Another Home Run for Sia!

Album Review: Sia, "We Are Born"

Sia! You lil' Aussie firecracker! It's literally impossible for me to pick a favorite off of this new album. I saw this darling lil' lady with a huge voice a couple months ago at the TLA in Philly and she was one of the only artists who has ever made me shed tears - that's how powerful her vocals are. We Are Born, her latest, is a bit different than her last two albums in the sense that this one is going to get you hype and make you wanna Clap Your Hands, as her new single commands. Both Some People have Real Problems & Coulour the Small One are best accompanied with a bottle of wine, a bubble bath and candlelight, but We Are Born is full of high energy and you can tell Sia is at her happiest. Flawless, from start to finish, where you'll find a lovely cover of Madonna's Oh Father and a second rendition of the album's only slow jam, I'm in Here. Sia = perfection. You can spot the fun, flirty influence of X-Tina, who she's clearly been getting drunk with (Sia wrote four songs for Bionic, review below). This... is the album to beat this year.

My Grade: A

MOMENT OF THE WEEK

X-Tina vs. Gaga

Who Needs Porn...

when there's Spartacus: Blood & Sand? I'd like to shake the genius hands behind this Starz series. But I gotta admit... I do a lot of fast forwarding! My attention span is limited with half-naked gladiators prancing around, but nothing comes half-assed (no pun intended) with the show. You'll definitely get a full throttle dosage of blood, guts & gore. For those of you like me who find much of that hard to stomach, just watch for the full frontal nudity! Not sure how I was out of the loop on this one!

SUMMER TOURS

SO EXCITED to see some of my favorites on tour this Summer. I'll be checking out SHERYL CROW in Atlantic City on August 14, but before that ROBYN & KELIS headline the All Hearts Tour in Philly Aug 3rd, and my baby Zooey Deshanel is in town July 2 @ Penns Landing with M. Ward, bringing SHE & HIM to my hood!!! CAN'T WAIT!

Gaga's New Video is So Madonna 20 Years Ago

I HATE Gaga's video for Alejandro. I think she looks awful and it is the second video this year that looks like blatant doppelganging of images Madonna has already made famous. This, along with Christina's Not Myself Tonight video both could pass as tributes to Madge. I don't know why stupid Perez Hilton and other Gaga-obsessed twinkies are saying X-Tina is always copying Gaga, when it all stems from the true Queen of Pop to begin with. I LOVE Christina's new album (see rave review below) and I do like Gaga (in moderation) when people aren't giving her more credit than she deserves. I think the Lady is a visionary and usually adore her videos, but I think the latest is too dark, ugly and attempting to be controversial with content that was so 20 years ago. I would have more respect for both artists' videos if they admitted that Madonna was the inspiration for half the looks they're displaying.

upon further review: X-Tina did admit to paying homage to Madonna & was inspired by her "Express Yourself" & "Human Nature" videos. I like.

X-TINA Boasts Bionic Comeback with New Album

Album Review: Christina Aguilera, "Bionic"

Christina Aguilera has gone from teen pop tart to Dirrrrty chaps-wearing provateur to jazzy blues songbird, comparing herself to legends like Billie Holiday and Etta James. After having her son, Max, Christina took a few years out of the spotlight to enjoy motherhood and some modern romance. Now, X-Tina prepares for a double-header comeback. First, a new album, unlike anything she’s released before. Next, her feature film debut – the big screen musical adventure, Burlesque which co-stars icon Cher, and is set to release in November. Today, we focus on Bionic, the much-anticipated new album, which I’m afraid, is guaranteed to rub critics the wrong way and deliver the blonde bombshell a heap of negative reviews. But not this critic!

At first listen, I hated the album. I heard it on my laptop, found the lyrics silly and the overall sound seemed a little desperate and sort of what Madonna did with Hard Candy. Give the kids what they want, even though it doesn’t really represent them as an artist. Then, I burned the album onto a disc and played it in my car. A week later, it’s the only thing I can listen to and I’m finally ready to give it a grade. There’s a lot of talk about X-Tina trying to be like Lady Gaga and I’d like to address that by saying everyone needs to get off Gaga’s DICK! She didn’t invent blonde hair and she doesn’t hand-make all the music you hear her singing. Like Christina, GaGa is smart about who she works with and Aguilera couldn’t have teamed up with better collaborators for the creation of Bionic. Lending their lyrical skillz and bass-bumping beats are celebrated artists like M.I.A, Peaches and my favorite, Sia. Sia (who’s new album, We Are Born hits next!) lends X-Tina her brilliance on the slower tracks - like the beautiful, You Lost Me, which Aguilera performed on American Idol last week, wowing America. What I love so much about this record are the songs in which Aguilera is completely unrecognizable. When you give Elastic Love, My Girls and even the opening title track a listen, you wouldn’t even know it was Christina. Same goes for one of the ballads, and one of my favorite tracks, I Am. It doesn’t really scream X-Tina and much of the album is like that. There’s lotsa multiple personality disorder going on here, which, at first listen, made me feel like the album was more Bi-Polar than Bi-Onic.

After listening to Bionic a good ten times I’ve come to the conclusion that it is flawless. This is her best work to date, and even though I know she’s going to get slammed for it, I’m very proud of Christina for taking risks and doing something different. The end result is stellar, from start to finish. Bionic is an adrenaline-pumping, feel-good time, ending with a track that will knock your socks off and become the new gay anthem. Even my least favorite tracks, like Sex for Breakfast, Prima Donna and Lift Me Up have grown on me, allowing me to give Christina a rave review and hailing Bionic as one of the year’s absolute best albums. Bitch is back and better than ever!

My Grade: A

We Didn't Need SATC2 But Of Course we Wanted it!

Film Review: SEX AND THE CITY 2

starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Catrall, Kristen Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Chris Noth, John Corbett, Liza Minelli, Mario Cantone, Willie Larson

directed by Michael Patrick King

For those of us who adore SATC and refer to the complete series as our bible, they can make 10 more of these movies and we would never stop showing up on opening night and cheering as the credits begin. The sequel to 2008's big-screen version of one of TV's most popular, award-winning and celebrated series, is exactly what one would expect. Lots of costume changes, lots of X-Rated puns, shoes, cocktails, raunchy sex scenes & a big gay wedding. Highly unnecessary, totally mindless and nowhere near as good as its predecessor, SATC2 is perfectly acceptable just for the simple fact that it reminds us why we love the franchise so much in the first place. It's all about FUN! There are still a ton of laughs and while this film feels like a TV mini-series and not so much a big-screen movie, it still entertains from start to finish and causes the same vibe of celebrating friendship with some of your favorite girls. I look at this sequel like a shopping lesson: you might not NEED it, but you always WANT something that makes you feel good.

My Grade: B

THE BEST FILM SO FAR THIS YEAR

Another home run for Nicole Holofcener, one of my favorite writer/directors. PLEASE GIVE, is the first film I've awarded an "A" to this year. check out previous posts for a link to the trailer.

30 Second Reviews: Shrek & Adam Dare to Have Good Hair

IN THEATERS:


Shrek: The Final Chapter is perhaps my favorite of the bunch! The 3-D alleged finale to the saga of our favorite ogres is full of endless fun and laughs. It's one of the most entertaining movies you'll watch this Summer and a great treat for everyone.
My Grade: B+


ON DVD:

Adam is a sweet love story featuring two great performances from Hugh Dancy and Damages' Rose Byrne. Watching characters with mental illnesses or disorders makes me feel weird sometimes, but Dancy makes the character charming and likeable.
My Grade: B


The Burning Plain features Charlize Theron in a raw, damaged role in this compelling drama that was under the radar when released. With the right campaign, this might've gotten some award season attention. Also stars Kim Basinger.
My Grade: B+


Crazy Heart won Jeff Bridges pretty much every Best Actor trophy last year and I could appreciate why when I watched the movie. However, I found it quite dull and lackluster in regard to all the hype - especially in regard to the music. I do like Maggie Gyllenhaal and thought she was worthy of praise as well.
My Grade: C+


Dare is a sort of an R-Rated version of Glee, featuring Phantom of the Opera's Emmy Rossum & Friday Night Lights' hottie Zach Gilford as high school students caught in a sexual triangle with Ashley Springer (that's a boy). There's a lotta heat goin' on between these three and the kiss between Gilford & Springer gets pretty steamy as well.
My Grade: B


Good Hair was surprisingly informative and very interesting to watch. Chris Rock's exploration into the beauty world of weaves, wigs, braids and why almost all African-American women go through such torture to get good hair.
My Grade: B

LATEST MOVIE I TURNED OFF AFTER 20 MINUTES

Whackadoodle.

P!NK Hits Europe with Her Summer Carnival Tour

Pink's eye-popping Funhouse Tour was the most critically acclaimed and celebrated of last year. Of course, Europe loves & appreciates her much more than the states, which is why they get to be graced with the rock star's circus tricks all over again. My favorite songstress hits the road again, changing up her show a bit with a new set list (including her rendition of Whattya Want From Me, the hit she wrote for Adam Lambert) and, in typical Pink fashion, new sky-high thrill seeking stunts. Trip to Europe, anyone?

VINTAGE VAULT

I saw Sybil for the first time a few weeks ago and was overwhelmed by how amazing Sally Field is in this role. Well, I guess I should say rolessssss. This was hands down one of the absolute best performances I've ever seen and I couldn't help thinking about how we have so many "stars" working in Hollywood today but the great actors are few and far between. I wish we could get back to times when a celebrity was someone with actual talent.

Ready to SCREAM Again?

I don’t care how ridiculous it may be that they’ve decided to add a fourth installment to the Scream franchise. I love all of the movies, even the third because Parker Posey doing Gail Weathers is pretty genius. Theater chains across the country are now displaying the poster for next April’s Scream 4, which will reunite original writer Kevin Wiliamson, stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox & David Arquette along with a bunch of new scream queens including Hayden Panettiere, Emma Roberts and Twilight’s Ashley Greene. Can’t wait!

LAST GOLDEN GIRL STANDING

Our beloved Rue McClanahan passed away, making Betty White the last GG standing. The last thing I remember wanting to blog about before my hiatus was White’s much-hyped SNL appearance. The campaign started on Facebook opting for White to host the show worked out in fan favor and her stint on the legendary late night sketch show is still logged in my DVR box! Absolute hilarity and I loved that veterans like Tina Fey & Molly Shannon did guest appearances. The Muffin skit – priceless! Our lil’ 88 year old firecracker is hotter than ever; she can be seen in the new Jamie Lee Curtis movie You Again and the new sitcom Hot in Cleveland premiering on TV Land.

This is My Zellweger Lemon Face

'ello everyone. I was on holiday but I've returned and I'll be catching you up on all my latest pop culture critiques soon enough. For instance, my thoughts on SATC2, X-Tina's New Album, the best movie I've seen so far this year & what concerts I'm going to this Summa. Yes, please.

SIA SOON!

I really can't wait until Sia's new album WE ARE BORN releases next month. I saw her a couple of weeks ago @ the TLA on South St. and I actually cried during two of her songs! She's THAT good. I know, I'm a total dork! But "Lentil" & "You Have Been Loved" really got me. She is remarkably humbled and full of such positive spirit. Hilarious, bold and interactive in a totally awesome way -she was one of the best live performers I've come across. Everyone needs to get some Sia into their eardrums. I just ordered "TV is My Parent" her Live DVD so I can somewhat relive the experience of seeing her right in my living room.

LATEST MOVIE I TURNED OFF AFTER 20 MINUTES

I adore Uma & one of my favorite producers, Christine Vachon, is credited on this movie no-one saw - proving even the greats make mistakes. After about fifteen minutes I found myself fast forwarding through uncomfortable, annoying scenes & then shutting it off altogether after it deemed itself disastrous. I hope Uma gets something worthy of her talent soon. So, no review. Just a waste of my dollar @ redbox.

CURRENTLY READING SILVERMAN'S TALE OF COURAGE, REDEMPTION & PEE

2 GREAT ALBUMS TO CHECK OUT: KATE NASH & GOLDFRAPP

Kate Nash's sophmore album, "My Best Friend is You" & Goldfrapp's latest, "Head First" are both near perfect! Check 'em out!

King & Queen of TV Comedy Team up for the Big Screen, J. Lo’s ‘Back’ and Demi Moore & David Duchovny Fake It as ‘The Jonseses’

IN THEATERS:

DATE NIGHT teams up the two most celebrated names in prime-time TV comedy. One would have to assume when you’ve got Tina Fey and Steve Carrell on a film set that the rest just sorta works itself out. With their improvisational skills & Fey’s consistently celebrated writing gift, a script may not even be necessary! Well, in some ways one would assume correctly. The chemistry and comedic timing between both of these comic superstars is spot-on and works pretty perfectly. The plot and movement of the story on the other hand… nothing special. The preposterous insanity of the action sequences… slapstick silliness! However, it’s all in good fun makes for a great date movie.
My Grade: B

THE BACK-UP PLAN places Jennifer Lopez back in the medium that she should just stick with in general. I hate J. Lo the designer, the wannabe pop-star and as a human being in general – all I ever hear are horror stories about her on-set antics and snotty, “I hate everyday people” personality… but I usually enjoy her as an actress. This is the perfect come-back plan for Lopez’s acting career and it’s definitely silly, entertaining, mindless entertainment. However, the chemistry between her and newcomer Alex O’Laughlin (who I’m convinced was only cast for his abs) is bland and some of the comic choices are downright gross. There are so many flaws with the movement of the plot, the screenplay and at the end of the day it feels too much like a conceptual product than a movie with three-dimensional characters -which is kind of fitting for the two pretty leads who seem to be pretty dullsville on the inside.
My Grade: C+

THE JONESES is Demi Moore’s second independent film this year (following Happy Tears with Parker Posey) and I love her in these types of films! In this film she pretends to be married to David Duchovny and moves into a high-class neighborhood with two kids that aren’t really theirs. The “family” is a working team of sales professionals who are hired to make everyone in the town want everything they have - they are selling a lifestyle. I loved the concept of the film and the message behind it but didn’t like how it wrapped up in the final act and felt like it could’ve stretched beyond the idea it was putting out and been something truly special. Overall, I found it interesting to watch and I’ll re-emphasize that I LOVE and want more MOORE. Keep working girl!
My Grade: B-

Streep’s Life is ‘Complicated’, Blunt is the Young Queen ‘Victoria’ & The Biggest Movie of All Time Hits DVD

ON DVD:

AVATAR, the biggest movie of all time gets its big DVD release just in time to celebrate Earth Day. I still loved the move the second time I watched it, although I felt a strong sense of how much brighter and more fun it was to see it on the big screen. Formatted to fit your TV definitely takes away from the WOW factor and makes the film look cartoonish… so now might be the time to invest in a big, beautiful HD flatscreen!
My Grade: A-

THE LOVELY BONES is almost just as much of a remarkably visual work of art as the above mentioned film. Featuring a wonderful performance from the young Ronan, Peter Jackson’s adaptation of the beloved novel is dripping with intoxicating imagery reminiscent of an acid trip. I didn’t love the choice to cast Wahlberg as the father, but overall I thought it was a pretty fantastic interpretation of a novel that seemed impossible to translate to film.
My Grade: B+

IT’S COMPLICATED for Meryl Streep in Nancy Meyer’s hilarious adult comedy where the greatest actress of all time is sandwiched with funny men Steve Martin & Alec Baldwin. The entire cast is spot-on, including John Krasinski in a supporting role. Big laughs, big fun, but like most of Meyer’s movies it goes on a bit too long.
My Grade: B

THE YOUNG VICTORIA features a lovely performance from Emily Blunt, who has come a long way since her fabulous role in The Devil Wears Prada. This biopic of Queen Victoria is short, simple and a sweet love story, featuring gorgeous costumes & cinematography. But after a while, all of these ladies in fancy dresses movies start to look alike.
My Grade: B-

UNCERTAINTY, starring my future husband Joseph Gordon-Levitt, is an indie flick with an interesting presentation. Using a Sliding Doors effect where they show two different stories, dignified by the colors yellow and green, the unique feature follows one couple for a day, transitioning between the two separate plots. It’s worth checking out but I felt unfulfilled at the end.
My Grade: B-

MAMMOTH stars mega-hottie Gael Garcia Bernal and one of my favorite gals, Michelle Williams as a wealthy married couple whose bliss is interrupted by monotony and the idea that things are too perfect. I loved the photography and performances but in whole the film is pretty dull and doesn’t offer much to take with you in the aftermath.
My Grade: C+

VINTAGE VAULT

I recently added two of my favorite movies to watch as a kid to my collection.... yeah!!

2 FILMS I CAN NOT WAIT FOR

If I had the power to feast my eyes on these two films without having to wait for them to play at a theater near me, I'd die! Two of my FAVORITE female filmmakers have upcoming movies that are getting GREAT BUZZ and rave reviews.















LISA CHOLODENKO's film "High Art" is one of my absolute favorite films of all time. She made me fall in love with the art of capturing mood, lusting over images and celebrating the true spirit of independent film. I adore her and am so excited she is the one responsible for "The Kids Are All Right", the new movie starring Annette Bening & Julianne Moore as a couple with two children who are grown up and curious about who their biological father is. It's getting great reviews and this would really put Cholodenko on the radar of Oscar & Golden Globe voters, me thinks!


I also adore NICOLE HOLOFCENER, especially for her writing style and mastering the art of realism & some of my favorite movie dialogue. Her films "Walking & Talking", "Lovely & Amazing" and "Friends with Money" always feature memorable performances from every actor (especially Catherine Keener, who has appeared in all of the director's films). Holofcener's character sculpting and talent for getting the performances she does are flawless. Again, the celebration of independent filmmaking is celebrated through her works and I'm so excited to see "Please Give" starring Keener, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt & Rebecca Hall.

Check out the trailers when ya get a chance!

3 Shows I REALLY Like, That I'm Really Worried For...

It's not easy to survive in prime time these days. The competition between the main networks is fiercer than ever and each season a handful of your favorites get the ax, just when you start to love them. Here are 3 shows I look forward to each week, but that I'm trying not to get too attached to...

3. How to Make it in America
Sundays @ 10pm on HBO
I was hooked after the 8-episode arc of HBO's latest dramedy. It's only a 30-minute show, which always leaves me wanting more and I really like the writing, the characters and the influence NY culture and nightlife has on the aesthetic of the show. However, ratings for the first season were not up to par of other HBO heavy hitters like Entourage, which I don't think is nearly as good. I try not to be a pessimist, but I have a feeling these young actors are still going to be wondering how they can make it in Hollywood.

2. Parenthood
Tuesdays @ 10pm on NBC
You would think big names like Ron Howard and Brian Grazer can just call the shots and do whatever they want, but at the end of the day ratings and NBC are the deciding factors in Parenthood getting picked up for a second season. Like medical dramas, a show revolving around family drama is hard to stand out with all of the other prime time TV resembling it. For me, it's all about the cast and I've already grown so attached to these brothers and sisters - loving the casting of Peter Krause, Lauren Graham, Erika Christensen and even Dax Shephard has proven himself in my eyes. I'd really like to see what develops and hope we can see a new family grow up for a while, but something tells me not to get too excited about this show.


1. Mercy
Wednesdays @ 8pm on NBC
When Mercy was shooting across the street from me in Jersey City, I was hellbent against watching it because the crew is full of assholes and my car got towed because of them. After moving back home I decided to give it a chance and was instantly hooked. I'm really not a fan of hospital shows and I worry for the future of the show because it's hard to be a surviving prime time hospital show. They're all the same in one way or another, so I fear it's hard for the stellar cast and writing of Mercy to stand out, even though it's way better than the similar shows it premiered with this season (Trauma and Three Rivers). I think it's my favorite hospital show, even over Nurse Jackie. Granted, I am no Grey's Anatomy fan and would love to see that shark-jumping series get cancelled and have Mercy sweep in for another season. I know they are on competing networks, but I hate that girlie, McShitty show!

James Marsden Adds Life to 'Death'

Film Review: DEATH AT A FUNERAL
starring Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, Zoe Saldana, James Marsden, Danny Glover, Loretta Devine, Keith David, Peter Dinklage, Tracy Morgan, Regina Hall
directed by Neil LaBute

At first glance, one might mistake this reinvention of the 2007 British comedy of the same name as the latest invitation into family chaos by Tyler Perry. It's actually directed by Neil LaBute, who is respected for directing heavy character pieces like Your Friends & Neighbors and The Shape of Things. The original film was an indie hit the year it was released, and even though I never saw that film in its entirety, I was a bit turned off when I saw the trailer for the urban version. It looked like producers collected a bunch of black comics, took an idea from a few years ago and said, "we can market this for a whole new audience". Luckily, my preconceived notions were wrong and I got to benefit from the new, hip version, just like anyone else will. It's packed with ridiculous humor and screamingly laugh-out loud moments (people in my specific audience were SO loud and clapping at certain scenes). The one thing I was really surprised to find was that someone like James Marsden could outshine some of Hollywood's most famous and celebrated male comedians. Rock, Lawrence and Morgan kind of fall short in comparison to the range of comedy Marsden provides with this performance. He steals the show! It's also a major plus that half-way through the film he shucks his clothes and gives us a peek at the good stuff! Like most films of this slapstick nature, the plot is lacking at times and some of the dialogue is weak and underwhelming. I expected more out of Regina Hall and found Luke Wilson's character to be completely unnecessary and a waste of the production budget. But overall, I got to laugh loud with the rest of the audience and took Death for what it is.
My Grade: B

Bye Bye Betty

After four bright & bold seasons of Betty, she finally gets her braces off and gets everything she set out to accomplish. Last week ABC aired the series finale of the campy and often ridiculous Ugly Betty, a show that was nothing like anything else on TV when it debuted a few years back. Like any show we grow to love and invite into our homes every week, it's hard to say goodbye. I grew quite fond of all the members of the Suarez family, the scene-stealing duo of Mark and Amanda and of course, no-one does high-fashion conniving, scheming, backstabbing couture the way Vanessa Williams can. This is a cast, writing team and production I'll certainly miss, for it added a huge splash of color and originality to prime time. However, you could tell somewhere during Season 3 that Betty was destined to wrap up at some point in the near future. It's always better to bow out before the shark jumping gets more and more evident and absurd, and you could feel that special something missing out of just about every episode that aired in Season 4. So, bye bye Betty... we'll miss you, but it really was just your time.

My Grades:
Season 1: A
Season 2: A-
Season 3: B
Season 4: B-

MOMENT OF THE WEEK

I don't even need the week to conclude in order to declare its best moment! Glee, TV's most talked about prime-time hit returned last nite at exactly 9:28pm. About an hour later, a music video debuted - Sue Sylvester's rendition of VOGUE. There are no words! JANE LYNCH is a GENIUS and I can't wait for next week's "Power of Madonna" episode. Dear Glee, Please don't ever jump the shark!

Kirstie Alley is Selling Fat...as usual

TV Review: KIRSTIE ALLEY'S BIG LIFE
Sundays at 10pm on A&E



Even though she's embarassed and angry about how much weight she's allowed herself to gain again, Kirstie Alley knows FAT sells! She knows being bigger is always better for her career and her true fans always stick by the fat actress. Alley invites viewers into her BIG life, introducing us to her two kids, staff of personalities, struggles with the paparazzi and, of course, her pet lemers. The show also focuses on what Kirstie is most famous for - her weight rollercoaster! I actually really like everything about this show. Kirstie is a class act. She seems to genuinely be in a vulnerable place while filming, but still manages to be very funny, real and without a doubt, fun to watch. Her life is full of lunacy and it's a refreshing type of energy to see in a reality show. There's so much reality crap on TV that, though it might be a fun trainwreck to watch, is filled with such negativity and ugliness. Kirstie may be fat, but she's full of spirit. You wanna lose weight, Kirstie? You go girl! But I'll take FAT Kirstie or I'll take Look Who's Talking Kirstie. Big or small, she's alright in my book. And I'd like to close this blurb by admitting that I love all three LWT movies. Even the third one with the talking dogs.

My Grade: B

Sticky & Sweet Defines Madonna as #1 Touring Female Artist

DVD Review: MADONNA: STICKY & SWEET TOUR

While her album sales for Hard Candy may have been meager in comparison to some of today's biggest show-stoppers, none of those artists could compare when it came to touring. Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour has put her on the top of the list as the #1 touring female solo artist and when you check out her DVD, it's easy to see why. A show packed with amazing sets, graphics, energy and color, this is one of her most entertaining tour DVDs. While I was a little sleepy during the Evita segment, I thought Madonna really showed her fun side, and was back to the bad girl we all fell in love with. We love M Dolla when she's cussing and touching herself inappropriately and at 50+ she's still making it look better than ever. Whether you love or hate her, there's really no room for your opinion in Madonna's world! She owns it. Your purchase comes with a CD of live tracks (which includes the 4-Minutes version of Vogue, which I love) and the DVD, which also has a behind the scenes documentary. Go Madge!

My Grade: A-

MOMENT OF THE WEEK

I'm starting to understand why people love BAD reality TV. I guess there really is nothing like a good train-wreck, and while there were lots of great moments in the world of TV this week (like when Austin & Justin danced @ Hilda's wedding on Betty, awww!) nothing can really compare to fame-sucker Kate Gosselin's tremendously awful performance to Gaga's Paparazzi on DWTS. GAG! I know a Buzz Aldrin two-steps takes longer than his journey to the moon, but I'm ready for Kate to go back to her dozen children and get off my damn TV screen!

How to Make a Hit out of a Mini-Season: Reviews of HBO & SHO's New Series

TV Review: HOW TO MAKE IT IN AMERICA
Sundays @ 10pm on HBO

When I saw the clips for HBO's new series, I immediately thought it looked like an Entourage spin-off. It's not - because you'll actually care about these characters. Judging from the 8 episode first season, this has potential to be the next big thing for HBO. The cast is full of young talent including Bryan Greenberg, Victor Rasuk and Lake Bell. We get Martha Plimpton (who looks better than ever) back on the scene - thank god! The only actor I hate watching is Luis Guzman. He kinda ruins the show for me to be honest. I just don't like looking at him and would be perfectly content with him getting whacked off at the beginning of Season 2. I love the essence of NY that is captured and the implementing of photography into each episode. It's creative, well written and full of promise. You will certainly feel jipped at how short season one is and it's one of those to add to the "I wish this show was an hour!" category.

My Grade: B+


TV Review: LA LA LAND
On showtime

Showtime is becoming notorious as being the premium channel with multiple personalities. You've got US of Tara, Tracy Ullman constantly dressing up in her array of characters and now you can add LA LA Land to the list. Brittain's comic Marc Wootton portrays three different characters who are all desperately seeking fame in Los Angeles. Each character is pathetic and ridiculous in their own right and acting in real-life situations, a la "Borat". While some of the scenarios are side-splitting and Wootton is really great at transforming and presenting these whacky personalities - a lot of the jokes go on a little too long. This is the opposite of a show you wished were an hour - it's only 30 minutes and you'll wish it were 15. There's something to be said for the fact that it can be really funny, but for the most part it's SO annoying. Wootten at times can be painful to watch, especially as the disgusting red-head character.

My Grade: C

CLICK HERE TO HEAR 6 NEW SONGS FROM SIA'S UPCOMING ALBUM "WE ARE BORN"

can't wait. she's also coming to philly this may, who's comin' with?!

STAR OF THE WEEK

Sheryl Crow is a ROCKSTAR. She did a lil' NBC double-header this past week with appearances on Cougar Town and The Marriage Ref. She looked amazing and actually had really natural, comedic talent. I'd love to see her do more acting!

30 Second Reviews: She & Him Make More Giddy Music

ON CD/iTunes:
She & Him Vol. 2 is just as endearing, sweet and frothy as the first edition. She (Zooey Deschnael) & Him (M. Ward) bring about another collection of folky, charming tunes that will make any rainy day feel like sunshine. Download this: Gonna Get Along Without You Now, Sugar Town and their latest single, In the Sun.
My Grade: A-

ON TV:

Damages' first season was one of the most compelling and addictive debut seasons of any TV drama I've ever seen. Unfortunately, the second season was nothing in comparison... The current season marks the 3rd for the Glenn Close vehicle and luckily, we're right back in action with episodes and plot-lines that leave you wanting more week after week. Still not as fantastic as season 1, but remaining one of TV's brightest dramas.
My Grade: A-

RuPaul's Drag Race is one of the best new competition shows on TV! What a colorful, inspiring and innovative idea. I don't mind catty TV drama as long as there is an art form attached and Ru and Co. really prove that drag is an art!
My Grade: B+

ON DVD:

An Education will introduce you to the lovely Carey Mulligan, with whom you will adore. Solid performances all around and the adaptation of a memoir that asks some substantial questions and unveils astounding character.
My Grade: B+

Sherlock Holmes is perfectly played by Robert Downey, Jr. and his co-stars Jude Law & Rachel McAdams shine in their own right. Unfortunately what's supposed to come across as so damn funny is lost in translation and what should keep us on the edge of our seat will actually lull you to sleep if you're too comfortable.
My Grade: C

Seyfried Goes from Mean Girl to Call Girl

Film Review: CHLOE
starring Julianne Moore, Amanda Seyfried, Liam Neeson
directed by Atom Egoyan

Little Amanda Seyfried has come along way from Karen, the girl who has "ESPN or something" in Mean Girls because her boobs could tell when it's raining. Well her boobs are the center of attention all over again in Egoyan's lesbian twist on Fatal Attraction. Filled with sultry images and a very grown, mature, provocative performance from Seyfried, Chloe certainly has enough steam to keep its audience intrigued. Moore, who as usual, can do no wrong, plays a woman suspicious of her husband's fidelity. She hires Chloe, a high-class call girl to seduce him and see if he bites the apple. The build-up to the final act and the film's twist is filled with a lot of great detail, sumptuous cinematography and stand-out performances by these two dramatically different actresses. The flaws, however, come into play with a lesbian sex scene that seems out of character and simply thrown in to titillate. It comes into play as a very WTF moment and then the rest of the film seems unsure of itself. This is another one of those movies this year where the big reveal is questionable, like in Shutter Island or Remember Me. In a character study like Chloe, I think it would've been wiser to make more subtle moves instead of trying to pull a fast one on the audience. The same can be said for all of these movies, but Chloe has an upper hand simply because of how polished and elegant it is.
My Grade: B

MOMENT OF THE WEEK

"MARIAH CAREY IS A NO GOOD HUSSY!" exclaims an angry housewife on Thursday's episode of The Marriage Ref. Besides having issues with her husband keeping a Harley in the family's living room, this woman also says her husband's infatuation with the bedazzled superstar causes strain on their marriage. I'm not sure if it was the way this white trash woman was comparing herself to Mariah (in her eyes, there's NO comparison as she exclaims in her own right, "what does he want with Mariah Carey when he has me?") or just the fact that I think Mariah is a no-good hussy, that makes for this to be the moment of the week.

The Marriage Ref airs Thursdays at 10pm on NBC.

X-Tina Reveals Devilish Cover Art for New Single

Can't wait to hear some new music from X-Tina. Hire a babysitter and bring back that nasty naughty girl we love! The new album better be hot and full of fun upbeat songs. No-one wants to hear about you at the chapel and being head over heels in love with your hubby and new baby! There's lots of buzz about X-Tina's upcoming album Bionic and based on what I'm hearing and judging from the cover art, I think Dirrty X-Tina is headed back to give the Lady a run for her Gaga! Watch out Britney! Your main competitor is ready for her comeback and you know she don't plan on lyp-synching for her life!

STAR SPOTLIGHT: JENNIFER ANISTON

Instead of going into a list of reasons as to why Jen-An's latest The Bounty Hunter is so crappy (a lot of it can be blamed on her skeezy co-star), I decided to do a run-through of her film career and remember some of her more finer moments. While her latest falls into the less entertaining category with the dislikes of Rumor Has It and Management, Aniston actually has plenty of triumphs on my grade sheet. No matter what, she remains one of my favorite leading ladies and I'm excited for The Switch (click here for the trailer) and her other upcoming projects.

Jennifer Aniston Filmography:
Yup, I've seen all her movies...

LEPRECHAUN (1993)
My Grade: D-

DREAM FOR AN INSOMNIAC (1996)
My Grade: B+

SHE'S THE ONE (1996)
My Grade: B-

PICTURE PERFECT (1997)
My Grade: B-

TIL' THERE WAS YOU (1997)
My Grade: D

THE OBJECT OF MY AFFECTION (1998)
My Grade: B+

OFFICE SPACE (1999)
My Grade: B-

ROCK STAR (2001)
My Grade: D

THE GOOD GIRL ( 2002)
My Grade: A

BRUCE ALMIGHTY (2003)
My Grade: B-

ALONG CAME POLLY (2004)
My Grade: C

DERAILED (2005)
My Grade: B-

RUMOR HAS IT (2005)
My Grade: C-

FRIENDS WITH MONEY (2006)
My Grade: B+

THE BREAK-UP (2006)
My Grade: A-

MANAGEMENT (2008)
My Grade: D

MARLEY & ME (2008)
My Grade: B

HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU (2009)
My Grade: C+

LOVE HAPPENS (2009)
My Grade: B-

THE BOUNTY HUNTER (2010)
My Grade: D+