Kathy's Weekend Outlook: See a movie
Finally, the film is out. In fact, Twilight, the movie with which it may have seemed we were obsessed (see our interviews, exclusive cover story and poster), began showing at 12:01 a.m. today in theaters around the country. Fandango was reportedly selling tickets at the rate of five per second. Now we want to know what you think. Post your own reviews of the film in the comments and we'll run some of the best next week.
Two other new and wildly different films are also worth checking out this weekend. First there's the animated adventure Bolt, with voices by John Travolta and Miley Cyrus, which we told you about earlier. Then there's Slumdog Millionaire, about an impoverished Indian teen who makes it onto the Hindi version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire but is more concerned with reconnecting with his childhood love. It's been getting rave reviews — many critics are calling it their favorite film of the year.
I'm a little bit of a photography nut, so am really excited that Google and Life have teamed up to make all of Life's photos available online. There are literally millions — many of which were never published — and you can search by date or person or event. One of my favorites is this one of JFK and Jackie Kennedy walking to his inauguration in 1961. Let's hope president-elect Barack Obama will have warmer weather come this January 20th.
Speaking of hoping for warmer weather, I'll be up bright and early to participate in the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walk here in Washington, D.C. It's also the end of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, but charities across the country need help, especially during the holidays. So if you've got some time, consider volunteering for a few hours this season.
Lots of funny TV on this weekend, too. First there's Tim McGraw hosting Saturday Night Live. We're still missing Tina Fey, but apparently McGraw is the first country star of the millennium to host the show -- which seems odd since country has been so big on the charts lately but worth checking out. Then on Sunday Stephen Colbert (at left) brings us his holiday special, Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All! Guest stars include Jon Stewart, Willie Nelson and Elvis Costello and the show itself is supposed to be hilarious, so set your TiVos.
Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson Wentz are going to have an exciting weekend: She gave birth to their son, named Bronx Mowgli, last night. Fellow editor T.J. Walter interviewed Wentz last week and you'll be able to read the full story in our Dec. 14 issue, but here's a timely tidbit. Wentz told us that his parents "OD’d me on the library, and I was pretty loaded up when it came to children’s books," which helps explain his son's creative name: Mowgli is the name of the lead character in The Jungle Book.
(Bolt photo courtesy Disney; Kennedy photo by Paul Schutzer/Life; Colbert photo by Kristopher Long/Comedy Central)
November 14, 2008
Kathy's Weekend Outlook: Stephen Colbert, LittleBigPlanet
It's finally Friday, marking the end of a very busy week for me (including the Mark Twain Prize honoring George Carlin at the Kennedy Center Monday and the Quantum of Solace screening last night) but it's also just the beginning of a big weekend, starting with tonight's Roast for Spina Bifida, featuring Stephen Colbert, which we told you about yesterday. I can't wait to see what Rahm Emanuel and the other roasters have to say to Colbert. Then I'm off to Baltimore for the Notre Dame-Navy football game. I'll keep who I'm cheering for to myself, though, as my father (an IU fan) is appalled by my choice.
As I just mentioned, I saw Quantum of Solace last night, which I imagine many people will be seeing this weekend. My reaction to the film was a very neutral "eh." It's full of the requisite (and awesome) car chases and fight scenes -- one in an Opera house is particularly fun to watch -- but it's simply not as much fun as previous Bond films. Daniel Craig's Bond spends the whole movie in a sort of funk: He's trying to get over the heartbreak of losing his one true love (played by Eva Green in Casino Royale). The problem is, though, that we don't want to see a pining-over-loves-lost Bond. We want to see a suave, smooth and fully-in-control Bond. If nothing else, this film is enjoyable to watch and very clearly sets up for the next installment.
I'm more of a Nintendo 64 Mario Kart enthusiast myself, but PlayStation 3's new game, LittleBigPlanet, has caused quite a stir, and we've got a story about it in the magazine this weekend. In it, you can create any type of creature you want, and, even better, the makers of the game developed a special USA WEEKEND level, so you can explore your way through our office and see some of the actual WEEKENDers.
Speaking of games, I've recently become addicted to the online version of Blokus — it's a strategy game where you
get points for placing your colored pieces in the best positions. Just make sure you've got some free time before
you start playing — I killed an hour and half without even noticing the first time I played earlier this week.
And there are a few stars who will probably be celebrating their new jobs at NBC this weekend: Hilary Duff signed a deal to star in her own show and guest star on some of the network's current shows, and Abby Elliot and Michaela Watkins (at right) just signed on as the newest comedians on Saturday Night Live.
(Quantum photo courtesy MGM; Watkins photo by Mary Ellen Matthews/NBC)
November 07, 2008
Kathy's Weekend Outlook: Warrick Dunn, movies
Well, Friday is finally upon us (yay) but I've got a work assignment this weekend. I'm interviewing NFL player Warrick Dunn, who will be a judge for USA WEEKEND's Most Caring Coach awards this year. In addition to much volunteer work, Dunn founded Homes for the Holidays, which helps single parents purchase their own homes.
When I'm not working I'll be figuring out my wardrobe for a big week ahead, which includes covering Monday's Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center, honoring George Carlin, and then the 20th annual Roast for Spina Bifida, where the roastee is Stephen Colbert, on Friday. I may have to do a little outfit shopping for these events; I'd just be doing my part to help the economy, right? I'll be writing about both in the blog next week so come back to read all about them.
As the end of the year approaches, Entertainment Weekly takes a look at the biggest pop culture events of 2008 and has created a bracket game that lets you decide who's had the most impact on the entertainment industry. There are plenty of tough choices (pitting Mad Men against Gossip Girl? How am I supposed to choose between my love of a legitimate show and my love of a ridiculous show?), but to the shock of probably no one Tina Fey emerged as the victor in my bracket. What about you? Let us know in the comments below who your winner is.
We told you last week about our interview with Paul Rudd, whose new movie Role Models opens this weekend. That film also stars Sean William Scott and 12-year-old Bobb'e J. Thompson, who's featured on our Who's News page this weekend. Director David Wain calls him a "comedy machine," and I'm inclined to trust him, because he's also the man responsible for the hilarious Wet Hot American Summer and The Ten.
You can tell we're getting into holiday movie season, as there are tons of films opening this weekend in addition to Role Models. Take your pick from Bernie Mac's final movie (at right, with co-star Samuel L. Jackson), Soul Men, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas or Gardens of the Night.
Breakups are often rough, but $9 million might soften that blow, right? That's reportedly the sum Simon Cowell gave his ex-girlfriend, Terri Seymour, after they split. And she left him! No wonder he can say he stays friends with his exes. I don't doubt that she's hurting as much as the rest of us do when relationships go sour, but I have a feeling her bad-TV-and-ice-cream-while-I-wallow-in-despair phase may at least be upgraded to some gourmet treats and movies on brand new a flat screen.
(Fey photo by Nicole Rivelli/NBC; Soul Men photo courtesy Dimenson Films)
October 31, 2008
Kathy's Weekend Outlook: Halloween costumes and candy
I hope you've got your Halloween costume ready to go. Let us know in the comments below what you're dressing up as this year -- I expect there will be plenty of Sarah Palin and Mad Men-inspired costumes, but who's got something really creative? My friends and I are going as contestants on Supermarket Sweep. If you're looking for me, I'll be in the blue sweatshirt, team #2, carrying around a bottle of detergent (expensive) and a 1-lb. bag of coffee (remember those $100 bonus tasks).
If you'd prefer to steer clear of trick-or-treaters tomorrow but want to stay in the Halloween mood, consider seeing The Haunting of Molly Hartley. I'm guessing this will just be your standard (and by "standard" I mean ridiculous plot and bad acting) scary movie, but it does get bonus points for starring Gossip Girl cutie Chace Crawford. I interviewed him just before that show started airing, and I can tell you that he was as funny and laid-back as you'd expect a Texas college guy to be.
Another movie option for those of you who (like me) hate scary movies is Zack and Miri Make a Porno. While I love star Seth Rogen, I'd prefer that he keep his shirt on (though he has been slimming down for his role in The Green Hornet), but our movies editor, Craigh Barboza, told me he was laughing within the first five minutes of this movie.
Paul Rudd (at right), has joined Rogen as a supporting actor in several recent comedies. He's got his own new flick, Role Models, out next weekend, but we have an interview with him this weekend. I've liked him since Clueless, continued my fandom through Anchorman and The 40-Year-Old-Virgin and this interview solidified how much I like him: He's not only funny, but he also says some really sweet things about his 4-year-old son, Jack.
Here's a fun Halloween quiz for all you junk food lovers out there: See if you can identify classic candies just by looking at a picture. It's much harder than it sounds: I only got 3 out of 5 right, and I eat a LOT of candy.
(Supermarket Sweep photo courtesy rickbluhm.com; Rudd photo by Dale Robinette/New Line Cinema)
October 24, 2008
Kathy's Weekend Outlook: Make A Difference Day
Here's something everyone should do this weekend: Get involved with USA WEEKEND's annual Make A Difference Day. It's tomorrow, and you'll be joining 3 million other people around the country making a difference in their home communities. Our staff will be working with those from other charitable groups to beautify a park in an underserved area of the District of Columbia. Surely you've got a few hours to volunteer your time to help better your community. Got the time but don't know where to invest it? No problem. You can check out our projects database to see what's going on near you - or just do a little something on your own.
Once you've done your good deed for the day, treat yourself to one of the many movies opening this weekend. Lorrie told you her thoughts on Changeling earlier this week (though if you're not in one of the big cities you'll have to wait till next week). Also among the new movies is the inescapable High School Musical franchise, High School Musical 3: Senior Year. Our Brian Truitt's interview with Ashley Tisdale ran in the magazine last week, along with a question: What do you think is the best movie ever set in a high school? We got lots of responses, ranging from To Sir With Love to Breakfast Club and Grease. It's not too late to weigh in. Read and add to the posts here.
Halloween's fast approaching, and if you haven't carved your pumpkin yet, this is the weekend to do it. Readers are going bonkers over USA WEEKEND's pumpkin stencil of The Joker, as he looked when Heath Ledger played him in The Dark Knight. It's a pretty cool design, and easy to download for carving. As a superfan of The Office, though, I will carve my own Dwight o' lantern.
In a Gossip Girl episode that ran this week, one character asked this pertinent question: Who watches TV on TV anymore? It's true. I know I'm falling into that habit of watching TV fare online. In fact, I'll be checking out the premiere episode of the CW's Stylista, a new reality show that pits fashion-loving contestants against each other to win a year-long editorial position at Elle magazine, on my Mac sometime this weekend. One of the contestants, Johanna (that's her, at right), was a fashion blogger here in DC. She actually answered a question for me about what to wear to the Kennedy Center Honors last year (yes, you can wear a short dress to the very black-tie event), so I'll be rooting for her.
Speaking of watching TV online, NBC has made the season premiere of 30 Rock , not airing until next Thursday, available online. I had to watch — it's my job! — but I probably would have anyways, considering that I still snoop for Christmas presents hidden in my parents' closet. If you're as impatient as I am, you can watch the episode below. Highlights include Will Arnett back as foil to Alec Baldwin and Megan Mullally has a hilarious guest appearance.
30 Rock's premiere was pushed back from an earlier October airing because NBC decided that Saturday Night Live is so hot again (last weekend's show with Sarah Palin was watched by 15 million people) that it needed to do an extra Weekend Update edition through the election season in 30 Rock's Thursday night slot. And, of course, Fey's performance as Palin has made her the new "it" girl of television. I was supposed to talk to Fey this morning on a conference call to promote the show but it got canceled for "production" reasons. Maybe next week.
(photo by Jim DeYonker/The CW)
October 17, 2008
Kathy's Weekend Outlook: Bees, AC/DC
Talk about a timely movie opening: Oliver Stone's W. hits theaters this weekend, and whether you're a fan of George W. Bush or not, reviewers say it's an interesting look at the current president — and one that will have people talking. If you want a little preview of what to expect, check out our earlier report from the L.A. press conference with Stone and stars Josh Brolin (who is Dubya), Thandie Newton and Elizabeth Banks. Our Bart Mills, who liked the movie, was there.
And not to get too political here, but as I watched the final presidential debate this week, I wondered just what Republican nominee John McCain was writing on that yellow legal pad of his. Well, the clever folks over at Vanity Fair wondered, too, and came up with this hilarious look at what it could have been. (Let it be a lesson: Shred your trash.)
OK, just one more politic-as-entertainment moment not to be missed: Sarah Palin is on Saturday Night Live this weekend and Josh Brolin (the above mentioned star of W.) is host.
If you just want to see a feel-good flick, check out The Secret Life of Bees. I got a preview of it before interviewing the very charming Tristan Wilds. It's not my usual type of movie — I tend to go for juvenile comedies and steer clear of anything remotely chick flick — but I have to admit I liked it. I thought the story was well told and the actors' performances all felt realistic. Full disclosure: I even cried. And as my friends know, that's quite a feat.
I wonder if this change will register with readers who aren't journalism junkies like me, but Rolling Stone is ending its large format and sizing down to the standard magazine format with the Oct. 30 issue that hits stands this week. I'll have to see an actual copy before I pass judgment: On the one hand, it'll be a lot easier to carry around in my bag; on the other hand that trademark big cover image is always arresting.
Be sure you read our blog post below with extra tidbits from USA WEEKEND's interview with AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson, and head to usaweekend.com for a preview of one of their new songs before it hits stores. Coworkers were surprised at my AC/DC fandom, but I can't think of a better album title than For Those About to Rock, We Salute You.
October 10, 2008
Kathy's Weekend Outlook: Charlie Brown and 30 Rock
Kathy posted her Weekend Outlook before leaving for the celebration of a dear friend's marriage. Read on:
As you all are reading this I will be zooming along the zip line at Camp Kern in southwestern Ohio. One of my best friends is getting married there on Saturday (it's where she and her fiance met) and the wedding weekend is getting started with a day of camp activities. How's that for a destination wedding? Here's hoping that I don't break an arm on the ropes course before my bridesmaid duty.
I know everyone complains that advertising for all things Christmas starts earlier and earlier each year, and Oct. 10 is certainly very early, but I have to tell you that A Charlie Brown Christmas came out on DVD this week. The Christmas feature, made in 1965, was the first of the animated Peanuts features, and I can't think of a movie that makes me happier, except for possibly the second Peanuts release. It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, which would be timelier.
Speaking of DVD releases, if you want to spend an entire weekend laughing at the hilarity created by Tina Fey with Tracy Morgan (who was just on our cover ) and the gang, pictured at left, 30 Rock Season 2 is out now. The third season starts Oct. 30, so if you haven't watched the show now's a good time to catch up. Of course, you can also hope that Fey, who does a spot-on Sarah Palin impression, will appear again this weekend on Saturday Night Live. She's a busy woman, what with writing and acting in her own sitcom, but it's got to be hard to resist the call to do Palin as much as possible before the election.
Not the best weekend for new movies, but if you're in the mood for the theater experience try The Express or Body of Lies. Body of Lies has Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe going for it, but Dennis Quaid's The Express has been getting far better reviews.
We mentioned in a post this morning, but I'll plug it again: USA WEEKEND's peek behind the scenes of this fall's hottest movies is always a fun read. This year you can find out which big star adopted a puppy he found under his trailer on set and who made Oscar-nominee Amy Ryan starstruck.
And I almost hate to pass this along because Google totally stole my idea (although mine was for text messaging and phone calls), but they've come up with a way to prevent — or at least make you really work for it — sending emails when you're in what may not be the best state of mind. They call it Mail Goggles, and you basically set a timeframe (say, during the hours of 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday) during which if you try to send an email you first have to answer several math questions.
(photo by Mary Ellen Mathew/NBC)
October 03, 2008
Kathy's Weekend Outlook: Movies, DVDs and chocolate
Happy Friday, everyone. I, for one, am looking forward to this weekend: One of my college roommates is in town, and fall weather has finally hit DC so I'll be spending a ton of time outside enjoying it. If you're hoping to stay indoors, though, there are tons of movie options to check out. Here are the ones opening this weekend, in the order in which I'd recommend them: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (Michael Cera, at left with co-star Kat Dennings, always wins in my book), How to Lose Friends and Alienate People (find out here why you should love star Simon Pegg, too), Flash of Genius, An American Carol (if you're not too overloaded with political talk), Blindness and Beverly Hills Chihuahua (which I can't, in good conscience, actually recommend, but it is opening this weekend).
If you want to make it an at-home movie-watching weekend, there are also plenty of DVDs out new this week. Summer's huge hit, Iron Man, would be a good pick, as would the 10th anniversary edition of Can't Hardly Wait. That'd be worth it for the celebrity cameos alone (Melissa Joan Hart, Ethan Embry, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Seth Green), but it's also just a great high school movie. For a more educational watching experience, check out Taxi to the Dark Side. I actually saw a screening of this in New York City followed by a Q&A with writer Alex Gibney, and while it's definitely dark, it's also eye-opening about serious international issues that are as important now as ever.
And if you need even more couch time, Saturday Night Live should be a good bet this weekend. Anne Hathaway -- who's great in Rachel Getting Married, which I saw yesterday and will tell you more about later -- hosts, and I'm sure there will be plenty of vice presidential debate-related jokes. Who else hopes Tina Fey (at right, with Amy Poehler) is back, this time with a perfected Sarah Palin wink?
I'm not much of a domestic goddess, but I am able to bake sweet treats pretty well. That, combined with my unrelenting sweet tooth means I'm a big fan of the four chocolate recipes in USA WEEKEND right now. Triple chocolate extravaganza cake -- need I say more?
(Nick and Norah photo by K.C. Bailey/Columbia and Mandate Pictures; Fey photo by Dana Edelson/NBC)
September 26, 2008
Kathy's Weekend Outlook: Presidential debate, Simpsons turns 20
Everyone here in DC is itching to start the weekend — by sitting down and watching TV. Now that we know the presidential debates will go on, much of the nation's capital — and hopefully the rest of the nation — will be glued to their TVs watching Barack Obama and John McCain in their first formal debate. The New York Times has a good analysis of what to watch for, plus a funny op-art piece for those of you who are a little cynical about the whole thing.
After the debate, you may want to take a break from thinking. Two fun movies that will let you zone out are out on DVD this week: Leatherheads (starring my favorite, John Krasinski, and Lorrie's favorite, George Clooney, both at left) for the guys, and Sex and the City: The Movie for the girls.
As someone who grew up watching The Simpsons, I'm feeling a little old knowing that the show starts its 20th season this Sunday. But The Simpsons is always good for a laugh, and it's one of those shows you can watch over and over and always catch something new (which I learned a lot about when I wrote the story about USA WEEKEND's exclusive Simpsons poster) so I'm glad it's still around.
In the obvious news of the day, researchers have determined that Facebook profiles can reveal the user's level of narcissism. Scientists say that the number of friends and wall posts a person has directly correlates with their level of self-adoration. If that counts as a scientific discovery, then call me Marie Curie because I could have told you that months ago.
September 19, 2008
Kathy's Weekend Outlook: TV on DVD, Ricky Gervais
Everyone should go out rightthisverysecond and get their hands on a copy of USA WEEKEND, because it contains my masterpiece of an article about Ricky Gervais (at left). I was lucky enough to go to New York earlier this summer and chat with the creator of The Office and star of Ghost Town, which opens in movie theaters today. He's just as funny in person as he is on screen — we had fun joking about the safety of helicopters today versus the Vietnam era and comparing notes on favorite reality shows.
If you're looking for more laughs, grab a copy of the new Mitch Hedburg CD, Do You Believe in Gosh? The cult comedian died in 2005, but thankfully his quirky humor (with one-liners like “Is a hippopotamus a hippopotamus or just a really cool apoatmus?”) lives on.
There are tons of TV shows out on DVD this week, including three of last season's best new series: Chuck, Pushing Daisies and Dirty Sexy Money. If you didn't watch them last season, pick up the DVDs and get caught up before their second seasons start next week.
Everyone loves Netflix, so I'm surprised this hasn't happened sooner, but a new company has taken the Netflix formula and is applying it to magazines. Maghound lets you get up to 15 magazines a month for one set fee
, and you can change your selections whenever you want. So if you decide you're no longer thrilled by, say, InStyle, you can easily swap it out for any of the 200+ other magazines available.
As a Midwesterner, I should probably be offended by the photoshop fun that was had imagining what celebrities would look like if they lived in the flyover states, but they're just too funny. The Sarah Jessica Parker and Britney Spears (at right) photos in particular are pretty dead-on, although I don't think Ms. Spears would be so angry. We Midwesterners are nothing if not friendly.
(Gervais photo courtesy rickygervais.com; Spears photo courtesy jeremyenke.com)
