BuzzSugar

Controversial Comedic Movies

BuzzSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:30:41 -0700

Some of the best comedy provocatively pushes the envelope, and when done well, it can allow us to not take life too seriously. But sometimes it can go really wrong, and feel less like a keen observation and more just mean-spirited. There is a thin line that certain comedic movies walk between hilarious and offensive. As Tropic Thunder, with all its controversies, hits the theaters, I was reminded of other comedies in recent years that were met with some protest. Controversy doesn't always affect ticket sales, though sometimes over-the-line comedy seems to influence the way a movie is received. To see some examples, just hit "Start." Source

View Slideshow ›

Sacha Baron Cohen's Bruno Movie, and More

BuzzSugar — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 12:19:47 -0700

After the success of Borat, Sacha Baron Cohen isn't planning to lay low. He has two more big movies in mind, the first of which will focus on his fashion reporter character "Bruno" from "The Ali G Show." Bruno's style is obviously different from Borat's, but they share the same m.o.: to get people to say offensive, controversial or downright stupid things by asking out-of-left-field questions. Bruno was the character who first won me over when I started watching "Ali G," and the segment where he goes to a fashion show is worth a watch.

After Bruno, Cohen hopes to do a comedy titled Dinner for Schmucks, a remake of the French film Le Diner de Cons. Apparently the story focuses on "a weekly dinner party held by a Paris publisher who challenges his friends to bring the most pathetic guest to the gathering." According to Variety, "Cohen will play a character blessed with such extraordinary schmuckiness that he can destroy the personal life of anyone with whom he comes in contact." Something tells me Cohen was born to play that part.

Up next we can catch Cohen in Sweeney Todd this December, playing Signor Adolfo Pirelli, the rival to Johnny Depp's Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Hot.

Source

Buzz News Roundup, 6/8

BuzzSugar — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 15:11:28 -0700

Reuters reports on the mixed reactions polygamists have toward HBO's series "Big Love."
According to NME, No Doubt are heading into the studio without Gwen Stefani.
But Fergie promises fan that the Black Eyed Peas will be back.
Reuters brings us news that Sean Connery will not be in the fourth Indiana Jones movie, claiming "retirement is just too damned much fun."
Variety says the cast for Mel Brooks' next musical, "Young Frankenstein" will include Megan Mullally and Roger Bart, among others.
Spike Lee will direct a WWII drama titled Miracle at St. Anna, according to Variety.
A businessman who ran away from Sacha Baron Cohen in the Borat movie has joined the ranks of people suing the filmmakers, E! Online reports.
Pitchfork has tour dates from Spoon, Modest Mouse, and Feist.

Buzz News Roundup, 5/25

BuzzSugar — Fri, 25 May 2007 16:53:58 -0700

Media Post has the apology Fox issued about the "American Idol" running late.
Variety says we now need another new Capone, since Nicolas Cage will not be in the Untouchables prequel.
The Hollywood Reporter has the TV season's overall ratings results. And "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?" ranked higher than "Ugly Betty."
Zap2it has the scoop on next season's potential new "Heroes."
Fox is making a movie of The Sims computer game, Variety reports.
Lollapalooza has launched a contest for bands to win performing slots at this summer's festival, says NME.
Sandra Bullock is back to doing the romantic comedy thing, having been cast in Proposal in which she'll go all Mrs. Robinson-y on some young male thing, Variety reports.
Borat will pen a travel guide to the United States and Kazakhstan, E! reports.

Photo courtesy of Fox

What's Buzzworthy: Embarrassing Movies to Watch With Parents

BuzzSugar — Sat, 19 May 2007 11:45:05 -0700

Last week I invited you all to Buzzworthy the movies you've watched with your parents (or grandparents, or in-laws) that just made you cringe, slump down in your seat, or pretend to yawn, stretch and call it a night. There were some great Buzzworthied DVDs, as well as many comments about embarrassing movie experiences. Check out some of the titles bookmarked by Buzz readers, and then a few "highlights" (if you can call them that!) from the comments section of last week's Buzzworthy challenge.

Wedding Crashers
Selected by gruaig_rua, among other commenters. gruaig_rua says, "The scene where Isla Fisher's character goes under the dinner table......cringe!!!"

Secretary
I couldn't agree more with this selection from Fab_Kitty, who writes "I love this movie, but can't think of any flick more embarrassing to watch with older family members. Be sure Grammy knows this movie isn't about a sweet Doris Day-type heroine!"

Who Should Play Freddie Mercury?

BuzzSugar — Sat, 05 May 2007 06:01:38 -0700

The most intriguing news comes from the sketchiest sources: The UK's Daily Mirror is "reporting" that Borat's Sacha Baron Cohen will be playing Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in a biopic about the singer's life. This comes as a surprise since months ago it was confirmed that Johnny Depp would be playing Mercury in a biopic and, well, nobody pushes Johnny out of a role! So, while this news may or may not be true, it got me thinking... which actor would make a better Freddie Mercury?

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 07:30:50 -0800

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I'll sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue.

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
You are most likely familiar with this film, as it was a major box office hit, earned Sacha Baron Cohen a Golden Globe award, and was even nominated for an Academy Award. British actor Cohen takes his Borat character, first introduced on his TV series "Da Ali G Show," on a mission to report on the United States, "the greatest country in the world." Borat's documentary crew follows him around in his American exploration, though Borat is ultimately more intent on marrying Pamela Anderson than anything else.

For another great DVD releasing this week, read more

Fast Food Nation
This fictionalized adaptation of Eric Schlosser's nauseating nonfiction book presents the nasty truths about the fast-food industry: the health risks involved in consuming its products, as well as social and environmental repercussions. Richard Linklater directs an impressive ensemble cast that includes Greg Kinnear, Catalina Sandino Moreno (Maria Full of Grace), and Wilmer Valderrama in a highly praised performance.

Buzz News Roundup, 2/9

BuzzSugar — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:51:47 -0800

"The O.C." will have a new life on cable, according to the Futon Critic.
Billboard says SXSW is confirming its first round of artists, including Bloc Party, Lily Allen and ... Taylor Hicks?
Jeff Foxworthy finds his calling as host of Fox's "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?"
Dr. Dre gets into the film-production business, reports the Chicago Sun-Times.
The IRS is no longer giving tax breaks to indie filmmakers, says Variety.
Pixar and Disney may return to hand-drawn animation, according to Hollywood Reporter.
"Six Feet Under" star Peter Krause will play yet another man with a dead father in a new ABC pilot, says the Hollywood Reporter.
E! Online reports there will be no sequel for Borat. (Well, yeah, who would talk to him now?)
Cartoon Network's leader steps down in the aftermath of the "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" security scare, the AP reports.
Island Records names Jermaine Dupri (aka Janet Jackson's boyfriend) the new head of Island Records.
Dakota Fanning and her four-years-younger sister Elle will play twins in an upcoming film, says Zap2it.

What Was Your Favorite Movie Comedy of 2006?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:37:38 -0800

Source

Buzz News Roundup, 12/11

BuzzSugar — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 13:33:55 -0800

Borat, Dreamgirls, and United 93 land on AFI's somewhat puzzling Top 10 list for 2006 - Associated Press
Clint Eastwood's Letters From Iwo Jima tops the year-end list from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Variety
Lacking a critical darling this year, hip-hop gets left out of the major Grammy nominations - LA Times
This season of CBS's "The Amazing Race" is decided by an EZ-Pass - Zap2It
Indie rockers the Decemberists challenge Stephen Colbert to a guitar duel, and "The Colbert Report" host accepts - Pitchfork
Sahara author Clive Cussler is suing over what he considers to be a woeful big-screen version of his book - Los Angeles Times
Prince is tapped to play the Superbowl halftime show - PopSugar

Source