AI Results Show – 4 Go Home – 02/28/08

Morning Everyone:

Well it was quite an emotional night again for these kids.

Ryan said that over 31M votes were cast.  Let’s hope America got it right.

Randy said the reason they had these kids sing the songs of ‘yesteryear’ is that they know all the new songs but wanted them to ‘workout’ the older songs which, a lot of times, were better than the new ones nowadays.

The Top 20 sang a bunch of 70s songs and, once again, were terrific.  The guys really blended their voices like a choir a few times.

OK, let’s get started and send one of the Guys home:

Ryan goes to the top row, has the 5 guys stand up and tlls Mike, Chikezie and Jason Castro to sit down.  Jason Yeager and Danny Noriega were left standing.  I thought Danny was going to have a heart attack!  Funny, I had both on the bottom of my list; now one of them is about to be saved.  It is Danny which means that Jason Yeager will go home tonight.

Ya know, one thing I don’t get…and they’ve been doing this all along..is that when the person has been sent home, they ask him/her to sing the song that got them sent home….again!  Makes NO SENSE to me.  Who wants to hear a crappy version of a song again????

I think Danny was saved because he’s only 17 and must have a young fanbase of girls to vote for him.  (we know how long we had to put up with Sanjaya last year until America FINALLY got it right).

The Ladies are up now:

Once again, Ryan asks the back row to stand.  Brooke, Asia h and Kristy are asked to sit down which leaves Amanda and Alexandrea standing.  Once again…my bottom picks so one is saved; one goes home.  In this case it is Amanda who is saved for another week.  One could only hope that she gets a dye job and dresses casual next week with just a little makeup.  Alexandrea (be sure you say her name CORRECTLY!) is going Bye Bye.  -  What is with David Archuleta balling his eyes out????  Once again people, competition, you will be going home eventually.  Unless they were buddies, I can’t see this.  The Girls seem to be holding it a little bit better this week with the exception of Ramiele who is ALWAYS crying.

OK, let’s go back to the Girls:  (interesting that they chose this way)

Front Row stand up:  Carly, Ramiele and Syesha can sit down.  This leaves Alaina and Kady Malloy (oh no…not Kady.  this kid has so much potential!).  Luckily America said Bye Bye to Alaina (17 yrs.) tonight.  Oh boy, the kid is having a massive melt down right in front of our eyes.  Ryan and Paula did a great job in calming her down and then the girls came out to give her support while she sang….that was interesting.

One More Guy to go:  (it better NOT be Luke Menard)

Ryan asks the front row to stand:  David Hernandez, David Cook and David Archuleta were all asked to sit down…oh boy, this left Robbie Callucio and LUKE!!!!  My heart is pounding.  I keep saying Robbie’s name over and over and over.  YES, it is Robbie and Luke is saved.  I’ll be voting many, many times next week.  So Robbie says his BYE BYEs and sings his song and takes his ‘would be rocker’ and fake hair (which may have helped him with backup for Britney but did nothing for him here!!!).

home.

Cat Deeley from So You Think You Can Dance is in the audience.

April 9th is the Give Back segment this year.

March 12th the group will be singing songs from the McCartney/Lennon songbook which should be terrific….loved the Beatles!

Rueben Studdard will be singing on March 12th too.

So it’s Goodbye until next week when, I assume, the group will be singing songs of the 80s.

(Is Simon text messaging while Ryan is signing off for the night?  Just wondering!).

Joanie

Weekend To Do – News/Rumors 02-29-08

Goodaye Everyone:

What’s new for the weekend?  Let’s see:

Out on DVD

The Daryeeling Ltd. (brothers fighting and then bonding)

30 Days of Night (thriller/scary)

Beowulf (Dir. Cut – Angie Jolie..need I say more?!)

Gone, Baby, Gone (directed by Boston’s own Ben Affleck – Jimmy Kimmel’s new BFF!!!)

In Theaters:

The Other Boleyn Girl (I’m going to try and see it this weekend)

Semi-Pro (Will Ferrell probably funny as evahhh!!!!)

Penelope (Christini Ricci, Reese Witherspoon and James hunky McEvoy)

NEWS

Looks like Josh Duhamel will have a lot more time on his hands to plan for his wedding to Fergie…cause LAS VEGAS has been cancelled.  Maybe Vanessa Marcil will come back to GH…one could only dream!

LOST will move to a new time slot on April 24th – 10PM – Channel 5.

USA ordered a new season of MONK.  It will be the 7th and final one.  The USA network will use MONK as an ‘anchor’ for the Summer Schedule which will include (starting in May) Psych, The Starter Wife, Burn Notice (whoopie) and newcomer, In Plain Sight.

FOX has decided to ‘overhaul’ it’s Spring lineup.  New episodes of Bones, House, Back To You, Til Death will be back with new episodes in April.

To make room for this lineup, newcomer Canterbury’s Law (Rescue Me writers, prods. etc.) will premiere on Monday, March 10th at 8PM leading into New Amsterdam (finally) at 9PM.  Law will close its run on April 14 which is when new episodes of Bones, House, etc. will begin.

“24″ will NOT return until next January, 2009!

FX:  Dirt returns this Sunday, March 2nd at 10PM…..watch it!

CBS has picked up 3 Drama Pilots for next Season:

1.  NY-LON This drama is based on a 6 episode UK series and centers on a man and woman who attempt an extremely long distance romance after a chance meeting in London.  (Rashida Jones starred in the UK version)

2.  MYTHOLOGICAL X  This drama revolves around a woman who discovers – via a psychic – that she has already dated the man she was destined to marry.  So she emarks on a mission to find “the one” by revisiting all of her old relationships.

3.  Can Openers (Rescue me – writers/prods.) Centers on a woman in her 20s as she enters in a seven year neurosurgical residency.

ABC:  Gary Cole has joined the cast of Desperate Housewives and will play the ex of Katherine Mayfairs (Dana Delaney).  He will first be seen on the April 20th episode and will stay for quite a while.  Gary was the star of two of my favorite shows of years ago: AMERICAN GOTHIC and MIDNIGHT CALLER!

DANCING WITH THE STARS

Just thought I’d give you a ‘heads up’ on who is paired with who before the show starts on the 17th.

1.  Adam Carolla will dance with Julianne Hough – talk about lucking out Adam.  This gal has won two times in a row and is ‘hot’ and oh so talented!

2.  Cristian de la Fuenta will dance with Cheryl Burke – Cristian has also lucked out as Cheryl has won twice too!

3.  Shannon Elizabeth will dance with Derek Hough – He is Julianne’s bro and is adorable not to mention a terrific dancer (must be in the genes!)

4. Steve Guttenberg (yuck!) will dance with Anna Trebunskaya.  Nothing to say….

5.  Mario will dance with Karina Smirnoff – Mario Lopez’s BFF.  Remember when they hooked up on the show?  Came in a VERY close 2nd!!!

6.  Marlee Matlin will dance with Fabian Sanchez.  He is new to me.  Don’t think he’s been on before.

7.  Penn Jillette will dance with Kym Johnson.  I think she left early last year…could be another early exit this season!

8.  Priscilla Presley will dance with Louis van Amstel.  Smooth, wonderful Louis who is sooo sweet and kind to the ladies.  Priscilla will have a great time with Louis.

9.  Monica Seles will dance with Jonathan Roberts.  He danced with Marie Osmond last season and brought her quite a ways into the competition.

10.  Jason Taylor will dance with Edyta Sliwinka – Is this guy hot or what?  He plays for the Miami Dolphins.  I hope he sticks around for a while!

11.  Marissa Jaret Winokur will dance with Tony Dovolani – Marissa played Tracy Tumblad in the stage production of Hairspray (wouldn’t it be fun if John Travolta showed up during the season?) – Tony, he is so smooth and wonderful.  I saw him last night on PBS dancing up a storm to the Cha Cha.

12.  Kristi Yamaguchi will dance with Mark Ballas.  Kristi is the fave to win even before the show starts!  Mark met his girlfriend on the show last year.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and I’ll talk to you next week.

Joanie

AI – Top 10 Girls – 02/27/08

Morning Everyone:

Guess what…had a little bit of snow here last night…what else is new?  I heard that Daylight Savings Time is wicked early this year:  MARCH 9TH!!

OK, the Top 10 Girls sang(?) songs of the 70s last night just as the Guys did the night before.  Same question….What don’t we know about you that the fans would be interested in.

28.4M watched last night!!!  WOW…

Ryan looked a little more comfortable tonight.  I think he was a wee bit tired from the Oscars on Sunday night and that whole Gary Busey thing.  The Judges looked they were raring to go and, might I say, this band is awesome this year.

Let’s get to what the Girls chose and see if they delivered:

1.  Carly Smithson, 24 said that, even though she and her husband own a Tattoo parlor, people might be interested to know that she also works in an Irish pub.  Her song choice is:  CRAZY ON YOU by Heart.  Not feelin’ it tonight.  Nice girl but wrong song for her.  Randy:  Beginning was rough but pulled it off in the end.  Paula:  Amazing.  Simon:  Better than last week.  Did not choose the right song for her.  (didn’t I say that?).  She should take more time in choosing the right song or else!

2.  Syesha Mercado, 24 said that she does commercials and can do a ‘baby cry’ (very good).  She sang:  ME AND MR. JONES by Billy Paul.(which is definitely a guy song…Mrs. Jones!)  Boy is she shaky tonight.  I dunno.  Got better as the song went on…good ending.  Randy:  Not a good song choice.  (think this is going to be the ‘theme’ tonight).  Just OK.  Paula:  Soft notes not good; Large notes are better.  Simon:  A bit indulgent.  The song is made for a man (Didn’t…)  And this song is not designed for your voice.  Think we have our first Bye Bye of the night.

3.  Brooke White, 24 said that she went to Beauty School and loves to do hair.  Didn’t graduate from there cause she got the ’singing bug’!  She sang (with guitar):  YOU’RE SO VAIN by Carly Simon (this song brings back ‘mixed’ memories for me!).  Anyway she was terrific.  It was totally a good song, made for her range.  Loved it.  Randy:  Good job and good song choice. Paula:  Familiarilty (?)  Simon:  Felt ‘uncomfortable’ cause he thought she was looking at HIM while she sang.  He loved it.  Perfect song choice.

4.  Ramiele Maulubry, 20 – said she is a Polanesian dancer and demonstrated some of her moves for us.  Looks like fun.  She sang:  DON’T LEAVE ME THIS WAY by Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes.  She’s a little girl who chooses big songs.  I can’t decide whether she wants to sing this song fast or slow…I dunno.  Randy:  Little rough.  Not a good voice for this song.  OK, Paula:  Vocals amazing but she powered thru.  Simon:  Astonishingly! I agree with Pauls.  Not as good as last week.  Used to think she was in the Top 3.

By the way….what’s with the ghastly WEDDING coming up this Spring?  Could Simon and Terry Seymour FINALLY be getting married???

5.  Kristy Lee Cook, 24 She said that she’s a tomboy and loves to play sports and ride horses.  I like Kristy.  She’s had to struggle financially to get this far!  She sang:  YOU’RE NO GOOD by Linda Ronstadt (another good song for memories!!  Can ya tell I’m old??) – She sounds good and looks gorgeous.  Love her hair.  Randy:  100% better than last week.  Paula:  You’re BACK.  Simon:  Can’t remember last week’s song.  Can’t label you but you should try ‘country song’ next week.  You’d be good.  I like you.

6.  Amanda Overmyer, 23 (nurse) OMG, who in the world told her to go with this hairdo?  She looks like Madelyn Kahn from Young Frankenstein.  Is she shooting for a Sanjaya following???  By the way, her thing is that she reads Rock Icon books.  She sang:  CARRY ON by Kansas

I’m on the fence with Amanda tonight.  Didn’t do it for me.  She could have done much better.  Nice ending though (these girls can NOT count on just having great endings though…it’s the WHOLE song we’re looking for to blow us away).  Randy:  Not the right song for her.  It’s too much an instrumental song (like the Doobie one last night).  Paula:  Blah, blah.  Simon:  It didn’t feel natural.  She didn’t need the makeup, hideous hairdo and terrible outfit.  Too bad for Amanda..could be a Bye Bye.

7.  Alaina Whitaker, 17 Her thing is she doesn’t like food to TOUCH when she’s eating!  (weird..it all winds up in the same place!).  Anyway, a lot of people have the same problem!!  She sang:  HOPELESSLY DEVOTED TO YOU by Olivia Newton John (from GREASE).  Little ‘pitchy’.  Randy:  Like the song but not for her.  I dunno.  Paula:  Good job.  Young but mature..

Simon:  I like you Alaina but it’s like you’re a Grandma tonight with the song choice, outfit, etc.  A bit pageanty – I do see you as the Dark Horse in this competition though….(hmmmm)

8.  Alexandrea Lushington, 17  Says she’s a ‘poster child’ for the local Fire House (Dad was a fireman for years).  Sang at Ground Zero…must have been very young!  Sang:  PLEASE DON’T GO by KC and the Sunshine Band.  Oh boy…not a good song for her.  Didn’t do well.  Do I hear a Bye Bye?  Randy:  Played it safe and that was a mistake.  Paula:  Didn’t work for you.  Did good though.  Simon:  You’re struggling now.  You couldn’t do anything with it….

9.  Kady Malloy, 18 - She’s very talented and sings Opera!   She sang:  MAGIC MAN by Heart – Love her dress.  Like her; like the song.  Randy:  Interesting song choice tonight – didn’t work though.  Paula:  Power notes Yes; Lower notes No.  Simon:  Didn’t go anywhere. – He said she’s so much more interesting on film and then falls apart when she gets on the stage.

10. Asia h Eperson, 19 She was a cheerleader for years while in school.  She sang:  ALL BY MYSELF by Eric Carmen (and then, in later years, Celine Dion).  This is a powerful song and you really need a strong voice  I don’t think she pulled it off.  Randy:  Good job.  Paula:  Little problem but the ending brought it home.  Simon:  This is a powerful song.  You almost did it.  It was a silly decision to do it however.  You have to know your limitations before you tackle a song like that.

And that’s it for the Girls.  I honestly didn’t see too much to brag about.  It’s going to be tough to pick 2 to go home since probably 4 could go!

If I had  to choose, I guess I’d go with Amanda and Syesha..maybe Ramiele or Alexandrea?  See what I mean?

Ryan, once again, thanked everyone in the world BUT Simon!  That must be his schtick for this Season!!!

I’ll be back tomorrow to talk about who went and who stayed.  Hope everyone voted for Luke Menard the other night!!!!

Joanie

AI – The Top 10 Guys – 02-26-08

Morning Everyone:

Had a little bit of snow here yesterday but the rain came and swept it all away!!!!

Well last night were “Songs of the 70s” and boy did these guys choose some really great ones.  In fact, when I came in to work this morning, I clicked on to my www.pandoraradio.com website and chose The Temptations, etc. and what great songs I’m listening to!

Let’s get right to it.  – Each guy was asked:  What do you think the public does NOT know about you?

1.  Michael Johns, 29 (the Aussie boy!) – Michael’s answer was he loves to play tennis and was quite good at it when he was younger.  He sang GO YOUR OWN WAY by Fleetwood Mac.  Wasn’t his best.  Didn’t sound his usual self tonight.  Was better last week with The Doors’s song.  Still, he’s good enough for me.  He DID sell it at the end.  Randy:  Good but not great.  Paula: Got the crowd working.  Simon:  OK – weak.

2. Jason Castro, 20 (the dreadlock kid) – Jason does NOT like interviews. He’s a very private kid and gets quite nervous with all of the ‘other’ aspects of being an ‘Idol’ other than just singing.  He sang: I JUST WANNA BE YOUR EVERYTHING by Andy Gibb (who is missed).  He’s a cute kid with a decent voice (and gorgeous eyes).  Don’t think this was the best choice of song for him tonight.  Randy: Vocals were just OK tonight.  Paula: Try no guitar next week and just concentrate on your singing.  Simon:  Weak; bad choice of song.

3.  Luke Menard, 29 (hottie!) – Luke has sung with an Acapella group for years (looks like he’s the lead too).  Enjoys it a lot and he sung with all sizes of audiences and doesn’t seem shook up by performing.  His song choice was: KILLER QUEEN – Queen.  Obviously you all know by now that he is my “Constantine” of the Season and ya know, I think he’s better!  (unless he sings My Funny Valentine…then we’ll see).  Did a great job.  Is soooo cute with the camera, etc.  Randy:  Better this week. Theatrical presentation (which is a GOOD thing).  Paula: Great song to sing.  Was much better this week.  Simon:  Whiney – not as good as the original by far (of course Simon is comparing Luke with Freddie Mercury which is impossible to do).  Then, he threw this one out there:  “Ya know Luke, you’re a “Dawson’s Creek” kinda guy!!!!!

4.  Robbie Carrico, 26 (would be rocker – Bo Bice wanna be), He likes to drag race.  Gives him a rush.  His song choice was: HOT BLOODED by Foreigner.  I like this kid but he’s gotta throw more energy into his songs.  Kick it up a notch Robbie if you wanna stay around!  I wasn’t impressed tonight.  Randy:  OK, but he’s NOT a rocker.  Paula:  You don’t HAVE to be authentic.  Be who YOU are.  You’re a great kid with a terrific voice.  Just relax and let’s hear it.  Simon:  (rolling his eyes as Paula was talking), OK vocals for tonight but ya gotta ‘up the ante’ if you want to stay around.

5.  Danny Noriega, 18.  He was a member of a rock band for about a minute when he was a few years younger.  Didn’t last long.  His song was: SUPERSTAR by The Carpenters.  Oh boy, I’m gonna say something here and I know it’s not ‘politically correct’ but this kid has GOT to stop being so gay!!!  There are many, many celebrities out there who are in the closet and you’d probably never in a million years guess who they are but, in Danny’s case, it’s a no-brainer.  He’s got a decent voice but I just can’t continue to watch the silliness about him….and, he should get a haircut!

Randy:  He had problems with the song.  Paula:  Don’t overthink it.  Simon:  Better than last week’s Elvis song.  He does look terrific on camera.  He said better than last week:  kindaISH.  Danny picked up on that and they had an ‘exchange’.

6.  David Hernandez, 24 – When he was in school, he was into gymnastics and was very good at it but uncomfortable with the white pants!  His song was:  PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE by The Temptations.  Great Job tonight.  Really, much better than last week.  I think he was the best so far tonight.  Randy:  THIS is the kid we saw in auditions…he’s back. Paula:  Pure voice in the pocket.  Simon:  Best so far tonight (didn’t I just say that?).

7.  Jason Yeager, 28 – He plays multiple instruments and taught himself.  His song was:  LONG TRAIN RUNNIN’ by The Doobies (love the Doobies!)  It was (and I use Randy’s word) pitchy.  I’m thinking Jason’s goin’ home Thursday night.  Didn’t do it for me.  Randy:  This was not a singer’s song.  Paula:  He was fun this week. Simon:  Awkward, corny, ordinary and what was with that gyrating at the end of the song?

8.  Chikezie, 22 – His name is Nigerian and means Well created by God.  His song was:  I BELIEVE by Donny Hathaway (whose daughter is a backup singer for AI!) – Very, very good Chikezie.  Loved the name in the song too!  Good Job….cya next week.  Randy:  “He’s BACK.”  Paula:  Brilliant, fun.  Simon:  Looked and sounded much better. (shouldn’t wear last week’s suit EVER AGAIN!).  Chik started to talk back to Simon and Simon said, “Look at your mum.  She’s SHOCKED that you’re talking to me like that.”

9.  David Cook, – He’s a ‘word nerd’.  Loves to do crossword puzzles.  His song was:  ALL RIGHT NOW by Free.  Now THIS is your rocker for the Season.  Great job.  Comfortable with the song and presentation.  Used his guitar too.  Randy:  Liked it a lot.  Paula:  The band is on fire(?) and so is he.  Simon:  “Your hobby is boring and so are you.  You have no charisma.”  David countered back with:  “Luckily it’s the fans out there who do the voting and will say whether or not I have charisma.”  Simon was definitely put out by that comment and said, “You know, you people have to realize all I am doing is giving you my OPINION.  Take it or leave it.

And, last but not least tonight is:

10.  David Archuleta, 16  During the first Season, David got in to see the finalists rehearsing and sang….wait for it….”I AM TELLING YOU” and blew them all away.  He couldn’t have been more than 12 at the time.

His song tonight is:  IMAGINE by John Lennon.  This kid oozes confidence, talent, personality, looks….he’s the whole package.  He had a lot of guts choosing that song but gave a great performance.  THIS IS THE KID TO WATCH….could be your winner right here.  Randy:  Such maturity for such a young kid.  He was on fire – fine performance.  Paula:  That is the best performance I have EVER seen on this show.  Simon:  Took a risk singing John Lennon but you did it.  YOU are the one to watch.  Take notice the 19 of you…there’s David and then there’s the rest of you.  (didn’t I just say that???).  By the way, not to be pessimistic here but he said the same thing to Mandisa a few years ago when she sang, “I AM TELLING YOU” – Didn’t win – Don’t think she even was in the Top 10!  The girl just fell apart.  Don’t think it’s gonna happen with this kid though.

OK, there you have it.  —  Ohhh, by the way, the GOODBYE song for this Season will be Graham Colton’s, BEST DAYS.

If I had to choose 2 to go home….I’d have to pick Jason Yeager and Danny Noriega.  (Robbie would be my ‘dark horse’).

Talk to you tomorrow with the Top 10 Girls’ Review.

Joanie

And the Oscar Goes To…02/24/08

Morning Everyone:

Is everyone as tired as I am today?  I’m trying to read my notes from last night!  You can ’scroll’ down to see my Oscar pics.  I don’t think I did that well….for instance, WHO KNEW that Marion Cotillard would win for the Edith Piaf movie.  How many people even KNOW who Edith Piaf was?  Actually, she was like the Janis Joplin of her day.  She was into drugs, alcohol, fooling around!  You name it; she did it!!!!

First up is the Red Carpet on E! with Ryan Seacrest and the annoying Jillian Barberrie and Guilliana Rancic.    Everything was going nicely.  Ryan had some cool conversations with the celebs and was talking to Jennifer Garner when, all of a sudden, who jumps out of the background but GARY BUSEY and he plants a kiss on Jennifer’s neck.  To say she was petrified is to put it mildly!  Ryan was shocked and tried to get Gary to go away.  Laura Linney was grabbing her to the other side.  Ryan said, “Where’s Ben when you need him?”  Very, very scary moment.  Busey finally took off.  The guy must have been off his meds!

George Clooney brought Sarah, the waitress from Vegas now girlfriend!  He NEVER brings a date to Award shows so this could be serious.  You go Sarah!!!

Red seems to be the color of choice tonight.  A lot of beautiful gowns.

Rumor had it that Javier was going to show up with BFF, Penelope Cruz but it was his mom who came with him.  And may I say, while we’re on the subject, Could She Wear Any More Sterling Silver Jewelry????

Ohhh, my heart just skipped a beat.  It’s Colin Farrell with his mom.  He is so funny.  He says that his mom is THRILLED that he’s a big movie star cause she gets to go to all of these Award shows and mingle with the really big stars!

Let’s turn to Channel 5 and see who Barbara is talking to:  They are showing a trailer from the new Indiana Jones #4 movie so I would guess that Harrison is up next to talk.

Back to E!  Jennifer Hudson has a beautful white gown on but it definitely doesn’t flatter her ‘upper’ torso if ya know what I mean.

Ryan is now interviewing Miley and says, “If you keep on being as popular as you are, you will be a BILLIONAIRE by the time you’re 18!”  Pretty amazing.  She seems like a sweet girl.  Mom was right behind her.

Now we go back to Channel 5 and it’s Regis with Shaun Robbinson and, dare I say it, Samantha Harris!!!!  Stop the pain….

OK, here we go:  The Oscars are starting, it’s 8:30PM.  Let’s see how long they run tonight.

First song from Enchanted is sung by Amy Adams.  Pretty girl, nice outfit, crappy song.

Commercial:  The one where the guy’s right eye keeps wandering. What a riot.  It’s for Mastercard – priceless

Here’s Jennifer Hudson to announce the Best Supporting Actor:

No surprise here:  it’s Javier Bardem.  I must say the guy ‘cleans up’ well.  Compared to what he looked like in No Country.  Love it when he speaks Spanish too.  Penelope was somewhere around but they didn’t show her.

They then showed a montage of previous winners  There’s Russell.  If you remember the year he won for GLADIATOR, he had a haircut that now, looking back, reminds me of when you’re a Senior in high school and you’re gonna get your pic taken for the yearbook and you get a haircut that you ony have for like 2 weeks of your entire life!!!!  And there it is in the yearbook forevahhhh!

Next song to be nominated is Raise It Up from August Rush (liked this pic)

It was much better than the last one.

Time for Best Supporting Actress…here’s Alan Arkin to do the honor:

Winner:  Tilda Swinton   how surprised and delighted am I!!!

Next up is Adapted Screenplay:  Coen Bros. for No Country

Another song from Enchanted(?):  Kristen C…? sang it.  Not for me!

(I wanna know who slept with who to get some of these songs nominated.!)

Commercial:  Oprah’s new show where she gives a bunch of people money to go out and give it away.  What would you do if Oprah gave you a bunch of money?????  RUN FOR OFFICE….

Here’s Forest Whitaker to announce the winner for Lead Actress:

Another surprise:  It’s Marion Cotillard (everyone had their money on Julie Christie!)

Ohhhh, it’s Colin Farrell time.  Lookin’ good tonight.  He introduces the song from the Irish film, ONCE.  Falling Slowly (seems to me they had Colin introduce a U2 song a few years back…he can do other stuff besides Irish, ya know.  I hear his movie, IN BRUGES is getting good reviews).  Don’t care for the song.  Maybe it’s just me.

I’m wondering if the whole Academy is ‘tone deaf’??!!

Here’s Jack Nicholson.  Ya notice how they ALWAYS put him in the front row?  Of course, the guy has won like 4 Oscars!!!

Renee Zellweger:  Film Editing: The Bourne Ultimatum

(they wound up winning 3 Oscars altogether!)

Nicole Kidman:  Lookin’ good.  “she’s glowing”  She’s introducing this guy who’s 98 years old!  AND he’s ‘hitting’ on her!  How funny is that?  He’s very clear and aware of what’s happening too even though he needed a little help on and off the stage.

Commercial for American Living presented to the song, Let’s Dance.  Now there’s an Oscar worthy song!!!

Oh boy:  One more song from Enchanted….not good.  Just shoot me now!

OK, it’s hunky John Travolta to announce the winner of the Best(?) Song Oscar:  It’s Falling Slowly from ONCE.  At least it beat out Enchanted!

Best Original Score:  ATONEMENT (how happy am I!)

Harrison Ford….lookin’ mighty fine for 65!

Original Screenplay:  Diablo Cody for JUNO.  Terrific.  Didn’t care for the leopard number though.  It was cut a little bit too high in the leg area!

Helen Mirren (looking wonderful) is going to present the Oscar for LEAD ACTOR:  Winner (and, once again, no surprise) is Daniel Day Lewis for

There Will Be Blood.  WHOA!  do you see his wife in the audience?  What possessed her to wear that gown?  I know she’s the daughter of playwright, Arthur Miller (a Marilyn Monroe ex) but boy, who steered her in the direction of this #?

Commercial:  Cadillac – who are these actors on these commercials?  I recognize Kate Walsh but I haven’t got a clue who the others are????

Best Director Oscar is announced by last year’s winner:

Martin Scorsese (for The Departed):  Winner is:  The Coen Bros. for No Country.  One of them, the one who did the talking, is married to Frances McDormand (who won an Oscar for Fargo years ago, which was also a Coen Bros. film and they won for that too)….

Best Picture of the Year is announced by Denzel Washington (who I think should have got a nom for American Gangster but who am I to Judge??)

The winner is:   NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

It’s 11:47PM, EST and Jon Stewart has done a fine job considering the short amount of time he had to pull it together.  In fact, everyone connected to the show did a terrific job.

I know there were many other awards I didn’t tell you but these were the ‘biggies’.  Most of the ladies looked very well ‘groomed’ tonight.  Among my faves were Marion Cotillard, Jennifer Garner and Katherine Heigl.

Ohhh, loved the bit that Jonah Hill and Seth Rogen did where they were supposed to take Halle Berry and Dame Judi Dench’s place and read the script they would have been given.  (have to say though, I liked Will Ferrell and Steve Carell’s bit the year they did the makeup Oscar though the best)

Hope you enjoyed this review.

Take care, Joanie

AI Results Show – 02-21-08

Hi Everyone:

Sorry for the lateness of this Review but we had snow here in New England and I wasn’t feeling well on Friday so here I am on Monday giving you a report that’s ’stale’!  Sorry for the delay.

28M people voted – WOW! that’s a whole lotta votes.

The Judges had a little banter back and forth with Ryan and then we had a black and white trip pics of the Top 24 with Daughtry’s song, What About Now, playing in the background.

The group then did a melody of 60s songs, dressed in 60s outfits!  It was fun.

Commercial:  Rapper 50Cent is conducting a Symphony Orchestra.  It was very clever – product:  Vitamin Water!

Commercial:  Moment of Truth on Monday night.  Looks very ‘disturbing’!

OK, down to business:

Guys will be first.

Ryan calls Garrett Haley up…Bye, Bye Garrett.  Trouble is, we have to sit thru these ‘awful’ kids singing their song again!  TORTURE!

Something new they are doing this year, the contestant’s family are up in the balcony watching!  Painful.

Let’s do the Girls:

First, they show the girls performing (they did that with the guys too).

Ryan calls up Amy Davis (no surpise here).  Bye, Bye Amy.  Oh boy, here she goes singing her song….

Two more will be going home shortly plus, as Randy says, “Paula will shake what Mama Abdul gave her!”

Paula’s video:  Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow.  Randy is on guitar.  What can I say?  Do you think they used enough fans? (which Simon commented on afterwards).  Simon said, “She represents every color of the universe!!!”

Let’s say Goodbye to another girl:

Ryan brings up Amanda (the rockin’ nurse) and Joanne (the + size model)

It’s Joanne who is going home tonight.  Pretty girl but not talented enough to win this competition.

Comment:  Everyone’s using “amazing” umpteen times again tonight.

OK, one more Guy to go:

Commercial:  Bobby Flay (chef) has a bisquit and jam contest going on.  Boy do they look good….I’m hungry now!

Alrighty:  Ryan calls up Colton and Chikezie.  It’s Bye Bye Colton.  Nice kid.  I understand from my friend Patti who said she saw him on a talk show the next morning, that he has scholarships for Political Science for grad school.  He’d like to be a politician.  Good for him.

Well America made good choices this week.  Let’s see what next week (meaning this week) will bring.

I have to throw in one more comment:  What’s with the crying?  This is a competition.  There’s only ONE WINNER.  Get a grip folks.  Can you imagine what it’s going to be like once we get down to the Top 12!!!!

Talk to you later in the week.  Joanie

AI – The Top 12 Girls – 02/20/08

Hi Everyone:

First of all, let me say that I don’t know why Randy and Simon would think for one second that the Girls have more talent than the Guys.  Not true!

I could pick out, with a little struggle, 6 girls but I would be hard pressed to choose 6 of the 12 guys for the Top 12 finalists.  That said, let’s get started:

Commercial:  The Return of Jezebel James starting on FOX on 3/14..hmm

First up is:

1.  Kristy Lee Cook, 24 OR – She had to sell her favorite horse in order to pay her way to the auditions in Philly.  Smart move cause here she is in the Top 24.  She sang RESCUE ME – She’s a very pretty girl (Randy loved her pants) and has a presence about her.  She’s good; I like her.  Now I hear that she’s sick.  Randy:  Pitchy; Paula: Coulda been better; Simon: Robotic performance; didn’t like it.  Oh well, I give her credit for fighting the flu and the fact that we didn’t know it until she finished.  I guess a few others are also sick in the group.

2.  Joanne Borgella, 25 NJ – Joanne is a Plus Size Model who is a very pretty girl and wowed the Judges during auditions.  She sang:  I SAY A LITTLE PRAYER FOR YOU by Dionne Warwick.    I like this song.  She did well considering it IS a Dionne song and we all know how unique Dionne’s voice is.  Randy:  She seems unsure of herself; Paula: Not good tonight; Simon: Didn’t like it at all.  Sounded like a cabaret (here we go) version.  Sub standard.  (Harsh!)

3.  Alaina Whitaker, 16 – OK  She’s adorable.  She sang: I LOVE YOU MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAYby the Spiral Staircase  (wait a minute…didn’t Chikezie sing this last night????)  I thought she was the best so far.  Randy: Year of the young contenders; Paula: Feel good song; Simon: Thought she was good (am I seeing Carrie Underwood?)

4.  Amanda Overmyer, 23 IN – Amanda is our rockin’ nurse who rides a motorcycle and got in an accident before the trip to Hollywood and had to have like 10 staples put in her head!  She sang: BABY PLEASE DON’T GO in a real bluezie, rockin’ Janis Joplin kinda way.  Love her; not the song.  Randy:  Loved it – especially the scatting. Paula: Loves her; Simon: she’s authentic.  (I’m comfortable this gal will definitely go to the Top 12)

Ohhh, an OJ commercial with Donald Sutherland’s voice….

5.  Amy David 25, “Lowell”, IN – Don’t remember much about Amy.

She sang, WHERE THE BOYS ARE by Connie Francis.  Oh boy…uhoh, not too good.  In fact, she sounded brutal to me.  Randy: Not great.  She has to ’scoop’ up to the notes of a song like this cause he was thinking Patsy Cline. ; Paula: The camera loves you! Maybe it’s nerves?

Simon:  boring, didn’t work – dull!

6.  Brooke White, 24, (?) – She’s a nanny and was the girl that Simon said at auditions that he was going to bring her over to the “dark side’!  (She’s married by the way).  Beautiful blonde hair, can play the keyboard but tonight she sang unaccompanied to:  HAPPY TOGETHER by the Turtles (OK, didn’t David Cook sing this on Tuesday night?)  She was OK.  Randy: OK; Paula: she has originality, blah, blah; Simon: It was the right song for her but she’s just toooo ’shiny’ like kitchen soap in the UK?  He did like her though and said she is ‘happy’…..and sang it quite well.

7.  Alexandrea Lushington, 17 GA – (she gave Ryan a hard time about pronouncing her name and the Judges loved it!) – She sang: SPINNING WHEEL by Blood, Sweat and Tears (voice: David Clayton Thomas…one of my fave songs!)  Didn’t do it for me.  What is it with some of these girls?  Randy:  Blew the doors off; Paula: Great; Simon: Didn’t get it.  Awful (like a Musical #)…I’m with you Simon.

Ohhhh, Larry King has Jon Stewart on tonight.  Love Jon.  He’s so funny and will be MCing the Oscars on Sunday night!

8.  Cady Malloy, 18 TX – Cady does a great Britney Spears’ impression!  Sang:  GROOVY KINDA LOVE.  Finally….a singer.  Loved it.  Randy: OK; Paula: Show us more fun; Simon: Agreed with Paula!  He said she sounded like the Night of the Living Dead (almost had the girl in tears!)

9.  AsiaH Epperson, 19 MO- Poor AsiaH lost her dad 2 days before her audition but was very brave to carry on.  She’s sooo likable.  She sang:  TAKE ANOTHER LITTLE PIECE OF MY HEART – Janis Joplin!  WOW  She was awesome.  Randy:  Yeo! Good; Paula: Had good moments; Simon:  His favorite of the night so far.  (He likes this gal.)

10.  Ramiele Malubay, 20 (?)  She’s wicked tiny and when she sang at the auditions she blew the Judges away.  Tonight she sang:  YOU DON’T HAVE TO SAY YOU LOVE ME by Dusty Springfield.  What a Big Voice on such a little girl.  Randy:  Slow but it built up to a good ending; Paula: Voice to be reckoned with (first quote of many of this for the season!); Simon: She outsung everyone so far!  Ryan asked her what she’s enjoyed so far and she said, “The hair/makeup/and ESPECIALLY the shoes.”  Then she and Ryan started talking shoes and Simon had to put a stop to it before it got uncomfortable!

11.  Syesha Mercado, 21 FLA – She is a working actress.  Remember when they called her in and Paula was asking her how to spell her name and that there was a YES in it????  Simon said, “Get on with it Paula.  Stop torturing this girl!”  Anyway, she sang:  TOBACCO ROAD  She has a very powerful voice.  Ripped it!  Randy:  Little pitchy; Paula: Way to GO! Simon:  Not her best performance BUT one of the most talented girls here.

12.  Carly Smithson, 24 CA – Carly is the Irish girl who was on her way to Hollywood a few seasons back when her Visa didn’t go thru.  She has since gotten married and she and her hubby own a tattoo parlor (I never would have guessed…maybe cause her arm is filled with tattoos!?)  She sang:  THE SHADOW OF YOUR SMILE by Tony Bennett (another fave of mine).  She did a decent job was a little shaky but had a good ending.  Randy:  She’s got bronchitis folks; cut her a break; Paula:  Loves her.  Simon:  Didn’t get it.  It was all a let down!

Well there you have it….I guess I have to choose who goes home tonight huh?  OK, I got a bunch I could easily let go….Joanne, Amy, ALexandrea, Cady.  I’ll say Amy and Cady….who knows.  That’s why we have to tune it to find out which 2 guys and which 2 girls go home….

By the way, Ryan, once again thanked everyone BUT Simon!

Talk to you tomorrow for a quick wrapup.

Joanie

My Oscar Picks

Hi:

Just thought I’d give you my ‘thoughts’ on Oscars this coming Sunday night.

BEST PICTURE

ATONEMENT – saw it and loved the acting…a very depressing movie.

JUNO – saw it and LOVED IT.  Ellen Page and writer Diablo Cody are great.

MICHAEL CLAYTON – saw it and, even though it was confusing to me, it was well acted and had a great ‘twist’ in the end.

NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN – didn’t see it even though it’s the Fave

THERE WILL BE BLOOD – didn’t see it.

My choice:  JUNO

Who will win:  probably No Country

BEST ACTOR

George Clooney for Michael Clayton – excellent performance

Daniel Day-Lewis for There Will Be Blood – Daniel doesn’t do many movies.  He’s very picky about what he chooses to do.  Even though I’ve heard this is another depressing movie, I’m sure his performance is spot on.

Johnny Depp for Sweeney Todd – I’ve seen several versions of this play and I’m sure Johnny does a great job.  Third time will be the charm?

Tommy Lee Jones – In The Valley of Elah – not a big TLJ fan.  Thought this slot should been filled by someone like James McAvoy for Atonement.

Viggo Mortenson for Eastern Promises – saw this movie and he was wonderful in it playing a Russian mobster.  The accent was terrific too.

By the way, the Russian bath/steam room scene is not to be missed.

My choice:  Johnny Depp

Who will win:  Daniel Day-Lewis

BEST ACTRESS

Cate Blanchett for Elizabeth: The Golden Age – Cate did an admirable job in a so-so movie (although my friend Barb loved it).  The first Elizabeth was much better.

Julie Christie – Away From Her – We haven’t seen Julie for quite awhile and I’m happy she’s getting so much recognition for this pic.

Marion Cotillard - La Vie en Rose – Marion was in a movie a few years ago with Russell Crowe called A GOOD YEAR.  It was a little romantic pic that didn’t make much money but Russell said that Marion was going to be a big star someday and was offered this role while they were making this movie…I guess he was right….natch!

Laura Linney – The Savages – Laura has knocked on this door a couple of times before.  Love everything she does, which takes her to Indie movies as well as big budget ones.

Ellen Page – Juno – If ever there should be a front runner it is this little girl who is soooo talented.  She has many, many years ahead of her when she will receive many awards.  Kudos for Ellen for a great performance.

My pic:  Oh God – I think I would choose either Ellen or Laura

Who will win:  Julie Christie

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Casey Affleck – The Assassination of Jesse James, etc.

Casey does an admirable job in a deep, dark depressing movie.  You can FEEL the cold, mud, etc. in your face in this 166 minute movie.

Javier Bardem – No Country, etc. – Javier has already won every award he’s been up for in this movie so I’m sure it’s a slam dunk.  He’s a talented actor who has chosen his movies wisely.

Philip Seymour Hoffman – Charlie Wilson’s War – I’m sure they had to have one award for this Tom Hanks/Mike Nichols’ movie.  Philip won the Best Actor award last year for Capote so I don’t see him walking home with a Supporting trophy.

Hal Holbrook – Into The Wild – I thought this movie would pick up more noms. (Sean Penn…writer/director?) – anyway, Hal is up there in years and has been in the business for decades.  If there is an upset tonight, I believe it will be in this category (remember last year EVERYONE had Eddie Murphy to win for Dreamgirls and Alan Arkin walked away with it for Little Miss Sunshine…talk about highway robbery).

Tom Wilkinson – Michael Clayton – Tom is also getting up there in years and doesn’t make many movies either.  This is a commanding performance in a very good pic; however, I don’t see him winning.

My pic:   Javier Bardem

Who will win:  Javier Bardem

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Cate Blanchett – I’m Not There – this is the Bob Dylan pic where a number of people play Dylan (including Heath Ledger).  I get the impression that Cate is the UK’s Meryl Streep.  No matter what she’s in, she gets nominated; and deservedly so.

Ruby Dee – American Gangster – She is in her 80s and will definitely be the sentimental fave.  Although, if you remember, Gloria Stuart was nominated for Titanic years ago and Juliette Binoche walked away with the upset.

Saoirse Ronan – Atonement – She has a lot of years ahead of her and this really isn’t the pic for her to win an award considering she wasn’t very nice in it.

Amy Ryan – Gone Baby Gone – I’d love to see Amy pull an upset here cause, for one, it’s Ben Affleck’s pic and he’s a Boston boy.

Tilda Swinton – Michael Clayton – I’ve been a BIG Tilda fan for years.  She has a very strange look about her.  She’s made a lot of small, indie movies and I’m glad to see her recognized.  She is wonderful/wicked in this pic.

My pic:  Tilda Swinton

Who will win:  Cate Blanchett

BEST DIRECTOR

Paul Thomas Anderson – There Will Be Blood

Ethan Coen and Joel Coen - No Country.

Tony Gilroy – Michael Clayton

Jason Reitman – Juno

Julian Schnabel – The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (might I say that I saw an interview with this guy recently and he is one strange (and talented) dude.  He also paints and has received up to $1M for his work!

My pic:  Jason Reitman

Who will win:  The Coen bros.

ORIGINAL SCORE

Atonement

The Kite Runner

Michael Clayton

Ratatouille

3:10 to Yuma

My pic:  Atonement

Who will win:  Atonement

ORIGINAL SONG:

Falling Slowly – Once

Happy Working Song – Enchanted

So Close – Enchanted

That’s How You Know – Enchanted

Raise It Up – August Rush – saw this pic and loved it.

My pic:  Raise It Up

Who will win:  probably one of the Enchanted songs…..blah.

I could do more but I think I covered the ‘biggies’.  Hope you will all watch this coming Sunday night.  I know I’ll be home with my gown and tiara on waiting breathlessly for:  MAY I HAVE THE ENVELOPE PLEASE!!!

AND THE OSCAR GOES TO……

Joanie

AI – The Top 12 Guys – 02/19/08

Goodaye Everyone:

What a night we had!!!  Are these guys talented or what???  It’s going to be very difficult to choose 2 to go home.

It didn’t take Ryan long to jump on Simon.  He asked each of the Judges their take on what these people have to do.  When it got to Simon, he said “Originality, personality, and that they can sing.”  Ryan said, “That’s pretty deep.” or something like that…it was a zinger to Simon anyway you looked at it.

Tonight we will be hearing Songs from the 60s….my era!  This should be fun!!!!

1.  Dave Hernandez, 24 from Glendale,AZ  (at one point Simon had said NO to David and then changed his mind and gave him a big YES).  David sang MIDNIGHT HOUR by Wilson Pickett.  He started out slow (Gospel like) and then picked up the rhythm.  All in all, a very good start to the evening.  All 3 of the Judges liked it even though they could sense that Dave was nervous.

2.  Chikezie, 24 – CA – He auditioned last Season and didn’t make it.  He worked hard and took off a lot of weight and came back this year to try again and made it to the Top 24.  He sang I LOVE YOU MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAY by Chris(?).  He had a very shaky start – it was rough.  Finally pulled it together and was pretty good the rest of the song.  Randy and Paula liked him.  I, like Simon, thought it was not good.  Simon didn’t like the suit, hated the rendition of the song….and went on and on.  Chikezie could be the first casualty of the competition….

3. David Cook, 25 MO – This guy’s got a ‘weird’ hairdo but boy can he sing.  He chose HAPPY TOGETHER by The Turtles and surprised everyone with the rendition of the song.  Even Simon liked it.  They said it was very, very good and that there is a lot of talent in David.

4.  Jason Yeager, 28, TX  Jason is a very clean cut guy with a lovely voice.  Mellow, romantic and boring.  Sorry Jason.  I know your son was in the audience but you just didn’t have any ‘umphff’ to the song and the Judges thought it could have been a lot better. Simon gave him the old ‘cruiseship/kareoke’ line!  Simon said, “You’re like a dependable old dog!” whatever the heck that meant…

5.  Robbie Carrico, 25, FLA   Robbie was in a band a few years ago and played backup for Britney Spears (I bet he’s got stories!!!).  Anyway, the kid thinks of himself as a rocker with the hair and all but wound up singing, ONE IS THE LONELIEST # which is a sad, slow non-rock song! Written by 3 Dog Night.  He did a good job though.  Randy and Paula liked him.  Simon said he remembered the 60s with this song.  (he’s kinda a ‘Bo Bice’ lookalike??)

6.  David Archulita, 17, CA – Now when David was young he lost his voice for awhile but eventually his vocal chords (most of them, I think he’s still not 100%) kicked in.  I think he was on Star Search as a kid so he should be comfortable with an audience.  He sang:  YOU BETTER SHOP AROUND  He was terrific…in my Top 12 for sure.  The Judges thought he was fantastic and I thought the kid would burst out crying right then and there.  I hope he’s sincere and this isn’t an act cause we all want him to go ahead!!!

7.  Danny Noreiga 18, CA.  I think this kid auditioned before and got as far as Hollywood week and folded on the first day.  He sang JAILHOUSE ROCK by The King and had the glitter, moves, boots and confidence to fill a room but I thought he fell short…so did Simon.  Randy and Paula thought he was good but I think the kid is a little too cocky for me.  Simon said, “You have a pretty face verging on the grotesque.”  God knows what he meant by that!  He’s really reaching for them this year!

Commercial for “For Eyes” – Anyone who knows me could absolutely picture me as this old lady seeing the hot guy in her glasses saying, “Can we go home now?”  Oh yeah…..

8.  Luke Menard, 29 – IN Oh boy, do I love this kid or what and I haven’t even heard him sing a note yet.  He auditioned in Season 6 and was given a NO but decided to work really hard and here he is, back again this year, and was given a YES to Hollywood and the Top 24.    He sang EVERYBODY’S TALKIN from the movie Midnight Cowboy.  I’M IN LOVE  He was awesome.  Randy and Paula thought he was a little pitchy (here we go with that word!)  Simon said he was completely forgettable (yeah, right).  (I voted 5 times!!!)  By the way, do we not see a lot of Colin Farrell in him???  I know I do.

9.  Colton Berry – this is the kid who was chosen over Kyle (Clay).  He said he looks like Ellen DeGeneres and he does!  He sang, CAUGHT IN A TRAP by The King.  Not the best rendition of this song.  It takes a lot to sing an Elvis song.  Simon said it felt like musical theater; not a recording artist.  Then they did a bit about his hair, Simon’s hair, Ryan’s hair….

10.  Garrett Haley, 17, OH – This kid has been told he looks like Leif Garrett and Peter Frampton.  He’d have to be older to pull off Frampton but Garrett I can kinda understand.  He sang, BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO by Neil Sedaka.  He needed to ‘punch it out’ more, I thought.  Nice voice but a little bland.  The end was good though.  Randy – boring  Paula – slow tempo  Simon – voice was whiney.  (I’m thinkin’ another one to go on Thursday)

11.  Jason Castro, 20 TX – This kid has beautiful eyes.  Sang WHAT A DAY FOR A DAYDREAM (I believe) by the Turtles.  I liked it.  It was a little different but enjoyable.  He’s very talented.  Randy and Paula liked him a lot.  Simon said, “Top 2 performance of the night”  WOW!  He said that he and David are both terrific.

12.  Michael Johns, 29 GA – this guy is originally from Australia so you can bet he’s gonna be in my Top 12 if he can sing a note!!!  He sang LIGHT MY FIRE by the Doors and boy did he light everyone’s fire!  Great performance.  All the Judges loved him.  See ya next week Mike!!!  Randy said he was a Michael Hutchens lookalike (from INXS).  Yeah, I can see it.

So there you have it.  If I could pick two to go home on Thursday, I think I’d chose Garrett Haley and Chekeyzie(?)…..

It’s the girls tonight…Let’s see what they bring to the table!!!

Joanie

Bruno/Carrie Ann – The Winner 02/18/08

Hi Everyone:

Hope you all had a good weekend.  Here we are on Tuesday and I will try to catch up on my weekend and other stuff.

Watched 2 terrible movies:  CRANK    and   VACANCY

Please do not waste your time!!!!

American Gangster is coming out in a 2 disc set today with 18 minutes more footage….

Also out on DVD this week:

In The Valley of Elah with Tommy Lee Jones – the story of a father who tries to get the lowdown on how his son died overseas fighting for our country.

Michael Clayton  – George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton

Fabulous thriller…one you have to pay attention to.

Margot at the Wedding – Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Jason Leigh

Rendition – Jake Gyllenhall, Reese Witherspoon – story of a husband and wife traveling in our country when an FBI(?) group takes him in for questioning just because of his background.  This is kinda hard to watch from what I hear.  It’s also the movie where Jake and Reese hooked up.

In Theaters

There’s a couple of good movies coming out this weekend too.  BE KIND, REWIND with Jack Black – it looks hysterical.  It’s the story of a guy who owns his own video store and he comes in one morning to find that every one of his movies had been erased.  So he comes up with the idea that he and his buddies will ‘recapture’ the story and retape it!!

Also, VANTAGE POINT about the President being shot…or was he?  And the 5 different stories of people who saw it.  Starring Dennis Quaid, Mathew Fox, Forrest Whitaker and others.

Also, Charlie Bartlett which stars the kid from the Showtime series HUFF.  He plays a student that always gets in trouble but is very smart and is quite a con man for his age.  Comedy

NEWS

Did you know that Heath Ledger was considered for the role that Josh Brolin got in No Country For Old Men?  Just heard that one.

LIFETIME is going to have a new series start on Feb. 29th called Your Mama Don’t Dance.  It takes very talented dancers and pairs them with their moms and dads and they have to compete with other couples.  At least it doesn’t sound as bad as:  MY DAD CAN’T BEAT YOUR DAD!!!

Also, when bouncing around the channels this weekend, I came across a series on CMT called My Big Red Neck Wedding hosted by Tom Arnold.  It was absolutely a riot.  You should see some of these couples and what they do for their weddings and receptions….

OK, let’s go to the Carrie Ann and Bruno - DANCE WARS Finale

They are also going to announce the new Dancing With The Stars.  Who do we have do it but Kenny Mayne (sparkles, eye shadow and all!), Lisa Rinna (full lips lady), and Jerry Rice!

To say there were a lot of fillers is an understatement.  They could have easily done this show in an hour instead of dragging it out to two hours!

The first interesting part of the show was Drew Lachey dancing with the 2 teams to Steppin’ Out With My Baby.  It was cute although Drew is no tap dancer; still I like Drew a lot and he was fun.  The teams were very good.

Team Bruno then danced to, what they felt was their best effort to date, THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKIN’.  The old Nancy Sinatra tune.  They did it in a cowboy format.  It was good but not great.

OK, here are the first 3 Stars for Dancing….

Marlee Matlin (almost deaf movie star who has an Oscar)

Penn Gillette (magician part of Penn and Teller – 6′ 6″ tall!)

Marissa Jenice Wotaker(?) – played the Nikki Blonsky role in HAIRSPRAY

Let me say that I was bouncing back and forth to DEAL OR NO DEAL.  They had 13 $1M slots which was one half of the board.  Very exciting and a sweetheart of a girl trying to get the $1M.

Back to Bruno and Carrie Ann

Bruno’s team recorded an original song, Falling In Love for Hollywood Studios (this is the first prize plus $ for the winning team).

More boring talks.

DOND:  The banker is offering her BIG BUCKS but she keeps turning him down!  I mean like in the $300Ks….

Then Team Bruno did the song live.  LOVE ZAK.  Not thrilled with the number though.

More Dancing people:

Adam Corolla (comedian – had a show years ago with Dr. Drew Pinsky)

Kristi Yamaguchi (Olympic ice skater – this is the first one that makes sense)

Christian dela Puente(?) – a soap star on Telemundo(?)

Commercial for Here Come The Newlyweds – Reminds me of the old Newlywed Game but “R” rated.

Hey…here’s 3 more Dancing people:

Monica Seles – tennis star (she’s gotta be 6′)

Mario – hip-hop/R&B star(?)

Steve Guttenberg – I can’t even dignify this one in any way…trainwreck!

By the way, did you notice how many times the words, AMAZING and INCREDIBLE have been used tonight?  Just wonderin’

Carrie Ann’s Team recorded their original song, Come With It(?)

Wasn’t all that impressed by them although I love Elizabeth.

Commercial:  Monday, March 17 – the new Bachelor starts – he’s English.

More Dancing people:

Jason Taylor (NFL star for the Miami Dolphins – a hottie!)

Shannon Elizabeth (again, can’t dignify this one as a movie star although she IS a good poker player)

and last but not least………

Priscilla Presley – huh?  Why the heck would she want to do this show?

Dancing With The Stars will premiere on Monday, March 17th with a 2 hour show….

The 2 teams do One Night Only from Dreamgirls.  They all did a very good job.  Enjoyed the performance.

Finally……they are about to announce the winner:

(Do we care?  I want to go to bed.  It’s like 9:55PM…what do they do, give us MORE filler!  I’m definitely NOT going to watch this show again.)

Oh puhleez…..TELL US…who the heck won?????

It’s the BRUNO TEAM.  Great news.  They are all thrilled.  Bye Bye Bruno, Carrie Ann and Drew…..

By the way, the girl from Deal or No Deal took $494K.  She had 3 cases left including the one she chose.  There was $1M in her case but she didn’t mind.  What she won was life changing and the whole family were nice people….

Tonight, and the next 2 nights….it’s AI.  It will be 2 hours tonight with the guys; 2 hours tomorrow night with the girls; and 1 hour result show.

They will let 2 guys and 2 girls ‘go home’.  Wonder what the “Bye Bye’ song will be this year?

One more thing…..I found out this weekend that I am going to be a Grandmother.  My son and his wife are expecting.  I am ‘over the moon’ as they say.  Shhhhh….don’t tell anyone!!!

Talk to you again on Friday this week.  I’ll get my Oscar picks to you sometime this week too.

Joanie