Maggie Pehanick
Assistant Editor, Entertainment
Maggie Pehanick

2 Followers 0 Following
Maggie Pehanick's Stories / All Celebrity Entertainment Sex & Culture
TV

Staying In? What to Watch on Memorial Day Weekend

For many of us, Memorial Day weekend means a day off work for barbecues and some beach time.

For many of us, Memorial Day weekend means a day off work for barbecues and some beach time. For others (like myself), it means time to hang on the couch. This Memorial Day weekend provides some especially great options, including the premiere of HBO's long-awaited Before the Candelabra. There's also a Veronica Mars marathon, IFC's Arrested Development marathon on Saturday ahead of the new season's release, and don't forget about Mad Men on Sunday!

Take a look at all the networks' marathons, and plan your schedule after the jump.

Movies

Fast & Furious 6: Fast Cars, Unbelievable Stunts, and Pure Fun

In case you thought it couldn't get any faster or more furious than Fast Five, Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and co.

In case you thought it couldn't get any faster or more furious than Fast Five, Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and co. are ready to prove you wrong in Fast & Furious 6. The original stars — including a resurrected Michelle Rodriguez — return for the sixth film in the speedy series, directed by Justin Lin. Things have changed for the crew since we last saw them: Brian (Walker) and Mia (Jordana Brewster) are now parents, while retired "Uncle Dom" (Diesel) is moping around, but they're soon enough cast back into the world of extreme racing. This time they're legal, working on the same side as the government with federal agent Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson). The story may be different, but the energy and edge-of-your-seat action is familiar in the best way possible.

The movie opens with a montage of the previous films, so even if you're not a seasoned viewer, you'll still get a little tutorial on the characters. Fans should be pleased to see all the crew members (Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, and Sung Kang) assemble after spending time in different tropical paradises — after Fast Five's heist, they're not exactly welcome in the United States. When Hobbs comes knocking, he makes them an offer they can't refuse: help him track down criminal mastermind Owen Shaw (Luke Evans), head of a dangerous racing crew not unlike their own. In exchange, not only will he clear their names, but also, he'll lead them to Dom's former girlfriend, the presumed-dead-but-now-very-much-alive Letty (Rodriguez). There are several solid plot twists to keep you interested, but the real star of the movie is the action. Find out why after the jump.

Movies

Name That Movie: Las Vegas Edition

This week's new release of The Hangover Part III finds the Wolfpack heading to Las Vegas again.

This week's new release of The Hangover Part III finds the Wolfpack heading to Las Vegas again. Thus, we're celebrating Sin City with movies that take place or have a prominent scene in Las Vegas. See if you can match the picture to the movie we borrowed it from!

Movies

Don Jon Trailer: Joseph Gordon-Levitt Loves Scarlett Johansson — and Also Porn

Actor and all-around adorable person Joseph Gordon-Levitt is making his directorial debut with Don Jon (formerly titled Don Jon's Addiction), in which he stars as a guy with old-fashioned values — mostly.

Actor and all-around adorable person Joseph Gordon-Levitt is making his directorial debut with Don Jon (formerly titled Don Jon's Addiction), in which he stars as a guy with old-fashioned values — mostly. He prioritizes his family, his friends, his faith, but most of all his porn. When the normally womanizing Jon falls for hopeless romantic Barbara (Scarlett Johansson), he thinks he can juggle her and his secret addiction. Then she walks in on him in front of the computer, and he's not checking his email.

I know this doesn't sound like a traditionally romantic film, but the trailer is so damn charming! The movie seems quirky yet painfully honest, and how can you resist seeing Gordon-Levitt singing "Good Vibrations" to himself in the car? His cute personal message at the beginning about how important this film is to him doesn't hurt, either. The movie comes out on Oct. 18, and you can check out the trailer after the jump.

POPSUGAR Entertainment

Watch, Pass, or Rent Video Movie Review: Fast & Furious 6

Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, and Dwayne Johnson return to the big screen for Fast & Furious 6, but is the sequel worth heading to the theater for?

Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, and Dwayne Johnson return to the big screen for Fast & Furious 6, but is the sequel worth heading to the theater for? Watch our video review to find out just how fast and furiously you should be snatching a ticket to see the action flick.

Movies

Delivery Man Teaser: Are You Sure Vince Vaughn Isn't Your Dad?

Vince Vaughn is about to have a whole lot of explaining to do.

Vince Vaughn is about to have a whole lot of explaining to do. Actually, in the new teaser trailer for Delivery Man, it's the sperm donation clinic that is at fault for accidentally giving his, er, DNA to tons of women, resulting in 533 children. Yep, that's 533 children with one guy's genes. (I wonder if they're all as witty as Vaughn?) The movie doesn't come out for several months, but the quick teaser gives us a glimpse of Vaughn's reaction to finding out he's fathered all these kids and costar Chris Pratt as his lawyer.

I can't wait. I love Vaughn in almost everything (he's up next in The Internship with Owen Wilson), and this concept, though ludicrous, seems like a perfect fit for him. Plus, Pratt as a lawyer? Hilarious. I'm looking forward to the full trailer, in which we'll hopefully get to see Cobie Smulders as the love interest. The movie hits theaters Oct. 4, and you can watch the teaser trailer after the jump.

TV

Announcing the Critics' Choice TV Awards Nominations

Nominations are in for the third annual Critics' Choice Television Awards!

Nominations are in for the third annual Critics' Choice Television Awards! New Girl is getting a lot of love, with a nod for best comedy series, while stars Zooey Deschanel, Max Greenfield, and Jake Johnson nabbed nominations. Also earning a few nods? Breaking Bad, Parks and Recreation (Chris Pratt!), and Game of Thrones. Mad Men has been mysteriously snubbed, though Elisabeth Moss did get nominated for her role in the miniseries Top of the Lake.

The awards will be passed on June 10, but check out all the nominations after the jump.

TV

Nashville Season Finale Pictures: Grieving, Guest Stars, and Guitars

Nashville's freshman season comes to an end this week, and if these sneak peek pictures are any indication, it's going to be a very emotional episode.

Nashville's freshman season comes to an end this week, and if these sneak peek pictures are any indication, it's going to be a very emotional episode. Juliette must attend her mother's funeral, so it's a good thing Rayna comes to stand by her side. It makes me think back to the beginning of the series when these two women were at such odds. On a lighter note, Brad Paisley is guest starring! Check out all the pictures.

Movies

What's Your Favorite Quote From The Notebook?

This week I'm celebrating what, if I may be so bold, I believe to be the greatest Nicholas Sparks adaptation of all time: The Notebook.

This week I'm celebrating what, if I may be so bold, I believe to be the greatest Nicholas Sparks adaptation of all time: The Notebook. Allie (Rachel McAdams) and Noah (Ryan Gosling) are star-crossed lovers, repeatedly torn apart by societal differences. It's a tragic story of prevailing love — and Ryan Gosling's ability to build an entire house single-handedly. I'm sharing my favorite quotes below, but what are yours?

  • "If you're a bird, I'm a bird." — Noah
  • "You smug bastard." — Allie
  • "It wasn't over. It still isn't over." — Noah
Movies

Jaden Smith on the Perks of Working With His Dad

At 14, Jaden Smith has already made two feature films with his father, Will Smith, and recently I sat down with the young actor to discuss their latest, After Earth.

At 14, Jaden Smith has already made two feature films with his father, Will Smith, and recently I sat down with the young actor to discuss their latest, After Earth. Jaden dished on his favorite part about working with his dad — "he's like a big, black Yoda" — and the actress he'd love to work with. Take a look before the movie hits theaters on May 31!

Movies

The Fast and the Furious Hotness Evolution

Since 2001, the Fast and the Furious franchise has been known for three things: slammin' action, lightning-quick cars, and impossibly large biceps.

Since 2001, the Fast and the Furious franchise has been known for three things: slammin' action, lightning-quick cars, and impossibly large biceps. The May 24 release date of Fast & Furious 6 got me thinking about all the sexy dudes we've met along the way. Leads Paul Walker and Vin Diesel have come a long way, but how could we forget about Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, and Dwayne Johnson? Check out the ridiculously sexy evolution of The Fast and the Furious.

Movies

Will Smith on Working With Son Jaden: "I Still Am Taking Most of the Money"

Will and Jaden Smith team up in the futuristic sci-fi film After Earth, and we recently got the chance to talk shop with Smith Sr. The self-proclaimed "gregarious" star told me about the challenges of playing a seriously injured character for nearly an entire movie, being an onscreen father (again!) to his real-life son, and why he almost had to learn Chinese for the role.

Will and Jaden Smith team up in the futuristic sci-fi film After Earth, and we recently got the chance to talk shop with Smith Sr. The self-proclaimed "gregarious" star told me about the challenges of playing a seriously injured character for nearly an entire movie, being an onscreen father (again!) to his real-life son, and why he almost had to learn Chinese for the role. Take a look before the film comes out on May 31!

Movies

The Wolverine's New Trailer: What's New and Why You Shouldn't Skip It

It's been four years since Hugh Jackman flexed his claws for X-Men Origins: Wolverine and a few months since we got the first trailer of him in this year's follow-up, The Wolverine.

It's been four years since Hugh Jackman flexed his claws for X-Men Origins: Wolverine and a few months since we got the first trailer of him in this year's follow-up, The Wolverine. We already know this movie takes place after the events of X-Men: The Last Stand, when Logan flees to Japan. In this new installment, a man whose life he once saved offers to give him the gift of mortality, but that doesn't mean he gets to lead a peaceful life. People are still after him, and this time Logan's not exactly equipped to fight. The second trailer has dropped, and even if you've already seen the first one, there are some key differences.

  • Jean Grey is back. OK, so she's just back in dream form, but the late Jean (Famke Janssen) makes an appearance in this trailer. It seems poor Logan is being tormented by the memory of his former lover — is this some kind of foreshadowing? Will he ever be able to move on and find someone new?
  • It's not as cryptic as the first trailer. While the first trailer devotes precious time to catching up with Wolverine (he's hiding out in remote bars, Skyfall-style), this one gets right down to the point. He agrees to undergo some type of experimental treatment that will make him slightly more human, and in the midst of his sessions, he gets attacked. Speaking of . . .
  • More action! There's extended footage of a crazy fight on top of trains, but even more exciting? There's some kind of giant robot-ninja — ninja-robot? I'll be curious to see how the transitioning Wolverine can handle such an opponent.

The Wolverine opens July 26, and you can watch the trailer after the jump.

TV

Onscreen Graduations That Make Us Want to Go Back to School

It's graduation season! While all this cap-and-gown talk makes me remember my own graduations, it also brings up vivid memories of the commencements I wish I was a part of from my favorite movies and TV shows.

It's graduation season! While all this cap-and-gown talk makes me remember my own graduations, it also brings up vivid memories of the commencements I wish I was a part of from my favorite movies and TV shows. Then there are those groups I'd just want to hang with (I'm looking at you, Brat Pack) before its members head off to find jobs or go to college. Check out all the most memorable graduations from the big and small screens.

What to Rent

What to Rent: New DVDs This Week

Parker and Stand Up Guys are also available on DVD this week.

Parker and Stand Up Guys are also available on DVD this week.

Beautiful Creatures

Alice Englert stars as a witch in this romantic, fantastical movie that may fill the void left by the end of the Twilight franchise. Set in the South, the adaptation of the young-adult novel follows Lena (Englert) as she discovers her powers and falls for local boy Ethan (Alden Ehrenreich). Jeremy Irons, Emma Thompson, and Viola Davis add some actor credibility to the cast, but it's Ehrenreich's charisma that makes the biggest impression. The DVD comes with a trailer for author Margaret Stohl's next book, plus deleted scenes.

45%


Side Effects

Steven Soderbergh directs Rooney Mara and Channing Tatum in a stylish thriller that puts antidepressants under the microscope. When Emily's (Mara) therapist (Jude Law) prescribes her a new drug to treat her anxiety, she comes out of the daze she's been in since her husband (Tatum) returned from prison. But soon enough, she begins to experience unexpected and dangerous side effects that involve her in a murder. Extras include a behind-the-scenes featurette and some fake drug-company commercials.

85%


The Last Stand

A former LAPD narcotics officer (Arnold Schwarzenegger) moves to a quiet border town following a botched operation. Hoping to find solace there, he instead gets caught up in capturing an escaped convict: a notorious drug kingpin who threatens the security of the town. Schwarzenegger proves he's still capable of firing off one-liners, but the humor is generic, as is the action. The DVD will come with several featurettes as well as deleted and extended scenes.

59%


Movies

See Jennifer Lawrence, Hugh Jackman, and More Behind-the-Scenes Shots of X-Men: Days of Future Past

X-Men: Days of Future Past isn't out until July of next year, but thanks to director Bryan Singer, we've gotten plenty of sneak peeks at the set already.

X-Men: Days of Future Past isn't out until July of next year, but thanks to director Bryan Singer, we've gotten plenty of sneak peeks at the set already. Take a look through to reunite with Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique and many of the other stars, including Ellen Page, Hugh Jackman, Peter Dinklage, and Nicholas Hoult.

Movies

See All of Anchorman 2's Star-Studded Cameos

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues has been filming for what feels like ages, so it's a good thing we already know we have some really exciting cameos to look forward to!

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues has been filming for what feels like ages, so it's a good thing we already know we have some really exciting cameos to look forward to! Pretty much everyone from the 2004 original is returning, and while Kristen Wiig is confirmed to join the cast, several actors like Drake, Kanye West, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Harrison Ford have all been spotted filming scenes on the Georgia, New York, and California sets. Take a look at all the A-listers making appearances!