BuzzSugar

Take a Break With My Three Favorite Viral Videos Right Now

BuzzSugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:32:35 -0700

As everyone who's even somewhat familiar with the Internet knows, there's a new viral-video-of-the-hour well, pretty much every hour. Some are hilarious, some just so-so, but I've come across three lately that have made me laugh out loud. They're not new, exactly, but they're still so funny, no matter how many times I watch each of them. It's helping along this sluggish Monday afternoon.

First, there's a Toy Story 2 trailer set to the Dark Knight trailer. Hard to explain further than that, so just take a look. Then, a video with a similar idea: Bert and Ernie trying out gangsta rap (there's a metal version of this, but I prefer the rap one). And finally, the most recent of the three (and I think the most hilarious): the literal interpretation of the music video for A-Ha's "Take On Me" (hat tip to Giggle for that one). It's all after the jump, so if you have approximately six minutes to spend watching amusing videos, read more.

The Dark Knight/Toy Story 2 Trailer

Bert and Ernie Try Gangsta Rap

A Literal Version of "Take On Me"

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

FlashForward Breakdown, "Believe"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:30:32 -0800

The most central characters of FlashForward take a backseat this week, letting Bryce and Aaron take the spotlight. It's a nice relief from Mark and Demetri's constant agonizing over their own fates (though we still get a dose of that, too).

We learn that Bryce has been keeping a big secret, and Aaron's reunion with his daughter isn't all he had expected it to be. Ready to get into it? Just read more.

I want to believe: We finally get some insight into why Bryce tried to kill himself: he has stage four cancer and has been keeping it a secret from everyone but his therapist. We also get to see his saving grace - in his flashforward, Bryce is laughing and smiling in a restaurant with a pretty Asian woman. Determined to make his fate come true, Bryce takes up Japanese (with Nicole's help) and even heads to Asia when he's supposed to be in Houston testing out a wonder drug. Here's what confuses me: in Bryce's vision, he sees himself saying "you're really here" and he knows it's months into the future. Why does he try to rush fate? I wasn't surprised at all when he and Keiko don't make the connection in Japan (though I did feel a bit disappointed for him). Side note: Nicole is totally falling for Bryce.

Across the pond: Bryce isn't the only one who is featured this week; we get some background info on the (literal) woman of his dreams. Keiko is a young, bright woman living with her parents and working for a robotics firm. Though her life looks perfect on paper, Keiko is bored at work and with her personal life, longing to play her guitar and find her soulmate. She gets a shiny new outlook on life when she sees Bryce in her vision, and we realize that their meeting doesn't take place in Japan after all, but in LA.

Family ties: Aaron is having a hard time adjusting to life with Tracy. Her continual drinking habit causes a fight between them; Aaron can't be around alcohol, and Tracy feels entitled to drink after all she's been through. Tracy storms out and Aaron blames himself for her addiction and her post-war transformation. Mark only makes matters worse when he accuses Aaron of telling Olivia that he was drinking in his flashforward, and Aaron tells Mark he shouldn't be his sponsor anymore. Losing his sponsor can't be good for Mark and his vision.

Other major plot points:

Demetri finally makes strides on figuring out who called him about his murder. The call is traced back to Hong Kong, and though Stan doesn't want Demetri heading overseas, Mark offers to go with him in secret.
The FBI agents discover that suspect zero wears a ring with an alpha symbol on it but aren't sure what to make of it.

Did you like this week's episode, or were you longing for more action? Will Nicole get in the way of Bryce and Keiko?

The Office, "Shareholder Meeting": Best Lines of the Night

BuzzSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:30:00 -0800

Looks like The Office is trying for a little economic relevance. While it sort of knocks you over the head this week - e.g. showing the Dow Jones sign - you can't blame the writers for making the story timely. Michael travels to New York for a shareholders meeting with Dwight, Andy, and Oscar in tow, but instead of being honored for his work at the branch, he steps into what's essentially a sounding board for grievances.

Lots of great quotes in this episode, so let's recap some of my favorites, shall we? (Don't worry, I've included Michael's big speech.)

"Recyclops will drown you in your over-watered lawns."-Dwight
Obviously the writers had to plug NBC's Green Week like the rest of the network, but The Office's is one of the most creative. I especially enjoyed Jim's side story about how Recyclops's fictional planet was attacked and he "vowed to destroy the planet he once loved." Oh, and his nemesis Polluticorn, which is actually a Power Rangers reference. They could've made the entire episode about Recyclops, and I would've been happy - if for nothing else, just to see Dwight rock that weird eye headband.

For more quips from the evening, including a deleted limo scene, read more.

Dwight: "Oh, I'm sorry were you raised in a household with no consequences?"
Woman in line: "It'll just be a second."
Dwight: "Oh, if onlys and justs were candies and nuts, then every day would be Erntedankfest."
Dwight lays into the woman in the microphone line when she wants to use the bathroom, but his special comeback phrase really made me laugh. I plan on reciting it myself at least once this week. (By the way, I googled "Erntedankfest" and it's Germany's Thanksgiving. Dwight taught me something!)

Pam: "Well, I can't really imagine you yelling at anyone."
Jim: "Oh, I yell, you've heard me yell."
Pam: "Oh, okay. I've heard you exclaim, like the time you said, Hey look, we parked over here."
Jim: "Well that was apple picking day. There's no need to yell that day. You know, I was just excited to find the car. Perfect end to a perfect day."
Aw, Jim. You try so hard to be tough. But you've got to admit that putting Ryan in the closet is genius. Not only does it teach the guy a lesson, but I'm considering it payback for all of those weird getups that Ryan's been wearing recently. (Remember the fedora?!)

"We're gonna come back with a plan for you, it's a 45-day plan, 45 days to get us back on track, 45 points. It's a 45-day, 45 point, one point per day, we get the 45 points. We are back in business. And you can take that to the bank. And limo lady, we are going completely carbon neutral! I love you New York!"-Michael
Best. Speech. Ever. God forbid anyone ever give Michael Scott a mic - serves them right. Oh, and speaking of limos, check out this funny deleted scene of the boys in their ride.

"I just want to say that I believe that there are options out there. A take-a-number option like they have in a deli. What about line varieties? Like an express line for quick comments of ten words or less that could move much more efficiently. What about ropes along the lines that you can hold on to?"-Dwight
I was always welcome a ridiculous Dwight rant, and this was one of his better ones.

Alright, so your turn! What'd you think of the episode? The whole situation has me questioning what's going to happen to Michael in next week's episode. The guy destroys the shareholders meeting, his CEO is annoyed, and then he runs off with the limo - are there going to be repercussions?

If you're a Dunder Mifflin fanatic, head on over to The Office! group in the BuzzSugar Community!

Photo and videos courtesy of NBC

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?

Brad Pitt Enters the Dark Void

BuzzSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:54 -0800

Introducing Brad Pitt, computer game star: the actor's production company Plan B has signed off on a deal with Capcom to adapt the game Dark Void for the big screen with Pitt as the lead. Void follows a pilot who crashes in the Bermuda Triangle and finds himself in an alternate universe fighting off aliens intent on taking over the human race.

This seems more like Will Smith territory to me - I immediately think of something along the lines of I, Robot or I Am Legend. Even so, I welcome the chance to see Pitt in a sci-fi action movie, and this storyline sounds tailor-made for the blockbuster treatment.

What do you think about Pitt as a gaming hero?

Glee-ful Highlights and Video From Episode "Ballad"

BuzzSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:45:00 -0800

Maybe it's because Glee set the bar so high last week, or maybe it's the lack of Sue, but this week's episode just didn't do it for me. There are plenty of catchy tunes, but Rachel's all-of-a-sudden crush on Mr. Schue seems a bit forced, and it seems ridiculous that Will and Emma are best buddies again with no mention of their dramatic encounters from a few weeks ago.

It does have some touching moments (along with some sad ones) for Finn and Quinn, so to get into it just read more.

Mr Schue has the glee kids draw names out of a hat and assigns each pair a ballad to help them profess their feelings. He shoots himself in the foot when he throws his own name into the ring and Rachel draws it. One spot-on duet of "Endless Love" later, Rachel's found herself a brand new crush to distract her from her feelings for Finn. I liked this plot line, but something about it felt a bit too forced, like the writers just squeezed it in to have Mr. Schue sing his mash-up. I did kind of love when Terri has Rachel clean the bathroom, though, and when Emma and Rachel are equally goo-goo eyed over Mr. Schue's mini-performance. Speaking of Emma, aren't she and Will supposed to be trying to stay away from each other?

Watch Rachel and Mr. Schue gaze into each other's eyes here:

Quinn and Finn's situation comes to a head this week, and both end up breaking the news to their parents. Well, actually, Finn breaks the news to Quinn's parents via a dinner table performance of Paul Anka's "(You're) Having My Baby." While Quinn's parents are heartbreakingly unsupportive, Finn's mom takes the kids in when Quinn has nowhere else to go. The rest of the gleeks profess their own love for the couple with a rendition of "Lean on Me" which is super cheesy, but necessary after the harsh scene with Quinn's parents.
Puck finally breaks down and admits to Mercedes that he's the father of Quinn's baby. Mercedes doesn't even ask questions - just tells Puck that he's already done enough and to back off. Though Puck is staying away for now, it seems like the cat's out of the bag. Plus, did you catch the smirk he makes at Quinn at the end of the episode?

How'd you feel about this week's episode? Do you like the newfound bond between Finn and Kurt? Is Finn's dedication to a sonogram a little over the top? Sound off in the comments below, or create your own posts, recaps, polls and more in the Glee Club community group!

Photos courtesy of Fox

Buzz Gift Guide: The Party Hostess

BuzzSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:30:00 -0800

Got a friend who always loves to entertain? Don't forget to repay her for all those awesome nights with a little something special. I'm digging Alice in Wonderland tumblers which feel very Tim Burton-esque, a cute and functional Joan Holloway apron, and Cash Cab Trivia, which should create a heated game among her party guests. Or if she's like me and dreams of spinning on the turntables for everyone, DJ Hero is guaranteed good times.

Check out my picks, and then take a peek through all of my gift guides plus holiday coverage across the PopSugar Network!

Jennifer Hudson Makes a Big Move Back to the Big Screen

BuzzSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:30:38 -0800

I was a bit worried about what would become of Jennifer Hudson's film career when she followed up her tour de force performance in Dreamgirls with a role in Sex and the City, but it looks like the singer/actress is ready to sink her teeth into another juicy role. Hudson is set to play Winnie Mandela, Nelson's former wife, in the upcoming drama Winnie. The film is based on the Anne Marie du Preez Bezdrob biography Winnie Mandela: A Life and will be directed by Darrell J. Roodt.

We'll get a peek into Nelson Mandela's life in next month's release of Invictus, but I might be even more curious to learn about Winnie. After taking a hiatus to work on her music, I'm interested to see if Jennifer can carry such a big role - sounds to me like she may already have another Oscar on the brain.

Are you psyched to see Jennifer return to the big screen, or do you prefer her as a singer?

90210 vs. Melrose Place: Which Was More Scandalous?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:30:19 -0800

The Tuesday night CW block made a particularly strong showing this week. Personally, I thought 90210 had one of its best episodes of the season - nice character development, a few teary moments, and some "oh no she didn't" disses. And as for Melrose Place, I've got two words for you: Heather Locklear. Yes, Amanda Woodward is back, and it's quickly becoming clear that the residents aren't going to have it easy any time soon.

So with plenty of drama to go around, which show shocked more? Let's break down all the juicy tidbits and decide the victor when you read more.

90210 point: Well, Annie sleeps with Jasper, and she skips into the kitchen in the morning to tell her parents about her new boyfriend. Debbie invites him for dinner - but once Dixon warns about his druggie reputation, Deb and Harry are less than enthused and forbid Annie from seeing him. She, of course, gets defensive, and as for Jasper's reaction? He tries to kill Navid by pushing him down the stairs at school.
Melrose Place counterpoint: Speaking of crazy murderers, did Michael off Sydney? Sure seems like it after David ransacks his car and finds her bloody necklace in a plastic bag. Now, he's determined to clear Auggie's name (who has since been shunned by all of his friends) and get payback by putting Michael behind bars.

90210 point: Richard and his mom walk in on Naomi with Jamie. (How about the Dean sarcastically calling Naomi "classy?" Ouch.) Naomi admits to Jamie that she was dating Richard for the wrong reasons, and he breaks up with her over it. Her guilty conscience getting the best of her, Naomi then confesses to Richard, too. Jamie finds out and asks to get back together, but unfortunately for him, Naomi had an epiphany during their 24 hours apart - she's still not over Liam.
Melrose Place counterpoint: Like I said, Amanda Woodward is back, and she's out to make Ella's life hell. First she fires Caleb, and then she sends in an agent named Melissa to lure Ella away from WPK as a "test." Oh, and did I mention that Melissa comes on to Ella and the two women make out in a back room? That part totally came out of nowhere - talk about scandalous.

90210 point: Last week Silver's mom Jackie wasn't waking up, and this week starts with her being rushed to the hospital. The doctor tells Silver and Kelly to say their goodbyes, but Kelly refuses after all the years her mother mistreated her. She regrets that decision later, so she finally makes amends and tells Jackie that she forgives her. Jackie passes soon after, and I admittedly got a bit choked up.
Melrose Place counterpoint: Things are looking up for Riley - her jeans campaign is all over magazines - but once Amanda Woodward steps in, she concocts a rags-to-riches fake bio for Riley for PR purposes. Once the press starts asking questions, Riley admits to the lie and things blow up in WPR's face. Amanda seeks revenge by asking Ella to rat on Riley for abusing her sick days for the photo shoots. When Ella won't agree, ruthless Amanda does it herself, and Riley gets fired.

90210 point: Adrianna tells Navid that he was easy to get over because she was never really in love with him. Brutal. Then Naomi discovers Adrianna's stash, and she says good riddance to Adrianna, too. This can't be good for her substance problem.
Melrose Place counterpoint: Can we talk about Violet and Auggie's sex scene on the kitchen counter? Lauren's stripteases make me blush enough already, but this may have even topped that.

90210 point: I still can't stand Jen, but we're slowly starting to see her softer side. Ryan suggests going camping, and she packs a fondue set and a Burberry rain coat - not exactly low-maintenance is she? After she complains a lot, Ryan tells her he's disappointed since he's always bending over backwards for her. She takes his words to heart - even builds a fire! - and opens up about being broke . . . and still married.
Melrose Place counterpoint: In other couple news, David woos Lauren by decorating her apartment like Autumn, complete with falling leaves. But just as things get hot and heavy, she puts on the brakes, because of her "issues" with intimacy. How long are they going to drag this out?

While I really enjoyed 90210, we're talking about scandal here, so I'm going to give this week to Melrose Place. Having Amanda Woodward on your side already makes you a lock, but then throw in the borderline porno - Auggie and Violet, Lauren and David, Ella and Melissa - and it's a no-brainer. Plus, we had a great MP cliffhanger - what exactly is Sydney is referencing in her letter to Amanda that says, "You'll never find it?" You'll never find what?!

Tell me your theories (and what you thought about the episodes) in the comments! And don't forget that if you're a 90210 follower, you can always join the 90210 Superfans group in the Buzz Community.

Photos courtesy of The CW