BuzzSugar

ANTM Fierce Guide to Life: Genius or Dumb?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 08:30:33 -0800

Oh wow. The folks behind America's Next Top Model have a book on the way, and it's claiming to be "A Fierce Guide to Life." Come April, we'll be able to turn to this tome for actual, earnest advice on topics that apparently include:

Applying makeup
"Runway etiquette"
How to wear a crop top from Hot Topic
How to keep hydrated (I wonder if it involves water? We'll have to wait and see!)
Understanding that "beauty starts on the inside"

I'm assuming there's also a chapter on smiling with your eyes, but that's unconfirmed.

Now, I do love me some ANTM but . . . I don't know what to do with this book. I don't think it's ironic or silly enough to put on my coffee table, and I also honestly can't imagine anyone taking these tips seriously. Now, if Tyra Banks, queen of my heart (OK, not really), had written it, or even the Jays, maybe we'd have a different situation - but it's actually by the author who brought us Kung Fu Panda: The Secret of the Scroll. So, as it stands, it seems just like a lame attempt to make some money.

What do you guys think? Dumb idea? Or genius? Could you see this on, say, the Urban Outfitters book table? Who's going to buy this, besides friends and relatives of people who are trying out for ANTM? And shouldn't it at least be called a guide to the fierce life? I don't care how fierce the guide is if the life I get from it isn't fierce, you know?

Source

The Sittenfeld Book Debate: Should Laura Bush Be Off-Limits?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:32:32 -0700

My friend Citizen sparked a lively conversation yesterday around an upcoming book by Prep author Curtis Sittenfeld titled American Wife. The novel follows a character named Alice Blackwell who is based on Laura Bush, and many of the first lady's real-life experiences are included.

I was intrigued by the strong reactions that spread across the Web yesterday, especially after Radar posted several sex scenes from the book that earned the unpublished novel descriptors like "steamy" and "tawdry."

Some folks feel strongly that this was disrespectful to Laura Bush, and that Sittenfeld should have left her alone. The assumption there is that the main character will be trashed in the book, but actually, there is reason to suspect the opposite. In 2004, Sittenfeld wrote an article ("Why I Love Laura Bush") explaining how much she admires Laura, calling her "such an easy heroine to root for - smart and nice but just flawed enough (she still sneaks cigarettes!) to remain likable." There doesn't appear to be malice in Sittenfeld's intentions.

Many fictional characters are based on real people - some famous, some not - but do you think Laura Bush should be off-limits? Or is any public figure fair game for novelists?

Source and Source

Free Book Download: The Areas of My Expertise

BuzzSugar — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 14:55:46 -0800

In the spirit of The Daily Show's best-selling book, America, John Hodgman's The Areas of My Expertise is an extensive compendium of eye-opening facts-except that in this case, the "facts" are almost entirely made up.

You probably know Hodgman from his work as the "resident expert" on the Daily Show or for his role as the PC in the Mac/PC commercials. But he's also a damn funny writer, and right now, you can get the audio book version of The Areas of My Expertise as as a free download at the iTunes store.

I think the offer is for a limited time only though, so hurry! To get a taste of John's humor, check out this "public service announcement" for the book.

Movie Preview: Amanda Seyfried in Letters to Juliet

BuzzSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:30:33 -0800

Amanda Seyfried's latest film Letters to Juliet looks like a mash up of her other work. First off, her character's name is Sophie, which brings Mamma Mia to mind, as does the romantic foreign locale. But even the title itself made me do a double-take - wait, isn't she already doing a book-turned-film about letters called Dear John?! Still, I'm not writing it off just yet. (No pun intended). I can be a sucker for a love story, even if it's a bit sappy.

The film follows Seyfried as an American tourist who discovers an unanswered "letter to Juliet" while on a trip in Verona, Italy. (The notes are left by visitors asking for help from Shakespeare's famous heroine.) She responds to the plea, and then sets off to find its author (Vanessa Redgrave) and reunite her with the man she left decades before. Of course, there's a triangle in there too, as Sophie begins to question her own relationship with her fiance (Gael Garcia Bernal) and falls for the woman's grandson (Christopher Egan).

The trailer pretty much gives away the whole movie, but this sort of storyline is usually predictable so I'll forgive the studio for it. Bonus for Taylor Swift fans: her "Love Story" is the theme song. The film doesn't arrive in theaters until May, but check it out and tell me what you think when you read more.

Brush Up on New Moon Before You See the Movie!

BuzzSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:00:31 -0800

I don't know about you, but I read New Moon so long ago that I hardly remember all the happenings. That's why I've put together this handy little quiz to help you brush up before you head to the theater to see the movie this weekend. Warning: there are spoilers ahead! For all of our Twilight and New Moon coverage, be sure to check out TwilightSugar!

Take the quiz

Rewind: This Week's Buzz

BuzzSugar — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0800

In case you haven't heard, a little movie called New Moon came out this week. I showed you where you can find them next, and I gave you my review of the movie, quizzed you on the book, as well as an exclusive interview with Kellan Lutz and Ashley Greene.
Robert Pattinson continues to make non-Twilight waves at the movies: the trailer for his drama Remember Me debuted, and news that Uma Thurman has been cast as his love interest in Bel Ami surfaced.
This week was a trailer treasure trove: there was Nicholas Sparks adaptation and Miley Cyrus vehicle The Last Song, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Jeff Bridge's surefire Oscar bait Crazy Heart, and Edward Norton taking on a dual role in Leaves of Grass.
At least you'll save on tissues: Oprah announced that her talk show will go off the air in 2011.
I interviewed some of the funniest men in prime time: Eric Stonestreet gave me the scoop on Modern Family, while Joel McHale and Ken Jeong bantered about Community.
The reality TV winners were crowned! Irina ruled Project Runway, and Nicole is America's Next Top Model.
The holidays are here! I gave you a sneak peek of holiday episodes as well as more gift guide suggestions.
The BuzzSugar Community is the place to be to chat about everything pop culture, and as an extra incentive, you could see your community posts on the Buzz home page, like polkadot38's awesome Stefan Vs. Damon poll.

Photos courtesy of Summit Entertainment

The Blind Side: An Unexpected Delight

BuzzSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:30:42 -0800

It's not that the trailer for The Blind Side isn't compelling; the problem is that it combines Sandra Bullock's twangiest, most-over-the top lines with a heartrending song, which makes it seem schlocky. That's exactly what I expected from the movie, but I have to admit that I was wrong - to my surprise, I found it to be a sentimental gem that's actually quite restrained.

The Blind Side is the true story (based on Michael Lewis's book) of NFL player Michael Oher, who grew up in Memphis's projects with his drug-addicted mother and landed in and out of foster homes. He ended up in a fancy private school and in the home of a wealthy family, the Touhys, led by tough-talking Leigh Anne (Bullock). The weaving of Michael's newfound life in the movie is effective, with sweet bits of humor and just enough emotion.

To see what I liked about the film, just read more.

The movie is full of many surprises: first, it looks like it's going to be mainly about football, but it's not all sports. There is proper attention given to Michael's life before he's taken in and the development of the relationships between the Touhy family members and Michael.

Another nice thing is how smoothly Bullock slides into her role. It's not just her wardrobe and hair that transforms her into the high-maintenance Southern matriarch; her manner as the tough mom who's not completely comfortable showing emotion is very natural - not what I'd expect from the laid-back actress.

Quinton Aaron is also impressive as a sad-eyed orphan turned well-adjusted student and son over the course of the movie. It's not an incredibly complex performance, but his teddy bear presence is irresistible. The supporting players are equally as enjoyable: Tim McGraw, whom I didn't expect much from, is charming, while the Touhy children win you over with their affection for their new brother. The late addition of Kathy Bates (whose role is basically an extended cameo) is hardly needed to bolster the movie, but she adds a nice touch as well.

At two hours and six minutes, the movie is a little too long; director John Lee Hancock seemed intent on fitting in nearly every detail of Michael's journey. Then again, at the end you're rewarded with the payoff: footage and photos of the real-life Touhys and Michael. It's an emotionally satisfying ending to a movie that makes no apologies for being so uplifting.

Photos courtesy of Warner Bros.

An Open Letter to Breaking Dawn's Screenwriter

Buzz Community — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:30:00 -0800

This post comes from the group The Books of Twilight from member Audreystar.

Dear Ms. Rosenberg,

First let me say that I thought you did an impeccable job at screenwriting Twilight from Stephenie Meyer's novel. From what I can see you did a great job on New Moon as well. I can only assume that Eclipse will be no different. You have proven yourself a competent and talented screenwriter. Hell, you write episodes of Dexter for goodness sake! Your ability is not in question.

I am here to discuss Breaking Dawn. This will be the ultimate test of your career. If you can manage to pull a workable movie out of that piece of literature you should (hands down) win the Academy Award in screenwriting. Everyone seems to be wondering who will be chosen to direct Breaking Dawn because they believe that is (ultimately) the person who will sink or swim in making a film work on the last book. I beg to differ. This all lies with you and that is quite a big burden to bear. The world is on your shoulders. The movie will make a ton of money so Summit can't be THAT concerned with the script. But I know you aren't a writer to please all the people who will watch anything with Robert Pattinson in it. You actually care about putting out quality work.

To read the rest of the letter (WARNING: Breaking Dawn spoilers ahead!), just .

So here are my questions. How are you honestly going to manage to write the birth scene and still maintain a PG-13 rating? How are you going to write for Renesmee and her not look like a freak of nature? Regarding Renesmee, the hardest challenge will be for the casting directors/CGI geniuses. They have a daunting and hard and impossible job. The honeymoon scene is what everyone will be flocking to the cinema to see (the rabid fans I mean) and I am sure Mrs. Prude Meyer will be ALL OVER the writing and filming of that. Look I know she didn't write the books for a mature audience and is trying to keep it morally sound. But this is the last movie and we have to have more than just a fade to black. But I know it won't happen because SM wouldn't even let the first kiss scene stay the way Catherine had it (i.e., steamy). I find it rather hypocritical that SM has an issue with a tasteful sex scene however has ZERO problem with blood and gore which Breaking Dawn the novel is filled to the brim with. You want to see Edward and Bella consummate their relationship. . . sorry, you aren't gonna get it. But if you are excited to see Edward rip Bella's belly open with his sharp vampire teeth, well you are in luck.

And don't even get me started on how you are going to work out the awful anti-climatic ending. This is going to be the last film in the series and as a talented screenwriter you know you can't end it that way. Sure, if this were an indie film you could get away with it. But, it isn't.

So in conclusion, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers while dealing with this huge predicament and the test of your career. You will deserve a Pulitzer if you can pull this off.

Best regards,
Audreystar

(Please note: I have no clue if she has even been signed as the screenwriter for the fourth film).

There's lots of fun stuff going on in our community - join it, check it out, share your stories and posts in the great groups and maybe we'll feature them here on BuzzSugar!

Greek Goes From the Small Screen to the Bookshelves

BuzzSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:43:41 -0700

TV adaptations of books are nothing new, but a book series based on an existing TV show? That's a bit more uncommon - but it's about to happen to one of my favorite guilty pleasures. Greek will be made into a four part series of "Tie-In Novels" for teenagers, following our favorite Cyprus Rhodes students in new adventures. The books will be published by Harlequin, and the first, called Double Date will make its debut next Spring.

I might be a bit too old for young adult novels, but I admit that I've combed through the Gossip Girl books during trips to Borders. I could see these being fun for plane rides - and let's be honest, we live in a society where L.A. Candy is a best-seller, so we know there's an audience that will eat these up, too.

Buzz In: Which Reality Stars Deserve a Spinoff?

BuzzSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:30:00 -0800

This isn't exactly breaking news, but Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt started the rumor mill up again when they mentioned that they're shopping around their own spinoff from The Hills. The show would focus more on their everyday lives and acknowledge their "fame", which apparently has risen to such levels that they've gone and written a book about it.

I'm kind of over The Hills in general, and I think there are plenty of former (or current) reality stars out there who are more deserving of his/her own show. How about Taylor from The Rachel Zoe Project or Santino from Project Runway? Who do you think deserves his or her own reality show?