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TV Tonight: "The Winner" with Rob Corddry

BuzzSugar — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 11:49:02 -0800

Though I found him horribly annoying when he first joined "The Daily Show," I eventually warmed up to Rob Corddry and his awkward, mildly pitiful brand of humor. That said, I don't know if Corddry has what it takes to helm his own sitcom, but he'll get a chance to prove himself tonight at 9:30 p.m. when "The Winner" debuts on Fox.

It's got good people behind it - "Family Guy" Seth MacFarlane is the executive producer - and the premise sounds promising: Corddry plays a 32-year-old virgin living through a delayed adolescence. But there are a few things I find troubling, including the fact that the flashback-based series is, for no real reason, set in 1994 and looks like it's trying very hard to be edgy.

To watch a clip from the first episode, read more

Photo and clip courtesy of Fox

BuzzSugar Gift Guide: The Budding Film Buff

BuzzSugar — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 05:39:03 -0800

I know you all probably still have some holiday shopping to do, and if you're anything like me, you still have a LOT of holiday shopping to do. But don't worry: BuzzSugar is here to help with gift ideas for all of the pop-culture junkies on your list. Today's installment: the Budding Film Buff. Here are four great ideas for the person who doesn't know everything about movies yet but will soon. (Read Friday's installment, the Music Snob.)

Under $50

"The A List: The National Society of Film Critics' 100 Essential Films," $17.95. Help your young film fan get up to speed with this list of key movies, from "Annie Hall" to "The Wizard of Oz."

Premiere subscription, $18 for two years (20 issues). This magazine is a must for anyone who wants to know what really goes on behind the scenes in Hollywood.

Two more, so read more

$50 to $100

Zenith Portable DVD Player, $99.99. Movie nights can go on the road with this handy device. (If you're feeling a little more generous, check out GeekSugar's guide to portable DVD players between $130 and $400.)

Over $100

One-year Netflix subscription, $215.88. Getting three movies at a time, the burgeoning film buff should get through the classics in no time.

Buzz-Worthy Video: Sneak Peek at Chuck Season 3!

BuzzSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:30:24 -0800

I was so excited yesterday to learn that Chuck's third season premiere has been scheduled - and it's less than two months away. Still, the big two-hour kickoff can't come soon enough for me, especially after last year's epic finale. If you feel my pain, then you need to check out this sneak peek at the upcoming season. Zach Levi (sporting a new, shorter 'do) presents a very sweet message thanking his fans for all their support before showing a brand-new clip.

Even though Chuck has been given an upgrade, he's just as goofy and lovable as ever. Casey and Sarah are back undercover as our hero tries to play debonair once again - only this time he's actually got a few skills. We also get a taste for that famous sexual tension between Chuck and Sarah. I'm already counting the days so to check it out just read more.

Photo courtesy of NBC

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart - Are They or Aren't They?

Molly — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:15:00 -0800

We're in the homestretch of New Moon madness before Friday's opening night! This week we've taken you through all the highlights of the star-studded premiere, the Rob-only minutes and the Team Edward vs. Team Jacob debate. As always, find all the latest news, photos and video on TwilightSugar.com. Now, let's take a closer look at the relationship that everyone's wondering about - Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart. Watch the PopSugar Rush New Moon Special now!

Talking New Moon With Kellan Lutz and Ashley Greene

BuzzSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:15:50 -0800

Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and Taylor Lautner may be dominating the promotional circuit right now, but they're not the only cast members with something to say about New Moon. I had the opportunity to chat with costars Kellan Lutz and Ashley Greene, aka Emmett and Alice Cullen, during their recent stopover in SF. They chatted about their characters, the vampire craze, and what it's like to be a "Twilight celebrity." Here are highlights:

On why so many people are crazy for the Twilight Saga:
Ashley: I think this film in particular is highly relatable. There are a lot of situations that people can relate to. The love story - everyone can relate to being in love or being in lust. You add the vampire, and it adds that next level fantasy. Vampires are mysterious and sensual and dangerous and unattainable. And everyone wants what they can't have. I think on another level that this came together at the perfect time. All the elements just fit, the casting was spot on, and we're in a difficult time right now with our economy. That's why you never have a drop in ticket sales because everyone wants an escape, and this movie is very much an escape from reality.
Kellan: It's a good escape but also it deals with so many situations, on so many positive notes. Just looking at it from the vampire coven to the wolf pack. It just deals with everyday issues just on bigger levels, in a way. And you have Bella as the keystone in many situations. You can just all relate from different countries to issues within the United States. It's easily relatable.

To read a lot more about working with three different directors and why they feel so lucky, just read more.

On how their portrayals of the Cullens are similar or different from the books:
Kellan: We got the jobs because we brought something new to it. You can interpret the characters each their own, but I think it's what we did alongside. Just like Kristen said - she's playing Bella but she's putting her Kristen spin on it, just like all of us are. And I think that's what's making it unique. We're still following the cheat sheets that Stephenie created by making the books, and there's Wikipedia. We have a lot of information to go off of. But I hope it's what I did in my audition that set it apart from the other guys trying out.

Ashley: I think it's mannerisms too. People do fall in love with this book, but I think part of it is that they always want more. You can't write out every human mannerism. You can imagine it, but seeing the emotion in someone's eyes and seeing them be affected it - it was kind of easy to give something to it, because we were just being people. We kinda just got lucky.
On how much more of the Cullens we can expect in the remaining movies:
Kellan: Realistically, we stick pretty close to the books. Obviously us Cullens would love to be in the books a lot more, which would mean we'd be in the movies a lot more. Talking New Moon, the scenes that the Cullens - except for Ashley, playing Alice who gets to go to Italy and be a main lead in the movie - us Cullens, we have to stick really close to the books, and the scenes that we're in are really crucial to the story, as you know - the birthday scene, the voting scene. I don't know, it was kind of a tease. Chris Weitz is such an amazing director, and for us, for myself - I only worked about a week on that movie. And it didn't even seem like I really got a taste for what it was.

Ashley: In the third film, you'll see a lot more of the Cullens because it's all of us collaborating and then getting ready to fight this war that's coming up. In the second one, my character got a much larger role because Alice is the Cullen, other than Edward, that really embraces Bella and they end up becoming best friends. In the beginning, you see her throw this huge party for Bella, and then Alice is the one who does, in fact, come back for Bella when everyone else decides to skip town. Alice is responsible for dragging Bella over to Italy, and she and I the whole time are fighting to save my brother's life. And then of course we get held up by the Volturi and stuff like that. My character got to grow a lot, which is really cool. You get to actually see the relationship develop between Bella and Alice, where in the first one you didn't. The first one was very much about the romance and showing the audience why these two people are willing to die for each other.
On working with a different director on each film:
Ashley: Each director is going to be very different. They're artists as well, and I don't think any of them are quite the same. The books, when you read them, all have very, very, different tones. So I think it's highly appropriate that we switch directors each go. The first one is very much a romance and is a very scenic, beautiful film. And Catherine's really, really great at capturing that. She's very high energy and works well in chaos and stuff like that. And it was fantastic because we didn't quite know what we were getting ourselves into, and so it was nice to have her to guide us when we were freaking out a little bit. She was just so high energy, and it was really contagious. We were sad to lose her and move on to the second film, but then we got Chris Weitz and he's the complete opposite! But great as well. He's so giving and caring and collaborative and created this atmosphere that was kind of a safe haven for us. And it was really nice because we didn't know, switching directors, if they were gonna embrace us or if they had a completely different vision than what we created in the first one. It was nice that he was right there on the same page with us. And the second one is a warmer film, even from the color scheme. The first one is very blue tones, and the second one is much richer and warmer and I think he did a great job at capturing that. And we just finished shooting with David Slade, and I think he's highly appropriate as well. He just finished shooting 30 Days of Night and Hard Candy, and they're both very dark, edgy films. And Eclipse is very much that. It's all centered around the anticipation and us getting ready to fight this huge war. We just finished filming, we haven't gotten to see much of it, but I think it's gonna be fantastic. He is, technically, the most advanced director. The angles that he shot and how he knows that tweaking something can affect a whole scene and the lenses. He was really nice to work with.
On coping with the fan effect and being a "Twilight celebrity"
Kellan: That's what blows my mind, 'cause I feel like it's really unearned in a way. The fans are making our careers. Without them, we wouldn't be working and doing the saga. There's so many times that trilogy books become a movie and the first one bombs, and then that's it. And you're always hopeful that you get to do them all. Especially since we're all in love with our characters. I love Emmett Cullen to death, he's my favorite character I've ever played. It's just so cool to have made it this far, and I think we all hope that we get to finish this series and do Breaking Dawn. This is such a blessing, it's every actor's dream to be part of something like this. It's not terribly hard either. We don't shoot halfway around the world; we don't shoot for a year of our lives. I know a lot of us have homes, we have pets, we have family. And it's really nice to shoot on the West Coast, either Portland or Vancouver, and have the chance to fly down if we need to. But it's definitely amazing to be part of something like this. And I don't think any of us knew how crazy it would be and how exhilarating it would turn out to be. Going to the premiere, really just, wow. I don't even remember it because I was really just starstruck by how many fans and signs and cameras. It felt like I was just walking through a strobe light room. It's amazing.

Ashley: I still think we can't really wrap our heads around what's going on and what's happening. We're still in the midst of filming and kept very busy from one film until the next. It's only these brief moments where you sit back and are actually able to take a breath where you go "Whoa. Wow. This is crazy." I mean, the amount of tickets they've already sold for New Moon - I'm pretty sure I can't even get a ticket if I tried to see my film in Jacksonville and it's mind boggling. We're just very lucky. I went into this film thinking "Oh my gosh, I got a job" and the it turned into the biggest break of my life. I think we all feel very blessed to be a part of this.
On how it feels to be part of Twilight fan fiction:
Kellan: It's an escape, in a way. We do live in a trivial time period right now. There's so much depression that it's kinda cool to be a part of something where people use it to be an escape. In a way that's kinda what Stephenie did -she had a dream and just elaborated on it. It became a huge success and it's really encouraging that people are doing the same and just making up this journey.

Ashley: That's why people love it so much I think. You can take it and make what you want of it. Before the demographic was teenage girls, but now it's women of every age and guys are starting to get into it, too. It's because there is that element of fantasy. If you're 8 years old you look at it one way; if you're 80 years old you look at it another. I think it's fantastic that we can draw such a huge crowd. The other thing is - it blows my mind but people are making connections over this film and over this book. there are mothers and daughters and grandmas who can all sit and talk about the same story and all fantasize about it and I think that's a really cool thing. I think it's rare.

To see all of our Twilight and New Moon coverage, check out TwilightSugar!

What Did You Think of the V Premiere?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:30:23 -0800

ABC's V finally debuted, giving us a glimpse at the Visitors (and their creepy alien skins). The premiere brought in a huge audience, making it the second most-watched of the new season - but what did you think of the first episode?

While the opening with the descent of the spaceships is eerily suspenseful, I felt like the writers packed in a ton for just an hour-long show. We discover which cast members are secret Visitors living on earth, that Tyler is already head over heels for a V hottie, and that a counterattack is revving up. While the fast pace kept me entertained, I'm kind of worried about the show burning out too soon - although, maybe the split season will help slow it down.

But tell me your thoughts: Are you liking the new sci-fi series? Is V a worthy replacement for Lost after that show wraps up next year? Or are you writing it off already?

Meet Scrubs's New Docs on the Block

BuzzSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:30:04 -0800

Now that Scrubs has an official premiere date (just a few weeks away!), it's time to check out the fresh meat we can expect for season 9. We already know that Bill Lawrence is taking the show in a new direction, this time focusing on the med students as Dr. Cox, Turk, and J.D. take their positions as mentors. We can expect to see those three in December, along with Eliza Coupe as Denise.

And now, on to the newbies. First there's Lucy (Kerry Bishe), who's been described as a go-getter and the first in her blue-collar family to attend med school. Then there's Cole (Dave Franco - yes, James's bro) who's supposedly overconfident and a little spoiled, which probably means it won't take long for Dr. Cox to knock him down a peg or two. Rounding out the trio is Drew (Michael Mosely) who's a bit older than the other two, and is returning to med school after dropping out years ago.

Though I thought Scrubs had a very poetic and fitting finale last season, I'm hopeful about breathing new life into the show. What about you - are you excited to see the new faces?

For more photos of the doctors old and new, just read more.

View 8 Photos ›

Video of Jennifer Lopez's Wind Blown Hair at This Is It Premiere and Ryan Gosling on Stage and NM's Edward and Bella Kiss!

Molly — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:35:00 -0700

Jennifer Lopez had a bit of a hair emergency thanks to the wind at last night's This Is It premiere in LA - check out the funny video. Also, we attended Ryan Gosling's SF Dead Man's Bones concert and have some super sexy footage of him up on stage and laughing off some inappropriate girls in the crowd. Plus, new New Moon clips show Edward and Bella's kisses as well as the scoop on Nick Jonas's new solo venture and a peek at Jimmy Choo for H&M. Watch PopSugar Rush now!

Fall TV Update: Eastwick, the Forgotten, and Life Unexpected

BuzzSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:30:27 -0800

A few weeks ago I gave you guys a roundup of the fate of Fall's newest shows, but there's been some shake-ups in the industry this week. The first is sad news for Eastwick fans: the show has been canceled and will be gone after its first 13 episodes are aired. Lindsay Price just can't catch a break, can she?

Elsewhere on ABC, Christian Slater's The Forgotten is still ticking with five more episodes added to the season, but Let's Dance - the newest celebrity dance competition hosted by Kathy Griffin - is dead in the water. Apparently the show runners couldn't round up enough celeb talent, which is good news for those of you who are sick of all the dance shows.

Finally, the CW's newest addition to the prime-time lineup, Life Unexpected, has gotten a release date. The drama starring WB vets Shiri Appleby and Kerr Smith will premiere on Jan. 18, taking Gossip Girl's time slot while GG goes on a hiatus.

Whew! That's a lot to process all at once, but how are you feeling about these latest updates?

Mad Men, "Shut the Door. Have a Seat": This Week's 5 Maddest Moments

BuzzSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:30:53 -0800

Wow. The biggest surprise of the third season finale of Mad Men isn't actually a plot point, but how light and almost exciting it manages to be. For a show that's normally so tense and tightly wound, this week's episode has a quick pace, and at times, a sense of humor. Of course, there is still disappointment and heartache; some of our predictions for the finale come true, but some go sadly unfulfilled.

Without further ado, let's talk about the door that closes and the one that opens this week, and as usual, the finale's five maddest moments, when you read more.

So long, Connie: It's eccentric hotelier Conrad Hilton that breaks the news to Don that rival agency McCann is buying PPL, and Sterling Cooper along with it. Don's plenty irate, as it's Hilton's fault that he was signed into a three-year contract and is thus, trapped. However, Don's bitterness quickly turns to ambition, when he rallies Burt, then Roger, to buy back Sterling Cooper from PPL. Pryce is unhelpful in even supplying the purchase price for the men, quashing the buyback plans, but then another scheme is launched: Pryce fires Don, Roger, and Burt so they can form a new agency.
Draper Dissolution: While an exciting change is happening for Don in his career, back at home a bleak change is coming. Betty informs Don that she's seen a divorce lawyer and advises him to do the same. It's painful watching these two spar, and I wanted so much for them to figure out how to fix it - but the ball is clearly in Don's court and he does nothing to sway Betty to call off the divorce. Sure, he tells her to, and even suggests that she might need psychiatric help. Oh, and he tells her that he gave her everything she wanted materially, insinuating that should be enough. Don may know what his clients want, but in his marriage, he has no idea what Betty wants.
Irreconcilable differences: Don sheepishly tolerates the divorce talk until he's having drinks with Roger, who spills the beans about Betty taking up with Henry Francis (I do have to say, it is rather nice to see these two getting along, acting like buds). This sends a drunken Don home to wake up Betty for a confrontation about her indiscretion, and things get nasty and uncomfortably physical. Again, Don manages to push Betty into even more resolve, and she tells him that she's going to Reno to initiate the divorce. Don and Betty devastate the kids with the news of their separation, and Betty makes good on her threat to go to Reno after Don softens a tiny bit - to tell her that he won't fight her.
Don, at your service: One of my favorite parts of this episode? Seeing Don put through the paces by Pete and Peggy. He's always treated them like underlings, and they finally have the opportunity to assert themselves. Don obliges them both and tells them how valuable they are, but not before Peggy pushes back. Her backbone straightens when she's first told of the new company and assures Don that she's had "other offers." Luckily, Don doesn't take no for an answer, and visits Peggy at home, telling her he'd spend the rest of his life trying to hire her if she turned him down now. It's so touching to see Don put aside his ego to acknowledge these others, and it makes me sad that he can't do something similar for Betty.
Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce: The gang's back together! It's thrilling good fun watching the new company assemble - Roger and Don get the agency's most prized employees one by one, plus my favorite: Joan! She's a necessity to help find all the files and materials in the office, and, they realize, a force that had been holding the company together. Her role in Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce (can you say "Michael Scott Paper Company"? I told you these two shows have a lot in common!) is a given. With everything coming together so perfectly, though, I wondered why Sal isn't also called in. I suppose we have next season to look forward to for that. Speaking of, next Summer can't come fast enough.

It's interesting that the finale also weaves in flashbacks of Don's early childhood, as this season's premiere did. What Don is remembering now, though, is how his father died. The elder Whitman was faced with losing his home, and after breaking free of the cooperative, readies a trip to the city to sell his crop. His spooked horse kicks him in the head, killing him, with the young Don as witness. It's an obvious parallel to Don's circumstances, who's losing his home, as in his marriage; and, losing his home, as in his life's work. Of course, he only manages to take control of one of those.

So what did you think? Did this season wrap up the way you wanted it to? And even though we won't see the Draper family or the worker bees of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce until the fourth season returns, you can still join the Mad Men group in the community to chat about the show year-round.

Photo courtesy of AMC