On Sunday, June 1st live at 8:00 PM ET we’ll find out who takes home the gold popcorn. MTV’s Movie Awards show is probably the most entertaining of all the awards ceremonies. Celebs usually dress in their coolest garb, sometimes getting a bit flashier than they should, but that adds to the entertaining part for us viewers.

The popcorn is not the only thing golden, check out the guest list. Charlize Theron, Robert Downey Jr., Sarah Jessica Parker, Will Smith, Megan Fox, Brendan Fraser, Jack Black, Coldplay, and even a rumor floating around that Johnny Depp will be a presenter. This is one of those rumors most likely started by someone who understands how to get people to tune in. Marketing ploy or not, I’ll be tuning in just to see if it’s true. See how good that works?

Mike Myers will be the host, and I assume he’ll be plugging his upcoming film The Love Guru.

This year, Adam Sandler receives the MTV Generation Award being honored as a comic legend. Is he really that old already?

The difference between the MTV awards and other ceremonies isn’t just the cool people who show up, or the younger audience. They have categories like Best Kiss and Best Fight that we’d never see on other more grown up awards. I have a love/hate relationship with these ceremonies. I love looking at the celebs walking the red carpet like a runway, waving to the fans and being caught off cue by reporters. I hate the fact that there are a bazillion awards shows now so if you miss one there is probably another one on next week. How much recognition do these people need?

The MTV Movie Awards has some outrageous moments on the red carpet, on stage and off. I like the movie parodies they come up with like this one starring The Partridge Family cast doing a spoof on Speed. Remember that one from 1994 starring Keanu Reeves? Did you know Johnny Depp turned that roll down? Maybe that’s just a rumor too.

Click here!

Battlestar Galactica

My husband watches this one, I’ve just never sat down from the beginning and it seems like you need to know what’s been happening to follow the storyline. From what he tells me the new season started so I just might be able to jump in anytime and try to figure it all out, looks like they have some webisodes up to help viewers like me. I loved watching the 1978 series when I was a kid. Remember Muffy, the dog? I mean the daggit.

Ugly Betty

The premise of this show should interest me, but I was never motivated enough to hit the record button. I’m a housewife remember, we rarely watch TV in real time. Ugly Betty has some interesting actors, great cameos, and it’s very colorful. I’ve seen the ads and love all the flashy fashions. There’s something about the dialogue and caricature characters that doesn’t appeal to me. The official website is promoting Ugly Betty the book. I’d like to thumb through that on someone else’s coffee table.

American Idol

I admit I’ve seen a couple seasons of America’s favorite contest but the idea of the show seems so overdone already that I haven’t tuned in for quite some time. I can get all the crazy Paula Abdul content by watching clips on youtube and headline news likes to post whatever drama unravels between the judges so I didn’t feel like I was missing out. As for the singing, I’ve never been fond of over the top covers of familiar tunes. Except of course the fabulous 70’s show Sha Na Na. Now that was television!

If it wasn’t for my friend’s blog I would have never known that David won American Idol not too long ago. Or was it Daniel. Hmm I think his last name is Cook. Does that count for anything?

Dancing With the Stars

I know if you don’t watch American Idol then you must be a Dancing With the Stars viewer but sadly I haven’t a clue about this show either. I did see a clip when they first hit the dance floor but I must say the show is taking on a more Vegas style and a lot less Arthur Murray. The format for the show reminds me of the old game shows on Telemundo, lots of tan, half clothed sexy woman shimmying all over the place. The buzz around this season did make me take notice of Priscilla Presley again and increased my reasoning against plastic surgery in the future.

Lost

The 2 hour finale of Lost was on last night. I was watching parts of it while running on the treadmill at the gym. There was no sound so I was trying to pick up every typed in word on the screen but I didn’t have a clue what I was viewing. Even being clueless, I found myself intrigued by the past and future segments and wished I had seen at least one full episode of the series. I shouldn’t fret too much over it though because there’s always Netflix.

If you’re a loyal fan of any of these, I’m sorry to disappoint. What shows did you miss last season?

After not eating breakfast this morning or dinner last night, I just devoured a spicy Jalapeno Burger from Carl’s Jr.
Feeling remorse, I decided to find out how many calories I consumed by visiting the Carl’s Jr. Website, and to my surprise I was greeted by the familiar tune of The Chicken Dance with smiling, dancing cheerleaders telling me what was hotter than the Jalapeño Chicken. These girls in their Coca Cola half shirts obviously don’t eat what they’re promoting or they must not have the same metabolism I do.

I decided to look into Carl’s Jr. and the Famous Star logo; you know the happy yellow one with the big smile. I was quickly reminded of the Carl’s Jr. ad debated around water coolers throughout the nation when Paris Hilton soaped up a Bentley, bit into a burger and proclaimed her famous star tagline, “That’s Hot!”

I vaguely remember the Hugh Hefner campaign where Hugh explains he likes variety. This commercial also ends with a signature bite of a hamburger but instead of a line by Hugh, the announcer says, “Because some guys don’t like the same thing night after night.”

I learned there was another controversy with the Flat Buns campaign, when Carl’s Jr. introduced the “Patty Melt Sandwich” in 2007. With a parody version of Sir Mix A Lot’s Baby Got Back I’m sure you can imagine what the ad must have looked like. If not, I bet you can find it on Youtube if you search diligently. In fact, while I conducted my own search I found more than a few more Carl’s Jr. ads featuring mechanical bulls, and even a cameo by a Dr. 90210 Beverly Hills surgeon, Robert Rey.

I’ve been a bit naive and never noticed anything past the Famous Happy Star logo, and the uncomfortably full feeling I get after eating way too many French fries.

Check out this commercial parody from very serious comedic actors Dennis Hemphill and David Money:

What do you think Carl’s will cook up next for their sexiest burgers in Hollywood?

I took the one hour and forty minute drive to see War, Inc. yesterday, at the Landmark Theatre in LA. My sister-in-law went with and we were a bit shocked by the international airport appeal of the place. We hadn’t been to the Landmark before and because it featured mostly Indy films we were expecting a lot less grandeur and a bit more bohemian flair. We did appreciate the array of authentic treats from around the world at the concession stand, and the vinyl first class seats in the theater were very comfortable. It wasn’t the place I pictured this political satire to be playing, but the house was packed and it wasn’t the revolutionary types I anticipated. It would have been nice to see more of a rebellious under 35 year old crowd but they might have waited for the later show. With all the bulletins John Cusack sent out to his Myspace friends, I thought I’d be surrounded by more than a few empty seats but this wasn’t the case and a good sign that America is ready for what this film has to say.

Many reviews are giving Hillary Duff thumbs up and I agree but I think John Cusack, and Marisa Tomei, kept the movie going. Joan Cusack is great for comic relief throughout the film. I’d be laughing at her character, dialogue, and contorted expressions but within a beat the idea would change and I’d be pondering the current world we live in, finding myself going to a not so happy place but being knocked out of it again by something wittingly funny or downright silly. Montel Williams lends his voice talent to Guidestar, the KITT like device Cusack’s character confides in while contemplating his current position in life.

While watching this movie, questions arise about where we are now and where we could be in the future. Although some of the ideas seem completely fictional, their eerie brush on realism is what jolted my mind into our existing state of affairs. You can’t help leaving War, Inc. without checking up on our political agenda, including the politics of corporations and media at large.

This housewife pops up 3 out of 4 waffles for this film! But don’t listen to me or any other wannabe movie critic, check out War, Inc. for yourself and write your own review.

I’m getting out of the house to see John Cusack’s film War, Inc. at the Landmark theater in LA.

Here are a few reviews:

“War, Inc. is a modern day ‘Putney Swope’ – worlds apart but with all the same issues – whether corporate America in advertising or corporate America in the business of war, this is a movie about the comedy and horror of greed. Now, back to my shit jokes…” -Sarah Silverman, Comedian

“WAR, INC. is a pyrotechnic genre-buster that will diddle your synapses but good. This film is like a petal of pickled ginger: tart, bright, and just searing enough to resonate.” -Diablo Cody, Writer

“John Cusack has exposed the Blackwater / Halliburton military complex with a lens that is as much 60 minutes as it is South Park, as frequently surreal as it is spoof. War, Inc. is a reality show where none of the contestants are survivors.” -Wayne Barrett, Senior Editor for the Village Voice

  Don’t wait for my review of the film, check out the official website, then go to the Landmark in LA, or Angelika in NY. Come back and leave a comment about your experience.

Tommy Chong was recently in the news talking about the controversial seizure of one of his latest projects, DVD’s of the film a/k/a Tommy Chong by Josh Gilbert.

According to Wikipedia, federal agents seized over 10,000 copies of Tommy Chong’s documentary, a/k/a Tommy Chong. In a statement released to the press, Tommy Chong stated “It’s (the seizure of the DVDs) a way to punish the distributor financially. There’s no way to get the DVDs back until the investigation is over.” Chong also stated that he has no ownership in the film.

The film was the official selection of the Toronto International Film Festival. You can watch the trailer and purchase DVD’s, and other merchandise at the film’s official website.  

Take a look at Tommy Chong’s classic character, Chong, via this retro trailer to Up In Smoke. This clip is intended for an older audience due to the R movie rating. Thanks to youtube for the video.
You can purchase Up In Smoke the Special Collecter’s Edition on Amazon.com

Happy Birthday Man!

The 5 On Friday topic of the week is:  5 Movies This Housewife Wants To See

 1. In the number one spot we have War, Inc. starring and written by John Cusack. War, Inc. is in limited release so I’m driving out to the Landmark Theater in LA to see it on Sunday.
This is the kind of movie that won’t go mainstream unless they get enough viewers like you, so check out  John’s official myspace page for more detail.

2. Iron Man, yeah I know it’s been out for awhile but did I mention I’m a housewife! I’ve got a “to do list” people and it’s more than one sticky note! I can’t wait to see this movie but War, Inc. is in limited release so go check it out at The Landmark in LA or the Angelicka in NY if your closer to the East coast!
 
3. Kung Fu Panda, this one isn’t out yet but the animation looks great and who doesn’t love Jack Black? Did you see him on the Nickelodean Kids Choice awards? Celebs are quickly finding out the power of the tween demographic.
 
4. Sex and the City, opening on the 30th. This is a must see for anyone umm, my age. Where else do we get to see over 35 year old woman being sexy, besides a Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, or Madonna concert?
 
5. The Incredible Hulk at number 5. As a kid I got all choked up watching the ending of The Incredilbe Hulk starring, Bill Bixby, for those of you who don’t remember this actor take a look at these retro clips from The Courtship of Eddie’s Father and The Incredible Hulk 70′s style. Ahh I’m getting teary eyed just hearing the heart wrenching theme song.

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The new movie, opening June 13th, stars Ed Norton which should make the film a bit edgier than the last one. Hopefully they’ll stay true to the Marvel Comics character and storyline. I know how much comic book lovers appreciate that.
 

What makes a housewife like me want to read an original comic book series like Rex Mundi? Two words…Johnny Depp.

I am not at all unique in my admiration for Captain Jack Sparrow or the heart thumping enthusiasm for Depp’s charisma, but I am part of an elite group, usually woman, that are inflicted with what has been called JDOCD. In laymen’s terms, Johnny Depp Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. There is no known cure as of yet, and most of us wouldn’t want it anyway. Without JDOCD I wouldn’t be in the know of such an interesting work by Arvid Nelson. With art by Juan Ferreyra it’s published by Dark Horse Comics and although still a bit hush hush, it’s been said that Infinitum Nihil, Johnny Depp’s production company, is planning Rex Mundi as one of their up and coming projects. The buzz around this project has been out for quite some time and word on the cyberstreet is that JD will star in the film.

Wikipedia describes the miniseries this way, “The series is a quest for the Holy Grail told as a murder mystery. It is set in the year 1933, in an alternate history Europe, where magic is real, feudalism persisted, and the Protestant Reformation was crushed by a still politically powerful Roman Catholic Church.”
The themes, and setting seem perfect for a mainstream film about possible controversial subjects. When the words magic, murder, and Catholic Church are in the same synopsis there is bound to be some controversy.

Will it be an Indy film in limited release? Or will there be a PG-13 rating and Rex Mundi flipbooks inside specially marked cereal boxes? Only time will reveal what is in store for this project. It seems that in America there are two categories of film, Indy and Blockbuster hit. The trick for movie makers these days is making a film right in the middle, creating their own category and wedging it in for the masses to appreciate. I think Johnny Depp is already in that category so it shouldn’t be too difficult.

You know those jingles that linger for decades? Melodies about toothpaste, bologna, and soda that pops into your head while you’re doing dishes or waiting in line at the grocery store.

Ah that’s the pop in pop culture right there. The popping! Nothing says pop culture to me than something that shouldn’t linger in our minds for decades but it’s still retrievable anyway. I might not remember the historical dates I memorized in 4th grade but I can carry the tune and spew out the lyrics to My Bologna Has a First Name, it’s M e y e r…

I’ve had a tune in my head ever since the launch of this site. It wasn’t my favorite commercial as a kid, the award for that honor would go to Shasta soda’s… I Wanna Pop Pop Pop Shasta, circa 1981, but this commercial fascinated me because it was all about a woman. She was the new woman that had it all, and then some. She could bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan and never let you forget you’re a man. I feel like that woman but without the briefcase and sexy enthusiasm about frying bacon.

What tune lingers in your head? Maybe this one too after you take a look, don’t worry it should only last a few decades.

To celebrate my birthday on May 16th, I went to The Comedy Store in La Jolla. Pauly Shore was performing with special guests Stephen Glickman (Broadway Performer, ABC’s “Carpoolers”, Last Comic Standing), and Tommy Tallarino (Mohr Sports, Natural Born Komics, The Boondocks).

Shore and Tallarino were funny guys but Glickman was my favorite of the three. He kept his material coming without any ‘what should I talk about next’ pauses, and it was laugh out loud hilarious. He not only put on a great gig but he was also a nice guy. I was able to talk with him before his second show was starting but somebody dragged him away before I could get a photo with him. Next time Stephen!

He’ll be at the Hollywood Improv on May 20th, 8:00 PM. If you can’t make it to the show, check out his Myspace profile for videos, and more information. www.myspace.com/glickmancomedian  

Before the headliner and special guests, Guam Felix started the show. He’s a stand up comic and also one of the guys that works the door when they aren’t on stage. His performance got the audience in the comedic mood. According to Felix, he’s done a thousand shows and that was obvious by how at ease he was on stage and how many laughs he got from the crowd.

I met a few other comics/doormen that I plan to see perform on the Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday “best of” shows. There’s no cover Sunday nights but I was warned it can get brutal. Yes, that was the word, brutal. For some reason, that makes me want to check it out even more.

I talked with Mike Vinn, a Chicago native, ex-marine and stand up comic. He’ll be performing on May 28th, 8:00 PM at The Comedy Store in La Jolla. He was a nice guy with lots of charisma so I’m sure that helps him out on stage.

Ibo Brewer had me laughing even while he was taking tickets at the door. You can see him on June 3, 9:00 PM at LeStat’s in San Diego.

As for the headliner, Mr. Paul Montgomery Shore has video clips from Pauly Shore’s America you can check out on www.ripetv.com.

You can also get his latest DVD, Natural Born Komics from his website www.paulyshore.com.

I doubt any of these guys could take over the domestic engineer duties I have, but it would be fun switching places with them for a night. I’ve always wanted to make a whole room full of people crack up. Of course I’d probably have to work the door, and man the phones for more than a few years so I’ll pass on that idea.