Sorry to not have posted in FOREVER but you know with school and extracurriculars I just haven't had the time!

Well, in Britney news, "Radar" was just announced as the fourth single off of "Circus." The song was originally released on her previous album "Blackout" and was the planned fourth single but because at the time of the announcement she began recording material that would eventually become her new album the plans to release "Radar" were shelved. I like the song but I think what will make the single really pop and stand out is a KICK-ASS music video. I loved "If U Seek Amy" but I think she needs to have a glitzy, dancy, and over-the-top music video to really push "Radar" into the stratosphere.

In other Britney news last week she announced that she would be extending the European leg of her "The Circus: Starring Britney Spears Tour" beyond the planned dates in London, Manchester and Dublin and stops include Paris, Antwerp (Belgium), Copenhagen, Helsinki (Finland), St. Petersburg, which will be her first time ever performing there, Warsaw and Berlin. There have been no official plans to extend the tour into Asia and Australia but if the European leg of the tour is as successful as the North America trek than the tour may be extended. The tour has sold out to 100% capacity for the entire duration of the tour and has been the #1 tour in the United States since it began in March.

People Magazines "Most Beautiful" issue hit the newsstands last week with Christina Applegate on the cover. I know that some people were upset that Robert Pattinson wasn't the main focus, although he was on the cover, but come on the woman had breast cancer and a double masectomy and she isn't even 40! Give her the DAMN cover.

This was almost a month ago but "Grey Gardens" the HBO biopic starring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange debuted to BIG numbers and rave reviews. The film was the fourth highest debut for HBO in the past five years and by the end of the first weekend the film had been watched by 2.5-3 million viewers, which would have put it at #2 at the box office if it had been theatrically released. All indications point to Barrymore securing an Emmy nomination for her portrayl of Little Edie. Go Drew!

Addtionally, I just need to write a little something about Miss California USA, Carrie Prejean. People were all in a tiffy because Perez Hilton called her a "dumb bitch" on his blog and I believe that he had every right to. The Q&A portion of the pagaent isn't about personal opinion it is about how the contestant answers the question. She did a terrible job answering the question and her answer was offensive.

Now she has become the public figure for the National Organization for Marriage which is a national organization against gay marriage and all types of civil unions which extend rights and priveliges to same-sex couples. She is doing herself no favors and now she is underfire because semi-nude pictures have been released where she is in underwear but topless and covering her breasts with her arms. The problem is that when contestants sign up for Miss California USA or Miss USA in general they have to disclose if they have ever posed for semi-nude or nude photos, which could make them ineligible, and also state if to their knowledge there could be semi-nude or nude photos that could potentially surface. She did not disclose that informations so now she may lose her crown, I saw good riddance to bad taste.

Can I also say that having seen "Milk" and known about Anita Bryant she really reminds me of her. Anita Bryant was second or first runner up of "Miss America" and was a moron who spewed hate speech across the country. Also, I just found out that Prejean and I share the same birthday but two years apart! OH GOD I HAVE TO SHARE A BIRTHDAY WITH THAT CUNT! (Yes I know that word is offensive but honestly what other word could you use to describe her?!?!)

So LK what do you think of Susan Boyle on "Britain's Got Talent?" I think she is phenomenal and she certainly has staying power in the UK. Also, in regards to her "makeover" I say let her get dolled up...no woman/or man, in their right mind, would pass up the opportunity to spruce themselves up a bit. Meanwhile on "American Idol" it looks like Adam Lambert is a shoo-in to win this season of the talent competition. If he does than it will make him the first gay contestant to ever win the show, the problem is that he was not publically come out as gay even though there are pictures of him as a drag queen and/or making out with men. When asked about his sexuality he was quoted as saying, "I am what I am." Nice way to quote a song lyric from "La Cage aux Folles" which is about drag queens. I have no problem with him winning although I wish he could have come out on the show that way when he won he was open about his sexuality, instead of him potentially winning and coming out after the fact.

Additionally, according to published reports Simon Cowell reportedly makes $30 millin a season for the show while Paula Abdul makes a paltry $2 million in comparison. Of course he created the show and is the head judge but I think that Adbul should make more. As of this season her contract with the show is expired and she has yet to resign with the series, if she doesn't I think it will be detrimental to both Abdul's career, which was risen from the dead due to "American Idol" and the show itself because the judges are Simon, Paula and Randy, sorry Kara but they were a threesome for seven seasons before you came along.

Well that's all I'm gonna write for now but I PROMISE to post more and more frequently!

Finally you posted LK!

I haven't been watching "American Idol" this season, and I honestly feel like I'm kinda done with show. I still hope that it is a rating success and produces successful artists but it has become so much more than a talent competition. I miss the old "American Idol" where it was just about these literally unknown, untouched singers.

When I first saw Lindsay Lohan's "Funny or Die" skit I laughed out loud because I thought it was really funny, but now that I watch it I still think it is funny but I also think it is a bit sad. It is great to see Lohan giving the finger to all the naysayers but she does seem lost. I think that she really did have a bond with Ronson and anyone who is heartbroken is a bit lost afterwards, but right now it seems reminiscent of Britney about two years ago where she just doesn't have anyone really helping her. I think if Lohan sort of takes some time for herself, pulls herself together and gets some good people around her she can really come back in a big way. She is very talented but at this point no one really knows if she is dependable. If Britney can resurrect her career, so can Lohan.

While Kim Kardashian can be included in the category of celebrities that are famous for merely famous, I actually don't take issue with her because she knows that and doesn't take herself so seriously *cough* Paris Hilton *cough*. Case in point, Kim Kardashian was nominated for "Worst Actress" at this years Razzie Awards for her role in "Disaster Movie" but when asked about it she basically said that she wasn't offended about the nomination and took the whole thing lightly. Also I will say that "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" it a guilty pleasure of mine.

Speaking of guilty pleasures, there is a show on MTV called "College Life" that premiered this past week after the new episode of "The Hills" and I think I am hooked already. It follows four college freshman during their freshman year at college in Wisconsin. It isn't like "The Hills" because all the students have personal, hand held cameras. I don't know how real their experiences are but it looks juicy.

Ok, sorry for not posting in 4 years, Frank. It has been wild. Ok---so here we go.

First, American Idol. Lil and Anoop need to go, I don't know how they're still around. I liked Lil in the first few weeks, but she has steadily sucked, and Anoop is just boring. Allison and Adam are my picks for the final two, but I really like Kris too. Adam Lambert's voice=sex. I know he's super gay, but he is really hot.

In other gay news, I am really sad about Lindsay and Sam. I liked them as a couple, and apparently LaLo isn't taking very well, reportedly "stalking" Samantha Ronson. I tend to think she's doing things all ex-girlfriends who are destroyed by a breakup do, and the media needs to leave her alone. Lindsay has proven that maybe she is over her crazy days and is even able to laugh at them with her new FunnyorDie video. I am pulling for Lindsay, I think she can act, and she just had a few trainwreck days, like everyone else in Hollywood. Really, like everyone else in their late teens/early twenties.

Mel Gibson's divorce...hmm...is it too much to say "TEAM MEL GIBSON'S EX WIFE?"

And something that happened a few weeks ago, I wanted to blog about. I have to applaud Kim Kardashian for her reaction when a magazine accidentally put pictures of her pre-airbrush on its website. She was honest and not mad at all, when I think a lot of other socialite types would have sued the magazine for all its worth. Big ups, KK.

Bravo's A-list awards were the other night. Kathy Griffin hosted and was hilarious, her mom appeared, she tounge kissed Aubrey O'Day, which was as uncomfortable as it was hilarious. Kate Winslet won A-list Kate. (Duh!) But Kate Flannery, better known as Meredith from the Office, accepted on her behalf. The Office took home A list series, Neil Patrick Harris and Chelsea Handler won awards, and the L Word's Laurel Holloman accepted the award for TV's Sexiest Moment for Bette and Tina's elevator scene last season. Holloman got huge applause for her "Down with Prop 8" speech closer, woooo.

Drew Barrymore and Grey Gardens. I'm excited, I really hope she's good and I kind of think she really will be. She's artsy and smart enough to direct, and I really think she has it in her to do serious acting. So, what's going on with her and Justin Long? JUICY.

So, I know I promised to write more, but both LK and I have been incredibly busy. So lets just do a run down of some events from the past week.

So, Lady GaGa's latest single "Poker Face" was number on the Billboard Hot 100 last week, but was knocked off the top position by the Black Eyed Peas new single, which is their first number one on the Billboard Hot 100. But don't feel too bad for Lady GaGa, she is now only the third female artist to have her first two singles hit number one, the first was Mariah Carey in 1990 and the second was Christina Aguilera in 2000.

Jessica Simpson has reportedly been dropped from Columbia Nashville after her country album "Do You Know" stalled failing to be certfied gold. Her father has released a statment basically saying that she was only on loan to Columbia Nashville but has always been an Epic Records artist and is recording a new pop album. This isn't exactly true because Jessica's first few albums: Sweet Kisses, Irresistable, and In This Skin, were released under Columbia Records. Part of me wishes that she would stop recording. I know that sounds harsh but she is having failure after failure that she would need to release a hands down great album to be back in terms of recording.

Lindsay Lohan and girlfriend Samantha Ronson have broken up. Lindsay sat down with US Weekly saying that she was hurt by the break up but is doing okay. Sources say that Ronson still cares for Lindsay but cannot be with her due to her emotional problems and alcoholism. Reportedly Ronson's family is seeking a restraining order against Lohan who went on Twitter saying that Ronson cheated on her.

Miley Cyrus, whose new single "The Climb" has become her highest charting single on the Billboard Hot 100 has been crowned the new "Queen of the Tweens" but only 10% feel that she is a good role model for tweens and teens. The Jonas Brothers came in second in terms of popularity and Britney comes third, which doesn't shock me because her music is no longer geared towards the tween set. Taylor Swift was voted the best influnece among tweens and teens, which is good because she is very talented and successful and appears to be very down to earth.

Speaking of Britney, she is reportedly getting very close to Kevin Federline while on the road for her tour in support of her latest album "Circus." Reports also state that Britney is close to extending the tour beyond the US and England, possibly to Australia and other parts of Europe. If she does I think she can do it because people doubted she could get as far with this tour and she has so many fans all over the world who are itching to see her in concert. It's definitely worth it!

Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni of "Law and Order: SVU" currently have a 350,000 per episode deal with NBC, but their contract is bound to expire at the end of the season. Apparently they have teamed up to demand more money, makes sense considering they make the show. NBC has reportedly threatened to replace the actors, which I think would kill the series. I hope this can get resolved because I love them and their characters.

Kathy Griffin is appearing in the upcoming issue of OK Magazine sporting a hot body. Griffin is 48 but has reportedly not gone under the knife since 2003. The pictures are very good and good for you Miss Kathy, continue to break out of the D List. The fifth season of her show "My Life On the D-List" began filming in November of 2008 and should be premiering sometime at the beginning of summer.

Congrats to the states of Iowa and Vermont for voting to legalize gay marriage in the states. The governor of Vermont vetoed the passing but the veto was overridden guarenteeing the rights for same sex couples to marry. Additionally Washington D.C. has voted to recognize same-sex marriage performed in other states.

In sad news, Madonna sought to adopt an infant girl named Mercy from Malawi last week but was denied by a Malwaian judge who found it within the girls best interest to stay at the orphanage. Members of the family are supporting Madonna in the adoption matter disagreeing with the judges decision. Madonna adopted a young boy named David from the country in 2006, but the adoption was not finalized until last year. In other Madonna news she has donated upwards to $500,000 in relief to the Italian region of Abruzzo, where her ancestors lived up until 1919, and is in the studio recording new material for a third Greatest Hits album, and the last album her contract with Warner Brothers. I for one am very much looking forward to the new material but I hope she doesn't work with Timbaland because "Hard Candy" was not as good as I wanted it to be.

Farrah Fawcett and Ryan O'Neals son, Redmond, was released from rehab last week but a few days later was arrested for heroin possession. Redmond was sent to rehab as part of an agreement following assault charges a year ago. Leaving the clinic was in violation of his parole and with the new possession charges he is currently in jail where his father feels it is within his best interest to stay. Farrah Fawcett has not commented but is still fighting cancer, where the reports of her condition vary from good to very bad. Our thoughts are with Farrah as she deals with this, hopefully you make it through your cancer battle.

There is so much more to report but who has the time, but "Iron Man 2" has begun filming so that means that in about a years time we will have another Gwyneth Paltrow film in our lives. JOY!

Sorry for not writing in nearly two weeks! It's been a crazy couple of weeks. On Monday March 16th Lauren and I saw Britney Spears in concert and it was AMAZING! No lie, no matter what you think of Britney she was incredible. While it was apparent that she was lip syncing it didn't matter because when it comes to pop stars like Britney (Janet and Madonna among them) it doesn't matter how they sing, it matters how good the show is itself and it was incredible. Totally worth every penny spent.

Speaking of Britney, she reportedly was offered up to 3 million to write her autobiography, but turned down the offers for more money. I'm not surprised but I would love for her to release an autobiography because if she is honest about her life it would be a fascinating portrait of an American icon.

In other celebrity news, we have to talk about two sad passings. Jane Goody died of cancer last week at the age of 27. She was diagnosed with cancer while appearing on the Indian version of "Big Brother" back in the summer of 2008. Her cancer was pretty advanced and she passed away at home surrounded by her loved ones. While she was in the hospital she recieved a call from one of her idols Mr. Michael Jackson, he was in London announcing his "This Is It" concerts at the O2 Arena.

The other passing is equally tragic, Natasha Richardson died last week after suffering head trauma while skiing in Montreal. She reportedly was not wearing a helmet and suffered internal bleeding which progressed to causing her to be brain dead. She is survived by her mother, the legendary actress Vanessa Redgrave, husband Liam Neilsen, two sons, and her sister Joely Richardson who appears in the FX show "Nip/Tuck." She rose to prominence in the biopic "Patty Hearst" and won a Tony in 1998 for playing Sally Bowles in the revival of "Cabaret." She was also nominated for a Tony for her work in the Broadway play "Closer." Julia Roberts played her character in the film adaption.

So, Portia de Rossi has a new show on ABC called "Better Off Ted" and it is HILARIOUS. I don't know if it will get a second season but I suggest you check it out because it is a great satirical comedy about corporate America. I hope that de Rossi gets projects from this because she is really underrated as an actress and I think she has the chops to be a huge star, beyond being Ellen DeGenereses wife.

Zack Efron has pulled out of the upcoming film production of "Footloose." The film whcih made Kevin Bacon a household name was made as a musical which is the basis of the upcoming film and he has withdrawn because he wants to be taken seriously as an actor and no longer wants to do musicals. In a way it makes sense but I think it is stupid because he got his start in "High School Musical" but still needs to prove his chops as a lead in a film. While I probably wouldn't have seen "Footloose" he could have shot himself in the foot a bit by dropping out. We'll see how his box office potential stands with the release of his upcoming film "17 Again" with Matthew Perry.

Finally, Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange are appearing in an HBO Film called "Grey Gardens" which is a biopic centered around the aunt and niece of Jackie O. There was a documentary in 1976 called "Grey Gardens" which has become a cult classic, and the film looks SO GOOD. I like Drew Barrymore, I think she is a legitimate actress and I am anxious to see the film. If it is as good as the trailer suggests I see an Emmy nomination in Drew's future.

With my school's musical production of "Guys and Dolls" a week away I won't be able to post very much but I will do my very best!

George Clooney Returns To E.R.

A clip from the upcoming, and highly anticipated final episode of E.R. in which George Clooney, who became a star due to his work on the show, returns.

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

Ashlee, let it go. You're never going to gain credibility back as a singer, and I really wish she wouldn't try and act. Wow, TV is all about reviving old series, huh? The 90s were a great time, but maybe we should let them be. I'm anxious to see the new Melrose Place, the new 90210 is really good, with the same bitchiness and bite of the original. Plus Shannen Doherty and Jennie Garth, always good. And Tori Spelling made some appearances. No comment on that one.

So, very happy news Mandy Moore has married Ryan Adams in a hush hush ceremony in Georgia. Exciting for them! Congrats. Kelly Clarkson and Kanye performed last night on American Idol and brought down the house. The sent home Jasmine and Jorge last night after the all Michael Jackson performance night. What'd you think of that Franklin? I love it. Kelly recently said she had no desire to have kids, that her job was too selfish and it has been swirling around in the media ever since. I say, back off her. She was being honest, and if she doesn't want kids it really isn't any of our business.

Cleo, the 3-D Rock musical I've been anticipating for almost a year is now in 'pre-production' accoring to IMDB.com. Stephen Soderbergh is signed on to direct, and it of course stars the one and only Catherine Zeta-Jones as Cleo, and they're reportedly waiting on Hugh Jackman to sign on. Woo.

In sad news, Bristol Palin and her baby's daddy, Levi Johnson have called it quits. The couple apparently still wants to raise thier child together but have no plans to continue to date.

If there is any hope in Joaquin Pheonix coming back to earth, this story might dash that. He was playing a Miami club the other night (his new hip hop act) and jumped into the crowd to confront a heckler. Casey Affleck, Joaquin's brother in law and BFF filmed the whole thing. WHY isn't Casey shaking Joaquin by the shoulders?! I know they're both artsy...but come on.

Going along with Rihanna & Chris Brown saga, Rosie O'Donnell and Robyn Givens have both issued warnings to her, more or less saying to leave him. This is of course after Oprah's very heart-felt, very public plea to Rihanna. So, obviously we think she should go, but do you think her staying with him will hurt her career?

I agree with Meghan McCain and she is indeed very likable and she was actually a good influnece for the McCain campaign. But what you also need to know if that McCain only registered as Republican to support her father who was running so she doesn't share many values that other GOP minded people have.

So, Oprah is doing a special on domestic violence which will air on Thursday and I will definitely watch it and report on it.

Also in celebrity news Ashlee Simpson is joining the cast of The CW's new version of Melrose Place Simpson previously acted for two seasons on 7th Heaven but left the series to focus on her "music career." As of now I am keeping an open mind and an open heart towards it, I'll judge when I see it.

"Dancing With the Stars" premiered last night to the highest rated episode ever, with 22.5 million people watching. We'll see if the viewers stick around but I feel that this season is definitely buzzworthy with Nancy O'Dell and Jewel being forced to withdraw due injuries while Holly Madison (who people really like from "The Girls Next Door") and the jilted first choice from "The Bachelor" taking their place. Lil' Kim who is a contestant on the show dedicated her first dance to the women at the prison where she served 10 months for perjury. I say good for her and wish her luck on the show.

According to some published reports 20th Century Fox is hoping to revamp "The Fantastic Four" after the success of "Iron Man" and "The Dark Knight" by giving it more relevance in the modern world. This newer, gritier true-to-life reinterpretation also means a new cast, which would leave Jessica Alba without the ability to reprise her role.

Kelly Clarksons new album "All I Ever Wanted" was released today and as a Kelly Clarkson fan in "American Idol" I downloaded it off of iTunes this morning. Since "My Life Would Suck Without You" is such a great song I was excited for the album in its entirety and I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED! This is her best album yet and my second best album to be released in the last 12 months (Circus is obviously first). Every song is sheer perfection and every song has a different flavor taking Clarkson in a slightly different direction musically. Literally, every song could be a single and when she tours I am TOTALLY going to try and go because this album has restored my absolute love of her! Great job Kelly and I know it is going to be one of your most successful albums, if not THE most successful of the four albums.

So LK what do you think?

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/09/meghan-mccain-calls-ann-coulter-offensive-and-insulting/#more-43042

...who knew Meghan McCain was so likeable?!

Jade Goody got quite a scare when an intruder broke into her hospital with a hammer. some crazy woman broke into London's Royal Marsden Hospital with a hammer. What is wrong with people?! I really can't decide what I think about the whole Goody thing. I think if its what she wants to do--then it's what she wants to do. She's only "exploiting" herself, if you want to use that word and she's not doing any harm; she's making money for her sons.

Julia Roberts and Clive Owen are starring in "Duplicity" this month. I love Julia--I mean how can you not? And since the kids she's joined the all star mommy league and stopped making so many films, (sad but understandable); so I am excited to see her in this semi-sexy role. Clive and her were of course in "Closer" together, which had Julia saying dirty, dirty things. Much like Kate Winslet in "Romance and Ciggerettes", but for whatever reason, maybe because everyone has seen her naked 6 million times, it doesn't feel as unnatural and weird when Kate does it. haha! In other movie news, as expected The Watchmen owned the box office this weekend, despite its 2 hour and 45 minute runtime. Comic fans are split on the movie, but it's rated as fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. I wanna see this movie; and it's adding to me growing ever so impatient for a Wonder Woman flick! come on, Joss! "Sunshine Cleaning" opens this weekend with Emily Blunt and Amy Adams and many of the people from "Little Miss Sunshine." I can't wait for this movie. It looks like it has all the elements of the original--hilariously funny moments, parts that will make your eyes tear. I love Emily and Amy and though I'd have to see it to make an official call...this movie has Oscar written all over it. Go Amy!

Dancing with the stars premeires tonight with its ever changing cast. Jewel and Nancy O'Dell stepped out of course, leading Holly Madison and Bachelor alum Melissa to join the cast. In other TV news, Frank, have you seen "Dollhouse?" It's Buffy creator Joss Whedon's new show staring Eliza Dushko. She plays a girl who is part of a secret agency who erases its agent's minds and injects their heads with different memories, creating a new person, essentially. They make her into a wife for a crazed husband, an agent for a man who wants to get his daughter back from kidnappers. It's awesome, and she is fantastic as Echo, who when she's not playing a role, has the mind of a child, clear thoughts. It's such a good show--Joss Whedon is a genius.

From what I have heard Rihanna is definitely going to testifying against Brown, and she has been granted the ability to record all communication she has with Brown. It is freaky that you mentioned Oprah because I was going to write about it. As Oprah said, "Love isn't supposed to hurt."

About The Bachelor, I can't help but feel that it was staged because the girl who was rejected at the Reunion show is going to be the new Bachelorette and for him to do that seems a bit to bizarre, so maybe all three of them were in on it. I was watching Ellen and she had an interesting take on it: we live in a country where this happens on television- straight people proposing and then pulling this shit, and people are worried about granting the right to marry to gay because because it will destroy the sanctity of marriage?!?! Makes no sense whatsoever for that to be real.

President Obama has been getting a lot of flack for the state of the ecomony and it is really uncalled for. First off he was not the president when the economy went into a tailspin. Also he has only been present for what...two months. You cannot expect miracles or change overnight so people need to stop being so judgemental and wait to see if Obama can start fixing what is wrong with the shape of our economy. We need to have taxes, and cutting taxes in no way helps the economy. The economist William Keynes stated that government spending needs to go up when consumer spending and business spending go down, and there need to be taxes to do it. Also, we can't do tax cuts for the wealthy, Warren Buffet (who is the richest man in the country) was on Charlie Rose right after the election ahd he said that his secretary has a higher percentage of her taxes taken out of her income than him, IT MAKES NO SENSE!

Maybe now that Dakota Fanning is in the "Twilight" sequel I'll actually watch it, lol.

I am so excited to see the trailer for "Nine." Not just because of the stars who are in it but also because I love Rob Marshalls films, "Chicago" and "Memoirs of a Geisha" are excellent and he is a fantastic director.

So, "The Watchmen" debuted big at the box office this weekend making 55 million in the first weekend, which I expected. I've been hearing mixed things about it but considering it is only coming out less than a year from "The Dark Knight" any superhero themed film is going to pale in comparison. Also "The Reader" is doing very good and steady business since Kate won her Oscar, it still hasn't broken the top ten but has matched it's production budget in the United States and has outgrossed her other film "Revolutionary Road" domestically. They are both doing very well in terms of international box office, "Revolutionary Road" has made 70.8 million dollars, and has grossed more outside of the US than in it, and "The Reader" has made 50 million internationally. "Revolutionary Road" was released in foreign countries sooner than "The Reader" but they are both doing very well and I cannot wait to get them on DVD.

Hi Friends, sorry for the lull in posting. Entertainment news has been kinda slow this week, due to all of the buzz about the Bachelor and Chris Brown. Two guys acting like assholes and getting away with it. great. I hope Rihanna testifies, her lawyer keeps saying she will; if she doesn't, there's really no case. It just sets a precedent for their relationship in my opinion. He can hit her and she'll stay, so what can't he do? Also, since Rihanna is famous, there is the added pressure of setting a good example, which to me, she's not, but I guess that is something really personal and its tough for us, as the audience of the media, to make a judgement call. Oprah had a personal message for the "Disturbia" singer, saying "If a man hits you, he will hit you again." God Save The Queen.

Some other quick headlines. Melissa, the girl Jason left at the reunion, is going to be on Dancing With The Stars. She's rumored to be replacing Nancy O'Dell. All of America is already on her side, I say good for her!
Sarah Silverman and Jimmy Kimmel have broken up again; Jimmy Fallon of course took over Late Night and in the fall Conan will be the new host of The Tonight Show. Conan is definitely my favorite late night host, but I will miss Jay Leno, it's just such an iconic thing. I look forward to Conan's hilarious antics, and I have to say Jimmy Fallon is doing a much better job than I expected. Dakota Fanning has officially signed on for the Twilight sequel, "New Moon. And sadly, Jane Goody's condition is worsening. She just had herself and her children baptized, as the cancer has spread to her brain. In happier news, Vince Vaughan is engaged, adding to the line of men who found happiness after Jen. I wonder if she'll get a ring from John soon. Frieda Pinto has signed on as Estee Lauder's new spokeswoman, proving she is here to stay. Other actress who have cosmetic endorsement deals include Elizabeth Hurley, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Nicole Kidman. Frieda is jumping right into the glamour all star game. Speaking of CZJ, the Cleo musical seems quite far off, since rumors of her playing Lana Turner and Slavador Dali's wife are now even more likely to be true; as she listed in the cast for both projects on IMDB.com. Personally, I think she could play Lana Turner. Throw blonde wig on her, but she can act and she's naturally glamourous. There is some debate over the issue though; what do you think? If the Dali project goes through, he will reunite her with Zorro, as Antonio Banderas is cast as the artist himself.

So, Frank, you'll like this. I am anticipating the release of Nine, Rob Marshall's film interpretation, and it stars none other than you girl, Nicole Kidman, as well as Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard, Dame Judi Dench, Daniel Day Lewis..it's a fantasitc cast. Honestly, I wasn't a huge fan of Moulin Rouge at all, but I think Nicole was good, so I am anxious to see her in another musical.

That's all I got. Plus--eight days til the circus is in town!

So Chris Brown was charged today with two felony charges: assault by means to cause great physical harm and also with making criminal threats. If he is found guilty on the criminal threats charge along he could face nine years in prison. Also, Rihannas family has reportedly been unable to contact her since she met up with Chris Brown. The full report of what happened that night as also been released and here it is:

After Rihanna read a text message on Brown's phone from a woman, he tried to force Rihanna out of the car, but couldn't because she was wearing her seatbelt.

Brown then allegedly slammed Rihanna's head against her window, and when Rihanna turned to face him, he punched her.

The notes said blood spattered on Rihanna's clothing and the interior of the Lamborghini.

Rihanna also called her assistant, according to FOX 11, leaving a message saying, "I am on my way home. Make sure the cops are there when I get there."

Brown then reportedly replied, "You just did the stupidest thing ever. I'm going to kill you," and proceeded to punch and bite Rihanna. He allegedly put her in a headlock so long that she almost lost consciousness.

WHY IS SHE STILL WITH HIM!?!?!?!?!?

Well, in other news, I understand what you feel about the Britney set list (did you realize that "Gimme More" is completely absent from it as well) but I think that this tour represents the NEW Britney who has literally been to hell and back and the songs from "Blackout" represent that time, just as "In the Zone" represents her beginning to slip into that place just a little and "Circus" being her ressurection, so it is natural that those are the songs on the setlist. All in all I am just excited to see her on stage and I don't even care that she lipsyncs, I'll be in the same arena as BRITNEY FUCKING SPEARS! Haha.

Also, a friend of ours from back home read our blog and IMed this to me concerning "The Bachelor" finale:
Hey so I'm not able to comment on your blog for some reason but I read in star that the bachelor ending was fixed he wanted molly all along but the producers didn't want a 9 week show of him falling in love with molly so they made him pick melissa and the live show was actually taped a few days after the finale because he wanted to end that relationship quickly but they apparently asked melissa to be the next bachelorette she was really heartbroken so that's their compensation lol

Thank you good friend for your contribution we really appriciate it!!!!

I don't watch "The Bachelor" and I understand all the hubbub but I mean I think that if it wasn't staged it was a gift from the reality gods because more people are talking about the show than actually watched the show, they are focusing on this incident and the girl who got rejected is the new "Bachelorette" and since there is so much attention rating will probably be good for that show as well. But yesterday one of the producers of the show was on Ellen DeGeneres and said that it was all the guys decision and the producers had nothing to do with it, I think they pushed for him to do it....in all and total honesty.

Britney in Boston is fast approaching. I have to say--I'm not thrilled with the setlist. I mean I'm sure it will be an amazing show and destroy my expectaitons, but I wish there was more old school Brit on the list. Still, I'm more than excited for the show! She's going to be great.

Ok, so The Bachelor finale was last night. Jason, quite possibly (up untill last night anyway) the most likeable Bachelor in history, made a total dick move. He purposed to Melissa in the final episode, but, 6 months later at the LIVE reunion last night, he told her couldn't be with her, he had feelings for Molly. The runner-up. This from the loveable single guy who purposed to Deanna last year and looked like a jackass, and then he does to a girl. Producers are denying any involvement in the show's outcome but it really seems staged. I don't know...what do you think, Frank? Are these shows fake? Where's the REALITY in reality tv? I guess that's why we have Jane Goody. I also hope she does Larry King and Oprah soon. I think she's got a lot to say, and a lot of people want to hear. It's very controversial, what she's doing...which always makes a good story.

I agree about Rihanna and Chris. I wish she wouldn't take him back. And I'm unbelievably excited for the possible Cleopatra musical! What a subject! What a potential cast! Even if they don't do this, I'd like to see Catherine and Hugh do a movie together. A musical, obviously.

So, I know Rachael Ray can be a bit (really) annoying, but recently, she's come under fire for some sexy pictures she did in FHM is 2003. Ok, first of all, 2003 was six years ago--so who cares? Also, let her flaunt it! The pictures weren't incredibly raunchy; they were in FHM so, obviously it was like naughty cook, but she had clothes on, and really they were kind of almsot wholesome. Also---who cares?! I hate when celebs come under fire for doing spreads in magazines like this, its their business, and all of the people bitching about it have clearly seen it. If you don't like it, don't google it. Duh.

In other news, Emma Roberts, Julia's niece apparently said that Nick Jonas was "making the rounds around Hollywood." Little Nick is a player, huh? You're better off with out him, Emma.

The Circus Tour

Here is a picture I got off of Britneyspears.com taken from New Orleans, the kick off show of her Circus Tour.
I'M EXCITED


The conclusion looks pretty incredible, a curtain of sparks! From all accounts the show was incredible! There were other pictures, but for some reason they wouldn't load properly so I just went with the final shot, as to not give too much away, but if you want to see more pictures of the show you can go to her website, as mentioned earlier. Also, I saw a video about her costumes and she is at one point wearing a metal corset that was taken from a cast of her body so that it would be a perfect fit....WOW

I have a confessiion: when Hanson was big I didn't even notice. I don't know where my head was but we didn't have cable and I just didn't know who they were until like a year after "MMMBop." I do think that the Jonas Brothers are overrated, I don't like their stuff, and also they should not have been nominated for "Best New Artist" at the Grammy Awards because it was not their first album!

I would be very excited to see Catherine Zeta-Jones and Hugh Jackman in a film together as Antony and Cleopatra, that would be HOT! With the Academy Awards I am officially a big fan of Hugh and I think that he did a great job, so I look forward to that film if it gets made. Speaking of movies with him, "Australia" is out today on DVD, and even though it got split reviews, I say rent it and judge it for yourself.

So interesting news, a recent study shows that Utah, the land of the Mormons, is the number one state in terms of online porn consumption....interesting.

I'm disappointed in Rihanna going back to Chris Brown, because in all cases of domestic violence many women stay with their men because they feel as if it will only be one time, but what if he hits her again. I understand if she likes him and will have a hard time tearing herself away but I feel like she should, for her sake and the sake of millions of impressionable girls.

So Jane Goody, the reality tv star who has terminal cancer is reportedly being offered huge money to do interviews with Larry King AND Oprah via satellite before she dies. The cancer has spread to her brain so she only has weeks to live, so if she is going to do that, she should do it soon. I would actually really like to see her be interviewed because I think it will inspire many people.

Of course I'm excited for the Brit concert! The setlist is out, its ready to go! I can not wait to see her! Exciting!

Well, Frank, I think the Jo Bros are severely overrated. I wasn't impressed with their performance at The Grammys. They didn't even really know the words to Stevie Wonder's songs. I personally don't get all the buzz, but they're part of the Disney machine and I am clearly not the target audience. One question that has been raised, is the comparison to Hanson. If you remember the craze after MMMBop, it was different than the Jonas Brothers (no 3-D movie), but they were still huge. So, are they the same?

Rihanna with Chris Brown. I can't say I'm thrilled and I don't think she's setting a great example, but you can't really pass judgement on the situation. I wonder if this will impact her career as severely as I think it it will impact his. I, for one, will definitely not be buying any Chris Brown albums anytime soon.

So, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Hugh Jackman are rumored to be in talks to do a new musical about the love affair between Cleopatra and Marc Antony. I really hope this project goes through. Hugh is adorable and I can't think of who would make a better Cleo than Catherine. Stephen Soderberg is rumored to be directing. Whadya think Frank, could you see Velma Kelly dancing in front of the pyramids?

BIG NEWS!
While doing nothing on this magnificent snow day the official set list for the "Circus Tour" has been revealed! Here it is:
CIRCUS


Perez/Parade Intro
Circus (Funky Remix)
Piece of Me
Thunderstorm Segue
Radar


HOUSE OF FUN (Anything Goes)


Martial Arts Segue

Ooh Ooh Baby/Hot as Ice
Boys
If U Seek Amy
Me Against the Music (Bollywood)


FREAKSHOW/PEEPSHOW


Everybody's Looking for Something Segue
Freakshow
Get Naked
Britney's Hotline
Breathe on Me/Touch of My Hand


ELECTRO CIRC


Break the Ice Segue
Do Something
Slave
Dancer Solo Segue/Heartbeat Segue
Toxic
Baby One More Time (Remix)


ENCORE


Womanizer (Extended Remix)
Circus Reprise: The Bow

I'm really excited. Also Britney is the new face of Candies.

So, in other news, The Jonas Brothers 3D concert film is a box office disappointment taking in only 12.5 million in the opening weekend, which is much less than the concert film Miley Cyrus released a year ago. I'm not that surprised because of the economy and also because even though the Jonas Brothers have a huge following, it isn't on the same level as Miley Cyrus because she also has the whole Hannah Montana thing going on.

So, LK what do you think?

So, bizarre news. Reportedly Rihanna and Chris Brown have been reunited. He allegedly called her on her birthday and they have been in communication since then. This past week they met up at Diddys home on Star Island (an artificial island) between Miami and Miamai Beach. Also, Rihanna's father supports his daughters decision to go back to Chris Brown saying, "I love my daughter with whatever road she takes. I'm behind her win or lose. I will be supportive. If that's the road she wants to choose, I'm behind her. I hope to see her soon. I talked to her after her birthday, and she told me she's OK." Now, I understand that it is a good thing to support your children, but it's hard for me to see Rihanna go back to Chris Brown after he F-ed her up! I'm hoping that he is getting the counseling and therapy that he needs, but I still don't like the idea of them together!

Gwenyth Paltrow's lifestyle website, Goop.com, got slammed by the New York Times. How inredibly pretentious is this? Gwyneth said, "My friends call me all the time to say, 'Where should I go?' or 'What should I do?' And I thought, you know maybe some other people would be interested in it as well, so I started it, and it's doing great."

The website is a drag. Why is she an expert on fitness and cooking all of a sudden? If it was "howtopretendyoureenglish.com, id be ok with it. Being a celebrity doesn't give you lisence to pretend you have expertise in these fields people dedicate their whole lives to. She of course responded to the NY Times bashing by saying, ""I think that people like people to stay in their 'box' – they like people to stay how they are comfortable seeing them." No, some people don't like you because you are a pretentious jackass.

So, the award season has officially wrapped and what an award season it has been so exciting. It has taken me nearly all week to rest up from it. The Academy Awards were incredible and it is sad to see this award season end.

So, in the news: there are reportedly going to be remakes of "The Neverending Story" and "Total Recall." Do we really need remakes to these films?!?! I'm all for a reinterpretation of "Bonnie and Clyde" but to remake those other films is like remaking "The Wizard of Oz" I just don't know if it can or even should be done.

Apparently Kate Moss is not pregnat. That's good news for all of us because she does have a history of partying. Not that I'm judging her but I think it would be bizarre for her to be pregnat right now.

Giselle Bunchen and Tom Brady have officially gotten married, nothing more to report besides that but when details surface we will update it.

So, LK did you know that the choreographer who choreographed the Academy Award performances for "O Saya" and "Jai Ho" has collaborated with Britney for Bollywood-themed numbers of Spears new tour. Also, Britney has been working with an illusionist for her show that are supposed to add to the show immensly. I'm excited! The tour kicks off on Tuesday March 3rd! Also in Britney news the DVD of her MTV documentary "For the Record" will be released on April 7th, I'm totally buying it!

Additionally, Jennifer Hudson will be performing her new single "If This Isn't Love" tomorrow on Oprah. No idea if there will be an interview or if it will just be a performance but I'll definitely be checking it out.

Kate Winslet & Meryl Streep

So okay, I'm sure it seems like to much Kate and nothing else, but these pictures are too cool to ignore. Pictures with two of my (the gay) favorite women: Kate Winslet and Meryl Streep. So great too see them in pictures and it's really evident that Meryl is so happy for Kate.

Hollywood is still reeling from the Oscars, which of course bring about the close of one of the greatest award seasons I've seen in a while, so news has kinda been lagging. There are though, a few discussable headlines.

Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green have called off their engagement, may blaming the couples age difference, prompting a big question: does age matter? I mean you have couples like Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas and Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart, who make me think no; even couples like Kate and Sam, Brad and Angie and Jen and John all have around ten years seperating them, and they're all still together. Ellen and Portia are nearly 15 years apart. Obviously maturity and what you want plays a big part in who you end up in realtionship with, and I think there are a lot of factors that go into calling off an engagement. What do you think, Frank, does age difference matter?

Kate Winslet Backstage Press Room

The Academy Awards

I have to say that it was great to see Kate
FINALLY win the Academy Award! I watched the video of her winning today and the great thing is that none of the nominees did the typical "clap but wish I was up there" routine. Each other them, Anne Hathaway included, were genuinely happy for her, Angelina even looked moved.

My favorite of the night was that previous winners in the category acknowledged individual nominees and their performance. That way each person walks away with something. I hope that they continue it. It was also interesting to see Nicole on stage considering that she was initially cast in the "The Reader" but had to withdraw due to her pregnancy. She and Kate hugged and I lip read her say, "You were SO good!" So it's great to see no animosity between the two of them, because I love them both.

Okay, Hugh Jackman!!! He was fantastic and I loved him hosting the Academy Awards, he was perhaps on of the best hosts of the Academy Awards ever! He could definitely get an Emmy Award for it in the category of "Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Special." Billy Crystal won a couple times for hosting the Academy Awards so I hope he does because it is well deserved.

I predicted that Sean Penn would win for "Milk" and I'm so happy that he did because it is a fantastic performance. It was also great to see him acknowledge Mickey's performance. Even though he did not win the Mickeys career has been resurrected due to his performance. It was also great to see Sean Penn have a personality when he won because he is usually so stoic. It is also great that Dustin Lance Black won for "Best Original Screenplay" because the film was great and he has SUCH a wonderful acceptance speech. Can I also say that he is SO CUTE! Here is a spread that I found that has pictures of him and has to do with "Milk."



I will post more later tonight about the Oprah "After Oscar Special."

Oscar Wrap Up-LK's take

What a night. First of all, let’s start out with the news we’re most excited for. Finally, finally, finally. Kate Winslet is an Academy Award winner. She accepted gracefully, but the speech was still very genuine. You could tell she was nervous on the red carpet, but everything paid off. Congrats Kate!
Hugh Jackman could not have been a better host. His opening number, which also showed off Anne Hathaway’s pipes (big props to her) was fantastic and it set the stage for the show, which had much more fun attitude than ever before. Last night’s Oscars were the best Oscars I’ve seen in 10 plus years. I loved, loved, loved the musical montage of all the broadway songs. And despite what I think of Beyonce, I think she did well along side Hugh and company. Zach Efron should have worn a little(a lot) less gel in his hair and I wish Vanessa wore a dress she could walk in, but Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper were amazing. Dominic Cooper is very hot.
Sean Penn walked away with the Best Actor award, something I was happy about but didn’t predict. I was glad he won and his speech was very fun and touching, and slightly political, but for a good cause, so it’s all good. I thought the speech given by Milk’s screenwriter, Dustin Lance Black was extremely moving. And of course, you can’t mention the Academy Awards without mentioning Slumdog Millionare, which owned the night. Sumdog walked with 8 awards including Best Director for Danny Boyle, Best Cinematography and the night’s big award, Best Picture.
Penelope Cruz and Heath Ledger won the supporting prizes. Penelope’s speech was very genuine, very sweet and Heath’s family accepted the award on his behalf and gave a brief but heartfelt thanks to the Academy.
The A-list of presenters included Tina Fey, Steve Martin, Reese Witherspoon, and for the first time this year instead of having the previous year’s winner present the 4 major acting awards, the Academy went in a different direction. They pulled 5 of the former winners and had them all come out and speak about each of the nominees, and then present the award. I really liked the idea, it showcased many of the talents and allowed legends like Sophia Loren and Angelica Houston to be on stage along side modern day talents like Halle Berry and Nicole Kidman.
Overall, the night was superb, an excellent display of talent and glitz and glamour at its finest. Bravo, Academy. And goodbye 2009 Award Season! You have served us well!
COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS:
Best Picture -- "Slumdog Millionaire," Christian Colson, producer

Director -- Danny Boyle, "Slumdog Millionaire"

Actor -- Sean Penn, "Milk"

Actress -- Kate Winslet, "The Reader"

Supporting Actor -- Heath Ledger, "The Dark Knight"

Supporting Actress -- Penelope Cruz, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"

Animated Film -- "WALL-E"

Adapted Screenplay -- "Slumdog Millionaire," Screenplay by Simon Beaufoy

Original screenplay -- "Milk," Written by Dustin Lance Black

Art Direction -- "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," Art Direction: Donald Graham Burt; Set Decoration: Victor J. Zolfo

Cinematography -- "Slumdog Millionaire," Anthony Dod Mantle

Costume Design -- "The Duchess," Michael O'Connor

Documentary Feature -- "Man on Wire"

Documentary Short Subject -- "Smile Pinki"

Film Editing -- "Slumdog Millionaire," Chris Dickens

Foreign Language Film -- "Departures," Japan

Makeup -- "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," Greg Cannom

Original Score -- "Slumdog Millionaire," A.R. Rahman

Original Song -- "Jai Ho" from "Slumdog Millionaire," Music by A.R. Rahman, Lyric by Gulzar

Animated Short Film -- "La Maison en Petits Cubes"

Live Action Short Film -- "Spielzeugland (Toyland)"

Sound Editing -- "The Dark Knight," Richard King

Sound Mixing -- "Slumdog Millionaire," Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty

Visual Effects -- "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton and Craig Barron

Fashion wise, I haven’t got much to complain about. Everyone really looked good. Some of my favorite looks were Kate Winslet’s one-shoulder getup. It was different, risky, but she wore it insanely well. Her hair, her earings, everything was perfect for her winning night. Meryl Streep. Dayum, woman! She’s sixty and still hot. She glammed herself up! Miley Cyrus’ dress was a lot for her to wear—similar to Sarah Jessica Parker’s, which I loved—and Miley pulled it off. I was surprised, but she carried herself well. Anne Hathaway’s dress --I couldn’t decide on. It was alright, it didn’t do a whole lot for me, but not awful. Natalie Portman looked gorgeous in an insanely bold color choice, the hot pink dress. Penelope Cruz strayed from her usual black dress and looked sensational in that light colored dress, while Angie opted for black and looked fab as well. Brad Pitt looked very hot, as did Robert Downey Jr and John Legend as he performed. As I said, I wish Zach Efron didn’t use an entire tube of gel in his hair and Vanessa Hudgens wore a dress she could walk in; they looked ridiculous, but you win some, you lose some. Jessica Biel looked great in white. The trend of the night was definitely light colors and the scaley dress look. Reese and Tina looked great, as always. I loved Halle Berry’s dress and I have to say, Frieda Pinto is stunning. She looked fantastic all glammed up last night, but she really is a ridiculously pretty girl.
Overall, I was very, very pleased with the Academy Awards!

WINSLET WINS!!!! FINALLY.

KATE WINSLET: 2009 OSCAR WINNER FOR BEST ACTRESS. more to come....

Indie awards Indie awards. i am also glad James Franco won. Movies in general this year were incredible, as were the performances. Despite Heath's stellar performance, if circumstances were different, I think Supporting Actor would be one of the tightest races. TONIGHT. i can not wait. And while I can't watch Oprah because of work, you better believe I'll be youtubeing that ASAP.

I like Lily Allen as well. She's got the thick London accent, very cheeky story-telling songs, similar to Kate Nash. They both write their own music and are extremely talented. I also like how Lily is a little out of control, but nowhere near as insane as Amy Winehouse, another talented Brit.

Tonight is the night, Frank. I love the Academy Awards in any year, but this year especially I'm excited. I will be flipping between the Barbara Walters specials, there are a few I have to see, and the E! red carpet preshow. It's the most glamorous, most important night in Hollywood!

So the Independent Spirit Awards winners for 2009 were announced and here is a list of the winners and nominees.

Best Feature
WINNER: The Wrestler (2008): Darren Aronofsky, Scott Franklin

Other Nominees:
Ballast (2008): Lance Hammer, Nina Parikh

Frozen River (2008): Chip Hourihan, Heather Rae

Rachel Getting Married (2008): Neda Armian, Jonathan Demme, Marc E. Platt

Wendy and Lucy (2008): Larry Fessenden, Neil Kopp, Anish Savjani

Best Female Lead
WINNER:Melissa Leo for Frozen River (2008)

Other Nominees:
Summer Bishil for Nothing Is Private (2007)

Anne Hathaway for Rachel Getting Married (2008)

Tarra Riggs for Ballast (2008)

Michelle Williams for Wendy and Lucy (2008)

Best Male Lead
WINNER:Mickey Rourke for The Wrestler (2008)

Other Nominees:
Javier Bardem for Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

Richard Jenkins for The Visitor (2007/I)

Sean Penn for Milk (2008/I)

Jeremy Renner for The Hurt Locker (2008)

Best Supporting Female
WINNER: Penélope Cruz for Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

Other Nominees:
Rosemarie DeWitt for Rachel Getting Married (2008)

Rosie Perez for The Take (2007)

Misty Upham for Frozen River (2008)

Debra Winger for Rachel Getting Married (2008)

Best Supporting Male
WINNER: James Franco for Milk (2008/I)

Other Nominees:
Anthony Mackie for The Hurt Locker (2008)

Charlie McDermott for Frozen River (2008)

JimMyron Ross for Ballast (2008)

Haaz Sleiman for The Visitor (2007/I)

Best Director
WINNER: Thomas McCarthy for The Visitor (2007/I)

Other Nominees:
Ramin Bahrani for Chop Shop (2007)

Jonathan Demme for Rachel Getting Married (2008)

Lance Hammer for Ballast (2008)

Courtney Hunt for Frozen River (2008)

Best Screenplay
WINNER: Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008): Woody Allen

Other Nominees:
Padre Nuestro (2007): Christopher Zalla

Savage Grace (2007): Howard A. Rodman

Sugar (2008/I): Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck

Synecdoche, New York (2008): Charlie Kaufman

Best First Screenplay
WINNER: Milk (2008/I): Dustin Lance Black

Other Nominees:
Ballast (2008): Lance Hammer

Frozen River (2008): Courtney Hunt

Rachel Getting Married (2008): Jenny Lumet

The Wackness (2008): Jonathan Levine

Best Cinematography
WINNER: The Wrestler (2008): Maryse Alberti

Other Nominees:
Ballast (2008): Lol Crawley

Chop Shop (2007): Michael Simmonds

Medicine for Melancholy (2008): James Laxton

Milk (2008/I): Harris Savides

Best First Feature
WINNER:Synecdoche, New York (2008): Charlie Kaufman, Anthony Bregman, Spike Jonze, Charlie Kaufman, Sidney Kimmel

Other Nominees:
Afterschool (2008): Antonio Campos, T. Sean Durkin, Josh Mond

Medicine for Melancholy (2008): Barry Jenkins, Justin Barber

Padre Nuestro (2007): Christopher Zalla, Per Melita, Ben Odell

Sleep Dealer (2008): Alex Rivera, Anthony Bregman

Best Foreign Film
WINNER: Entre les murs (2008): Laurent Cantet(France)

Other Nominees:
Gomorra (2008): Matteo Garrone(Italy)

Hunger (2008): Steve McQueen(UK/Ireland)

Graine et le mulet, La (2007): Abdel Kechiche(France)

Stellet licht (2007): Carlos Reygadas(Mexico/France/Netherlands/Germany)

Best Documentary
WINNER: Man on Wire (2008): James Marsh

Other Nominees:
The Betrayal - Nerakhoon (2008): Ellen Kuras, Thavisouk Phrasavath

Encounters at the End of the World (2007): Werner Herzog

The Order of Myths (2008): Margaret Brown

Up the Yangtze (2007): Yung Chang

John Cassavetes Award
WINNER: In Search of a Midnight Kiss (2007): Alex Holdridge, Seth Caplan, Scoot McNairy

Other Nominees:
Prince of Broadway (2008): Sean Baker, Darren Dean

The Signal (2007/I): David Bruckner, Dan Bush, Jacob Gentry, Alexander Motlagh

Take Out (2004): Sean Baker, Shih-Ching Tsou

Turn the River (2007): Chris Eigeman, Ami Armstrong

Truer Than Fiction Award
WINNER: The Order of Myths (2008): Margaret Brown

Other Nominees:
Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2008): Sacha Gervasi

Loot (2008): Darius Marder

Someone to Watch Award
WINNER: Lynn Shelton for My Effortless Brilliance (2008)

Other Nominees:
Barry Jenkins for Medicine for Melancholy (2008)

Nina Paley for Sita Sings the Blues (2008)

Producers Award
WINNER: Heather Rae for Frozen River (2008), Ibid (2008)

Other Nominees:
Lars Knudsen, Jay Van Hoy for Treeless Mountain (2008), I'll Come Running (2008)

Jason Orans for Goodbye Solo (2008), Year of the Fish (2007)

Well, for me it is no surprise that "The Wrestler" won many awards. It's the "Million Dollar Baby" of this award season. Came out of nowhere with tremendous praise, a high profile performance, and while it is a bit depressing it is in some ways a "feel good movie." I think Mickey Rourke is going to win the Academy Award. It doesn't upset me because I have heard nothing but great things but I think that Sean Penn was so good in "Milk" that I would love to see him walk away with the honor. Good for James Franco winning "Best Supporting Actor" and I am still surprised that he didn't garner more attention for this film from the other awards. I guess that there were so many great performances for that category that he just didn't make the cut.

Well, there are times where I think that Elisabeth is just a moron, but there are sometimes where I think she does have something valid to say. I just watched something on youtube where they were talking about evolution. The title of the video was "Elisabeth Attacks Evolution" and in the video the ladies were dicussing how George W. Bush said that people can believe in God and evolution. Elisabeth said that she agreed with it and her and Whoopi and Sherri all said that they really don't contradict one another, but nowhere in the video did she say that evolution should be taken out of schools, that she didn't believe in it, or that man killed the dinosaurs. So my point is that she can say some pretty bizarre things but part of the reason why people hate her is because she simply has an opinion that differs from most people. She is educated and is not afraid of voicing her thoughts.

I'll definitely check out your musical referral. I just downloaded off of iTunes some songs off of Lily Allen's new album "It's Not Me, It's You" and I have to say that I really do like her. Her public image is much larger than her musical image so it is easy to forget that she has some really great, witty and catchy songs. The songs that I downloaded were "The Fear", "Back To the Start" and "F**k You" which is a song that is totally geared towards George W. Bush. So, in other music news I have really no opinion about Miley Cyrus but I heard her new song from the Hannah Montanna movie on the radio and I have to say that it is not that terrible. It's called "The Climb" and while it is a bit sentimental, it is a very well put together song that anyone can relate to. Also it shows that she can sing. Also I'm getting into Adele much more than before and I downloaded M.I.A's song "O...Saya" from "Slumdog Millionaire" and I LOVE IT!

So the Academy Awards are tomorrow! OMG! I think it is stupid for people to say that in today's economy we can't have a ceremony like the Academy Awards. It's just like when people were criticizing the Inauguration, although I'm sure they were more likely criticizing the person being inaugurated. Here's the thing, the Academy Awards have been around for 81 years: they've been around during the Great Depression, World War II, the Korean War, The Vietnam War, The Recession of the 1980s, The Gulf War, September 11th, The Iraq War etc. In times of turmoil and crisis we need to have outlets in which to express optimism and hope. The Academy Awards offer that and I see no problem with it: it's just like going to the movies, going to a sports game, we need to allow ourselves to have fun. Just because we are in a shit storm economy did we cancel The Superbowl? No, we didn't. So suck it up and let yourself believe that happy days are in the future.

Can't wait for the Academy Awards and I will totally be watching Oprah the next day!

Also, the idea that being gay is choice is ludacris. 1. Why would anyone chose that? and 2. it's retarded. did I chose to be straight? no. false. do not get me started on politics, especially social matters.

I do hate Elisabeth. She is so close-minded and stupid, if the girl could form thoughts she'd be another Anne Coutler. I will say she adds an interesting perspective. Sherri is not the sharpest tool in the shed either, but at least she's very nice. Endearing. Whoopi is hilarious. I love when her and Joy team up on Elisabeth. Overall, I think The View has serious staying power. If it can go through the Rosie scandal, and revoloving door of co-hosts (Meredith, Lisa--I miss them and Debbie, who also had an IQ of like 6), and keep its audience, I think that says a lot about the show. I'm a fan.

I have music rec for you, Frank. Katie Todd. She's cool and indie, very catchy. Kind of like Ingrid Michaelson meets Regina Spektor meets Kate Nash. Check her out.

In our fav news Kate Winslet is leading Us Weekly's "Who will be dressed at the Oscars poll" by a mile. She has 55%, and the next closest is Angie with 12%. And "The Reader" is second in the best picture poll, although Slumdog is 13% of it, leading the pack. Still--interesting.

Thanks to TMZ and PerezHilton.com for the photo. Wow. I'm sure chris brown's people are hanging themselves somewhere. What an idiot. First of all, you don't hit your girlfriend, ever. second of all, especailly not when you're chris brown and she's rihanna if you ever want a career! What a douchebag. I am 100% on the boycott bandwagon here.

So there has been some backlash over the Oscars lately. People are saying the award show is too extravagant in a time like this. Well, here's the thing, there is no question that the economy is a bit shakey right now, but--they are movie stars. It's glamour, its a tradition. And the Oscars have cut back on spending quite a bit. It's not like tax dollars pay for the ceremony. I say back off everyone.

So, Frank British reality TV star Jane Goody is set to die in front of the cameras. "The Working Class Paris Hilton," is having her losing battle with cancer broadcast. What do you think about her?

This picture is indeed disturbing, but needs to be posted.



As you can see, Rihanna was beaten badly during her altercation with Chris Brown. His actions are inexcusible and he should be ashamed.

So, we haven't reported much about Chris Brown and Rihanna for a while. But recent developments make it imperative to do so. Rihanna is said to be disgusted by his lame attempt at an apology. Also, sources from the L.A. law enforcement have told E!News that while Chris Brown is currently being investigated for domestic violence due to the injuries during the incident. But, they are also investigating whether or not to charge him with attemptive murder due to his threat to kill her and attempting to choke her until she passed out. WOW! It would take a miracle of gargantuan proportions to save his career now!

Funny that you mentioned gay marriage. While it isn't about gay marriage I was watching "The Tyra Show" yesterday and even though I know you have an intense dislike of Tyra the topic was very interesting. It was about gay people who want to be straight. At the end of the show Tyra invited viewers to join the dicussion about "The Gay Switch" on her website www.tyrashow.com. I visited the site and voted and amazingly only 60% of the people who answered believed that you are born gay, and 40% believe that it is a choice. I then read what people posted and it is insane that in today's day and age people still think that it is a choice. One post in particular was insulting saying that people chose to be gay because it is chic and popular. As someone who is gay it was bizarre to me because in what world is being a gay teenager popular. While I was never beat up in high school it's a reality that teenagers are beat up, killed, or so scrutinized that they live in shame. Additionally among teenagers, gay teens have the highest suicide rate or attempted suicide rate. Being gay is not chic or popular.

So, apparently Barbara Walters saw John McCain recently and asked him if he would be joining them on "The View" any time soon and he said "Not likely." I think that is a definite snub and I cannot understand why because Elisabeth Hasselback is a huge supporter of him. Even though you has a dislike for Elisabeth, and even though I find some of the things she says to be very insensitive I appriciate her contribution to the dicussions. It makes "The View" interesting because if they were all liberal it would be boring. Elisabeth offers the conservative view point, Sherri offers a christian perspective, Joy is the liberal, while Whoopi and Barbara play devil's advocate. Additionally, "The View" has seen a surge in ratings this past season. Many believed that after the election, ratings would decrease, but they have remained high. I'm not surprised because it is a very fascinating show.

So the Academy Awards are in FOUR DAYS! Apparently there is going to be a song and dance portion of the opening involving the host Hugh Jackman and various stars: reported to be Zach Efron, Vanessa Hudgens and even Beyonce Knowles have been mentioned. M.I.A who recently gave birth has been courted by the shows producers to perform her nominated song "O Saya" from the film "Slumdog Millionaire." They are sensitive to the fact that just gave birth and have offered her a bed to perform in. It would be interesting to see if she performs, we'll probably have to wait to see if she does or not. John Mayer also announced that he will be attending the Academy Award ceremony with Jennifer Aniston, but many are saying that he is only attending because Jennifer does not want to go alone. I say leave Jennifer alone! I like her and she is a good actress, and at 40 she looks great. Let her be happy and have faith that they are really in love.

I haven't been able to watch much of "American Idol" because of rehearsals for the musical but I have been catching recaps on shows like "E! News" and "The View" and I think the show only has two seasons left for it. I like Danny Gokey whose wife died before the auditions of cancer, he is very talented and he has a Daughtry feel to him, also for guys I like Von Smith, who sang "Over the Rainbow" for his audition and was once on "The View." I don't know how far he will go because he does have a big voice, but it'll be cool to see him advance. I like the new judge Kara because she is like a female Simon. She is not afraid to voice her opinion and she offers more balance to the show. I don't think that the show is jumping the shark because there was supposed to be a fourth judge in the second season. Also, many of the other Idol shows and X Factor shows have four judges instead of three. This season should be interesting because we have a new Sanjaya, but this time it's a girl. Tatiana del Toro from Puerto Rico is the annoying girl that has that freaky giggle and I hope she doesn't advance beyond the semi-finals because she doesn't have the vocal chops.

Abortion and Gay Marriage need to be federalized. I know I'm way to the left, (to the left, to the left), but seriously. Its 2009. People are going to have abortions anyway, like you said. And the fact that Gay Marriage is even an issue is so incredibly stupid. I could talk politics all day, although its more fun to argue with a conservative.

Hey, so have you been watching the latest American Idol? I really like Kara, I was torn on her prescence for a while, and it did seem like a jump the shark kinda move, which maybe it was, but I like her. She's fiesty and not as drunk as Paula. I think this years winner is going to be the little petite girl with pink hair. I forget her name, but she's young and has a kid, really pale. Alexis, maybe? Anyway..she's my pick. Thoughts?

So, this is a bit of political reporting, but the North Dakota House of Representatives has passed a state ban on abortions. I think this is a disgrace because it won't stomp out abortions, girls and women are still going to get abortions and they'll resort to unsafe procedures in order to obtain the abortion. A botched abortion can result in the inability to have children, severe blood loss, or even death. Very sad indeed.

So, Hayden Christensen and Rachel Bilson are engaged. I say good for them. I like them both, even though there have been many rumors that Hayden is gay. I don't know if they're true or not...it's not like Ricky Martin. I've been a fan of Rachel Bilson since "The OC" and I hope she makes good films in the future.

30 Rock star Tracy Morgan's New York apartment has been destroyed by a fire reportedly started by a light bulb in one of his fish tanks.

Who knew that Taylor Swift is the hot new pop star/country superstar. Her new album has now spent nine unconsecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart, the last album to spend that much time at number one was Carlos Santana's "Supernatural" which spent twelve nonconscutive weeks at the top.

Speaking of Mickey Rourke and his dogs, his chihuahua Loki passed away. Rourke described her as "the love of his life" and she was 18 years old in human years.

It's the biggest event of the fashion world! New York Fashion Week! New designs and familiar faces hit Bryant Park for the event. Kim and Khloe Kardassian of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" (which I, of course watch) were there in matching one strap black dresses. Very chic. Eva Longoria, you are a fashionista, girlfriend. Every time there is an event, she stands out. She wore a very colorful coat over simple tan pants and a white shirt, giving her outfit some serious kick Tuesday. Excellent. Even JT stopped by Bryant Park! More fashion week news to come!

Salma Hayek married a billionaire! Good for her.

Mickey Rourke is crazy. As everyone who watched the Golden Globes saw, he thanked his dogs and has since claimed they saved his life. He is insane. I can not wait to see his antics at the Oscars if he wins. Speaking of which, we are getting closer and closer to the big day! I'm hoping Angie wears something similar to what she wore to the BAFTAS, I'm sure Kate will pull out all the stops and go mega-Glam, I'm curious as to what Meryl will wear. I mean, it is the Oscars, but she is Meryl Streep, so she really could show up in jeans and it'd be fine. I hope Brad shaves his moustache, and I also hope Gweynth will not be a presenter, but she probably will. Of course we know the Best Actor/Best Actress presenters, but the Academy leaving the others as mystery is a bit intriguing. We shall see. So, Frank...any last minute prediction changes?

I never really understood the hubbub about Scarlett. When I finally saw the films that garnered her so much praise I was not very impressed. She is always playing the same character and her acting is so wooded and one sided. Unlike other actresses she doesn't give her characters any depth and doesn't allow the audience to feel anything about her. While it is understandable to not make every character sentimental and relatable, you have to give your character some depth in order to make your character intriguing. She is very pretentious and I'm not a fan. I might still watch "Iron Man 2" because I do like Robert Downey Jr, but I can't say anything concrete, I'll have to wait for the trailer.

Lindsey Lohan has not been likable since she entered rehab. I think that she suffered so much exposure following "Freaky Friday" and "Mean Girls" and the expections were placed way to high. Additionally her choices in films suffered accoridngly. She was maturing and partying but still made films which were too light for her real image. Then she tried to make serious films and they were not good. Critics agree that she is indeed talented but her real life image is too controversal and unlikealble to follow. When Britney was falling apart people related to her and sympathized with her, but not so for Lohan. It is unfortuante and I hope that she does pull it all together, but I don't know if and when that will happen.

Scarlett Johansson. I was torn on her for a while, but I am officially taking the stance of not liking her. She's gorgeous, obviously, and she can act, but she is so pretentious and she really thinks shes God's gift to acting. She has let the Woody Allen's muse thing go to her head and inflate it to no end. From the feud with La Lo, to the Barack Obama's bestfriend to most obnoxiously--the album of Tom Waits covers, which was by the way, painful to listen to--shes so off the deep end of pretentiousness. Not a fan of ScarJo. her + gwenyth= boycotting iron man 2.


Lindsay Lohan..ugh. when will that girl return to the Mean Girls days when she was hot and likeable? She can act, she's pretty, and her life spun out for a bit but she seemed to regain control. Samantha Ronson seemed to be kind of a rock for her, I like them together. I mean, they're no Ellen and Porita, but they're a likeable lesbian duo. I hope La Lo gets to and stays a normal size and can overcome the young in Hollywood traps. She's a talented actress. What do you think about Scarlett and Lindsay?

So, Scarlet Johnanseen is reported to be replacing Emily Blunt in "Iron Man 2." Emily is currently filming "Gulliver's Travels" with Jack Black but the filming is said to conflict with the filming of the Iron Man sequel. Apparently Scarlett has been approached about replacing Emily and is excited to do it, but the studio is waiting to hear from Blunts people about her dropping out of the project or not. If it happens than that'll mean that "Iron Man 2" will have both Scarlett and Gwyneth...I don't know how I feel about that.

So, Lindsay Lohan is getting scarily thin. Thoughts?

I love "Revolutionary Road" and "The Reader" and I honestly have to say that I sometimes prefer "The Reader" better than "Revolutionary Road." I know, I know: SACRILIGE! But hear me out. I think that even though April is more sympathetic than Hannah, it is harder to enjoy "Revolutionary Road." Additionally, with April's decision at the end of the film, it turns people off. I've talked to people who have seen both films and many said that after watching "Revolutionary Road" they wanted to slit their wrists (even though they loved it) and after "The Reader" they felt for Hannah so much. Either way, I feel that Kate gave the years best performances. It's very much like Leo in 2006 with "The Departed" and "Blood Diamond." Two of the years bests but only one could be nominated. The good thing is that no performance by an actress stands close to Kate in "The Reader."

I'm still hearing mixed reactions to "He's Just Not That Into You." I think that any movie that is geared towards women is going to suffer comparisons to "Sex and the City: The Movie" because it was fantastic. Even though they are different films, lets remember that the idea of 'he's just not that into you' began in an episode of "Sex and the City." Yeah Jennifer always seems to play the wife in an adulterous relationship or she plays someone who is severely depressed. But she is still a great actress, she was magnificant in "The House of Sand and Fog."

So apparently Madonna in a relationship with the 22 year old model Jesus Luz. He is reported to be converting to Kabbalah and his mother in Brazil believes that he has been kidnapped and has no freedom in his relationship with Madonna.

Salma Hayek has eloped with her long time boyfriend/fiance who is the father of her daughter Valentina. I'm happy with her and I'd love to marry a billionaire.

Well, to be perfectly honest, despite my preference for Revolutionary Road over The Reader as a film, I think Kate's performance in The Reader wasn't necessarily better, but award worthy. April Wheeler is relatable and its easy to sympathize and even empathize with her. We've all felt trapped at some point, and while she reacts a little extreme, she is almost a martyr type of character. Hannah is an SS guard. While The Reader is a love story at heart, it is painful to sympathize with Hannah, but you do. You feel bad for her, you understand her. For an actor to play such a round, developed character takes serious skill. she had to take this love affair with a 15 year old boy, and strip away any sense of wrong doing or him being taken advantage of; and make the audience believe their love affair was just that. And--make them feel bad, and even understand why someone would join the SS. she deserves the oscar. And its not Renee-ish. At all.

Kate Moss. Hmm. well she already has a kid, who is pretty young, so maybe she decided she wanted another. Maybe she's off the blow. Let's give her the benefit of the doubt.

So, I saw "He's Just Not That Into You," tonight. I really liked it, personally, I found it very realistic, obviously with some extreme measures thrown in for comedic value, and while it was predictable, it was definitely enjoyable. Not to spoil the movie, but Jennifer Connelly always seems to be playing someone on the wrong side of a love affair, or getting cheated on by a husband who is slightly not as hot as her. Is she just destined for that part? I like her, I just think she is always playing the same character.

As is Scar Jo, always plays the whore stealing someone else's man. God, she is annoying.

thoughts?

I agree about "Confessions of a Shopaholic" movies that are that cute should be released in the spring or summer, at least post awards season because people aren't as critical about films.

Chris Brown's apology is complete and utter b.s. I don't buy it and he didn't say enough for me to sway my opinion of him. Sorry, if you beat your girlfriend, no matter what you did, resulting with contrusions, a black eye, a busted lip etc you cannot just issue an apology saying that you are seeking counsul from your pastor and family. I read an interesting article in Billboard saying that at this point his image is not destroyed but it is definitely tarnished. Especially considering what people thought of him before, wholesome, sweet etc, it's hard to come back to anything close to that image after beating your girlfriend who is one of America's pop sweethearts.

So, there are many people saying that if Kate is to win for "The Reader" it won't be satisfactory because it wasn't her best performance, some even comparing it to Renee winning for "Cold Mountain." I think that her performance is spectacular and people are just bitter that she wasn't nominated for "Revolutionary Road." And its funny because the same people who are saying if she wins it wasn't her best performance are also saying that if she doesn't win she was robbed, and it's like: you cannot have it both ways.

Also, Kate Moss is pregnant. Poor unborn baby....

SO, LK what do you think.

I agree, Frank. All the hot, young stars are in their late 20s, early 30s and the classic favs like Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts are past the big 4-0. Well, good for us!

MIA is ecclectic, originial and definitely ballsy. Performing on your due date is definitely not something I would do, but she deserves a ton of credit for doing it. Apparently, she was even having contractions before the performance!

Excellent V-day movie choices, Frank. And as far as box office results go, I'm not suprised at "Confessions," I think it missed its prime time of release, which would have been right after Devil Wears Prada, but before SATC. While the movie still looks cute and will have a decent turn out, i think had the timing been better wit would have shown in the numbers. People are going to the movies to see the Oscar buzz, serious films. Feel good movies=summer.

Elisbeth Hasselbeck has just officially made into my top 5 least favorite famous people, so congrats to her. She recently waged war agaisnt the Wii fit, for it calling kids "fat." Gay marriage, single moms, Wii. Bitch, back off!!

Chris Brown released a formal apology. i'm not buying it. You're sorry your career is over, bud. LOSER. Reportedly, Katy Perry and Benji Madden, Paris' old flame were seen cuddling over Valentines Day weekend. Ew Ew Ew. Katy Perry--you are better than that!

So, What do you think about Eva Longoria Parker? I really like her, I think she can act, she's gorgeous, she's constantly making my best-dressed lists.
On Eva, Katy and Benji and Elisbaeth...whats your take?

I definitely think that forty is the new thirty. It started when Demi Moore came out of hiding for "Charlies Angels: Full Throttle" and she looked better than she ever did before. Many of our favorite stars like Brad Pitt, Angelina, Kate Winslet, Michelle Pfeiffer and others are proving that you can age in Hollywood while retaining your good looks. There are other actors like Vanessa Williams from "Ugly Betty" who admit to using botox, but they still look great and it doesn't affect their appearance.

Other actors and singers have had visible work done and somethings it looks weird. Cher is exempt because she's Cher, but Meg Ryan hasn't been able to move her face in forever, and frankly Madonna scared me a bit in Britney's "For the Record" documentary. Her body is exquisite and youthful, but her face just looks too hard.

Congratulations to M.I.A. I really like her, her music is unique and very good. It annoys me that people gave her flack for performing at the Grammys. Even if I were 9 months pregnant and about to pop I would perform if it were on stage with Jay Z, Kanye West, T.I. and Li'l Wayne. Also, she got named Worst Dressed at the Grammys...ummm it's M.I.A! Like it matters and she was PREGNANT! She is nominated for "Best Original Song" at the Academy Awards for a song in "Slumdog Millionaire" so congrats to her and I hope her baby is happy and healthy.

So, as I posted earlier this week, Perez Hilton will be part of Britney's new tour. He filmed a video which will be used at the beginning of the show. Apparently it was the tour director Jamie King's, who directed Madonna's most recent tours, to use Perez and Britney was all for it. A picture of Perez dressed as Elizabeth I can be seen on Britney's official website: www.britneyspears.com.

Also in Britney news, this week she began filming her video for "If You Seek Amy."
Accoring to In Touch "In the first shot, she’s dressed in a pink tank top and white skirt, with two kids and a husband donning preppy J. Crew attire,” an insider tells In Touch. “Britney hands the paparazzi an apple pie over a white picket fence while the family of actors watch.” The video, directed by Jake Nava, later features a “provocative” Britney in a “black bustier and snakeskin ripped leggings” as she dances in a kitchen scene.

In box office news the remake of "Friday the 13th" looks to debut at number one, with "He's Just Not That Into You", "Taken", "Confessions of a Shopaholic" and "Coraline: rounding out the top five. Frankly I'm not surprised but I thought that "Confessions of a Shopaholic" would have performed better. Final box office figures are not out until Sunday or Monday so we'll see how well it does when all is said and done.

So, in honor of Valentine's Day I watched "A Star Is Born" starring Judy Garland and is one of the best movie musicals ever filmed, "Moulin Rouge!" which only goes to show that with the right material Nicole Kidman is a great actress, and "The Phantom of the Opera" and I am optimistic about the films female lead Emmy Rossum, who was also in "The Day After Tomorrow" and "Poseidon." It was a great way to spend Valentines Day: watching movies in which true love is stifled by death...haha.

So LK, what do you think?

Everyone Loves Kate Winslet

Found this, Tom Perrotta, who authored "Electon" and "Little Children" which are also two of my favorite films starring two of my favorite actresses: Reese Witherspoon and Kate Winslet wrote this article about Lk and my favorite actress: Kate Winslet.

According to my own highly unscientific survey, just about everybody loves Kate Winslet.

Actually, it wasn’t a survey at all, just me going about my business around the time that Winslet starred in “Little Children,” Todd Field’s film adaptation of my novel. Kate Winslet! people would exclaim, their faces brightening at the mention of her name.

I love Kate Winslet! They loved her for all sorts of reasons: She seems like such a nice person, so down-to-earth. She doesn’t look like she starves herself. She’s so different from one movie to the next. The fans who knew her from “Titanic” hadn’t necessarily caught her in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” — and vice versa — but both groups thought she was a terrific actress. As you might expect, a lot of men appreciated her fearless on-screen sexuality, but a surprising number of women responded to her on this level as well. Lesbians, I was informed, have a special fondness for Kate. They think she’s a goddess, a helpful friend explained.


Winslet’s apparently universal appeal isn’t unique, but it is mysterious. After all, everybody loves Tom Hanks and Will Smith, too, but that’s by design — those guys want us to love them.

Everything they do, on-screen and off, cements their reputations as likable everymen, latter-day Jimmy Stewarts. They play war heroes and superheroes and selfless dads and little boys trapped in the bodies of grown men. Winslet, on the other hand, gravitates toward troubling roles in smaller films — a teenage murderer (“Heavenly Creatures”), a prickly novelist who succumbs to Alzheimer’s (“Iris”), the Marquis de Sade’s chambermaid (“Quills”).

If we love Hanks and Smith because of the characters they play, we love Winslet in spite of them. Some of her choices may be dictated by necessity — there aren’t a whole lot of heroic parts available to women in Hollywood — but it’s hard to ignore a certain perverse streak in her decision making. Who else would have followed a breakout role in America’s biggest blockbuster ever with a starring turn in a tiny film called “Hideous Kinky”?

It’s not that Winslet doesn’t care what people think of her; at times she seems all too sensitive to the dangers she’s courting by playing so many thorny, potentially unsympathetic characters. I learned this firsthand after the release of “Little Children,” in which she plays Sarah, an unhappy stay-at-home mom who carries on a passionate affair with a handsome stay-at-home dad (Patrick Wilson) during their toddlers’ naptime. It’s an astonishing, vulnerable, painfully funny, ferociously honest performance, one of the finest of her career. Publicizing the film, though, Winslet went to what I considered excessive lengths to separate herself from Sarah, stating in interview after interview how hard it was for her to play a “bad mother.” It got to the point that I began to feel sorry for both the character — Sarah wasn’t really a bad mother, just a terribly distracted one — and the actress, who had brought her to life with such subtlety and compassion that a summary judgment like “bad mother” seemed not just inadequate, but totally beside the point. I wondered if Winslet was beating a strategic retreat, preparing to refashion her career along more conventional Hollywood lines, a suspicion that only deepened with her appearance in “The Holiday,” a fluffy romantic comedy unlike anything she had ever done before.

But it turns out that my worries were misplaced, because Winslet is back this year with two remarkable performances — as a Nazi war criminal in “The Reader” and as a disillusioned ’50s-era housewife in “Revolutionary Road” — that make it clearer than ever that she’s both the finest and the most uncompromising actress of her generation.

Oddly enough, Hanna Schmitz, the former Nazi prison guard Winslet plays in “The Reader,” directed by Stephen Daldry and based on the novel by Bernhard Schlink, is by far the more sympathetic of the two characters. Partly this is because we see her only in peacetime — first as the older lover of a teenage boy, and then as a bewildered defendant in a war-crimes trial — but also because Winslet makes her intellectual limitations so insistently vivid. For all her Teutonic gruffness and unembarrassed sexuality — even by Winslet’s standards, “The Reader”has a lot of sex — Hanna remains a kind of child throughout the first half of the film, unwilling to face the horrors she helped perpetrate. While this has the effect of pushing “The Reader” into uncomfortable allegorical territory — at times, the movie comes perilously close to offering an implicit excuse for her crimes and for the crimes of other ordinary Germans who were just following orders — Hanna herself refuses any kind of absolution. The intellectual awakening she undergoes in prison — portrayed by Winslet as a kind of quiet ecstasy — only deepens her awareness of her own guilt. She grows old before our eyes, a woman who understands all too well that she is beyond forgiveness.

If Hanna is literally incarcerated, April Wheeler in “Revolutionary Road” — the film, directed by Winslet’s husband, Same Mendes, is based on Richard Yates’s pitiless 1961 novel — considers herself a virtual prisoner of suburbia. On the surface, April is vaguely reminiscent of Sarah in “Little Children” — both are ex-bohemians, trapped in their pleasantly conventional surroundings, uncomfortably inhabiting the roles of mother and homemaker — but their dreams of escape are entirely different. Sarah wants love; April believes she already has it and simply wants to move to Paris, where she and her husband, Frank (Leonardo DiCaprio), can live the creative, interesting lives they deserve. Sarah’s fantasy survives until very close to the end of “Little Children”; throughout the film, she’s an energetic and hopeful — if slightly deluded — character. April’s dream dies earlier, and she spends the second half of the movie in a state of escalating desperation. Furious with Frank, she has sex with a neighbor in the front seat of a car; the scene is short and brutal — the man appears to be suffocating her — and ends with her cutting off his breathless declarations of love: “Please just be quiet for a minute, then you can take me home.” But the high point of the movie comes a little later, on the morning when April has come to a fateful decision, a rejection of her marriage and of motherhood far more absolute than any that Sarah could have imagined. Instead of sharing her decision with Frank, she gets up, cooks him a big breakfast and makes cheerfully innocuous small talk, impersonating the vapid suburban housewife she believes he wants her to be. The confusion on DiCaprio’s face is priceless — he knows this isn’t April, it can’t possibly be — but Winslet plays her role with such conviction it’s impossible not to believe her.