleased with the results.
"I was really surprised at how well it turned out," Osbourne told reporters. "When I hear it on the radio, I'm like I still can't believe that I have a song on the radio."
It wasn't supposed to be Kelly's song, though. Her 18-year-old sister Aimee, known as the mysterious Osbourne because of her refusal to take part in the MTV series, picked the song.
"She was originally supposed to sing it, but didn't want to. And it was her idea for me to do it," Osbourne said.
And what does Madonna think of Osbourne's version of her 1986 hit?
"I heard she liked the song but I don't really believe it until, like, you hear it firsthand," Osbourne said.
As for her family's hit TV show, Osbourne said copycat shows are a "stupid" idea.
"People like it so much. It's because it was like a first-time thing. And it was just us being us," she said. "Any other family who would ever do it, they would try and compare it to us, and it might not live up to the expectations that people have."
Carolina (Hartford) Advances To Their First Stanley Cup Final
I am saddened!
I am devastated!
Not only did my beloved Leafs get eliminated from The Stanley Cup Playoffs last night, but within 10 seconds of Carolina scoring the power went off in my apartment!
The lights went out on the Leafs season, and then the lights went out in my apartment.
In my moment of sadness I was alone in the dark with just that.
Alone, alone, alone...
I remain devastated even as I write this, almost an hour after the 45 minute power outage.
Sniff, sniff!
I guess we'll get 'em next year!
Dan Reynish
Eminem- "The Eminem Show" (Aftermath/Interscope)
Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?
On "The Eminem Show" - the follow-up to the 8-million-selling "The Marshall Mathers LP" - he's by turns a bad-boy rapper, a sensitive father, a neglected son and a disaffected American.
At its best - which is most of the time - the 20-track disc spotlights Eminem in peak form with clever lines and fierce delivery.
At its worse, it's predictable posturing with swaggering talk of self-importance, guns and the usual potty-mouth rants.
The Detroit rapper is angrier than ever, but he swings wildly from mood to mood on this more personal disc.
Album opener "White America" echoes "The Real Slim Shady," stressing at once his popularity and his persecution.
In "Without Me," Eminem rightly points out the hip-hop world "feels so empty without me."
We see Eminem at his corniest in "Hailie's Song," a doting number he wrote for his daughter. But the venom flows again when he lashes out at the government, his ex-wife Kim and - most chillingly - his mom.
"Remember when Ronnie died and you said you wished it were me? Well, guess what, I am dead. Dead to you as I can be," he spits in "Cleaning Out My Closet."
The posing and misogynism are tiresome, but "The Eminem Show," while flawed, proves that Eminem deserves to be master of ceremonies.
Tucker Sees Pink
Chris Tucker is the latest actor to read for the part of Inspector Closeau in the remake of THE PINK PANTHER, which Peter Sellers made famous. Tucker read for the part on Thursday with director Ivan Reitman and other MGM execs. If Tucker wins the role, he would be the first African American actor to take on the role, following Sellers, Roger Moore, and Alan Arkin.
So Why, Exactly, Do C3P0 and R2-D2 Not Remember Obi-Wan Et Al In STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE?
E! Daily News interviewed Star Wars creator George Lucas and finally got an answer on the mystery surrounding what R2-D2 and C-3PO should and shouldn't remember of their adventures in the prequels.
A slight SPOILER warning is given for what Lucas had to say...
"Well, one, his brains have, his memory system has been erased and so has R2's. So, they don't remember anything from the first trilogy. I'm telling you something from Episode III, but I shouldn't be telling you that, but I think most of the fans already know that."
Two More Actors Join X-MEN 2
As Bryan Singer gears up to begin work on X
An acrobatic little sprite, Nightcrawler sports a prehensile tail and uses inhuman agility and acrobatic skills to flummox his foes. Add the fact that he can teleport in a puff of smoke and you've got one slippery customer.
Joining Nightcrawler in the sequel's superhuman line-up is Pyro, a mutant with the ability to control fire - observant souls may remember a brief cameo in one of X-Men's classroom scenes. Played by relative newcomer Aaron Stanford, Pyro is best known as a villainous mutant rather than a super hero but, for the film's purposes, he'll be getting caught up with the good guy this time around.
A New WW Candidate?
"Enough" star Jennifer Lopez told MTV recently that if she could be any superhero she would like to be Wonder Woman. "I kind of look like Wonder Woman right now," added the singer/actress.
In The Old Days, One Of These CD's May Have Sold A Million!
Prior to the sharing of music files, one of this week's new CD's would have come close to the all- time sales record for the first week of a new release. Nowadays, the latest release from Eminem, will likely only do around 600,000 units.
If it does less than that, expect to hear several record company insiders, the ones who keep leaking the music in the first place, sprout off at the mouth about how internet users keep stealing music.
Oh well, hopefuly the Eminem disc will sell over 600,000 units and keep everybody happy...
Including the Eminem disc, here are the new CD releases for Tuesday, May 28th, 2002:
* BAD COMPANY OST Bad Company (Hollywood)
* DEADSY Commencement (DreamWorks)
* EMINEM The Eminem Show (Interscope)
* FREESTYLERS Pressure Point (Hollywood)
* GREENWHEEL Soma Holiday (Island)
* JEFFREY LEWIS The Last Time I Did Acid I Went Insane And Other Favorites (Sanctuary Records)
* JOHNNY CASH Kindred Spirits
* KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Alive or Just Breathing? (Roadrunner)
* MARC JORDAN Living In Marina Del Rey & Other Stories (EMI)
* QUARASHI Jinx (Columbia)
* SEVEN WITCHES Xiled To Infinity and One (Sanctuary Records)
* SOMETHING CORPORATE Leaving Through The Window (MCA)
* THE SOMATICS The Somatics (Beggars Group)
* TOMMY LEE Never A Dull Moment (MCA)
* TRICKY A Ruff Guide To Tricky
* UNDERCOVER BROTHER OST Undercover Brother (MCA)
* VIRGIN STEELE The Book Of Burning (Sanctuary Records)
* VIRGIN STEELE Hymns To Victory (Sanctuary Records)
Today Will Be A Record Breaking Day
No matter how you slice it, the biggest selling DVD in the history of the format goes on sale today. Even before it even hits the shelves, I can tell you that it will usurp Shrek as the Number One All- Time DVD.
And that makes me sad. But short of buying 3 to 4 million Shrek DVD's, what can I do?
I can buy the much delayed Memento: Special Edition DVD, thats what I can do. Unless it gets delayed again...
Let's get to today's new releases before I get mad!
Here are the new DVD and Video releases for Tuesday, May 28th, 2002:
FIRST UP, THE BIGGIES
Memento: Special Edition- If you don't know what it's about, then just go and pick it up! Do it now!!!
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone- A young child joins school that trains witches and wizards. (Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson)
Slackers- Geek blackmails cheaters to woo heart of girl. (Devon Sawa, Jason Schwartzman, Laura Prepon)
Firestarter 2: Rekindled- A sequel to Stephen King's Firestarter. (Malcolm McDowell, Marguerite Moreau, Danny Nucci)
Rare Birds- Two man fake rare bird sightings to help their restaurant. (William Hurt, Andy Jones, Molly Parker)
AND ALL THE REST
The 10th Kingdom (2 Disc Collector's Set)
Aladdin And The Adventure Of All Time
Alice In Wonderland
Alone
Animal Alphabet
Animal Numbers
Arabian Nights
Dark Blue World (Widescreen)
Dunston Checks In
The Eccentricities Of A Nightingale
An Enemy Of The People
An Erotic Vampire In Paris
Fighting Ace
First Blood (Special Edition)
The Game Of Death
The Gift Of Love
Hammerlock
Hollow Man (Superbit)
Home Team
Jason And The Argonauts
Kiss Of The Tarantula
Kung Fu For Sale
Lightning Kung Fu
Macho Man
The Man From Snowy River
The Master Of The Rings
Merlin
MLB: Rising Stars
Mountain Bike: Third Down
The Odyssey
The Pagemaster
Passion
The Patriot (Superbit)
Pressure Point
Redemption
Resfest: Best Of Shorts Vol. 1
Roughnecks: The Homefront Campaign
Roughnecks: The Klendathu Campaign
Run The Wild Fields
Silver Lode
Starship Troopers (Special Edition)
State Property
Sting Of The Dragon Master
Storm In Summer
Swordsman With An Umbrella
Termination Man
Thousand Mile Escort
Traffic (Criterion Collection)
Who Wants To Be An Erotic Billionaire
Wishing Tree
WWF: NWO - Back In Black
My Mother Still Watches The Show Every Night
Fred Durst Makes Plea To Get Borland Back In Bizkit
Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst has made a plea to Wes Borland, the band's former guitarist, to return to the band. "We are hoping Wes will come back and surprise us one day soon...We miss him, but he's doing his thing and he's supposedly really happy," wrote the Bizkit frontman on the band's website.
"Email Wes and tell him to come back to his family."
Gimme Some Money
With "Star Wars: Episode II- Attack Of The Clones" in the driver's seat Hollywood has enjoyed it's biggest weekend ever.
Trekkies Bid on the Holy Grail
One rich Trekkie this summer will be able to say with confidence, "I have the conn."
Captain Kirk's command chair -- from which he maintained "conn" (control of the bridge) -- was created at Desilu Culver Studios 38 years ago. It will be sold at auction in mid-June by Beverly Hills, California, dealer Profiles In History.
Lend an ear: Reservoir Dogs is coming to DVD (again), more brutal than ever.
Featured on the 10th anniversary special edition, due Aug. 27, are two never-seen camera angles of the infamous ear-cutting scene. Director/writer/star Quentin Tarantino had shot the scene from three angles and opted for the least gruesome of the bunch.
"You don't actually see any carnage, you just hear it, which is why I've always wondered why that scene has become so memorable," says Michael Madsen, who wields the knife on a captive cop. "It's become the focal point of any conversation about Reservoir Dogs. I've made 65 films, but nobody wants to talk about anything other than that scene. They'll probably write that on my tombstone."
The ear scenes (one a close-up) are just the most sensational "extras" about the film. Other extras include scenes of typical Tarantino banter; new interviews with all the principals, including one with real-life ex-con Eddie Bunker; and rare footage of key scenes rehearsed at a Sundance Directors' Lab workshop in 1991.
And, for major fans, there will be a rainbow of DVD covers representing main characters' nicknames for the heist: Mr. Brown (Tarantino), Mr. Blonde (Madsen), Mr. Blue (Bunker), Mr. Orange (Tim Roth), Mr. White (Harvey Keitel) and Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi).
It's A Long Weekend In America
If you are wondering who did what at the box office this weekend, there won't be any numbers released by the studios until later today as it is the Memorial Day Long Weekend in The U.S.
But although I don't have any official numbers yet, I can tell you that "Star Wars: Episode II- Attack of the Clones" is on its on its way to beating the $200 million mark by the end of the holiday weekend.
The latest in the "Star Wars" franchise pulled $18.1 million Saturday, which combined with Friday's $12.8 million, adds up to more than $172 million in box office receipts since it opened Thursday, May 16.
Meanwhile, "Spider-Man" crossed the $300 million mark in total box office Friday, as expected. The film drew $7.3 million Friday and $11.4 million Saturday.
"Insomnia" opened Friday, beating out fellow new films "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" and "Enough" for third place. "Insomnia" pulled $7.9 million Saturday, and $6 million Friday, while "Spirit" grossed $7.0 and $4.5 million, respectively. Jennifer Lopez's "Enough" landed in fifth place, drawing $5 million Saturday and $4.5 million Friday.
Universal's "About a Boy" held in the top 10, placing sixth Saturday with $2.8 million, followed by "Unfaithful's" $2.3 million and "The New Guy's" $1.6 million. "Changing Lanes" and"My Big Fat Greek Wedding" placed eight and ninth, respectively.
Tomorrow's Best Bets
After setting box office records last year and setting DVD sales records in England already, Harry Potter comes home tomorrow. But he isn't the only reason to buy some new discs this week!
Released in America 2 weeks ago, the MEMENTO: SPECIAL EDITION DVD that I have been waiting for will finally see the light of day in Canada tomorrow.
Or will it? IT BETTER!!! I have cleared my whole day for it.
Either way, whether I am happy or not, here are the new DVD's scheduled for release on Tuesday, May 28th, 2002.
Memento: Limited Edition- I highly frown on movies coming out with deluxe DVD editions so soon after the original release. (They really should put everything out at the same time whenever possible, so fans can choose which one they want.) Having said that, this beautifully packaged set gets top marks for clever extras and a menu that makes you answer clues just to access all the special features. Needless to say, I support this release, even if it does come so close after the release of the original one.
Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone- This DVD finally arrives to placate those who've already read the first four books, the jokey paperbacks about Quidditch and ferocious creatures, the unauthorized bios of J.K. Rowling, and simply can't wait until Harry Potter 2 opens November 15. Marvelous casting - from the children to the all-star British supporting roles - saves this rather stiff rendition. It's so faithful to the text, you'd think you were watching one of those tiresome Biblical epics instead of a quick-witted fantasy film. For me, Alan Rickman (currently triumphing on Broadway in "Private Lives") steals every scene as Professor Snape. (And don't even ask about Book Five - that's been pushed back till next year.) Stop complaining and leave the poor woman alone. Maybe if she takes her time, she'll actually let someone edit her text this go-round and we won't suffer the niggling mistakes and overlong ramblings of Book Four.
Traffic- I was rooting for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon's Ang Lee over this movie and Gladiator, but I can't help being happy for Steven Soderbergh's win as Best Director. Visually, this is exciting, in-your-face moviemaking and well worth the imprimatur of a Criterion special edition. Warren Beatty in the Michael Douglas role? That's one of the many possibilities covered in the extras from one of the best directors working today.
Rambo Trilogy Special Edition- With a new wave of post 9/11 patriotism, perhaps now is a fortuitous time for a reissue of Rambo's oeuvre. Demoralized and betrayed in First Blood, vengeful in Rambo II, and cartoonish action hero in Rambo III, Sylvester Stallone's second most memorable creation gives vent to every level of righteous indignation you could ask for. But what tone will he strike for the recently revived sequel Rambo IV?
EMINEM SHOW STOPPER
Nearly 30 people were injured during a mosh pit stampede as Eminem performed Saturday at a Washington, D.C., concert. Most of the injuries were minor. One man suffered a heart attack but was reportedly stabilized at a local hospital. The concert resumed after a 10-minute delay.
Meanwhile, the rapper's long-awaited, much-bootlegged new album, The Eminem Show, went on sale Sunday. The album had originally been scheduled to be released June 4.
Dixie Chicks Release Sony Single
It looks like the Dixie Chicks may be closer to settling their differences with Sony Music than many had originally thought. According to Billboard, Sony digitally delivered the Chicks' new single, "Long Time Gone," to country radio just prior to the trio's performance of the song on VH1 Divas Live on May 23.
The single is the first from the Chicks' upcoming album Home, tentatively set for release August 27 on Sony's Monument label.
In Case You Haven't Noticed
The Summer Movie Season is in full swing.
Myers Borrows Themes for 'Powers'
Mike Myers says he likes the style of 1970s blaxploitation films, and he's borrowing from the genre for the third "Austin Powers" movie.
"It's such a yummy flavor — the language, the music, the cinematography — and the clothes are so cool," Myers said.
Beyonce Knowles of Destiny's Child co-stars as Foxxy Cleopatra with Myers in "Austin Powers in Goldmember," which opens July 26.
Myers isn't the only one looking back at blaxploitation films.
Opening Friday is "Undercover Brother," an action-comedy that spoofs the genre. The era produced such films as "Shaft," "Foxy Brown," and "Super Fly."
THE EARLY, EARLY SHOW
Eminem, having already bumped up his album release to combat Internet pirates, once again moving up the release date of The Eminem Show to Sunday, this Sunday, May 26.
Coming Soon To A Music Store Near You
It's Summer time! That means the livin' is easy and the new music releases are plentiful.
To help you keep track of all the new CD's on the horizon, here's a weekly chart starting from Tuesday through to the end of August. These are highlights only and both release dates and album titles are not carved in stone.
MAY 28 RELEASES
* Eminem, The Eminem Show
* Bryan Ferry, Frantic
* Tricky, A Ruff Guide To Tricky
* Something Corporate, Leaving Through The Window
* Killswitch Engage, Alive Or Just Breathing?
* The Freestylers, Pressure Point
JUNE 4 RELEASES
* Brian Wilson and guests, Pet Sounds Live
* Tift Merritt, Bramble Rose
* MC Mario, Sun Factory 3
* Los Lobos, Good Morning Aztlan
* Avril Lavigne, Let Go
* Doves, The Last Broadcast
* Meshell Ndegeocello, Cookie: The Anthropological Mix Tape
* P18, Electropica
* Donell Jones, Life Goes On
* DJ Shadow, Private Press
* David Sylvian, Camphor
* INXS, The Best Of INXS
* Jesus & Mary Chain, 21 Singles
* Various Artists, The Sum Of All Fears soundtrack
* Various Artists, Music From And Inspired By Scooby-Doo
* Nashville Pussy, Say Something Nasty
* Dirty Vegas, Dirty Vegas
JUNE 11 RELEASES
* Korn, Untouchables
* The Tragically Hip, In Violet Light
* David Bowie, Heathen
* They Might Be Giants, No!
* Molly Johnson, Another Day
* Holly McNarland, Home Is Where My Feet Are
* Orbital, Work
* Ralph Stanley, Ralph Stanley
* Stompin' Tom Connors, Ode For The Road
* New Found Glory, Sticks And Stones
* Boyz II Men, Full Circle
* Duke Ellington, Duke Ellington: Live And Rare (three-CD set)
* Lil Romeo, Game Time
* Raphael Saadiq, Instant Vintage
* The Proclaimers, The Best Of (Three New Songs)
* Marco Beltrami, The Dangerous Lives Of Altar Boys soundtrack
JUNE 18 RELEASES
* Our Lady Peace, Gravity
* Wyclef Jean, Masquerade
* Jerry Cantrell, Degradation Trip
* Papa Roach, Lovehatetragedy
* Judy Garland, The Best Of (Two-CD Anniversary Package)
* Belly, Sweet Ride: The Best Of
* Anastacia, Freak Of Nature
* Master T, Reggae Vibes Session 1
* David Charvet (of Baywatch fame), Leap Of Faith
* Various Artists, Minority Report soundtrack
* Various Artists, Lilo & Stitch soundtrack
JUNE 25 RELEASES
* Will Smith, Born To Reign
* Various artists, The Osbourne Family Album
* Red Hot Chili Peppers, By The Way
* Sonic Youth, Murray Street
* Nelly, Nellyville
* Ozzy Osbourne, Live At The Budokhan
* Fatboy Slim, Live On Brighton Beach
* Dream Warriors, The Legacy Continues
* Roland Gift, Roland Gift
* Slayer, Undisputed Attitude
* Aerosmith, The Ultimate hits
* Orbital, Back To Mine
* Juliana Hatfield, Gold Stars 92-02
* Eliades Ochoa, Estoy Como Nunca
* Chumbawamba, Readymades
* Reel Big Fish, Cheer Up
* Michelle Wright, Shut Up And Kiss Me
* SheDaisy, Knock On The Sky
* Scorpions, A Savage Crazy World
JULY 2 RELEASES
* Oasis, Heathen Chemistry
* Silverchair, Diorama
* Jarvis Church, Shake It Off
* Green Day, Shenanigans
* Morcheeba, Charango
* Grand Funk Railroad, Live: The 1971 Tour
* Aaron Tippin, I Believed
* The Roots, TBA
* Various Artists, Men In Black II soundtrack
JULY 9 RELEASES
* Counting Crows, Hard Candy
* Junior Kimbrough, You Better Run: The Essential Junior Kimbrough
* Adam Gregory, Workin' On It
* Bowling For Soup, Drunk Enough To Dance
* Mobb Deep, Songs From Murda Muzik
* Luis Fonsi, Fight The Feeling
JULY 16 RELEASES
* Robert Plant, Dream Land
* The Vines, Highly Evolved
* Beth Orton, Daybreaker
* Dave Matthews Band, Busted Stuff
* David Bowie, The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spider From Mars
* Linda Thompson, Fashionably Late
* Lovher, To Know Her Is To Loveher
* The Flaming Lips, Yoshimi Vs. The Pink Robots
* Various Artists, Stuart Little 2 soundtrack
* Various Artists, Austin Powers 3 soundtrack
JULY 23 RELEASES
* Danko Jones, Born A Lion
* Solomon Burke, Don't Give Up On Me
* O-Town, O2
* Alexandra Slate, Edge Of The Girl
* Diamond Rio, Completely
* Abra Moore, No Fear
* The Holmes Brothers, Righteous! The Essential Collection
* Brett James, TBA
* Tortoise, TBA
JULY 30 RELEASES
* Linkin Park, Reanimation
* Uncle Kracker, No Stranger To Shame
* Filter, The Amalgamut
* Fear Factory, Concrete
* 30 Seconds To Mars, 30 Seconds To Mars
* Rage Against The Machine, TBA
* Darius Rucker, Back To Then
AUGUST 6 RELEASES
* Solange Knowles, Solo Star
* Whitney Houston, TBA
* Rascalz, TBA
* Vertical Horizon, TBA
* Alabama, TBA
* Heather Headly, TBA
AUGUST 13 RELEASES
* Sparta, The Wiretap Scars
* Beatsteaks, Living Targets
* Splender, To Whom It May Concern
* Jade Anderson, Dive Deeper
* Loudermilk, The Red Record
AUGUST 20 RELEASES
* Queens Of The Stone Age, Songs For The Deaf
* Flipmode Squad, The Rulership Movement
* Andy Slochansky, Five Star Hotel
* Various Artists, Scrubs soundtrack
* The Wilkinsons, TBA
* Monica, TBA
AUGUST 27 RELEASES
* Division Of Laura Lee, Black City
* Jeffrey Steele, Somethin' In The Water
* Dropkick Murphys, TBA (live album)
* Lyric, TBA
* More August Releases
* Third Eye Blind, Crystal Ballet
SUMMER RELEASES TBA
* Coldplay, A Rush Of Blood To The Head
* Anne Murray, Country Croonin'
* Dayna Manning TBA
* Blondie, TBA
* The Fixx, TBA
* Anthrax, TBA
* Aaron Neville, TBA
Lucas Reissues Theme for EPISODE III
This Will Make It Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice
In an interview with Fox News, Michael Keaton said that he's spoken to Tim Burton, and if greenlit, both are ready to do a sequel to 1988's BEETLEJUICE. No other names were mentioned as being involved. Between this and a possible cameo as Batman in the CATWOMAN movie, this is good news to Keaton fans.
Hole is Officially Dead
While many Hole fans have assumed that the band has been disbanded since 1999, lead singer Courtney Love and musician Eric Erlandson announced yesterday that they are officially done. Said Love, "I will always treasure the time we played together. Eric has been an important part of my family for over 10 years and he'll continue to be a part of my life." Erlandson added, "We're incredibly proud of the music we've made together, but it seems like time for both of us to move on."
This Is The Best New Movie You Will See This Weekend
If you are looking for an entertaining film to watch this weekend but don't feel like leaving the house, then I have your answer. Click on and enjoy Lego's "The Han Solo Affair."
You won't have a bad feeling about it!
Britney Spears may be joining the cast of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER next season.
Britney Spears is rerportedly set to spook fellow blonde babe Sarah Michelle Gellar in hit TV show Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
The singer is reported to be appearing in six episodes of the teen series' next season as a nightmarish demon pitted against Gellar's do-gooding, undead- battling Buffy. An insider is quoted in British newspaper the Daily Star as saying, "This will be an amazing sight. Britney and Sarah Michelle Gellar are two of the world's most gorgeous girls. Millions will tune in to see the two of them fighting in their trademark figure- hugging outfits." Britney is hoping to consolidate her acting career following her debut feature Crossroads earlier this year.
Jennifer Love Hewitt vocalizes all men's thoughts and makes feminists scream.
The curvacious Jennifer Love Hewitt thinks more sexy stars should strip down on screen - because it makes movies more interesting. The tempting Hollywood beauty, who shot to fame in the teen horror flick I Know What You Did Last Summer, admits she jumps at every chance to squeeze her curvaceous physique into skimpy outfits, because she's confident her audience will enjoy it. She says, "It comes with the territory. Who wants to go to a movie and see a girl running around in sweats three sizes too big? Nobody. I get it. I put on small tops everyday knowing that as I'm crawling around with the camera down my chest, it was all in good fun. It's eye candy."
Yummy!
Enjoy The Popcorn And I'll See You At The Movies!
PS- Our regular weekend preview returns next week!
This Movie Is One I Want To See
Fox has moved "Daredevil" to February.
Aerosmith Finalizes Best-Of Tracklist
Aerosmith hasn't yet named its new greatest hits collection, due June 25 from Columbia, but the tracklist for the double-disc set has been finalized. The 30-song set spans the Boston-based rock outfit's legendary career, beginning with "Mama Kin" and "Dream On" from its 1973 self-titled debut album. Two new songs, "Girls of Summer" and "Lay It Down," round out the collection.
Throughout, the band sprinkles 18 top-40 Billboard Hot 100 hits, from "comeback" era favorites such as "Janie's Got a Gun" and "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)" to more recent fare such as "I Don't Want To Miss a Thing" and "Jaded." Remixed versions of "Draw the Line," "Pink," and "Just Push Play" are also included.
The album achieves bassist Tom Hamilton's goal of covering "the whole gamut" of Aerosmith's career. "People love compilations," he told Billboard.com last month. "It's usually delineated by what record company we were with. You have the Geffen era, then the Columbia era. I was thinking of the term pre-Columbian. Isn't that an archeological term [laughs]? So we've got early Columbian, Geffen, then we've got neo-Columbian."
As previously reported, Aerosmith is planning to return to the road this summer. The group has also confirmed a June 27 concert in Tokyo as part of the festivities surrounding this year's World Cup soccer tournament.
Here is the tracklist for the album:
Disc one:
"Mama Kin"
"Dream On"
"Same Old Song and Dance"
"Seasons of Wither"
"Walk This Way"
"Big Ten Inch Record"
"Sweet Emotion"
"Last Child"
"Back in the Saddle"
"Draw the Line" (remix)
"Dude (Looks Like a Lady)"
"Angel"
"Rag Doll"
"Janie's Got a Gun"
"Love in an Elevator"
"What It Takes"
Disc two:
"The Other Side"
"Livin' on the Edge"
"Cryin'"
"Amazing"
"Deuces Are Wild"
"Crazy"
"Falling in Love (Is Hard on the Knees)"
"Pink" (South Beach remix)
"I Don't Want To Miss a Thing"
"Jaded"
"Just Push Play" (radio remix)
"Walk This Way"
"Girls of Summer"
"Lay It Down"
The Star Wars Films You Remember May Never Appear On DVD
Cinescape has posted a note about a recent interview with George Lucas in Star Wars Insider magazine, in which he seems to indicate that the original theatrical versions of the Star Wars Trilogy will not be released on DVD, basically because he doesn't feel that they exist anymore.
In other words, his revised special editions, however they ultimately turn out, will be the final versions of these films. Strangely, we've heard many reports of comments to the contrary by producer Rick McCallum from his presentation at the recent Star Wars Celebration convention in Indianapolis.
Thankfully I recently bought them on video!
Aww, Da Howwa, Da Hawwa
The good folks at MGM continue to put most of the other studios to shame when it comes to serving up their horror, sci-fi and cult titles with new widescreen transfers and plenty of extras all at a reasonable price (take note, Columbia and Paramount), they've got another batch of great stuff coming on August 27.
Leading the pack is a fave of horror buffs everywhere, one of the few horror-comedies of the 80's that actually worked, Return of the Living Dead. Featuring a new 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, extras include an audio commentary with director Dan O'Bannion and production designer William Stout, the "Designing The Dead" featurette, a still gallery and the trailer. Also debuting on 8/27 is the nasty cult classic Last House on the Left, presented in its uncut version and in 1.85;1 anamorphic widescreen, with a new audio commentary by Wes Craven and the trailer. Last but not least we have Vampire's Kiss, also in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, English 2.0 stereo, and featuring a first-ever audio commentary by Nicolas Cage. Retail is a low $14.95 each.
Other goodies coming on August 27 include Needful Things, Anthony Perkins in Edge of Sanity, and the cult horror of The Believers. Each is presented in anamorphic widescreen with English 2.0 surround tracks plus English, French and Spanish subtitles, plus trailers. Retail is $14.95 a pop.
MGM will also unleash a big wave of horror double features, amazingly also priced at $14.95 and according to the specs, all in anamorphic widescreen: The Oblong Box and Scream and Scream Again, Teen Wolf and Teen Wolf Too, Masque of the Red Death and The Premature Burial, Motel Hell and Deranged, and proving someone at MGM has a sense of humor, The Attic and The Crawlspace.
Yeah, Teen Wolf! Well done, MGM!
Seriously! Who wants to go with me?!?
Music legend Neil Diamond is going out on a mini- Canadian tour.
I mean it! Who will go with me?
FORCED OUT
Electronic Media is reporting that CNN was uninvited to a press junket for "Star Wars: Episode II--Attack of the Clones" at George Lucas' Skywalker Ranch, after Connie Chung did a taped segment that described The Phantom Menace as "a disappointment."
DIDDY DO IT
Sean "P. Diddy" Combs scoring a number-one debut with his new disc We Invented the Remix, selling 256,000 copies in its first week. Cam'ron, Weezer, Moby and Rush also scored top 10 debuts this week.
TOUR TRAGEDY
Britain's New Musical Express Website reporting that Southern California rock band Alien Ant Farm was involved in a bus crash in Spain early Wednesday morning while en route to Lisbon, Portugal, for a show. The bus driver was said to have died in the crash, while frontman Dryden Mitchell and bassist Tye Zamora were taken to the hospital. Those injuries were reportedly not life-threatening.
The Only 24 You'll See This Summer Is Beer
If you were planning to watch the Keifer Sutherland show "24" in reruns, you, like me, are S.O.L. Fox will not show "24" again anytime soon.
One word: Booooo!!!
It was 10 years ago today that Johnny Carson walked away.
Even in retirement, Johnny still casts a long shadow.
Good Luck!
Island Records is giving away a trip for two to see Elvis Costello in Europe this summer. Fans can enter the contest via Doll Revolution, a site named after the song "Tear Off Your Own Head (It's a Doll Revolution)," the first single from Costello's latest album, "When I Was Cruel."
The grand prize winner and a guest will be flown to Europe and will enjoy deluxe accommodations and tickets to see Costello perform on a yet-to-be-determined date. A quintet of second prize winners will each win an electric guitar signed by the artist. Deadline for entry via the site is June 30.
Costello is in the midst of a North American tour, which tonight (May 21) touches down at the Historic Mountain Winery in Saratoga, Calif. He'll be on the road stateside through a June 24 show in Atlanta, which will be followed by a six-date Japanese tour, and a quick visit to Australia.
So far, a July 22 gig in Liverpool, England, is Costello's only confirmed European date. He's expected back in the U.S. on Aug. 30 to perform a free concert as part of NBC's "Today" concert series in New York's Rockefeller Center.
Ferrell Gets Some 'Action'
This just in: Will Ferrell, in his first deal since announcing his departure from "Saturday Night Live," will star in the romantic comedy "Action Newsman."
He will portray Ron Burgundy, a 1970s anchorman with raging hormones, perfect hair and inflated ego in the vein of Austin Powers. He's the most beloved teleprompter reader in Portland until he's threatened by the arrival of an ambitious female newscaster who, unlike Burgundy, has mastered journalism.
Ferrell co-wrote "Action Newsman" with "SNL" writer Adam McKay, who will direct the project for Fox-based Regency.
Are They Still Relevant?
R.E.M. has posted a free remix CD online.
Does ALIENS VS. PREDATOR have a director?
Who knows whether or not we'll ever see it, but a scooper over at Aint it Cool News reports that the long-talked about Aliens vs. Predator production is close to signing Paul Anderson as it's director. Anderson is also attached to direct the sequel to "Resident Evil"
JERSEY BOUND
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, who star in director Martin Brest's upcoming "Gigli," are reteaming for filmmaker Kevin Smith's "Jersey Girl," about a man named Ollie and the effects a new wife and daughter have on his seemingly full life.
This Story Will Make You Think A Bit. Are You ready?
So far this year we have been enjoying films that aren't grounded in reality. Call it a "comic book Summer," if you will.
But all that will change in a few weeks when "The Sum Of All Fears" hits theatres.
With new warnings rekindling public jitters, moviegoers may not be up to watching a disturbingly realistic portrayal of a terrorist attack on U.S. soil. Is it too soon?
Cool!
Blink-182 will be the guest stars on the 300th episode of "The Simpsons."
The Ratings Are In! The Ratings Are In!
NBC has won the 2001- 2002 televison season crown.
Good Riddance
Rosie O'Donnell says goodbye to the world of daytime TV today.
Today's Hits in Theatres Will Become The Fourth Quarter's Biggest DVD's
File this information in the category of VERY tentative, but there have been several reports from reliable retail sources on upcoming street date information for some of the Summer's Biggest Flicks which will come home in late 2002.
Here's what I've tracked down so far...
October
The Scorpion King (10/2), Scooby Doo (10/15), E.T. the Extra- Terrestrial: The 20th Anniversary Edition and Mr. Deeds (10/22)
November
Spider-Man (11/5), Ice Age (11/12), Men in Black II (11/19), Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (11/26)
December
Stuart Little 2 (12/3), Lilo & Stitch (12/20), Back to the Future Trilogy and Spy Kids 2 (12/17)
I'd better start saving my pennies now!
Today's New Music Releases
Wow, I just took a look at the list of today's new CD releases. Man, there isn't one thing that I would buy. Heck, or even download for that matter.
But that's me. Perhaps you will want to pick up all of them. Whatever you choose to do, enjoy! And Go Leafs, Go!
Here are the new CD releases for Tuesday, May 21, 2002:
* 3RD STRIKE Lost Angel (Hollywood)
* BREEDERS Title TK (Beggars Group)
* BUFFALO TOM Besides (Beggars Group)
* CHARLATANS UK Songs From The Other Side (Beggars Group)
* DOT ALLISON We Are Science (Mantra)
* DREAM WARRIORS The Legacy Continues (ISBA)
* JIMI HENDRIX Jimi Hendrix: The Dick Cavett Show (Experience Hendrix/MCA)
* MARC ANTHONY Mended (Columbia)
* PHIL LESH & FRIENDS There And Back Again (Lapis Music/Columbia)
* RAPHAEL SAADIQ Instant Vintage (Universal)
* SHEILA NICHOLLS Wake (Hollywood)
* SOUL HOOLIGAN TBA (Soul Hooligan) (Warner)
* ULTIMATE X OST Ultimate X (Hollywood)
* VAN MORRISON Down The Road (Polydor)
It's A Big Day For New Releases
Oh yeah! It is a great day for DVD and video releases! Enjoy them! Here are the new releases for Tuesday, May 21, 2002:
Memento: Special Edition- If you don't know what it's about, then just go and pick it up! Do it now!!!
Vanilla Sky- A womanizer becomes disfigured and rebuilds his life. (Tom Cruise, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz)
How High- Two stoners ace college with supernatural pot. (Method Man, Redman, Lark Voorhies)
Out Cold- A group of snowboarders party all the time. (Jason London, Lee Majors, Victoria Silvstedt)
Sidewalks Of New York- A look at dating and marriage with 3 men and 3 women. (Edward Burns, Heather Graham, Stanley Tucci)
Good Advice- A failed stockbroker writes a female advice column. (Charlie Sheen, Denise Richards, Angie Harmon)
L.I.E.- A troubled teen is taken in by a ex-Marine with a secret. (Brian Cox, Paul Franklin Dano, Billy Kay)
Nora- The life romance between James Joyce and Nora. (Ewan McGregor, Susan Lynch, Peter McDonald)
Sex And The City-Season 3- The complete third season of Sex And The City. (Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kim Cattrall).
BELIEVE IT OR NOT...
Disney planning a big-screen adaptation of the 1980s regular-guy superhero series The Greatest American Hero, Variety reports. The studio and producer Stephen J. Cannell have signed on Paul Hernandez to write the script.
Answer- Joey Scarbury
Look at what's happened to me,
I can't believe it myself.
Suddenly I'm up on top of the world,
It should've been somebody else.
Believe it or not,
I'm walking on air.
I never thought I could feel so free-.
Flying away on a wing and a prayer.
Who could it be?
Believe it or not it's just me.
It's like a light of a new day-,
It came from out of the blue.
Breaking me out of the spell I was in,
Making all of my wishes come true-.
Believe it or not,
I'm walking on air.
I never thought I could feel so free-.
Flying away on a wing and a prayer.
Who could it be?
Believe it or not it's just me.
Who could it be?
Believe it or not it's just me.
Hopefully It's Shorter Than His Other Efforts
The next person to take a crack at an "Indiana Jones" script has been named.
I wonder if they will ever actually MAKE the movie?
I Watched "The X- Files" (Beware December 22- 2012! Beware!)
An estimated 25.6 million people watched the fixed "Survivor: Marqueses" on Sunday night.
Wendy's Ads to Tribute Dave Thomas
Wendy's will honor its late founder, Dave Thomas, by adding a reference to him in commercials next month and putting posters of him in restaurants.
Wendy's International Inc. will describe food as being "prepared Dave's way" in the commercials touting the slogan "It's better here," which promote the low-priced "Super Value Menu," company spokesman Bob Bertini said Monday.
Thomas, who died of liver cancer in January, was the company's premier pitchman in a 12-year advertising campaign that featured his folksy, sometimes self-effacing humor.
The advertising campaign is a way to acknowledge customers' connection to Thomas, Bertini said. He said Wendy's has no plans to use Thomas' image or voice in the new commercials.
Roger Blackwell, a marketing professor at Ohio State University and a retailing consultant, said the new ads will be effective.
"This is an example of customers wanting to see Dave because of the great respect he had among consumers," he said.
The new commercials will build on current ones portraying Dublin — the upscale Columbus suburb of 30,000 people that is headquarters to Wendy's — as a friendly, multiracial community.
The new commercials will air mid-June, Bertini said.
Jack Russo, an analyst with A.G. Edwards & Sons Inc. in St. Louis, said it's to early to tell how the new commercials will affect the company.
"They clearly had success with him before," Russo said. "He was a good spokesman for the firm. You just can't forget that overnight."
Wendy's, the nation's third-biggest hamburger chain, has nearly 6,100 restaurants in the United States, Canada and other countries and more than 2,000 Tim Hortons, a Canadian-based chain acquired in 1996.
Share of Wendy's stock closed Monday at $37.49, down 25 cents, on the New York Stock Exchange.
Guess where I'm going for lunch today!
ONLY $110 Million
I've seen it 4 times already! And I can't wait to see it again!
Too Many Too Resist
Tomorrow is a big day for DVD's! Don't beleive me, well then take a look for yourself!
Here are the new DVD's being released on Tuesday, May 21st, 2002.
Memento: Limited Edition- I highly frown on movies coming out with deluxe DVD editions so soon after the original release. (They really should put everything out at the same time whenever possible, so fans can choose which one they want.) Having said that, this beautifully packaged set gets top marks for clever extras and a menu that makes you answer clues just to access all the special features. Needless to say, I support this release, even if it does come so close after the release of the original one.
Sex and the City: The Complete Third Season- Mmmmmmm!...Kristin Davis!!!! Ooops, sorry! Let me focus on what I am writing. At first, "Sex and the City" was as limited as its name implied: Women avidly discussing sex was all the show had to offer and if that didn't shock and/or amuse you, you were out of luck. But Darren Star's best work had more than designer clothes and naughty words on its mind. The characters actually began to matter and their romantic travails sometimes contained sadness and pain. Pregnancy? Marriage? All of that seemed highly unlikely for these gals (unless the pregnancy ended in abortion and the marriage was one their boyfriend was in). It was the third season when all that changed - and one of the most popular shows also became one of the best.
Legend: Collector's Edition- This was a silly 1986 Tom Cruise fantasy about a devil (a delicious Tim Curry) killing the last unicorn and bringing darkness to the world. But what made this Ridley Scott debacle so puzzling was how cheesy it looked. He'd already made Alien and Blade Runner, two landmark sci-fi films - they were both astonishingly real. Legend was made after them, but looks about as cheap and unconvincing as a Saturday-morning cartoon. After 16 years, we finally get to see the longer, European cut, which is better, but that's not saying much. You can compare both on this exemplary collector's edition.
Vanilla Sky- Another Tom Cruise misfire. What's admirable about Vanilla Sky, just like Legend, is that Cruise may involve himself with the occasional bomb, but it almost always comes about out of a desire to try something bold and different. He certainly wasn't slumming by teaming with Cameron Crowe to film this dreary remake of the Spanish film Open Your Eyes. Now Cocktail, that's another story.
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad 2 1/2, 33 1/3- Diminishing returns for these three movies from the Zucker brothers. Leslie Nielsen does his bit and O.J. Simpson provides comic relief. All three are out, with the first being quite funny. But none of them can approach the deadpan brilliance of the TV series "Police Squad" they sprang from. It's even funnier than Airplane and certainly more sophisticated. (If that's the right word.) Why doesn't someone release that on DVD?!?!?!
LucasFilm has already given out a few hidden things in "STAR WARS" EPISODE II" for you to be on the lookout for.
Han Solo doesn't have a cameo in Star Wars, Episode II: Attack of the Clones, but look closely and you'll find a few Millennium Falcons. They're among the many hidden gems to look for in George Lucas' latest saga, which opened Thursday. "I like putting a lot on the screen for fans to notice, or imagine, or interpret," Lucas says. "I think it's what a good movie does."
For those of you who don't want to fork over the money to sit through the repeated viewings, however, here are a few things to look for when the lights go down:
* When Anakin and Padmé arrive on Naboo, you'll spot three Millennium Falcons in the background and at the docking station.
* When Yoda is meditating and Anakin is killing the Tusken Raiders, listen for the voice of Qui-Gon Jinn, Anakin's old master.
* When the clones attack and the evil Count Dooku is fleeing Geonosis, keep an eye out for a cameo of the Death Star.
* Remember the royal guards from Return of the Jedi? The red-cloaked personal protectors of the emperor make a background appearance in Clones, but keep an eye out. They're there for only a second.
* During the chase scene in Coruscant, Anakin and Obi-Wan zip by different billboards with strange writing. The writing is in a style called Aurabesh and corresponds with our own alphabet. Fans with much time on their hands have already begun trying to translate them.
* While the end credits scroll along, look for the name "Michael Smith." Mr. Smith is credited as "Javva the Hutt." He's not a character in the film; he's the guy who got coffee for the cast and crew.
* The ceiling of the dining room at the Lars homestead — which will become Luke Skywalker's future residence — on Tatooine has a pattern similar to the tattoo on the mug of Darth Maul, the bad guy from Phantom Menace.
* The shaaks — the cow-like creatures that are roaming Naboo — became the butt of jokes among Lucasfilm special-effects wizards. You can find one floating in an asteroid belt, and another is on fire in the final, climactic battle scene.
THERE'S A NEW FRIEND
Rachel giving birth to a baby girl with the assistance of Ross on the season finale of Friends Thursday. Then, in an unexpected twist, Rachel accepted Joey's inadvertent marriage offer. The show drew an estimated 34 million viewers to easily win the Nielsen battle.
SHOW OPENING EARLY
Interscope Records announced late on Friday that Eminem's new album, "The Eminem Show," will be in stores May 28--a week earlier than expected. Label reps say the move was made after the album was leaked on the Internet.
FIVE ALIVE: PIERCE WANTS NEW 007 BID
Actor Pierce Brosnan, who flew to the Cannes Film Festival yesterday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of James Bond's first appearance on the silver screen, is gunning for a fifth shot at playing the sexy spy.
"Number 5 still appeals," the dimpled star said.
Describing Bond's allure, Brosnan - who's currently filming his fourth Bond film, "Die Another Day," with Halle Berry - remarked, "It's the women, the gadgets, the sex, the romance, the fantasy world, the ultimate hero."
Sean Connery first filled the polished shoes of Ian Fleming's fictional creation in 1962 when he battled Dr. No and won the heart of Ursula Andress' Honey Ryder.
Also yesterday, DreamWorks' latest animated flick, "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron," premiered at the famous French Riviera film festival.
Sharon Stone, a member of the Cannes jury, attended last night's opening wearing a fetching 1920s-style outfit.
This Show Is So Rigged It Isn't Funny! I Can't Explain Why Without Sounding Racist, But Wow! Rigged, Rigged, Rigged! It Is Rigged!
Vecepia `Vee' Towery Wins 'Survivor: Marquesas.'
Not Quite Record Breaking, But I Think It's A Better Movie Than The One Ahead Of It
"Star Wars: Episode II- Attack Of The Clones" does $116 million in four days.
As Long As "The Simpsons" Is Still On...What Do I Care
With their new TV schedules the networks are seeking stability and familiarity.
Scully, It's Me
X-Files Set for Greener Galaxies with Series Finale.
This Weekend's New Films
Even if you have been under a rock, you likely know that Star Wars: Episode II- Attack Of The Clones is now in theatres. Seriously! You must know! You must also know what I wrote about it:
The 5th chapter in the "Star Wars" saga opens today and it has been much maligned in all facets of the press. And on one hand, I can see why. Parts of it are derivative of other films, and some of it could be construed as a bit slow. Meandering even.
But I didn't see it that way.
Instead, in my afterthoughts of "Episode II" I keep coming back to something I wrote after I saw "Star Wars: Episode I- The Phantom Menace":
"All that I want when I sit in a theatre to watch a 'Star Wars' film these days is to be magically transported back to a time when I was a young goofy kid and the films were unlike anything I had seen before. No matter the plot, effects or characters, as long as it delivers me to a place a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, and make me feel 9 years old again, then the film has done it's job."
And "Episode II" has done it's job. And done it quite admirably! For some reason, I will cut this film, and however many "Star Wars" films George Lucas wants to make, some slack. I don't and I won't hold it up to the same criticisms that I would other films because it made me feel like a kid again.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Star Wars: Episode II- Attack Of The Clones" and I hope you do too! I'm not here to review it, I'm simply here to endorse it!
BUT THERE IS ALSO ANOTHER FILM THAT IS NEW THIS WEEKEND
Now, with all of the hype that has surrounded Star Wars: Episode II- Attack Of The Clones, it's understandable that you might not know that there is another film opening in your local multiplex.
But there is! It is called About A Boy and it too is incredible!
The film's pedigree is impressive. The producers (Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner) are the men who sat in a similar chair for "Bridget Jones's Diary." The writer of the novel upon which "About a Boy" is based (Nick Hornby) is responsible for the source material for "High Fidelity." And the directors came into prominence by doing unspeakable things to desserts in "American Pie." Add to that the always-appealing Hugh Grant and the gorgeous Rachel Weisz, and is it possible to go wrong? If About A Boy is anything to go by, the answer is no.
About A Boy is not a daring film, but it is immensely likable. Every once in a while, a movie comes along that, despite traversing familiar terrain, is made with enough all-around skill that it overcomes its clichéd origins. About a Boy is such a movie. In a summer when pyrotechnics, superheroes, sequels, and mindless action are sure to rule, this film gives us a feel-good human story to savor between bursts of testosterone and adrenaline.
Sniff, sniff...I think I need a tissue!
Hee hee hee! I love it when I make fun of myself!
Anyway, may the force be with you, enjoy the popcorn and I'll see you at the movies!
Here's The Almost Official Word on the Star Wars On DVD Rumours
Given that this weekend marks the debut of the all-digital "Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones" in theaters, it's only appropriate to give you all a rundown of the Star Wars DVD situation. There are many "new" reports appearing in the press about this (stirred up for obvious reasons), but there's no real news to be found. At least nothing those of you who have been following the subject forever don'talready know.
But for the rest of you, the basic story is this. Elements of the Episode II DVD have already been in production for many months. The DVD will be a 2-disc release, patterned very closely after the recent Episode I DVD. That means you can expect the film in anamorphic widescreen video on Disc One, along with Dolby Digital 5.1 EX surround sound and THX-certification. Word is Lucas and company are also planning another trip to the audio commentary booth for the DVD. Disc Two is likely to feature another "behind-the-scenes" documentary, along with a number of deleted scenes completed for the release, trailers and TV spots, the Episode II web documentaries and more.
The title IS expected to be released later this year, probably in October or November (latest word is you'll have it before American Thanksgiving).
Lucasfilm has also basically suggested that it's likely Episode III will be released on DVD without delay after that film appears in theaters in 2005.
NOW HERE'S THE BAD NEWS
As for the original Star Wars films, Lucas has himself confirmed that he's filmed additional scenes (during the production of these prequels) that he intends to add into Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi to "complete the Saga the way he always envisioned it". He's also expected to enhance and/or replace more special effects sequences with CGI and make other refinements to the original films. These "ultimate" versions are what will eventually find their way to DVD (there's no word as to whether or not he'll also include the unaltered theatrical versions - those of us who grew up with them certainly hope so). Lucas has also stated recently that he and his crew didn't create as much "making of" material during the production of the original trilogy, so it will take time to compile new material for the eventual DVD release. And while he's working on the prequels, time is something he doesn't have a lot of. What that means, is that you shouldn't expect the original films to appear on DVD until sometime after the release of Episode III in 2005.
And that is, more or less, the best and most up-to-date information available on the subject of the Star Wars films on DVD. We'll be sure to keep you appraised as the production of the Episode II disc continues. You can reasonably expect official details to begin appearing from Lucasfilm later this summer.
Austin Powers and Britney Hook Up for Video
Austin Powers will appear in Britney Spear's next video and single, "Boys." Spears and Mike Myers, the man behind Powers, began filming the video on Tuesday at a mantion in Hollywood. The two will also appear in a Pepsi commercial together. Both spots tie into the third Powers film AUSTIN POWERS IN GOLDMEMBER, where Spears makes a cameo appearance.
Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in the original STAR WARS trilogy, has said that he will appear in Episode III.
Filmink magazine caught up with Peter 'Chewbacca' Mayhew when he was recently in Australia; and found out that he Chewie might be one of the closely kept secrets of Episode III.
Mayhew admits that his schedule is full, but mention the upcoming prequels and you sense the quiet desperation he feels towards his alter ego's big screen future.
"I wasn't involved in either "The Phantom Menace" or "Attack of the Clones," but there is also Episode Three to come, and that has got to join up with Episode four. So Chewy Has got to be there. It's a guaranteed job, maybe this year, maybe next year. I don't know. But I've always been there if needed", he says.
THAT'S A NASTY CURVE
Tawny Kitaen launching the latest salvo in her ongoing and increasingly catty divorce/custody battle with pro baseball pitcher Chuck Finley. She says Finley drives drunk, smokes pot and uses steroids. Finley had earlier blamed Kitaen's drug problems for the fight that led to her arrest last month.
FAMILY ALBUM
Kelly Osbourne, the 17-year-old daughter in the Osbourne clan, recording Madonna's 1986 hit "Papa Don't Preach" for an album collection of the family's favorite tunes to be released June 11 by Epic Records. The album will also include former Osbourne neighbor Pat Boone's version of Ozzy's "Crazy Train."
The Fox network does a complete overhaul, adding 10 news shows.
To compare, the other networks averaged 4 to 5 new shows.
The 'M*A*S*H' 4077th Gang Reunites on Fox.
Springsteen Says No To Candidacy
Bruce Springsteen decided he wasn't born to run for political office after all.
Doug Friedline, a consultant who helped professional wrestler Jesse Ventura win the Minnesota governor's race in 1998, had hoped to recruit Springsteen to run as an independent in November's U.S. Senate race. The Boss would have faced off against incumbent Sen. Robert Torricelli, a Democrat, and whichever Republican emerges from the June 4 primary.
However, a spokeswoman for the 52-year-old singer told the Asbury Park Press of Neptune on Wednesday that he had no desire to seek office. In a statement sent to the newspaper, Springsteen paraphrased a rebuff by Civil War Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman to the GOP convention of 1884: "If nominated, I will not run. If elected, I will not serve."
Friedline, who also served as campaign manager for the unsuccessful New Jersey gubernatorial bid last year of then-state Sen. Bill Schluter, said volunteers from Schluter's campaign thought of drafting Springsteen because they think the current contest is boring.
The coalition calling itself "The Independence for New Jersey" had launched a petition drive to get the 800 signatures of registered voters required by June 4 to place Springsteen on the ballot.
The 'Friends' Have Baby Daughter
As expected, Rachel gave birth to a baby girl Thursday night. Little Emma's father, Ross, assisted with the delivery.
Then, in an unexpected twist, the new mom accepted Joey's inadvertent marriage offer.
The season finale of "Friends," TV's top-rated series, focused on the maternity ward for the much-anticipated delivery.
"She looks so real!" exclaimed none-too-bright friend Joey (Matt LeBlanc) on first glimpsing the infant.
"I'm so glad you guys got drunk and had sex," said Monica (Courteney Cox Arquette) to unwed parents Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) and Ross (David Schwimmer).
Then, inspired by the blessed event, Monica and hubby Chandler (Matthew Perry) retreated to a janitor's closet to try to make their own baby. Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) flirted with an attractive bedridden patient.
At the fadeout of the hour-long episode, Joey, whose affection for Rachel was rebuffed earlier in the season, picked a ring off the floor dropped by Ross. Rachel tearfully accepted what she took to be his wedding proposal.
The Ross-and-Rachel storyline occupied much of the NBC sitcom's eighth and most successful season. Next year is expected to be the series' last.
Have You Seen It Yet?
The fans are going ape for Yoda's scenes in "Star Wars: Episode II- Attack Of The Clones."
"Star Wars: Episode II- Attack Of The Clones" Has Finally Arrived!
The 5th chapter in the "Star Wars" saga opens today and it has been much maligned in all facets of the press. And on one hand, I can see why. Parts of it are derivative of other films, and some of it could be construed as a bit slow. Meandering even.
But I didn't see it that way.
Instead, in my afterthoughts of "Episode II" I keep coming back to something I wrote after I saw "Star Wars: Episode I- The Phantom Menace":
"All that I want when I sit in a theatre to watch a 'Star Wars' film these days is to be magically transported back to a time when I was a young goofy kid and the films were unlike anything I had seen before. No matter the plot, effects or characters, as long as it delivers me to a place a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, and make me feel 9 years old again, then the film has done it's job."
And "Episode II" has done it's job. And done it quite admirably! For some reason, I will cut this film, and however many "Star Wars" films George Lucas wants to make, some slack. I don't and I won't hold it up to the same criticisms that I would other films because it made me feel like a kid again.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Star Wars: Episode II- Attack Of The Clones" and I hope you do too! I'm not here to review it, I'm simply here to endorse it!
Enjoy the experience and the popcorn and I'll see you at the movies!
Can I Get A Confirmation For July 16th?
A new reports says that Bruce Springsteen has previewed his new CD.
Please email me any copies you have!
Yummy!
There is now a teaser trailer online for the new Bond film, DIE ANOTHER DAY.
May A Successful Weekend Be With You
Box-office analysts are predicting "Star Wars: Episode II- Attack of the Clones" will gross between $90 million and $100 million in its first four days of release.
Meanwhile, it's also predicted U.S. businesses will lose $319 million in productivity due to employees calling in sick to see the movie.
As for me, I can't wait to see it again!
It's Going To Be A Girl
Tonight's one hour season finale of "Friends" has some people guessing.