“Mad Men” fans can start speculating about the titles of the last four episodes for Season Six. This Sunday comes “A Tale of Two Cities,” followed in order by “Favors,” “The Quality of Mercy,” and “In Care Of.” There’s no other information about them so far. It’s possible “A Tale of Two Cities” will be about New York and Detroit, where the Sterling -Cooper-Draper et al. ad team is trying to deal with their Chevrolet account. (They’re working on the Chevy Vega.) The show is now up to mid June 1968, so it’s a little early for mention of the Chicago Democratic Convention in late August 1968. But nothing is ever explicit on “Mad Men.” Last Sunday’s episode was so well done– indeed, the last four or five were so amazing– that we’ll have to wait and see what they have in store for us.
“Mad Men”: Last 4 Season 6 Episodes Get Titles
Will Smith Movie “After Earth” Being Called out By Critics for Scientology References
“After Earth,” the new Will Smith movie, is a bust. At least critically. Almost every critic and movie blogger hated, including yours truly. The movie is being cited for being dull, slow, and humorless. But it’s also being cited for referring to the text of Scientology, Dianetics.
The tag line of the film is “Fear is a choice.” It’s emblazoned on shoulder bags that were given away at the premiere the other night. Now both the New York Times and Wall Street Journal have called out Smith– who invented the story– for repurposing gobbledygook of Scientology in the “After Earth” monologues. They’re right of course.
Smith denies being involved in Scientology. But he’s been closely associated with Tom Cruise. He funds a private school in Calabasas, California that teaches Scientology curriculum. And his whole “I can save the world” gestalt–humorless, un-ironic, savior stuff– coincides with his statements from a few years ago that Scientology had as much validity as the Bible.
“After Earth” is such a bore that it’s unlikely anyone will join Scientology after getting through it. Joe Morgenstern in the Wall Street Journal actually wonders in his piece today if it’s the worst movie ever made? (Worse than “Cable Guy,” or “Gigli” or “Glitter”? Hmmm….Maybe it’s Scientology training osmosis or subliminal communication. Because most people will be sleeping through this interminable film.
Mariah Carey Tweets Official Exit from “American Idol”
Mariah Carey has Tweeted her exit from Idol. And promoted the new video for her single “#Beautiful” which features Miguel inserting the word “f—in'” before “beautiful” as an adverb. What I do know apart from this cryptic message: Mariah’s new album was played for Universal Music execs in London this week, and they liked what they heard. The album is due in the next month or less, as Mariah prepares to perform at the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show. In August Mariah appears in the opening segment of Lee Daniels’ The Butler with Vanessa Redgrave.
W/ global success of “#Beautiful” (#1 in 30+ countries so far) @mariahcarey confirms world tour & says goodbye 2 Idol mariahcarey.com
— PMK•BNC (@PMK_BNC) May 30, 2013
Michael Jackson Case: AEG Never Paid Conrad Murray, He was Jackson’s Employee
The Michael Jackson trial goes on in Los Angeles, and some people are twisting what’s going on with the testimony. To clarify; AEG Live never paid Conrad Murray to be Michael’s doctor or anything. Emails from AEG may indicate, rhetorically, that “we’re paying him.” But AEG never paid him. Or hired him. AEG was giving Michael Jackson the money to pay Dr. Murray. But Michael had been paying him already. He was Jackson’s doctor.
There’s no smoking gun unless there’s a check made out to Murray from AEG or a receipt that Murray has from them. Promoter Paul Gongaware may be shaky on the stand. But his testimony is not going to win the case or lose it.
The headlines coming out of the trial can be misleading. All the back and forth about Jackson’s health and his disposition to working, etc are irrelevant at this point. All that matters now is establishing who was responsible for Dr. Murray, the man who presided over Michael’s death. Whether Michael was thin or eating or tired or sleeping all day or not rehearsing on schedule–none of that is pertinent to this case.
Who hired Conrad Murray? From the beginning it was clear that Michael Jackson hired him, chose him, approved of him, and wanted AEG to provide him with the funds to keep him doing his bidding. The rest of it can be written about or debated for years to come. But it won’t bring the Jackson family the millions and billions they expect to reap from this case.
From Hollywood: Rita Wilson Plays NBC’s Brian Williams’s Daughter’s Mother on Girls
Leah Sydney‘s L.A. roundup is here:
Rita Wilson pinch hits for pal Brian Williams
At the Gracie Awards, put on by The Alliance for Women in Media, at the Beverly Hilton this past Tuesday Night, NBC Anchor Brian Williams was supposed to present his wife Jane Williams with the Outstanding Interview Award for her Educational series on Bloomberg radio. Brian was called off to tornado-ridden Oklahoma, so Rita Wilson came in from New York, where she is with her husband Tom Hanks, to give her good pal the award. They are showbiz related as well: On Girls, Rita plays the mother of Brian’s daughter’s Allison.
Rita read some words from Brian, who called his wife of 27 years, “my only source of unvarnished truth.” Brian went on to say via Rita: “Jane originated the ‘Making A Difference,’ segment at the end of the Nightly News, no one knows that.” Rocker Melissa Etheridge got an award for Outstanding Talk Show for her radio show. She said, “My friends thought I was crazy when I wanted to do radio. I said why? Radio is a timeless medium.” She went on to sing her hit “Come To My Window,” for the VIP crowd of award winners, which included Amy Poehler, Shaun Robinson, Rory Kennedy, Hannah Storm, Martha Raddatz, Giuliana Rancic, Meg Tilly, Giuliana Rancic and more.
Review: Kings of Summer
The wonderfully quirky coming of age comedy, Kings of Summer is a wildly entertaining and clever mix of Stand By Me and Silver Linings Playbook’. Receiving raves in Sundance, this indie film is artfully directed in a graceful way by Jordan Vogt-Roberts and garners terrific turns by the ensemble, especially the trio of young men who turn in nuanced performances. Their wise beyond their years teen portrayals reflect the daily push and pull angst of their lives, with their intense desire for independence while at the same time not wanting to emotionally or physically venture far from the protectiveness of their dysfunctional homes. Their frustrations lead them to build a cabin in the woods, and what ensues is both at times hilarious and sweetly heartbreaking.
Screenwriter Chris Galleta has written appealing, disarming teen characters with their warts and all, played pitch perfectly by Nick Robinson (Joe), Gabriel Basso (Patrick), and Moises Arias (Biaggio). Even the high school crush girl, Erin Moriarty (Kelly) plays her part with an equal sincerity rarely seen in teen flicks. Nick Offerman, who plays Joe’s father, radiates bemused befuddlement combined with his own torturous self-reckoning.
Besides some obvious holes to further the story, like you never quite believe that the teens would be ‘missing’ for the month that they are, the acting and the authenticity of the performances more than make up for it. A snazzy soundtrack adds to the hipness of this worthy film. ‘Kings Of Summer’ opens on May 31st.
Stones Keep Rolling:
Celebs Chelsea Handler, Kate Beckinsale, Hayden Panettiere were among the celebs that rocked out to the Rolling Stones spectacular show, ’50 & Counting,’ last week at the Staples Center. The Stones have had a special guest at each stop of the tour, but this time alas there were none. Mick told the crowd that wouldn’t happen. “The special guest tonight is you,” Mick explained before singing ‘Miss You.’ Former guitarist Mick Taylor had a big role; he played his blues guitar throughout with ‘Can’t You Hear Me Knocking,’ garnering special love from the frenetic crowd. Mick showed no signs of slowing down, his seemingly ageless body dancing like he was 21, his signature moves the same as ever, the Stones are stuck in a time warp. Keith Richards was the stalwart he always is, especially showing off his skills with ‘Tumbling Dice,’ and ‘Start Me Up.’ The crowd was predictably not as into the new stuff, but the crowd knows what we all do, that the Stones have no peers; they are in a class by themselves. ENCORE: You Can’t Always Get What You Want (with the USC-Thornton Chamber Singers), Jumpin’ Jack Flash and I Can’t Get No Satisfaction (with Mick Taylor.)
Helping Make The Last Pilgrimage
Author Linda Daly recently paid tribute to her mother, the late Nancy Daly, with her book, “The Last Pilgrimage,” chronicling Nancy’s ultimately losing battle with pancreatic cancer. Linda’s dad, former Warner Brother’s head Robert Daly and her stepmother, songwriter Carole Bayer Sager, are known as one of the most generous couples in Hollywood. At the Spago fest, Bob bought the books for the guests. Carole, who introduced her stepdaughter to the VIP crowd which included Alana Stewart, Jose Eber, Barbara Davis, Marianne Williamson, Jaclyn Smith and more, saying, “I’m so proud of her, I urge you to read this book, it will bring up a lot of feelings for you.” Lovely Linda then went to tell the crowd, “I did this book for my kids, so they can know about my Mom.” A beautiful tribute indeed Linda to a lady who was beloved in Hollywood.
David Mamet Done Western Style
Glengarry Glen Ross, David Mamet’s scathing Pulitzer prize winning play, recently had a brilliant and bristling reading at the prestigious L.A. Theatre Works on the UCLA campus. Joe Mantegna returned to his original Tony Award winning role as the slick Ricky Roma. Academy Award winner Richard Dreyfuss, who was just in Cannes for the remastering of Jaws and The Apprenticeship Of Duddy Kravitz,’ Richard Schiff, Gordon Clapp, Josh Stamberg and John Getz rounded out the seasoned cast. L.A. Theatre Works has for over 25 years been tirelessly working to preserve and present theatre. They broadcast on public radio stations nationwide and stream their shows and demand, and this noted company consistently attracts the top tier of Hollywood talent. Best place to go in LA for your theatre fix!
CBGB Film, with 23 Producers and Name Cast, DOA with D List Distributor
Any hopes of Hilly Krystal’s legacy at CBGB being furthered by a new movie about the punk rock club are dead. “CBGB,” directed by Randall Miller, has been sold to a D List distributor of movies you’ve never heard of. XLRator Films is just releasing “Storm Surfers 3D” and a variety of junk headed straight to video. What a shame that the 23 listed producers of “CBGB” couldn’t make a better deal. The film stars some names, like Alan Rickman, Rupert Grint, Johnny Galecki, Mickey Sumner, and Malin Ackerman. But it must be very, very bad if they couldn’t get Magnolia or IFC. Now “CBGB” will be in the slasher film bin. They’re even debuting it at the CBGB Film Festival– come on, this is sad. Punk is really dead. Lawrence “Muzzy” Rosenblatt– who makes $300,000 a year running the Bowery Residents Committee–the landlord that kicked out CBGB, shutting it down forever– must be so proud.
Review: Will Smith’s Summer Streak Is Over with “After Earth”: He WAS Legend
UPDATE 3:10PM: Down to 11%. 31 negative. 5 postive. Ouch.
UPDATE 11:40AM: “After Earth” has scored a lowly 13% on RottenTomatoes.com.
Earlier: The days of Will Smith having a July 4th blockbuster are over. “After Earth” comes After Memorial Day and long before July 4th because it is a dreary mistake– a $200 million mistake. He WAS legend.
In “After Earth,” Will Smith and his real life 14 year old son Jaden fly from their planet to Earth, where their space ship crash lands. Will’s legs are broken so he stays in the ship while Jaden must go on a long journey through a forest to reclaim a piece of their ship. Or something.
Here’s the reality: a 95 minute movie, shot in low light, and in which Will Smith does not smile once the entire time. Smith, known for wise cracks and fun, looks like his face has been cauterized so he can’t move it. You see, he’s the serious father and admiral or general. He is instructing his son in the movie.
But there are big problems. The first is that M. Night Shyamalan has not made a good movie since “Signs.” He’s coasted an entire career on “The Sixth Sense.” Mostly he’s seen dead box office. But he just keeps going. How he landed a $150 million sci fi adventure like “After Earth” will remain one of the burning questions of all time. But I think he knew this was a vanity project from the get go. Not only does Will not emote in any direction, he’s got to deal with Jaden. A nice kid, I am sure, and bright, Jaden simply is not an actor. He sports an odd accent through the movie. He is height challenged. He is humorless.
Then there’s the production: most of “After Earth” looks like a crazy “B” movie. The asteroids look like painted styrofoam, or pieces of rock you buy in a museum gift shop. The Alien who eats Jaden’s sister (Zoe Kravitz) in flashbacks and then runs amok in the forest is from central casting. You’ve seen him before. You can actually imagine him smoking a cigar during breaks, wearing Bally slippers and reading the Racing Form.
Something happened to Will Smith after “The Pursuit of Happyness.” Little Jaden was in that movie, too. After “Pursuit” brought Will an Oscar nomination, he changed. He became self righteous and self important. “Seven Pounds,” which followed in 2008, was maybe the worst movie ever. Yes “Men in Black 3” was a big hit. But it was part of a beloved franchise.
Sony can absorb the loss from “After Earth.” But it’s hard to say whether Will can. This movie is so damn dreadful, it’s hard to imagine it having a second weekend. Jaden has been thrown into the tabloid world of the Kardashians and Justin Bieber– he’s dating one, best friend of another. That’s been amped up to fuel this movie’s p.r. It’s a shame. How do you tell a friend his child is not talented? This is how: Will Smith, please send your son Jaden to school and get him out of show business. Smith has made a $200 million vanity sci fi project around and about his 14 year old son Jaden. It’s just not fair to anyone: Jaden or the movie going audience.
Confirmed: “Skyfall” Director Sam Mendes In for Bond 24 and Likely 25
Well, I’ve got it as confirmed as it can be: Sam Mendes is the definite director of Bond 24 and most likely Bond 25. He’s in, after exhaustive negotiations. Mendes obviously got what he wanted and will be a rich, rich man when his time with James Bond is over. The director of “American Beauty” did want to keep his theater career alive and will, even with the long planning for the Bond movies. But “Skyfall” was too much of a hit to let him go, and really no one else compared to him. Mendes and Daniel Craig will see “Bond” through to the end.
As for Adele singing more theme songs, that is not at all done or arranged or even talked about, I am told. Adele has to get cracking on her new album first.
With the possible exception of “After Earth,” Sony and Amy Pascal are rocking with the Bond movies, “Zero Dark Thirty,” and a summer – fall 2013 slate including “White House Down” and the comedy “This is the End.”
Last night “After Earth” played for the press at 5pm and at a premiere at 7 (really 7:45pm) at the Ziegfeld. Bruce Willis showed up to support M. Night Shyamalan, who keeps getting to make big budget movies despite no feel for them whatsoever. I did get to meet Will Smith’s dad, who is a very nice, older gentleman, also named Will, lanky and tall like Will, with members of the extended Smith family from Philadelphia.
“Rush Hour” Director Brett Ratner Makes $1 Million Gift to Motion Picture Academy
Wow. Brett Ratner has made a $1 million gift to the Motion Picture Academy. Here’s the release. Keep refreshing for updates:
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today a $1 million gift from director Brett Ratner to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
“Brett has a sincere love of movies and film history, and we are excited to welcome him to our group of supporters,” said Bill Kramer, the museum’s managing director of development.
The Academy launched the Museum’s capital campaign in 2012 and has already secured more than half of the campaign’s $300 million goal in commitments. The campaign is chaired by Bob Iger and co-chaired by Annette Bening and Tom Hanks.
“Thanks to the generosity of founding supporters like Brett, we are now able to realize the long-held dream of the Academy and that of the global film community to build a museum dedicated to the history and future of the movies,” said Iger.
“I feel blessed to be part of such a magnificent museum. I was blown away by the recent Kubrick exhibit at LACMA, which the Academy co-sponsored. I couldn’t be more excited that our Academy will finally have its own museum that will preserve and exhibit cinema’s greatest work,” said Ratner.
Designed by architects Renzo Piano and Zoltan Pali, the Academy Museum will be located next to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in the historic Wilshire May Company building. Slated to open in early 2017, the Academy Museum will contain nearly 300,000 square feet of state-of-the-art galleries, exhibition spaces, theaters, screening rooms, education centers, and special event spaces.
The design for the Academy Museum fully restores the Wilshire and Fairfax street-front facades of the original 1939 Streamline Moderne building. It also includes a spherical wing at the northern end of the original building that will replace an extension made to the structure in 1946. Designed to represent the marriage of art and technology, the wing will house The David Geffen Theater and will be a spectacular new piece of contemporary architecture that will perfectly complement the historic building.
Washington DC Boys and Girls Clubs Having “All White Party”
Do people think about what they’re doing or saying before they do it or say it? I just received a press release from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Washington DC for an “All White Charity Event.” They’re honoring Washington Redskins receiver Pierre Garcon, who is Haitian, in a city that is predominantly African American. I know they mean everyone should dress in white, but it’s badly worded and executed. Sean Puffy Combs used to have Fourth of July picnics like this but he just wrote “Dress in White.” I think he borrowed the idea from Ashford and Simpson’s great parties in Connecticut. Will there be a lot of support in Washington for an “All White Charity Event”? This reminds me: in Cannes, we noticed at the end of the Coen brothers’ “Inside Llewyn Davis” there was a “Kosher for Passover” sign at the very end of the credits, with a list of made up rabbi’s. At the reception following, the main food was a large pig being carved around its snout.
