Daily Grind : entertainment

Live From New York, "SNL" Doesn't Suck Anymore

Entertainment — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 01:55:00 GMT

Amazing, all it took was one skit at the beginning of an episode to ressurrect a show on comedic life-support and to cement a comedy writer's name into this generation's history of television. "Saturday Night Live" has finally pulled itself out of a moat full of boring characters and sketches that run way too long.

Lorne Michaels, the show's creator owes quite a bit to Sarah Palin for being the ditzy character she seems to be each time she attempts to form a sentence. Tina Fey also gets credit for doing such a dead-on impersonation of the Alaskan governor.

Here comes the "but" and it's a very small one I promise. I think Tina did a great job poking fun at Palin but was that really a stretch for her? Was it truly a challenge? Fey and Palin look unbelievably identical so really all she had to do was put on a similar outfit and talk with the same accent. To Tina's talent though, I have to say that the blank stares and air-headed mannerisms were classic.

Because of the success of the Palin sketch, it seems like the "SNL" writers have been rejuvenated. At least when it comes to the political stuff. The past few weeks have been gut busters and there is even a weekly live show on Thursdays dedicated just to the electoral circus. There is even talk of bringing Sarah Palin on as a guest on the show and if she's smart, she'll do it. That means we'll probably never see her a**. As a fan of the show from my youth, I'm really glad that Lorne is finally getting his groove back. Hopefully, November 5 won't be mark the return of "Saturday Night Live's" suckage streak.

-The Blackspot

I'm So Ready To Layeth The Smacketh Down

Entertainment — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:02:00 GMT

THQ Games is about to release the 2009 edition of their "Smackdown vs. Raw" video game. Not to sound like a total fanboy but it looks amazing. Even with the past two or three releases, it was easy to forget you were playing a video game and think you were watching it on television.

Back in 1986, Sega released "Pro Wrestling" and that was revolutionary for the time it came out. There was a referee and cameraman! I can remember playing that game like crazy until I could "turn it over" (my old school gamers know what that is) a number of times. Sure the graphics were crude but it was better than tearing up the G.I. Joe action figures I had laying around.

I was just as hyped when the bodega in my neighborhood got the "WWF WrestleFest" arcade game in 1991. Countless quarters dropped into that machine while I tried to imitate the Hulk Hogan I saw on TV. Now those graphics were crazy (for that time) and the animation was something to marvel at. If I can remember correctly, sweat would go flying when you hit someone with a chop.

Now after years of 8, 16 and 64 bit grappling games, "Smackdown vs. Raw 2009" is on the way. So far I have all of them since the first release back in 2000 and more than likely, I'll be adding this one to my collection as well. Sure it may seem like it's just the same game over and over but ask a gamer why they run to the games store for "Madden" or "NBA Live" every year. It's all the experience of seeing the new goodies that made it into the latest version. One would ask though, why wouldn't they just pack everything into one game and be done with it? That's an easy one, there would be no reason to relieve us of our yearly 60 bucks.

-The Blackspot

My New Job Is To Avoid You

Entertainment — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:27:00 GMT

I have to admit to something to my employers and everyone else here in the Global Grind community, for the past few weeks I've since taken on a new job. That job has been trying to avoid night time teen dramas on television. It's been a really hard job so far being that they seem to be popping up all over the tube. One being more nasty and socially irresponsible than the last, I've been putting in what seems like endless hours preparing myself to deal with this brain puke being passed off as entertainment on an almost nightly basis.

Let's start with "Gossip Girl". From what I've seen so far this is a show about a girl who talks about rich teens having sex and wearing expensive clothes. Although this is supposed to be a teen version of "Sex and the City", one has to ask, do we really need a teen version of "Sex and the City"?

There's another show on called, "Privileged" that's also loaded with horny rich kids. Maybe not as much sex involved but these adults masquerading as teenagers are doing their part as well to boost teen pregnancy and STD statistics. The only thing missing is a special guest appearance from R. Kelly. Come to think of it, doesn't he have a new album coming out soon?

Finally, we have the new, remixed version of "Beverly Hills 90210". This time we have a gang of horny rich kids with a black friend. What is the fascination with underage people with money trying to dive into each other's underwear? It seems like Hollywood has been secretly taken over by an army of vicious pedophiles.

Make no mistake people, this is softcore kiddie porn gift wrapped in high-end fashion. Teens are watching this stuff and having their hormones turbo charged while tweens are being marinated in a special blend of misinformation and catastrophe. At no time do these shows (at least not yet) have shown the consequences of risky behavior. There's no talk of birth control, AIDS, or even commitment. Every episode doesn't have to be a public service announcement but throw us a bone here, this isn't the age to play with.

So there, I've gotten everything out of my system. You now know about the new gig and there's nothing left to hide. As much as I'd like to leave this new job, I don't see that happening anytime soon. I have a weird feeling that there's going to be a few more of these dirty teen shows coming up so I'll have to put in extra hours to avoid them. I really hope my exhaustion isn't showing too much. If it isn't I'm making this look too easy.

-The Blackspot

Televised Roasts Need Beef

Entertainment — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 02:52:00 GMT

Last night, I made an attempt at watching Comedy Central's Bob Saget roast and then it dawned on me, I realized that I'm a closet masochist.

From what I understand, Bob Saget's famous pals in Hollywood were supposed to take the podium and lovingly make fun of him and his career. What actually happened was that a bunch of unfunny F-list comics roasted each other and repeated called Bob gay. This wasn't quite the side-splitter I was hoping for. Serves me right too--this is the same series that gave us endless you-so-black jokes on Flavor Flav the last time.

Honestly, I've been to a roast worse than this. Once there was a roast where Diddy (at the time he was "Puff Daddy") was supposed to be in the hot seat. The roasters seemed either at a lost for words or too afraid that Puff was going to take revenge on their careers to really get at him. If I remember correctly, the only one who really roasted Puff was Ed Lover. Even with that, I can't say that I remember any of the jokes.

Could you imagine what would happen if someone tried to pull off a roast in today's climate in Hip-Hop? I'd like to see a roast of M.O.P. personally. I'd even chip in the money to see someone put their life on the line to make totally raw and politically incorrect jokes about Billy and or Fame in front of at least a 200 people. I'm sure there would be countless obituaries the next day but watching those two transform into the "Incredible Rabid Rappers" in real time would make my bladder explode.

Oh well, back to reality.

-The Blackspot

ENTERTAINMENT: Paris Hilton's Moms Got What She Paid For

Entertainment — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:47:00 GMT

When news came out over the weekend that Paris Hilton didn't think John McCain's new campaign ad was "hawt," I couldn't help but chuckle. Mother dearest, Kathy Hilton recently expressed her displeasure of the ad by condeming the commercial as "a waste of the country's time." So it seems the closer we get to November, the boxing glove laces get more loose. No one seems to be immune from attack. What in the world is going on to where as a club hopping ex-con can't enjoy the lavish life charged to her parent's hotel empire? This is the part where we collectively gasp and clutch the nearest string of pearls.

What I question in this recent episode of electoral hilarity is what Kathy Hilton is more angry about. Is it that McCain's campaign essentially called her daughter a celebrity hamster brain or that she paid for Mac's campaign to essentially call her daughter a celebrity hamster brain? I'd put money on the latter.

Everybody knows that Paris didn't get to celeb status from using her immense brain power. Parents usually know from early on when a child may not grow up to invent the next atom splicer. Thus, Paris' hamster brain antics shouldn't come as much of a surprise. It's when you peel off $4600 to a presidential run and they turn around and use your kid as a political pinata, is when the line has been crossed. This has got to be the best example of the Republican party's steez. Those guys are like the movie villains that will push one of their own henchmen's wigs back just to show you s*** is real. Tough luck Kathy, no refunds, no exchanges.

Maybe if Kathy had donated more than a measly $4600, McCain's camp would've rethought including Paris in the ad. That amount of money is nothing to a Hilton. Paris could probably smoke, snort and swallow five G's on a weekend alone. Let this serve as a reminder to all to be careful what you put your money behind. Just imagine what we'll all get for our tax dollars if McCain gets into office.

-The Blackspot

ENTERTAINMENT: Five Things I Learned From Watching "Hancock"

Entertainment — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 20:42:00 GMT

Over the holiday weekend, I had the opportunity to see Will Smith's new film "Hancock" along with rest of the blockbuster movie fiends. Although I was moderately entertained by the flick, I can only wonder if it would have been better minus the crying baby and ringtones throughout the experience. More importanly, I was able to gain a few gems of wisdom by the time the credits rolled. These are the gems I will share with you now.

1. Hanging out with Tom Cruise for too long will have long term effects. Though I can't really pinpoint what exactly, there was some Scientological stuff going on in that script.

2. America isn't ready for a black superhero. Hancock is treated like your favorite neighborhood derelict no matter how much good he does.

3. If a black superhero was to exist, there can be no other black people in Los Angeles. Maybe every black person in L.A. merged together to form a drunken and unruly mega ignorant super negro.

4. The superhero gods don't take kindly to interracial relationships. The moral of this story is, mix races, you die.

5. The only way a black superhero can get a little respect is to hire a white publicist. That must have been inspired by the real life entertainment industry.

-The Blackspot

ENTERTAINMENT: BET Awards Observations (The 2008 Edition)

Entertainment — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:03:00 GMT

- John Legend likes girls?!? White Girls!??! Not that there's anything wrong with either... I'm just surprised. VERY surprised.

- Neferteria almost dropped one of those tig ol bitties like it was hot!

- That girl Keyshia can really wear some white leather and pumps, can't she?

- OK, Lil' Kim is "special".

- Although T-Pain's was the best performance (by 9:25 anyway) I felt like I was watching a minstrel show. I was looking for Steppin' Fetchit on the remix.

- Gospel sensation Warren Sapp?!?!? WTF is Hughley smoking?

- My goodness! Has Lisa Lisa got a pair on her or what?

- They should just rename the Collab Award to the T-Pain Award.

- I want to have Tocarra's babies... in my face!!!

- Jill Scott can get it, too!

- Maxwell tore up the Al Green tribute! I'm still having flash backs to basement parties and blacklights. The 70's was the sh*t!!!

- Maxwell was great but Al Green was Al Green. I'm just a little disappointed he didn't take us to the River!

- Rocsi looks great. I still don't like that cornball Terrence.

- Is it me or does Lil Wayne look like that kid from the Boondocks?

- OK so Rhianna is cute, beautiful even, but does anyone really think she can sing? She does have a distinctive sound but so does T-Pain.

- Ashanti & Ciara are truly God's work!

- Alicia is right... we are SOOO beautiful! Yes, we can!!!

- I thought Fergie was pregnant...

- Lauren London is on the move up and quite a cutie!

- I'm sick of P. Diddy. Does that chucklehead realize he just sent millions of rednecks to register to vote?

- I was wondering how Weezy was goona pull off "Lollipop" live... he did his thing. If he can put down the cough syrup, Hip Hop is in good hands. Still not feeling T-Pain but he does put out beats and hits. Gotta give him his due. A tub of Tide might make him more presentable.

- Oh damn, P. Diddy again... Where the hell is my remote! Oh s*** Tig Bigger?!? the hell with the remote time to turn this of manually.

-Couch Tata

ENTERTAINMENT: Tell Me If You've Heard This One Before

Entertainment — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:09:00 GMT

Is it possible these days for an original movie to be successful? It sure doesn't seem like it given the trend of what's topping the box office charts. The formula to winning at the Hollywood crapshoot is made up entirely of remakes, adaptations and sequels with the second leading the charge right now. "Iron Man" has already passed the 200 million mark and is still going strong. "Spiderman" and "XMen" have already proven to be money in the bank as did "Transformers" which as DT grinded, part two is on the way featuring Soundwave. You can't forget the obvious blockbusters "Indiana Jones" and the film that will destroy malekind in one night, "Sex & The City".

Next year, you can expect more of the same. Remember the tragically wack "Street Fighter" movies based on the video game franchise? Get ready for "Street Fighter: Legend of Chun Li". The staple of anime "Akira" will hit the big screen (don't get excited, it's live-action) along with "Astroboy", "Metal Gear Solid", "Bioshock", "Castlevania", "Dragonball" and "American Girl"--yes, the doll.

Of course that's only scratching the glaze of this crap-filled donut. There's also a bunch of sequels planned like "Austin Powers 4" and "Cabin Fever 2". Could it be that our sense of nostalgia is that much of a weak spot to our pockets? I will probably wind up seeing all of them except for "American Girl" and "Sex & The City" but I won't go freely. Ok, I might.
-The Blackspot

ENTERTAINMENT: Hollywood Wants To Challenge Music Artists

Entertainment — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:01:00 GMT

More and more we are seeing rappers and R&B singers making a transition from music to movies. One movie that is currently in production is "Cadillac Records." The story follows the turbulent lives of Chess Records co-founder Leonard Chess, played by Adrien Brody. The film is set in 1950's Chicago. It's just makes sense that recording artists get cast in this movie.

Beyonce is playing jazz singer Etta James in the new flick. At least in this movie Jennifer Hudson won't be around to out sing and act Beyonce again. I was wondering who James would have selected to portray her in the movie. Testbet commented, "I wonder too. She's (James) seem to be a little passive aggressive. She didn't flat out say not to B but she is trying to give little digs. If B. said no, I'm sure James would be pissed." Maybe they should have screen-tested Keyshia Cole for the part.

Thanks to the good people at Concreteloop.com, we were able to catch a glimpse of Beyonce and her co-star Adrien Brody in costume walking to the set. Abelem commented, "She look a hot mess!!!!!" Well…I would agree but in this case she was in costume at the time. So if she looked a mess, maybe Etta James was looking a mess in the scene they were shooting.

Rapper Mos Def is set to portray rock & roll legend Chuck Berry. As member Stryker said, "Mos Def is a pretty good actor he always plays his parts well this will be interesting to see him take on a more challenging role from what I have seen him do in the past." I have to agree with Stryker on this. Mos Def is one rapper turned actor that is really doing it right. Cadillac Records seems to be a great period piece for him to take on.

Are you interested in seeing Cadillac Records when it comes out? Are you tired of seeing Beyonce play a singer in a movie? -Tanspot

ENTERTAINMENT: "The Cradle" Ain't Too Stable

Entertainment — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:22:00 GMT

Last week was the premiere of MTV's "Rock The Cradle." It's their version of "American Idol" for the kids of rock stars. If you tuned in late to the show--like most of the people I know--you missed the introduction of the judges. The panel of judges consisted of singer Belinda Carlisle, choreographer Jamie King, stylist June Ambrose and business mogul Larry Rudolph. The least recognizable judge, Jamie King, is quickly becoming the "Simon" of the bunch. He is dishing out low scores left and right. I still have questions about the judges they selected. I wish MTV would have picked more judges that have actually discovered music talent. Ha!

I really thought all of them could sing before the show started. Some of them seemed like they didn't think about singing until getting cast for the show. If I had been asked to guess who wouldn't be able to sing, I would have said Lil B. Sure, son of R&B singer Al B. Sure. The fact that he is going by Lil B. Sure made him seem wack. I'm happy to say I was surprised about how good he was. But then again I had low expectations to begin with. The judges enjoyed his performance. Unfortunately, Bobby Brown's son didn't fair as good. When he was performing I keep wondering if he was just letting his nerves get to him. Landon Brown better be glad he is light-skinned…that might keep him on the show another week. He needs a song that is more up tempo. Bobby Brown was rocking a Landon t-shirt…support and embarrassment all in one. It probably wasn't easy for the celeb kids to perform in front of an audience and having their rocker parents in the stands look over them.

My top 3 for the show are Lucy Walsh (her dad is Joe Walsh), Akeiba Burrell Hammer (dad is MC Hammer) and Crosby Loggins (dad is Kenny Loggins). All three impressed the judges, but Lucy was the one person safe from the public vote. What did you think about the show? Who do you predict will come out on top? -Tanspot

ENTERTAINMENT: Fake Is The New Real

Entertainment — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:22:00 GMT

I spend most of my time watching, talking and blogging about reality TV. My newest guilty pleasure is "The Hills". I never watched "Laguna Beach" when it was on and I barely watched "The Hills" until this season. From the moment the trailer came out, I felt compelled to watch the 20-something drama. Thank goodness I wasn't the only person tuning in. According to the post from Sensation, "The Hills" premiere averaged over 4.7 million viewers. I think it was the fact that they were heading to Paris and that sucked me in. Ooh La La!

I think by now people know that reality shows are not real. If only I had writers sitting around scripting out my everyday life things would flow a lot easier. When I didn't like something I could do a retake. Since every show needs conflict, "The Hills" comes in the form of an annoying couple--Heidi and Spencer. They spend their days arguing with each other, feuding with Lauren and then making up. Busy day right? Somewhere in all that they find time to shop and pretend like they are working. I'm sure the people that really have to work hate them.

I also checked out a post from Chachacha. It said that the fights between Heidi and Spencer are FAKE. Global Grind member UmojaKusaga said, "I friggin can't wait who cares that's its fake!" I total agree…of course they stage fights for the cameras. It's TV!! Plus, why get a real job when you can sit around all day talking about your pretend feelings and drinking coffee. I wondering if they need a new friend…I could use the extra check." Do you think reality TV will ever be real? Or is real just to boring for TV? -Tanspot

ENTERTAINMENT: Your Wish Is Oprah's Command

Entertainment — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:15:00 GMT

Check out what Selacs posted about whatever Oprah touches does turn to Gold. It seems nothing is too small for her to take on. Oprah's latest book selection, "A New Earth" was a huge success. Hopefully, Eckhart Tolle doesn't have too many skeletons in his closet. With well over 3.5 million copies sold, Tolle is just one of a select few that have been touched by the media goddess. Harpo Productions has signed a development deal with former Cheers star and Jenny Craig spokeswoman, Kirstie Alley. After Alley's big weight loss she appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show to show off her new body. I can see them bonding over weight loss struggles. Kapital One commented, "If you hang around Oprah long enough, you'll benefit eventually." If only I could get in that circle!!

Oprah is brought in a number of celebrities to help spread her message of giving. Malaak Compton-Rock, wife of comedian Chris Rock, runs her own non-profit organization, styleWorks, which makes over women on welfare and in shelters to help them enter the workforce. The organization was featured on an episode of Oprah's Big Give. Global Grind member Stryker said, "It's always good to see celebrities and people with some umph helping out and inspiring others to do the same." The show is a great way to show people ways they can make a difference. I feel inspired by all the giving…do you? Big or Small - What can we do to help make the world a better place?

ENTERTAINMENT: Users Don't Mind Britney Getting South Park'd

Entertainment — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 22:33:00 GMT

"South Park" has gone after our favorite train-wreak Britney Spears. On a recent episode of South Park, the pop star is being chased by the paparazzi in the small Colorado town. Stan and Kyle befriend Britney and try to help her escape from the madness. It was your typical mean spirited poke in the ribs but funny as hell nonetheless.

GG member Anthony commented, "You know you have made it when you become a south park character." Much like being spoofed on "Saturday Night Live", "South Park" is a milestone in pop culture. Sportaphile said, "It's about time, 'South Park' usually doesn't spare ANYONE'S feelings. They'll make fun of blacks, Jews, scientologists, cripples, and gays... why not make fun of Britney too?"

In the episode, the citizens of South Park persuade Britney to kill herself for the coming harvest. You will have to catch the show when it re-airs to really understand and see who will be the next victim of the evil paparazzi. Especially since Britney seems to like having the paparazzi around 24/7. The whole thing makes me wonder what would happen if they just stopped following her one day. That would really drive her crazy. -Tanspot

ENTERTAINMENT: Pauly Shore Is Still Irrelevant

Entertainment — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 22:14:00 GMT

Why is it that corny and/or washed-up comedians feel that they have to drag race into their shtick in order to get attention? Kaboom posted a clip of Paulie Shore trying to get a rise out of black people by recording a phone conversation about black comedians taking all the work. The video was tasteless but that's not what made it sickening to watch--sometimes tasteless can be funny--it was corny and pathetic. Meccalaw commented, "WTF???? Pauly Shore just trying to get some attention. He knows he's washed up and no one not even the "white people" want to see him or his comedy." Yup, that pretty much sums it up.

Later it came out that the whole stunt was part of his film "Natural Born Komics" which made it even more corny. There's so many more clever ways he could have used racial issues to get a laugh but the way he went about it sucked big time. As Chachacha said, "it's actually a clip from a movie called "Natural Born Komics". Anybody care?" To answer, eh, not really. -The Blackspot

ENTERTAINMENT: Jenna Jameson Can't Wait To Be Filmed Again

Entertainment — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:45:00 GMT

Earlier, I ran across the post about Jenna Jameson's new movie. The first thing that came to mind was that I thought she retired from porn. Well come to find out she is doing a horror movie with her current boyfriend Tito Ortiz. Wasn't she married? Oh well…Tito is a former Ultimate Fighting Champion and was on the first season of Celebrity Apprentice. After seeing Tito on "Celebrity Apprentice", I thought he would've had more sense. Does he really think this is a good idea? I got one word for you Tito – Gigli. That's proof that couples should avoid doing films together.

The movie's name is "Zombie Strippers" and the only good thing so far is that the title is straight to the point--you know exactly what your getting. Jenna will play a stripper (of course) in an underground club. A deadly virus brings zombies to life and turns the already living into zombies. Robert Englund, who played "Freddy" in A Nightmare On Elm Street is set to be in the movie so you know what that means. Somebody must have called in favor. Sportaphile commented, "This is so fitting, Jenna Jameson damned near looks like a zombie nowadays. Between her zillion plastic surgeries and 'rumored' drug problem." I don't know about the drug problem but the plastic surgery looks worse than Lil Kim's right now. I can only hope that they just turn the movie into a porno and call it a day. Would you be more interested in seeing this as a horror movie or as porn? -Tanspot