A sequel too far... and the YouTube revolution!

So first off, I discovered something really cool the other day. It turns out that George Michael - the former lead (okay, only) singer in Wham! now solo artist and occasionally indiscreet sexual adventurer - used to live in my neighbourhood. He grew up here. I was impressed. Okay, so maybe it's not that cool and about 20 years too late to go and knock on his door to ask for a cup of sugar but... you never know when that little gem of information might come in handy!

Other news, Draco Malfoy from the Harry Potter films (aka Tom Felton) is looking for friends on myspace. Everyone seems to be getting on the myspace bandwagon at the moment so the cool is quickly becoming uncool. The same will happen to Youtube in a few months I fear. However, there's a let to be said for that particular site - it's the place where I got to watch the controversial South Park episodes about Scientology, can see classic Family Guy clips on demand and even music videos. Check it out... if you haven't already.

By the way, here are two clips you have to check out. The first is Natalie Portman rapping on SNL - just superb - and the other is a fave comedy/music-guy-band-type-thing called Corn Mo doing a number called Busey Boy on the Jimmy Kimmel Show. I caught him live with They Might Be Giants about a year and half ago. He was amazingly entertaining! I had an album of his but it went with the rest of our stuff in burglary... anyhow... moving on...

Film stuff and, I have no idea why, but they are making another Oceans 11 sequel. amazingly enough it'll be called Oceans 13. So now the trilogy is complete... expect a generation's wait until George Lucas comes along and makes the prequels. Jah Jah Binks takes Vegas!

Despite awards season being pretty much dead and buried, I see Brokeback Mountain has managed to grab some more silverware. Looks like it came from behind to beat off stiff competition! Sorry... And Spiderman is relocating... to Cleveland?!?!

Staying with movies, here is my (rather damning) verdict on V For Vendetta and a rather charitable piece on The Pink Panther. Memo to Steve Martin: get a new agent! You can also read my interviews with Sarah Jessica Parker and Sharon Stone on the site too. They've also appeared (in various forms) in newspapers and magazines around the world but I know that site puts them up pretty much intact so that's why I've sent you there. The SJP piece even ended up in The Jewish Chronicle. Sweet!

Also, I suggest you avoid Basic Instinct 2. It sucks and is about as sexy as a swift jab to the Mummy-Daddy button! Just horrible! Still, Sharon was a very pleasant woman so, what more you ask for? Okay, a good film to watch would be nice but hey...

Anyway, tomorrow I'll be going to the launch of the Narnia DVD. Should be a good event - lots of free booze and lots of freebies plus a good chance to network and meet some celebs. Smashing! I should be interviewing Carmen Electra in a few weeks. She'll be in town promoting Scary Movie 4. I always get the tough jobs...

In other news, we now have a gorgeous pet called Junior - a 10-year-old greyhound (the animal, not the bus) and to be honest we're spoiling him rotten! But before you send me 'fat dog' hate mail, we do give him everything in moderation. Especially booze and crack. I'M JOKING!!

Also, I got an email the other day from a great great friend that I haven't seen or heard from in years that made me jump for joy. He's a guy that I used to work with a thought the world of, still do of course, so it made what was a very crappy week (events wise) into a very good one. Hooray for Martin aka Chewy!

Okay, I'm done. Hopefully I won't be so lame in updating this blog in the future... if I am, send me e-asskickings! Play safe... Si

Keeping Hollywood Kosher since 2006

I know it's been a while since I updated my blog so HUGE apologies but to be honest, my heads been spinning very since the break-in and only now am I getting back to normal. Work's been mad too! Loads of developments there... and more to come so fingers crossed this could be a big year.

Anyhow, films. So, the Oscars have come and gone. Crash was the Best Film? I liked it. A lot. But Best Film? Some of the cast were superb but other (mentioning no names Sandra Bullock and Brendan Fraser) let the side down as far as impact performances go. But hey, what do I know?

I've had a busy day today. I went to two junkets at Claridges Hotel in London today. The first was for Failure To Launch - the new Sarah Jessica Parker rom-com that's doing big business in the US right now - and the other was for The Inside Man - Spike Lee's latest movie.

Firstly, I asked SJP what she'd be doing for Passover this year... and do you know what? I had to remind her when it was! She'd forgotten! She was grateful though and says that if she'd not travelling she'll be spending it with her sister's family (complete with newborn child.. her sister's not SJP's) because she's Orthodox. Like the title says, I'm keeping Hollywood kosher! My life already...

With regards to Inside Man... there are a few directors who I am in awe of because of the way they put the world on film. They don't always get it perfect but they always bring something new to the table. Spike Lee is one of those men. What an interesting character. It was a real pleasure to get the chance to talk with him.

In other news, I am sad to say that it looks like J Lo is being linked to the big screen Dallas remake. G-d help us all! Elsewhere, Isaac Hayes has ditched South Park because they started taking the p*ss out of Scientology. While a gay-themed coming-of-age drama about a large Catholic family has been doing some serious business at the Canadian Film Awards.

Here are a few trailers I think you should check out. Firstly, X Men 3 (kick ass!), Mission: Impossible 3 (kick ass!) and Kinky Boots (one of my favourite films of 2005... finally getting a US release).

Also, before I go, check out this band: Lorraine. They're Swedish and are absolutely superb! And another band I've been going on about for sometime now - Orson - have had the recognition they deserve with their first single - No Tomorrow - reaching No 2 in the UK charts. Check out my feature on them here!

And I'm spent.... back in a few days. Have fun. Play nice!

V For Very Boring!

I couldn't think of a sassier title. Sorry! Anyway, I'll back on the level after my series of unfortunate incidents. Some asshol did rip the wing mirror of our car the other day but hey, what can you do? It's annoying but... whatever. Also, we should have a PC again soon so updates should become more regular again too, which will be nice.

Anyway, entertainment news. So George Michael got arrested last weekend. I'm sure that guy should write a memo to himself and stick it on his head, or his PDS or something, just a little to remind him not to do stupid things in public. Maybe something like; "George, remember not to get high and fall asleep behind the wheel of a car when you have a boot stuffed full or sex toys, bondage gear and gay porn. Oh, and you need milk."

You might remember that I saw Lucky Number Slevin a few weeks back but couldn't tell you what I thought about it because of the review embargo? Well here's my review: Don't bother watching it. It's the perfect example of a great cast, a great idea, but everybody involved just walk through the film like they can't be bothered to act. Shame.

Also, I got to see the latest entry in the comic-book-(sorry... graphic novel)-turned-into-a-movie genre the other night, V For Vendetta. I'm sad to say it sucks. I looks great, but it's way too slow and seems to love itself. Again, shame, as it could have been excellent.

If you're interested, here a few of the article I've written recently that have appeared online (many more have appeared in traditional print around the world but I can't link to them). Here's my piece on Capote; Reese Witherspoon talking to me about Walk The Line; George Clooney promoting Syriana and Mr Spielberg on Munich.

And finally, getting ready for Oscar fever this weekend? Don't forget to scan back through my postings and see what I think is going to win. I might be way off but..

Gotta go do some work. My lunch break is over... OVER!