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Scream Queens Spotlights Women in Horror

BuzzSugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:30:00 -0700

Starting tonight, VH1 is searching for the next queen of horror film. In Scream Queens, 10 unknown actresses will put their shrieking, crying, and butt-kicking skills to the test for the chance to win a feature role in the upcoming Saw VI. (Yes, there's going to be a Saw VI.)

The trailer for the show looks kind of hilariously awesome, in that White Rapper Show-esque, self-aware kind of way. But it's also gotten me thinking about women in horror generally and whether this show is a good or a bad thing.

On the one hand, well, the title says a lot: The show's looking for someone who can scream all damsel-in-distress-style, presumably while being attacked by some menacing thing. So often in horror movies, female sexuality and violence go hand-in-hand. You certainly would never see a competition looking for male screamers, right? But on the other hand, the trailer seems to be playing up the ass-kicking aspect of being a horror star, and show judge (and original Saw gal) Shawnee Smith has said there's a lot more to being a "scream queen" than just playing the victim.

In this Halloween month, it's as good a time as any to get talking about women in horror - so I invite you to post your thoughts on that below. You can check out the Scream Queens trailer if you read more.

Photo courtesy of VH1

VH1 Looking for a Few Good Screamers

BuzzSugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:36:57 -0700

Think your scream could top the wailing of the legendary Fay Wray? VH1 just might be looking for you. The network has teamed up with Lionsgate for Scream Queens, a new reality series searching for the next great horror film actress.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the series - set to premiere in the Fall - will gather 10 unknown actresses to compete for a "major" role in a Lionsgate horror film, for a director to be named later. (Should I be concerned that even the Reporter put "major" in those possibly ironic quotation marks?) The contestants will compete in various challenges and be schooled by acting coach John Homa, with one winner presumably going on to scream loudly on the big screen.

The series doesn't sound entirely unlike Sam Raimi's 13 for the CW, though so far as I know, the winner of 13 won't get to continue living out the horror-movie fantasy in a film. On the one hand, I'm intrigued to see how VH1 puts this show together; on the other hand, I'm not sure if watching 10 wannabe actresses screech loudly sounds like my cup of tea. What's your take?

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What to TiVo: Saturday

BuzzSugar — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:50:00 -0800

ABC has Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
CBS has a repeat of NUMB3RS and is new with 48 Hours Mystery
FOX is new with Cops and America's Most Wanted
NBC has Winter Olympics: Speedskating, Bobsledding, Alpine Skiing
ABC Family has The Notebook
AMC has The Queen
MTV has repeats of Jersey Shore and The Amityville Horror
VH1 has Scream 3 and a repeat of Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew

Buzz Interview With the Cast of Precious, Part 1: Paula Patton

BuzzSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:30:27 -0700

The buzz about Precious has been building ever since it swept awards at this year's Sundance Film Festival. (I even put it on my list of Fall movie picks.) Now with its release around the corner and Oscar whispers beginning, I sat down with some of the stars and the director himself. The film is based on the novel, Push, which follows a pregnant sixteen-year old living with her abusive mother. Despite the film's dark subject matter, every cast member I spoke to brought up the story's healing and feel-good power.

Over the next few weeks, I'll be bringing you their interviews. First up: Paula Patton, who plays Precious's teacher and mentor, Ms. Rain.

On the film's unexpected success: "We thought it’d maybe be on Netflix or in my mother’s living room! And then Lee called me in the beginning of the year and said, 'We’re going to Sundance.' That was it for me. That was an award to be able to go and be part of the selection, and then it just steam-rolled.”

For more of what Patton had to say, read more.

On her response to those who think the film is going to be depressing: "I understand saying, 'I want to see it, but I don’t want to see it right now, because I don’t want to go there.' It’s not like that. I say it’s like buying a ticket to a roller coaster ride. You laugh, you cry, you scream, and at the end of the ride, you’re left shaken, but with your heart more open. What’s beautiful about this film is that it breeds love."
On what she learned from Precious: “I think we’ve all judged a Precious. What this movie tells you is, don’t judge, because you don’t know their story. I think when we made this film we all had to admit our own racist feelings, our own prejudices, and deal with them head on.”

On newcomer Gabourey Sidibe: “So many actors will have worked their whole life and never achieve what [Gabby] achieves in this film. It’s remarkable. She’s not Precious. She’s like, ‘Paula, oh my god, did you see The Hills?' She’s such a girly-girl and loves to be happy. It's a difficult thing when you have a character that’s talked about the way she’s talked about - you're fat, you're ugly, you're stupid - that it took someone as smart and as confident as Gabby to play her and not be affected by it.”
On the inspiration for her character: "[My mother] was a public school teacher for 35 years, and she was one of these teachers that went above and beyond the call of duty. She would bring students back to the house, help them pay for books, and be supportive. When I decided to do this role, I was like, this is for my mother and for all the teachers out there who are like her.”
On what's next for her: “I just finished a comedy with Queen Latifah. I went from [a character] who has dedicated her life to helping others to someone who is the most selfish human being on the planet. I call her a gold-digger with a heart of gold. It was so much fun to explore a different character and flex those comedic chops!”

Are you looking forward to Precious? I'm dying to see it and Patton's film with Queen Latifah now!

Photos courtesy of Lionsgate and Source

Reality Show Contestants Still Aren't Here to Make Friends

BuzzSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:30:28 -0700

One of my favorite Internet videos of last year - of all time, really - was the "I'm not here to make friends" montage, a bunch of clips of reality show contestants uttering that now-famous phrase. I just have to wonder: Do these people know that what they're saying is a cliche? Is that why they say it? Or do they really think they're saying something brand new?

Well, now another year has gone by, and the folks from FourFour are back with a new version of the video. These clips feature a whole new batch of not-here-to-be-friendly reality show contestants from this past year of programming (jeez, remember Momma's Boys? Scream Queens?). This year has the added twist, though, of reality shows like Paris Hilton's My New BFF that are about nothing but making friends.

While I'm not sure anything will ever top the original, I did get a kick out of the special spotlight this year's version shines on America's Next Top Model's disagreeable Sandra. To watch the '09 edition of "I'm not here to make friends," just read more.

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90210 Rundown: Episode 23, "Zero Tolerance"

BuzzSugar — Wed, 13 May 2009 11:30:30 -0700

This week's episode of 90210 is all about the sophomore prom. Not as exciting as senior prom, but still: people dress up, kings and queens are named, and the school turns on Annie. So, all in all, good stuff.

We also get to the heart of Liam's obnoxious attitude, and it's so not compelling. A crappy step-dad? They could have done better than that. One thing the writers do get right this week is successfully casting and creating a seriously good villain. Naomi's sister is evil, and I like it. Poor Kelly!

And back to Annie: I have so many questions about the video she does with her dad. What is up with that '80s dress she's wearing? And those graphics? Can Harry actually crack down on off-campus activities?

Sometimes words alone aren't enough to convey this show's funniest/weirdest/most dramatic scenes, so I've grabbed some of my favorite clips from this episode. To watch and discuss, just read more.

Is it just me, or is the Silver-goes-tanning scene a bit gratuitous? The girl's on screen barely clothed for a long time with no good reason. I thought Silver's tan would go horribly wrong, but no. It goes . . . nowhere. And then I was completely obsessed with the inconsistencies of her tan the rest of the show.

OK. We need an intervention. I don't think I can take one more episode in which Naomi loses it and thrusts that insane scream upon us. It's awful! In this clip, Liam asks her to the prom and then - you got it - she screams. Prepare your eardrums.

Finally, check out Kelly's run-in with her psycho ex-student Jen (Naomi's sister). I wasn't totally sold on this actress at first, but she seriously gives me the heebie-jeebies now - and that's a good thing. This exchange, while funny and absurd (I mean, it's two adult women fighting at sophomore prom!), is also vicious. Love it.

What did you guys think of this week's episode?

Photos courtesy of The CW

Live Blogging the 2009 Oscars!

BuzzSugar — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 21:02:06 -0800

The 81st annual Academy Awards have come and gone, and the winners are off to their parties, but it's not too late to join the celebration here on BuzzSugar! All through Oscar night, I gave my play-by-play right here, along with live-Twittering updates from the press room with Pop and Molly by my side. Want to see what I was thinking as the show went on? Just read on. All time stamps are PST, and the updates go from last to first. Let's go!

9:00 p.m. And that's our show! A little confused that they closed on an image of G-Force, which appears to be an animated film about a gerbil. But hey, there were glimpses of Amelia and Sherlock Holmes in there, too. Maybe we'll be seeing some of them this time next year.

8:55 p.m.: "Mad love" is a really good term for what I'm feeling right now. I'm not sure if it's being in LA or what, but I'm just overwhelmed.

8:54 p.m.: I just screamed out loud. So happy for Slumdog! And look at the littlest kid! Maybe someday someone will wade through poo to get his autograph.

8:44 p.m.: And in the final round of Penn vs. Rourke, Penn takes it! Does this still qualify as an upset?

8:42 p.m.: Somehow, Ben Kingsley giving a tribute to Mickey Rourke seems like the best pairing out of all of these.

8:35 p.m.: "I think we all can't believe we were in a category with Meryl Streep at all!" - Kate Winslet

8:34 p.m. Kate's dad has a sharp whistle and a sharper hat!

8:33 p.m.: Kate Winslet says she probably gave a version of her acceptance speech as an 8-year-old staring into her bathroom mirror and pretending her shampoo bottle was an Oscar.

For my earlier updates, just read more.

8:28 p.m.: I admit, watching the Best Actress nominees react to their tributes is winning me over. But would these kinds of intimate speeches be better at something like the Screen Actors Guild awards?

8:26 p.m.: This explains why Sophia Loren was on the red carpet.

8:21 p.m.: Danny Boyle accepting his Oscar "in the spirit of Tigger from Winnie the Pooh" is my new favorite moment of the night. I hope he bounces in the press room!

8:20 p.m.: Is it bad that I kind of forgot the entire frame of this year's Oscars was "Let's look at all the pieces that go into making a movie"?

8:15 p.m.: I'm surprised at Queen Latifah singing during the In Memoriam montage. Maybe it was more effective in person?

8:07 p.m.: Is this foreign film winner the night's first big surprise?

8:00 p.m.: Hmm, did Peter Gabriel make the right decision not to perform? The short time slot may not have done his song much justice, but I'm not sure John Legend did, either.

7:56 p.m. I wish AR Rahman were singing right now with his Oscar in hand.

7:54 p.m.: After a lull, Slumdog wins for score. Even though it means I'm down one on my ballot, I can't be too sad; I've been listening to the soundtrack nonstop.

7:42 p.m.: To my earlier point, it's now official: Coldplay is the new U2.

7:38 p.m.: I'm beginning to feel exhausted by the pacing of this show. It's like, here's a bunch of awards in three minutes! And then 10 minutes spent on one award! And then a production number!

7:34 p.m.: I think that sound mixer from Slumdog Millionaire just gave my favorite acceptance speech of the night so far.

7:32 p.m.: I have to admit, I still don't really know the difference between sound editing and sound mixing. Even so: How does Wall-E not win a sound award?

7:26 p.m. Heh, love Will Smith rhapsodizing about how visual effects masters can "take Brad Pitt and turn him into a garden gnome."

7:18 p.m.: Is that the first Oscar acceptance speech to include magic tricks? Philippe Petit balancing the Oscar on his chin was a pretty good move.

7:14 p.m.: It seems awkward to have Bill Maher presenting the documentary award in a year in which he created a documentary that didn't get nominated.

7:11 p.m.: "Tonight we are choosing to celebrate and be happy for what he has achieved," said Ledger's mom. "We proudly accept this award on behalf of your beautiful Matilda," his sister added. A powerful moment.

7:08 p.m.: I assumed Christopher Nolan would be accepting Heath Ledger's award as he had at other awards ceremonies; it gave me chills when his family stood up. I can't even imagine what a bittersweet moment this must be for them.

7:03 p.m.: These tributes from past Oscar winners kind of remind me of secret society inductions - like on Greek when they have all sorts of odd candle rituals. I expect an anointing at the end.

6:56 p.m. And cue Efron! OK, this is impressive in scale, but is this why we're not getting to hear all of the Best Original Song nominees in full? I think I'd prefer a "Jai Ho" production number.

6:53 p.m.: Time for more singing. That's a lot of tuxedoed men! And Beyonce! It's like the Tony Awards, but with movie stars . . . and an audience.

6:43 p.m.: Wow, it's Pineapple Express at the Oscars. Is stoner humor part of their plan to draw in the young'ns? "Who do you think is a better actor: Ronald Reagan or Barack Obama?" "That's Robert Downey Jr., man."

6:32 p.m.: I hate to burst Ben Stiller's bubble, but the Independent Spirit Awards totally got to that particular Joaquin Phoenix joke first.

6:27 p.m.: Speaking of which, has Coldplay officially replaced U2 as the official band of cinematic montages? Discuss.

6:26 p.m.: With all these montages, I'm getting a little confused about why we're only getting a medley of the three nominated songs.

6:24 p.m.: They're really racing through this batch of visual and technical awards, aren't they? Especially compared to how things started with Best Supporting Actress.

6:17 p.m.: And Benjamin Button gets its first award of the night. I honestly wouldn't be shocked if it sweeps all the visual categories.

6:11 p.m.: Things I never thought I'd hear at the Oscars: "Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto."

6:08 p.m.: Love that Andrew Stanton actually played Barnaby in Hello, Dolly!

6:04 p.m.: The whole press room gave a big audience reaction when they cut to Angelina and Brad during Jennifer Aniston's presentation. Like, "Oohhhhhh!" Yikes.

6:02 p.m.: "The moon, the South Pole, the Miss World podium, and here": the places where Best Original Screenplay winner and Slumdog Millionaire writer Simon Beaufoy never imagined standing.

5:59 p.m.: Also: First time I'm weeping tonight. Done.

5:58 p.m.: Dustin Lance Black is trying so hard to hold it together while accepting this award. What a sweet speech.

5:56 p.m.: Never fear, Tina Fey is here! With Steve Martin, to boot - and doing a kind of cool intro for the Best Original Screenplay category.

5:48 p.m.: After the longest intro ever, we have our first winner: Penelope Cruz! I suppose that means the leaked "winners list" is officially false, because it had Amy Adams.

5:45 p.m.: Was that a Sister Act joke, Whoopi? Hahaha! Wow.

5:41 p.m.: First technical difficulty: Did a producer just yell "Open it!!" to those black curtains?

5:40 p.m.: Ha! The press room just burst into applause at Jackman's "I'm Wolverine!"

5:38 p.m.: "I'm Woool-verrr-innne!" Also, can I have one of those fold-up cardboard Oscars for my room?

5:35 p.m.: Wow, I wouldn't have pegged Anne Hathaway as the star most likely to join Hugh up there, but that sad-face Nixon pose? Pretty hilarious.

5:32 p.m.: Less than 90 seconds to singing Hugh! Nice. Is there anything hotter than Hugh Jackman serenading Kate Winslet about poo?

5:30 p.m.: And it's time for our new-look Oscars! No nonsense, just straight to Hugh Jackman in a tux.

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What to TiVo: Monday

BuzzSugar — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 23:50:17 -0800

Fox is new with Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Prison Break
NBC is new with Chuck, Heroes, and My Own Worst Enemy
CBS is new with The Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men, Worst Week, and CSI: Miami
ABC has A Charlie Brown Christmas and is new with Boston Legal
The CW is new with Gossip Girl and Privileged
TLC is new with Little People, Big World and Jon and Kate Plus 8
MTV is new with The Hills and The Hills Aftershow
VH1 is new with Scream Queens and Real Chance of Love
Comedy Central is new with The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report
Late-night highlights include Jennifer Connelly, Anderson Cooper, and the Duke Spirit on Late Show with David Letterman on CBS; Will Smith, Paula Deen, and T-Pain on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on NBC; and Stephen Colbert, Keri Russell, and the Lee Boys on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on NBC

What to TiVo: Monday

BuzzSugar — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:50:17 -0800

Fox is new with Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Prison Break
NBC is new with Chuck, Heroes, and My Own Worst Enemy
CBS has repeats of The Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men, Worst Week, and CSI: Miami
ABC has Shrek the Halls, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and new episodes of Samantha Who? and Boston Legal
The CW is new with Gossip Girl and Privileged
TLC is new with Little People, Big World and Jon and Kate Plus 8
MTV is new with The Hills and The Hills Aftershow
VH1 is new with Scream Queens and Real Chance of Love
Comedy Central is new with The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report
Late-night highlights include Russell Brand and Charlie Haden on a repeat of Late Show with David Letterman on CBS; Debra Messing and Celine Dion on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on NBC; and Mike Myers on a repeat of Late Night with Conan O'Brien on NBC

What to TiVo: Monday

BuzzSugar — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 23:50:28 -0800

Fox is new with Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Prison Break
NBC is new with Chuck, Heroes, and My Own Worst Enemy
CBS is new with The Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men, Worst Week, and CSI: Miami
ABC is new with Dancing with the Stars, Samantha Who? and Boston Legal
The CW has a repeat and a new episode of One Tree Hill
TLC is new with Little People, Big World and Jon and Kate Plus 8
MTV is new with The Hills, The Hills Aftershow, and My Super Sweet 16
VH1 is new with Scream Queens and Real Chance of Love
Comedy Central is new with The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report
Late-night highlights include Nicole Kidman, Simon Baker, and Kanye West on Late Show with David Letterman on CBS; Ron Howard and the Jonas Brothers on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on NBC; and Hugh Jackman, Marge Klindera, and Tom Morell on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on NBC