The new 90210 - is it cancelled yet?

Written by Michael Vass

Ok. Please stop. I’m speaking to the CW network.

The CW network is the channel that has brought us such hits as Hidden Palms, Aliens in America, and Online Nation. If you don’t recall those television shows don’t worry, no one else did either – even when they were on the air. This network was the reheated remains of the corpses of the WB and UPN networks (birthplace of Homeboys in Space - thank god they went bankrupt). It’s only successes to date being Smallville, Supernatural, Everybody Hates Chris, and America’s Top Model each from the old networks that went out of business.

So in search of new ideas that might sustain this still miserable network there has been an nearly unending hype about the new 90210. Yes sheer joy will fall from the heavens and ratings records will be set anew when the sequel to the original 1990’s television show hits the airwaves. Or so the CW keeps using all kinds of media to let us know.

Honestly, do they think that the return of Jennie Garth, and Shannen Doherty will cause some kind of uproar? Neither of these women have had a success in years. Unless you count the short stint Doherty had on Charmed (before she reportedly was fired and the series really took off) or her season of work on “Sci-Fi” Channel’s Scare Tactics [which has nothing to do with scifi and does not deserve to be on the channel]. That says nothing of the fact that the fan base left their teens over a decade ago.

But let’s look at what the show has to offer the youth of today.

The most notable change to the show is that suddenly the Beverly Hills area has a touch of color. And I do mean A touch. Tristan Wilds will play the adopted brother of Shenae Grimes – essentially the Brendan and Brenda of the old show.

So the only way that a Black kid can get into Beverly Hills is via an adoption, or so the show seems to present. Because the original certainly had as many Blacks as were to be found on Happy Days, The Brady Bunch, Friends, Seinfeld, and E.R. combined. Oh wait, that’s not true because there was 1 African American on E.R. at it’s start. Well at least the new show follows the far more enlightened and standardized format of 1 Black, 1 Latino, and at least one woman. (Well at least one of the women in the show looks sortof Latino so that counts right? And Asians? They don’t exist in America)

Well it won’t matter. The show has good looking rich people (everyone can relate to that right?), and they have Youtube in the show too (they are just like you, just in a Ferrari - if you are also White). It must be cool. And just for added effect they threw in an alcoholic/addict grandmother (because who doesn’t have one). It’s just a good wholesome television show, with drugs, and drinking, and sex, and paparazzi, and clothes that cost more than what most parents make in a year.

I think Brian Austin Green, who is among virtually all the old cast that refused to be on this program – except for Tori Spelling who dropped out because she thought she was worth more money like she has an acting career now that nepotism is not an option – stated it best

“The new [’90210′] could be good. Or it will suck terribly.”

The odds stack up that it will suck. But in a world engorged with American Idol and ‘reality’ television shows, drivel might just pass for drama and entertainment. Unrealistic views of American population or success, a deep need to exploit real issues, and a drive to suplant style for substance. No wonder why I avoid broadcast television.

Replacing Gil Grissom - Fishburne or Russell or Malkovich

Written by Michael Vass

Oh how the rumors are flying now. With the fact that William Petersen will be ending his well-known role of Gil Grissom on C.S.I. the race has been on for producers to find a replacement. Previously I stated that I felt without the presence of Grissom the show was more than likely to fold. I may have spoken too soon.

The buzz is out stating that Laurence Fishburne will be stepping in and heading the C.S.I. original. Now that is a surprise to me. Fishburne is a definite presence and is renown for his roles in movies, like Apocalypse Now, The Matrix, The Tuskegee Airmen as well as stage like Thurgood. Obviously the producers of C.S.I. are looking for serious star power to fill the gap Petersen will create.

Is this enough to make the show continue to be interesting and viable? That’s hard to say. The purported storyline that would go with the character replacing Grissom is that the character would have

“same genetic profile as a serial killer but hasn’t previously acted on any homicidal impulses.”

Now what that exactly means I’m not sure. It could be a spin in the series similar to the premise on the cable television show Dexter – where the lead is a serial killer but works within the legal system. It could be that the thought of such could drive the back stories on the television program.

Either way I am sure that Laurence Fishburne is more than capable enough to lead this popular show.

But the Hollywood rumor mill has a few other choices in mind as well. Also slated to be in the running for this program is John Malkovich and Kurt Russell. Both are strong film leading men, just like Fishburne.

For me, considering the proposed storyline that goes with the top spot, I would prefer Kurt Russell I think. He has a hard edge (like the Snake Plisken character from Escape from New York) to his characters that could be played well off of his generally calm demeanor. I can easily see him as a very dark, but highly charming character.

It’s not that Laurence Fishburne or John Malkovich can’t do the same, they have. But I think Russell can be more believable as a vile, sinister, evil and yet deceptive character. He really has the look for it.

So here is a question, who would you prefer as the lead of C.S.I. – with the understanding that he may or may not also be a serial killer:

• Laurence Fishburne
• John Malkovich
• Kurt Russell

Morgan Freeman recovering - respect is due

Written by Michael Vass

The news is spreading fast so I am sure that most have heard the news, Morgan Freeman was in a car accident. So far the news has been clear to point out that his injuries were not life threatening. The last I heard he suffered a broken arm and shoulder.

Of course I have also heard a good and bad thing along with that news. The good thing is possibly the bigger issue. Before rumors run around, all indications and statements at this time from the police and other sources state that he was not drunk driving. He was driving very late at night, and it is believe he may have fallen asleep at the wheel. While that is still very bad, it is something any driver on a long trip, or after a long hectic day, can attest to having done at least once. Thankfully there have been no fatalities reported.

The other item that I heard is the potential gossip and venom that the major news and entertainment media loves to put out on any entertainer in the news. It’s the shadow of the negative spin that normally occurs in any news about an entertainer, especially if it’s a Black entertainer. In this case it’s the question of the passenger in the car.

It was a woman, that has been confirmed. Who the woman is has also been confirmed but I will not mention it as that is not relevant to me. The state of her injuries is unreported though. I hope that she is relatively well and not in danger of any complications or critical medical state.

Morgan Freeman is a superb actor. He has worked diligently to gain the recognition and acclaim he has today. His ability to display gravitas on the big screen is nearly unmatched by any actor, and certainly unmatched by any current actor now.

He started in his acting career at 8, in a school play. He won a statewide drama competition at 12. He has served in the Air Force. In 1964 he was a dancer in the 1964 World’s Fair. He has worked with Pearl Bailey and Cab Calloway on Broadway. He is famous for his role as Easy Reader on the PBS show Electric Company (which I grew up with) at the age of 34. But he gained prominence after his movie role of Fast Black in Street Smart in 1987 at the age of 50. He has been married for 24 years.

I mention all this because at 71 any injury can potentially be serious. In addition I think he deserves some respect. Morgan Freeman grew up before the Civil Rights Movement in the South, which was no easy task. His achievements in his youth meant that he was not just good but stellar to be recognized at that time in America. His time in the military reveals a dedication to America and a will that exceeded the segregationist policies of the time. And his ability has stood out enough (1 Academy Award and 3 nominations, 1 Golden Globe and 3 nominations, and 2 Screen Actor’s Guild Award nominations) that when many other actors end their careers, or have extreme difficulty in getting work, he is now in demand.

Respect means that the tendency of the media to create rumors about the woman in question should not happen. Respect means that whatever her reason to be in the car is private and not fodder for Entertainment Tonight, The Globe, or the gossip blogs.

I do not presume anything about the woman in the car. I don’t know of her, and really don’t want to. But I shudder to think that the Freeman family may be dragged through the mud because some media outlet will hope to increase ratings and circulation. No one deserves that kind of treatment, especially after an accident, especially at 71.

So I hope Mr. Freeman and the lady in the accident are well. I wish them swift recoveries. And I have my fingers crossed that Paris Hilton or Britney Spears will do yet another stupid thing to keep the dogs of journalism away.

Watch out Harold and Kumar, the original stoners are back

Written by Michael Vas

The rumors are over. After decades of questions and more than a few hopes it has finally come true.

Cheech and Chong are back.

For those that never have seen or heard of the duo let me try to give you an idea of why this is so anticipated. Cheech & Chong are the stoned, hippy equivalent of Abbot and Costello. This comedy duo ruled the 70’s and their movies opened the door for films like Fast Times At Ridgemont High, Dazed & Confused, How High, Pineapple Express and the popular Harold and Kumar films, as well as shows like Weeds and others. Without these 2 men, there would be none of these films (nor the lovely Rae Dawn Chong).

Let me give you a sample of their comedy.

Now that might seem a bit low-brow, and it is. But low humor has never been out of style. As for their movies

While this is not nearly as risqué as say Neil Patrick Harris in the Harold & Kumar films for the 70’s it was breakthrough. What can we expect from these to men today?

That’s anyone’s guess. But considering they can now entertain audiences on a subject they introduced to the masses, the bar they created might just get raised again. If nothing else it’s worth the time to see what they present.

Just remember that you can’t smoke in the theater, and there’s a better than 50/50 chance the cops will be on the roads in the vicinity.

Forbes best paid actors list - my version

Written by Michael Vass

On a less important and trivial note, news came out today on the top paid actors in America. Now this list has nothing to do with talent per say. Several people on the list are horrible if you ask me. So even though they may have made money I want to present the list in the order of quality each actor on the list has, and I’ll throw in a movie I think that justifies my though.

Let me know if you agree.

• 1. Will Smith. Forbes had him at #1 and he deserves it. He made $80 million in the past 12 months and has a record-setting 8 consecutive films breaking $100 million to show for the salary. Sci-fi, drama, action, you name it and he can act his ass off. So much for those that argue that White audiences cannot connect with a leading actor that is of a different race. – See Ali, Hancock, Independence Day and so on to see what I mean.
• 2. Johnny Depp. Another great actor, capable of a range that equals anyone else on this list. He may prefer esoteric roles like What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, but when he wants to go mainstream it’s like a day in Tortuga. Forbes had him in 2nd and I would say it’s as close as his $72 million makes it look. – See any Pirates of the Caribbean.
• 3. Bruce Willis. Here Forbes goes by the numbers and I go by quality. Of the remaining actors and actresses he tops the list. He is the everyman that gets the job done with style. He may be the oldest and only made $41 million for Die Hard 4 (which made $380 million) but he most importantly delivers entertainment. – See Hudson Hawk, 5th Element, or any Die Hard film
• 4. Nicolas Cage. While you wouldn’t imagine that he was paid $38 million from movies like Next and Ghost Rider, he still can get it right more often than not. He is another of the versatile entertainers on this list. – See National Treasure
• 5. Mike Meyers. He is still coasting of the success of Shrek and Austin Powers. And he needs to considering his turn as the Cat in the Hat (thankfully Dr. Seuss was dead before the movie was made). Still Shrek is funny, though not worth the $55 million that he made. – See Austin Powers, or the first Shrek
• 6. Eddie Murphy. I would put him higher as he has more lasting power than most on the list, and he has enough talent to do nearly every role in a movie. But his last couple of films were not that good – Norbit and now Meet Dave. Yet as an entertainer he can wow the audience with roles like Dreamgirls (he was robbed of the Oscar plain and simple). His $55 million is like paying a couple of actors each, and it would have got him over his Shrek co-star but his overly family friendly films don’t work above the age of 11. – See Dreamgirls and be amazed.
• 7. Keira Knightley. The first lady on the list. She only makes it one step above her Forbes ranking in terms of cash, but she is miles ahead of the next closest female entertainer. She’s sexy, smart, and can do a bit of action – yet none of it over the top. For $32 million I think she is getting underpaid. –See Star Wars episodes 1,2,3
• 8. Adam Sandler. While his low-brow comedies are a hit or miss proposition he is more than where he started from. He has grown to do quality serious roles like in Reign Over Me (with a good dose of help from Don Cheadle – massively underpaid) which helps us all forget films like Little Nicky. My guess, his career will grow, and his pay of $30 million, if he stays away from dumb comedy like The Gong Show (yes I know it’s a television program). - See Spanglish.
• 9. Leonardo Di Caprio. Basically I put him here because I dislike the rest of the actors even less. I don’t find him all that good and I wouldn’t pay the price of admission to see any film he starred in as sole lead. But he made $45 million so some Hollywood exec must think he is worth it, though some exec greenlighted Soul Plane too. – see something he is in. I wouldn’t know.
• 10. Will Ferrell. I liked Elf. Moments in Ricky Bobby (or whatever it was called) were funny, though most of it was exactly what most of America tends to think of when they think of NASCAR. Sadly though he has been paid $31 million to keep playing the same sort of character found in both those movies, over and over again. Semi-Pro didn’t do well because of this, Stepbrothers probably will fare the same. He needs to change or the entertainment career will be like his work on Saturday Night Live, a flat bomb. – See Elf.
• 11. Cameron Diaz. She only precedes the next guy because she is a lady and I thought I’d be nice. I don’t find her funny, attractive or talented. Seriously she is ugly and needs to gain weight. I believe the only funny film she was in was Something About Mary (and luckily it was an almost good film for Ben Stiller too) and any other work she has done is too vapid to remember. The $50 million she was paid needs to seriously be spent on other actresses. – See the revisioned remake of Charlie’s Angels, you’ll go to sleep but it’s better than the next guy’s films.
• 12. Ben Stiller. He came from a comedy family. He’s been in films with huge talents. He was paid $40 million. Yet this guy cannot stop playing the same insipid character in every movie. I will say this for him; he has mastered the art of doing the same thing badly and getting paid well for it. – See The Royal Tenenbaums, not because he is in it but because everyone else in the film is great.
• 13. Last and least of all the entertainers on Forbes list of the best paid (and some of the most overpaid in my opinion) is the #3 woman on their list, Jennifer Aniston. Simply put she needs to eat some food and stick with unrealistic television sitcoms. – See Friends because you won’t have to focus on her and it’s slightly better than the Charlie’s Angels remake.

Since no list should go to 13 I will add one more I think deserves to be on the list – Denzel Washington. If he is not the highest paid actor per film he should be. He is quality and can act against anyone on this list and make them all look good via osmosis (yes even Aniston and Stiller).

So that is my take on Forbes. How would you rank them? Who would be your 14th entertainer on the list?

Madonna Linked to Hot Rod

Not the wrestler. The blogs are lighting up with rumors swirling that Alex Rodriguez is really getting to know the material girl through some late night Central Park West visits. Madonna, 49 and Rodriguez 32 have both denied the rumors. I say go for it, think about the stud fees from this pair. Pitt and Jolie have nuttin on them.

Mashable’s List for Gossip Blogs

Mashable creates a well done list of the top 30 gossip blogs. Save a spot for us Mashable. We’ll be there.

Stardom stars with a photo

Fame is something many hope for. To be a winner of American Idol, starting a band in your garage, or becoming the next A-list movie star found in a shopping mall are the dreams multitudes hold. One of the best confirmations of such fame is the ever present paparazzi snapping pictures.

Yet most will never attain such fame. But it is possible to have a glimpse of it with your own personal paparazzi. Whether its from Craigslist, Celeb-4-A-Day, Private Paparazzi or any of a number of growing companies it is possible to be the inner mega-star you know you are. And the prices are so reasonable that even commonfolk are able to enjoy this pleasure and menace that previously only the likes of Britney Spears and Michael Jackson enjoyed.

Prices range from as little as $75 to $2,500 for your own spotlight for a night. Given the demand for instant celebrity and recognition that is Youtube and American Idol the price is too cheap to be missed.

And who knows, you just might create enough buzz that the big leagues stand up and take notice.

George Carlin dead at 71

Written by Michael Vass

I know that there are many looking forward to an image of the latest Spears child. Some are anticipating news about the latest Jason Statham film or clues on the plot of Cranked 2. Maybe there is interest on how R Kelly will exploit his freedom now that a jury botched the verdict at his trial.

But I want to take a moment and delve into something a bit more serious. It’s not gossip but news about a well-respected entertainer. George Carlin died Sunday night, apparently of heart failure.

George Carlin was 71, and was probably best know as a social commentator. Whether in interviews, on stage or in movies he was a presence that always challenged the norms, in Hollywood and culture. Few comedians ever rise to the national consciousness, and even fewer are able to count that time in the global eye in decades. George Carlin could.

Like Lenny Bruce and Richard Pryor, he was able to see the everyday life and pull out the absurdities so we could laugh instead of cry. He took our failures and missteps and made us look forward to the next with an eagerness and understanding we didn’t have before.

Only the very best can look at the spectrum of American culture and issues and politics and filter it to not only make a joke that we can laugh at, but also provide fodder for deeper thought long after we have left the comedy show. I can name comedians live that in one hand, and those that I’ve been able to hear in my lifetime with fingers to spare.

It’s a hard day in Hollywood today, and far worse in Boston I would wager. One of our bright lights has burned out and we won’t be the same.

My condolences to the entire Carlin family and their friends.

New Celebrity Spears

As you’ve probably heard by now, Ms. Spears gave birth to a baby girl in Mississippi. When it comes to the Spears girls, you have to think when you write Ms. (or is is Mrs., remember the 2 hour marriage of sister Brit).

So now the world has Suri, Leni, Henry Johan and baby spears.

Here’s more on Hollywood babies.

Gossip Girl Denies Spinoff Rumors

The creators of the show which was recently described by New York Magazine as the best show ever made are denying the spinoff rumors.

The rumors are not true Executive produce Josh Schwartz told E! Online.

Paris Rep Says Pregancy Rumors are False

After gossip blogs lit up this past week predicting that Paris Hilton was pregnant, the rumors were denied by her rep in an interview with Us Magazine.

Hilton and her boyfriend were out at the Crown Bar in Los Angeles when paparazzi snapped what looked like a small bump.

One Hollywood jokester remarked, ” She needs to stay away from Taco Bell with Britney.”

Bundles of joy for entertainers at home and abroad

Written by Michael Vass

Great news for Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry. On Sunday the 16th, Berry gave birth to a baby girl of undisclosed weight and height. So far every word has been that the first child for the Oscar Award winning mother is doing very well. Equally well is star Berry.

Of course in Hollywood fashion these days, plans for the proud parents to wed are non-existent. While out-of-wedlock births were once considered taboo, modern Hollywood stars seem to have no difficulty with the concept. In the worst case, there should be no problem with the ugly divorces that are par for course with most Hollywood couples – like the current McCartney disaster.

Speaking of the McCartney legal situation, Monday is the day that Heather Mills reaps in a bundle of joy of her own. But in this case that bundle was created and nurtured by Paul McCartney alone. Still this fact will not be preventing a British judge from granting her a portion of Sir Paul’s huge net worth. Anonymous sources told the Evening Standard that a reputed 25 million Pounds ($50 million) may be the final price.

That bundle may bring quite a number of tears, joy for Heather and pain for Paul.

Looking at the 2 extremes, you have to say

“Ain’t love grand?”