Entries For: December 2006
12/20/2006
Jessica Simpson Surprises a Fan
Often times, a song or a TV show appeals to the masses because it reflects an idea or circumstances that has - by cultural standards – a broad appeal. Feeling underappreciated, wanting purpose, needing to be loved, or having intense passion for a certain place or thing are all cultural voids targeted by mainstream media. And in this world of consumer excess, the people delivering these messages give hope and change lives.
I am convinced that the reason this clip of Rachael Rey's uniting an audience member with Jessica Simpson has become one of the most watched online is because the girl’s life was actually changed by her media consumption. In a time when she was sick and vulnerable, Jessica Simpson gave her hope, was her idol, refuge, and friend. Maybe you or I can't understand the Jessica Simpson thing. But meeting your hero? That we get.
12/18/2006
Justin Timberlake Battles Santa on SNL
This weekend, Timberlake hosted SNL, and it was actually entertaining. I will admit I have always thought that Timberlake took himself a little too seriously. Maybe it was because he was the lead singer of a hot-to-trot boy band or because he got REALLY mad that time he was Punk'd, but Timberlake always seemed a little self-involved and just... not funny.
Apparently, I might have been a little harsh, 'cause the boy's got some skills. Timberlake's hosting duties this Saturday included battling Santa for charitable donations while dressed as a giant Cup of Noodle, digging up some early 90’s raps like Salt 'N Pepa’s "Shoop" in order to do so. After Timberlake dressed up as a dolphin during a Flaming Lips concert, it's clear that the public doesn’t mind the pop star covering up that hot bod is a big plushie suit. But while he man-dressed-like-soup shock value is definitely worth your time, that's not the only reason to watch. Turns out that Timberlake is actually kind of funny.
12/15/2006
MadTV Shows STUDIO 60 How It's Done
MadTV isn't exactly considered the West Wing of late-night variety shows, but when the guy who created West Wing steps on their turf, they certainly step up their game.
Studio 69 on Van Nuys Boulevard is a spoof so detailed it's almost creepy. Every bit is dead on, from the patronizing lectures (including a shout out to all our brothers who are "standing in the middle of Afghanistan") to the Amanda Peet-esque studio head who thanks the producer for saving America from the terrorists. Also like Sorkin's comedy, Studio 69's big climax (pun intended) isn't at all erotic or original!
Really, the great tragedy of this parody is that it's totally lost on the millions of Americans who have gotten fed up with watching the stick in Sorkin's ass spin, and now turn off their TV after that show with the superheroes to, I don't know, talk to their loved ones or study up on arcane Italian pantomime formats.
MadTV may only get a fraction of Studio 60's dwindling ratings. But as far as we're concerned, they get the last laugh FOREVER.
12/12/2006
Matt Damon Does Matthew McConaughey
Who knew a Southie from Boston could a do such an effective Texas Accent? Not me. Last night on Letterman, The Departed star ad-libbed McConaughey’s southern charm and willingness to appear shirtless in some behind-the-scenes commentary. To my knowledge, Damon has never worked on a flick that required him to learn some Texas slang. So this is no pre-packaged Brokeback accent. The man’s got talent. Just admit it.
I know it’s easy to hate Matty Damon -- he's just so damn successful, so recently-married-to-a-beautiful-non-celeb, so seemingly happy. And he is bff's with Affleck, which is never a big seller (just look at Affleck’s box office). But come on… how cute is he? The studly dad deserves some props. Let's take a moment and worship Damon, not because he has fallen into some great ensemble casts (Ocean's 11 and The Departed), but because he knows how to fake a mean twang.
