You know the old saying "When Pigs Fly"? Well I thought that would actually happen before the sharks did it, I thought wrong. The Asylum and Syfy have brought us yet another ridiculous, low budget thriller with sharks, tornadoes, "Sharknado" need they say more? Uh not really, the trailer and tag line are genius, and so is the cheesy title, which when I commented on my Facebook page that I was finally catching the wave and seeing the movie last night an industry friend responded stating that they registered the title then wrote the script, and it shows.
"Sharknado" is more about concept than content. The IMDB synopsis doesn't even list anything about characters it reads like this: "When a freak hurricane swamps Los Angeles, nature's deadliest killer rules sea, land, and air as thousands of sharks terrorize the waterlogged populace". This sums of the film completely, there is something also going on about some friends from a bar and a husband and wife who are separated and their kids I think too. Mainly it's all about the silliest concept in the world being a fun B Movie ride. Some of my favorite slices of cheese from "Sharknado"? 1) Where the sky is dark and stormy and in the next shot is sunny and clear. 2) The actors get soaking wet and dirty and are picture perfect the next second. 3) Our intrepid gang of actors are driving, or doing battle with sharks in a flooded area that is mysteriously not flooded in the same area, when we get a second glance.
"Sharknado" Trailer 4) A natural disaster of epic proportions is happening in Los Angeles and most of the time our rag tag gang are the only ones on the road, and when there are other people seen escaping from LA, they seem to disappear when they are not needed for dramatic effect.
5) Oh and let's not forget the sharks, how could we they are hilariously phony, except for the occasional stock footage of actual sharks spliced in from time to time. Need I go on? I thought not...if you love this type of movie, like I do, you will have a blast! Kudos to the actors they all gave committed convincing performances. Ian Ziering makes a great hero, and I suspect will be getting more offers to play one (aside from "Sharknado 2") in the future.
Jaason Simmons & Ian Ziering Battle Jabber Jaws
My favorite goofy scene: Ian Ziering, Jaason Simmons fighting off what looks like a a rubber shark in Tara Reid's flooded living room, and when they walk out the front door the streets that are/were flooded when they walked in are unbelievably dry. Uh, you just walked out of a flooded living room - caused by flood waters rising from the street outside - LOL!
"Sharknado" gets a Fins Up from me! Thanks to The Asylum and The Syfy Network for a great piece of B Movie Entertainment. Note: Hey Guys I have a great idea for a flying pig movie, get in contact with me! Jump the"Shark" at: http://www.theasylum.cc/ http://www.syfy.com/
"A mail room slacker dies after a bizarre experiment and finds himself sentenced to Purgatory - working in the mail room. There he falls for his beautiful manager and to win her over, he must stop a greedy tycoon from closing Purgatory down and sending everyone to Hell" - Yes, this is what it is like to be "Stuck in the Middle" - Written by brothers Joseph Pepitone a two time New York Emmy Award winner and Billy Pepitone a retired cop. "Stuck in the Middle" as Film Threat calls it: "Is more than just the novelty of its storyline, and is actually quite funny" Watch out Farrelly Brothers time to check in with the Brothers Pepitone and find out about their trip to Purgatory. JP: Michael Shinafelt, how's it going? MS: Fine, just let me shut something down I was doing on my computer while I was waiting for your call. How are you? JP: Just fine I'm here with my brother who co-wrote the script, Billy. MS: Hi, Billy! BP: Hey how are you? MS: Good. So Joseph, have you worked in a mail room before? JP: No, no, I've worked in offices, so I picked the occupation as the one that I thought would be the lowest on the totem pole. I've never worked in the mail room, but I have been working in offices half my life. MS: Well you picked the perfect place for Purgatory, I've worked in a mail room before and it sucks that hard. (laughs)
Joseph & Billy Pepitone
JP: That's the feeling I got. (laughs) MS: Yep, the mail room would be Purgatory in an office for sure! (laughs) OK, why did you choose auto-erotic asphyxiation as the cause of death for your mail room worker Michael? JP: When I originally started writing the script it was going to be a wacky sitcom, and he died by getting his tie caught in a paper shredder. I thought it was lame and I needed something better. I was writing right around the time that David Carradine wound up killing himself that way. It was perfect, this is the way the character should die I thought. MS: More effective than a paper shredder I must say. (laughs) Obviously your surroundings inspired the script. JP: Basically, yeah, write what you know. Working in an office combined with sixteen years of Catholic School. Working in an office isn't really Heaven or Hell, it's just sort of dull, like Purgatory. MS: If the concepts of Heaven and Hell actually exist, I think Earth is Purgatory. JP: That's funny! I just did an interview where that is exactly what I said. MS: How funny! JP: We're living in Purgatory and we see what happens from here. MS: Life on Earth is mostly just what it is, there are highs and lows, but most of the time it just is. JP: We're on the same page. MS: Billy you're a retired Police Officer, you have a lot of stories, tell me one. BP: There's a thousand stories I could tell ya. Some of them are almost impossible to believe. So I tried to take some of the characters I've met over the years and incorporate them into Joe's story and it seemed to work well...a lot of the people in the movie truly exist. (laughs)
MS: Other than your obvious wealth of material to draw on what made you decide to go into writing with your brother?
Here We Are Now Entertain Us
BP: Writing was always a talent of mine that I never gave enough time, I've always been interested in it. Once I decided that I had enough time on my hands I decided that I was going to start writing. Screenplays, novels...when I read the script I immediately loved it. We developed a system, Joe writes sends it to me, I tweak it a little bit, we go back and fourth. Our styles are different and that seems to work. MS: OK, tell me about the blasphemy, Film Threat stated there was blasphemy in your movie, I'm always up for that. JP: I guess what they are referring to is Jesus actually is the figurehead boss of Purgatory. He's the boss's son and he's rarely there, he golfs all day - he has aligned himself with some of the bad guys in the film and started a merchandising business, Jesus has basically become a shill. (laughs) I think that's probably the blasphemy part. (laughs) MS: Did you ever see Kevin Smith's film "Dogma"? JP: Oh yea, I'm a very big Kevin Smith fan!
Margaret Cho is on the loose! Where shall we begin? Season five of "Drop Dead Diva" on Lifetime seems like a good starting point, follow that up with new tour dates for her acclaimed comedy show "Mother".
Not to mention her three women fresh out of jail YouTube series "In Transition" and she's baaaaaack co-hosting "The View" Thursday July 25th and Friday July 26th, hoping to take over one of the vacant seats.
There are so many other things I could say, instead of reading my shopping list let's let Margaret tell us herself.
MS: "Drop Dead Diva" is back! Did you think that would happen since Lifetime initially cancelled it?
MC: You never really know with TV. You never know how things are going to go, that's the nature of it. What's really great is the fans really love "Drop Dead Diva" and they wanted to see more.
MS: It's a cute show, I've seen it a couple of times. It puts a smile on your face when you're in a bad mood.
MC: I like that.
MS: Sandra Bernhard is a guest this season.
MC: She's amazing, I'm such a fan of hers. We talked about what a sexist Jerry Lewis is when it comes to women in comedy, it's disturbing. I was talking to her about how amazing she was in "The King of Comedy".
MS: Oh she's so good in that!
MC: Sooooo good! It's legendary, a great movie! I think it's Martin Scorsese at his best. With Sandra as a mad stalker...she is so hilarious and so sexy.
MS: She scared the Hell out of me in that!
MC: I love her when she's scary, that's when she's at her best. She's just fabulous in every way, as a comedian, actress and a musician. She is someone I admire tremendously so it was great to have her as part of our show.
Margaret's YouTube Series "In Transition"
MS: By the way "Mistress Lina" I was on season 2 of "Where The Bears Are" and so were you!
MC: Oh that's great! I haven't seen it yet, what part did you play?
MS: I got some good face time in the Faultline Bar scene.
MC: Oh My God I have to watch it. I'm saving it up to watch it all at once, I hate to watch one episode and not be able to see the next one, I have to see it all at once.
MS: Well I was caught of guard by your role as "Mistress Lina" when you pulled the demure Asian Woman thing and when the Bears fell for it you called them racist. (laughs)
MC: I know, it was fun!
MS: Like, where did that come from?! Sorry I sound like Janis Joplin today, I got the rasps this morning.
MC: That's OK.
MS: So I saw you on "The View" was that fun?
MC: That is the job I want most of all. I am in the running to be a host.
MS: Oh wow, that's awesome!
MC: It's a great thing, it would be so cool, I would love it!
MS: Personally I wished Elisabeth Hasselbeck had been on the day you were I would have liked to see an exchange between the two of you. I don't think she's stupid, I think she doesn't articulate her opinions in a clear manner.
MC: She's great, they're all great for their own different points of view, ideas and jokes. It's a real rock-n-roll sort of thing, they all play their different instruments and I'd really love be a part of that band.
MS: How was doing "In Bed With Joan"?
MC: It was a blast! I love Joan Rivers, and I love going over to her house. It's so exciting, and she is so hysterical. I've know her for a long time, and I respect her and love her so dearly.
MS: Like I told a friend recently when you are 80 you want to be Joan Rivers, she has the stamina of a 20 year old and still has her wits about her.
MC: Totally! She is so cool and has such a strong work ethic. An unbelievable presence, such a cool lady.
MS: Since I know touring is your favorite thing, hit me with when you are doing it some more.
MC: At the end of August I will be playing some gigs in Georgia, Athens & Atlanta - I will also be touring all over Europe.
Tour Dates For Margaret Cho:
2013 Mother Tour dates
Monday, August 19 Athens, GA - The World Famous
Tuesday, August 20 Athens, GA - The World Famous
Thursday, August 22 – Sunday Aug 25 Atlanta, GA - The Laughing Skull
Friday, September 6 Las Vegas, NV - The Mirage
Friday, September 20 Buffalo, NY - Helium Comedy Club
Saturday, September 21 Buffalo, NY - Helium Comedy Club
Friday, September 27 Nashville, TN - Zanies
Saturday, September 28 Nashville, TN - Zanies
Sunday, September 29 Nashville, TN - Zanies
Saturday, October 12 San Francisco, CA - Nob Hill Masonic Center
Friday, October 18 Denver, CO - Paramount Theater
Saturday, October 19 Chicago, IL - Chicago Theater
Sunday, October 20 Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theatre
Wednesday, October 23 Austin, Texas - Paramount Theater
Thursday, October 24 Dallas, Texas - The Majestic Theatre
Saturday, November 2 Sacramento, CA – Crest Theatre
Wednesday, November 6 Boston, MA - Wilbur Theatre
Saturday, November 9 Washington, DC - Warner Theatre
Friday, November 15 Portland, OR - Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Saturday, November 16 Seattle, WA - Moore Theatre
Tuesday, December 3 Phoenix, AZ - Orpheum Theatre
Wednesday, December 4 Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theatre
Thursday, December 5 San Diego, CA - Balboa Theatre
Friday, December 6 Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern
Monday, December 9 Berlin, Germany - AdmiralsPalast
Thursday, December 12 Cologne, Germany - Gloria Theater
Friday, December 13 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Comedy Theater
Saturday, December 14 Copenhagen, Denmark - Bremen
Sunday, December 15 Oslo, Norway - Latter
Monday, December 16 Zurich, Switzerland - Bernhard- Theater
Wednesday, December 18 Stockholm, Sweden - Sodra Teatern
Thursday, December 19 Helsinki, Finland - Savoy Teatteri
Lee DeWyze is like the Energizer Bunny, he keeps on movin'........
Premiering on Yahoo! is a live acoustic in-studio video of the song“Fight” – the lead track from Lee DeWyze’s upcoming album FRAMES. Filmed at the historic Boulevard Recording Studios in Hollywood, CA (which has hosted such notable artists as Pink Floyd, Ray Charles and Steely Dan to name a few), fans can download an MP3 of the song at http://leedewyzeofficial.com/free-mp3-download-.
Lee is currently on a solo tour through July 28th in Evanston, IL with more dates to be added soon. These dates are in support of his album FRAMES which will be released August 20th on Vanguard Records. Tour dates listed below For more information visit: www.leedewyze.com. FRAMES marks Lee DeWyze’s Vanguard label debut and spotlights his diversity as a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. DeWyze played guitar, piano, mandolin, banjo and drums during the recording sessions, during which he collaborated with renowned producer/songwriters Toby Gad, Drew Pearson, Matthew Wilder and Phil Allen, as well as mixer extraordinaire Jim Scott. Lee recently premiered the first single, “Silver Lining” when he made a triumphant return to the American Idol stage.
"Silver Lining" on American Idol Lee DeWyze on tour: 2013-07-16 Annapolis, MD – Ram’s Head On Stage 2013-07-17 Charlotte, NC – The Evening Muse 2013-07-24 Milwaukee, WI – Shank Hall 2013-07-25 Minneapolis, MN – Cedar Cultural Center 2013-07-26 Osceola, IA – Lakeside Casino 2013-07-28 Evanston, IL – Space
That's right, the PTX gang join YouTube sensation Todrick Hall and hitch a ride on a tornado and land in Ahhhs! Not to be confused with the land of Oz, but it certainly is Emerald City adjacent.
Pentatonix journey opens with the sole female group member Kirstie Maldonado as "Dorothy" crooning "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" and then along comes a twister....Hey, the story has not changed, but the way in which it is told is unique and fun!
Kirstie, is front row and center for the bulk of the re-telling of a young girls journey of self. Not only does she play "Dorothy" but being the only female, she also plays "Glinda" and "The Wicked Witch of the West" - You go Kirstie!
The concept is the brainchild of Todrick Hall (with I am sure input from PTX) - also pays homage to the classic movie, "The Wizard of Oz" and utilizes images of the late great Judy Garland over the final number of the voyage.
So which of the Pentatonix Guys plays "The Scarecrow", "The Tin Woodsman", "The Cowardly Lion" & "Toto" too?
Wow! Cory Monteith "Finn Hudson" of Ryan Murphy's "Glee" is gone....although I was not a fan of the show, I respected the Actor/Singers on it, they are/were major talents. He was only 31 years old.
Cory had a history of being in and out of rehab - something that thousands of Americans can relate to in this crazy world we live in.
While the final autopsy has yet to determine what The Amazing Cory passed away from, I suspect it has something to do with his addictions.
He had everything, success and talent, but sometimes that is not enough to fill the hole in someone's heart, and Cory had a lot of heart.....
Rest In Peace....Sweet Prince, despite what happened, I hope you truly enjoyed the ride...xoxo....
Enjoy "Glee's" signature song featuring Cory on Oprah covering Journey's: "Don't Stop Believin"
It's been a while since Lindsay Lohan looked like a bona fide movie star, seeing the trailer for her latest "The Canyons" is the first time that has happened on film in a while (she looked like one a few times at her numerous court appearances, but those do not count). Ms. Lohan seems to have found the perfect role to match the public perception of her. In the film she plays the way over everything, translation beyond jaded,"Tara" whose opening dialogue in the trailer nails the character: "When's the last time you went to see a movie in the theater?" Tara says of movies at the trailer's outset. "I don't know. You know, I guess maybe it's just not my thing anymore." She co-stars with Porn Star James Deen as "Christian" - the actual storyline is not revealed in the teaser (tease being the operative word) but what one can gather is it involves a love triangle, drugs, homemade porn and is an ode to a world where nobody has a private life anymore. This being stated it is also from the mind of Bret Easton Ellis, who is responsible for two of my favorite books/movies "American Psycho" & "Less Than Zero". So you know what you are going to be in for something sordid and dark. Also along for the ride is renowned master of the underbelly of society Paul Schrader who is responsible for "Taxi Driver" and "Hardcore" and a personal favorite the remake of the 1942 horror film "Cat People" with Malcolm McDowell & Nastassja Kinski - which re-imagined the legend of the Cat People as an erotic fantasy.
Of course people are now pronouncing Lohan's career one step away from porn, uh this is utter hogwash. "Yes" she is starring in an extremely edgy indie project and yes it will be fairly explicit, but so were the films I mentioned above and you did not hear anyone saying that about the actors involved in those projects. I would rather see her in something looking like her own movie star and connecting with a character that she understands than doing a poor imitation of one, who she obviously understands, but can't hold a candle to, "Liz & Dick" anyone? Yeah, I thought not. Also, yes I have seen the latest release of the publicity generating NSFW photos showing Deen's penis (no one's ever seen that before) and Lohan's breasts, again what would you expect from the combining of this writer/director team? This is their area of expertise and the type of film they know how to deliver. I for one can't wait to take a trip to "The Canyons"!
This just in, "Entertain Me" friend and favorite Valarie Pettiford is out for "Blood"...!
I first interviewed Valarie about her collection of lullabies "Velvet Sky" on Chorus and Verse and for "ET" in October of 2012, you can jump to it here!
Well the multifaceted Ms. Pettiford has landed herself a two episode arc on the hit HBO show "True Blood" read more!
Award-winning star of stage and screen, Valarie Pettiford, is joining the cast of HBO’s top-rated Sunday night drama, True Blood, in a recurring role for their sixth season. She will appear in a two-episode arc starting in Episode 7: “World Without End,” which is scheduled to air on July 28, 2013.
“Working on this show has been a delicious experience,” says Valarie. “It has been an absolute joy to work with a cast of this caliber. Everyone has been so lovely – they say it starts at the top, and on True Blood, it really does.”
From the Broadway stage to independent short films, from blockbusters to music video cameos, this Fosse-trained dancer’s work draws attention. Valarie has a long list of accolades, including a Tony Award nomination, NAACP Awards nominations and Best Actress honors for the festival short ‘The Response.’ Valarie’s resume boasts national tours (Dancin’, Show Boat), hit sitcoms (Half and Half, House of Payne) and big-budget studio films (Stomp the Yard, Jumping the Broom). Her second album, Velvet Sky, a collection of original lullabies, was released last fall. Additionally, she has been sanctioned by the Fosse/Verdon estate to reconstruct the maestro’s choreography for a new generation of dancers in master classes in New York City. She is teaching with fellow Fosse-alum Lloyd Culbreath.
Tom Goss has been quite prolific of late with his music and videos. Starting with showing his clock in the innovative video for his too cool for school song "Make Believe" he then followed that up with a cover and a very hip, minimalist video of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis's "Can't Hold Us". Today, yes today, is the official release of Tom's latest video which is bound to be equally as big, literally and figuratively as it predecessors "Bears". Yes, it is an ode to all things Bear and why they are Hot! Tom himself is a big bear lover and has a Husbear all his own, Michael Briggs. To celebrate the release of the video Tom gave me five things he likes about these furry dudes...Hey Tom go for it!
Tom Goss
Tom: 1. Bellies
2. Beards
3. Burliness
4. Buoyant Exuberance
5. Laid Back Attitude
Without further adieu, here is the hot new video for Tom's song "Bears" Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr...!
"My mother started me when I was really young, I went to music school and studied opera. You can't take the girl out of the classical!" - Sylvia Tosun The above quote was from my interview with Sylvia for her club hit "World Keeps Turning" jump to that here! http://www.chorusandverse.com/content.php?id=20120206A Sylvia and French Producer David Vendetta recently created VenSun. With the overturning of DOMA (The Defense of Marriage Act) their first collaboration "Love is Love" could not have asked to be released at a better time.
To mark this historic event a special version features spoken samples from Martin Luther King, President Obama, Congresswoman Maureen Walsh, Ellen DeGeneres, and Hillary Clinton interspersed in the mix, giving it an historic feel – to mark the exact moment of time So Celebrate Everyone and get out and dance!
Note to self: Kevin "KO" Olusola is an astounding and expressive cello player....That sums it up people.
The instrument loving one fifth of the amazing acapella group Pentatonix Kevin "KO" Olusola continues to push the boundaries of what that means with his solo videos. The current being a cover of "The X-Factor" Judge Demi Lavato's "Heart Attack".
Ya' know I can't really say too much more other than listen. This group is full of amazing talent, together and doing their own thang.
Keep on doing what all you guys are doing, it's off the hook!
"A Boston publicist moves to LA with his girlfriend-actress to live the dream but his world is turned upside down when a rival competitor creates a lie about him on Ripoff Report. To worsen matters, his girlfriend is diagnosed with terminal breast cancer and her final dying wish is to get a pitbull. As he mourns her tragic loss he is forced to make nice with his new furry friend while he works to get revenge on his enemy and restore his company's name" - This is the storyline for Writer/Director/Producer & Star Josh Mitchell's indie opus "Helen Keller Had A Pitbull". Using events from his own life and combining it with his love of Pitbulls, Josh knocked out the script for "Helen Keller" in two weeks! Well it's time to hear more from the face of Wickid Pissa Publicity and find out why Pitbulls are the new black....Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeere's Josh! MS: So Josh, getting an indie film made is a tough go, what motivated you to do it? JM: Making this movie was pricey but I am old school, I believe you have to introduce yourself to the industry instead of waiting for opportunities. Like what Sylvester Stallone did, he locked himself in a hotel room for three days and wrote "Rocky". Look at the guys who did "Swingers" now Jon Favreau he's now directing things like "Iron Man" These were unknown actors rather than waiting for that knock on the door they knocked the doors down. I wanted something that would showcase me as a Writer/Director/Producer and Actor. So I took my real life experiences, the time I was coming from Boston as a publicist to Hollywood, infused them with some nuggets and lessons, things that I encountered and Hollywood-ized them a little bit. As you know in Hollywood you can run into some really interesting characters. (laughs) MS: Oh you sure can. (laughs)
Celine Wallace & Josh Mitchell
JM: There are those and others who are diamonds in the rough. MS: What about the part of the storyline where someone created lies about you on the Ripoff Report, is that true? JM: Yeah, when I was coming from Boston from Hollywood I wanted to get all my clients together and have a party to announce my move to Hollywood I wanted to do a big splash so I had it at The W Hotel. What I thought would be a couple hundred people, something where I could walk people around and introduce them, well it caught on like "Gremlins" in the shower and turned into this huge event (laughs) fifteen hundred people! MS: Whoa! JM: I got approached by somebody who owned a magazine, they said they wanted to help with the party and bring some different dynamics to the table. So I thought why not? The short end of the story is that it went pretty good, we had a great working relationship, but come the day of the party I got a lot of the shine at the event and the guy got jealous. Basically he tried to pin some fake charges on me. He kept pestering me, putting stuff on Facebook, so I finally did what I should have done at the get go and Googled him. This whole thing about him came up on the Ripoff Report, how he cheats on his wife, does cocaine, burned people at Playboy parties, blah, blah, blah. I'm a Boston guy and speak the raw truth and don't do well when people try to bully me. So I straight up said to him "I don't deal with scam artists, I will expose you" I grabbed the link and sent it to him. Two days later one showed up on me! MS: What a douche! JM: There are two reasons I wanted to make this movie. One was to be a champion of the Pitbull breed and two expose this scandalous and Un-American site called Ripoff Report. It's unbelievable what they can do to people. Listen I did not get that affected by it, my business actually tripled since that showed up on me. (laughs) MS: That site should be shut down.
JM: What I did with this film is payback, the guy will know it is about him, but I did it in a subtle and smart way. Basically I wanted to write a movie that was personal, the script flowed out me in two weeks. I covered my coming to Hollywood, and when I got here my girlfriend was working at The East Valley Animal Shelter and rescued two Pitbulls. She'd walk the dogs no one wanted to walk and one day she asked me to come with her. We enjoyed this one dog that kind of stood out his name was "Marty" he was this handsome, beautiful vibrant dog and the animal people walked by and said he was going to be put down on Saturday. MS: Hearing things like that always make me sad. JM: My girlfriend and I both looked at each other and we're like, "no you're not". Kristen found a home for another Pitbull in Arizona and Marty came to live with us. Like most people I had pre-conceived notions about the breed, I didn't have any experience with them, but now I can see how beautiful these dogs are. Pitbulls are unbelievable animals who have been wrongly cast as villains in the media. I love my dog he is amazing and has changed my whole mental outlook about things. MS: So tell me did Helen Keller really have a Pitbull? JM: She did! In fact that's what got my creative juices flowing and gave me the idea for the movie. One day Kristen said "Did you know Helen Keller had a Pitbull" - a light went off in my head that said "That's an indie film"! Go "Pitbull" check out the trailer and full length movie at: www.vimeo.com/ondemand/helenkellerhadapitbull Join the Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/HelenKellerHadAPitbull?fref=ts
