James Franco: Why he's one of the best actors of our generation

With the look of a modern day James Dean it was pretty easy for us to fall in love with James Franco. However, there is much more to him than good looks. His acting skills are extremely versatile and allow him to play anything from a brooding young man who has lost his father in the second "Spiderman" but also a stoner, idiot pot dealer in "Pineapple Express". Franco has quite the extensive career dating as far back as one of his earlier roles in "Freaks and Geeks". What I find so interesting and charismatic about this young man is his pure passion for his craft. He is currently perfecting his art though graduate classes at Columbia University in NY. What was great for Franco was his role as the lovable pot deal dealer Saul in "Pineapple Express" by far one of his best roles yet. He truly shines alongside Seth Rogen and his comedic timing is impeccable! I recently thought of Franco when I watched his recent appearance on SNL and could not believe how unbelievably funny it was! His good looks, charm and immense amount of talent certainly make Franco one of the best actors of our generation!







Acting Lessons w/ James Franco

Acting with James Franco Episode 3: Scene Work from James Franco

The band I almost forgot about!

When I first saw the video for "Everything is Everything" come on the screen while I was at a Maroon 5 concert I was hooked. The catchy melody I just had to know who this band was. Finally when they're name appeared I made sure I committed this band to memory. Well, apparently my mental notes on Phoenix weren't that good. As of recently I am reminded again of how fantastic this band is with their most recent single "1901". This grammy nominated alternative French band is always changing their sounds and pulling you into their funky sound with every album. Hailing from Versailles the cultural arena that brought us "Daft Puck" it is no wonder these boys can rock! Thomas Mars, Deck D'Arcy, Christian Mazzalai and Laurent Bancowitz bring us music that is catchy with a hint of edge which allows them not to be made fun of for be some poppy rock band full of cute boys. But judge for yourself...


Everything is Everything


1901

Party with the best of 'em

This refreshingly new comedy from Starz is about a group of disgruntled employees in the catering industry. Well, not all of them. Their boss Ron Donald is a squeaky clean perfectionist who's strives to be at the top of his catering game. Despite his good intentions he cannot help how his parties unfold into terrible disasters. In addition to relating to the idea of having a job that is a joke and miserable the cast certainly draws you in. Adam Scott from the male nurse from knocked subtle sense of humor is undeniably charming. Ken Marino turns down his "pretty boy" charm and looks to play an uptight and awkward boss like no other. Lizzy Caplan is brilliant as always although she is versatile having roles in "True Blood" and Smallville" she shines in comedies her role as a sarcastic and bitchy server rivals that of her role in Mean Girls. However Jane Lynch truly carries this show. Her comedic timing and great delivery truly elevates any show to the next level. So don't miss out on the party!

">

Ri Ri is back with a vengeance

Rihanna's latest release "Rated R" comes at us full force. She's packing punches and coming at us harder than ever. She bounces back from the unfortunate event of the past year through her music. Although this newer, darker image of Rihanna is not something that we're use to it is a welcomed change. Her music seems to be fueled with emotion and passion never seen before and her vocal ability contimues to shine.

Some of my favorite tracks:

Rockstar 101



Russian Roulette



Cold Case Love

Stay Warm This Winter With a Trip to the Shore!

Well it didn't take long for MTV to bring us a new reality show...introducing the Jersey Shore. The show that is the real world that leaves you with a dirty salt water after taste. What especially draws me into the show is the fond memories it brings me of the Summer I spent down at the shore with my friends. What is most interesting about the show is unlike the Real WOrld which brings us all types of stereotypes...I mean people, the Jersey Shore focuses on particular type of persona "The Guido and the female version The Guidette." Besides "My New Haircut" there really hasn't been any social commentary on the subject.







On the one hand it is entertaining to to see into this world of the Guido and Guidette but on the other hand where does one draw the line between having pride in your heritage and feeding into a stereotype of what they think they should be. Whatever it is the show is definitely worth tuning into for a good laugh and to immerse yourself into a whole new type of lifestyle that is composed of tanning, the gym, protein shakes and did I mention tanning?? So grab the sun tan lotion and your stunna shades and get ready for the Jersey Shore, Thursdays at 10.



So you know The Jersey Shore is getting big when Michael Cera is rockin' a blowout

Evacuate Crappy Pop Music and Make Room for Cascada

Although the single "Evacuate the Dancefloor" has been in the States for a few months now it is just breaking though and as hot as ever, appearing at 27 on the Billboard top 100 chart. The song is a nice mix of funk, pop, soul and dance hall. And the best part is Natalie Horler, the lead singer of the group has some chops... as you'll see in the unplugged version. Check out both after the jump...which do you like more?

Why John Mayer Just Keeps Getting Better

Although he tends to get further and further from the "No such thing" and "Your body is a wonderland" John Mayer that I fell in love with when he first came out I don't love him any less. And one thing that is for sure is that although he's gotten less poppy his talent and art have not suffered by doing so. Battle Studies is a great story abut Love: love you've lost, love you've thought you were in control of, love that you've never had before...and so on. Sure, he can easily be written off due to his good looks and "oh so charming" tweets; However, do not dismiss him. And although he may talk a lot of crap sometimes this man has the guitar and lyrical talent to back it up. And to add to his accomplishments check out a great article about the sales of Battle Studies thus far at e-online.





This album has also produced one of my favorite JM videos to date with "Who Says"



As well "Assasin" which is one of my favorite tracks from JM since "3x5



Footage from recent JM concert in Columbus, Oh




A couple of concert pics as well:

What does it take to be famous?

Apparently it doesn't take much of anything. Well at least that's what Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt also known as "Speidi" seem to think. In their new book they will supposedly be teaching us how to acquire fame by doing next to nothing. Although I do not think there is much one can take away from the this book except for some amusing pics, however; One thing that is quite interesting is the idea that they have manipulated the media in a way never seen before. These guys you love to hate but cannot deny their intelligence when it comes to the media. These two have taken their love of fame and attention to a whole new level.  You'll see just what I mean...check out their interview with Jimmy Kimmel after the jump.





PART 1



PART 2



This interview was just too funny not to add!

New Funny or Die video:

Heidi Montag Says No to Plastic from Heidi Montag

Just when I had written Katy Perry off...

So I love Pop music as much as the next person but despite the fact that I get lost in catchy lines and super sugary sweet pop beats I cannot deny that a lot of pop artists have a short shelf life and are not too versatile. I appreciate pop music for what it is... music that I sing at the top my my lungs when no one else is listening. And just as I had written Ms. Katy Perry off as SO last summer with her fantastically upbeat hit "I Kissed a Girl". Recently she did an unplugged set for MTV that changed my opinion completely. Her voice is soulful and captivating and stripping down her heavily produced songs to jazz beats or acoustic guitar truly showcases her talent. Hopefully you guys will agree that Katy Perry is the real deal.

Check it out here!

Up in Air trailer

Once in a great while a film comes that defines our generation; Up in the Air is that film.  From director Jason Reitman (Thank You For Smoking, Juno) and starring George Clooney, this film encapsulates the tumultuous times we're experiencing today with a failing economy and having no direction.  The simplistic yet meaningful title says it all, things really are up in the air.  Although this isn't the most uplifting concept it is however, the most realistic.  Check out the trailer here!

Fill your day with Glee

It's no surprise that a show from the creator of Nip/Tuck is well received; However, what is surprising is that it is not nearly as dark as Nip/Tuck. This oddball glee club is not only entertaining but also have personal lives that are just as interesting. Every character brings something special to the table. The other element of this show that I like is the mix of pop songs and show tunes. The bringing together of both makes for a truly enjoyable 40 minutes of television. So in case you're not one of the millions of viewers already watching hop on board the glee train and start watching!

Bad Romance

Just when I thought she could not possibly outdo her video for Paparazzi Lady Gaga brings us bad romance. What is so interesting about this video is that it resembles a short film rather than a a music video. It is very similar to Paparazzi in the fact that we start out with what seems like a typically love story. With Lady Gaga however, that is never the case! Her originality is astounding. Not only is the videos cinemetography captivating but the song it ridiculously catchy with great lines like, "I want your ugly / I want your disease / I want your everything / As long as it’s free." And no matter what she does, whether it be attempting to walk down the street without clothes or maiming and killing her lovers Lady Gaga always seems to come out victorious!

Weird but cool find of the week La Roux-Bullet Proof

So I came across this song as I do most of my music... in between clips of The Hills on MTV.  Yes, I KNOW that's sad.  Despite all the disapproving looks I'm probably getting right now it is actually worthwhile music every once in a while.  Although MTV doesn't necessarily "do" music anymore, doesn't mean they don't have a few people around who still know a thing or two, like this UK electropop band La Roux and yes band even though you only see one person (Elly Jackson).  The beat maker (Ben Langmaid) behind the scenes refuses to be photographed or do interviews.
Check out the video here!





La Roux-"Bulletproof"



This video makes me think of how awful/awesome the eighties were!