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MUST SEE: “Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work”

admin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:53:07 +0000

With the media in full reality overdrive, it’s refreshing to see an unflinching documentary that delves into what it’s really like to be famous. “Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work,” which opens to a limited run this Friday, is an intimate and intriguing look at a year in the life of the comedic pioneer. The film opens with a close-up on Joan Rivers, sans makeup, and we are subtly informed that this will be not your typical fluff piece, but a more pointed look at the woman behind the face. Rivers, who became synonymous with plastic surgery in the 1980′s, bravely exposes herself warts and all for the filmmakers and the audience. It’s obvious why this film was one of the standout offerings of the festival season with its earnest look at the pop culture phenomenon that is Joan Rivers.

The woman who famously asked, “Can we talk,” does just that in ‘APW’ and relishes in being the first person publicly to discuss anything taboo. Be it plastic surgery, suicide or aging, if it’s on her mind, and she think it’s on yours, it will be a topic of discussion. Filmmakers Ricki Stern and Anne Sundberg, were eager to have a complex female subject for their next film and felt Rivers was a perfect fit. Stern said Rivers “was turning 75 and it was a time in her life where she was owning her age publicly and she thought, what the heck, let’s go for it”. Rivers was eager to be Stern and Sundberg’s pawn, giving the filmmakers carte blanche in the 14 months they followed the comedian during what turned out to be one of her most successful years to date. For folks only familiar with her red-carpet coverage and multiple plastic surgeries, this is a compelling look at an artist who made it by making fun of herself and celebrity.

Juxtaposed between archival footage and early interviews, we watch Rivers as she struggles to remain relevant, a word she desperately wants others to describe her as. The comedian, who scoffs at the idea of being considered a pioneer, would work 48 hours straight if there was a venue that would have her. While filming, Stern and Sundberg had to actually leave Rivers during one of her many cross-country ventures, as they were just too tired to keep up. ‘APW’ looks at both the physical and the mental toll her struggle for success has taken on Rivers. Comedians, specifically of the stand-up variety are known to be insecure, but you can see that criticism really sits with Rivers, who fears that even at 75 she will never be taken seriously. Comedy for Rivers evolved from a gig to pay the bills while struggling as a dramatic actress to what she describes today as an industry and it seems that poor critiques she received back in the early 1970’s still resonate. Rivers attempts to battle those demons with a new play, based on her life, which receives rave reviews at the Edinburgh Festival and harsh critiques during it’s a limited run, she decides to end the play to avoid being attacked once again by Broadway critics. Rivers routinely worries about her age and her inadequacies, which seems to cripple the performer as she prepares a set for an upcoming Kennedy Center ceremony honoring George Carlin. Rivers fears she won’t be able to compare to writing staffs of Jon Stewart, Bill Maher and Garry Shandling, as she writes her own material, the comedian is near tears before her performance. Be it the effect of aging or just her constant battle with her self-esteem, Rivers seems never quite happy with herself, acknowledging that she is her own biggest critic.

Rivers was also fearful of appearing on NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice“, where she eventually took the top prize, alongside her daughter Melissa. Beyond her being the oldest contestant by nearly 30 years, this would be Joan’s first appearance on NBC since being blacklisted from the network in 1987 after a crippling fall out with her one-time mentor Johnny Carson. For those of you unfamiliar, the friendship led to a trailblazing late night gig on Fox, which then led to her being blacklisted. Soon after, her husband Edgar Rosenberg, was fired as a producer from the Fox program and committed suicide. So it’s easy to understand why Joan might not have run to NBC, but she looked at it as an opportunity to be with her daughter, to make amends and most importantly, pay the bills. As we learn, Rivers is willing to do anything and everything that it takes to maintain her success. Joan’s act, and it’s all hers, is one of connection and revelation. Rivers is famous for pulling no punches and speaking candidly about subjects generally untouched by others. And having had the opportunity to interview Joan about the film, what you see in “A Piece of Work” is what you get in real life. She feels “lucky and blessed” that she has been able to make a successful career out of what she loves to do the most perform on stage and that on a given day “there are people being paid to talk about” her. “The joke comes first” according to Rivers and she has no issue poking fun at herself, friends and others. Rivers hopes to outlive everyone in comedy and still be performing at 100, and with her strength and tenacity its seems more than possible. This film is a poignant look at celebrity, its parallels to aging, and what it takes to survive and succeed in entertainment. After the film, it’s hard not to be enamored at River’s strength, as a woman, a mother and foremost a pioneer. Just don’t call her that to her face. [A-]

“Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work” opened last weekend in select cities and has expanded this weekend. If you see any film this weekend that doesn’t involve animated toys, please make it this.

Review originally posted on The Playlist.

RIP Rue McClanahan – Thanks For Being a Friend!

admin — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 18:22:02 +0000

Sadly it seems I am constantly writing obits on this blog and today is no different. Rue McClanahan passed away early this morning after suffering from a “massive stroke” — the actress was 76. McClanahan is best known for her fabulous portrayal of Blanche Devereaux on “The Golden Girls“, the sexy man-crazy roomie who taught us all how to be both classy AND sassy. According to her manager Babara Lawrence, Rue was surrounded with family at the time of her death. Which is comforting news as the actress has been battling health issues for years. McClanahan, who had survived breast cancer in the late 1990′s, suffered a minor stroke earlier this year after heart bypass surgery and had a very difficult time recovering from the health setback.

More than being a “Golden Girl”, McClanahan starred in “Maude“, alongside fellow “Girl” Bea Arthur, “Mama’s Family” and mos recently “Sordid Lives: The Series“. Rue also made her mark on both Broadway and the big screen, and received an Emmy and an Obie in appreciation for her work over the years. Rue fostered relationships throughout her tenure on the screen and stage and her colleagues, including Betty White, have already released statements of sadness and shock over her passing. She was an avid supporter of animal rights, being one of the first celebrities to support PETA and championed gay rights throughout her career. McClanahan left her mark all over entertainment and will be greatly missed. There is just a few images more vivid from my childhood then watching “The Golden Girls” with my Grandma. The show sparked a revolution in TV, allowing women to discuss once taboo topics like sex, racism and aging, with a frank humor rarely seen. And it would not have been the same without Rue. So thank you Rue for being a friend to me and millions of others. Hopefully you are eating a slice of cheesecake with Bea and Estelle somewhere.

Rue McClanahan is survived by her sixth husband, Morrow Wilson and her son, Mark Bish. Let’s remember Rue doing what she did best – making us laugh. Here’s a best of Blanche video and I will try to find more goodies from her long career later today.

Can We Talk About “Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work” ?

admin — Thu, 13 May 2010 19:57:53 +0000

Joan Rivers, the brash, witty and hysterical comedian is the focus of a behind-the-scenes documentary that has been receiving rave reviews on the festival circuit. “Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work“, which was directed Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg, delves into a year in the life of Rivers, where we get to see the comedian open up for the camera both behind the scenes and on stage. The 76-year-old working comedian, who helped pave the way for the likes of Kathy Griffin, Sarah Silverman and Chelsea Handler, openly discusses the highs and lows in both her career and her personal life in the film produced by IFC and Break Thru.

Rivers has made a career for more than forty years out of poking fun at herself, her looks and at others, specifically celebrities. In the 1980s, she was quite vocal about her various plastic surgery operations, which made her an easy target for jokes and backlash. Since then she has had the honor of being the first and only female to guest-host “The Tonight Show“ until she “broke up” with her comedy mentor Johnny Carson when she got her own late night TV program on Fox. The show quickly failed, her relationship with Carson was through, and she was stuck picking up the pieces once again when her and her husband were fired by Fox. Apparently, this was too much for her husband, as he committed suicide a few months later. Throughout this adversity, Rivers continued to work and work and make herself a household name. Stern and Sundberg when first approaching this project wanted to go beyond the hype on Rivers’ public persona and get into what it takes for a 76-year-old comedian to thrive for “A Piece of Work“.

The directors and producers followed her for a year in her life, right after her appearance on “Celebrity Apprentice,” which she eventually won, and she was faced with a great deal of backlash after “protecting” her daughter Melissa on the program and speaking her mind, most of the time at the expense of her fellow contestants. The film, which has been getting rave reviews at festival appearances, seems to delve far beyond Rivers’ stage persona and show that she is in fact an actual person. We watch as Rivers stares at an empty calendar discussing how the ladies she helped create have taken away her club dates, and what she needs to do to get back on top. We also get to see a day in the life of a successful comedian who, no matter what she says about herself, has built a career on making others laugh at her own insecurities. As a fan of her comedy, it’s impressive to see such a deep portrait of the woman and the comedian, who at one point was a living embodiment of her own caricature. Rivers prides herself on having a successful career and being a mother, and paving the way for women to succeed more easily in a one-time male-only industry.

Never one to shy away or back down from a fight, Rivers is constantly called out on her “goes there” behavior and says, “there is always an adjective in front of my name and it’s never a nice one”. As a child, I remember explicitly falling in love with Rivers when I first saw her in “The Muppets Take Manhattan” in which she played an over the top makeup counter clerk, along with Miss Piggy. After following her career for years, I have always appreciated her dedication to the joke, her ability to make lemonade out of lemons and still be the overbearing mom we all know she is. Whether it be antagonizing celebrities on the red carpets or protecting her daughter to Howard Stern, Rivers knows what it takes to make us laugh. And at this point, she is very much in on the joke. I can not wait to check out “Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work,” which I sadly missed at Tribeca last month, when it hits theaters on June 11th. In the meantime, check out the new trailer for the doc and a clip, provided by Break Thru Films. And don’t miss your opportunity to see a screening of the film when it comes around. You can check out the full list of dates here.

What do you think of Joan Rivers and her brand of comedy? Will you be checking out the film this Summer?

My original review can be found on The Playlist Nation.

Betty White Brings the Funny and Ratings to SNL

admin — Mon, 10 May 2010 14:23:50 +0000

If you were anything like half of the folks on the internet then you were looking forward to Betty White hosting the Mother’s Day episode of ‘Saturday Night Live‘. The sexy senior, who has FINALLY been getting the respect she so surely deserves, brought it this Saturday. Originally when Lorne Michaels and Co. caved into the interweb demands from the public and gave White a chance to host ‘SNL’, it turned out she wouldn’t be alone. Perhaps to avoid tiring the 88-year-old comedian with a hosting responsibility, a slew of former SNLers came back with a fully focused ladies night over at 30 Rock. Rachel Dratch, Ana Gasteyer, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph and Molly Shannon came back to the place they once called home to participate in the special SNL, alongside comedy legend White. But if you were paying attention Saturday, and it seemed that everyone tuned in, it was proven that age ain’t nuthin but a number and White could hold her own until 1AM. White was the focus of almost all the skits this weekend and I can’t think of one that didn’t score big in the laughter category. Personally, I can’t remember laughing that hard for an hour and half straight in a very long time. And apparently I wasn’t the only one since the May 8th episode of SNL scored its highest ratings in a year and a half, making it fall just short of the historic pre-’08 election episode.

See SNL – all you need is Betty White and a few of your former cast members to bring the funny and the ratings. While there wasn’t a bum skit in the bunch, I can’t possibly post every video from that night. So here are my top 5, in no particular order, as well as the funny skits that were actually cut in dress rehearsal.

Betty White’s monologue, which I believe generally sets the tone for the overall show, was spot on incorporating her ability to be witty and sexy, while poking fun.

Betty White brought her special batch of muffins to the always classic and subversive ‘Delicious Dish’ sketch with Ana Gasteyer and Molly Shannon. Attempt to not do a spit take when Betty exclaims, “My muffin has had a cherry since 1939″. Priceless.

This ‘Census’ sketch was the last of the night and even it was on point. Tina Fey penned the original back when Christopher Walken hosted the last time the census was on the radar, but this was priceless.

‘Scared Straight’ was amazing last night. “WIZZZZARRRD OF ASSSS!” is all I need to say.

The infamous ‘Debbie Downer’ sketches are some of the best in SNL history, but sadly (or not) last night’s ep was so jam packed this was killed in dress rehearsal. But thanks to NBC understanding our sheer need for more SNL, they released all the quality bits that were killed. Here we get to see Debbie ruining a ladies night all about lingerie, wine and oil spills.

And lastly, ‘Bronx Beat’ is always a favorite with Maya Rudolph and Amy Poehler, so I was a bit bummed when it didn’t air. This will forever be one of my favorites and thanks to overwhelming demand the sketch has hit the internet and reminded me of what SNL used to be like. Let’s learn about what Yoga stands for. Enjoy.

If you missed anything from this weekend’s episode, its available for viewing online over at NBC. Also, check out Jay-Z’s two performances and the rest of the sketches that ended up on the cutting room floor. What did you think of Betty? Who would you like to see host?

Sandra Bullock Announces Divorce and Adoption to ‘PEOPLE’

admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:11:57 +0000

Wowsa! 2010 has sure been a whirlwind for the latest actress to secure the title of ‘America’s Sweetheart‘ Sandra Bullock. An Oscar, a Razzie, an adultery scandal, a number one comedy and the sheer ability to hide from the overzealous paparazzi just describes a small percentage of what Ms. Bullock has been through over the past 356 days. Bullock has managed to avoid the media circus surrounding her husband Jesse Jame’ gross infidelities, which broke only a week after the actress brought home an Oscar for her role in The Blind Side, until now. Sandra changed course and opened up to PEOPLE magazine to discuss her filing for divorce, her secret adoption (WHAT?) and her attempt at moving on.

Yes, you read right – Bullock can now add mom to her increasingly long resume. Sandra dishes for the latest issue PEOPLE, which hits newsstands this Friday, about the adoption of her baby boy Louis Bardo Bullock. Originally, Sandra and Jesse James began the adoption process as a couple, but as the scandal broke and the number of infidelities seemed to increase on a daily basis, Bullock chose to continue the process as a single mother. According to Bullock, Louis was officially adopted early in January, but to avoid a media circus the couple decided to keep it hush hush until the process was done and legalized. And if anyone is remotely familiar with the US adoption process for within the states, you know it can take up to two years to have everything squared away legally. Sandra describes Louis as, “just perfect, I can’t even describe him any other way,” to PEOPLE and went on to say, “It’s like he’s always been a part of our lives.” And from recent reports of Bullock’s support and care for James’ kids during this trying time, it would seem that Bullock welcomes the role of motherhood in her life.

In regards to the her fractured relationship, it was confirmed that she has in fact filed divorce papers, but to retain some privacy over the ordeal refused to confirm the jurisdiction the papers were filed in. Bullock described herself as “sad and scared” over to the divorce filings. She went on to say, “I really don’t know how our paths will intersect in the future, but the father I have known Jesse to be … is one that I hope Louis can experience one day, no matter how Jesse and I go on with our lives.” Bullock continues to act with class, even after watching the failures of her husband and subsequently her marriage on the cover of every tabloid. I have avoided discussing the salacious nature of this story, as I can imagine one more person pointing and judging is not necessary. Personally, my only issue with Bullock was when she was making out with my 7th grade dream boyfriend Keanu Reeves during SPEED, so I didn’t feel the need to coin her as a cursed actress, who if issues come up in her personal life she wouldn’t be able to move on, professionally or in private. Bullock seems to be taking the media by the reins here and proving you talk when you have something to say. As the nation has seemingly been up in arms over the treatment of Bullock by the media, her husband and his scores of mistresses, it seems that the only one not completely broken after this ordeal is Sandra herself. Her ability to overcome this, and move on with her new baby boy, is inspiring and I can not wait to see what is next up for ‘America’s Sweetheart’.

The full story, along with 2010′s Beautiful People list, can be found in the latest issue of PEOPLE – on newsstands this Friday.

Hollywood, Are You Trying to Kill Goldie Hawn?

admin — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:04:14 +0000

Seriously, Hollywood why are you trying to remake all of Goldie Hawn’s classic movies? Last week, it was announced that J.Lo will ~~stink up~~ star in an updated version of the 1980′s classic Overboard. And now it seems that wasn’t enough, as today it was announced that NewLine/Warner Bros. are set to remake of Private Benjamin, with Anna Faris to star. Yes, the assault on my lovely childhood continues, but at least this time the casting is perfect. While normally I would threaten an all out attack on Hollywood for the audacity to even attempt to remake such a classic, my love of all things Faris is calming my anger and peaking my interest in a remake.
The original starred Goldie Hawn, for which she received an Best Actress Oscar nomination, as a naive and spoiled woman who enlists in the Army after her husband’s sudden death on the wedding night. It’s a classic fish out of water story, but with a feminist update, with Hawn prevailing at the end. The film skyrocketed Hawn into A-List territory and made waves for the women’s movement. It also scored two other Oscar nods, one for supporting actress Eileen Brennan (who will be nearly impossible to replace) and original screenplay.

Amy Talkington, who also penned the updated version of my favorite movie,Valley Girl is writing the screenplay and Mark Gordon producing. The latest version will definitely discuss the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and acknowledge the importance of women within our military, but not poke fun at the men and women serving.

As I’ve said before, I’m not crazy about remakes, especially when I know there are still oodles of stories to be told. But if this is the vehicle Faris needs to make to put her into the spotlight, then I am behind it. Faris is a rare comedienne, one who is more expressive with facial gestures than anything that could ever be uttered out of her mouth. And while she has had some starring roles, like The House Bunny, nothing has come out and propelled her to the next level, which she so deserves to be. And this disservice is part of the real issue within Hollywood nowadays. Why is someone as talented as Faris not working 4 -5 times a year and turning down quality screenplays left and right? Why is Hollywood not creating star vehicles for such a talent? Where’s her Apatow? Personally, I have a screenplay I have been working on for Faris, so if by the off chance anyone even remotely affiliated with her reads this – CALL ME!(No really, call me!) But, seriously Anna Faris should be a household name, on the covers and in the theaters. Why is it taking Hollywood so long to get this? Hopefully, this does the trick.

UPDATED: Jamie Foxx Does “Laverne & Shirley”

admin — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 19:29:56 +0000

Oh lordy. When will this remake madness, i.e. we’ve run out of ideas, Hollywood is going through end? The latest remake/revisit/murdering is a return to the classic sitcom “Laverne & Shirley“, by Gary Marshall and JAMIE FOXX??? Yep, your eyes are not deceiving you. Marshall, who created the sitcom back in the 1970′s, will join forces with Jamie Foxx, who in his own right once was known as a comedian, to rework the classic chick-buddy comedy with none other than Jennifer Garner and Jessica Biel. The two discussed their wanting to revisit “Laverne & Shirley” when they were non-stop promoting Marshall’s Valentine’s Day and what Garner wants, she gets.

Foxx, who will pen the screenplay, has said that he wants to retool the idea so its more in the now, and of course, urban. I mean doesn’t a Garner and Biel tag team comedy film just scream URBAN? Anyways, instead of Laverne wearing her trademark L on her sweaters, she’ll have street tough tattoo of the initial, will most likely played by Garner. SAY WHAT? Personally, Biel makes a bit more sense in the tough and tattooed girl role, but who am I? No word if Penny Marshall, Gary’s sister, who played Laverne, and Cindy Williams, better known as Shirley, will help out and make a cameo or appearance in the film. Which brings me to a more important casting question: Who will play Squiggy?

Now, I don’t want to hate on the project too much, mainly cause Gary Marshall once produced great female-centric films. And I desperately miss the days of powerful female comedy teams, like Shelly Long & Bette Midler, Lily Tomlin & Bette Midler or seriously anything in the 80′s with Bette Midler (except for Beaches), so anything that even resembles these classics is OK in my eyes. But Im just not sure I need Jamie Foxx, of all people, penning the screenplay. And while I like both Garner and Biel, I can’t help but think this sort of project just screams Amy Poehler.

Anyways, what do you think? Will Foxx do a good job? Are there a better tag team than Garner and Biel for this? Let me know in the comments below.

UPDATE: Apparently, this is no way a done deal and Foxx’s publicist has already said there is “no truth” to this. But, I’ve heard that before. The revisiting of the sitcom is still happening though, for now, so keep the comments coming on who you think should be the stars!

NO! NO! NO! J.Lo Goes ‘Overboard’

admin — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:05:35 +0000

Ugh! Why is Hollywood continuously trying to kill my childhood? One of the most perfect comedies, Overboard, which is like crack when you tune into on a Saturday afternoon, is in the works to be remade!!! And with Jennifer Lopez in the starring role!

In the original, Goldie Hawn flawlessly plays socialite Joanna Stayton, who falls overboard from her yacht outside a Podunk town, develops amnesia and is left at a hillbilly hospital by her husband Grant. Dean Proctor (Kurt Russell) a local contractor originally hired to revamp Stayton’s closet on the yacht and who is not compensated for his work, sees Joanna on the TV and decides to seek revenge on the rich chick and convince her she is wife and mother of his four unruly kids. Hilarity ensues, everyone learns a lesson, Dean builds a mini-golf course and an adorable kid goes “Bah bah bah bah”.

Its quite near perfect, but Jenny from the Block and Will Smith think they should go twinkering around with classic comedies, so here we are. And no worries, Smith won’t be building any closets (ha ha) in the flick since he will be producing the film with his partner at Overbrook, James Lassiter. Adam Cooper, Bill Collage and Leslie Dixon wrote the current script, but no word yet if it sticks close to the original. Not sure how you will pull this kind of thing off with all of today’s technology and Im hoping this has nothing to do with the Bronx, but you never know. Check out the original trailer below and avoid this remake with every being in your body.