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Kardashians Return with Lowest Premiere Ratings Ever, “Walking Dead” Exits with Lowest Season Finale Ever

Roger Friedman
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Kardashians Return with Lowest Premiere Ratings Ever, “Walking Dead” Exits with Lowest Season Finale Ever

When we last saw the Kardashians, they finished Season 15 of their vapid, idiotic yet profitable show with just 850,000 viewers. It was a new low for them. So last night’s return at 1.29 million must seem like a miracle to them– except when you look at the numbers.

Last night’s season premiere was down from Season 15’s premiere of 1.36 million. The K’s are in decline. As this season progresses, the numbers will tumble. It’s hard to imagine anyone is still interested in these people. Fewer and fewer are, that’s for sure. We’ll see what happens.

“Walking Dead” closed out its latest season with its lowest finale ever. They were down to 5 million viewers. Their weekly average was lower than that– around 4.5 million. They’re now pulling the same number of viewers as “The Young and the Restless,” which, of course, has a few more zombies (mostly running CBS Daytime).

Other numbers from last night: “Veep” pulled in 530,000 viewers, but that number should increase a lot with three day DVR viewing. The episode was hilarious. “Billions” is averaging a very nice 820K viewers per week. Again, Sunday night’s episode was top notch. Kevin Pollack should get a Guest drama nomination for playing Taylor’s pronoun-clueless dad.

 

HBO Takes Richard Wright’s Famous Novel “Native Son” to the Guggenheim for an A List Premiere

Roger Friedman
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HBO Takes Richard Wright’s Famous Novel “Native Son” to the Guggenheim for an A List Premiere

The long arm of Sundance reached to New York’s iconic Guggenheim Museum tonight as HBO celebrated “Native Son,” directed by first timer Rashid Johnson. The movie– which opened at Sundance in January distributed by A24– debuts on HBO this Saturday.

You will want to watch this exceptionally energized “Native Son” because Johnson and Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan Lori Parks moved it into the now from the 1930s. Suddenly Bigger, played with Emmy nomination certainty by Ashton Sanders (“Moonlight”), is contemporary but with the same problems he had in the 1930s. He lives in poverty and on the periphery of society. Sanders is a marvel at conveying his fear of straddling both worlds.

All the performers are top notch, with Kiki Layne and Sanaa Lathan leading the pack as Bigger’s girlfriend and his mother. Margaret Qualley has all the breezy socialite qualities as the girl in the mansion who crosses the line. Nick Robinson is impressive as the rabble-rouser boyfriend.

Moving “Native Son” into contemporary times was a challenge, and the filmmakers meet it well. Frankly, “Native Son”– the book– may not be so well known to young people today. It should be. This should only increase awareness of it. The story hinges on a single violent act that really startled the audience last night at Peter Lewis Theater in the Guggenheim. Some of them laughed from shock at first, then settled down to realize what had happened, why, and the consequences.

Producers of the film were smart to move it from A24 to HBO only because this “Native Son” will have a bigger, faster impact on the prestige cable service. HBO has made the movie into an event. Don’t miss it.

Mel Gibson Fans Would Have Be “Dragged Across Concrete” to See Latest Film, Not Playing Anywhere, Made $137K Abroad

Roger Friedman
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Mel Gibson Fans Would Have Be “Dragged Across Concrete” to See Latest Film, Not Playing Anywhere, Made $137K Abroad

Mel Gibson has fallen a distance since the days of “Braveheart” or “Lethal Weapon.”

According to available numbers, his latest movie, “Dragged Across Concrete,” has made around $137,712 total in four countries including Russia.

In the US there are no numbers. Distributor Summit Pictures is just pretending “Concrete” was never poured. It’s currently playing in a handful of ArcLight theatres– fewer than 10 as far as I can tell.

On Rotten Tomatoes, “Concrete” has a 74% rating.

Meanwhile, you can rent it on Amazon for $6.99. The DVD is available on April 30th. It was just released on March 22nd.

Gibson has gone the way of John Travolta and Bruce Willis, just releasing product like wet spaghetti thrown against the wall. If it sticks, fine. If it stinks, fine, too.

Marvin Gaye Was Killed 35 Years Ago Today, But He’s Still The Man with “Lost Album” Finally Released in Its Entirety

Roger Friedman
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Marvin Gaye Was Killed 35 Years Ago Today, But He’s Still The Man with “Lost Album” Finally Released in Its Entirety

Marvin Gaye was killed 35 years ago today. But he’s “still the man” as Motown has just released “You’re the Man,” his “lost album.” This collection was recorded in 1972 between the successes of “What’s Going On” and what turned out to be “Let’s Get it On.”

“You’re the Man” has been released before, at least some of it, in various incarnations. It was splintered off into box sets and b sides and Motown collections. But now it’s available it in its entirety. You can see why Marvin shelved it. Despite amazing vocals and terrific songs, it lacked cohesion as an album. After the high of “What’s Going On,” this album was pedestrian. There was no theme. In the past it would have sufficed. But to Marvin it must have sounded like a step backward.

But dip into “You’re the Man” anywhere and you’ll find gold. “The World is Rated X” is masterful, and could have fit into “What’s Going On” easily. “Piece of Clay,” had Marvin lived long enough to tour in his older years, would have been a show stopper. “You Are That Special One” is a slammin’ Motown masterpiece. “I’m Going Home” is Marvin at his funky best.

I can’t wait to have the physical CD in my car.

Many have tried to make Marvin Gaye movies without luck. I hope someone tries again, but just the Sixties through this period, when Marvin was a shining star. He deserves a polished legacy, and to be revered forever.

RIP Shelley Lazar, Queen of Rock and Roll Tickets, Age 69, the Mother Hen of Rock Stars, Fans, Groupies, Press

Roger Friedman
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RIP Shelley Lazar, Queen of Rock and Roll Tickets, Age 69, the Mother Hen of Rock Stars, Fans, Groupies, Press

Shelley Lazar was the mother hen of rock and roll. She worked her way up and made a business out of ticketing rock and roll concerts, especially Paul McCartney’s. I am sad to report that she died this morning from cancer at age 69.

Everyone loved Shelley. When there was a big show she was there to take care of you. She loved the music and she loved the artists. There will never be anyone else like her. In 2008 she sold her company to Ticketmaster but that didn’t mean she went away. She loved the business too much. She took care of everyone: fans, groupies, press.

I always worried about Shelley. Back in June 2011 we were at a performance of “Spider Man: Turn off the Dark” on Broadway. Shelley fell on the stairs coming down the aisle of the American Airlines Theater and broke her wrist. I tried to catch her, so did a couple of other people. She got up and brushed herself off before she was taken by ambulance to a hospital.

Everyone will say this: Shelley has a VIP ticket in heaven. Yes. But she had one with all the people who knew her. Her death is a real loss, coming in a week of losses. She will really really be missed.

photo courtesy of Richard Kerris

Rapper Nipsey Hussle, 33, Shot Dead in Front of His L.A. Clothing Store After Tweeting “Having strong enemies is a blessing”

Roger Friedman
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Rapper Nipsey Hussle, 33, Shot Dead in Front of His L.A. Clothing Store After Tweeting “Having strong enemies is a blessing”

Rapper Nipsey Hussle, age 33, is dead. Ermias Davidson Asghedom was shot dead in front his clothing store in South Los Angeles. A short time before, he Tweeted: “Having strong enemies is a blessing.”

Evidently, not.

Asghedom picked his name as a twist on Nipsey Russell, the late great comic. But there’s no laughing here. Russell was long time gang member. He was also a Grammy nominee, for what that’s worth.

He had a child with actress Lauren London. Before Nipsey, she dated Lil Wayne, who’s spent a lot of time in jail.

And the beats go on.

Matthew McConaughey Going the Way of Johnny Depp? “Beach Bum” is Lowest Opening of Career, Latest Box Office Failure

Roger Friedman
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Matthew McConaughey Going the Way of Johnny Depp? “Beach Bum” is Lowest Opening of Career, Latest Box Office Failure

It’s been five and a half years since Matthew McConaughey starred in “Dallas Buyers Club” and won an Oscar. It was not a hit movie, only making $27 million. But vindicated McConaughey as an actor and instigated the phrase “McConaissance.” The quirky Texan actor was on a roll. He also had a show stopping appearance that year in “Wolf of Wall Street,” which added to the illusion.

This weekend, MM starred in Harmony Korine’s “Beach Bum.” They made $1.6 million total, a total throwaway. And not the first nor the last. McConaughey has jumped on a train occupied by Johnny Depp and Nicolas Cage. He has name value as a celebrity, but none has an actor. His movies are all flops in one way or another.

Of course, nothing will beat “The Sea of Trees,” but that was only released into 2 theaters. Of all MM’s wide or semi-wide openings, “Beach Bum” is the worst. But do recall “WHite Boy Rick,” “Serenity,” “The Dark Tower,” and “Gold.” And we shan’t omit “Free State of Jones.” MM’s only actual hit was “Magic Mike” in 2012, which crossed the $100 million mark, but was also an ensemble piece.

This is why we see MM in Lincoln car commercials, which have paid the bills and turned him into the Ricardo Montalban of our generation (“deep Corinthian leather”).  Is there a way out of this? How about a reboot of “Crocodile Dundee”?

Soap Opera Chaos as Scientologist Actress Michelle Stafford Exits “General Hospital” As Show Does Cult Storyline

Roger Friedman
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Soap Opera Chaos as Scientologist Actress Michelle Stafford Exits “General Hospital” As Show Does Cult Storyline

The world of soap operas aka daytime dramas is really, really crazy. Only the movies “SoapDish” and “Tootsie” have ever addressed the madness.

Now “General Hospital” actress Michelle Stafford is leaving that show and returning to “The Young and the Restless” after a not so successful stint on the former show. She was on the latter for 16 years.

Stafford is an avowed member of the Cult of Scientology, which “General Hospital” knew when she joined them. (She isn’t the only “Y&R” actress deep in Scientology. So is Sharon Case, who’s been on the show for eons.)

But here’s the soapy twist: a few months ago, “General Hospital” started a story about a cult called Dawn of Day. (Dawn of Day, not coincidentally, is a is an 1881 book by the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche that would drive Scientology creator L. Ron Hubbard crazy.)

The soap cult is very similar to Scientology: members are being roped in to pay big fees for “classes,” they have a charismatic leader who’s insinuating himself into various characters’ lives. This isn’t the first time “General Hospital” has attacked Scientology. For several years they featured a clinic for the criminally insane called Miscavige, obviously named for David Miscavige, the real life Napoleonic leader of Scientology. There are no coincidences here.

As the “GH” cult story grew, sources say, Stafford’s appearances on the went into decline. She has rarely been on screen as Dawn of Day was put on the front burner. Now Stafford is exiting “GH” over contract negotiations. Could “GH” have been using the Dawn of Day story to oust Stafford? It sure seems like it.

Stafford’s return to “Young and the Restless” means the much more talented actress who succeeded her five years ago, Gina Tognoni, is out. Tognoni was not in a cult, but she did win an Emmy award in 2017. She should really go to prime time TV at this point, she’s too good for this stuff. Stafford, meanwhile, will be reunited with Case, who’s been in Scientology a long time.

Only in Hollywood, kids, only in Hollywood.

 

Keith Richards Responds to Mick Jagger Illness, Rolling Stones Tour Postponement: “Things need to be taken care of …. Mick, we are always there for you!”

Roger Friedman
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Keith Richards Responds to Mick Jagger Illness, Rolling Stones Tour Postponement: “Things need to be taken care of …. Mick, we are always there for you!”

Keith Richards has responded on Twitter to news of Mick Jagger’s illness and the postponement of the Rolling Stones’ upcoming tour.

Richards writes: “A big disappointment for everyone but things need to be taken care of and we will see you soon. Mick, we are always there for you!”

Ironically, it’s Richards whose health has always been called into question, not Jagger. Richards, whose love of drink and drug is legendary, has somehow–and wonderfully– managed to keep going despite all odds. It was Jagger who was into health and well being.

The Stones have also escaped any major health issues up til now, which is certainly against the norm for men of their ages.

Jagger’s announcement today, and even Richards’response, suggests that Mick may be suffering from any number of common illnesses for a man of his actual age (75). Knowing Mick he’s in New York getting treatment. Everyone is hoping for a quick and painless recovery, whatever the problem.

Meanwhile, Richards is celebrating the 30th anniversary of his solo album, “Talk is Cheap.” There are new anniversary editions available on amazon, on the Stones website, and on keithrichards.com. Maybe Keith will go out with his group in lieu of the Stones tour!

LGBTQ Boycott of Beverly Hills Hotel is Revived After Celebs Like Miley Cyrus, Kristen Stewart Were Unwittingly Guests at Recent Events

Roger Friedman
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LGBTQ Boycott of Beverly Hills Hotel is Revived After Celebs Like Miley Cyrus, Kristen Stewart Were Unwittingly Guests at Recent Events

In 2014, the Sharia Law that promised to not just torture but kill LGBTQ people under the Sultan of Brunei brought an immediate protest of the Beverly Hills Hotel. All big Hollywood events were cancelled, and if celebrities were seen at the Polo Lounge or staying at the hotel they were heavily criticized.

But it time, the boycott softened. Events were being booked there again. Short memories meant a slow coming back to the beloved Polo Lounge.

Last month, London publicist Charles Finch moved his annual pre-Oscar Chanel dinner there. Avowed LGBTQ friendly celebs Miley Cyrus and Kristen Stewart were guests. They’d either forgotten about the Brunei connection or didn’t know it. In retrospect they’re not going to be too pleased considering starting next Wednesday, if they showed up in Brunei, they’d be stoned to death– or worse.

Fashion publication The Daily Front Row just hosted an event at the BHH on March 19th. Celebs included Lady Gaga, Kate Hudson, and Busy Phillips, not to mention lots of famous models. All of them will now disavow having been at the Pink Hotel, no doubt.

Other recent BHH events included a fashion show by E! TV’s Giuliani Rancic, whose husband, Bill Rancic, the first winner of “The Apprentice,” has remained mum about former boss Donald Trump.

If a new boycott takes root this week, the BHH will have more headaches, as will sponsors of events that take place on its historic grounds.

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