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Critics Love Lost, Hate The Moment of Truth

BuzzSugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:34:08 -0700

The results of the latest TV Week critics' poll are out, and Lost has claimed a spot at the top of the list. Critics ranked the show first for the six months starting in January, beating out The Wire for the No. 1 slot. The show apparently won by a wide margin, claiming a spot in the top five on almost every list submitted.

Because of the writers' strike, it's even tougher than usual to compare this Summer's list with the Winter rankings that found Pushing Daisies at the top; that show didn't air a single episode in 2008, so it didn't qualify. But there were still a few interesting changes to note, including the jump of The Office from No. 8 in the Winter to No. 4 now. But 30 Rock came in at No. 3, leapfrogging over The Office for the first time to claim the title of highest-ranked comedy on the list. Three CBS comedies - How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory, and The New Adventures of Old Christine - also ranked in the top 25.

On the worst side, The Moment of Truth topped the list, prompting one critic to proclaim, "This is the worst in every category into which it can be fitted." I just have to feel a little sorry for poor The Return of Jezebel James, though - sure, it didn't come close to expectations, but was it really worse than Secret Talents of the Stars?

Also, one show managed to make both the best and worst lists. To see what it was - and debate the best and worst - just read more.

The show that managed to claim a spot on both lists was American Idol, which ranked No. 20 best and tied for No. 9 worst.

BEST SERIES
1. Lost
2. The Wire
3. 30 Rock
4. The Office
5. Friday Night Lights
6. House
7. Battlestar Galactica
8. Breaking Bad
9. John Adams
10. (tie) In Treatment
10. (tie) The Tudors

WORST SERIES
1. The Moment of Truth
2. The Return of Jezebel James
3. (tie) Quarterlife
3. (tie) Living Lohan
5. (tie) Big Brother
5. (tie) Cashmere Mafia
7. (tie) Secret Talents of the Stars
7. (tie) Farmer Wants a Wife
9. (tie) American Idol
9. (tie) According to Jim

Buzz News Roundup, 2/1

BuzzSugar — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:30:10 -0800

ComingSoon has news that Jesse L. Martin will play Marvin Gaye in a biopic titled Sexual Healing. James Gandolfini will co-star in and produce the project.
Variety reports on Josh Hartnett's next role in the martial arts action movie Bunraku.
Fox has ordered 13 more episodes of The Moment of Truth, Zap2it reports.
According to Hollywood Reporter, Emily Blunt will star in the immigration drama The Girl.
ComingSoon has the scoop on the Space Chimps video game, which will be based on the upcoming movie.
Jordin Sparks will sing the national anthem at Sunday's Super Bowl and Alicia Keys will provide pregame entertainment, the Associated Press reports.
Speaking of the Super Bowl, expect kinder, gentler ads this year, writes The New York Times.
Following her rejection on The Bachelor, DeAnna Pappas is the new Bachelorette; details are at The Futon Critic.

Source and Source

TV Tonight: The Moment of Truth

BuzzSugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 06:30:14 -0800

The previews for The Moment of Truth, the new Fox series that premieres tonight after American Idol, have been making me squirm - and I think that means they're doing their job. The series features contestants hooked up to lie detectors while being asked personal, potentially humiliating questions - "Do fat people repulse you?" and "Would you ever cheat on your wife?" among them. Answering honestly means earning money, with those who answer all 21 questions truthfully going home with $500,000. Hey, they might not have spouses or friends anymore, but at least they're rich!

I've been curious about the Fox version of this show ever since the Colombian game show it's based on was yanked off the air amid controversy over the summer. Now, after relentless promotion (which included a Truth Booth in Santa Monica where passersby subjected themselves to the show's prying questions without money on the table), it's finally making its debut. But will it be good entertainment that reveals interesting things about our culture - or will it just be too uncomfortable to watch?

Anyone else eager to see how this show plays out? You can watch a preview clip if you read more.

Photo and video courtesy of Fox

First Look: The Moment of Truth

BuzzSugar — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 10:30:00 -0800

Would you tell the truth about your darkest secrets if you could win $500,000? That's the central question of Fox's new game show, The Moment of Truth, which premieres in late January. The show asks contestants to answer a series of questions about their lives, from the relatively innocuous ("Do you really care about starving children in Africa?") to the deeply personal ("Have you ever cheated on your spouse?"). Those who make it through all 21 questions without lying go home with $500,000.

The series is based on a Colombian game show that became notorious earlier this year, when a woman admitted to hiring a man to kill her husband - and won $25,000 as a result. Colombian officials quickly stepped in and canceled the show, but it had already become a sensation, even prompting people to buy their own lie detectors. (Fox says its show won't ask about felonies, sticking to things that could be humiliating but not incriminating.)

This concept makes me very uncomfortable, but I've heard so much about it that I'll have to check it out come Jan. 23. What about you? To watch a preview, just read more.

Photo and video courtesy of Fox

90210 vs. Melrose Place: Which Was More Scandalous?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:30:22 -0800

This week's 90210 and Melrose Place combo don't have a ton of shocking moments, but it's obvious both shows are gearing up for major stuff to go down. (Like a drug bust, murder arrest, and Heather Locklear, for instance?!) We do, however, get some nice moments between the characters. Teddy, for one, is acting like an angel - although I can't tell if it's sincere, because I've made it a rule not to trust a guy who ties sweaters over his shoulders. And the gang from Melrose have a nice come-together moment around the pool, which I'd like to see more of.

Not that everything is warm and fuzzy. Hardly. There's still scandal to go around, so ready to decide which gave us more gossip-worthy material? Just read more.

90210 point: Navid discovers Jasper selling Adrianna drugs in her car in the school parking lot. Navid calls Adrianna to confront her, but she of course denies his accusations. Jasper also says the story isn't true and threatens Navid in a "hypothetical" way. Like, "hypothetically if I was a drug dealer, you wouldn't want to mess with me, because I know bad people." Real discreet stuff.
Melrose Place counterpoint: The blood tests from last week's discovery of Sydney's murder weapon come back - and Auggie is the guilty party. Auggie might as well be off the show already, because he is nowhere to be found, supposedly on a trip in Mexico. Ella's relieved, Riley has doubts, and Violet continues to defend him, seeing as how they slept together and she's crazy. When she told Riley that she and Auggie were "intimate" with each other, I nearly ralphed.

90210 point: Debbie is in the doghouse with Dixon. He tries to go comfort Sasha after her "miscarriage," and Debbie admits that Sasha faked the pregnancy - and that she hid the truth. Dixon's unreasonably angry with Debbie, telling her "you're not my real mom anyway." Come on, Dixon. Deb doesn't deserve that.
Melrose Place counterpoint: David sneaks over to Michael's house while he's at work and borrows Noah. He takes his little bro to a fair, but things go amiss when Noah climbs a wall and falls. David rushes him to Lauren at the hospital, and she administers treatment - but not before Michael gets wind of everything. He's understandably furious but later tells David that he's glad he cares about Noah. Could this be the start of an actual relationship between the father and son?!

90210 point: Liam is on the rampage after he tells Mr. Matthews that Jen is psycho and Ryan doesn't believe him. He takes his attitude out on Ivy, Teddy, and an entire group of surfers. Later, Liam explains his behavior, opening up to the guys (and Ivy) about his history with Jen, and the entire thing culminates in a cheesy friend speech to take Jen down, complete with a high-five. [eye roll]
Melrose Place counterpoint: Violet is back to blackmailing Michael. This time, we find out that she's wanted for a court trial for previously resisting arrest. She enlists Michael, suggesting that he find her a lawyer in return for her discretion about their one-night stand. He, in turn, threatens her back, telling her that he can make the sentencing go against her unless she erases the sex video. Which she does . . . or so it seems. I'm still not 100 percent sure that it won't pop up later, but the power play between the two of them was an episode highlight for me.

90210: With Silver's half birthday approaching, her mom decides to make up for years of missed celebrations and throw her multiple parties at once, dressing up their entire house in different themes. The whole thing seemed like a stretch - really, Teddy called his dad's set designer friend to rig up the ambiance? - but it was still nice to see her and her mom get their moment together. Unfortunately, at the end of the episode, Silver goes to wake her mom in the morning and realizes that her mom has passed away.
Melrose Place counterpoint: Whoa, whoa, whoa - Ella makes a move on Jonah that's bold even for her. It all starts when she needs him to pose as a publicist at a lunch with a hot new indie director. The director comes on to Ella, and Jonah swoops in to put off his advances by pretending to be her fiance. They share a steamy kiss to be extra-convincing, and sure enough, once the director is out of sight, Ella suggests that the two of them go to a nearby hotel, so Jonah can see what he's been missing. He angrily tosses Ella's advances by telling her he's in love with Riley. You could tell part of her feels hurt by his words - and that part of him doesn't actually mean them.

90210 point: Annie is falling hard for Jasper. Their back and forth "I love yous" were pretty sickening, and she even gets in a sting at Dixon, defending Jasper and telling Dixon he's a bad judge of character because of Sasha. But the most cringe-worthy part is Annie tells Jasper that she wants him to be her first - and they start tossing on the bed as the episode wraps. Oh, Annie - you're so gonna wish you had given it up to Ethan instead.

Melrose Place counterpoint: You saw it coming: Lauren and David finally kiss! David's actually a standup guy this episode by taking care of Noah, but his speech to Lauren about how he wants her to see the best in him was unexpected - and welcome, in my opinion. Lauren of course is hesitant due to her call girl lifestyle, which David still doesn't know about. I just hope they don't let that hold her back too long, so we can explore these two as a couple.

This is tough one to call, since neither show packed a ton of drama, relatively speaking. I'm going to go with Melrose Place though, since we find Auggie's blood on the murder weapon, Ella propositioning Jonah, and David and Lauren locking lips. But would you argue for 90210 instead? I'll agree that it did include some pretty nasty lines, and obviously Silver's storyline with her mom carries some weight.

Let me know your pick in the comments, then head over to the 90210 Superfans group in the Buzz Community to discuss the show in more detail.

Photos courtesy of The CW

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:30:00 -0800

Tuesday means it's time to rev up your entertainment engine with new releases in music and new DVDs to add to your Netflix queue. I've checked out today's movie offerings and have some recommendations for the movies that are worth your rental time below.

This Summer's hit from Pixar is as tear-jerking as it is funny and light, and equally entertaining for kids and adults. Up is a story about an old man, voiced by Ed Asner, who attaches his home to balloons to escape his rapidly changing neighborhood.

I loved the emotional and original story, and wouldn't be surprised to see it nab a Best Picture nomination. The DVD has a ton of fun extras like cartoon shorts Partly Cloudy and Dug's Special Mission, and the expected making-of featurettes.

98%

See two more new releases when you read more.

The Ugly Truth

Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler play opposite each other in this romantic comedy that hinges on the notion that women want love, while men only want sex. I couldn't find much romance, though; in its place are cliches and some truly cringe-worthy moments.

But if you're one of the many who loves Gerard Butler, you may enjoy his boorish behavior. DVD extras include deleted scenes, two alternate endings, director commentary, and a gag reel.

15%

Spread

Ashton Kutcher is just a gigolo in the indie Spread. OK, maybe he's not exactly a gigolo, but it's pretty close - his character Nikki hangs around wealthy women like Anne Heche, exchanging good lovin' for a place to stay. When he unintentionally falls for a mysterious girl, his sugar mama ways are challenged.

Kutcher's role is more dramatic than what he usually takes on, and the love scenes are supposedly pretty steamy. Included in the DVD's extras are a feature called "The World According to Nikki," commentary with Kutcher (who also produced the movie), and deleted scenes.

13%

Mad Men, "The Color Blue": This Week's 5 Maddest Moments

BuzzSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:30:34 -0700

I have often found myself forgetting that Mad Men began with its leading man's Big Dirty Secret - and that not everyone knows the truth. That may be about to change, as we saw on this week's episode, "The Color Blue."

As usual, I've recapped the episode by its maddest moments, so to see them, just read more.

Fits: So Don finds himself in the middle of another affair, and this time, the object of his affection seems far more emotionally invested than his previous mistresses. Don seems like he could be as invested as her, driving Susie's brother to his new job, but I think it has more to do with "doing the right thing," whatever that means to Don. Susie, on the other hand, is looking more like a live wire to me - her showing up on the train is pretty stalkery, and I didn't believe her when she denies calling Don's house.
The Box: My heart stopped when Betty found Don's desk key and the box that contains all relics of Don's existence as Dick Whitman, including a divorce certificate with Don's name on it. She may have been confused by the scrawled "Dick" on his photos, but the divorce paperwork is unquestionably damaging. Betty is frightened to bring it up and what she may learn, but her pained looks at Don at the Sterling Cooper party comprise some of January Jones's finest work on the show.
Faded ink: I really felt for Paul when he failed to write down his amazing idea for Western Union. I felt even more for him when he watched Peggy summon up a winning pitch in front of Don using his misfortune as inspiration. The look on his face was that of realizing he's not talented the way Peggy is, and to me - I thought it meant Paul may be reconsidering his career.
Mad Woman: Despite my pity for Paul, I couldn't have been more proud of Miss Peggy. Even though Paul initially tries to deride her success as being a woman on female-centric campaigns, Peggy's talent is clearly more than that (or simple spontaneity). Paul sees it, Don sees it - will Duck's competing agency Grey see it, too, if Sterling Cooper fails to recognize it on the whole?
For sale by owner: Sterling Cooper is set to be sold again, the British owners reveal. At least one person is happy about the possibility - Pryce's London-lorn wife. The agency has been thrown into upheaval in is first sale, what will happen in its next?

Do you think Betty will begin questioning Don about his box of secrets? What do you make of the title, "The Color Blue?" I took it as a moral ambiguity reference, after it came up in Don and Susie's pillow talk. Let me know what you thought of this week's episode below, and to talk more Sterling Coop, join the Mad Men group in the community!

Photo courtesy of AMC

House Rundown, "Instant Karma"

BuzzSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:30:00 -0700

This week's House continued to stick to the tried-and-true show recipe, and our favorite doctor was there pulling the strings - even if he isn't technically in charge. The episode answered one or two of my previous questions, and while the writers quickly tied up the dilemma involving last week's death of the dictator (breathe a collected sigh of relief), I highly doubt that Chase and Foreman's shared secret is just going to be swept under the rug for good.

I'm curious to see how everything plays out, but for now, take a look at my questions (some spoilers!) from this week's episode and share your thoughts when you read more.

Foreman brings up a good point, when will House get back his license? I'm interested to see how long they drag it out for, although I do kind of like to see him play the annoying backseat driver to poor Foreman.
Why isn't Chase a little more nervous about the M&M presentation at the beginning? He seems a bit too cocky about getting away scot-free.
Thirteen! Man, I love seeing her and House spar. Wilson is right - she's the only one who doesn't get sucked into the "House vortex." I know she's boarding a plane at the end, but I think she'll be back, don't you? Once Jennifer Morrison leaves, it would be strange to have just Chase and Foreman debate the odd medical scenarios.
Speaking of Cameron's departure, it definitely seems like the writers are going to use Chase's secret to cause a rift in their relationship. First, they keep showing her alone in bed night after night, but then she asks him what was going on, and he continues to dig himself even deeper into the lie. When she does learn the truth - I'm thinking soon - there's going to be a huge blow-up.
Why is it that House's pervy comments always make me laugh?! I love this one that he said to Thirteen: "I wasn't talking to you; I was spying on the MILF in the running shorts." Ha!
I think this episode really shows a softer side to House. It started when he tells Foreman, "You're going to be a good boss, Boss." Awww, is that an actual tender moment from the crotchety doctor?! And then he goes on to save Chase and Foreman from their M&M review, and he tries to bring back Thirteen? House may say his heart is "three sizes to small," but he is spreading good will all over the hospital - well, good will for House at least.
Anyone else find the "Midas" dad kind of annoying? I don't dig his cocky attitude, and I was actually more interested in how things were playing out between the doctors than the actual medical case in this episode.
Here's a real philosophical question for you: Do you think that in some karmic way, that the father getting rid of his fortune really does help his son? House seems to be deep in thought over it at the end of the episode - or maybe he's questioning taking over the team again?
I love the moment where Chase tells House that he will always be in the guy in charge, but perhaps House is doubting his leadership. He does tell Cuddy that the combination of puzzles and power proved to be a bad mix for him. Still, I'm ready to see him running the place again, even if he pretty much already does.

What'd you think of the episode? Do you think House may be turning into a softie? Will he take over the reins from Foreman? And how will Thirteen finally make her return (if she does)? I want to hear all your hypotheses!

If this didn't satisfy your House hunger, head over to the House Group in the BuzzSugar Community to keep the conversation going!

Photo courtesy of Fox

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 Invention of Lying: Sweet, but Unsteady

BuzzSugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:45:37 -0700

In his Hollywood directorial debut, Ricky Gervais takes us to an alternate universe where honesty makes the world go round. It's not just that lie-telling is an impossibility; everyone can't help but speak their minds at all times, no matter how personal, embarrassing, or brutal their innermost thoughts may be. The premise of The Invention of Lying is rife for comedy, but the film is also a commentary on religion and has its sad moments as well.

The film tells the story of Mark Bellison, an average joe who just can't seem to get ahead in a world where his mediocrity is ridiculed day after day. His co-workers can't stand him and women reject him based on his looks alone. When he loses his job as a screenwriter, Mark is ready to give up - until he mysteriously becomes the world's first liar.

To see what else I thought of the film, just read more.

Ricky Gervais stars as Mark, living in a world that's mostly free of flair, frills, and aesthetics. Mark's house and office are plain and boring, complementing his every-day appearance. Those who stand out are the people who are naturally attractive, like the object of Mark's affections, Anna (Jennifer Garner) and his snarky co-worker Brad (Rob Lowe). Anna can't help but show her shallow side on her first date with Mark. She immediately rejects him on the basis that she doesn't want to have "fat, snub-nosed" children someday and must find a "better genetic match." Once Mark starts to stretch his newfound talent though, he decides he can have whatever he wants - and begins a quest to win Anna's affections.

Gervais surprised me with his performance because he finally takes a break from his typical British dry humor. As affable, down-on-his-luck Mark, Gervais proves that he doesn't need his signature sarcasm to be witty. The most important scene of the movie requires a lot of raw emotion from Gervais, and he absolutely nails it, showcasing a sweet side that we rarely see from the actor.

There are two major aspects of the movie that wore me down: the cameos and the product placement. I love a good celebrity appearance, but after Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ed Norton, and Jason Bateman pop in, it starts to feel like Gervais is trying to use his comical buddies to keep the storyline afloat when it starts to lose focus. Seeing a familiar face is always fun, but this isn't a Judd Apatow movie.

The product placement is funny and fitting at first; there's not much room for advertising in a world of stark truth. With only a reputation to rely on, Coke and Pepsi are left with the slogans "It's very famous" and "When they don't have Coke," respectively. The film goes way overboard from there though, and suddenly Mark is surrounded by Budweiser bottles at all times and at the film's climax he's standing in front of a group clutching a pair of cardboard Pizza Hut boxes.

The movie's biggest problem is that it tries to appeal to too many genres. It's packaged as a comedy, but Mark becomes a god-like character once the world gets wind of his lies. His peers literally take everything he says as gospel, and Mark becomes a blatant modern-day Moses (complete with long hair and beard). Just as the audience begins to wonder where it's all going, the movie quickly ditches the religious aspect and finishes up as a love story. The ending is satisfactory, but what's the point of satirizing religion when it doesn't hold much water for the overall message of the movie?

Like I said, the premise is rife for comedy and starts us down a path that's packed with laughs - I just wish Invention of Lying didn't wander off before finding its way back home.

Photos courtesy of Warner Bros.