Letterman show announces final guests

The AP reports,

CBS announced Monday that his guests will include Bill Murray, George Clooney, Steve Martin, Jerry Seinfeld, Robert Downey Jr., Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Don Rickles, Julia Roberts, Ray Romano, Howard Stern, Oprah Winfrey, Martin Short, John Travolta, Michael J. Fox and Alec Baldwin.
And there will be others who haven't been announced yet. Musical guests will include Elvis Costello, Dave Matthews Band, Mumford and Sons, Norah Jones, Amos Lee and Tracy Chapman.

Good set of people--all of those who made the show what it was over the past 30+ years..

Anghus Houvouras writes: It's a Trap: Why 'The First Gay Star Wars Character' is a war on common sense

Interesting article.. Worth the read.

The money quote:

Up to this announcement, any of the characters could have been gay. Admiral Akbar. Boba Fett. Hell, even, Lando Calrissian. Would it matter if Lando Calrissian was gay? Not at all. His role in the story wasn’t impacted by his sexual orientation. If I had read the headline ‘Lando Calrissian revealed as gay’, all I would have thought was ‘that makes sense: those overtures to Leia were overcompensation.’ Lando ran Cloud City, betrayed Han and friends, and redeemed himself by blowing up Death Star 2.0. Gay… straight… it didn’t matter.

And:

We live in a time where everyone is desperate to label everything. To define what something is or isn’t because saying nothing somehow implies intolerance. To me, the Star WarsUniverse feels far more intolerant because they’ve flat out told me there’s been no gay characters in canon until now. I liked it better when there was ambiguity to it, because it had no impact on the story I was watching or comics I was reading.

Anghus Houvouras writes: It's a Trap: Why 'The First Gay Star Wars Character' is a war on common sense

George Lucas sounds off: Disney didn’t use any of his ideas in new STAR WARS movie.. 

But while some fans may seen this as a shot at Lucas, let’s get real.. the ‘newest’ STAR WARS movies were basically a triplet of trash, some of the worst films I have ever seen.

Especially the PHANTOM MENACE.. should we really ponder why Disney didn’t use the ideas?

Sure, a young George Lucas gave us Darth Vader.

But the modern Lucas gave us Jar Jar Binks..

I think a new direction was quite appropriate when considering that..

Two thumbs and a bum

The Latino Post has reported before that Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox are rumored to make a comeback in the Transformers movie franchise..

It’s all good, and all. I actually really liked the first TRANSFORMERS .. and of course Megan Fox’s cheered on scene of bending over a car hood still is iconic in the history of movies..

But so much as changed since then..

Megan Fox now believes in Bigfoot and Shia often looks like one..

BUT IT’S ALL GOOD..

Alexandra Shipp to play Aaliyah

I still cannot believe it’s been that long since Aaliyah died—2001.. Time went by fast..

Alexandra Shipp to play Aaliyah

Marshall Fine Journalist, Movie Critic, writes: Farewell to horror films

He is done with them.. He makes a few points I can agree with.. for example, this: 

Vampires? Werewolves? Zombies? Again, sorry — it’s less that I don’t believe in them (I don’t) than that they have become such tired concepts or conceits, full of familiar tropes. I simply can’t summon the energy to care about them.

Even those, however, are preferable to the kind of torture-porn that seems to dominate the genre. Special effects have evolved so far that you can find a way to graphically depict any sadistic act you can imagine, from disembowelment to decapitation, and worse.

I have found a few gems that actually are good stories mentally scary.. One movie recently I saw was HAUNTER.. I am not in favor of the sadistic torture porn, and have written a number of articles against it over the years..

Fine also writes that age itself may have done in his horror experience.. he opines:

When you’re young — which I’m defining as under 30 — you crave sensation. It can come from thrill rides or extreme sports (participating or watching) or horror movies. The more exaggerated the sensation, the better — it’s a way of expanding your boundaries, testing yourself against extremes, figuring out your own limits.

After 30, however, there’s an increasing awareness of just how brutal, random and arbitrary life can be. Bad things do happen to good people; there are people out there who do commit these acts and you simply hope you never cross paths with them.

I fondly recall long summer nights with my friends all together mocking and jesting about badly made B horror films.. we laughed way past midnight and often saw the sunrise after a night of  movie watching.. And in a sense, I’d like to do that again.

I don’t quite think I ever watched horror movies for the storyline.. There have been a few ‘paranormal’ entries into the genre that have thrilled me for other reasons—SIXTH SENSE, SIGNS, THE RING, JEEPERS CREEPERS (1) and even the CONJURING were all good for the right reasons.. other films were good only because they were fodder for the teenage sense of humor..

Now, as I crossed into the my 30s three years ago, I can attest to with Marshall Fine is saying. Horror sort of comes and goes.. I am more afraid of reality than fiction—bloodbaths in real life happen every day.. 

Fine writes in his conclusion:

Yes, yes – I can hear the arguments already. Horror films allow us to confront our fears and, perhaps, deal with them in a non-threatening way. Or: Horror films serve as metaphors for (A) our lack of control over the world at large or (B) specific real-life horrors like nuclear holocaust, racism, environmental catastrophe, etc. Or they’re a harmless diversion, a catharsis in which the powerless ultimately overcome the powerful.

I get that. But I don’t need horror movies to make me think about those things. And really, only critics parse horror films in that way. Most of the mass audience is simply looking for a cheap thrill.

I suppose that’s all true.

But ‘horror movies’ aren’t the only torture porns out there.. PASSION OF THE CHRIST was almost as bad as HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES.  Which is why I have long thought the new breed of sadism in some films need their own genre—and I don’t think fans of that sort of movie would disagree. I argue that they’d be much happier going to a Rob Zombie section of Netflix and finding all of the blood and gore that they yearn to consume.. 

Horror movies can still be new and fresh, inventive and scary. 

Where Mr. Fine is right is in his broad perception that most horror movies are not good and fresh.. instead sadistic and without merit. 

Thoughts anyone?

Marshall Fine Journalist, Movie Critic, writes: Farewell to horror films

LILO THE SNITCH

Lilo whoa!: Lindsay Lohan now forced to explained leaked sex list in which she wrote about the 36 men she had relations with in her 27 years of life .. 

So people will mock and parade her personal life around almost as much as she does..

But before you slam to hard: She also revealed in the Betty Ford inspired list that she had a miscarriage.. 

Oh and one more thing: Justin Timberlake is on the list.. Trousersnake gets around..but few mock him for his generous sexual escapades. Women always get the stigma more than men. Unfair.

Anyone check Timberflake lately for creepy crawlers in his NSYNC?

ONCE AGAIN, THE COAL SPEAKER IS AHEAD OF THE CURVE!

Are you reading my website, LES MOONVES?

I was shocked tonight to see a story making the rounds saying that Chelsea Handler is in talks to be the next host of a late night show as David Letterman plans his exit from the network—maybe not Letterman’s slot, but something.

The reason for my surprise: In March 2013 I nominated Chelsea Handler for late night! That’s right.. I voted my confidence in her to host a show and said she should be considered for Leno’s then soon to be open position instead of Jimmy Fallon.

And I cannot believe March 2013 is already beyond a year ago… 

I wrote this in 2013:

Actually.. I think it’s time for a woman to take over some air time on late night TV.. And no, not Oprah. I think the best choice for the future of late night would be Chelsea Handler. I am serious about that. She would bring a creative feeling to late night—and if she’s put into the Fallon slot, she would be able to continue her irreverent style of comedy.. 

She didn’t get Fallon’s. She may get Letterman’s.

What I wrote in 2013 still applies in ‘14.. She’s primed, she’s rested. And ready.

Is America?

Piers Morgan wasn’t.
And that’s another reason she gets my vote.

Chelsea Handler may be leaving E! after her contract expires

I have noticed that so many either love or hate her.. there’s no middle ground.

My take is that she is hardcore mean and nasty, but I always laugh even if I tune in for just a minute.

But if this story is true, you won’t have her to kick around anymore…

Paging Lisa Lampanelli! You may be next.

Chelsea Handler may be leaving E! after her contract expires

Who built the ark? Noah.. Who won the BOX, brother Noah won the box

Get ready.

The box office will be Bible thumping this weekend.. holy times are high, movie theaters will be filled with the faithful, praising Jesus and fearing the almighty, who flooded the world and forever promised not to with a rainbow. And then flooded the world OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

Forget the actual ‘story’ of Noah for a second, or anything factual, or anything scientific, or any reality of it at all.. Instead. It’s TIME FOR NOAH. Brother Noah.. And his Ark.

We know this so far: The movie NOAH cost a lot of cold, hard cash to create. It faced a steady stream of criticism from the hardest of hardcore Christians, those hell-bent (no pun intended) on making sure Noah stayed true to the ‘real’ story from the Bible. It’s not in box offices around the world, and America.. And now Darren Aronofsky’s movie is making big inroads with the faithful, doing especially great with Catholic Hispanics and any town USA that has a strong Christian population.. You can read more about those Friday night facts from the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER..

Experts who get paid to run numbers on these types of things figure that NOAH will earn about $40 mil for the week—far less than it cost to make. But then again.. Sunday afternoon sales could be ALMIGHTY higher than expected. Just imagine if Father NamethatPriest rants and raves from the pulpit about this film.. The fervent will be filled with the holy ghost, enough perhaps to go streaming into theaters with friends and families instead of roast beef dinners at the family diner. Most movies have a date night like Friday or Saturday registering that largest numbers.. But just like PASSION OF THE CHRIST, NOAH could be huge on Sunday, bloody Sunday..

But for now, we only know this: NOAH is being released in 3,567 theaters strong. SABOTAGE is next with 2,486. And just judging from early numbers, Arnold Schwarzenegger will not ‘sabotage’ NOAH, but instead bomb huge at the box…

Your stash of Bieber news for a Monday morning.. including the nipple biting pic..

Awwww, poor Bieber: Justin refused entry to clubs and parties in New York City.. No one wants the lawsuits or attention, Justin.. realize what your spoiled brat attitude did?
BUT!JUST WHEN YOU THINK SANITY WON!
Beebs was permitted into the MAXIM Super Bowl party. And I bet he had a super bowl.


I have another Justin Bieber tidbit for you. A new controversy has arisen for the young DIVA after photos were released of him biting a stripper’s nipple. You can read about it here from the UK MIRROR.. If you want to. 
TMZ is also on the case: Bieber & Pal Double-Team Topless Stripper ‘Ain’t No Fun, If the Homies Can’t Have None’

BUT this is refreshing: The White House says it will be responding to a petition calling for the deportation Justin Bieber—the petition has more than 234,000 signatures and counting..

Quentin Tarantino Suing Gawker Over Leaked 'Hateful Eight' Script (Exclusive)

Quentin Tarantino has filed a copyright lawsuit against Gawker Media for allegedly disseminating copies of his script, The Hateful Eight. Last week, the famous director was outraged after details about the Western circulated. He was so irate that he told the media that he wouldn’t be making the picture as his next film.

Even more from the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER:

"Gawker Media has made a business of predatory journalism, violating people’s rights to make a buck," says Tarantino’s lawsuit. "This time, they went too far. Rather than merely publishing a news story reporting that Plaintiff’s screenplay may have been circulating in Hollywood without his permission, Gawker Media crossed the journalistic line by promoting itself to the public as the first source to read the entire Screenplay illegally."

Quentin Tarantino Suing Gawker Over Leaked 'Hateful Eight' Script (Exclusive)

The death of film, quite literally.. PARAMOUNT has become the first movie studio to end releasing film prints .. The end of film is set for the the end of this year, 2014.. 120 years of 35mm .. gone. 

This is a behind the scenes image from the setting of Kubrick’s THE SHINING. There are lots of other images in this treasure trove, and you can see them all at http://imgur.com/a/Ur9Zo#TakkNne

I think Jack Nicholson looked even scarier when he’s not in the role..

She’s just being MOLLY.. 

Apparently MILEY CYRUS has failed to take the very good advice that came from Sinead O’Conner .. instead, Miley has devolved even further in her fame..

Now she is raunchy and, yes, nude. Here’s the link .. and there’s some not safe for work photos included.

I’d venture to say she broke Billy Ray’s achy breaky heart..

Sinead O’Conner writes Miley Cyrus a letter: “Don’t let the music business make a prostitute of you” .. “Nothing but harm will come in the long run, from allowing yourself to be exploited,” O’Connor warns, “and it is absolutely NOT in ANY way an empowerment of yourself or any other young women, for you to send across the message that you are to be valued (even by you) more for your sexual appeal than your obvious talent.” “The music business doesn’t give a shit about you, or any of us,” she continues. “They will prostitute you for all you are worth, and cleverly make you think it’s what YOU wanted… None of the men oggling you give a shit about you either, do not be fooled.”..

AMEN SINEAD!

 

RELEASE THE HOUNDS!?

This just sounds like a bad idea: A new horror-themed game show is set to begin, thanks to SONY. It’s called RELEASE THE HOUNDS.. 

The unknowing contestants will be facing fear in their quest for money.

One part of the show will be a race in which they will be chased by hound dogs who have been trained (tortured?) to guard cash the people are seeking.

This sounds like we’ve gone over the edge.

I remember the controversy in the late 1990s when Survivor first started.

And now we, as TV viewers, have evolved our habits into watching people being chased by dogs that could very well kill them?

This is entertainment, baby.

Welcome to TEEEE VEEE…

More Lady, less Gaga.

Less Gaga.. less makeup.. Lady Gaga releases a photo of herself without makeup and the typical appearance you’re used to .. this is being done to tease fans for her new ARTPOP album.. She wrote: “As they pry the single from my bleeding fingers. It’s a scary thing to revisit those things underneath, the pain in your past. But all I found was raw passion. I thought I was destroyed inside. I’m ready to fight. Start the music”..

Lady Gaga is 27 right now. That is the magic age—and not magic in a good way. We should send as many positive thoughts to her as we all can because …..we’ve lost too many stars at 27.. We don’t want anymore talent to join the club..

Some thoughts on the CONJURING

You’re going to get a sneak preview of my review here, I did not write it yet.. but I will have it written after I am done this email: 

 

The CONJURING had a great feel, that 1970s music and the drabby 70s browns and oranges.. the clothing was great, cars were old, and the Volkswagen bus somehow was somehow still running long enough to have a prominent role in the movie.

 

The character development worked well. The stories of the Perron family and Ed and Lorraine Warren seemed true to the spirit of the actual people they portrayed.  

 

A crowded theater is the best place to watch the CONJURING. The scary scenes are quite predictable. Doors open.. the floor creeks. And boom, a giant Satanic beast in on top of you! Ok, a few of those scenes caught me off guard. As did the final exorcism scene as it played out. 

 

I never read the book HOUSE OF DARKNESS HOUSE OF LIGHT but I am sure going to try to now, after seeing this film. I read that they did not take liberties with the story. So if they did not take liberties, judging from the final scene in this movie Pope Paul IV should have taken the first red eye out of Rome to get to this house.

 

I am not trying to spoil things for people that did not see it, but be prepped for a mom who wants to murder her children. I left wondering, ‘there was  a police officer, ON DUTY, bitten, and post-exorcism  still did not want to take mom down to the station for questioning, or perhaps a good mental health check? I know it was 1971 and Richard Nixon was President, but by then we had the Environmental Protection Agency, so there was some progress, right?

 

I said before it’s best to see THE CONJURING in a crowded theater, as it’s fun to watch others jump and hear nearby teenagers screaming in fear at every slight music change.. I am not sure this movie ‘changed’ horror as some have said,  but it certainly led me down a personal quest for information. So in that regard, it had an effect.

 

I want to find out a few things.

I want to know why Ed and Lorraine believe Amityville is true along with this possession story? I want to know if Lorraine is still active now that Ed is dead.. and I certainly want to know what happened to all of those artifacts and frightening icons of the devil that the Warrens kept in their private locked room.

I also have been perusing the Warrens’ website lately.. I think the part that scares me the most is the lack of HTML development, and the inclusion of some old songs that sound quite frightening after all this time. (http://www.warrens.net/Annabelle.html). 

And finally, I am asking myself, as I have done so many times before in life, this question: Is there a God, and is there a Satan? 

We have heard so many opine on the existence of both, and along with that fundamentalists are as sure of God as Satan worshipers are of the devil incarnate.  But I think most of us don’t know at all. We can have faith.. but that faith will be tested throughout life. The Warrens in this movie seemed to have faith and never consider anything at test of it, but instead  it only fortified their belief in God.

 

No spoilers intended, but there is a quote at the end of the CONJURING. It was said, I suppose, from Ed Warren: “The fairy tale is true. The devil does exist. God indeed exists. And for us, as people, our very destiny hinges upon which one we elect to follow.”

 

The CONJURING succeeded in the scare department.. it was good with the characters.. it left some items to be desired and opened the door for questions as to whether the mental health of the Perron family should have been studied further.

 

But it succeeded most of all in forcing us all to ask the question, quietly as we drove home: Was Ed Warren’s quote 100% right? 

Who is going to see THE CONJURING this weekend?