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“Who Iz I?” played in 23 theaters this weekend before being pulled. It was originally supposed to be a regular release but Amazon Studios changed its plans.
The movie has a 50% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Over the weekend, Ali G advised his fans to go into theaters and bootleg the movie so everyone could see it for free.
Me movie comin to Prime Video dis Wendesday, it 89 minute long, dere’s 14400 minutes in a day meanin u’ll be able to watch it 161 times a day for de rest of ya lives for free https://t.co/5Xddw5O4Pm
Molly Ringwald is speaking out against ICE and our government. She’s posted an impassioned video to social media, it’s sincere and brave.
Ringwald is pretty in pink, and smart in black!
The star of many hit films like “Pretty in Pink” and “Sixteen Candles” is saying what a lot of us are thinking all day, especially seeing pieces like the one on “60 Minutes” last night about forced deportation to third party countries.
Eric Bauza, the modern Mel Blanc, has died at age 46.
Bauza was the voice of the legendary animated Looney Tunes characters in “Coyote vs. Acme,” but his career went well beyond that. I mentioned him when the trailer was released. He’s the real star of the movie.
I’m told he died of a heart attack. Condolences to family, friends, and legions of fans.
Bauza’s many accolades included five Daytime Emmy nominations. He was beloved in the animation world, and worked literally non stop. His IMDB credit list is stunningly long.
Susie Wiles is the White House chief of staff. Her father was Pat Summerall, a legend! She has the president’s ear all day. She supposedly has to tell the truth!
Anyway, she’s posted a fake AI picture of Melania and Barron Trump on a non-existent red carpet.
The picture doesn’t exist in any form. Also, there’s no identification of the event. I don’t think they would be allowed to walk a red carpet even with the greatest security.
Plus, look at Barron. He’s shorter in the picture, he’s smiling, and not wearing a dumpy blue suit.
But Susie Wiles is holding this out as REAL picture to promote the First Crime Family. Shame on her.
Bill Maher went to dinner for a second time, this time at The White House. It was four hours long, and included Kid Rock and Stephen Smith.
Well, it didn’t work out. Either that, or Donald Trump thinks he’s helping Maher by savaging him. Maher got a lot of blowback from each meal with Trump.
And this is after giving Maher the Mark Twain Award last spring.
Maher ripped into Trump on Friday night after the dinner. He said during his show: “Trump has the lowest approval rating of any midterm candidate ever,” he said. “Only 1 percent of the Republicans are mentioning him in their ads. It’s gotten really bad. I mean, the billboards outside of his rallies now just say ‘Lee Greenwood and Friends.’”
He added:
“He did it just last week. He was campaigning for a guy who wants to be senator, Jon Husted, said he was looking at his ass,” he said. “Said his ass was a ‘big pile of muscle.’ And James Talarico is the gay one? I don’t know what’s going on.”
Maher continued, “It’s just a little odd that Trump keeps gushing about men’s bodies — and how handsome they are, and their jawlines, and their asses, their physiques. I’m a little hurt. I was there for dinner for four hours last week, and not a peep. Nothing.”
I will reproduce with bold face, but for now, here’s Trump’s post. If you get into the middle, he spells DESPERATELY wrong:
Let’s talk about this COMPLETE AND TOTAL LOSER, Bill Maher. He’s got a Low Rated Show on equally Low Rated HBO, which was once, long ago, a Network of Quality and Excitement — But that’s all gone. It’s not “HOT” anymore! Maher’s friend and business associate, Chuck LaBella, was also a friend of mine, worked on The Top Hit Show, The Apprentice, as a “gofer” and, because of the success of that show, Number One and Top Rated on many weeks, with the Finale’ being among the Top Shows of the Year, he was automatically and quickly brought up through the Ranks of NBC, along with everyone else associated with that Historic “Happening.” The Success of the Apprentice was so great that everyone partook — It built many careers, and that is a wonderful thing. Some people say it even built my career, because I became President (I would have won without it!).
In any event, over the last few years, LaBella would call me nonstop to say, “Hello,” be very nice, and tell me how much Bill Maher “loves” and respects me, and would constantly ask of me, even before I was President, for any form of meeting with Maher and, would I do his show? When I became President, I agreed to meet, after the first one, and the last one, but never agreed to do his show, which he wants me to do, DESPARATELY — It won’t happen! When I have watched the show, which isn’t often, it always ends with dishonesty, about me at least, but, who cares? He doesn’t think it was a good thing to take the Nuclear Weapon away from Iran, which shows you that he is not very smart. If I allowed them to obtain a Nuclear Weapon, the World would be a different place right now! Using Fake Polls, he also said I had my Lowest Ratings so far, “and even the Republican Party doesn’t like him,” but that’s not true. I have High Ratings and, more importantly, he said that I’m losing the support and approval of the Republican Party when, in fact, CNN just came out with a Poll showing that I’m at 98 and 99% support within the Republican Party, an All Time Record High. Ronald Reagan was at 86%. CNN’s Harry Enten also said I am “The Most Influential President of the Last Century.” CNN did another Poll at who was the Most Popular Person in the History of the Republican Party, and I won that, too, with me being at 53%, Ronald Reagan being at 18%, and Abraham Lincoln being at 8%, and these are CNN Polls, people not exactly in love with me, so, Bill Maher lied, but he lies about everything, and I believe he lied to me when I asked him, with all the applause and laughter he gets after almost everything he says, about thing that aren’t funny or even any good, what Laughter Machine does he use?
People can’t think he’s funny. I didn’t know Bill, he didn’t know me, and that was OK. Then Chuck LaBella, and my friend, Kid Rock, called me incessantly about meeting with Bill Maher. My first response was, “Fellas, this guy’s a Goofball.” They said, “He wants to go down to the White House, be with you, and talk. He said you’re very smart, but you’re not into the Liberal Platform. Will you start thinking about it?” He invited himself to the White House! We had our first meeting, Bill was very nervous. He asked for a drink. He was very insecure, and he had a seriously bruised eye and nose area, as though somebody had just beaten him up — But it wasn’t me!
No sooner had we had that first dinner at the White House, which is a very seductive and beautiful place, especially now that I have fully renovated and fixed it in the style which it deserves, Bill wanted to come back. The Gofer called me multiple times, saying how much Bill loves me, that he respects me more than anybody, and wants to come back for a second meeting. After ten calls from Chuck LaBella, it seemed that these guys were serious, and wanted to learn more, because their Policies are so bad, it’s ridiculous! Also, I wanted to tell Bill that he’s a major POTHEAD. He’s got to stop, it’s very bad for his health. He looked like hell this time. Bill was drunk and had alcohol in his hand as he walked through the White House. Stephen A. Smith and Kid Rock came along with him. Overall, I thought it was a good meeting. It didn’t last four hours, it lasted two hours, maybe less, and everybody was happy. We have the timestamps. I learned nothing, and felt it was a waste of time.
After the first dinner, Bill Maher was friendly, I guess, everyone walked away pleased. He gave me a good first show, with lots of Laughing Machine laughter, which is a real term, but it is what it is, and then reverted back to his former self, and his old ways. I understand that. He’s doing his thing. I never took it very personally. I would always mock his Low Ratings, whenever I heard. He’s not a nice guy, and what he spouts isn’t what he believes. He has to cater to his base, which is mostly composed of Losers, and people who don’t like working. It’s why, for so long, I didn’t get another call from Chuck LaBella, and I didn’t miss him one bit. After the second dinner, Bill’s “show” was far worse than the first. He went crazy! He’s gutless, because he enjoyed every minute. Also, I am not a building a swimming pool in the White House Briefing Room, and never had any intention of doing so. I am thinking about moving the Press, and putting them in a different location, but I will use that location for very badly needed space. Bill also attacked our Great Republican Candidates, when he knows my Endorsement Record is 98% in the House, and 100% in the Senate, so how can he make a false statement like this? These Statistics are FACTS, and he should speak about them, but he won’t, because he is very unfair!
Karoline Leavitt was GREAT on the show, but she started with a biased, dumb SLEAZEBAG, asking questions. She defended me, and herself, so well, but couldn’t be comfortable going against Lie after Lie. Importantly, Bill lied about all of the Illegal Voters in the Radical controlled, decrepit, and devastated State of California. Just in the last few days alone, they found 20,000, and the number could easily go to over 1,000,000.
There were so many other falsehoods Bill spewed, but I won’t waste time in FACT CHECKING him. He isn’t worth it. Bill: Don’t call anymore. It’s useless, and tell Chuck LaBella not to call so much, and say how much you love “TRUMP,” and want to get together, because you’re a hopeless guy, who is just trying to cater to your small group of “fans.” You’re also a coward who is afraid to tell the truth about how well our Country is running because of your few “fans,” and how badly the Dumocrats have done, almost destroying the U.S.A. If I hadn’t won the Election, it would be DEAD! Also, turn your Laugh Machine off, it’s a joke when they laugh uncontrollably, even when you say nothing funny, and I’m going to have the Republicans not cover you anymore, because they try to talk about you as a guy who is transformative. You’re not transformative, you’re a Loser! I never watched your show much, but I will never watch it again, because it is nothing more than FAKE NEWS that America, and the World, is unfortunately subjected to. Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP
Weekend box office wasn’t kind to movies that weren’t supported.
Hobbled “Musk” fell 77 percent as it was stripped of most theaters by Bleecker Street. With just 63 venues, this important three hour expose of the owner of Tesla made just $71,530 in its third (technically second) week.
Bleecker Street really ensured that “Musk” died an ignoble death. So now the question is, how soon will HBO start showing it? If they’ll show it considering their new ownership? Also, will Universal Pictures put some muscle into the international release? Let’s hope the ghost of Bleecker Street founder Andrew Karpen haunts the new owners like it’s a horror movie.
Meantime, “You Can See Everything” is booming. Up to $45 million now. This is despite controversies surrounding filmmaker Lance Oppenheim, and some push back now for Nathan Fielder. Is this a documentary? Or a set up? Incredibly entertaining, yes. But is “YCSE” a fiction movie? I’ve actually read some sympathy for the antagonist, Billy Evans. That seems preposterous.
“The Social Reckoning” dropped 85% this week, it’s over. After 3 weeks, the tally is $9 million. Again, Sony folded like a house of cards. Director-writer Aaron Sorkin, however, gets a plus this week with the Lincoln Center revival of his play, “A Few Good Men.” That should be a big hit, and remind everyone that Sorkin is a great writer nevertheless.
Warner’s “Clayface” is in at $24 million, number 1 this week, which is just what was needed. “The Cat in the Hat” is coming November 6th. Warner’s is perking back up, especially with “Dune 3” on the way. Don’t mention “Digger” to anyone.
I really liked “The Only Living Pickpocket” starring John Turturro in a masterful turn, with Steve Buscemi shining in a supporting role. I hope it gets a wider release from its three theaters this week. It’s reminiscent of a film noir, and a kind of Sidney Lumet movie in the best ways. It would be swell to see the NY Film Critics give Turturro some love.
Still out there and plugging along, quietly: “Heart of the Beast.” Brad Pitt and Odin the dog are sensational, the film hums with seat of the pants action and beautiful cinematography. Long after a lot of these other movies disappear, “HoB” is going to keep resonating.
Donald Trump is manic as ever tonight on Truth Social.
He really thinks the people of Alaska are stupid. I think he’s going to be surprised come November 3rd.
Trump is now railing against Alaska’s long time Republican senator Lisa Murkowski. He’s calling the “the Republicans’ worst senator” and saying that “they” have been “trying to get rid of her.” It’s bunk.
Trump is upset because Murkowski is against the Department of Justice suing Alaska over the results of the coming election involving incumbent senator Daniel Sullivan vs. Democratic candidate Mary Peltola. He’s angry because another Republican, a Dan Sullivan, is also on the ballot. Trump thinks Alaskans will be confused because they are stupid. If Peltola wins, Trump demands that the DOJ not certify the results.
Murkowski has often broken with Trump, but just as many times sided with him. She’s often voted against sensible policies to stay on Trump’s good side. It hasn’t earned her a bit of loyalty from him. Now Trump is throwing her under the bus to get his way. Will it work? Will Alaskans fall for it?
See below.
In a separate post, Trump called Barack Obama “incompetent.” He’s so afraid of Obama, named the most popular president ever vs. Trump at the bottom of every list. Even Republicans know Obama was never incompetent. We lived a more or less fruitful life under Obama, scandal free, with an excellent economy that he pulled out of disaster. Trump hates him because he’s Black.
I really think Alaskans should be offended by Trump, and show him what they think of being considered too stupid to govern their own election. He probably thinks they live in igloos.
“You Can See Everything” is looking at a $24 mil weekend with a little more than six mil per day. Theaters are crowded, and the movie has become a spectacle.
Not all is ok, though. Filmmaker Lance Oppenheim is getting flack for past projects. Old critics are showing up. More on that tomorrow.
We’ve found out that “Musk” was cut severely, to just 63 theaters. Yesterday it made $16,576. Everyone who can should be seeing this movie. But I guess people are waiting for HBO.
“Digger” is gone. Poof! It won’t hit $20 million.
“The Social Reckoning” will exit theaters with $10 mil or less.
“Clayface,” the story of Kris Jenner, is number 1.
On Sunday there will be three segments to “60 Minutes.”
The middle one is from vet Bill Whitaker is about Colorado voting and federal funding for forest fires. It also involves Tina Peters, who was involved in alleged voter fraud, convicted, and then had her sentence commuted by Donald Trump against the wishes of most everyone in that state.
Whitaker is the only member of the former core team on the show Sunday.
The lead story comes from newcomer Gianna Toboni, about forced deportation by the Trump administration of prisoners to third party countries. Toboni comes from VICE news. Toboni will interview the top lawyer at Homeland Security, who will defend this hideous policy. Let’s hope Toboni fights back.
The * belongs to Australian journalist Holly Williams, who’s contributed to the show in the past but very occasionally. The Australian ban on social media is her topic, which sounds like a big yawn but who knows?
Bari Weiss and Nick Bilton’s makeover of “60 Minutes” continues.
Ratings? The 4:30pm NFL games are on Paramount Plus but not CBS. “60 Minutes” has no lead-in, so expect light viewing. Yikes. Weiss and Bilton are real carneys, aren’t they?
UPDATE See below. Sacha Baron Cohen in character as Ali G told social media followers to film “Ali: Who I Iz” and “stick it up on YouTube so no one else has to buy a ticket. Sharing is caring, airrright?”
LOL SBC maybe finally understood that Amazon MGM dumped the film into 23 theaters with no plan beyond tomorrow.
If you were thinking of seeing “Ali G: Who Iz I?” your chances are slim.
Sacha Baron Cohen’s comedy is said to be playing just this weekend.
But as the Dowager Countess says in “Downton Abbey”: “What IZ a weekend?”
Apparently it doesn’t include Sunday.
In the 23 theaters where it’s being released, “Ali G” is not playing on Sunday except in one place.
That would be the AMC Palisades 21 in West Nyack, New York. They’ve got it running four times a day Saturday, Sunday and through the week.
That’s the only theater in New York to keep “Ali G” into the week.
I called over and asked a manager what the special distinction was for West Nyack. He said, “I don’t know. It’s popular here. I don’t know why.”
He said tickets were selling really well.
Nyack, New York was the longtime home of legendary actress Helen Hayes. A few other showbiz people have popped up there over the years including — long ago — Rosie O’Donnell.
Still no word on why Amazon pulled the plug on a regular release, or if they’re going to show “Ali G” on Amazon Prime. The news was definitely a surprise to Cohen. When he first announced the debut date back in July, it was just “starting October 23rd.” He did not say, “in West Nyack, New York.”
