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Singer to Watch: Yelle

BuzzSugar — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:00:00 -0700

Hey, wasn't I just talking about songs with lyrics I don't understand? My lovely friend Bella sent this adorable French electropop artist my way and implored me to check her out. And holy wow, I can't stop listening (or looking, for that matter!). Her name is Yelle and she's becoming a pretty big deal in France already. I'm not sure she has any cross-over plans in the near future, but I'm going to help her start her US takeover campaign right now by posting a video for her song "Ce Jeu."

She is apparently quite witty with her words, so if any of your high school or college French comes back as you're listening and you want to translate, please do so in the comments! As for me, this is one time when I can just smile and enjoy this tune's infectiousness. To check out the video, read more.

Source

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

Buzz Interview With the Cast of Precious, Part 3: Gabourey Sidibe

BuzzSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:30:00 -0800

Precious begins rolling out in theaters this Friday, and we'll finally see if it lives up to its Oscar hype. One performance that the Academy will definitely be talking about comes from newcomer Gabby Sidibe, who carries the film as the title character.

Playing an abused, pregnant teen is the sort of responsibility and heavy subject matter that could make even pros crack under pressure - so how is she coping with her big screen debut? I've already showed you my interviews with Paula Patton and director Lee Daniels, but for this third installment in my Precious series, check out my chat with the actress who already has Oprah and the rest of Hollywood buzzing.

On landing the role: "When I got hired, I was pretty sure it was just a joke. I wasn't an actress - I was a receptionist before this. I was like, there's no way they're interested in me. Since then, I've been waiting for the other shoe to drop, but this joke has gone pretty far!"
On how she handled the first-time pressure: "I was sure I would look like a complete novice, like I didn't belong there, or that I didn't fit in, but once I got there and saw all the people involved - grips, electric, camera operators - I thought, okay, there are a lot of people whose paychecks are on my back, so I can't spaz out. So immediately all of my nervousness fell away from me, and I had a job to do."

To hear more from Gabby (including her thoughts on Mariah Carey and the Best Actress gossip), read more.

On the award buzz: "It's weird, because I have no idea what it is to be a part of an Oscar-winning film or any kind of accolade-winning film, because this is my first go-around. So I just take every day as a gift! I'm thankful that anyone sees the film and feels something - and if the awards come, they come, or if they don't, they don't. But what I've done so far, I'm absolutely proud of myself."
On working with Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz: "It was insane. They're all people that I absolutely idolize. The first time Lenny Kravitz came on set, I was standing very, very still, and I knew he was around, and I couldn't wait for him to come upstairs. Then he did, and it was like, well, there is Lenny Kravitz. There was nothing to be scared about, because he was very cool. And Mariah, I met her the night before we started shooting. She was like the last to be hired, so we had done most of the movie. I kind of felt like a veteran - Mariah is stepping on to my turf. [laughs]"

On her next project: "It's a Sundance Lab Film [Yelling to the Sky], and it stars Zoe Kravitz. I play a girl who is really loud and obnoxious, the queen of the school. It's really fun because it's so far from Precious - I like playing the bad girl! And the film has a first-time director, Victoria Mahoney, who's a lady. The DP is a female, the camera operator is female, so it's all females. It's empowering in a weird way. I've never been all super feminist, but it's really cool."
On her new career: "It's so weird to have a 'Hollywood career.' I just want to do things that make me happy. There are so many people that I look up to as far as actresses go, but I just want to go as far as I can."

Love her! I'll be keeping a close eye on Gabby when the film opens, especially once award nominations start flowing in. Will you be checking out Precious?

Photos courtesy of Lionsgate and Source

Where the Wild Things Are: A Passionate Ode to Childhood

BuzzSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:30:00 -0700

There's been a bit of a controversy over how to market Spike Jonze's adaptation of Maurice Sendak's classic children's book, Where The Wild Things Are. Is it for kids? Adults? Adult hipsters?

The answer is anyone who wants to feel what it's like to be a child, and not in the fun-loving, no-responsibilities way. As adults, we tend to forget the insecurity and fears we had as kids, which the film's young character Max is in the throes of. There's just enough exposition before the fantasy begins: Max has a single mom (Catherine Keener) and an older sister who has recently outgrown him. His first few acts at home show his innocence and the savage emotions under the surface. He knows it as being "wild."

Where the Wild Things Are isn't a heavy-handed allegory, or an edgy children's movie; it's a loyal tribute to the way kids think and feel. To see what else I thought of the film, just read more.

Max reaches the world of the wild things after throwing a particularly heinous fit, prompting his mother to yell, "You're out of control!" After running away, Max finds himself on a boat that finally brings him to a strange land. This is where the wild things are. The creatures Jonze has created are aesthetic wonders: creepy, hostile, and huggable at once. These aren't Jim Henson's Muppets, but real characters, led by Carol (voiced by James Gandolfini). The rest of the group is comprised of Lauren Ambrose as aloof KW, Catherine O'Hara as prickly Judith, Paul Dano as timid Alexander, Chris Cooper as Douglas, and Forest Whitaker as Ira.

Each creature has a fully realized personality, with flaws and varying temperaments; their faces are so emotive and their dialogue so human that their scenes with Max are as real as those with his mother. This group is not easily classified as friend or foe - they're dysfunctional in their relationships and don't always treat each other well. One of the most successful elements of the movie is the dialogue of the wild things, which is rooted in Max's head.

In many ways, screenwriter Dave Eggers's job was tougher than Spike Jonze's, because it's imperative to remember the way children think. Max's interactions with Carol and his new clan are made up of the kind of things a kid would hear from his parents and peers and then internalize. In fact, in the wild world, Max declares himself king to bring order, and he summons up speeches from the authority figures that he's pulling away from in his real life. Naturally, he's too young to recognize how his subverted position is significant.

Max's relationship with Carol is most telling. As the de facto leader of the group who can't handle sadness, loneliness, or jealousy, he acts out as a mirror of Max while still being his own character. The richness of Carol and the creature cast stays with you; when Max has to say goodbye to his friends, your heart breaks.

Jonze impressed me with his non-conformity; in another movie, Max would have demonstrated the grand lessons he learned from his time on the island, but in this one, he doesn't have to learn anything. He just gets to feel and experience and appreciate his emotionally fragmented new friends. It's devastating as a viewer, especially if you can put yourself back in that childlike place when your feelings were so raw and simple.

Photos courtesy of Warner Bros.

House Rundown, "The Tyrant"

BuzzSugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:30:35 -0700

This week's episode of House brought us right back to the usual formula. You know, unknown medical mystery that causes the team to pull together to figure it out. Only this time, the team goes through some internal turmoil, as the person with the ailment is a genocidal dictator - played by an always terrific James Earl Jones.

Personally, I think this episode is the start of a long arc for the season. What did you think? I've got a boatload of questions to ask you (spoilers ahead!) when you read more.

First of all, let's skip to the end. When Dibala's blood work comes up positive, I had a feeling Chase is cooking the results. Were you surprised to find out that Chase is OK with killing him? How do you think this is going to affect the show? I'm assuming that Chase and Cameron's relationship is going to go south because of it. Maybe this is how the writers are taking Jennifer Morrison out of the show?
Now that there's this huge secret between them, how do you think the dynamic between Foreman and Chase is going to change?
Do you think Thirteen is going to come back to Princeton Plainsboro, and is Taub already gone?
Speaking of Thirteen, I am so over her relationship with Foreman. Do you think they'll stay broken up for good this time?
I know he was playing an awful homicidal tyrant, but does anyone else get excited when they hear James Earl Jones' voice?
Did you like seeing House work with the old gang again? I loved it, but as House said, "Oh my god, it's three years ago."
As always, I loved the House/Wilson dynamic. It was fun to see House try to be a better person, although I wished Wilson could've believed him more. And is that a True Blood reference that Wilson utters? I swear he says 'Sookie' after his vampire joke.
While the old team soaks up all the drama, House provides the comic relief. My favorite bit of the evening is when House breaks in and drugs Wilson's neighbor. Did anyone else immediately yell, "OMG! It's like Dexter!"? Although I have to admit, that stuff with the mirror seemed more like magic tricks and not medicine.
This episode definitely looks like it's setting us up for a larger story. Where do you think the writers will take us next?

What were your thoughts on this week's episode? Let me know in the comments below, and to chat more about the show, join the House! group in Community.

Photo courtesy of Fox

Buzz Battle: Kristin Cavallari as the New Face of The Hills

BuzzSugar — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:30:29 -0700

The editors here at BuzzSugar stand united in our undying love for all things pop culture, but we don't always see eye-to-eye on every topic. After checking out the premiere of The Hills, this morning's water cooler discussion quickly evolved into a debate about whether or not the show can survive with Kristin in Lauren's place.

In corner number one we've got editor B, who is ready to cancel her season pass to the show after last night's episode. In corner number two, we've got editor S, who couldn't be more thrilled to welcome Kristin to the show. We've both compiled our strongest arguments, so check out both sides of the story and weigh in for yourself when you read more.

Editor B: Let me start by saying that I am not a Cavallari hater. I thought she was adorable and entertaining on Laguna Beach. The problem is that her sassy, bad-girl attitude doesn't make her unique anymore. Now she just seems like one of those girls that peaked in high school and never got over it. LC may not have been the most dramatic character on the show, but I appreciated that she kept it real instead of blatantly starting fights five minutes after walking into a party.
Editor S Rebuttal: By replacing LC with Kristin, The Hills just flipped the script. Within ten minutes of this week's premiere, there's a screaming match (Audrina had to be held back!). The show hasn't seen action like this since Lauren hollered that Heidi knew what she did outside of a nightclub ladies room in season three. Last night, no one stared at each other with emotive eyes and pregnant pauses. They talked, they flirted, they yelled. Thanks to Kristin, The Hills is fun again!
Editor B: Her valley girl voice is annoying me more than ever.
Editor S Rebuttal: Have you ever heard Spencer's voice? Hasn't stopped me from watching yet.
Editor B: It's hard to root for a protagonist that you repeatedly want to kick in the shins. I used to think Stephanie and Audrina were whiny, but now I can't blame them for leaving the show.
Editor S Rebuttal: After four seasons of feeling sympathy for LC (someone's being mean to Lauren, someone's lying about Lauren, someone's hooking up with Lauren's maybe boyfriend), it's refreshing to root for a live wire. Kristin's not sympathetic and she doesn't need your sympathy. There's only so many female friendship dilemmas you can go through, and The Hills has gone through them - really, is it a big deal if Lauren hangs out with Lo more than Audrina?! I'm sick of smeared mascara and tearful conversations; I'm ready for stilettos and scheming.
Editor B's closing argument: I'll give her a few more episodes, but I have a feeling that this show is a sinking ship and KCav is the captain. With LC gone, it's like back-to-back obnoxious scenes featuring Kristin and Spencer. There's only so much a person can take!
Editor S's closing argument: Did you see the previews for the coming season? Kristin will get put in her place by Jayde and the catfights are only starting. If the rest of the season is as juicy and action-packed as this week's episode, then I have my new Tuesday night destination for guilty, mean girl pleasure.

So whose side are you on?

Buzz In: What's Your Favorite Game Show of All Time?

BuzzSugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:30:32 -0700

While we've been busy trying to tackle all the awesome new series of the Fall, the networks are still adding fresh shows to their slates. NBC's most recent pickup is a new game show called Perfect 10, where contestants are challenged to quickly finish regular household chores for a chance to win a million dollars. Sounds simple enough, but so did Are you Smarter than a Fifth Grader.

Between Perfect 10 and the CBS reboot of Let's Make a Deal, it sounds like there will be plenty of new options for game show viewing this season. These days I can barely keep up with all of my favorite scripted shows, but I do catch an episode of Deal or No Deal every now and then. The Price is Right will also always hold a place in my heart - I was one of those kids who would be yelling "One dollar!" at the screen when I was home sick as a kid. What about you - what are some of your favorite game shows?

House Rundown, "Epic Fail"

BuzzSugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:30:16 -0700

While last week's episode of House was an awesome look at the inner workings of House the man, it was nice to get back to the medical drama that we know and love, even if it wasn't quite business as usual. It's interesting to see what happened while House was away, and it's also fun to see how House was coping with being away.

Did you watch? What did you think? Let's discuss some of the key moments (spoilers ahead!) when you read more.

Was anyone else thrown off by the video game starting? For a few seconds I thought my TiVo had recorded the wrong show. I must admit though, I loved the ridiculous gaming scenes, especially when they come back later with our fave doctors as characters.
What did you think of Foreman as boss? Do you think he has the chops to run the department? It didn't surprise me that he jumps at the chance, although I hated how he suddenly doesn't want to listen to Thirteen.
While we're on the subject of Foreman and Thirteen, can I just say that I find their pairing totally forced? Were you surprised when he fires her at the end? I literally yelled at my TV when he did. Wouldn't you break up with him if you were in her place?
Speaking of Thirteen, did you catch her Jeremy Piven mercury poisoning joke? If not, then as she said, go Google it. Or just read about it here
What did you think of Wilson and House's cooking class brodate? It was hands-down my favorite moment of the evening. I just love their old married couple dynamic. Also, what about all the food House is making? I'm going to have to get my gal YumSugar to whip me up some of that ragu.
I know I just said that the brodate was my favorite moment, but how can I not mention the scene with Cuddy in the kitchen? I loved it when the random Chinese lady tells Cuddy to kiss him or get out.
I was glad to see that Dr. Nolan is still on the show. I find him to be such a calming presence in the rest of chaos, and hope we get to see these therapy sessions for a little while longer.
Did you love the twist at the end? I knew that there's no way they could the department without House. Although when Foreman had the breakthrough over pruned fingers, I wondered if it was possible to solve a medical mystery without an epiphany.

Well folks, what did you think? I thought it was a strong return for the show, and I can't wait for next week's episode. How long will House stay clean? And I wonder how long the old gang (Cameron, Chase, and Foreman) will be around. Especially since we know that Jennifer Morrison is leaving the show. I also wonder if Thirteen and Taub will show up again. Something tells me they will, but then again, the writers have proven to be great at throwing us off, so we'll all just have to tune in and find out.

Photo courtesy of Fox

Khloe and Lamar's Wedding Video, Matt Damon's Faux Freakout and Miley in SATC2!

Molly — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:08:46 -0700

Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom tied the knot this weekend, which inspired her sister Kim to reignite a passion of her own. She was on the first plane out of there to visit Reggie Bush! Plus, Matt Damon yelling just makes us love him more and watch how Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig dealt with a rude interruption during their Broadway show. Watch it all on PopSugar Rush now!

Mad Men: This Week's 5 Maddest Moments

BuzzSugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:30:33 -0700

Far fewer feet were cut off in this week's episode of Mad Men, but there's still intense imagery. The way the episode kicks off, with a bloody Don, Peggy in bed, and Betty on a fainting couch, you know this installment, "Seven Twenty Three," is going to be explosive.

To talk about the episode and see my five maddest moments (spoilers ahead!), just read more.

The Flash Forwards: Peggy, Don, and Betty are all shown lying down somewhere in vastly different situations - clearly these are the three paramount plot lines for the episode. I have to say, I really liked the subtle drama of the flashes.
Old Yeller: What's with Don yelling at the women in his life? Peggy is the first victim of his wrath when she dares to ask for a spot on the Hilton account. Then he shouts at Betty at home for having an opinion about his contract. What crawled up his gray flannel suit?
Duck, Duck, Peggy: When I wondered how Duck Philips would turn up this season, I did not think it would be in bed with Peggy. Duck's seduction of Peggy really only seemed like it was to get her to Gray; I didn't see a sexual thing coming. I mean, his name is Duck. He's not exactly the smoldering Lothario that Don is. Listening to his dirty talk is weird - even though it's pretty clean, it still scandalized me. The two tense encounters Peggy has with the main men in her life - Pete and Don - seem to be what make her vulnerable enough to have a "go-round" (I know, what?!) with Duck, who's sort of the anti-Don (Très has even more questions about this one-night stand). P.S. I love that no one notices that Peggy comes to work the next day in the same outfit she wore the day before. Classic.
Burt Blackmails: Am I dense for just not caring that much about the Conrad Hilton account? It's kind of cool to see real-life people integrated into the storyline, but he only appears to be there to press the contract issue. Right when I was telling my TV, "We get it Don, you don't like to be tied down," little old Burt Cooper shows up in Don's office and makes a reference to his knowledge of Don's true identity. And by making a reference, I mean he blackmails Don into signing the three-year contract. Burt's play is the most interesting thing about the contract; I'm glad it's finally wrapped up.
Don and the Bad Scene: You know you're having a bad trip when your dead, abusive dad shows up, tells you hillbilly jokes, and insults you. From the flashes of Don bloody and face down in a motel room, you know Don's headed for trouble when he leaves the house. He really sticks his foot in it this time; somehow, taking two barbiturates washed down with whiskey while driving seems excessive, even for Don. Fine, Don: no one can control you. Getting punched in the back of the head and then robbed is what his flash built up to; is this some kind of a rock bottom, or is he still on the way down? (By the by, it's realistic by now, but the fact that there's no fallout with Betty when Don takes off, stays out all night, and comes back with a facial wound cracks me up.)

So do you think we're going to see more of this Don/Dick Jekyll and Hyde thing? I won't be surprised if we do; the first scene of this season recalled Don's beginnings as Dick. What else were you intrigued by? Betty's involvement with the politician? Miss Farrell's somewhat bizarre interaction with Don about hitting on her? To talk more about the show, join the Mad Men Group in the BuzzSugar community!

Photo courtesy of AMC