matt.mitovich

At the Movies: Scary Movie Cutie Tries Time Travel

Per the Hollywood Reporter, Anna Faris will play a girl from the future in Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel, a sci-fi comedy in which three social outcasts mess with the time continuum.... Amy Smart and Patrick Wilson are a couple whose idyllic life is upended in Life in Flight.... Per Variety, Martin Lawrence is The Better Man in a dramedy about a single dad and outrageous talk-show host who begins to question his path in life.... Freaks & Geeks reunion alert! (Thanks, Lisa.) James Franco and Seth Rogen are tokers who get caught up with a drug gang in The Pineapple Express.

Wed, Nov 29, 2006

Short Cuts: Wiggles, Snoop Dogg, Sopranos and More!

The Wiggles are expected to announce on Thursday that lead singer/"Yellow Wiggle" Greg Page is leaving the popular children's group due to a serious illness that has caused him to suffer fainting spells and lethargy.... Snoop Dogg and two members of his entourage were arrested Tuesday for investigation of illegally possessing a handgun, coke and weed as Dogg left NBC after performing on The Tonight Show.... A&E has set a Jan. 10 premiere for its semi-sanitized episodes of The Sopranos, to run back-to-back on Wednesdays from 9 to 11:30 pm/ET.... The Nov. 22 premiere of MTV's The Real World: Denver drew just 1.56 million viewers, down a whopping 53 percent from the February debut of the Key West edition.

Wed, Nov 29, 2006

Who Did Babs Find Most Fascinating This Year?

And by fascinating, feel free to define that as "overexposed" or, if so inclined, "civil war." ABC has announced a Dec. 12 airdate  anything to screw with Boston Legal some more, right?  for Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2006. Among those making the cut this time around are Anna Wintour, hip-hopper Jay-Z, John Ramsey, Andre Agassi, televangelist Joel Osteen (who I have to agree is compelling, at least at 7 am on Sunday while chugging on the elliptical trainer), Terri Irwin and Patrick Dempsey. And again, a man named Federline is slighted. It's simply not his month.

Wed, Nov 29, 2006

On the Rock: Tracy Morgan Charged with DWI

Former Saturday Night Live regular and current 30 Rocker Tracy Morgan was arrested just before dawn on Tuesday in Upper Manhattan, on drunken-driving charges, Reuters reports. Morgan, who is to be arraigned today on charges of driving while intoxicated and driving while impaired, previously was arrested in December 2005 in Hollywood, California, after police stopped him for speeding then found his blood-alcohol level to be 0.13 percent, higher than the legal limit of 0.08 percent. After pleading no contest to a misdemeanor charge, Morgan was sentenced to 36 months' probation, fined $390 and ordered to attend an alcohol-education program.This is all just a long way of saying: So much for Lost's plans to recast Walt with Tracy.

Wed, Nov 29, 2006

Fur Shame: Nicole Richie, Olsen Twin Top Worst List

Nicole Richie and Ashley Olsen this year lay dubious claim to the No. 1 and 2 spots on PETA's "Worst-Dressed List" of fur-wearing celebs. Of Richie, the press release says, "This pelt-wearing party girl is all animal skin and bones," while Olsen, they advise, would be better to bulk up her frame "using a fork instead." Placing fourth (behind Christina Ricci, who recently donned reindeer fur for a magazine cover) is Eva Longoria. Quips PETA of the Desperate housewife, "You'd think she'd be more sympathetic to the plight of rabbits considering the way she screw around like one on Wisteria Lane." See, even activists can be funny!

Tue, Nov 28, 2006

Music Video Musings from the Treadmill

Buttonz? Yodeling? Paul Wall? If I am at all current on the music kids are listening to these days  and my niece Phoenix will be the first to say I am not  it's only because my weekend routine finds me watching VH1 videos while doing cardio (and reading the latest periodicals, because I'm such the multi-tasker) at the local health club. Herewith are my thoughts on some of today's heavily-played "tracks," in no particular order other than how they pop into my mind:"About Us," Brooke Hogan (with the aforementioned Paul Wall)So, this is Hulk's daughter, eh? I read something somewhere about how she whipped herself into shape for this, partly via mad amounts of jump-roping, hence (I can only assume) the activity's inclusion in the vid. Mr. Wall's orthodontic issues aside, it's a catchy tune, though I must opine that Brooke and her posse get served in the video's dance-off at the end. I mean, did you see that one chick's crazy leg moves? It's like she has no femur."My Love," J...

Tue, Nov 28, 2006

Is The O.C. O-V-E-R? Fox Blasts Cancellation Buzz

Fox found itself unexpectedly thrust into damage-control mode on Monday when an otherwise benign write-up in the Great Falls Tribune (Montana) suggested that production on The O.C. had been shut down, effective immediately and forever. "The O.C. has not been canceled," insists a show rep. "The show is in production on [Episode 11] and will continue production until it completes its season order [of 16 episodes]."Elswehere at Fox, the network has cut back its order for Season 2 (there was a 1?) of The Loop, from 13 episodes to 10, partly due to limited shelf space and the fact that at least three other series are in queue to premiere mid- or late season.

Tue, Nov 28, 2006

NBC to President Bush: This Means War

The Peacock's definition of "civil war" has W. up in arms. As explained by Matt Lauer during Monday's Today, NBC News has elected to defy the Bush administration's druthers and classify the current conflict in Iraq as a civil war. "For months now, the White House has rejected claims that the situation has deteriorated into a civil war, and for the most part, news organizations like [ours] have hesitated to characterize it as such," said Lauer. "But after careful consideration, NBC News has decided a change in terminology is warranted."Responding to NBC News' decision, a spokesperson for the National Security Council tells Variety that while the conditions in Iraq are serious, neither President Bush nor Iraqi President Nuri Al-Maliki believe it is a civil war. What's more, both leaders also insist Pam and Kid are simply "on a break."

Tue, Nov 28, 2006

Did Borat Bust Up Pam Anderson's Marriage?

A source tells the New York Post that Pamela Anderson's divorce action against Kid Rock (aka Bob Ritchie) was caused by her husband's "male insecurity and anger issues," most recently inflamed by a Universal Studio exec's mid-November screening of Borat, in which the Baywatch alumna (knowingly) played a central role. "It was the first time Bob had seen the movie, and he didnt like it," a pal of Pam's tells Page Six. "He started screaming at Pam, saying she had humiliated herself and telling her, 'You're nothing but a whore... a slut! How could you do that movie?' Ever since that night, it has been icicles between them."And he sounds like such a catch.

Tue, Nov 28, 2006

Jesse Jackson Begs Celebs to Nix N-Word

A day after having sullied Seinfeld vet Michael Richards on his syndicated radio program, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and other African-American leaders called on the entertainment industry  rappers included  to cease using the racial slur repeatedly uttered during Richards' on-stage tirade. "We want to give our ancestors a present: dignity over degradation," Jackson said at a Monday news conference, contending that the N-word is "unprotected" by free-speech issues. (The N, however, is, so keep on with your sapphic selves, Ashley and Spencer!)

Tue, Nov 28, 2006

Is Paris Hilton Soiling Britney's Comeback?

Just when I thought Ms. Spears had gotten her act together, a source tells the New York Post that Britney's recent rash of late-night partying while glued to the side of brand-new BFF Paris Hilton is already taking its toll on the legit songstress' career resuscitation. "[Britney has] been missing recording sessions because she was been out all night," says the snitch. "The [record] label is very worried." In her defense, K-Fed's soon-to-be ex has reportedly been telling friends, "I gave birth for two and a half years, and now I want to party"  which, I have to say, could make for a catchy title for her next single.

Tue, Nov 28, 2006

In the Works: Invasion Star Caught in Conspiracy

Lisa Sheridan has landed the lead in the Lifetime drama pilot Conspiracy, says the Hollywood Reporter. The Invasion alumna will star as a D.C. lawyer targeted by a (yep) conspiracy after she discovers that the Big Pharma case she won was rigged.... Per Variety, Cedric the Entertainer has signed a talent holding deal with ABC, as part of which he will star, write and exec-produce a comedy about the single father of a teenage girl.... Fox has a pilot deal for The Institution, a single-camera comedy focused on three couples weathering the highs and lows of matrimony, while CBS is developing The Swim Team, about a thirtysomething bachelor whose college-days sperm-bank donation comes back to haunt him in the form of a knock at the door.

Tue, Nov 28, 2006

Short Cuts: 30 Rock, Richard Simmons and More!

NBC has added 30 Rock to the list of programming available for download at iTunes.... Sweating oldie Richard Simmons visits Late Show with David Letterman for the first time in six years, when he appears on this Wednesday's broadcast.... TV Guide Channel's own Melissa Rivers has been recruited by Speed TV to work the yellow-carpet arrivals coverage of Friday's NASCAR Nextel Cup banquet, to be held at the Waldorf-Astoria. OK, someone tell me why it is yellow.

Tue, Nov 28, 2006

Ms. Hollaback, Mr. SexyBack Bound for SNL

Following this coming weekend's pairing of Lost's Matthew Fox and Tenacious D, NBC's Saturday Night Live will offer up Annette Bening (in her first-ever guest-hosting gig) and Fraulein Maria Gwen Stefani, on Dec. 9. Then, on Dec. 16, Justin Timberlake will perform double duty as host and musical guest.

Tue, Nov 28, 2006

No Kid'ing Around: Pam Anderson Seeks Divorce

On the heels of Tom and Kate reminding us how idyllic true love can be.... Pamela Anderson and Kid Rock, her husband of nearly four months  how did they do it, right?  filed divorce petitions on Monday, each citing irreconcilable differences. "Pamela filed for divorce last week," the bombshell's rep tells People. "It wasn't a happy Thanksgiving." Then again, Pam must feel about 172 lbs. lighter today, whereas the rest of us....

Tue, Nov 28, 2006

The Nine's Number Is Up... for Now

Its fate perhaps sealed by the dreadful numbers dialed up last Wednesday night  and not at all bolstered by my wonderful Q&A with Kim Raver  ABC's The Nine has been pulled from the prime-time lineup, at least for the time being. Taking the serialized drama's place, this week at least, is a special installment of 20/20. Hey, at least it's another show with a number in the title, right? OK, I agree  small consolation.UPDATE: This just in from the show's rep: "The Nine is on hiatus now and will return later in the season."

Mon, Nov 27, 2006

Hugh Jackman Captains CBS Cruise-ship Drama

Per Variety, CBS has made a script commitment to Voyages, a "Rashomon-style" drama revolving around passengers on a high-end cruise line, to be exec produced by Wolverine himself, Hugh Jackman. And by "high-end," they mean one not susceptible to mysteriously disappearing passengers, broken-down propulsion systems, mass gastrointestinal illnesses or the like. Then again, that kinda robs us of all the good story lines, no?Am I the only one with the Love Boat theme in their head now?

Mon, Nov 27, 2006

Casting About: ER's Stamos Has a Raisin D'etre

Per the Hollywood Reporter, John Stamos has joined the cast of ABC's TV-movie adaptation of A Raisin in the Sun, playing Carl Lindner, one of the community members who fights to keep the African-American Younger family from moving in.... Gabrielle Anwar will star opposite Jeffrey Donovan in the USA Network drama pilot Burn Notice, about a special ops agent whose career is mysteriously ended.... Per Variety, Judy Davis and Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls) have joined the cast of USA's The Starter Wife six-hour mini.

Mon, Nov 27, 2006

In the Works: Will Smith, Wife Deliver More TV Comedy

Will and Jada Pinkett Smith have set up two new comedy projects at rival networks, says the Hollywood Reporter. For the CW, the marrieds who proffered All of Us are shepherding a look at divorced mothers who reside in a large apartment complex. Over at ABC, the premise revolves around a conservative, upper-class African-American man and his liberal, lower-middle-class Jewish wife.... Arrested Development alum Michael Cera has been tapped to write, produce and star in The Good Life, a scripted short-form series for CBS' Innertube broadband channel.

Mon, Nov 27, 2006

Box Office: Tenacious D Is the Turkey of Destiny

As Happy Feet ($37.9 million) and Casino Royale ($31 million) retained their No. 1 and 2 spots atop the weekend box office, Denzel Washington's Déjà Vu (a film whose premise I still do not understand) debuted in third place with $20.8 million. Rounding out the top five were Deck the Halls (opening with $12 mil) and Borat ($10.4 mil). Among other debuts, Hugh Jackman's The Fountain came up rather dry, with a paltry $3.7 million, while Jack did't even crack the Top 10.

Mon, Nov 27, 2006

Vatican Gives Nativity Story Two Miters Up!

Although the Pope himself was unable to attend (presumably, he was caught up watching his Giants blow a 21-0 lead), The Nativity Story's Sunday world premiere at the Vatican was met with strong praise by the pontiff's No. 2. "It is well done," Reuters quotes secretary of state Tarciso Cardinal Bertone as saying. "It re-proposes this event... with realism, but also with a great respect of the mystery of the Nativity."And do not get him started on the bloopers shown during the closing credits. What the sheep did with the frankincense?! Please.

Mon, Nov 27, 2006

Chad Lowe on Hilary Split: "It's Been a Tough Year"

As part of an interview airing on Monday's Extra, Chad Lowe admits, "It has been a tough year, and not something I expected," referring, of course, to his split from Hilary Swank, who famously "outed" her husband's substance abuse problem in a Vanity Fair profile. "I was disappointed that the details of our relationship became public," he says, "[But] they were absolutely true, absolutely true. I am so grateful to Hilary for her support of me in a very difficult time in my life, three-and-a-half years ago. What hurt me more than anything is that people would think that she wasnt there for me, and she was. I will always love her."Also during Extra's Monday Lowe-down: a preview of his role on the new season of 24.

Mon, Nov 27, 2006