Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (New Trailer)

Here's a full trailer of Michael Cera's upcoming movie Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. This time Cera gets to fight like a superhero, well, kinda.

In theaters August 13th.

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Poster - Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work

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Skateland

Writer/director Anthony Burns' debut film stars Shiloh Fernandez (Deadgirl) as Ritchie Wheeler, a teen struggling with what to do with his future, growing up in a small Texas town in the 1980s. It is currently making the festival rounds. I dig the trailer, New Order makes everything better.

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Outsourced

The new series (based on the 2006 indie film of the same name) centers on the all-American Novelties company whose call center has suddenly been outsourced to India. Todd Dempsy (Ben Rappaport) is the new company’s manager who learns that he’s being transferred to India to run the operation. Overwhelmed, Todd discovers that his new staff needs a crash course in all things American if they are to understand the U.S. product line and ramp up sales from halfway around the world. Robert Borden (The Drew Carey Show) is executive producer/writer. Ken Kwapis (The Office) developed the project through his company, In Cahoots, and serves as executive producer/director. Sure the concept isn't new but it looks fun. Coming thursdays this fall on NBC.

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Poster - The Killer Inside Me

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Rashida Jones at Meltdown Comics [Photos]

Rashida Jones and her creative team (Christina Weir, Nunzio Defilippis & Jeff Wamester) gathered at Meltdown Comics in West Hollywood to promote the release of Frenemy of the State.

I, for one, couldn't wait to check out the story and found it a fun read.

A mix of people waited in line for Rashida to sign their copy.

[READ MORE...]

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Bob Saget's Cool Comedy – Hot Cuisine (charity)

Last night Bob Saget hosted a charity event for the Scleroderma Research Foundation called Cool Comedy Hot Cuisine at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. It featured comedy sets from Ray Romano, Sarah Silverman, B.J. Novak and Craig Ferguson. Scleroderma is "a chronic, complex and often life-threatening disease. It is most visibly characterized by fibrosis or hardening of the skin." For more info visit www.srfcure.org 

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Notable New Releases

True Blood: The Complete Second Season

I really dug the first season and can't wait to revisit the citizens of Bon Temps.

Extras include:

• Enhanced Viewing Experience
• Commentaries
• Character Perspectives - in-character shorts
• Fellowship of the Sun: Reflections of Light
• The Vampire Report: Special Edition

The Road
Australian director John Hillcoat (who made the badass western The Proposition) adapts Cormac McCarthy! I must see this.

Extras include:

• Commentary
• Deleted Scenes
• The Making of The Road

Mystery Team
Online sketch comedy group Derrick Comedy make their film debut with this hilarious Sundance hit. Check them out, you won't regret it. Unfortunately no blu-ray.

Extras include:

• Commentary
• Deleted Scenes
• Who Is Wally Cummings? Short Film
• The Making of Mystery Team
• Test Scene
• Sword Club

[READ MORE...]

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Emma Stone on Nylon TV

While you're waiting on Easy A to hit theaters... Nylon magazine offers a short interview with the budding star, Emma Stone, who is part of their latest Young Hollywood list.

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TV Tonight - Chuck

The 2 hour season finale airs tonight at 8/7c on NBC. The first hour is entitled Chuck Vs. The Subway and the second is Chuck Vs. The Ring: Part II. Shadowy thugs from the Ring inch closer to take down Chuck and his team, but not if Chuck's father (Scott Bakula) has anything to say about it. Elsewhere, Casey undertakes a clandestine mission to protect his daughter from the Ring; and big news about Buy More's Big Mike. It looks like a great finale and will feature flashbacks of a young Chuck. Hopefully Daniel Shaw will go down for good this time and Ellie will stop being stupid. I'm so glad we have a fourth season to look forward to!

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Trailer - Finding Bliss

Writer/director Julie Davis' (Amy's O) new film stars Leelee Sobieski as an aspiring filmmaker, who takes a job at a porn studio, planning to use the company's facilities to secretly film her own movie after hours. It opens on June 4th.

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TV Tonight - Lost

The 2.5 hour series finale, entitled simply The End, airs tonight at 9/8c on ABC! The battle lines are drawn as 'Locke' puts his plan into action, which could finally liberate him from the island. It was written by showrunners Damon Lindelof/Carlton Cuse and directed by Jack Bender. The fun starts at 7/6c with Lost: The Final Journey, a retrospective documentary. Afterwards, be sure to watch Jimmy Kimmel's 'Aloha to Lost' special, which will feature the cast and three alternate endings! Ever since watching that eye open, this has been one of my favorite shows of all time. I am sad to see it go, but I'm also excited to see how it will end and I don't think it will disappoint. Well written and anchored by amazing performances, Lost is truly a one of a kind experience. If you never got into it, it's currently available on Netflix watch instantly. Go now. Seriously.

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Trailer - Going The Distance

Documentary filmmaker Nanette Burstein (American Teen, The Kid Stays in the Picture) makes her narrative feature film debut with this romantic comedy starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long. Also, it's awesome to see Charlie Day on the big screen! It hits theaters August 27th.

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Fashion Inspired by the Characters of Community

Today, I thought I'd take a break from the usual film/music inspired posts and do a TV inspired post as an homage to my favorite program right now and yesterday's shocking season finale.

Community is side-splittingly hilarious, uniquely self-aware and charmingly touching. It has one of the best ensemble casts in television history including Chevy Chase, Joel McHale, Alison Brie, Donald Glover, Gillian Jacobs, Danny Pudi and Yvette Nicole Brown.

I wish I could express the same enthusiasm for the season finale episode, but it just felt out of character and had an overly sensationalist vibe in my opinion. However, don't let that deter you from checking out the show. I assure you the rest of the episodes are phenomenal.

All the characters have distinct styles and I really look forward to seeing what they'll be wearing in each episode. The three characters I've picked to study are Gillian Jacob's Britta Perry, Alison Brie's Annie Edison and Danny Pudi's Abed Nadir.

Britta Perry

Britta is the most worldly member of the core group of characters. She is a staunch feminist and activist and this is reflected in her style. Britta almost always wears jeans and leather or denim jackets. She eschews a sweet and feminine look for one that is more grown-up and earthy. Since Gillian Jacobs is pretty short in comparison to her male cast mates, Britta is almost always seen in high heeled boots.

Britta Inspired by Ashley Chupp featuring TopShop jackets

[READ MORE...]

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Hawaii Five-O

A contemporary take on the classic series about a new elite task force. Detective Steve McGarrett (Alex O’Loughlin) returns to Oahu to investigate his father’s murder and stays after Hawaii’s governor persuades him to head up the new team. Joining McGarrett is Detective Danny 'Danno' Williams (Scott Caan), who is committed to keeping the Islands safe for his daughter; and Chin Ho Kelly (Daniel Dae Kim), an ex-detective wrongly accused of corruption and relegated to a federal security patrol. Chin’s cousin, Kono (Grace Park), is a beautiful and fearless native, fresh out of the academy and eager to establish herself among the department’s elite. McGarrett vows to bring closure to his father’s case while the state’s new Five-O unit is determined to eliminate the seedy elements from the 50th state. 

Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci (Fringe, Star Trek) are executive producers. Previous attempts to remake the show failed (Gary Busey starred in a 1997 pilot that was never broadcast) but this looks fun and I have faith in Kurtzman/Orci. Plus it's got Jin! Coming this fall on CBS.

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EVENT: Watch Pretty In Pink at the Drive-In (L.A.)

In the mood for a bit of 80s nostalgia? Catch Pretty in Pink on a big screen this Saturday night (May 22nd) as part of the Devil's Night Drive-In series in downtown Los Angeles. Bring your cars or lawn chairs to watch this classic John Hughes film.

The gate opens at 7:30pm and the movie starts at 9pm. The cost? $10.

Ticket info: www.devilsnight.com/drivein.htm

FAQs: www.devilsnight.com/pages/drivein.faq.htm

FB: www.facebook.com/devilsnightdrivein

And here's a video example of a previous event:

[via LA Snark]

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Trailer - Rio

Directed by Oscar-nominated Brazilian animator Carlos Saldanha (Ice Age series, Robots), and starring Anne Hathaway, Neil Patrick Harris, Rodrigo Santoro, George Lopez and Jake T. Austin, the story follows a nerdy macaw who leaves the comforts of his cage in small town Minnesota and heads to Rio de Janeiro. Also, John Powell is scoring the film with bossa nova master Sergio Mendes! I'm so glad to see Blue Sky making an original film and one set in Brazil has me even more excited. It hits theaters next April.

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EVENT: Rashida Jones Comic Book Signing (L.A.)

This Saturday (May 22nd) Rashida Jones and her writing team will have a signing for Frenemy of the State at Meltdown Comics in Los Angeles. The signing starts at 7pm but these type of events tend to draw a crowd so come early, buy a copy and browse around a bit.

Frenemy of the State is about...

Ariana Von Holmberg, an heiress with a secret. But what she's hiding isn't a sex tape or a drug addiction or an affair with a professional golfer—it's a new career as a CIA operative. Can Ari balance her high society obligations with her new role as a spy or will the weight of two worlds bring her dual lives to a violent end?

It's a cinematic idea and as previously mentioned a film adaptation is already in the works.

[HT BlackNerd]

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TV Tonight - Community

The season finale, entitled Pascal’s Triangle Revisited, airs tonight at 8/7c on NBC. Jealousy runs rampant at Greendale as Britta and Professor Slater (Lauren Stamile) fight for the affection of Jeff. Meanwhile, Troy is confused when his best friend, Abed, doesn't invite him to move into his dorm room.

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Calvin Marshall

Writer/director Gary Lundgren's debut film stars Alex Frost (Elephant) as a college student who is determined to become a Major League Baseball star, but finds his true calling instead. Looks good and co-stars the great Steve Zahn. Currently in very limited release, DVD out September 21st. Follow the director on his blog for more info.

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Happy Endings

For years, perfect couple Dave (Zachary Knighton) and Alex (Elisha Cuthbert) drew their friends in and held them together. Now that they've split, does this group have the stuff to stay together? Or do Max (Adam Pally), Brad (Damon Wayans Jr.), Jane (Eliza Coupe), and Penny (Casey Wilson) have to choose sides? From executive producers Jamie Tarses (My Boys), Jonathan Groff (Late Night with Conan O'Brien), Anthony & Joe Russo, and co-executive producer David Caspe, Happy Endings examines the complex network of long-term friendships. The pilot was written by David Caspe and directed by Anthony & Joe Russo (Running Wilde, Community). I really like the cast and the Russo brothers seem to be taking over TV with their quirky comedies. Coming this fall on ABC.

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Poster - Homework

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Bob's Burgers

The new animated comedy, a mid-season replacement, stars the great H. Jon Benjamin (Archer, Home Movies) as Bob, who runs a struggling burger restaurant that he keeps re-opening with his wife (John Roberts) and their three unhelpful kids (comedians Eugene Mirman, Kristen Schaal, and Dan Mintz). The series was created by Loren Bouchard (Home Movies, Dr. Katz). Bouchard and Jim Dauterive (King of the Hill) serve as executive producers and writers. Gotta love that cast. Coming sundays next year on FOX.

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Music Video - The Black Keys 'Tighten Up'

The duo's kids discover love on the playground in their latest video. The new album, Brothers, is in stores now.

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TV Tonight - Lost

A new episode, entitled What They Died For, airs tonight at 9/8c on ABC. While Locke devises a new strategy, Jack's group searches for Desmond. It was written by Edward Kitsis/Adam Horowitz/Elizabeth Sarnoff and directed by Paul Edwards. Although I liked last week's crazy Allison Janney origin stuff, I'm glad everybody's back in this episode. Maybe we will learn which candidate is getting the job and why Kate's name got crossed off. I love the use of The Doors in the promo. The 2.5 hour series finale airs this Sunday!

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Running Wilde

From the Emmy Award-winning creator of Arrested Development comes a romantic comedy starring Will Arnett as Steve Wilde, a filthy-rich, immature playboy trying desperately to win (or buy) the heart of his childhood sweetheart, Emmy Kadubic (Keri Russell), the uber-liberal humanitarian who got away - all told through the perspective of a 12-year-old girl. The series is written and created by Mitch Hurwitz, Jim Vallely, and Will Arnett. Hurwitz, Vallely, Arnett, Anthony Russo, and Joe Russo serve as executive producers. The Russo brothers (Community) also directed the pilot. I love Arnett and I'm happy to see him in a leading role. Coming tuesdays this fall on FOX.

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Notable New Releases

Invictus
I am a big fan of Clint Eastwood as a director and the cast, so I must give it a watch.

Extras include:

• Vision, Courage, and Honor - a Picture-in-Picture track features countless interview segments with Eastwood, nearly notable members of his cast, department heads and the real men who inspired the film (BD exclusive)
• Mandela Meets Morgan
• Matt Damon Plays Rugby
• The Eastwood Factor - Film critic, historian, and documentarian Richard Schickel wrote and directed this candid overview of Eastwood'scareer
• Invictus Music Trailer

The Messenger
Ben Foster always delivers great performances and I hear Woody Harrelson is amazing in this as well.

Extras include:

• Commentary
• Behind-the-scenes footage
• Documentary about the notification process
• Q&A with the cast and crew
• Copy of the shooting script

Walkabout (Criterion Collection)
Nicolas Roeg's 1971 outback odyssey gets the Criterion treatment.

Extras include:

• Audio commentary featuring Roeg and actress Jenny Agutter
• Video interviews with Agutter and actor Luc Roeg
• Gulpilil - One Red Blood (2002), an hour-long documentary on the life and career of actor David Gulpilil
• PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by author Paul Ryan

[READ MORE...]

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TV Tonight - Chuck

A new episode, entitled Chuck Vs. The Living Dead, airs tonight at 8/7c on NBC. Chuck enlists Morgan's help for a side mission, but the assignment turns complicated upon the arrival of Chuck's father (returning guest star Scott Bakula), who discovers that an advanced version of the Intersect has been downloaded into his son.

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Why Am I Doing This?

Why Am I Doing This? is a comedy about a struggling actor and comedian trying to make it in Hollywood. It stars Anthony Montgomery (I'm Through With Girls), Lynn Chen (Saving Face) and Tom Huang who wrote and directed it. It's the type of quirky multicultural story that independent cinema needs.  I'm hoping that Huang forms a Judd Apatow-like band of actors and crafts more starring roles for Montgomery and Chen (plus Sheetal Sheth, James Kyson Lee and Fernanda Andrade).

You can catch Why Am I Doing This? on the big screen for a limited engagement at the Laemmle Music Hall theater in Los Angeles until May 20th.

Official Site: www.whyamidoingthis.net

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Undercovers

Acclaimed writer/producer/director J.J. Abrams serves as co-writer, executive producer – and also directs, his first direction of a TV pilot since Lost, with executive producer/writer Josh Reims (Brothers and Sisters).

Outwardly, Steven Bloom (Boris Kodjoe) and his wife, Samantha (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), are a typical married couple who own a small catering company in Los Angeles and are helped by Samantha’s easily frazzled younger sister, Lizzy (Jessica Parker Kennedy). Secretly, the duo were two of the CIA’s best spies until they fell in love on the job five years ago and retired. When fellow spy and friend Nash (Carter MacIntyre) goes missing while on the trail of a Russian arms dealer, the Blooms are reinstated by boss Carlton Shaw (Gerald McRaney) to locate and rescue Nash. The pair is thrust back into the world of espionage as they follow leads that span the globe and Steven and Samantha realize that this lifestyle provides the excitement and romance that their marriage has been missing.

A new J.J. show is always a good thing and it's nice to see NBC finally living up to their 'more colorful' slogan. Coming wednesdays this fall.

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Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Undead

Writer/director Jordan Galland's debut film stars Jake Hoffman as a director making a vampire adaption of Hamlet who discovers that vampires are indeed real. It looks awesome and it was scored by Sean Lennon! It will open in limited release on June 25th.

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TV Tonight - SNL

The 35th season finale airs tonight at 11:30/10:30c on NBC. Alec Baldwin hosts with musical guest Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers! This now ties his hosting record with Steve Martin.

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Fashion Inspired by Control/Joy Division

I positively adore music biopics. My favorite one is Control, the movie inspired by the life and death of tortured Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis. I highly recommend it to everyone, even if you're not familiar with Joy Division. The movie is poignant and intriguing enough that I don't think you need the background to enjoy it. However, Joy Division is not a band you want to miss out on. The original British post punk band, Joy Division made music together from 1976 to 1980 when Ian tragically committed suicide as the result of his crumbling marriage, struggle with epilepsy and other personal demons. Joy Division isn't exactly sunny day and blue skies music, but it's perfect for bad days and bouts of sadness.

After watching this movie, I was inspired by the Manchester street style of the late '70's that the characters displayed. Ian, his wife Debbie and his mistress Annik all wear structured jackets, straight pants and basic shirts. Ian's style is fairly minimalistic with a slight rockstar edge. Debbie is less conventionally stylish than Annik, and she generally dresses conservatively and sweetly. Annik's wardrobe is much more chic and accessorized, yet it still is understated.

As I said, Joy Division's music is fairly bleak and depressing. My fashion choices inspired by Joy Division songs utilized a lot of gray/black/white and I steered clear of bright colors to reflect that. The pieces are structured as a nod to the personal style of the band members pictured above. I included some on-trend pieces for fun such as oxford shoes, straight pants and a vintage purse. And, of course, I built my outfits around Joy Division band tees.

Joy Division by Ashley Chupp featuring Converse shoes

Even if you don't care much for the fashion aspect, I still hope you'll watch Control and check out Joy Division's music if you haven't already. And now I leave you with the music video for Joy Division's most famous song "Love Will Tear Us Apart."

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Just Wright

Just Wright is your basic romantic comedy but don't let that turn you away. Queen Latifah and Common do a nice job of bringing their own personal flair to the genre and Paula Patton is terrific as the money obsessed side-kick (I'm still hoping that Patton gets her own movie one day). If you're in the mood for a feel-good story then check out Just Wright.

Now in theaters.

Official Site: www.foxsearchlight.com/justwright

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Poster - Love Ranch

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TV Tonight - The Vampire Diaries Season Finale

If you got caught up in The Vampire Diaries like I did then you don't want to miss tonight. Elena (Nina Dobrev), Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon (Ian Somerhalder) must fight a new wave of supernatural troubles that come to town for Founder's Day. Get ready for fireworks and blood.

[Photo credit: © 2010 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.]

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