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Clive Owen Channeling Philip Marlowe

BuzzSugar — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 16:06:18 -0800

Apparently, BuzzSugar readers love Clive Owen. He's neck and neck with Leonardo DiCaprio for the Hottest Actor Oscar, and he filled the Humphrey Bogart role in our Casablanca recast.

Apparently, we're not the only ones to draw a comparison between Bogie and the British hottie. Zap2It is reporting that Owen has been tapped by Universal to star in a new film franchise as Philip Marlowe, the detective in Raymond Chandler's novels. (Bogart played the Marlowe character in the film version of Chandler's The Big Sleep. For details, read more

According to the article:

Universal Pictures and Strike Entertainment have acquired rights to Chandler's novels, including "The Big Sleep" and "Farewell My Lovely." Nobody has yet decided which book they want to adapt, much less who will be doing the adaptation, but Owen is attached as both star and executive producer.

I've always wondered why Owen hasn't become a much bigger star, so perhaps this franchise could be his ticket to blockbuster status. What do you guys think about the idea of Detective Clive?

90210 vs. Melrose Place: Which Was More Scandalous?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:30:12 -0800

This week's CW drama block may have its share of cool guest stars like N.E.R.D. and Samantha Ronson, but, on the whole, it's a total mess. On the one hand, you've got the unstable girls of 90210 having emotional breakdowns at the drop of a hat; on the other, the Melrose Place residents are busy sneaking around to cover up their crimes. Personally, I was a bit annoyed by all the over-the-topness - especially you, Annie. Oh, and you, Ivy. But hey, at least it gives us a few surprising moments.

Ready to dissect each show and decide which packed more punch? (Warning: major spoilers!) Take a peek at my arguments and then weigh in with your own when you read more.

90210 point: Sasha is officially a nut job. First she tells Dixon that she's pregnant, but when Debbie gets wind of it, she questions Sasha even further to catch her in her baby lies. But the best part? When Debbie says the line, "It starts with you're not pregnant, and it ends with stay away from my son." Oh, snap! Congrats Debbie, you just went up a notch on the list of cool TV moms. Sasha backs off, telling Dixon she had a "miscarriage."
Melrose Place counterpoint: Did David kill Sydney? They sure try to make it seem that way. David tells Ella that he was blackout drunk that night after finding out that Syd was sleeping with his father - and then he has a flashback where he wakes up with blood all over himself and a knife in his hand. I gasped a little over the big reveal, but I'm not entirely convinced that David wasn't set up by someone else.

90210 point: Annie is getting in way over her head with Jasper, and unfortunately, she seems much too insecure to dig herself out. When Navid hears that Jasper is a dealer, he tells Annie and she confronts Jasper about it. Jasper wigs out, making Annie cry and beg forgiveness. Later, we see Jasper selling drugs to someone, so we know the rumors are true. For more on his buyer, keep reading.
Melrose Place counterpoint: Jonah makes out with Kendra, the hot movie producer, literally within the first five minutes of the episode. (That didn't take long.) He stops things from going further, but when he comes clean to Riley, he gets on her case again for her kiss with Auggie. She apologizes profusely, but the damage has already been done. By the end of the episode, I was thinking, Wait, did they actually just break up?! I don't think so, but if you stuck around for next week's promo, things do not look good for the engaged couple.

90210 point: Jen is back, throwing around her prima donna wicked attitude. She walks in on Ryan during his date with the bartender from the previous episode and goes into attack mode with the verbal jabs. ("You look older closer up.") Ryan is actually turned on by her jealousy, and the two become exclusive. But what I can't understand is why, after he knows that she lies, does he actually trust her story about Liam coming on to her? He totally buys it!
Melrose Place counterpoint: Auggie finally gives his a-hole boss Marcello a piece of his mind, er, fists. Marcello passes off one of Auggie's recipes as his own, and then he makes a few lewd comments about Riley - and you know how Auggie feels about Riley. He starts swinging, knocking Marcello out. Back at the apartment later, Violet shows up, and in a moment of what I can only blame on Auggie's emotional distress, the two finally knock boots. I'm guessing this means we'll be seeing Violet's worst kind of crazy very soon (right before she and Auggie say sayonara).

90210 point: Adrianna is inching closer to her previous life of drug use. It starts when she plays a song asking for Navid's forgiveness. (So cheesy!) He turns her down, so she continues sulking in bed, sobbing. Silver and Naomi want her to go to a meeting so she can stay clean, and with due concern - at the end of the episode, we see her buying from none other than Jasper.
Melrose Place counterpoint: Ella's squeaky-clean client, Jessie, is hospitalized with major cocaine in his system, so she begs Lauren to write a fake report citing an allergy as the cause of his stay. Lauren refuses. (Anyone else confused about why Lauren continues to take the high road, despite her side prostitution gig?) Ella then discovers a wad of cash in Lauren's room and realizes her Pretty Woman secret. Of course Lauren denies the accusations, but no matter - Ella decides to let her star take the fall anyway and promises to never question Lauren again.

90210 had way more melodramatic outbursts, but those ladies were so crazy that it kind of turned me off. (You girls give women a bad name. Even Violet seemed normal this week compared to you.) So I'm giving this week to Melrose by default: I was genuinely shocked at David's bloody flashback and the fact that Jonah has suddenly broken out of his perfect-fiance persona. I expect scandal from someone like Auggie or Ella, but from Jonah? Come on!

Do you disagree? Were you actually loving all of the melodrama on 90210?

Don't forget that you can also keep the conversation going over in the 90210 Superfans group in the Buzz Community. Check it out!

Photos courtesy of The CW

Grey's Anatomy Rundown, "Give Peace a Chance"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:30:41 -0700

Derek Shepherd has been on the periphery of Seattle Grace for the first few episodes of this season of Grey's Anatomy, but this week he's back - and in a big way. As Derek tries yet again to work his magic on a seemingly inoperable tumor, he also provokes a long-coming showdown with the Chief. As for the other doctors, Cristina's still frustrated about her lack of surgeries, and Alex still can't get through to Izzie.

For even more Grey's fun, the Grey's Anatomy McAddicts Group in the Buzz Community just might be perfect for you. Ready to get into it? Just read more.

Derek is faced with a conundrum when he finds out that a fellow doctor at Seattle Grace not only wants Derek to remove his inoperable tumor, but that he came to the hospital just for Derek. I kind of thought Derek would have a little more trouble finding his confidence (remember when he went on that bender to the woods last year?), but he wastes no time scheduling the surgery behind the Chief's back.
Speaking of confidence, Cristina's true colors are beginning to show through her cocky exterior. She pretty much declares herself the winner of Derek's challenge, only to fail miserably in front of her colleagues. There's still tension between her and Owen (can't wait to see what happens when Kim Raver is added to this mix. By the end of the episode, Owen is making things right again and helping Cristina with her surgical skills.
Lexie's emotional relapse from last week seems to be behind her now, and she quickly steps up to the plate when she's selected for Derek's surgery. At first she's still a shrinking violet when Avery makes fun of her diaper (how hilarious/ridiculous were the shots of her waddling down the hall), but she has the last laugh when Avery's hand cramps up due to dehydration. I also loved that she came into her own, barking orders at Shepherd and helping him through.
Derek and the Chief aren't the only rivals at the hospital: Alex and newbie Reid are giving them a run for their money. The sexual tension between them is becoming abundantly clear (at least to me), as Reid gives Alex lectures when he avoids seeing Izzie. In the end, Izzie skips her cancer treatment and Alex is in tears yet again this season. Reid is the only one there to comfort him - seriously, how long before they end up in the sack?
Derek has one lapse in confidence when operating on Isaac, but after one long night with Meredith he solves the problem (of course). Am I the only one who wasn't on the edge of my seat about his "eeny meeny miney mo" game at the end? It just seems so obvious that Isaac is going to make it.
On the other hand, I was a bit shocked when the Chief fires Derek at the end, even though Derek barely bats an eyelash and passes on Isaac's words of wisdom to "sleep on it" and see what happens tomorrow. I'm also kinda loving Mere and Der's married life - so much nicer without all of their drama.

What'd you think of this week's episode? Is Derek really fired? Do you wish there was a little more Bailey ('cause I do)?

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:30:14 -0700

It's one of my favorite days of the week: Tuesday! Which means I get to add DVDs to my Netflix queue, along with some brand new tunes for my iPod. So check out today's music releases for what you should download. (And if you like to review albums, don't forget to take a peek at the Music Review Group in the community.)

A smooth ride: Sufjan Stevens takes a breather from his states project with BQE, an ode to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. He originally performed the work to accompany a film about the road, but the music stands on its own as a beautiful orchestral arrangement. Warning if you like Stevens's mellow voice: BQE is all instrumental. Still, it proves that he has what it takes as a composer, and I'd like to see him lend his talents to more of this sort of work. My picks: Movement II: Sleeping Invader, which sounds like a ballet dream sequence, and Traffic Shock, which mixes in clashing electronic sounds like a busy gridlock.

Pretty packs a punch: If you haven't heard of Florence and the Machine, get ready. Florence Welch is the latest spunky Brit singer on the scene, and her debut Lungs already went platinum in the UK. Today, it's available to buy stateside. She's the singer I'd want to be if I had my own band - a woman who wails while banging the tambourine - and her album veers between tough-chick anthems and haunting ballads a la Sarah McLachlan. Make sure you try the hand-clapping, feel-good Dog Days Are Over or the romantic Cosmic Love.

See two more releases when you read more.

Freaky fun: If you're a Flight of the Conchords fan - or even if you're not - you'll want to check out I Told You I Was Freaky, a compilation of music from season two (including three previously unreleased tracks). Sure, half the fun is watching the boys act out each song on the show (and Jemaine's wicked dance moves), but when you listen to the music on its own, you realize just how talented they really are. Each selection could qualify for radio-play - or just a ridiculously fun karaoke night. The album includes favorites like Sugarlumps, Hurt Feelings, and the Emmy-nominated Carol Brown.

Lyrical wanderlust: Jay Farrar of Son Volt and Benjamin Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie team up on One Fast Move or I'm Gone: Music From Kerouac's Big Sur, an ode to the famous author's work. The two musicians met while working on a documentary about Kerouac and decided to collaborate on this album using words from his novel. It's fitting then that the result feels like a cross-country trip - lazy and laid-back with some twangy country, Americana sound. I'll be adding the title track and California Zephyr to my car playlist.

FlashForward Breakdown, "Black Swan"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:30:00 -0700

It's been two weeks since the blackouts, and in this week's episode of FlashForward, the people of the world are slowing getting back into their old routines. The only problem is, their outlook on the world is a bit marred to say the least. Nicole finally resurfaces, Olivia and Bryce spar over the meaning of the flashforwards, and Demetri and Mark come to blows.

We get a little more insight, a glimpse at Dominic Monaghan and one very big reveal, so just read more.

Can the future really save people?
Olivia and Bryce meet Edward Ned (who hilariously insists on being called "Ned Ned"), a new patient with a constant sense of calm and a conviction that in sixth months he'll have transformed into a black man ("like Oprah black"). At first he just seems nuts, until Bryce uses Ned's vision to diagnose him. Still trying to convince herself that the flashforwards may not come true, Olivia refuses to use Bryce's method and nearly kills Ned before changing her mind. Ned declares that the "future saved him" and Bryce agrees. But what about the people who are afraid of their visions? Can the future save them too, in that they can somehow avoid what they see? (Side note: I almost choked when I recognized Ned as Todd from Wedding Crashers).

Does Nicole deserve to be punished?
Nicole finally picks up her baby-sitting gig again, and it's revealed that she and Aaron are connected through his daughter Tracy. Clearly disturbed by her vision, Nicole seeks out a priest in hopes to start some volunteer work. She eventually reveals to Mark that she's being drowned in her flashforward, and the murder feels deserved. But why? Mark assures her that she did nothing wrong, but we all know it won't be that simple. In the pilot Nicole is gettin' busy on the couch while Charlie is sleeping, so she has a bad girl side. But now that she knows her possible fate, what could she do to warrant a punishment like that? Also, I could be wrong about this - but her attacker looked like he could definitely be Dominic Monaghan, aka Simon.

What's the deal with Alda Herzog?
Referred to as the "female Osama Bin Laden," Alda Herzog is clearly shady - but what does she know about the blackouts? She toys with both Demetri and Mark, sending them on a wild goose chase to the Customer Choice Restaurant Group, and later telling Mark that he's just "a little boy in the dark." She easily gets a rise out of both of them, even prompting Mark and Demetri to start a fist fight. I can't help but wonder if she's got them totally wrapped around her finger, a la Nazi Guyer from last week's episode, or if she's really sent Mark down the right path to get some answers.

How is LLoyd Simcoe involved in the blackout?
Lloyd continues to struggle with caring for Dylan after spending so many years as an absentee father. He continues to try to garner help from Olivia, but she pushes him away in constant fear of her flashforward. Lloyd has a tender moment at Dylan's house as he attempts to learn a little bit about his boy, and the two make a connection back at the hospital. Everything is all puppies and roses until he gets a call from Simon - who implies that the two are responsible for causing the blackouts.

Other points:

I loved the Shakespeare in Love throwback when Mark is being silly with Charlie: "You're the Shakespeare of cheesy dad humor!"

The opening of the episode, set to Bjork's "It's Oh So Quiet" was a very poetic way to look at the blackouts - especially since we can't hear all the catastrophic noise and commotion that usually defines the incident.

There seems to be a long focus on the "Pimp" necklace during the trailer park scene. Is that going to come back to haunt us?

What'd you think of this week's episode? Do you think there's a connection between those who see hopeful visions and those that see hurtful ones?

90210 vs. Melrose Place: Which Was More Scandalous?

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

Meh. Maybe I'm still feeling down on the Tuesday night double-header after last week, but the latest episodes of 90210 and Melrose Place seemed irksome. Really Sasha, did you actually take Dixon back after learning he's in high school?! Come on. And then there's the whole Lauren prostitution storyline that, to me, is feeling a little tired already. Still, leave it to The CW to give us several salacious plot points! Let's dissect them, shall we?

Check out my list of big moments from both shows, and then tell me which one you think deserves the award for this week's drama queen when you read more.

90210 point: Naomi finds out that her grades aren't good enough to get into her dream college, so she fakes being a tree-hugger to woo the dean's son into dating her. How hilarious was it to see her on a bike with a helmet and a Sigg bottle?!
Melrose Place counterpoint: David and Jonah's friendship gets tested when Jonah is accused of stealing a necklace. Jonah believes that David might have taken it, confronts him, and a nervous David denies, denies, denies. Then the jewelry miraculously reappears...

90210 point: Teddy and hottie classmate Jasmine double date with Navid and Adrianna. After an icky spit-swapping battle between the couples. Adrianna and Teddy confront each other in the hallway and start a mini makeout sesh of their own.
MP counterpoint: Violet is trying to get between Auggie and well, anyone. When she realizes that he's friends with a female bartender at the restaurant, Violet plants money in her purse so the poor girl gets fired. Looks like Violet is going to take over her job so she can sink her claws more into Auggie.

90210 point: Dixon loses his cover when Sasha runs into his mom at the nail salon. He spends the rest of the episode trying to win her back - and succeeds. I'm only further convinced that Sasha is an idiot. First, she doesn't realize that Dixon's only 17, and then she still sleeps with him knowing the truth? Oh, Sasha, this will not end well for you.
MP counterpoint: Lauren gets into her new call girl career and enters into an agreement with her madam. (Hello, did you see that crazy pimp hair?!) Then Lauren does a striptease for a client that was a bit borderline porno. I actually wanted to shower afterward.

90210 point: Silver bolts after seeing her mother at Adrianna's AA meeting. Later, her mom tries to give her a car to make amends, so Silver shows up to AA - then gets up in front of the room and tells her mother to stay away from her. Ouch. What's even worse: We later learn that Jackie has cancer.
MP counterpoint: We learn a whole lot more about Ella, like that she hired a P.I. to break into Sydney's apartment on the night of her murder to find evidence that Sydney was trying to ruin her career. With her alibi ruined, it seems she may just end up in handcuffs very soon.

Okay, this one goes to Melrose Place. Even though Dixon and Teddy both make solid cases for 90210, Lauren's impromptu bedroom dance was one of the racier things I've seen on TV in a while. What do you think? Does 90210 deserve more credit?

Can't get enough 90210? Check out the 90210 Superfans group in the Buzz Community!

Photos courtesy of The CW

The Office, "The Promotion": Best Lines of the Night

BuzzSugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:32:42 -0700

Once Jim is promoted to co-manager of the The Office, we all know some wacky banter with Michael isn't far behind. On this week's episode, the Dunder Mifflinites are adjusting to the new hierarchy while Jim and Michael have their first squabble about how to run things. Meanwhile, Pam is still planning for that big Niagara Falls wedding next week - check out a sneak peek of the JAM nuptials here.

As usual, I've put together some of my favorite jabs and one-liners of the night, but if you want to discuss The Office all week long, head on over to Jenna V's community group dedicated to the show. For my thoughts, just read more.

"You know what eats a large amount of the day are naps. You go to sleep, it's lights out, you wake up its dark. That's the whole day. Where did that day go? I have no idea." - Michael
"You mean on a weekend?" - Jim
"Yes." - Michael
Within about five minutes of having to make their first major decision again, Jim is already having problem staying professional with Michael. Nothing has changed between them and Jim still calls Michael out on his unprofessional antics, like unnecessary meetings.

"Can I also be a boss?" - Stanley
Stanley's observation about Jim and Michael's disorganization made me chuckle, because he hits the nail right on the head. The more Jim and Michael squabble, the more it seems like a couple of kids pretending to run an office. I also loved Oscar's followup where he describes the "necessity" of two monarchs, two ship captains, etc.

"I love rivalries. Michael or Jim? Paris or Nicole? Heidi or LC? It's so much fun. But, I guess if I'm really thinking about it and answering your question honestly, I'd have to go with LC. Heidi's a bad friend. And her skin is terrible." - Kelly
We can always count on Kelly to bring celebrities into everything. I also loved when she alluded to needing a raise to help fix Ryan's car.

"Why doesn't Crate and Barrel let you register for a toaster full of cash?" - Pam
While Jim and Michael are trying to figure out how to deal with the raise situation, Pam has her own money problems. She just wants cash for her wedding, but feels awkward asking for it, which means she can expect a romantic birdhouse from Phyllis once the big day arrives!

So what did you think of this week's episode? Does anyone else think there's not nearly enough Andy this week? And how sweet is Michael's gift to Jim?

Photos courtesy of NBC

90210 vs. Melrose Place: Which Was More Scandalous?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:30:29 -0700

We're now in our third week of episodes from The CW's Tuesday night guilty-pleasure block, and while both 90210 and Melrose Place are in full swing, the latest batch of drama wasn't my favorite. Both shows seem to be setting up for some action-packed episodes later on in the season, but for now, let's discuss which was more juicy this week.

Ready to figure out which episode get this week's crown of shameless scandal? Weigh in on the debate when you read more.

90210 point: The episode kicks off with Adrianna dreaming of Navid, but it quickly turns into an ab-tastic vision of Teddy shirtless. Obviously she can't get the six pack out of her head and later locks lips with Teddy - and, of course, Silver catches a glimpse.
Melrose Place counterpoint: The gang gets a new landlord, and it's none other than Sydney's sister Jane. Violet greets her with one of her creepy dead-eyed smiles, and Jane wastes no time blackmailing Ella.

90210 point: Dixon and his adult lady friend take it to the next level, hardcore! Massages, hotel rooms, showering together. . . that is, until Sasha discovers the trunk full o'porn in the trunk of the Lamborghini. Dixon continues to dig himself deeper into a mess of lies, I continue to wonder how the hell this woman hasn't figured out that he's only 17 yet.
MP counterpoint: When the cops come knocking at her door, Violet abandons ship and jumps out the window. She and Jane have a creep-off when Violet tells her that she's a long-lost niece, and Jane has her thrown in jail.

90210 point: Liam and Jen take us on an emotional roller coaster. First Liam turns the tables on Jen when he gets dirt on her gold-digging past! But then Jen pulls the sweet and innocent act on Naomi instead of telling her that she slept with Liam, as Liam had requested. I felt so defeated until the episode's final moments where we learn that Liam has Jen's nasty confessions on tape.
MP counterpoint: Lauren heads to a hotel to meet Toby, and another dude quickly recognizes her as being a prostitute. First she gets offended, then agrees to sleep with him - but he won't pay up. Lauren has her first taste of the hard life when the john throws her in the corner, until she finds herself a madam.

90210 point: When Annie's hit-and-run homeless guy leaves $100K to West Beverly in his will, his creepy nephew comes out of the woodwork. By the end of the episode he offers to "take Annie for a ride" and she accepts. I do not like where this is going.
MP counterpoint: Michael hires a guy to follow David; David figures it out and punches the guy in Auggie's restaurant. Auggie is not pleased.

90210 point: Navid and Adrianna finally get it on.
MP counterpoint: Ella and David finally get it on.

So who's the big winner of the week? I'm giving this one to 90210. Partly because Liam finally figured out how to take Jen down, and partly because I really enjoyed the inclusion of an actual high-school level crime - cutting class! What do you think? Does crazy Violet warrant more credit in the scandal department?

Photos courtesy of The CW