Disgraced ex-congressman George Santos may have been expelled from the House of Representatives on Dec. 1 by a vote of 311-114 — but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the story for the alleged serial grifter and sometimes drag queen from New York. HBO Films has already optioned The Fabulist, a book about Santos’ rise and fall, for adaptation, with Frank Rich and Mike Makowsky (HBO’s Bad Education) attached to executive produce and Makowsky set to write. As for Santos, public opinion seems to think he’ll find a future on Dancing with the Stars — so much so that the show trended on X alongside news of his historic expulsion.
Asked if he would consider competing on the show that has featured the likes of Sean Spicer and House majority leader Tom DeLay (indicted on charges of conspiring to violate political fundraising law), Santos told reporters, “Today, I...
Asked if he would consider competing on the show that has featured the likes of Sean Spicer and House majority leader Tom DeLay (indicted on charges of conspiring to violate political fundraising law), Santos told reporters, “Today, I...
- 12/6/2023
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ambushed outside a Santa Monica Whole Foods by TMZ, Tyra Banks announced that she’s leaving “Dancing with the Stars.” The host for the past three seasons appeared to break the news before a formal announcement could come from producer BBC Studios or Disney+. “I think it’s time to graduate from the dance floor to the stock market floor… from the ballroom to the boardroom,” she said. The move comes after original judge Len Goodman, who’d been on the show since its beginning in 2005, announced his retirement from the series.
For this writer and “Dancing with the Stars” superfan, there’s only one answer to who should be the next host: Tom Bergeron. The host of the first 28 seasons was the heart, soul, and DNA of the sparkly series, and he deserves a chance to come back.
Change can be a good thing, and there’s no question Banks grew into the role.
For this writer and “Dancing with the Stars” superfan, there’s only one answer to who should be the next host: Tom Bergeron. The host of the first 28 seasons was the heart, soul, and DNA of the sparkly series, and he deserves a chance to come back.
Change can be a good thing, and there’s no question Banks grew into the role.
- 3/18/2023
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
Kevin McCarthy’s as-yet fruitless bid to become the GOP Speaker of the House is a once-in-a-century shitshow. The last time the House failed to select a Speaker on a single ballot was back in 1923.
McCarthy’s humiliation is historic, but it’s not out of keeping with a Republican party whose turbulent rule over the House of Representatives has been marred by crisis, coup attempts, and criminality since the 1990s.
The “Republican Revolution” of 1994 ended 40 years of Democratic dominance in the House. But it installed a party whose ideological...
McCarthy’s humiliation is historic, but it’s not out of keeping with a Republican party whose turbulent rule over the House of Representatives has been marred by crisis, coup attempts, and criminality since the 1990s.
The “Republican Revolution” of 1994 ended 40 years of Democratic dominance in the House. But it installed a party whose ideological...
- 1/6/2023
- by Tim Dickinson
- Rollingstone.com
Gleb Savchenko wanted to dance with Johnny Weir last season when the figure skater was cast in the 29th season of “Dancing with the Stars” last fall. That’s what the pro dancer told Mr. Warburton Magazine in a recent interview. But alas, it wasn’t meant to be. The conservative-leaning ABC reality competition series still has never had a same-sex couple compete for the Mirror Ball Trophy. And it’s long overdue.
SEERemember when Zendaya almost won ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and Val Chmerkovskiy told her she’d win an Oscar one day?
“I can’t wait for this moment!” Savchenko said about the possibility of breaking new ground on “DWTS.” “Last season when Johnny Weir got on the show I was like, ‘Johnny, you have to be my partner,’ but they ended up not doing it. They’ve done it before in Australia with Courtney Act and in...
SEERemember when Zendaya almost won ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and Val Chmerkovskiy told her she’d win an Oscar one day?
“I can’t wait for this moment!” Savchenko said about the possibility of breaking new ground on “DWTS.” “Last season when Johnny Weir got on the show I was like, ‘Johnny, you have to be my partner,’ but they ended up not doing it. They’ve done it before in Australia with Courtney Act and in...
- 2/17/2021
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Ballroom dancing may be an extreme sport, according to Cheryl Burke. During an Oct. 21 appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, the professional dancer took a trip down memory lane and recalled all the celebrity dance partners she accidentally injured on Dancing with the Stars. "I wouldn't take full responsibility, but I am definitely taking some. Ray Lewis was my partner last season. First football player to ever get injured, my fault," she laughed. "Then we had Tom Delay. I danced with, fractured both his feet. Cristián de la Fuente—I broke his arm live on television when we did the samba and at the very end we had this dip and I feel my head just crash to the dance floor. And...
- 10/22/2020
- E! Online
Needless to say, lots of “Dancing with the Stars” fans are not happy with Sean Spicer‘s survival on the show, but not Cheryl Burke. The two-time champ, who weeks ago predicted Spicer to be in the final, finds him “endearing” to watch and believes viewers don’t know the real Sean Spicer.
“I actually really love Sean’s personality. Even in just the little time I spent with him, he’s really funny. He’s super down to Earth,” Burke wrote in her “Us Weekly” blog. “He’s not the Sean Spicer that I think everyone thinks he is. Listen, he is having the time of his life. You can tell he is holding back tears because of how much fun he’s having and it’s super sweet and endearing to watch. I actually thought his jazz routine … nothing that he did in that routine, for me, was awkward,...
“I actually really love Sean’s personality. Even in just the little time I spent with him, he’s really funny. He’s super down to Earth,” Burke wrote in her “Us Weekly” blog. “He’s not the Sean Spicer that I think everyone thinks he is. Listen, he is having the time of his life. You can tell he is holding back tears because of how much fun he’s having and it’s super sweet and endearing to watch. I actually thought his jazz routine … nothing that he did in that routine, for me, was awkward,...
- 11/11/2019
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Hillary Clinton, not long ago the nominee of the Democratic Party, had some choice words about the state of American politics Friday.
“I’m not making any predictions, but I think they’ve got their eye on somebody who is currently in the Democratic primary and are grooming her to be the third-party candidate,” Clinton said on a podcast with former Barack Obama aide David Plouffe. “She’s the favorite of the Russians.”
Clinton appeared to be talking about Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, a combat veteran. She wasn’t done,...
“I’m not making any predictions, but I think they’ve got their eye on somebody who is currently in the Democratic primary and are grooming her to be the third-party candidate,” Clinton said on a podcast with former Barack Obama aide David Plouffe. “She’s the favorite of the Russians.”
Clinton appeared to be talking about Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, a combat veteran. She wasn’t done,...
- 10/21/2019
- by Matt Taibbi
- Rollingstone.com
James Van Der Beek, Hannah Brown and Ally Brooke are the predicted top three in our “Dancing with the Stars” odds, but Cheryl Burke has a far more bold prediction for the final. And it’s none other than Sean Spicer.
“I wouldn’t be shocked if he made the final,” Burke shared in her “Us Weekly” blog. “Bristol Palin made the final … in a gorilla suit. She wasn’t the best dancer, but people wanted her there. So at the end of the day, you know, I wouldn’t be shocked.”
Oh, yes, Cheryl, we all remember the gorilla suits. **shudders**
Burke thinks the former White House press secretary has improved by his standards or at least has gotten better at remembering steps — “it’s all about memorizing,” she says — thanks to some savvy choreography by his partner Lindsay Arnold. The couple received a 19 for their “Toy Story” quickstep on Disney Night,...
“I wouldn’t be shocked if he made the final,” Burke shared in her “Us Weekly” blog. “Bristol Palin made the final … in a gorilla suit. She wasn’t the best dancer, but people wanted her there. So at the end of the day, you know, I wouldn’t be shocked.”
Oh, yes, Cheryl, we all remember the gorilla suits. **shudders**
Burke thinks the former White House press secretary has improved by his standards or at least has gotten better at remembering steps — “it’s all about memorizing,” she says — thanks to some savvy choreography by his partner Lindsay Arnold. The couple received a 19 for their “Toy Story” quickstep on Disney Night,...
- 10/17/2019
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
“Dancing with the Stars” has been getting dragged online — even by its own host — for its decision to cast former White House press secretary Sean Spicer in season 28. For several months in 2017 it was his job to back up Donald Trump‘s litany of falsehoods and disinformation. Most of the readers we polled aren’t happy about it either, but are they planning to watch anyway, or will they boycott the show in response. Scroll down to see our complete poll results.
Almost two-thirds of our poll respondents (64%) said they’re not happy about Spicer being selected as a contestant on the show. Of those, 28% say they’ll tune into the show anyway. But 36% declare that they refuse to watch it. Another 19% of readers told us that they don’t mind Spicer’s invitation to the ballroom one way or the other. That leaves only 17% who are actually enthusiastic about his participation.
Almost two-thirds of our poll respondents (64%) said they’re not happy about Spicer being selected as a contestant on the show. Of those, 28% say they’ll tune into the show anyway. But 36% declare that they refuse to watch it. Another 19% of readers told us that they don’t mind Spicer’s invitation to the ballroom one way or the other. That leaves only 17% who are actually enthusiastic about his participation.
- 8/23/2019
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
ABC faced backlash this week after casting former White House press secretary Sean Spicer on “Dancing with the Stars.” But that outrage might actually spice up the dancing competition’s dwindling ratings — particularly in Trump Country.
“Dancing with the Stars” has faced a relatively alarming decline in ratings over the past two cycles, falling 32% among adults 18-49 last season — from an average of 1.37 in 2017 to 0.93 in 2018 season. The show was in need of a shot in the arm, and the attention over Spicer’s attachment could attract more of the show’s biggest fans.
That’s because, according to Nielsen data obtained by Variety, the region of the country in which “Dancing with the Stars” performs strongest also happens to be one that is a reliable geographic stronghold for Spicer’s former employer: Red-state America.
Last season, “Dancing with the Stars” — which finished airing in Nov. 2018 — posted its best figures...
“Dancing with the Stars” has faced a relatively alarming decline in ratings over the past two cycles, falling 32% among adults 18-49 last season — from an average of 1.37 in 2017 to 0.93 in 2018 season. The show was in need of a shot in the arm, and the attention over Spicer’s attachment could attract more of the show’s biggest fans.
That’s because, according to Nielsen data obtained by Variety, the region of the country in which “Dancing with the Stars” performs strongest also happens to be one that is a reliable geographic stronghold for Spicer’s former employer: Red-state America.
Last season, “Dancing with the Stars” — which finished airing in Nov. 2018 — posted its best figures...
- 8/22/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
One day, two axed Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky projects.
History has opted not to move forward with its six-episode drama series The Breach, about the impeachment of the former Potus, our sister site Deadline reports. The news comes just hours after it was revealed that executive producer Ryan Murphy has scrapped plans for an American Crime Story season revolving around the affair between President Clinton and White House intern Lewinsky.
The Breach — which was greenlit last September — was billed as a political thriller that would to take viewers inside Republican and Democratic war rooms, “revealing the infighting among the president’s advisors,...
History has opted not to move forward with its six-episode drama series The Breach, about the impeachment of the former Potus, our sister site Deadline reports. The news comes just hours after it was revealed that executive producer Ryan Murphy has scrapped plans for an American Crime Story season revolving around the affair between President Clinton and White House intern Lewinsky.
The Breach — which was greenlit last September — was billed as a political thriller that would to take viewers inside Republican and Democratic war rooms, “revealing the infighting among the president’s advisors,...
- 4/4/2018
- TVLine.com
History has abandoned its planned scripted drama series from R.J. Cutler based on the Bill Clinton impeachment. The Breach: Inside the Impeachment of Bill Clinton was greenlighted by History in September as a six-part scripted drama series based on Peter Baker’s bestseller The Breach: Inside the Impeachment and Trial of William Jefferson Clinton. Over the past few months, the producers made several offers to A-list actors for the leads, but no one had been cast.
A rep for History confirmed that the network is no longer going forward with the project in what was described as a creative decision.
The Breach was supposed to be the first installment in The Commanders anthology series that dramatizes “pivotal moments in U.S. history that defined the legacy of the men who served as Presidents of the United States — from the first one, George Washington, to No. 42, Bill Clinton.” The other limited series in the franchise,...
A rep for History confirmed that the network is no longer going forward with the project in what was described as a creative decision.
The Breach was supposed to be the first installment in The Commanders anthology series that dramatizes “pivotal moments in U.S. history that defined the legacy of the men who served as Presidents of the United States — from the first one, George Washington, to No. 42, Bill Clinton.” The other limited series in the franchise,...
- 4/4/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
“Keep politicians off ‘DWTS’!” That’s what a whopping 48% of fans said when we asked if fired Secretary of State Rex Tillerson should join a future season of ABC’s reality TV show “Dancing with the Stars.” However, the results of our poll weren’t unanimous, as 37% voted “Yes — he’d make for great TV!” The other 15% were non-committal, saying “Let me think about it.” Do You think Tillerson should be cast on “DWTS”? Sound off down in the comments section.
President Donald Trump fired Tillerson on Tuesday via tweet, simultaneously announcing that Tillerson’s replacement would be CIA Director Mike Pompeo. Any other presidential firing would be yuuuge news, but America has become desensitized to members of the Trump team leaving following a long line of ousters like economic director Gary Cohn, communications director Hope Hicks, Trump aide Rob Porter, FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe, chief strategist Steve Bannon,...
President Donald Trump fired Tillerson on Tuesday via tweet, simultaneously announcing that Tillerson’s replacement would be CIA Director Mike Pompeo. Any other presidential firing would be yuuuge news, but America has become desensitized to members of the Trump team leaving following a long line of ousters like economic director Gary Cohn, communications director Hope Hicks, Trump aide Rob Porter, FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe, chief strategist Steve Bannon,...
- 3/18/2018
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has just been fired by President Donald Trump, so what should his next career move be? He should appear on “Dancing with the Stars,” of course! Tillerson joins a long line of White House staff members to leave the Trump administration over the past year, including Omarosa, who notably entered the “Celebrity Big Brother” house. (She made it all the way to the finale, coming in fifth place.) Do You think Tillerson should follow in Omarosa’s footsteps and join a reality TV show? Vote now in our poll below.
Tillerson’s Secretary of State position will reportedly be filled by CIA Director Mike Pompeo ahead of important talks between the United States and North Korea. “Thank you to Rex Tillerson for his service,” Trump tweeted on Tuesday while making the shocking announcement. Tensions between Tillerson and Trump began growing last year when the media...
Tillerson’s Secretary of State position will reportedly be filled by CIA Director Mike Pompeo ahead of important talks between the United States and North Korea. “Thank you to Rex Tillerson for his service,” Trump tweeted on Tuesday while making the shocking announcement. Tensions between Tillerson and Trump began growing last year when the media...
- 3/13/2018
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Whether or not you think the development of a second Bill Clinton-related drama series is amazing or ridiculous will depend on what your definition of the word “is” is.
History on Thursday announced that it has greenlit The Breach: Inside the Impeachment of Bill Clinton, a scripted drama based on Peter Baker’s book The Breach: Inside the Impeachment and Trial of William Jefferson Clinton. R.J. Cutler (Nashville, The War Room) will executive-produce and direct the six-episode drama, which the network is describing as a political thriller. FreemantleMedia North America and A+E Studios will produce.
The series logline...
History on Thursday announced that it has greenlit The Breach: Inside the Impeachment of Bill Clinton, a scripted drama based on Peter Baker’s book The Breach: Inside the Impeachment and Trial of William Jefferson Clinton. R.J. Cutler (Nashville, The War Room) will executive-produce and direct the six-episode drama, which the network is describing as a political thriller. FreemantleMedia North America and A+E Studios will produce.
The series logline...
- 9/14/2017
- TVLine.com
It’s been more than two years since the finale of HBO’s the Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst and the dramatic arrest of the eponymous real estate scion at its center, for the murder of his close friend Susan Berman, who authorities suspect knew too much about the disappearance of Durst’s first wife, Kathleen.
Since being arrested in March 2015, Durst, 74, has been sitting in a Los Angeles County Jail awaiting trial, which is still months away.
He denies being responsible for Berman’s killing and has pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder charge against him.
Since being arrested in March 2015, Durst, 74, has been sitting in a Los Angeles County Jail awaiting trial, which is still months away.
He denies being responsible for Berman’s killing and has pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder charge against him.
- 8/23/2017
- by Christine Pelisek
- PEOPLE.com
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry won't be the "Lone Star" on the Dancing with the Stars stage this season, but he certainly will be one of the most interesting.
After a failed bid for the Republican presidential nomination, Perry, 66, is taking his talents to the reality dancing competition, it was announced Tuesday.
Perry, who is partnered with dancer Emma Slater, isn't the first politician to compete on DWTS (former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay participated in Season 9) but he is the most high profile.
After ending his 14-year run as governor in January 2015, Perry announced his plans to vie for...
After a failed bid for the Republican presidential nomination, Perry, 66, is taking his talents to the reality dancing competition, it was announced Tuesday.
Perry, who is partnered with dancer Emma Slater, isn't the first politician to compete on DWTS (former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay participated in Season 9) but he is the most high profile.
After ending his 14-year run as governor in January 2015, Perry announced his plans to vie for...
- 8/30/2016
- by Lindsay Kimble, @lekimble
- People.com - TV Watch
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry won't be the "Lone Star" on the Dancing with the Stars stage this season, but he certainly will be one of the most interesting. After a failed bid for the Republican presidential nomination, Perry, 66, is taking his talents to the reality dancing competition, it was announced Tuesday. Perry, who is partnered with dancer Emma Slater, isn't the first politician to compete on DWTS (former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay participated in Season 9) but he is the most high profile. After ending his 14-year run as governor in January 2015, Perry announced his plans to vie for...
- 8/30/2016
- by Lindsay Kimble, @lekimble
- PEOPLE.com
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry won't be the "Lone Star" on the Dancing with the Stars stage this season, but he certainly will be one of the most interesting. After a failed bid for the Republican presidential nomination, Perry, 66, is taking his talents to the reality dancing competition, it was announced Tuesday. Perry, who is partnered with dancer Emma Slater, isn't the first politician to compete on DWTS (former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay participated in Season 9) but he is the most high profile. After ending his 14-year run as governor in January 2015, Perry announced his plans to vie for...
- 8/30/2016
- by Lindsay Kimble, @lekimble
- PEOPLE.com
What Bill Clinton did tonight at the Democratic National Convention was go back… wayyy back.
VideosLena Dunham and America Ferrera Blast Donald Trump at Democratic Convention: Grade Their Speech
“In the spring of 1971, I met a girl,” recounted the two-term president of the United States, kicking off a long and winding speech that outlined his 45-year relationship with wife Hillary, and her 45 years of public service. And as Bill discussed the origins of their love story — including two rejected marriage proposals — he managed to tick off nearly every public- and private-sector initiative the current Democratic presidential nominee has tackled on behalf of women,...
VideosLena Dunham and America Ferrera Blast Donald Trump at Democratic Convention: Grade Their Speech
“In the spring of 1971, I met a girl,” recounted the two-term president of the United States, kicking off a long and winding speech that outlined his 45-year relationship with wife Hillary, and her 45 years of public service. And as Bill discussed the origins of their love story — including two rejected marriage proposals — he managed to tick off nearly every public- and private-sector initiative the current Democratic presidential nominee has tackled on behalf of women,...
- 7/27/2016
- TVLine.com
Everybody loves a clown, but it's hard for a guy who plays for laughs to be taken seriously -- a dilemma worthy of a Jerry Lewis film. But not so much in Vienna these days. Like a Lewis character, Lewis and his work tend to be maligned for whatever reason happens to be out there: He was kids' entertainment. He was a product, cloned by industry exec Hal Wallis, who made too much money. His entropic childish character made audiences feel uncomfortable. His telethons were sentimental spectacles that made you feel even more uncomfortable, so uncomfortable that interviewers during the 1980's felt obliged to issue warnings about Lewis' fundraising and suggest that there might be something unethical about it. His later work went downhill. Oh, and the French loved him, the ultimate put-down. It was sort of like the comment made by the now-disgraced Tom Delay at the 2004 Republican National Convention: "Good evening,...
- 11/5/2013
- by David D'Arcy
- Indiewire
The festival formerly known as Silverdocs has been renamed AFI Docs, moving its center from Silver Spring MD to the nation's capital, and holding its eleventh edition this week. The latest edition of Indiewire's curation of Hulu's Documentaries page celebrates this shift with a selection of politically-focused films giving an insider look at Washington DC. Watch them now for free! A number of the selections look at voting and the democratic process. Jeff Reichert's "Gerrymandering" explores the process of redistricting, where politicians can literally redraw electoral districts to give themselves, or their party, an advantage at the polls.Also looking at the darker side of the political process, Francis Megahy's "The Best Government Money Can Buy?" offers a non-partisan look at the unprecedented influence of lobbyists on Capitol Hill, and how their interests shape the legislation that affects us all.Mark Birnbaum and Jim Schermbeck's "The Big Buy: Tom DeLay's.
- 6/20/2013
- by Basil Tsiokos
- Indiewire
Following harsh criticism from judge Len Goodman and spending consecutive weeks at the bottom of the leader board, D.L. Hughley finally said goodbye to the ballroom on Tuesday night's Dancing with the Stars.
"I'm sad," the comedian, 50, told People backstage after he and partner, Cheryl Burke, 28, were eliminated. "[My fans kept me] on life support. I'm going to continue dancing, but no one will care. I'm not dancing for scores. Now that I'm not intimidated anymore, I'm going to dance."
When Hughley agreed to be on the show, he hadn't expected the judges to be so critical.
"I did know it would be physically challenging,...
"I'm sad," the comedian, 50, told People backstage after he and partner, Cheryl Burke, 28, were eliminated. "[My fans kept me] on life support. I'm going to continue dancing, but no one will care. I'm not dancing for scores. Now that I'm not intimidated anymore, I'm going to dance."
When Hughley agreed to be on the show, he hadn't expected the judges to be so critical.
"I did know it would be physically challenging,...
- 4/17/2013
- by Dahvi Shira
- People.com - TV Watch
Following harsh criticism from judge Len Goodman and spending consecutive weeks at the bottom of the leader board, D.L. Hughley finally said goodbye to the ballroom on Tuesday night's Dancing with the Stars. "I'm sad," the comedian, 50, told People backstage after he and partner, Cheryl Burke, 28, were eliminated. "[My fans kept me] on life support. I'm going to continue dancing, but no one will care. I'm not dancing for scores. Now that I'm not intimidated anymore, I'm going to dance." When Hughley agreed to be on the show, he hadn't expected the judges to be so critical. "I did know it would be physically challenging,...
- 4/17/2013
- by Dahvi Shira
- PEOPLE.com
After 14 seasons competing on "Dancing With The Stars," pro Cheryl Burke is ready for some changes.toofab's Lawrence Yee caught up with the 28-year-old dancer and Sargento spokesperson on Tuesday, where she addressed rumors about the popular ABC competition show and her new gig.Check out the interview below:toofab: There are reports "Dancing With the Stars" is looking for more Bad dancers this season to boost ratings. What do you think?Cheryl: I don't think we need bad dancers. The beauty of the show is to see someone with no dance experience and see the journey they go through. Last season [the "All-Stars" edition] everyone was already so good so it wasn't as fun [to watch].toofab: You've been paired with athletes (Emmitt Smith) and entertainers with dance backgrounds (Drew Lachey) and people with none (Tom DeLay). Which partnerships are more challenging? Athletes are known to be perfectionists.Cheryl: I've been competing since...
- 2/13/2013
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
London, Nov 25: Scottish singer Susan Boyle, who has been approached to participate in diver Tom Delay's show "Splash!", finds the idea funny as she can't swim.
Delay, an Olympic medallist, has invited the singer to show her diving skills in the show that challenges celebrities to put their best foot forward and jump in the pool.
But Boyle, 51, is scared of water.
"I did get asked to be in a diving show recently, which is hilarious because I can't swim and I'm utterly terrified of water," dailystar.co.uk quoted her as saying.
"I wouldn't have made it to the first step of the diving board," she added.
Ians...
Delay, an Olympic medallist, has invited the singer to show her diving skills in the show that challenges celebrities to put their best foot forward and jump in the pool.
But Boyle, 51, is scared of water.
"I did get asked to be in a diving show recently, which is hilarious because I can't swim and I'm utterly terrified of water," dailystar.co.uk quoted her as saying.
"I wouldn't have made it to the first step of the diving board," she added.
Ians...
- 11/25/2012
- by Ketali Mehta
- RealBollywood.com
HBO's Bill Maher has proposed a new rule for Republicans: They party doesn't have to accept evolution, economics, climatology or human sexuality... but it does have to "admit the historical existence of George W. Bush." "If your part can run the nation for eight years, and then have a national convention and not invite Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Colin Powell, Karl Rove or Tom DeLay, you're not a political movement," he joked. "You're the witness protection program."...
- 9/1/2012
- by Alex Alvarez
- Mediaite - TV
Ellen DeGeneres is to receive a prestigious comedy honour. The 54-year-old talk show host will receive the 15th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at a special tribute show on October 22, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced today (15.05.12), with the organisation hailing her as a 'miracle worker'. Cappy McGarr, an executive producer for the Mark Twain Prize show and a Kennedy Center board member, praised Ellen's observational humour and added: 'She's not just a comedian. She's really a miracle worker. She got the president to dance, the first lady to do pushups and Tom Delay to laugh.' Following the announcement, Ellen joked she was surprised she hadn't received the award - which has previously been...
- 5/15/2012
- Monsters and Critics
Washington — Ellen DeGeneres, who broke ground in 1997 as the first lead character on prime-time TV to reveal she was gay, is winning the nation's top humor prize.
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced Tuesday that DeGeneres will receive the 15th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. She will be honored Oct. 22 with a lineup of star performers in a tribute show that will be recorded for broadcast at a later date.
In a written statement, DeGeneres said receiving the same award as past honorees Bill Cosby, Tina Fey and Will Ferrell makes her wonder, "why didn't I get this sooner?"
It was 15 years ago – just before the humor prize was created – when DeGeneres came out on Time magazine's cover and as her character on the sitcom "Ellen" to a record 46 million viewers. The popular show began losing viewers, though, and was canceled a year later. DeGeneres said...
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced Tuesday that DeGeneres will receive the 15th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. She will be honored Oct. 22 with a lineup of star performers in a tribute show that will be recorded for broadcast at a later date.
In a written statement, DeGeneres said receiving the same award as past honorees Bill Cosby, Tina Fey and Will Ferrell makes her wonder, "why didn't I get this sooner?"
It was 15 years ago – just before the humor prize was created – when DeGeneres came out on Time magazine's cover and as her character on the sitcom "Ellen" to a record 46 million viewers. The popular show began losing viewers, though, and was canceled a year later. DeGeneres said...
- 5/15/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Washington — Ellen DeGeneres, who broke ground in 1997 as the first lead character on prime-time TV to reveal she was gay, is winning the nation's top humor prize.
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced Tuesday that DeGeneres will receive the 15th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. She will be honored Oct. 22 with a lineup of star performers in a tribute show that will be recorded for broadcast at a later date.
In a written statement, DeGeneres said receiving the same award as past honorees Bill Cosby, Tina Fey and Will Ferrell makes her wonder, "why didn't I get this sooner?"
It was 15 years ago – just before the humor prize was created – when DeGeneres came out on Time magazine's cover and as her character on the sitcom "Ellen" to a record 46 million viewers. The popular show began losing viewers, though, and was canceled a year later. DeGeneres said...
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced Tuesday that DeGeneres will receive the 15th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. She will be honored Oct. 22 with a lineup of star performers in a tribute show that will be recorded for broadcast at a later date.
In a written statement, DeGeneres said receiving the same award as past honorees Bill Cosby, Tina Fey and Will Ferrell makes her wonder, "why didn't I get this sooner?"
It was 15 years ago – just before the humor prize was created – when DeGeneres came out on Time magazine's cover and as her character on the sitcom "Ellen" to a record 46 million viewers. The popular show began losing viewers, though, and was canceled a year later. DeGeneres said...
- 5/15/2012
- by AP
- Aol TV.
The producers of Dancing With the Stars have been thwarted in their reported efforts to draft ostensible reality TV stars — okay, former Republican presidential candidates — Herman Cain and Michele Bachmann for the next season of their show. Yesterday, Cain’s executive assistant reportedly told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that the pizza godfather and Tea Party favorite wouldn’t do it because he “can’t dance in an eight-count. He can only dance in a nine-count.” And just today, Bachmann tweeted and released a statement taking her feather boa out of the ring, “In full disclosure, I did win a polka...
- 2/15/2012
- by Jeff Labrecque
- EW.com - PopWatch
There will be no tangoing at the Tea Party.
Rep. Michele Bachman (R-mn) issued a statement on her website on Wednesday to clear up rumors that she would be joining the ABC reality contest "Dancing With the Stars."
"In full disclosure, I did win a polka dancing competition when I was in the tenth grade at my alma mater, Anoka High School in Anoka, Minn.," Bachmann said. "But, despite my tenth grade polka success and my lifelong love of ballroom dancing, the recent rumors are false."
The conservative darling and two-term Congresswoman is the second former candidate for the Republican nomination to dash "Dancing" speculation. On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Herman Cain said that the Godfather's Pizza CEO and Pokemon enthusiast would not be competing on the show because he "can't dance in an eight-count. He can only dance in a nine-count," a quip that referenced Cain's 9-9-9 tax plan.
Rep. Michele Bachman (R-mn) issued a statement on her website on Wednesday to clear up rumors that she would be joining the ABC reality contest "Dancing With the Stars."
"In full disclosure, I did win a polka dancing competition when I was in the tenth grade at my alma mater, Anoka High School in Anoka, Minn.," Bachmann said. "But, despite my tenth grade polka success and my lifelong love of ballroom dancing, the recent rumors are false."
The conservative darling and two-term Congresswoman is the second former candidate for the Republican nomination to dash "Dancing" speculation. On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Herman Cain said that the Godfather's Pizza CEO and Pokemon enthusiast would not be competing on the show because he "can't dance in an eight-count. He can only dance in a nine-count," a quip that referenced Cain's 9-9-9 tax plan.
- 2/15/2012
- by Jordan Zakarin
- Huffington Post
There will be no tangoing at the Tea Party.
Rep. Michele Bachman (R-mn) issued a statement on her website on Wednesday to clear up rumors that she would be joining the ABC reality contest "Dancing With the Stars."
"In full disclosure, I did win a polka dancing competition when I was in the tenth grade at my alma mater, Anoka High School in Anoka, Minn.," Bachmann said. "But, despite my tenth grade polka success and my lifelong love of ballroom dancing, the recent rumors are false."
The conservative darling and two-term Congresswoman is the second former candidate for the Republican nomination to dash "Dancing" speculation. On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Herman Cain said that the Godfather's Pizza CEO and Pokemon enthusiast would not be competing on the show because he "can't dance in an eight-count. He can only dance in a nine-count," a quip that referenced Cain's 9-9-9 tax plan.
Rep. Michele Bachman (R-mn) issued a statement on her website on Wednesday to clear up rumors that she would be joining the ABC reality contest "Dancing With the Stars."
"In full disclosure, I did win a polka dancing competition when I was in the tenth grade at my alma mater, Anoka High School in Anoka, Minn.," Bachmann said. "But, despite my tenth grade polka success and my lifelong love of ballroom dancing, the recent rumors are false."
The conservative darling and two-term Congresswoman is the second former candidate for the Republican nomination to dash "Dancing" speculation. On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Herman Cain said that the Godfather's Pizza CEO and Pokemon enthusiast would not be competing on the show because he "can't dance in an eight-count. He can only dance in a nine-count," a quip that referenced Cain's 9-9-9 tax plan.
- 2/15/2012
- by Jordan Zakarin
- Aol TV.
Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich ratcheted up the temperature at last night's Bloomberg/Washington Post Gop Debate when, in response to a question about the financial meltdown, Gingrich suggested the jailing of Rep. Barney Frank and former Sen. Chris Dodd. Frank shot back last night, noting that “It’s interesting, the charge is failure to stop Newt Gingrich and Tom Delay from deregulating," and called the charge odd "even by Gingrich’s standards."...
- 10/12/2011
- by Tommy Christopher
- Mediaite - TV
And you thought Chaz Bono was Dancing With the Stars’ most surprising casting choice ever. Not so! Former Potus Bill Clinton told Rachael Ray yesterday that he had been approached to be on the ballroom dancing show. “They contacted me once about this,” he admitted. “I told them I didn’t have the time to train for it … so I had to pass.” Still, Clinton admitted an affinity for ballroom. He confessed, “I would like to master the tango,” adding, “Just last night, Hillary said to me, ‘You know, when I’m not secretary of state anymore, we should take dancing lessons.
- 9/21/2011
- by Lanford Beard
- EW.com - PopWatch
While "Dancing With the Stars" has some pretty compelling story lines this year -- Chaz Bono's personal story, former soldier Jr Martinez's rise to fame, Nancy Grace debuting her lower body -- it turns out that the show's producers tried to inject the ultimate dose of charisma into the mirror ball trophy competition.
Unfortunately, the former President of the United States was unable to join the party.
"This is interesting -- actually they contacted me once about this," President Bill Clinton laughed while answering a fan's question during his guest appearance on "The Rachel Ray Show." "And I told them I didn't have the time to train for it. You know you actually go out there and train -- you really work at it."
Still, that doesn't mean he doesn't have any sort of move busting in his future.
"Just last night Hillary said to me, 'You know, when...
Unfortunately, the former President of the United States was unable to join the party.
"This is interesting -- actually they contacted me once about this," President Bill Clinton laughed while answering a fan's question during his guest appearance on "The Rachel Ray Show." "And I told them I didn't have the time to train for it. You know you actually go out there and train -- you really work at it."
Still, that doesn't mean he doesn't have any sort of move busting in his future.
"Just last night Hillary said to me, 'You know, when...
- 9/21/2011
- by Jordan Zakarin
- Huffington Post
"What Not to Wear," TLC's longest-running primetime series, is back tomorrow night with "Dancing with the Stars" pro Cheryl Burke and actress Jenny McCarthy surprising their personal assistant, whom they share, with a makeover by Stacy London and Clinton Kelly.
“If someone recommended me for ‘What Not to Wear’ I would punch them in the face,” Burke tells me. "But I think my assistant, Becky, totally loved it. She’s from Chicago and not all about fashion all the time. She enjoyed being spoiled rotten for once.”
Cheryl knows what it feels like to be criticized for the way she looks -- she was verbally attacked six months ago for putting on a little weight and is still hurt by what was said.
“It’s sh-tty. It’s not nice to be under the microscope, let alone I’m here doing my job which is already not easy and then...
“If someone recommended me for ‘What Not to Wear’ I would punch them in the face,” Burke tells me. "But I think my assistant, Becky, totally loved it. She’s from Chicago and not all about fashion all the time. She enjoyed being spoiled rotten for once.”
Cheryl knows what it feels like to be criticized for the way she looks -- she was verbally attacked six months ago for putting on a little weight and is still hurt by what was said.
“It’s sh-tty. It’s not nice to be under the microscope, let alone I’m here doing my job which is already not easy and then...
- 8/15/2011
- by Naughty But Nice Rob
- Huffington Post
I know, I know: you all dream of working for Stephen Colbert. You imagine he would be the greatest boss in the world – kind of like a super-cool Jim Anderson father to your inner Kathy or Bud. I imagine working for Stephen on ‘The Colbert Report’ is kind of like working for Db on the No Fact Zone: a cool boss, funny and talented work-mates, and an intelligent and appreciative audience that joins in the fun. But then I watch the show and think. “why does he treat his staff so badly??”
I love the alternative reality crafted by ‘The Colbert Report’, an absurd dimension that manages to convey truth. And Stephen Colbert perfectly plays the self absorbed idiot. It-getters understand his generosity of spirit and intelligence are always just below the surface. That’s why The Nation responded so heartily from the very beginnings of the show – it’s...
I love the alternative reality crafted by ‘The Colbert Report’, an absurd dimension that manages to convey truth. And Stephen Colbert perfectly plays the self absorbed idiot. It-getters understand his generosity of spirit and intelligence are always just below the surface. That’s why The Nation responded so heartily from the very beginnings of the show – it’s...
- 5/19/2011
- by Jennie
- No Fact Zone
Casino Jack isn’t a perfect film, or even the best of its kind. That said, it’s a definite should-see. The film follows a long tradition of scathing dramas and black comedies that have pulled apart America’s flawed institutions, from TV in sadly deceased Sidney Lumet’s masterpiece, Network, to Oliver Stone’s Wall Street, that ironically became the film to launch a thousand stock brokers. These issue-driven films don’t always have the filmmaker’s desired effect, but damn do they tell a good story. In Casino Jack’s case, the story is too implausible to believe…except that it’s real.
With a couple Dolph Lundgren films under his belt, producer Jack Abramoff left Hollywood and became Washington, D.C.’s super lobbyist. Kevin Spacey smoothly jumps into Jack’s shoes near the peak of his rise during the Bush years; opening restaurants, landing the big clients,...
With a couple Dolph Lundgren films under his belt, producer Jack Abramoff left Hollywood and became Washington, D.C.’s super lobbyist. Kevin Spacey smoothly jumps into Jack’s shoes near the peak of his rise during the Bush years; opening restaurants, landing the big clients,...
- 4/29/2011
- by Kyle North
- JustPressPlay.net
As cult favorite Ron Paul announces his presidential ambitions today, conservatives are ignoring another libertarian who can actually win. John Avlon on the right's secret weapon.
It looks like Ron Paul is running for president again-and libertarians everywhere have reason to cheer.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Trump to McCain: 'You're Hired!'
After the big government conservatism of the George W. Bush era, their ideas seem finally ascendant-and now they have two standard-bearers competing for the Republican nomination in 2012. While the Paul family-recently dubbed "the libertarian Kennedys" by Politico-suck up the media oxygen, there is a comparatively little known but more electorally accomplished libertarian running for president-former two-term New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson.
It's a political high-water mark for a movement that is simultaneously watching the new film version of its ubertext, Atlas Shrugged, tank at the box office. After all, Tea Party rallies were infused with crowd-pleasing libertarian rhetoric.
It looks like Ron Paul is running for president again-and libertarians everywhere have reason to cheer.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Trump to McCain: 'You're Hired!'
After the big government conservatism of the George W. Bush era, their ideas seem finally ascendant-and now they have two standard-bearers competing for the Republican nomination in 2012. While the Paul family-recently dubbed "the libertarian Kennedys" by Politico-suck up the media oxygen, there is a comparatively little known but more electorally accomplished libertarian running for president-former two-term New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson.
It's a political high-water mark for a movement that is simultaneously watching the new film version of its ubertext, Atlas Shrugged, tank at the box office. After all, Tea Party rallies were infused with crowd-pleasing libertarian rhetoric.
- 4/26/2011
- by John Avlon
- The Daily Beast
A look at what's new on DVD and Blu-ray today:
"Taxi Driver" (1976)
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Released by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
One can read about the extensive restoration of what many consider to be Martin Scorsese's finest film at The Digital Bits, but if you're a film fan, you might not need convincing to pick up the latest edition of the film about the disillusioned cabbie, which includes all the special features from the previous DVDs of the film (a feature-length making of doc, a score of shorter featurettes) while adding the commentary track between Scorsese and writer Paul Schrader that originally appeared on the 1986 Criterion laser disc. All in all, it's the definitive edition that the film deserves.
"Casino Jack" (2010)
Directed by George Hickenlooper
Released by Fox Home Entertainment
Even at the height of his powers, disgraced Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff might not have been able to...
"Taxi Driver" (1976)
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Released by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
One can read about the extensive restoration of what many consider to be Martin Scorsese's finest film at The Digital Bits, but if you're a film fan, you might not need convincing to pick up the latest edition of the film about the disillusioned cabbie, which includes all the special features from the previous DVDs of the film (a feature-length making of doc, a score of shorter featurettes) while adding the commentary track between Scorsese and writer Paul Schrader that originally appeared on the 1986 Criterion laser disc. All in all, it's the definitive edition that the film deserves.
"Casino Jack" (2010)
Directed by George Hickenlooper
Released by Fox Home Entertainment
Even at the height of his powers, disgraced Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff might not have been able to...
- 4/6/2011
- by Stephen Saito
- ifc.com
With a film and television career spanning over 25 years, Jon Lovitz has made a marvelous living by playing characters that delight in delicious sleaze or antisocial pushiness. Whether it be his SNL characters of Tommy Flanagan (Pathological Liar), Master Thespian, and Mephistopheles, or big-screen roles of Jimmie Moore in The Wedding Singer and studio lackey Morty in Three Amigos, Lovitz has become well known for his ability to play overwrought boorishness with the best of Hollywood's comic stars.
His latest film role is 2010's Casino Jack, a based-on-a-true-story tale of infamous and disgraced Jack Abramoff (played by Kevin Spacey), former super-lobbyist in the George W. Bush administration. The film follows Abramoff's meteoric rise and spectacular fall from grace, complete with jail term, after masterminding a scheme to bilk Indian tribes out of tens of millions of casino dollars, all under the guise of 'protection'. Lovitz plays Adam Kidan, a former...
His latest film role is 2010's Casino Jack, a based-on-a-true-story tale of infamous and disgraced Jack Abramoff (played by Kevin Spacey), former super-lobbyist in the George W. Bush administration. The film follows Abramoff's meteoric rise and spectacular fall from grace, complete with jail term, after masterminding a scheme to bilk Indian tribes out of tens of millions of casino dollars, all under the guise of 'protection'. Lovitz plays Adam Kidan, a former...
- 4/1/2011
- Shadowlocked
“Deep Vote,” an Oscar winning screenwriter and a member of the Academy, will write this column — exclusively for ScottFeinberg.com — every week until the Academy Awards in order to help to peel back the curtain on the Oscar voting process. (His identity must be protected in order to spare him from repercussions for disclosing the aforementioned information.)
Thus far, he has shared his thoughts in column 1 about his general preferences; column 2 about “Solitary Man” (Anchor Bay Films, 5/21, R, trailer) and “Winter’s Bone” (Roadside Attractions, 6/11, R, trailer); column 3 about “Alice in Wonderland” (Disney, 3/5, PG, trailer), “Mother and Child” (Sony Pictures Classics, 5/7, R, trailer), and “Toy Story 3” (Disney, 6/18, G, trailer); column 4 about “Get Low” (Sony Pictures Classics, 7/30, PG-13, trailer), “The Kids Are All Right” (Focus Features, 7/9, R, trailer), and “The Social Network” (Columbia, 10/1, PG-13, trailer); column 5 about “127 Hours” (Fox Searchlight, 11/5, R, trailer), “Biutiful” (Roadside Attractions, 12/17, R, trailer), and “Shutter Island” (Paramount,...
Thus far, he has shared his thoughts in column 1 about his general preferences; column 2 about “Solitary Man” (Anchor Bay Films, 5/21, R, trailer) and “Winter’s Bone” (Roadside Attractions, 6/11, R, trailer); column 3 about “Alice in Wonderland” (Disney, 3/5, PG, trailer), “Mother and Child” (Sony Pictures Classics, 5/7, R, trailer), and “Toy Story 3” (Disney, 6/18, G, trailer); column 4 about “Get Low” (Sony Pictures Classics, 7/30, PG-13, trailer), “The Kids Are All Right” (Focus Features, 7/9, R, trailer), and “The Social Network” (Columbia, 10/1, PG-13, trailer); column 5 about “127 Hours” (Fox Searchlight, 11/5, R, trailer), “Biutiful” (Roadside Attractions, 12/17, R, trailer), and “Shutter Island” (Paramount,...
- 2/9/2011
- by Deep Vote
- Scott Feinberg
Welcome to No Fact Zone’s weekly roundup of cultural references on The Colbert Report. From Darcy to Danger Mouse, String Theory to Shakespeare, we’ve got the keys to this week’s obscure, oddball, and occasionally obscene cultural shout-outs (hey!)
Sveiki Zoners! Wow, what a somber and precarious situation to follow up. I was pleased with how Stephen and the writers handled it. The rest of the week was great, and stayed on point with the events that continued to unfold. Also, as someone married to a man with Lithuanian heritage (not recent, though), the bit on the Lithuanian national perfume was, by far, my favorite clip of the entire week. I never thought Stephen would give me such fodder for family gatherings. What were your favorites this week?
Monday:
Difference Makers: Galactic Edition – Pt 2
During the segment, we are shown two movie posters. One is The Day the Earth Stood Still...
Sveiki Zoners! Wow, what a somber and precarious situation to follow up. I was pleased with how Stephen and the writers handled it. The rest of the week was great, and stayed on point with the events that continued to unfold. Also, as someone married to a man with Lithuanian heritage (not recent, though), the bit on the Lithuanian national perfume was, by far, my favorite clip of the entire week. I never thought Stephen would give me such fodder for family gatherings. What were your favorites this week?
Monday:
Difference Makers: Galactic Edition – Pt 2
During the segment, we are shown two movie posters. One is The Day the Earth Stood Still...
- 1/16/2011
- by Toad
- No Fact Zone
You might have thought Tom DeLay's performance on "Dancing With the Stars" in fall 2009 was criminally bad. But that's not why he's going to prison.
The former congressman was sentenced to three years in prison Monday (Jan. 10) for money laundering, conspiracy to commit money laundering and using a political action committee to funnel corporate money to candidates. It's unlikely that he'll actually serve time in the near future, though; the AP reports he'll remain free while his lawyers appeal the conviction.
DeLay, who represented the Houston area for 11 terms in Congress and was House majority leader from 2003-05, was convicted by an Austin jury in November. They found that he conspired with two other people to send $190,000 in corporate donations to his Pac to an arm of the Republican National Committee. The committee then sent the same amount of money to candidates for the Texas legislature. Texas law bars direct corporate contributions to campaigns.
The former congressman was sentenced to three years in prison Monday (Jan. 10) for money laundering, conspiracy to commit money laundering and using a political action committee to funnel corporate money to candidates. It's unlikely that he'll actually serve time in the near future, though; the AP reports he'll remain free while his lawyers appeal the conviction.
DeLay, who represented the Houston area for 11 terms in Congress and was House majority leader from 2003-05, was convicted by an Austin jury in November. They found that he conspired with two other people to send $190,000 in corporate donations to his Pac to an arm of the Republican National Committee. The committee then sent the same amount of money to candidates for the Texas legislature. Texas law bars direct corporate contributions to campaigns.
- 1/11/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Jack Abramoff isn't known as a funny guy, and his story -- an infuriating tale of fraud and political corruption -- isn't funny, either. The former high-rolling lobbyist arguably is one of America's most hated public figures, and his scandalous tenure as a Washington power player only deepened the American public's cynicism about politics.
Given Abramoff's notoriety, mining his story for darkly comic gold is risky. And taking this risk has only a modest payoff in Casino Jack, a stylish and busy movie that's sometimes very funny but isn't quite the smart political satire it could have been.
Casino Jack, which first screened in town on Austin Film Festival's closing night in partnership with The Texas Observer, is a reasonably accurate portrayal of Abramoff's money-fueled machinations, in least in the general sense if not in some of the details. The longtime political operative (and onetime film producer who sullied many...
Given Abramoff's notoriety, mining his story for darkly comic gold is risky. And taking this risk has only a modest payoff in Casino Jack, a stylish and busy movie that's sometimes very funny but isn't quite the smart political satire it could have been.
Casino Jack, which first screened in town on Austin Film Festival's closing night in partnership with The Texas Observer, is a reasonably accurate portrayal of Abramoff's money-fueled machinations, in least in the general sense if not in some of the details. The longtime political operative (and onetime film producer who sullied many...
- 1/7/2011
- by Don Clinchy
- Slackerwood
You can’t always go by your first impressions. When the story of uber-lobbyist Jack Abramoff first hit the news, the media seemed to rejoice in having a hiss-able bad guy. The cable news channels loved running the video of his “perp walk” complete with wardrobe by Boris Badenov ( matching black fedora and trench coat ). Early last year we got to know more of the full story with Alex Gibney’s documentary Casino Jack And The United States Of Money. And now the feature drama based on the true story of D.C. corruption has arrived at movie theatres: George Hickenlooper’s Casino Jack with Kevin Spacey in the title role. With this telling we learn much more about the real man behind the scandals ( and late night TV monologue jokes).
The film opens with a tribute to the first few minutes of Raging Bull. Abramoff stares into a mirror...
The film opens with a tribute to the first few minutes of Raging Bull. Abramoff stares into a mirror...
- 1/7/2011
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Chicago – The halls of the Capitol Building are paved with money. It takes a long time beyond civics class and history to realize that. Kevin Spacey illustrates that concept precisely playing “super lobbyist” and convicted larcenist Jack Abramoff in “Casino Jack”.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Jack Abramoff’s story is a typical eye glazer for the average news consumer, but his actions effect everyone all the time.It is his story as an arch conservative con man, spewing religion while at the same time robbing people blind. And it’s all legal because the guys he has in his pockets make the law.
Basically the story revolves around Abramoff and his partner Michael Scanlon (Barry Pepper), as they set up specific lobbying efforts on behalf of Native American casinos. They use these “retainers” from their clients to peddle influence with key people in Washington, including the new Speaker of the House, Tom Delay...
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Jack Abramoff’s story is a typical eye glazer for the average news consumer, but his actions effect everyone all the time.It is his story as an arch conservative con man, spewing religion while at the same time robbing people blind. And it’s all legal because the guys he has in his pockets make the law.
Basically the story revolves around Abramoff and his partner Michael Scanlon (Barry Pepper), as they set up specific lobbying efforts on behalf of Native American casinos. They use these “retainers” from their clients to peddle influence with key people in Washington, including the new Speaker of the House, Tom Delay...
- 12/31/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
In person, Barry Pepper is a soft-spoken man with an intense stare and a firm grasp on the state of politics in America. In the new film, Casino Jack, about the rise and fall of Superlobbyists Jack Abramoff and Mike Scanlon, Pepper plays Scanlon, a Capitol Hill smooth talker who worries more about his chi and feng-shui than about the ethics and morals of his particular place in politics. While he couldn’t be more different from the character he plays in this film, Pepper talked to CinemaSpy about how he came to understand the choices of the man he played and about his own feelings on topics like the death of the film’s director, George Hickenlooper and his own beliefs in the current political climate.
Now that Casino Jack is out, what are your thoughts about director George Hickenlooper’s passing?
It’s an incredible shock to all of us.
Now that Casino Jack is out, what are your thoughts about director George Hickenlooper’s passing?
It’s an incredible shock to all of us.
- 12/30/2010
- CinemaSpy
When you come across a newsworthy item that strikes your creative fancy and feeds the instinct to turn it into some sort of screenplay is that you are not the only supplicant sipping from this particular muse's font. Jack Abramoff himself would fully appreciate this, both as an unsuccessful Hollywood screenwriter/producer and as a functionally-intellectual piece of human shit. If an idea is good, someone else is probably going to have it, and so you're gonna have to be the first to the finish line with the finished product, or else you're going to be considered derivative and lesser than. A Bug's Life trumped Antz, Dante's Peak edged out Volcano, Capote outcapoted Infamous, Armageddon aerosmithed Deep Impact, Tombstone made Wyatt Earp its huckleberry -- the streets of Hollywood are paved with the corpses of lesser flicks that were released within months of similar tales. Alex Gibney, who has been...
- 12/22/2010
- by Brian Prisco
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