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Bill Murray Addresses His Responsibility for Movie Shutdown in LIVE Interview

Roger Friedman
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Bill Murray Addresses His Responsibility for Movie Shutdown in LIVE Interview

This afternoon live on CNBC, Bill Murray addressed the shut down of the movie “Being Mortal” and his responsibility in the matter.

Murray tells the CBNC reporters basically that “times have changed…what I thought was funny when I was a child isn’t anymore.” He doesn’t name names but the only woman he was working with on the movie was Keke Palmer, who evidently didn’t enjoy whatever Murray did, and took it the top of the food chain. Her Instagram post is at bottom.

Murray says in the interview that they’re trying to work it out, the only discussion going on is between the two actors and the studio — Disney Searchlight — is not involved. He doesn’t actually apologize but he sounds sorry and a tad confused about how this all went down.

“Being Mortal” also starred Seth Rogen, and is written and directed by Aziz Ansari.  Murray was interviewed for CNBC at the Berkshire Hathaway stock holders meeting. He’s got the stock and Warren Buffet is apparently an old friend.

Palmer wrote on Instagram:
It’s not always about how good you are at the actual job… It’s about how you show up to the job. Are you on time? Do you have a good attitude? Are you efficient? Are you flexible? Are you calm under fire? Do you represent yourself and the employer well? Are you a good communicator?

These are the things people sometimes don’t think matters, especially those who work in fields that come natural to them. It can double your rate in any field if you create an enjoyable EXPERIENCE for the client. And it can lower your rate when people don’t like the experience of working with you, no matter the outcome of the actual task.

I’m talented but I’m not arrogant enough to believe that there aren’t many talented people. However, not every talented person is a professional and people PAY for PROFESSIONALISM.

Broadway: No One’s Laughing at “Funny Girl” as Both Lead Stars Are Out Less Than a Week After Premiere

Roger Friedman
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Broadway: No One’s Laughing at “Funny Girl” as Both Lead Stars Are Out Less Than a Week After Premiere

If you’re going to “Funny Girl” this weekend, this joke’s on you.Star Beanie Feldstein, who plays Fanny Brice. is out of the show, not with COVID but for a friend’s wedding. She wasn’t on stage Friday night, today’s two performances, and tomorrow as well. She’s scheduled to return on Tuesday.

It’s no surprise if Feldstein did test positive. Her co-star, Ramin Karimloo, dropped out of the show for 10 days beginning on Thursday. Karimloo plays Nicky Arnstein. And he tested positive right after opening night.

This is the worst timing for COVID troubles. Tony voters are making their way through all the Broadway shows so they can cast ballots starting next week. But between the casts getting sick, and the voters also susceptible, the Tony deadline had to be extended til May 9th.

Feldstein and Karimloo needn’t worry, though. They should be cinches for Best Actress and Actor in Musical unless something really goes sideways. They’re knockouts in their roles, the first actors to take them on since the show finished its four year run on Broadway in 1968.

PS Julie Benko, Feldstein’s standby, is on her for all weekend. Her next stint as Fanny Brice, already scheduled, will be at the end of August.

Liam Neeson’s Latest Clunker Set for $3 Mil Weekend: What Happened to This Oscar Nominated Star?

Roger Friedman
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Liam Neeson’s Latest Clunker Set for $3 Mil Weekend: What Happened to This Oscar Nominated Star?

Everyone has to make a living, but Liam Neeson has chosen a path that he can’t be happy about.

His latest clunker, called “Memory,” whould be forgotten. Another D movie, it’s headed for a measly $3 million weekend. “Memory” has a rotten 30% rating from critics.

“Memory” is just the latest in a series of really awful films that have made little money. Just in 2022 there was already “Blacklight,” which cost $43 million and made $15 million. In 2021, there was a pair of these, and also in 2020. In 2019, something called “Ordinary Love” made just $775K.

Neeson was a respected Oscar nominated actor for years. “Schindler’s List,” “Kinsey,” “Michael Collins,” “The Good Mother.” all showed he was a top tier actor. In 2008, he had an action-thriller hit with “Taken,” followed by a big screen hit version of “The A Team,” and then everything changed. Neeson became a one man grindhouse. Included in his cavalcade of artistically forgettable but financially memorable titles were two more “Taken” films. By the time the trilogy was finished, there was no one left in his fictional world for kidnappers to take!

But as Neeson approaches his 70th birthday, nothing lasts forever. His long run of formula films is starting to burn itself out. The air started to go out of this balloon in 2019, after a hit with “The Commuter” (you never saw it?) and a pair of thrillers that each made $76 million worldwide.

But “Memory” is just the latest signal that maybe it’s time to look for some quality films before the whole “Schindler’s” period becomes a distant memory.

Grace and Frankie: Seven Smart, Funny Seasons Come to An End with Perfect Finale — and Dolly Parton

Roger Friedman
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Grace and Frankie: Seven Smart, Funny Seasons Come to An End with Perfect Finale — and Dolly Parton

“Grace and Frankie” ends its seventh and last season now as Netflix drops the rest of the episodes. You will binge watch them, I guarantee.

The season finale, episode 16, is called “The Beginning.” You couldn’t ask for a classier, better ending to a smart, funny series. There’s a reason “Grace and Frankie” is Netflix’s longest running series.

From the beginning, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen, and Sam Waterston had a hit on their hands. The supporting cast wasn’t bad either, especially the very funny June Diane Raphael, and all the different guest stars who popped in and out as Grace or Frankie’s respective love interests.

In the end, though, the love that “Grace and Frankie” was about wasn’t the carnal kind. It was friendship late in life among survivors who weathered all kinds of storms. By the end of the show Frankie can’t hear and Sol is losing his memory. But that’s not stopping either of them, and no one gets maudlin, which is totally refreshing.

“The Beginning” offers a nice value added gift, too: it reunites Fonda and Tomlin with their “9 to 5” co-star Dolly Parton. It’s been FORTY YEARS since that movie was a hit, and it’s never gone out of fashion. I won’t spoil it, but you’ll get a kick out of Dolly’s turn.

I’d like to see a little Emmy action for “The Beginning,” for the actors and the writers. They did a bang up job. Ironic, isn’t it? All four of the show’s main actors have huge resumes with tons of awards and landmark projects. But these seven seasons will be what they’re remembered for years from now. And they can be proud of that.

Celine Dion Cancels Rest of 2022 Shows Because Of Continuing Illness, Raises Worries Over Health

Roger Friedman
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Celine Dion Cancels Rest of 2022 Shows Because Of Continuing Illness, Raises Worries Over Health

What’s wrong with Celine Dion?

Her continuing health problems have caused the famed singer to cancel the rest of her 2022 shows and re-schedule them until 2023.

But it’s unclear if those shows will happen. Dion has cancelled shows over and over for the last year because of these issues. According to her website, Dion “recently has been treated for severe and persistent muscle spasms which are preventing her from performing, and her recovery is taking longer than she hoped. Her medical team continues to evaluate and treat the condition.”

“I’m so sorry we have to change our tour plans for Europe one more time; first we had to move the shows because of the pandemic, now it’s my health issues causing us to postpone the shows,” Celine said. “I am doing a little bit better…but I’m still experiencing some spasms. I need to be in top shape when I’m on stage. I honestly can’t wait, but I’m just not there yet… I’m doing my very best to get back to the level that I need to be so that I can give 100% at my shows because that’s what you deserve.”

(Watch) Is Bruce Willis Being Exploited? Another Pathetic B Movie Trades on Star’s Name, Legacy

Roger Friedman
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(Watch) Is Bruce Willis Being Exploited? Another Pathetic B Movie Trades on Star’s Name, Legacy

This is pathetic. “Corrective Measures” is yet another B movie that trades on poor Bruce Willis’s name.

In the trailer to this heap of crap, Willis says few words and looks like a zombie. He’s the only actor from the movie not interviewed for the trailer and promo clip.

For the last few years I restrained myself from saying this, but Willis’s inside circle is using him. He’s had dementia for years, and now his family admits to aphasia as his latest condition. Now he can’t speak at all. When he made these forgettable bits of celluloid junk Willis had to have to his one or two lines fed into an ear piece or repeated to him. He’s usually in one or two scenes that are cut up and shown throughout these “movies.”

Now that Willis’s condition has been conceded, looking back at all the trailers is even more alarming, I think. If Bruce understood what was going on, he’d be livid.

As Netflix Stock Flounders, First Round of Painful Layoffs Hit the Company

Roger Friedman
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As Netflix Stock Flounders, First Round of Painful Layoffs Hit the Company

Back on April 19th — just 10 days ago, Netflix stock was up to $348. Then their quarterly report was issued. The company admitted to bleeding subscribers.

Today, the stock is down to around $196 after hitting a low this week at $187. Ouch! The stock has gone off a cliff and things are changing fast at the number 1 streamer.

Today the company announced painful layoffs at its Tudum site (tudum, as in the sound the Netflix logo makes, or tu-dum!). Tudum was the website for Netflix users. But it turned out to be expendable. And that won’t be the end of layoffs. More to come.

This happens as CNN Plus shut down yesterday after less than a month in operation. The streaming site had no viewers and lost at least $300 million. Some of the staff will be moved into CNN. But many will just be let go.

When I was part of the original News Digital group responsible for Foxnews.com in 1999, we saw the same thing. News Digital was like a balloon that just kept getting bigger and bigger until it burst. We had gorgeous movie-set like offices in the Bed Bath and Beyond building on Sixth Avenue. More and more staff moved in from different divisions. Emotions were high. And then one day, it was all over. The whole thing had gotten way too big. There was no revenue. Luckily, I was one of a few people who were moved uptown to the main company. But I can remember standing in the News Digital offices after everyone was let go, the lights were turned off, and there were just rows and rows of abandoned computers. It’s very sad.

Netflix will rebound, of course. “Ozark” dropped today. The big new season of “Stranger Things” is coming next month and it’s going to be huge. So, fear not. But this will be a painful period.

(Watch) Paul McCartney Sing “Live” with John Lennon in Concert for First Time Since 1969

Roger Friedman
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(Watch) Paul McCartney Sing “Live” with John Lennon in Concert for First Time Since 1969

For the first time since the rooftop concert in “Let it Be,” Paul McCartney performed live with John Lennon last night in Spokane, Washington. McCartney sang along with video from the rooftop concert with Lennon performing “I Got a Feeling.” It’s the first time in his long post-Beatles career that he’s used footage of the group in his concerts. It’s about time.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Last night, Paul McCartney sang The Beatles song, “I’ve Got a Feeling”, with the voice of John Lennon for the first time since 1969:<a href="https://t.co/RqN4aeQdDm">pic.twitter.com/RqN4aeQdDm</a></p>&mdash; The Beatles (@BeatlesEarth) <a href="https://twitter.com/BeatlesEarth/status/1520035575901954049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

James Corden Will Wrap Talk Show in 2023, Can Write His Own Ticket on Broadway

Roger Friedman
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James Corden Will Wrap Talk Show in 2023, Can Write His Own Ticket on Broadway

James Corden told his audience last night that he will wrap up his “Late Late Show” at the end of 2023 after 8 seasons on CBS.

So what’s next? Everything.

When Corden made the deal for the talk show he was on the brink of starring in a revival of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” on Broadway. Let me tell you, Corden could pick right up where he left off and go for that in 2023 or 2024. A Tony winner for “One Man, Two Guvnors” in 2012, Corden can pretty much write his own ticket on The Great White Way if he wants to.

Corden’s smart get out of the “Late Late Show” now. He’s made his money and established himself in Hollywood. He’s been featured in a lot of movies, some good, some not but that’s true for everyone. He’s an extremely talented performer.

He’s also going to leave a terrific legacy from the show, from “Carpool Karaoke” to his impromptu musical numbers in street crossings. His trip to Liverpool with Paul McCartney is an all time highlight of TV and music history. Plus, he and producer Ben Winston expanded their horizons into things like the Grammy Awards without missing a beat.

So congrats to James Corden. Well played, sir. We look forward to seeing you back on Broadway.

Macbeth, The Name is…Macbeth: Daniel Craig, Ruth Negga Get An A Plus Crowd for Opening Night, Standing O’s, and Champagne

Roger Friedman
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Macbeth, The Name is…Macbeth: Daniel Craig, Ruth Negga Get An A Plus Crowd for Opening Night, Standing O’s, and Champagne

The big final opening night for the 2022 Broadway season was a sensation.

James Bond actor Daniel Craig opened in a new production of “Macbeth,” by that guy Bill Shakespeare, at the famed Longacre Theater. Ruth Negga, one of the hottest young actresses in the world, plays Lady Macbeth. (Have you ever noticed the Macb’s don’t have first names?) Barbara Broccoli, who produced 15 years’ worth of James Bond movies starring Craig, is the lead producer. Over the years she’s produced Craig in two other stagings including an amazing “Othello” with David Oyelowo at the New York Theater Workshop.

“Othello” and “Macbeth” were/are directed by Sam Gold, who recently brought us Glenda Jackson as “King Lear.” Gold won the 2015 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for “Fun Home.”

You could throw a stone in any direction last night at the Longacre and hit a celebrity. Craig’s Oscar winner wife Rachel Weisz was first and foremost leading the standing ovations with CAA agent Bryan Lourd.

Bryan Cranston and his great wife Robin were sitting to my right. Married actors Elizabeth Marvel and Bill Camp — New York actor “rock stars” — were seated behind me. Marisa Tomei was two rows back. Candice Bergen was on the aisle across from Oscar Isaac. Danira Gurai was in front of us to the right. It was that kind of night. Jeremy Strong, on a break from being wired, unhappy Kendall Roy in “Succession,” was raving about the play. Josh Hamilton (New York’s most underrated actor) was chatting with Maggie Gyllenhaal and with 91 year old legend Lois Smith, who is even more a marvel than Elizabeth! “Are you working?” I asked Lois. She replied, “Not as much as I’d like!”

Also up front in the orchestra: Mike DeLuca and Pam Abdy, who just stepped down from MGM as it was subsumed into Amazon Studios. Broccoli loves what they did for her “No Time to Die” so much she invited them to fly in, and they obliged. For people who momentarily unemployed, they looked pretty successful. They weren’t the only movie people in the room. I also ran into Amy Pascal, titan of Sony Pictures and Queen of all things “Spider Man.” Plus there were Broadway regulars like Jamie deRoy and Bob Wankel, head of the Shubert Organization, and the great Pat Schoenfeld.

Broadway is still very diligent and vigilant about COVID. Everyone wore masks, and showed vax cards and so on. There are no big after parties right now, but Barbara Broccoli gave a Champagne toast for family and friends in the theater after a long standing ovation and a couple of curtain calls.

Barbara told me: “Daniel had this on his mind since 2017. But he really wanted to come to Broadway now and be part of the comeback post-pandemic. He wants to bring people back to the theater.” Um, he has: “Macbeth” is one of the two or three hottest tickets around right now, along with “The Music Man” and “Funny Girl.” It doesn’t hurt that he is completely captivating on stage and Negga makes a historic Broadway debut. She lights up the stage. I also got to see one of my favorite newish actors, Asia Kate Dillon, rock it as King Duncan’s son, Malcolm (I’ll explain later).

Something successful this way comes…Oh yeah, PS lots of Tony Awards action here…

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