BuzzSugar

What's Buzzworthy: Your Favorite Teen-Centric TV

BuzzSugar — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 15:18:06 -0800

In honor of our first week without "The OC," I devoted the latest Buzzworthy challenge to teen-centric TV shows. After all, "The OC" is just the latest in a long line of addictive teen dramas, which - by their very nature - can't last forever. So instead, I asked you guys to remember some of your favorite teen TV series - be they comedies or dramas - throughout time.

If Buzzworthy bookmarks were a popularity contest, the clear winner this time would be "My So-Called Life." Not only is this one of my favorite TV shows of all time (I kinda get chills just looking at the packaging) but it was also bookmarked by three - count 'em three - BuzzSugar readers, including Cupcake17, Missyosigirl, and WhiplashGirlchild. Too bad it was canceled after just one season. Here are my other picks from BuzzSugar readers.

"Popular," bookmarked by Missyosigirl and Bhilb, who says "I'm not sure if I should call this drama or comedy, but it's great!"

To see the rest, read more

"Dawson's Creek," bookmarked by Yiddidea.

"The Facts of Life", bookmarked by JennyJen, who says "Who didn't want to be sent to boarding school after watching 'The Facts of Life'?"

"Freaks and Geeks," bookmarked by Bhilb.

"Felicity," bookmarked by Linda McP.

Still not sure how to create a BuzzWorthy bookmark? Don't worry: TeamSugar makes it easy to bookmark and capture anything on the Web that you consider "Buzzworthy." If you already have a "That's Fab" button on your browser's tool bar, you can use that to bookmark your Buzzworthy items. If you don't have the TeamSugar bookmarking button on your toolbar, you can learn how to get it by watching this video.

Oprah Will Say Goodbye to Her Talk Show in 2011

BuzzSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:22:18 -0800

If getting a chance to sit in on Oprah is something you've always wanted to do, you'd better start looking into tickets - the queen of daytime talk shows is closing up shop. Winfrey will announce on her show tomorrow that her last episode will air on Sept. 9, 2011. Harpo president Tim Bennett released a statement saying,

"Tomorrow, Oprah will announce live on The Oprah Winfrey Show that she has decided to end what is arguably one of the most popular, influential and enduring programs in television history. The sun will set on the Oprah show as its 25th season draws to a close on September 9, 2011."

Oprah's show has been on the air for as long as I can remember, and while I'm more of a sporadic watcher, it's hard to imagine the television industry without her favorite things and high-profile interviews with A-listers and beyond. What do you make of this news - will you miss Oprah or is it time for her to go?

Are There Too Many Chef Shows on TV?

BuzzSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:30:02 -0800

We've already talked about the abundance of dance shows on TV, but there's another genre that seems to be taking over the networks - competitive cooking. NBC just picked up United Plates of America, a new series by the producers of Top Chef which will pit hopeful restaurateurs against each other for the ultimate prize of starting their own chain. The winner gets to open four locations on the night of the finale. That's a pretty cool gift package, but it has me thinking - don't we have enough of this programming on TV already?

The premise does sound more unique than most, but it used to be that the Food Network was the only TV cooking choice with its popular Iron Chef franchise. Since then, other channels have gotten in on the act, too, like Fox's Hell's Kitchen and of course Bravo with Top Chef, Top Chef Masters, Top Chef: Just Desserts . . . need I go on?

Of course, if you're a foodie, you may be excited to have yet another show for your TiVo queue, but I wonder if all of this is overkill. How about you?

Precious: A Dark Tale With a Hopeful Light

BuzzSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:30:00 -0800

When Precious first caused rumblings at Sundance, I thought, "There is no way I'm seeing this film." There are certain things that I find uncomfortable to watch - pregnant teens, abuse, Mariah Carey. But I'm so glad I did. Because despite its drawbacks on paper, Precious provides a big payback to those who watch it. It's one of those few unforgettable films that stays with you days later - for better and for worse.

Based on the novel Push by Sapphire, Precious follows the story of Claireece Precious Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), an overweight high school student who is pregnant for the second time by her father and living with her abusive mother, Mary (Mo'Nique). She struggles at school, because on top of her circumstances, she's also coasted through the system without ever learning how to read. So after the news of her recent pregnancy reaches the administration, she enrolls in a special program to get her GED.

I realize that by now you're probably nixing this one as a weepy, formulaic melodrama, but hear me out. As you may have gleaned from my interviews with its stars, the film is indeed a hopeful story at its heart, so to see what I mean, read more.

Part of the story's positivity is thanks to Precious's new teacher, Ms. Rain (Paula Patton), and an almost unrecognizable Mariah Carey as her social worker, Mrs. Reiss. Both women reach out to Precious and uncover a girl with joy despite her abuse - but the tension at home with her mother continues to climb.

As you might expect, many of the scenes between Precious and her mother are incredibly difficult to watch, but the saving grace is director Lee Daniels. He weaves in daydreams during the most brutal scenes, transforming Precious into a movie star or a popular girl with a good-looking boyfriend. These diversions are how Precious copes, and like her aspirations, you begin to yearn for her happy ending, too.

Newcomer Gabby Sidibe portrays Precious with an understated realism that's remarkably convincing, and Mariah Carey delivers a restrained performance. But the real eye-opener here is Mo'Nique. As Precious's mother, she is raw, always spitting out vile words - and she is easily one of the most bone-chilling villains of the year. Mary truly believes that Precious deserves the hand that hits her due to her own mixed-up past.

After you leave the theater, Precious will have made an impact on you. You will feel uncomfortable in parts, you will cringe, and you may just hate it for putting you through the turmoil. But keep watching, because there is strength and spirit to be found even in the bleak subject matter - and perhaps a few award nods.

This Is It: A Worthy Final Farewell

BuzzSugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:30:00 -0700

Making a tribute film after the death of an icon is a difficult undertaking - how do you do justice to his or her life without making it feel overblown? But the new Michael Jackson documentary, This Is It manages to strike that balance. The anticipation for its limited release has been building for more than a month now when early ticket purchases broke sales records, and most of you said you wanted to see the film as well. I was worried about how the doc would measure up to the hype, but I'm satisfied with the final product.

This Is it follows Jackson in his final days preparing for his sold-out tour. MJ emerges dressed in a button-down, shades on, and with director Kenny Ortega at his right hand, as we get a front row seat at the rehearsals. It proves to be an intimate look at the performer who, even at 50, still had a fiery passion for his craft. Most of us will enjoy witnessing it here on the big screen, while others may leave the theater feeling even more disappointed about never getting to see the live show. To see what I mean, read more.

MJ fan or not, you can't see this film without feeling awestruck by his dramatic flair as an artist. His voice is still on point, and his every movement on stage is punctuated by a flick of the wrist or a kick - it's like the music surges inside him and he has to stream it out through his fingertips. He still had the magic only weeks before his death.

While Jackson's dance skills may be a given, I was actually taken aback by how hands on he was in all facets of his tour. This is It shows him working on everything from green screen films to teaching choreography to attending band rehearsals. These sneak peeks provide surprisingly funny moments, but one of the loud-and-clear messages of the film is that Jackson did this for his fans. All of the popular favorites are included - "Billie Jean," "Smooth Criminal," and "Thriller," of course. Jackson knew that's what the audience wanted, and he was happy to give it to us - while wearing his signature sparkly gold pants and a fedora.

The doc does have its drawbacks; some of the footage starts to feel stale midway through, and the film feels too long at nearly two hours. Still, I understand why the editors didn't cut anything in honor of Jackson's memory. Each song was important to him and he wanted listeners to hear his message. (He even speaks on his concern for environmental causes in the film). Before the closing credits, Jackson says he wants to "remind the world that love is important" - and even after his death, he manages to do so by leaving us with memories of a man who never stopped loving his fans or the music.

Box Office: Paranormal Activity Spooks Its Way to No. 1

BuzzSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:30:00 -0700

Talk about a shocker! The low-budget underdog Paranormal Activity has been riding its growing popularity all the way to the top - even upsetting the reigning king of horror, the Saw franchise. Paranormal took in $22 million in its first weekend with a wide release, which has execs talking about a possible sequel. Saw VI trailed at No. 2 with only $14.8 million - the worst opening ever for a Saw film.

Completing the rest of the top five was last week's biggest moneymaker, Where the Wild Things Are, which dropped to No. 3 with $14.4 million, followed by Law Abiding Citizen at No. 4 with $12.7 million, and Couples Retreat at No. 5 with $11 million. (The box office newcomers Cirque du Freak and Amelia placed No. 8 and No. 11, respectively.)

The Actors Behind Jack Ryan: Past, Present, Future

BuzzSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:30:26 -0700

Just yesterday I was talking about how Chris Pine is blowing up after the big success of Star Trek, and his name is already making headlines again this morning. Pine will likely be the next actor to take on the role of Jack Ryan in the next film adaption of the popular Tom Clancy novels. A few actors have taken on the role in the past, and other names have been attached to the project before, so let's take a look at the evolution of Jack Ryan - with a few of my own suggestions for who could take on the role.

View Slideshow ›

Buzz Quiz: How Well Do You Know Vince Vaughn?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:30:00 -0700

Vince Vaughn is Hollywood's funny guy with the razor-sharp tongue - vertically gifted, member of the Frat Pack, and all-around movie quote generator. (Seriously, how many times have you heard the line, "You're so money and you don't even know it?") You may be able to recite all of the popular Vaughn-isms, but are you a true fanatic? In honor of Couples Retreat opening this week, take my quiz and find out.

Take the quiz

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:30:36 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. Oh and even though it's not on Netflix, don't forget that Ally McBeal: The Complete Series is finally available on DVD today!

Year One

The comedy chops of Michael Cera and Jack Black weren't enough to make prehistoric comedy Year One a hit, but the movie still has some laughs, especially if you're fans of the two actors.

The gross-out humor definitely wore on me, but the funny supporting cast might make it worth the rental (Paul Rudd, Hank Azaria, and David Cross all make cameos) - if you can stand all the toilet humor.

16%

See two more new releases when you read more.

Anvil! The Story of Anvil

Anvil! The Story of Anvil became a surprising sleeper hit, thanks in large part to word of mouth (aka Twitter). The documentary centers around Canadian heavy metal band Anvil, who may have been little known to the public, but actually went on to influence other popular acts like Metallica. Metallica even shows up in the movie to talk about the band.

The movie was beloved by critics (check that Rotten Tomatoes rating!) and was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award.

98%

Assassination of a High School President

Bruce Willis and Mischa Barton star in Assassination of a High School President, a comedy/crime caper set in a high school. The film made a splash at last year's Sundance Film Festival, but then kind of faded away when it came to a theatrical release . . . no matter, because it's on Netflix now.

I was intrigued by the trailer for this movie and will probably check it out, especially since it has Rocket Science's cute protagonist, Reece Thompson.

57%

Which movie will you be adding to your Netflix queue?

Matt LeBlanc Returns to TV as Matt LeBlanc

BuzzSugar — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:30:32 -0700

Matt LeBlanc's career hasn't exactly been blossoming since his days as Joey Tribbiani, but Friends fans will be happy to know that he's returning to the small screen on a new Showtime comedy called Episodes. The show focuses on a British couple who find their successful show in the UK adapted into a "dumbed-down" American sitcom starring LeBlanc, which means he'll be playing himself on the show.

With popular BBC shows like The Office and Skins adapted for American audiences, the premise for Episodes is timely and sounds like it has the potential to be pretty funny. Plus, LeBlanc poking fun at himself just might be gold - are you excited to welcome him back to TV?