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Caption It: Which Caption Should Win?

BuzzSugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:30:23 -0700

This week's Caption It came from The Rocker:

Thanks to all who chipped in. Time to vote on the finalists!

Tropic Thunder Is No. 1 For the Second Week in a Row

BuzzSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:15:55 -0700

Ben Stiller's Tropic Thunder won the top spot at the box office for the second weekend in a row, earning an estimated $16.1 million. This makes Tropic Thunder, Iron Man, and The Dark Knight the only movies to have stayed at No. 1 for two consecutive weeks this Summer (so that's two major box office winners for Robert Downey Jr.!).

Following closely behind in the No. 2 spot was The House Bunny, which earned an estimated $15.1 million its first weekend out. Coming in third was the Death Race remake with about $12.3 million. In fourth place was The Dark Knight, followed by Star Wars: The Clone Wars at No. 5.

I didn't think the Rainn Wilson comedy The Rocker would do very well, but I'm surprised to see how badly it did. The comedy failed to crack the top 10 and only earned about $2.7 million.

Hamlet 2, which was all the rage at Sundance this year, had a limited release and brought in an estimated $435,294. The offbeat comedy will have a wider release this Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Caption It!

BuzzSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:30:59 -0700

Welcome to the Caption It game on BuzzSugar! Every other Wednesday, I'll post a photo still from a TV show or movie here and challenge you to think of the most hilarious caption possible. I'll announce the finalists the following Tuesday, and you'll get to vote for the best caption; the winner will get a fabulous BuzzSugar t-shirt!

Check out the photo finish on last week's Caption It poll! As of the time I'm writing this post, halfbakedjake is the winner by one vote. Congrats halfbakedjake! Your droll caption for the Weeds photo is extremely funny:

"You heard me. Twenty bucks or you never see your clothes again."

And now for this week's challenge from The Rocker. This isn't the most hilarious picture ever but it's pretty adorable, no?

Leave your captions in the comment space below before 5 p.m. PDT on Monday, Aug. 25, to be considered for a spot in the voting round. Have fun! To see a photo of the BuzzSugar t-shirt, just read more.

The BuzzSugar t-shirt

Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox

The Rocker: Major Points For Trying

BuzzSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:45:22 -0700

There is this undeniable, crazy-intense talent that I think Rainn Wilson has yet to unleash on us, that goes beyond his hilarious and iconic portrayal of Dwight Schrute on The Office. Thanks to smaller roles that he's had, including his creepy character on Six Feet Under, I've had faith that Wilson is not a one-note actor, and that he possesses the tools to take part in a variety of genres. So, I was looking forward to his first time out as a comedic lead in The Rocker. And while the movie is far from perfect and not the laugh-riot that will launch him into major stardom, it's an excellent start.

What strikes me most about this movie is how good-natured it is underneath its gimmicky concept. If I had some teenagers to entertain this weekend, this is the kind of movie I'd love to watch with them. It's hard not to compare the overall spirit of this funny high school tale with that of other recent Summer comedies, and the biggest difference to me is that it has a warm and fuzzy center (despite the groin pain it causes the main character).

To see what I mean by "groin pain" and why I think The Rocker is a pleasant addition to this Summer's comedies, read more.

The Rocker is a feel-good movie, and I think some people might take that as code for lame. But I was actually relieved to leave a comedy in an emotional space that was, well, good. The movie opens in the '80s at a concert where the heavy metal band Vesuvius is bringing down the house. Robert "Fish" Fishman (Wilson) is the drummer whose performance high is quickly killed when the band's label insists that they replace him. His buddies in the band, including lead singer Lex (played by the always hilarious Will Arnett in giant hair and eyeliner) and bassist Trash (Bradley Cooper doing an amazing Slash impression) don't bat an eye before kicking Fish out and then, to Fish's dismay, rocket to mega-stardom.

Years later, the out-of-work Fish is persuaded to join his nephew Matt's high school band, and it's not exactly smooth sailing. Fish is middle-aged, unhinged, and more interested in being "rock stars" than his teen bandmates. As the movie progresses, Fish actually helps the band make a name for itself, and though he is an unlikely source of wisdom, Fish ends up coming to terms with his own failures and immaturities by helping his bandmates through their teenage issues.

Here's the bad news: there is often way too much time that goes by without a good laugh. But when they do score one, it's genuinely funny. Christina Applegate is especially believable as a single mom, and despite the fact that Fish is such a spaz, I was cheering for these two to get together. Fish's little heart-to-hearts with the kids are mostly contrived, but all the actors are so freaking likable it's hard not to forgive the script a little. Wilson also takes one for the team and endures a steady stream of physical assaults - including many hits to the groin - and it's funny about two-thirds of the time, I'd estimate.

Most of all, however, I realized about three-fourths of the way through The Rocker that there had been zero blow job jokes. No - seriously. And then I noted that no one had said "mangina," not once. And while those kinds of jokes have their place and have made us all chuckle at some point, I have to say it was refreshing to see a whole other group of comedians with a whole new set of jokes attempting to make us laugh.

I can't give this movie a whole lot of stars, but I genuinely appreciate the effort and left the theater with a smile.

Photos courtesy of 20th Century Fox

Unpacking Sasquatch: Hanging Out With Rainn Wilson

BuzzSugar — Tue, 27 May 2008 16:47:12 -0700

While many of you were reveling in BBQs and sunshine over Memorial Day weekend, I ventured north for the 2008 Sasquatch Music Festival and it was so much fun! Soon I'll share with you my general take on the bands I got to watch perform and interview. However, before I could even get to the music my first day on the scene, I noticed an airplane circling round overhead with a banner promoting the film The Rocker and then suddenly I was surrounded by teenagers sporting bandanas with the movie's logo. I knew then: Rainn Wilson was in the house.

In The Rocker (opening August 1), Rainn plays a washed-up drummer who helps some teenagers learn how to live, love, and rock 'n' roll, so it's only natural that he's hitting summer music festivals to promote the film. Plus, he's originally from Seattle so I imagine it's not a total drag for him to hang out with bands native to his hometown.

Rainn was omnipresent throughout the festival and even took to the main stage between acts to entertain the crowd. Backstage I caught up with him and the band Dead Confederate (more on them and their music later). To check out Rainn hamming it up for the camera while these Southern boys grilled him on his favorite color, read more.

For those of you liking the song in this clip as much as I am, it's called "The Rat," and you can take a listen here.

Movie Preview: The Rocker

BuzzSugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:29:00 -0700

Finally! I have been looking forward to seeing a trailer for The Rocker for what feels like forever, especially when we get trailers for things that aren't even coming out until December and The Rocker is opening August 1.

Billed as "a comedy for the rocker in all of us," The Rocker stars Rainn Wilson and an assortment of comedic actors, like Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad (21) and Superbad's Emma Stone as a group of kids (and one of their uncles) who aim to rock out as the prom band. After the prom's over, they set off on tour and, I presume, ill-advised antics ensue.

The trailer's pretty funny, and Rainn Wilson is as straight-faced and hilarious as ever, so to check it out, read more.

Source

Link Time! 8/30

BuzzSugar — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 14:30:33 -0700

Cinematical has a fantastic interview - and this hilarious image - from their set visit to Rainn Wilson's comedy The Rocker.
TV With MeeVee has the first shots of Isaiah Washington on "Bionic Woman," while The TV Addict has pictures of Jerry Seinfeld on "30 Rock."
FilmExperience can't help but expound on Hilary Swank's top 10 best movie performances.
YumSugar has a great interview with "Top Chef" judge Gail Simmons.
Popwatch wants to know if a celebrity endorsement has ever convinced you to buy something.
Vulture talks with Clark Duke - the Clark of "Clark and Michael" - about his TV roles and his possible band with Kristen Bell.
Stereogum calls "Cowboy," the new Counting Crows song, "not terrible."
BellaSugar gives us an "America's Next Top Model" reality check.
According to Corey Feldman on the MTV Movies Blog, there may be an animated Goonies sequel.
Pop Candy points out a fun list of the coolest superhero costumes of all time.
Buddy TV shows us the track listing for the new "Grey's Anatomy" soundtrack.

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:38:24 -0800

T.G.I. Tuesday! I've already sorted through the big DVD releases of the day, but now I have new songs to revive your iPod, Just take a look at these three albums. (And if you want to see your own music reviews featured on Buzz, submit them in the Music Review Group in the community!)

Music mash-up: Seems like everyone is releasing a holiday album lately - remember Bob Dylan's? Now, Tori Amos is trying her hand at the genre with Midwinter Graces. It's a big risk for Amos, who puts her own spin on classic carols. Traditionalists might cry foul when she mashes up "What Child Is This" and "The First Nowell" for "What Child, Nowell" or re-purposes "Silent Night" into a love song, but at least Amos is thinking outside of the box. The quieter songs work best, thanks to Amos's ethereal voice. I recommend "Emmanuel" or "Winter's Carol."

All over the place: Wale references Kanye West in the first track on his big studio debut Attention: Deficit, and the mention is fitting. Wale seems like a Kanye in the making, mixing in sparkly, bragadocious tracks with songs that raise controversial social issues (like "Shades," which tackles racism). He also brings in a long list of collaborators, including Lady Gaga (on the already-released "Chillin'") and Mark Ronson. As a result, the album jumps around like, as the title hints, a kid with ADD. You may recognize Wale from this year's VMAs, and he's undoubtedly one to watch. For now, download "Pretty Girls" and "Diary," which samples from one of my favorite films, Amelie.

See one more release when you read more.

A classic formula: Bon Jovi fans really love Bon Jovi, and on the band's newest release, The Circle, the rockers aren't afraid to deliver exactly what their followers want - even if it feels recycled. "Working For the Man" should appeal to those who enjoy pumping their fists along to songs like "Living on a Prayer," and "When We Were Beautiful" almost feels like a U2 copycat. The guys cover the regular themes there - love, leadership, the highway of life, etc. - so there are no big surprises. Still, as far as guilty pleasure Bon Jovi goes, it doesn't disappoint.

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:30:32 -0700

It's Tuesday, which means that not only is your Netflix queue getting a shot in the arm, so is your iPod: I've checked out today's new music releases and have some advice for you on what you should download today.

Hipster Halloween Party: I'm pretty shocked by how much I'm enjoying the self-titled debut album from Dead Man's Bones, AKA the band that Ryan Gosling is in. The "goth-folk" concept sounds too campy to work; Gosling and his bandmate Zach Shields have compiled an entire album of creepy-themed tracks, finding inspiration in zombies and werewolves. It sounds ridiculous, but their stroke of genius is adding the Silverlake Conservatory of Music Children's Choir. As backup singers, the kids' voices are sweet and catchy, especially on Flowers Grow Out of My Grave. My other favorites are the charm-filled, retro-sounding My Body's a Zombie For You and Pa Pa Power, where Gosling's '50s-toned voice plays off the backing of the young voices.

Spill it: I was eagerly awaiting Built to Spill's latest album, There Is No Enemy, and I'm not disappointed; so far I like it more than their last effort from three years ago, You in Reverse. Enemy is more in the upbeat-yet-deep vein of 1999's Keep it Like a Secret (maybe my favorite BTS album). Lose yourself in Hindsight and Aisle 13, but if you're craving a lilting, classic BTS jam, cue up Things Fall Apart.

See one more release when you read more.

A girl and her guitar: Brandi Carlile hit the pop culture jackpot when songs from her last album The Story were featured on Grey's Anatomy several times. Now she's back with her third album, Give Up the Ghost, and her emotional folk will probably get her back on the show: Dreams ramps up from a slow ballad to heavy rocker, while That Year and Before it Breaks are worthy of a Mer-Der cryfest.

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:30:32 -0700

Tuesdays are big in entertainmentville: not only do all the new DVD releases hit Netflix, but new music also pours into stores. So I take a spin through each week's music releases and pick out some albums and tracks worthy of a download.

Queen of the dance floor: I pretty much murdered my cassette of Madonna's greatest hits, The Immaculate Collection, which came out in 1990. Now, with Celebration, her third hits compilation, Madonna brings the party again. The title track is an upbeat dancer, but what you really want are her older songs that are mixed in with more recent hits, including "Hung Up," "Music," "Vogue," "Into the Groove," "Don’t Tell Me," and "Like a Virgin."

Divas are doing it for themselves: Even if your tastes aren't Mariah-level mainstream, you probably won't be able to escape most of the singles off of Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel for the next few months. Mariah wrote and executive produced the entire album, which includes her stalker jam "Obsessed" which has already been getting lots of airplay. If you tend to like her pipes more on ballads, look out for "H.A.T.E.U." and "I Want to Know What Love Is."

See one more release when you read more.

Alt rock out: Paramore sprung on the scene last year with prime placement on the Twilight soundtrack. Since then, they've been nominated for a VMA, and today they release their third album, Brand New Eyes. The first single, "Ignorance," is a hard rocker, while the slower, bittersweet "All I Wanted" will please devoted fans and new listeners. I also predict "Brick by Boring Brick" will go places.