Kim Kardashian has filed suit this week. I know, who cares? Well, both fortunately and unfortunately for me, I've decided to become a pop culture blogger which means anything in mass media is in my grasp. Anything including celebrities with no talent, skills, or genuine likability. Kim Kardashian came to the public consciousness via self-promotion and technology, which is a nice way of putting things. However, since the incident occurred over 4 years ago she has not gone away. And the worst part is nobody's encouraging her to go away. Vegas clubs pay her to host parties, Dancing With the Stars begged her to peg leg across the stage, and magazines ask her to pose for covers naked and then senselessly complain about them. And now she's decided to take the law into her own hands and tell Old Navy not to cast a lookalike in their commercials to make us poor souls believe it is her hiney-ness.
Really Kim K? Really? The only thing I though about when I saw that Old Navy commercial was why can't we get the quality commercials of the 90's where people get happy and dance, not some chick who looks like you fabulously saving money on this summer's cargo shorts. I honestly don't think that was Old Navy's intention. I think they were just trying to make some money with a non celebrity who has a look. Now Melissa Molinero, in addition to allegedly pilfering Kardashian's ex Reggie Bush has to feel out of sorts because she kind of looks like a non-talented celebutante starlet or whatever she is.
This isn't the first time a celebrity has sued because their perceived image was being tarnished. Lindsay Lohan (aka the church mouse who can't spring for a shrink) sued eTrader.com after their Superbowl commercial featured a baby of the same name who was a milkaholic.That case ended up getting thrown out by the judge. Either way it made no sense and it made no sense now.
Kim Kardashian got famous for being friendly with Ray J (Brandy's brother) while the cameras where rolling. Now she can't even let someone who somehow looks like her use the sing and dance in poly cotton blends in the voice she should have tried to lip sync to when she released a single for charity last fall. Gee whiz! Why kan't we all just get along?
Friday, July 22, 2011
Ice Ice Meanie!
All right stop! Really Rob "Vanilla Ice" Van Winkle stop! Do we really need a has been saying the latest teen sensation will be a has been. In an interview with the Huffington Post, the former rapper claims that Justin Bieber will have a long weekend of success like he enjoyed in the early nineties and then fade into obscurity. No this wasn't a quote from ten years ago when some musicians and critics decried the end of the teen pop era or one of the members of New Edition getting mad when their former manager left to helm the New Kids two decades before. This is someone whose celebrity is based on one song and way too many outbursts, reality shows, and outbursts via reality shows. I'm not saying Vanilla Ice is wrong, but the kid is seventeen.
Justin Bieber is really just beginning to grow up. The real test I believe will come in about 3 years when he approaches twenty one. Why twenty one you say? There is an extensive pop culture history of teen idols who became legitimate adult stars. The first example of this would be Michael Jackson who at twenty one released one of the greatest debut albums ever while eschewing the success he had achieved with his brothers as a tween and teen. Another example would be the Biebs' own mentor, Usher who at twenty one began to stamp his place in R&B with a more mature album and look. However, the key ingredient is timing and approach. For every Michael and Usher, there's two dozen Nick Carters (sorry BSB fans) who have to remain in a group in order to sustain visibility let alone a paycheck.
As for Vanilla Ice, well he still gets played once every couple of hours in somebody's karaoke bar. Now that's lasting impact.
Justin Bieber is really just beginning to grow up. The real test I believe will come in about 3 years when he approaches twenty one. Why twenty one you say? There is an extensive pop culture history of teen idols who became legitimate adult stars. The first example of this would be Michael Jackson who at twenty one released one of the greatest debut albums ever while eschewing the success he had achieved with his brothers as a tween and teen. Another example would be the Biebs' own mentor, Usher who at twenty one began to stamp his place in R&B with a more mature album and look. However, the key ingredient is timing and approach. For every Michael and Usher, there's two dozen Nick Carters (sorry BSB fans) who have to remain in a group in order to sustain visibility let alone a paycheck.
As for Vanilla Ice, well he still gets played once every couple of hours in somebody's karaoke bar. Now that's lasting impact.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
We Don't Need Another (Super) Hero!
Dear Hollywood Producers,
In the middle of the summer heat, there is nothing better than a good movie to cool down. However, this movie doesn't have to include any of the following: superpowers, costumes, and sound effects. Enough with the superhero movies. I don't care what 15 yr old ComiCon nerd camps out for four days in the middle of California, just stop. Batman with Christian Bale is legendary, Iron Man with RDJ is cool, but Captain America with the dude who was the Torch in Fantastic Four, really? Really? Chris Evans looks good undoubtedly, but does he have to look good in tights? Superhero movies are so cliche' yet easy to produce because they guarantee box office. Yet earlier this summer we saw the epic fail of the Green Lantern and last year's Green Hornet. So it isn't a golden ticket. But why can't we get some diversity? I like thinking about being rescued by a cute guy, but it gets old. The narrative is over exhausted and trite, just like a lot of things going on in entertainment. But what really gets me is the fact that I'm supposed to want to see Captain America get his rescue on. The only capacity I had heard about Captain America was in ads in magazines as a kid. He wasn't even in the doggone SuperFriends. Come on now. Let's be real. Captain America is the redheaded superhero. No one cares enough to see, but eventually the disaster will be televised (probably on TNT). But please producers, give me something, anything to stop this trend.
Sincerely,
We Don't Need Another (Super) Hero
In the middle of the summer heat, there is nothing better than a good movie to cool down. However, this movie doesn't have to include any of the following: superpowers, costumes, and sound effects. Enough with the superhero movies. I don't care what 15 yr old ComiCon nerd camps out for four days in the middle of California, just stop. Batman with Christian Bale is legendary, Iron Man with RDJ is cool, but Captain America with the dude who was the Torch in Fantastic Four, really? Really? Chris Evans looks good undoubtedly, but does he have to look good in tights? Superhero movies are so cliche' yet easy to produce because they guarantee box office. Yet earlier this summer we saw the epic fail of the Green Lantern and last year's Green Hornet. So it isn't a golden ticket. But why can't we get some diversity? I like thinking about being rescued by a cute guy, but it gets old. The narrative is over exhausted and trite, just like a lot of things going on in entertainment. But what really gets me is the fact that I'm supposed to want to see Captain America get his rescue on. The only capacity I had heard about Captain America was in ads in magazines as a kid. He wasn't even in the doggone SuperFriends. Come on now. Let's be real. Captain America is the redheaded superhero. No one cares enough to see, but eventually the disaster will be televised (probably on TNT). But please producers, give me something, anything to stop this trend.
Sincerely,
We Don't Need Another (Super) Hero
Second Banana Syndrome
What I'm about to address is subject to your criticism, but in my opinion is something that is very alive in Hollywood relationships. When two stars get together there is an initial frenzy that builds, somewhat similar to the chanting in Usher's OMG, but I digress. Some celebrities I believe will always dominate the conversation in popular culture. Two in particular, Jennifer Lopez and Justin Timberlake are the 21st century power celebrities. While both are known for their various ventures, their personal lives are under constant scrutiny.
Their significant others, however, have suffered a different fate. You name them, you know them for dating someone. Second bananas in Hollywood usually started with promise but unfortunately could never fulfill their dreams. An example of this would be in any news report mentioning Ryan Phillippe as Reese Witherspoon's ex instead of the dude from Cruel Intentions. Some end up working because both parties understand how they appear to the public. There's a partner with talent and charm and then there's the one who smiles on the red carpet accordingly while you try to remember their name. Not that it's wrong, but that's how I believe the public organizes celebrities, especially when they pair together.
Jennifer Lopez was once projected to be the next Elizabeth Taylor. Not in terms of talent or looks, but the power to charm and dominate incessant numbers of suitors. Her latest breakup to Mark Anthony has definitely reinstated this theory. There's no doubt she'll bounce back and become the J. Lo of yore in plunging green Versace numbers and insatiable glamour.
What about Mark Anthony? Nobody's really talking about that. Why? Mainly it's because of his celebrity status. Let me be honest I've known who Mark Anthony was for about ten years. His songs? Not so much. His voice reminds me of Jon Secada because of it's passion and inflection, but he never had the crossover commercial success that sustained the careers of acts such as Ricky Martin, Shakira, and Gloria Estefan. Once he married Jenny from the Block, all bets were off. They started acting as a tandem, even doing a movie together (wasn't Gigli enough, Jen?). I believe that even though he had a small chance at even coming close to his soon to be ex's success, he was always the person after the breath. You never anyone say Mark and Jennifer, it's always Jennifer and Mark. In the land of Hollywood egos, it has to get to you. Especially as a man, there is something inside that seems to have affected their relationship. While I'm no insider or marriage counselor, being Mr. J Lo did something to break the bond. But there are several factors to break a bond and we may never know what really happened. It's just a symptom of being in the limelight.
Another celebrity couple I think suffered a similar fate are Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel. If you didn't watch the Mickey Mouse Club, you heard *NSYNC, or "Cry Me A River" or maybe even that infamous SNL short, but whatever it was you know Justin Timberlake in some capacity. Jessica Biel has been named Sexiest Woman in the World by some lad mag and obviously 7th Heaven beyond that it is mostly romantic comedies and action flicks. While she has suffered the fate of being pigeonholed, her complaints to Allure Magazine about being too pretty to get roles didn't win a fan. And while their relationship had it's share of rumors and gossip, I think second banana syndrome definitely came in to play.
Jessica Biel is a starlet and by virtue in the description there's competition to stay hot, sexy, and fresh. Justin Timberlake, on the other hand, has as many titles as Diddy has names. There isn't one thing to define him and by virtue of his enormous success he seems to not slow down even though most people would have by now. Jessica Biel is a former child star which is as much of a stigma as one can face in Lalaland. Yet again so is JT. And when you break it down, there will always be the person who is known for being pretty but beyond the smile we don't know much. As much as she'd like to avoid it she's become ruined by her own perceptions of her talent and looks.
I do not mean to pigeonhole either Anthony or Biel, but by virtue of their associations with these iconic superstars their work is more than cutout from them. But there are always people not as powerful as their significant others and successful in their own way. For example, Rita Wilson has never appeared to suffer as a result of Tom Hanks's massive accomplishments but sought out a career behind the scenes such as helping to produce the early aughts' classic My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Another great example is Jada Pinkett Smith, who now has the unique distinction of having most of her family in the limelight. Yeah, she wasn't Mrs. 4th of July but her body of work is definitely a feat for any actress of her caliber.
Second bananas are everywhere in pop culture, it's just a way of separating the icons of our time from the um... uh who set. And I'm not saying being second banana is bad, it's just a fact of how pop culture operates. This is my first entry in a continuing series, so don't worry your banana moment is coming.
Their significant others, however, have suffered a different fate. You name them, you know them for dating someone. Second bananas in Hollywood usually started with promise but unfortunately could never fulfill their dreams. An example of this would be in any news report mentioning Ryan Phillippe as Reese Witherspoon's ex instead of the dude from Cruel Intentions. Some end up working because both parties understand how they appear to the public. There's a partner with talent and charm and then there's the one who smiles on the red carpet accordingly while you try to remember their name. Not that it's wrong, but that's how I believe the public organizes celebrities, especially when they pair together.
Jennifer Lopez was once projected to be the next Elizabeth Taylor. Not in terms of talent or looks, but the power to charm and dominate incessant numbers of suitors. Her latest breakup to Mark Anthony has definitely reinstated this theory. There's no doubt she'll bounce back and become the J. Lo of yore in plunging green Versace numbers and insatiable glamour.
What about Mark Anthony? Nobody's really talking about that. Why? Mainly it's because of his celebrity status. Let me be honest I've known who Mark Anthony was for about ten years. His songs? Not so much. His voice reminds me of Jon Secada because of it's passion and inflection, but he never had the crossover commercial success that sustained the careers of acts such as Ricky Martin, Shakira, and Gloria Estefan. Once he married Jenny from the Block, all bets were off. They started acting as a tandem, even doing a movie together (wasn't Gigli enough, Jen?). I believe that even though he had a small chance at even coming close to his soon to be ex's success, he was always the person after the breath. You never anyone say Mark and Jennifer, it's always Jennifer and Mark. In the land of Hollywood egos, it has to get to you. Especially as a man, there is something inside that seems to have affected their relationship. While I'm no insider or marriage counselor, being Mr. J Lo did something to break the bond. But there are several factors to break a bond and we may never know what really happened. It's just a symptom of being in the limelight.
Another celebrity couple I think suffered a similar fate are Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel. If you didn't watch the Mickey Mouse Club, you heard *NSYNC, or "Cry Me A River" or maybe even that infamous SNL short, but whatever it was you know Justin Timberlake in some capacity. Jessica Biel has been named Sexiest Woman in the World by some lad mag and obviously 7th Heaven beyond that it is mostly romantic comedies and action flicks. While she has suffered the fate of being pigeonholed, her complaints to Allure Magazine about being too pretty to get roles didn't win a fan. And while their relationship had it's share of rumors and gossip, I think second banana syndrome definitely came in to play.
Jessica Biel is a starlet and by virtue in the description there's competition to stay hot, sexy, and fresh. Justin Timberlake, on the other hand, has as many titles as Diddy has names. There isn't one thing to define him and by virtue of his enormous success he seems to not slow down even though most people would have by now. Jessica Biel is a former child star which is as much of a stigma as one can face in Lalaland. Yet again so is JT. And when you break it down, there will always be the person who is known for being pretty but beyond the smile we don't know much. As much as she'd like to avoid it she's become ruined by her own perceptions of her talent and looks.
I do not mean to pigeonhole either Anthony or Biel, but by virtue of their associations with these iconic superstars their work is more than cutout from them. But there are always people not as powerful as their significant others and successful in their own way. For example, Rita Wilson has never appeared to suffer as a result of Tom Hanks's massive accomplishments but sought out a career behind the scenes such as helping to produce the early aughts' classic My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Another great example is Jada Pinkett Smith, who now has the unique distinction of having most of her family in the limelight. Yeah, she wasn't Mrs. 4th of July but her body of work is definitely a feat for any actress of her caliber.
Second bananas are everywhere in pop culture, it's just a way of separating the icons of our time from the um... uh who set. And I'm not saying being second banana is bad, it's just a fact of how pop culture operates. This is my first entry in a continuing series, so don't worry your banana moment is coming.
My New Name Is Hope Solo
It was July 10th and I was eating lunch. The television was on and my dad happened to be watching the US Women's Soccer Team struggle against Marta and the titans of the Brazil Women's Soccer Team. I've never recalled watching soccer with my dad before let alone women's soccer. But in this summer of two lockouts and the Derek Jeter Mr. 3000 saga, this was refreshing.
My dad has always been a proponent of Women's Sports. In college I would call and he asked if I saw the UNC Women's Basketball Game on that week and I'd always reply no. To my misfortune I did not see a game live or on television beyond a passing channel change. Not because I didn't want to.Anyone who knows me knows I go partially insane every March for hoops hoopla, but never women's hoops.
In some small place in the back of my mind, I resent hearing women's basketball, women's soccer instead of soccer and basketball. Guys sports are always more attention grabbing, eye popping and controversial because of how the press covers it. You never see a SportsCenter lead in with the WNBA game. It just doesn't happen.
However, when I saw and heard what had to be the most epic ending in a game since Dirk Nowitzki in Game 2 of the NBA finals, something in me went off. It was just like when the Spice Girls flashed peace signs and girl power in 1997. That feeling that you get when you go crazy for something that belongs to you in some way. Women's soccer in these past couple of weeks has challenged me to see sports as I try to see everything else in culture and life with open eyes.
Hope Solo saving those kicks will never leave my mind just as Brandi Chastain ripping her shirt off and going pre-Situation Situation on us did. It reminds us that just like anything else sports are sports and your skill level translates beyond your gender, color, high school class ranking etc. Indeed women's sports is getting the attention it deserves and I certainly hope it won't be fleeting because I have a feeling Hope Solo, Abby Wambach, and company will be back in black come 2015.
My dad has always been a proponent of Women's Sports. In college I would call and he asked if I saw the UNC Women's Basketball Game on that week and I'd always reply no. To my misfortune I did not see a game live or on television beyond a passing channel change. Not because I didn't want to.Anyone who knows me knows I go partially insane every March for hoops hoopla, but never women's hoops.
In some small place in the back of my mind, I resent hearing women's basketball, women's soccer instead of soccer and basketball. Guys sports are always more attention grabbing, eye popping and controversial because of how the press covers it. You never see a SportsCenter lead in with the WNBA game. It just doesn't happen.
However, when I saw and heard what had to be the most epic ending in a game since Dirk Nowitzki in Game 2 of the NBA finals, something in me went off. It was just like when the Spice Girls flashed peace signs and girl power in 1997. That feeling that you get when you go crazy for something that belongs to you in some way. Women's soccer in these past couple of weeks has challenged me to see sports as I try to see everything else in culture and life with open eyes.
Hope Solo saving those kicks will never leave my mind just as Brandi Chastain ripping her shirt off and going pre-Situation Situation on us did. It reminds us that just like anything else sports are sports and your skill level translates beyond your gender, color, high school class ranking etc. Indeed women's sports is getting the attention it deserves and I certainly hope it won't be fleeting because I have a feeling Hope Solo, Abby Wambach, and company will be back in black come 2015.
Clash of the Box Office Titans
Summer movies are in full effect. From superheroes to super comedians, there is something for everyone marketed. However, the new trend for this year is the romantic/dirty/sex comedy that uses some combination of sex jokes, big stars, and gags to get audiences to flock. So far this summer I have seen Bridesmaids and The Hangover Part II and between the two of them there is one clear winner. Bridesmaids by far is funny, witty and silly. Something I think a lot of movies have been lacking lately. I will venture to say it is a one of kind film. And I wasn't alone. According to Box Office Mojo it has grossed $161 million alone domestically and become the highest grossing R rated comedy ever. Even though The Hangover II has grossed more, it lacked the initial spark of the first movie. The reviews reflected this and I think that even though the financial success is there it can't ever duplicate the magic of the first film.
Bridesmaids to me is unique because it shows that American audiences are open to funny women who aren't necessarily ladylike or stereotypical of the romantic comedy formula that has been sold but is ultimately failing with audiences (Something Borrowed, anyone?). I really believe that these kinds of comedies are going to give the diversity needed to show that female characters aren't all the same in the movies.
Bad Teacher is another example of how a funny woman is not only bankable but charming. Cameron Diaz is finally allowed to be her funny, zany self which I think is her best self. I haven't seen the movie, but the reviews have been mixed. Once again I think it boils down to writing and character development. The idea is fresh so it will only be a matter of time until we see how it works out.
Soon to come this weekend is the much publicized Friends with Benefits or the Natalie Portman/Ashton Kutcher movie (No Strings Attached) with more appropriate casting as I like to think of if. NSA did make 70 million domestically according to Box Office Mojo but really the problem was in the casting. Yes Portman and Kutcher are in the same peer group but their respective claims to fame are different. Ashton Kutcher married the most famous Brat Pack alumni while punking celebrties and Natalie Portman made Oscar worthy films in which she finally won one this past year. I'm not saying one is better than the other but in order for anything in the movies to work you have to believe the chemistry. This one didn't sell me with the casting or the previews, but Ludacris as a best friend did seem interesting. I think this is a movie I'll more than likely catch on TBS in 2013.
Friends with Benefits is directed by Will Gluck, the filmmaker behind the first witty and insightful teen comedy in nearly a decade, Easy A. And as most know it stars Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake, two people who seem to match better on paper than Kutcher and Portman. I think another plus for this movie going in is that it is debuting against Captain America (which I'll address in another posting). The premise isn't different but I think just looking at the previews enriches my desire to see it. The pop culture references, the dialogue, seems funnier and fresher. I think Will Gluck has a knack for that and along with the star pairing it works.
Interestingly enough Jessica Biel (Justin Timberlake's real-life ex or something like that) auditioned for the film. I hate to be honest, but it would have never worked (Gigli, anyone?). Jessica Biel is a former teen star known for action roles and lad mag covers more than actual acting gigs. Chemistry doesn't always translate onscreen but we'll never know unless they make a movie together.
Back to Friends with Benefits, I'm definitely going to see it. I mean if you don't like laughing or Mickey Mouse Club alumni I understand, just don't tell me how it ends.
Bridesmaids to me is unique because it shows that American audiences are open to funny women who aren't necessarily ladylike or stereotypical of the romantic comedy formula that has been sold but is ultimately failing with audiences (Something Borrowed, anyone?). I really believe that these kinds of comedies are going to give the diversity needed to show that female characters aren't all the same in the movies.
Bad Teacher is another example of how a funny woman is not only bankable but charming. Cameron Diaz is finally allowed to be her funny, zany self which I think is her best self. I haven't seen the movie, but the reviews have been mixed. Once again I think it boils down to writing and character development. The idea is fresh so it will only be a matter of time until we see how it works out.
Soon to come this weekend is the much publicized Friends with Benefits or the Natalie Portman/Ashton Kutcher movie (No Strings Attached) with more appropriate casting as I like to think of if. NSA did make 70 million domestically according to Box Office Mojo but really the problem was in the casting. Yes Portman and Kutcher are in the same peer group but their respective claims to fame are different. Ashton Kutcher married the most famous Brat Pack alumni while punking celebrties and Natalie Portman made Oscar worthy films in which she finally won one this past year. I'm not saying one is better than the other but in order for anything in the movies to work you have to believe the chemistry. This one didn't sell me with the casting or the previews, but Ludacris as a best friend did seem interesting. I think this is a movie I'll more than likely catch on TBS in 2013.
Friends with Benefits is directed by Will Gluck, the filmmaker behind the first witty and insightful teen comedy in nearly a decade, Easy A. And as most know it stars Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake, two people who seem to match better on paper than Kutcher and Portman. I think another plus for this movie going in is that it is debuting against Captain America (which I'll address in another posting). The premise isn't different but I think just looking at the previews enriches my desire to see it. The pop culture references, the dialogue, seems funnier and fresher. I think Will Gluck has a knack for that and along with the star pairing it works.
Interestingly enough Jessica Biel (Justin Timberlake's real-life ex or something like that) auditioned for the film. I hate to be honest, but it would have never worked (Gigli, anyone?). Jessica Biel is a former teen star known for action roles and lad mag covers more than actual acting gigs. Chemistry doesn't always translate onscreen but we'll never know unless they make a movie together.
Back to Friends with Benefits, I'm definitely going to see it. I mean if you don't like laughing or Mickey Mouse Club alumni I understand, just don't tell me how it ends.
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