Media
Reports and commentary on all things media, including celebrity gossip, pop culture examinations, music commentary, and views on new media/the Internet.
‘Percy Jackson’: Awkward Title Belies Fun Film
'Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief,' is adapted from Rick Riordan's books and directed by Harry Potter alum Chris Columbus. What looked to be a highly derivative and onerous concept turned out to be a pretty decent film. »
DVD Movie Review: Whip It
'Whip It,' a movie concerning girls' roller derby, is a sort of lightweight teen outsider comedy mixed with sports film. It's about exactly what you would imagine: light as a feather, shallow as a puddle, and relatively entertaining nonetheless. »
‘American Idol’ Should Focus on Music — Not Hardships
They overcame disease, the deaths of loved ones, and shattered families to make it to 'American Idol'. Ryan Seacrest warned he Hollywood round would be the toughest week of their lives. A bit presumptuous considering all their real-life gloom and doom, no? »
A Furry, Furrowed Brow for ‘The Wolfman’
The latest Hollywood re-make in the theaters is the new Benicio Del Toro-vehicle 'The Wolfman.' Even as it represents the further cynical rehashing by Hollywood of its own creative high points, it pays some homage to the original. »
Wishing for More ‘Harry Potter’? We’ve Got the Cure
Harry Potter is a wonderful series that will stand the test of time. But the kids that read 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' back in 1997 are certainly ready for rated R, if not NC-17. Here are three suggestions for slightly more adult fare that fit the spirit of that cherished series. »
Dish-Interested: I’d Like to Thank the Academy for Justifying My Superiority Complex
It’s Oscar season, superstars — the time of year all A-listers love! It’s a chance for celebrities to pull themselves away from the hard work they do for humanity each day and enjoy a night of endless fawning and accolades, which we all know makes them very uncomfortable. »
Oscars’ 2010 Expanded Best Picture List: an Opinion on Too Many Opinions
Problem with the Academy Awards in a nutshell: You know the “opinions are like a-holes” analogy? Popularity of opinion is no arbiter of quality. »
Spectacle before sound: Grammy performers fight for eyes, not ears
The Grammys might not have "put a ring on it," but bestowed Beyonce with some serious precious metal—six trophies to add to the seven she had previously won. But the show itself, increasingly full of odd pairings and stunts, is no longer about the music. »
Herschel Walker’s MMA Fighting Debut on Strikeforce Showtime Showdown
Strikeforce, the hottest promotion in mixed martial arts, returns Saturday night with a blockbuster Showtime event featuring Herschel Walker, the former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL great, who is making his MMA debut. »
Remembering J.D. Salinger
While I'll leave it to better educated people than I to properly place the meaning and influence of Salinger's works, I will offer a few personal impressions. »
Honoring Our Veterans