With panoramic shots of a wind-swept tundra and a skyline studded with jagged mountaintops, the opening scene of True Detective Season 4 Episode 1 strikes a grandiose tone.
It feels closer to Game of Thrones’ Wildling storylines than to the claustrophobic, gritty interiors that we’ve come to expect from HBO’s divisive cop drama.
Even after the requisite large firearm makes its first appearance -- via a frightened hunter aiming his rifle at a herd of stampeding reindeer -- there's little to give the viewer the sense that we're in 21st-century America, rather than someplace much more exotic and archaic.
It's only when the action shifts inside that the show's fourth season -- helmed by Issa Lopez, who replaces series creator Nic Pizzolatto as showrunner -- begins to bear any resemblance to its first three.
The Tsalas Research Station -- located just outside of Ennis, Alaska -- is well-lit when we first enter,...
It feels closer to Game of Thrones’ Wildling storylines than to the claustrophobic, gritty interiors that we’ve come to expect from HBO’s divisive cop drama.
Even after the requisite large firearm makes its first appearance -- via a frightened hunter aiming his rifle at a herd of stampeding reindeer -- there's little to give the viewer the sense that we're in 21st-century America, rather than someplace much more exotic and archaic.
It's only when the action shifts inside that the show's fourth season -- helmed by Issa Lopez, who replaces series creator Nic Pizzolatto as showrunner -- begins to bear any resemblance to its first three.
The Tsalas Research Station -- located just outside of Ennis, Alaska -- is well-lit when we first enter,...
- 1/15/2024
- by Tyler Johnson
- TVfanatic
Bueller…Bueller…oh, and Cameron, too! Ferris Bueller’s Day Off stars Matthew Broderick and Alan Ruck recently sat down for a one-on-one conversation to discuss a variety of topics, most importantly John Hughes’ 1986 comedy. But its status as a teen movie classic may not have happened without the pair’s work in the theater.
After some banter about plague masks, Ruck told Broderick, “I’m not blowing smoke up your ass, but I owe you a lot,” causing confusion. Clarifying, Ruck said, “If there was no Matthew Broderick, there probably wouldn’t have been a Biloxi Blues, and that was a major springboard for me,” referring to the stage production of Neil Simon’s play, which Broderick would later star in the movie adaptation of. “If it wasn’t for Biloxi Blues, Ferris Bueller wouldn’t have happened for me. I’ve told you this before, but I think...
After some banter about plague masks, Ruck told Broderick, “I’m not blowing smoke up your ass, but I owe you a lot,” causing confusion. Clarifying, Ruck said, “If there was no Matthew Broderick, there probably wouldn’t have been a Biloxi Blues, and that was a major springboard for me,” referring to the stage production of Neil Simon’s play, which Broderick would later star in the movie adaptation of. “If it wasn’t for Biloxi Blues, Ferris Bueller wouldn’t have happened for me. I’ve told you this before, but I think...
- 4/19/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
The latest episode of "Star Trek: Lower Decks," entitled "Reflections," features -- quite amusingly -- a Starfleet recruitment tent. Ensigns Mariner (Tawny Newsome) and Boimler (Jack Quaid) have been ordered to "work the booth" a jobs fair. They have to stand at a folding table and dispassionately call over passbersby, then explain to them that a life in Starfleet is romantic and exciting. This, when their current job is the least romantic or exciting task imaginable. Making matters worse, Mariner and Boimler are stationed right next to an archeology tent. Archeologists, as all Trekkies now, is the sexiest possible profession. All archeologists are gorgeous, tomb-raiding rogues that make Indiana Jones look like Ben Stein. In a fun Easter egg, the archeologist leans on a plinth resembling those seen in the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" episode "Masks".
On the other side of Mariner's and Boimler's recruitment tent is collector's booth...
On the other side of Mariner's and Boimler's recruitment tent is collector's booth...
- 9/22/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Outspoken Republican activist Ben Stein has revived his famous catch-phrase from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off to plead with former GOP congressman Devin Nunes to run for office again.
Mr Stein, 77, posted a clip to Truth Social on Sunday mimicking the “Bueller, Bueller, Bueller” line delivered by his monotoned economics teacher in the 1986 comedy.
“Nunes, Nunes, Nunes, we have to have Nunes here because there has to be at least one person here who tells the truth,” he said.
“Please come back. We need at least one person that tells the truth.”
Mr Stein, a Republican commentator and lawyer, is a former speechwriter to presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.
He went on to have minor roles in dozens of movies and TV shows and co-hosted a Comedy Central game show Win Ben’s Money with Jimmy Kimmel from 1997 to 2003.
Mr Stein has a history of making controversial statements about race,...
Mr Stein, 77, posted a clip to Truth Social on Sunday mimicking the “Bueller, Bueller, Bueller” line delivered by his monotoned economics teacher in the 1986 comedy.
“Nunes, Nunes, Nunes, we have to have Nunes here because there has to be at least one person here who tells the truth,” he said.
“Please come back. We need at least one person that tells the truth.”
Mr Stein, a Republican commentator and lawyer, is a former speechwriter to presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.
He went on to have minor roles in dozens of movies and TV shows and co-hosted a Comedy Central game show Win Ben’s Money with Jimmy Kimmel from 1997 to 2003.
Mr Stein has a history of making controversial statements about race,...
- 8/21/2022
- by Bevan Hurley
- The Independent - Film
The critics weren’t exactly forgiving of this movie and to be fair, even if the fans happened to like it, The 355, which alludes to a female spy during the American Revolution, is about as exciting as a history lecture being given by Ben Stein. No offense to Mr. Stein by the way. But getting back to the subject at hand, the fact is that this movie had a big chance to be something great, exciting, and at least a little different from anything else that’s been seen over the years. Unfortunately, it appears to go down the list as
Movie Review: The 355...
Movie Review: The 355...
- 5/6/2022
- by Tom Foster
- TVovermind.com
Talk about the ultimate throwback! The cast of Ferris Bueller's Day Off virtually reunited for the finale of his YouTube Series "Reunited Apart." Sitting down with host Josh Gad for the nostalgic episode, Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jennifer Grey, Cindy Pickett, Lyman Ward and Ben Stein reminisced about the 1986 classic, marking one of the first times the cast had been together in over a decade. Kicking things off, Broderick recalled being offered the role of Ferris Bueller. "John Hughes, who wrote it and directed it, I got a call from my agent that said he wanted me to be in a movie," he told Gad. "I was in a play at the time and everybody said he's the Steven...
- 6/29/2020
- E! Online
“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” is returning to ABC, this time with Jimmy Kimmel at the helm. A 20th anniversary edition of “Millionaire” will premiere in April, featuring celebrity contestants playing for charity.
Kimmel will host the special run of episodes, set to return on Wednesday, April 8 — the first time “Millionaire” has been seen on ABC in primetime since a 10th anniversary run in 2009.
It’s also the first time “Millionaire” has been back in production since the long-running daytime version of the format ended its run last May.
Among the changes this time out: Celebrities playing “Millionaire” will be allowed to invite a guest (such as a relative or expert) in the hot seat to help them answer questions. And the new “Millionaire” will also introduce a live, play-along app that will allow viewers to compete to win the same amount of money that celebrities are playing for on the show.
Kimmel will host the special run of episodes, set to return on Wednesday, April 8 — the first time “Millionaire” has been seen on ABC in primetime since a 10th anniversary run in 2009.
It’s also the first time “Millionaire” has been back in production since the long-running daytime version of the format ended its run last May.
Among the changes this time out: Celebrities playing “Millionaire” will be allowed to invite a guest (such as a relative or expert) in the hot seat to help them answer questions. And the new “Millionaire” will also introduce a live, play-along app that will allow viewers to compete to win the same amount of money that celebrities are playing for on the show.
- 1/8/2020
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Al Burton, the creator of Charles in Charge and Win Ben Stein’s Money and a key figure in the success of signature sitcom hits such as The Jeffersons, Diff’rent Strokes, Silver Spoons, Facts of Life and One Day at a Time, has died. He was 91.
Burton died Tuesday at his San Mateo home, according to Damon Schwartz, a family friend, and wire reports.
The Columbus, Ohio, native had been born as Alan Burton Goldstone in April 1928 in Columbus, Ohio, but show business beckoned to him to go west at age 20 as he finished up his studies at Northwestern University. The job opportunity that luted him to Hollywood was with ventriloquist and radio superstar Edgar Bergen, but Burton’s instincts led him toward television, then a fledgling medium.
As the director of development for Tandem Productions/T.A.T. Production and working for industry icon Norman Lear, Burton spent...
Burton died Tuesday at his San Mateo home, according to Damon Schwartz, a family friend, and wire reports.
The Columbus, Ohio, native had been born as Alan Burton Goldstone in April 1928 in Columbus, Ohio, but show business beckoned to him to go west at age 20 as he finished up his studies at Northwestern University. The job opportunity that luted him to Hollywood was with ventriloquist and radio superstar Edgar Bergen, but Burton’s instincts led him toward television, then a fledgling medium.
As the director of development for Tandem Productions/T.A.T. Production and working for industry icon Norman Lear, Burton spent...
- 10/23/2019
- by Geoff Boucher
- Deadline Film + TV
Television producer and executive Al Burton, known for his work on “The Jeffersons” and “Diff’rent Strokes,” died Tuesday at his home in San Mateo, California. He was 91.
Burton leaves behind a six-decade legacy of hit television shows that also included “One Day at a Time,” “Silver Spoons,” “Square Pegs” and “Facts of Life.”
However, long before Burton started working with producer Norman Lear on several television hits, Burton was a student at Northwestern University where he completed his degree in 1948. In 1970, he teamed up with Lear to co-create the soap opera farce titled, “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” and continued to work alongside the television legend at T.A.T Communications/Tandem Productions, producing and creating a number of successful network sitcoms.
Burton also developed and executive produced for Universal Television, helping to create “Charles In Charge,” a series starring Scott Baio, and the series “The New Lassie,” which starred Dee Wallace.
Burton leaves behind a six-decade legacy of hit television shows that also included “One Day at a Time,” “Silver Spoons,” “Square Pegs” and “Facts of Life.”
However, long before Burton started working with producer Norman Lear on several television hits, Burton was a student at Northwestern University where he completed his degree in 1948. In 1970, he teamed up with Lear to co-create the soap opera farce titled, “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” and continued to work alongside the television legend at T.A.T Communications/Tandem Productions, producing and creating a number of successful network sitcoms.
Burton also developed and executive produced for Universal Television, helping to create “Charles In Charge,” a series starring Scott Baio, and the series “The New Lassie,” which starred Dee Wallace.
- 10/23/2019
- by Lorraine Wheat
- Variety Film + TV
Alec Baldwin’s Donald Trump didn’t show up for the second episode of “Saturday Night Live” Season 45, but Matthew Broderick did make an “SNL” guest appearance as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo — and referenced his beloved ’80s comedy “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
At the start of the show’s cold open, Vice President Mike Pence (Beck Bennett) met with Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani and Attorney General Bill Barr (Aidy Bryant) to discuss how they might be able to weasel out of the impeachment inquiry.
After some back and forth — with plenty of Halloween-season jokes about how Giuliani is a vampire — they invited Broderick’s Pompeo into the room. And right out the gate there was a Ferris Bueller joke.
Also Read: Taylor Swift's 8 Craziest 'SNL' Sketches (Videos)
As Broderick as Pompeo walked in, a surprised Pence asked, “Weren’t you subpoenaed by Congress?”
“I was, but...
At the start of the show’s cold open, Vice President Mike Pence (Beck Bennett) met with Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani and Attorney General Bill Barr (Aidy Bryant) to discuss how they might be able to weasel out of the impeachment inquiry.
After some back and forth — with plenty of Halloween-season jokes about how Giuliani is a vampire — they invited Broderick’s Pompeo into the room. And right out the gate there was a Ferris Bueller joke.
Also Read: Taylor Swift's 8 Craziest 'SNL' Sketches (Videos)
As Broderick as Pompeo walked in, a surprised Pence asked, “Weren’t you subpoenaed by Congress?”
“I was, but...
- 10/6/2019
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Welcome to this week’s Ring Of Honor review, right here on Nerdly. I’m Nathan Favel and we have Jay Lethal and Kenny King in the second match of their series against each other. Let’s see if it all goes well. I’m just so exciting, aren’t I? Bueller? Is that how you spell that name? Bueller? Speaking of Ben Stein…I wish I had won his money.
Match #1: Colt Cabana defeated Mark Briscoe – Nwa National Title Match The following is courtesy of rohwrestling.com:
Cabana outwrestled Briscoe early, but the tide turned after Briscoe knocked Cabana off the top rope to the floor. Briscoe hit a flying elbow off the apron. Then he sat Cabana on a chair outside the ring and charged at him, but Cabana stood up and tossed Briscoe over his head onto the chair. Back inside the ring, Cabana knocked Briscoe...
Match #1: Colt Cabana defeated Mark Briscoe – Nwa National Title Match The following is courtesy of rohwrestling.com:
Cabana outwrestled Briscoe early, but the tide turned after Briscoe knocked Cabana off the top rope to the floor. Briscoe hit a flying elbow off the apron. Then he sat Cabana on a chair outside the ring and charged at him, but Cabana stood up and tossed Briscoe over his head onto the chair. Back inside the ring, Cabana knocked Briscoe...
- 6/27/2019
- by Nathan Favel
- Nerdly
Welcome to this week’s 205 Live review, right here on Nerdly. I’m Nathan Favel and we have… two matches. This sounds like the Ben Stein version of excitement, doesn’t it?
Match #1: Kalisto def. Lio Rush The following is courtesy of WWE.com:
Despite suffering his first singles loss to Cedric Alexander in November, Lio Rush ended 2018 on a high note with an impressive and dominant victory against a local competitor. Reinvigorated, Rush has set his sights on the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, but in order to enter the Fatal 4-Way Match challenging Buddy Murphy at Royal Rumble, he must defeat former Cruiserweight Champion Kalisto. The battle began with Kalisto relishing in the chants of “Lio sucks” coming from the WWE Universe before The Man of the Hour made his first move. However, Rush quickly found himself outside the ring and recalibrating as his opponents matched his own speed and agility.
Match #1: Kalisto def. Lio Rush The following is courtesy of WWE.com:
Despite suffering his first singles loss to Cedric Alexander in November, Lio Rush ended 2018 on a high note with an impressive and dominant victory against a local competitor. Reinvigorated, Rush has set his sights on the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, but in order to enter the Fatal 4-Way Match challenging Buddy Murphy at Royal Rumble, he must defeat former Cruiserweight Champion Kalisto. The battle began with Kalisto relishing in the chants of “Lio sucks” coming from the WWE Universe before The Man of the Hour made his first move. However, Rush quickly found himself outside the ring and recalibrating as his opponents matched his own speed and agility.
- 1/6/2019
- by Nathan Favel
- Nerdly
(Updated with Pelosi call details & more Trump tweets) Facing a mixed bag of midterm elections results, Donald Trump had a rare moment of online brevity tonight when he finally stepped away from the TVs in the White House residence to address the still divided nation via his favorite platform.
Around half an hour after various networks firmly declared that the Democrats would take control of the House of Representatives, that the Republicans would increase their hold on the Senate and Florida would have his handpicked candidate as its next Governor, the former Celebrity Apprentice took to Twitter for the first time in nine hours:
Tremendous success tonight. Thank you to all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 7, 2018
For a President who clearly knows that his aggressive approach in the final days on the trail pushed back the opposition’s highest hopes of taking the Senate too, Trump’s remarks oddly sounds...
Around half an hour after various networks firmly declared that the Democrats would take control of the House of Representatives, that the Republicans would increase their hold on the Senate and Florida would have his handpicked candidate as its next Governor, the former Celebrity Apprentice took to Twitter for the first time in nine hours:
Tremendous success tonight. Thank you to all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 7, 2018
For a President who clearly knows that his aggressive approach in the final days on the trail pushed back the opposition’s highest hopes of taking the Senate too, Trump’s remarks oddly sounds...
- 11/7/2018
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Against all odds — which is also the name of his podcast on the Ringer Podcast Network — Cousin Sal Iacono has made the leap from the writer’s room on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (hosted by his famous cousin) to the host’s seat.
In August, Iacono was named as one of the hosts of FS1’s new sports gambling show “Lock It In.” He’s joined by co-hosts Clay Travis of “Outkick the Coverage,” odds maker Todd Fuhrman and Rachel Bonnetta. For someone who has many, many years of experience with sports gambling (he has appeared on longtime pal Bill Simmons’ podcast every Monday for more than a decade to guess the NFL lines) and in the TV world, the move in front of the camera has been a comfortable fit, especially on a topic he knows well.
“Charlie Dixon from Fox wanted to start this show,” Iacono recalls of the...
In August, Iacono was named as one of the hosts of FS1’s new sports gambling show “Lock It In.” He’s joined by co-hosts Clay Travis of “Outkick the Coverage,” odds maker Todd Fuhrman and Rachel Bonnetta. For someone who has many, many years of experience with sports gambling (he has appeared on longtime pal Bill Simmons’ podcast every Monday for more than a decade to guess the NFL lines) and in the TV world, the move in front of the camera has been a comfortable fit, especially on a topic he knows well.
“Charlie Dixon from Fox wanted to start this show,” Iacono recalls of the...
- 10/25/2018
- by Daniel Kohn
- The Wrap
Ben Stein thinks it's total Bs Brett Kavanaugh has to go through a Senate hearing over something that allegedly happened when he was in high school -- even if it's true ... and he passionately believes it's not. We got the 'Ferris Bueller' actor at Lax Tuesday, and our cameraman went head-to-head with him over the allegations made against the Supreme Court Justice nominee by Christine Blasey Ford ... that he sexually assaulted her at a party 36 years ago.
- 9/18/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Controversial pundit Dinesh D’Souza’s latest documentary received a lackluster response from moviegoers.
“Death of a Nation” made $2.3 million when it opened on 1,032 screens, averaging a tepid $2,248 per theater. The documentary, which explores fascism and white supremacy and compares President Donald Trump to Abraham Lincoln, is the lowest wide release launch to date for the right-wing conservative filmmaker. It’s the first political documentary to bow nationwide since Ben Stein’s “Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed” debuted 10 years ago.
While a start over a million dollars is impressive for any documentary given the low price tag, it’s not exactly promising for a film that debuted in over 1,000 locations. D’Souza’s previous titles all bowed in limited release before expanding.
His last movie, “Hillary’s America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party,” generated $3.6 million during its wide release in 2016. It went on to make $13 million. Prior to that,...
“Death of a Nation” made $2.3 million when it opened on 1,032 screens, averaging a tepid $2,248 per theater. The documentary, which explores fascism and white supremacy and compares President Donald Trump to Abraham Lincoln, is the lowest wide release launch to date for the right-wing conservative filmmaker. It’s the first political documentary to bow nationwide since Ben Stein’s “Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed” debuted 10 years ago.
While a start over a million dollars is impressive for any documentary given the low price tag, it’s not exactly promising for a film that debuted in over 1,000 locations. D’Souza’s previous titles all bowed in limited release before expanding.
His last movie, “Hillary’s America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party,” generated $3.6 million during its wide release in 2016. It went on to make $13 million. Prior to that,...
- 8/5/2018
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Ben Stein's not going to pile on Roseanne after her racist tweet got her show canceled -- in fact ... he sympathizes and believes her claim that Ambien made her do it. The "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" actor was leaving Mr Chow in Bev Hills Friday night when he got asked about the Roseanne debacle ... he says it's not her fault and he feels sorry for her. Unlike many other celebs, Stein doesn't think Barr's...
- 6/2/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Trevor Noah has taken his “Daily Show” on the road, with The Best F#@king News Team Ever spending their week working in Chicago. It wasn’t easy to pack up the entire New York City squad — and they actually forgot to bring the set — but the gang eventually got there. Along the way, the Comedy Central crew borrowed its intro from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” with Noah giving Matthew Broderick a real run for his money. As for Ben Stein, well, he did a great Ben Stein. Also Read: Trevor Noah Finds the Silver Lining in Cam Newton's Sexist Remark (Video) Later,...
- 10/17/2017
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Jimmy Kimmel isn’t just a TV host. As the last few weeks made evident, he’s a broadcaster.
A true broadcaster is a master of communication, someone who reaches a wide audience and can be trusted for the information they need. And unlike other late-night TV stars, Kimmel didn’t rise through the ranks of acting or stand-up comedy; he honed his skills as a radio personality. A much more intimate medium, radio was the place where personalities formed direct bonds with listeners long before social media.
The power of the “fifth estate” has waned in recent years — but Kimmel clearly never forgot the importance of the public airwaves. He’s fulfilling the classic role of broadcaster as a guide in a time of crisis. When ABC launched “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in 2003, “nation’s moral conscience” presumably wasn’t part of the content strategy. But after nearly 15 years, he...
A true broadcaster is a master of communication, someone who reaches a wide audience and can be trusted for the information they need. And unlike other late-night TV stars, Kimmel didn’t rise through the ranks of acting or stand-up comedy; he honed his skills as a radio personality. A much more intimate medium, radio was the place where personalities formed direct bonds with listeners long before social media.
The power of the “fifth estate” has waned in recent years — but Kimmel clearly never forgot the importance of the public airwaves. He’s fulfilling the classic role of broadcaster as a guide in a time of crisis. When ABC launched “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in 2003, “nation’s moral conscience” presumably wasn’t part of the content strategy. But after nearly 15 years, he...
- 10/4/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Ferris Bueller's Day Off celebrated its 30th birthday last year, but the John Hughes' teen-comedy classic is forever a fan favorite. Enough so that Stranger Things star Joe Keery re-enacted iconic scenes from the film for a recent Domino's Pizza ad campaign.
To capitalize even more on that eternally cool teen mojo, the pizza chain has teamed up with Epix, the premium cable network owned by MGM, to offer up a free live stream of Ferris, Cameron and Sloane having the best day ever playing hooky from school and avoiding the bumbling Edward R.
To capitalize even more on that eternally cool teen mojo, the pizza chain has teamed up with Epix, the premium cable network owned by MGM, to offer up a free live stream of Ferris, Cameron and Sloane having the best day ever playing hooky from school and avoiding the bumbling Edward R.
- 6/9/2017
- Rollingstone.com
A year after his casting, we finally know who Martin Starr will play in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Starr revealed his role in the upcoming film in an interview with The Wrap and tells us he is going to be playing a teacher...
“I’m the academic decathlon coach and one of the teachers at the school so I have a bit of a thing in it…It’s capitalizing on popularity and a story that’s very rich and dense, so there’s a lot left to tell. And this isn’t a familiar take on it — this is a unique kind of take of a younger Spider-Man trying to figure out life again…The story has a lot of action and fun in it, but it’s also a sweet, coming-of-age story of a kid.”
Well, I'm not at all surprised by that revelation. Martin Starr's recent stints in...
“I’m the academic decathlon coach and one of the teachers at the school so I have a bit of a thing in it…It’s capitalizing on popularity and a story that’s very rich and dense, so there’s a lot left to tell. And this isn’t a familiar take on it — this is a unique kind of take of a younger Spider-Man trying to figure out life again…The story has a lot of action and fun in it, but it’s also a sweet, coming-of-age story of a kid.”
Well, I'm not at all surprised by that revelation. Martin Starr's recent stints in...
- 4/18/2017
- by Mick Joest
- GeekTyrant
In John Hughes’ Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, supernaturally dull economics teacher Ben Stein bored his teenage students into a state of catatonia with his endless, droning lecture about the Hawley-Smoot Tariff Act Of 1930. Now, Stein is ready to provide the same service for the users of a subscription-based meditation app called Calm, only this time he’s actively trying to put people to sleep. This week, after months of beta-testing, Calm is launching a new feature called “Sleep Stories.” Described as “bedtime stories for adults,” these are pleasant but deliberately uninteresting texts (think: essays by Scottish-American naturalist John Muir) read aloud in calming, soothing voices. It’s intended to put grown-ups to sleep, the way Goodnight Moon supposedly does for small children.
And now, Calm has broken out the heavy weaponry in its war against wakefulness: Stein himself, who will read in his trademark monotone from Adam Smith ...
And now, Calm has broken out the heavy weaponry in its war against wakefulness: Stein himself, who will read in his trademark monotone from Adam Smith ...
- 12/8/2016
- by Joe Blevins
- avclub.com
Ahead of the Emmys, a handful of nominees offer up advice for host Jimmy Kimmel. Jill Soloway (Transparent): “In the spirit of Transparent, I’d tell him to be the Jimmy-est Jimmy he could possibly be.” Ellie Kemper (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt): "Give all of the awards to Beyonce!” Sterling K. Brown (The People v. O.J. Simpson): “Be yo’self ! This man has been killin’ it since Win Ben Stein’s Money! Like he needs my advice! #ChilePlease” Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey): “Call everyone ‘darling,’ like British actors do. It covers the fact that you can’t remember anyone’s name.” Steve Levitan
read more...
read more...
- 9/18/2016
- by Bryn Elise Sandberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Donald Trump’s boorish behavior during this election season isn’t exactly a surprise to anyone who’s been paying attention to the news. He frequently insults his opponents with childish nicknames to his crowd of supporters, and though he’s largely moved away from that now that he has sewed up the Gop nomination, Jimmy Kimmel has no problem reminding his viewers of Trump’s bullying tactics.
On last night’s episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” Kimmel played a supercut of Trump’s nicknames for other candidates — Little Marco, Crazy Bernie, Crooked Hillary, etc. Then, he brought out his crew of Troompa Loompas again to sing a Wonka-esque number about Trump’s behavior, complete with breakdancing and a reference to Trump’s old reality show “The Apprentice.” Watch the video below.
Read More: Watch: Bill Murray Tells ‘Jimmy Kimmel’ About Working at Little Caesar’s
Jimmy Kimmel started his...
On last night’s episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” Kimmel played a supercut of Trump’s nicknames for other candidates — Little Marco, Crazy Bernie, Crooked Hillary, etc. Then, he brought out his crew of Troompa Loompas again to sing a Wonka-esque number about Trump’s behavior, complete with breakdancing and a reference to Trump’s old reality show “The Apprentice.” Watch the video below.
Read More: Watch: Bill Murray Tells ‘Jimmy Kimmel’ About Working at Little Caesar’s
Jimmy Kimmel started his...
- 6/29/2016
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
John Hughes' iconic Ferris Bueller's Day Off turns 30 Saturday. The film, which has become a beloved totem of teenage rebellion and a wonderful 1980s time capsule, is also an ode to Chicago - a teenage Hughes moved around the city's suburbs with his family. To celebrate, here are 21 things you (probably) never knew about the film. 1. Ferris' parents got married in real lifeLyman Ward, who played Ferris' father, was married to his onscreen wife Cindy Pickett, from 1986 to 1992. They met on the set of the film and eventually had two children. 2. Hughes pitched the film with one sentence… "I called Ned Tanen [then-head of Paramount films] and said,...
- 6/11/2016
- by Alex Heigl, @alex_heigl
- PEOPLE.com
John Hughes' iconic Ferris Bueller's Day Off turns 30 Saturday. The film, which has become a beloved totem of teenage rebellion and a wonderful 1980s time capsule, is also an ode to Chicago - a teenage Hughes moved around the city's suburbs with his family. To celebrate, here are 21 things you (probably) never knew about the film. 1. Ferris' parents got married in real lifeLyman Ward, who played Ferris' father, was married to his onscreen wife Cindy Pickett, from 1986 to 1992. They met on the set of the film and eventually had two children. 2. Hughes pitched the film with one sentence… "I called Ned Tanen [then-head of Paramount films] and said,...
- 6/11/2016
- by Alex Heigl, @alex_heigl
- PEOPLE.com
Known conservative, ex-tv game show host, and former Nixon/Ford speechwriter Ben Stein will not be casting his ballot for Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential race. Calling the Gop frontrunner “dangerously misinformed,” Stein actually said he may vote for a Democrat this year — his first time ever considering such a thing. “I went to law school with Mrs. Clinton, so I’ve always had a kind of fondness for her,” he said Wednesday on CNN. “She was … a very nice young woman.” On Clinton’s leftwing opposition, Stein added: “I admire the fact that Bernie Sanders has a single-payer health plan.
- 3/3/2016
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
23 years ago today, Disney continued its renaissance with the release of “Aladdin,” and Abu, Aladdin, Jasmine, the magic carpet, and the Genie quickly found their way into Disney fans’ hearts. Part of an era for the House of Mouse that’s known as the Disney Renaissance, the movie that showed us a whole new world was released between 1991’s “Beauty and the Beast” and 1994’s “The Lion King.” It was the film that started the trend that continues to this day: Celebrities dominating voice acting in animated films. Before the late Robin Williams lent his winning energy to the Genie, voice acting was almost exclusively in the realm of people specifically trained to provide voices for animated characters. Though our favorite street rat-turned-prince got his name in the title, the Genie is the character audiences really responded to, and that continues today: He’s the most memorable part of the...
- 11/25/2015
- by Emily Rome
- Hitfix
[[tmz:video id="0_cz9itz1r"]] Ben Stein threw shade on Hillary Clinton Friday night, saying she's had a reputation for years as a cheapskate. Ben, who ate some grub at Craig's in WeHo, talked to us about our story that Bernie Sanders tipped 15% at a Burbank-area restaurant. Ben says the preferred Presidential tip is way higher, and says there's one President who was generous beyond measure in the tipping dept. Hint: Ben was Richard Nixon's speechwriter. Read more...
- 10/17/2015
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Ben Stein learned the hard way, even with a private driver ... you can end up in an ugly car accident. We're told Stein was in the backseat of an EmpireCLS SUV in Bev Hills when someone in a Prius flung open their car door ... striking Stein's vehicle. We're told cops didn't show up because it was so minor -- the drivers exchanged info and left. Ben sat patiently and the driver took him to his destination.
- 9/17/2015
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Ben Stein learned the hard way, never trust you'll be safe in an Uber ... because on Wednesday the actor got into an ugly car accident. Stein was in the backseat of an Uber SUV in Bev Hills when his driver collided with a Prius. We're told no one called the cops ... the drivers exchanged info and left. Ben sat patiently and the driver took him to his destination. He's fine. One thing is for sure...
- 9/17/2015
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Defy Media is getting into game shows. The digital media company has teamed up with Emmy Award-winning producer Andrew Golder, via its television production and management division Generate, to create game shows aimed at digital millennials.
Golder has executive produced and co-created a variety of hit game show content for television, including the CW’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Comedy Central’s late-’90s series Win Ben Stein’s Money (which pulled in several Daytime Emmys over the course of its run). Under his deal with Defy Media, the producer will develop at least four new game show concepts over the course of a year for distribution across the media company’s digital network, with the option of moving to other outlets like TV and over-the-top platforms.
Defy’s new agreement with Golder is an extension of a pre-existing relationship between the producer and Jared Hoffman, President of Defy...
Golder has executive produced and co-created a variety of hit game show content for television, including the CW’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Comedy Central’s late-’90s series Win Ben Stein’s Money (which pulled in several Daytime Emmys over the course of its run). Under his deal with Defy Media, the producer will develop at least four new game show concepts over the course of a year for distribution across the media company’s digital network, with the option of moving to other outlets like TV and over-the-top platforms.
Defy’s new agreement with Golder is an extension of a pre-existing relationship between the producer and Jared Hoffman, President of Defy...
- 7/17/2015
- by Bree Brouwer
- Tubefilter.com
Our weekly series in which writers revisit for the first time in ages their youthful passions and reconsider how well they hold up with the passage of time. When “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: was released in 1986, I was 17 years old ( a surly, difficult 17 years old); which is to say,I was the exact same age as the character Ferris Bueller; which is to say, the worst possible age to enjoy a film about him. To this put in some context, growing up in the late 1970’s and early 80’s was a glorious time to be a very young movie-goer. Comedies in particular – were at their most bawdy and anarchic, which is exactly what a 10 year old boy wants. We were allowed to see on the screen in those days all sorts things that it is now horrifying to imagine a 10 year old was allowed to see; but as a 10 year old,...
- 4/17/2015
- by Richard Rushfield
- Hitfix
Welcome to the March 9, 2015 edition of Outrage Watch, HitFix's (almost) daily rundown of all the things folks are peeved about in entertainment. Today's top story: Leave Lily James' body alone. "On one hand it's upsetting, on the other hand it's just boring," James told The Huffington Post about those who have questioned whether her tiny waist in Disney's "Cinderella" was altered in post-production to appear smaller. "Why do women always get pointed at for their bodies? And why is this whole thing happening and I'm constantly having to justify myself? International Women's Day has just gone, and it just feels just a bit sad that it's still happening. You know, I'm very healthy and I always have been." Want more? There's plenty of indignation to go around. See below for a full roundup of today's kerfuffles. Outraged: The Maryknoll sisters Target: Bill O'Reilly Why: The Roman Catholic nuns have...
- 3/9/2015
- by Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
While it's almost enough that Alex Goyette's Expelled redeems its one-word title from memories of the polemical documentary where Ben Stein blames the Holocaust on the theory of evolution, this teen comedy manages to be worthwhile on its own merits.
Felix (Cameron Dallas) is an inveterate prankster whose lucky streak finally runs out. Finding himself expelled from high school and with a less-than-exemplary report card, Felix must hide both of these things from his parents (Kristina Hayes and Tom McLaren) while trying to get re-enrolled, despite the efforts of the evil principal (Emilio Palame).
Expelled wears its Ferris Bueller's Day Off influences on its sleeve — Felix even narrates the film into the camera — but it also tones down the...
Felix (Cameron Dallas) is an inveterate prankster whose lucky streak finally runs out. Finding himself expelled from high school and with a less-than-exemplary report card, Felix must hide both of these things from his parents (Kristina Hayes and Tom McLaren) while trying to get re-enrolled, despite the efforts of the evil principal (Emilio Palame).
Expelled wears its Ferris Bueller's Day Off influences on its sleeve — Felix even narrates the film into the camera — but it also tones down the...
- 12/10/2014
- Village Voice
Fox News' Tucker Carlson joined InfoWars' Alex Jones Thursday to pick up where Ben Stein, who recently called President Barack Obama "the most racist president there has ever been in America," left off. When Jones asked Carlson to react to Stein's comments, the pundit didn't disagree, but rather went on to explain how he believes the president is using "racial fears" to divide the country.
- 11/6/2014
- by Matt Wilstein
- Mediaite - TV
Ah, just like old times. See video: Ben Stein Thinks Obama Is the ‘Most Racist President There Has Ever Been' During a discussion on “The View” on Tuesday, the co-hosts slammed economist Ben Stein, who called President Obama “the most racist president there's ever been in America” on Fox News. And just like during her first stint on the show, Rosie O'Donnell gave her thoughts on a certain network. Also read: Elisabeth Hasselbeck Fires Back in Rosie O'Donnell Brouhaha as ‘The View’ Fight Intensifies “It was on Fox News, which I think just likes to incite a lot of hate and is not always.
- 11/4/2014
- by Jordan Chariton
- The Wrap
Economist Ben Stein stopped by Fox News on Sunday, where he had some harsh criticisms for President Barack Obama, arguing that the White House is trying to "racialize all politics" while alleging the current commander in chief of being the most racist president in U.S. history. The 69-year-old political commentator accused Democratic politicians—including Hilary Clinton—of trying to convince Americans that "Republicans have policies against black people" in order to garner the African American vote. "That whole idea that the economy is being used to repress minorities is just an outrageous lie," he said. "The Republicans are every bit in favor of African...
- 11/4/2014
- E! Online
Actor Ben Stein called President Obama “the most racist president there has ever been” on Sunday. In an interview with Fox News, Stein argued that Obama and those in the Democratic Party are using race to divide the country heading into Election Day. See photos: President Barack Obama Speaks at DreamWorks “What the White House is trying to do is racialize all politics and they're especially trying to tell the African American voter that the Gop is against letting them have a chance at a good life in this economy, and that's just a complete lie,” Stein said. Stein also called out Hillary Clinton.
- 11/4/2014
- by Ryan O'Connell
- The Wrap
Former game-show star Ben Stein is causing quite a bit of controversy after he called President Barack Obama the "most racist president there has ever been in America" during an appearance on Fox News on Monday. The political commentator made his strange remarks while discussing the Democrats' strategy as they head into the midterm elections. While discussing budget cuts and the focus on Americans' concern on the economy, Ben said: "More people are on food stamps than ever. More people are getting welfare than ever. What cuts are they talking about? And what cuts are they talking about. More people getting government subsidized health care than ever. What cuts are they talking about? It's all a way to racialize voting in this country. This president is the most racist president there has ever been in America. He is purposely trying to use race to divide Americans. Anyone who investigates it...
- 11/4/2014
- by Maria-Mercedes-Lara
- Popsugar.com
The Wonder Years
Cast: Fred Savage, Josh Saviano, Danica McKellar, Dan Lauria, Alley Mills, Daniel Stern, Jason Hervey
Due Out: October 7, 2014
Who’S It For? “The Wonder Years” is timeless. Thankfully it doesn’t feel dated simply because I was a child of the ’80s trying to understand life in the late ’60s. “The Wonder Years” was my gateway drug to a nostalgia I didn’t even know. Like many of you, I grew up with Kevin. I hoped for Winnie, I had friends like Paul (and probably was Paul more than I realized).
I can’t wait to show “The Wonder Years” to my son. I’ll have to wait, because he hasn’t even turned two yet, but now I have six episodes to show him, and hopefully that will just be the beginning.
TV Score: 10/10
Courtesy of Starvista
Named by TV Guide as one of the “Top 20 Shows of the ’80s,...
Cast: Fred Savage, Josh Saviano, Danica McKellar, Dan Lauria, Alley Mills, Daniel Stern, Jason Hervey
Due Out: October 7, 2014
Who’S It For? “The Wonder Years” is timeless. Thankfully it doesn’t feel dated simply because I was a child of the ’80s trying to understand life in the late ’60s. “The Wonder Years” was my gateway drug to a nostalgia I didn’t even know. Like many of you, I grew up with Kevin. I hoped for Winnie, I had friends like Paul (and probably was Paul more than I realized).
I can’t wait to show “The Wonder Years” to my son. I’ll have to wait, because he hasn’t even turned two yet, but now I have six episodes to show him, and hopefully that will just be the beginning.
TV Score: 10/10
Courtesy of Starvista
Named by TV Guide as one of the “Top 20 Shows of the ’80s,...
- 10/7/2014
- by Jeff Bayer
- The Scorecard Review
Ever since seeing Rammbock: Berlin Undead – a romantic zombie flick with ten times more heart than Warm Bodies – I’ve been excitedly awaiting Marvin Kren’s creature feature follow-up Blood Glacier. Promoting itself as Austria’s answer to The Thing, Kren’s ability to scare and entertain seemed perfectly suited for silly practical effects and grotesque monster work, but before I could even enjoy an onslaught of vicious, hybrid animals, one simple decision turned what could have been a fun B-Movie into a schlocky, dismissible dud. What decision might that be? English. Language. Dubbing. Some people may complain about “multitasking,” reading subtitles and watching cinema at the time, but I must beg international markets to stop taking the “easy” way out for viewers. Would you rather have to read something, or suffer through flat, monotone voices that don’t even match moving lips? When a dog has the most genuine dialogue through a film,...
- 5/6/2014
- by Matt Donato
- We Got This Covered
For years in the 1990s, Comedy Central was considered nothing more than an incubator for late-night talent. Its first notable weeknight late-night show, Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher, originated there and ran for three years — from 1993-96 — before ABC snatched it to get into the late-night talk-show game. Maher’s successor at ABC, Jimmy Kimmel, also is a Comedy Central discovery, having gotten his start as host on the network’s Win Ben Stein Money and then The Man Show. Before Politically Incorrect left Comedy Central, it helped launch The Daily Show, which premiered behind Pi at 11:30 Pm before moving to the tentpole 11 Pm slot. Back then, the Daily Show had Craig Kilborn as a host. In 1998, he was poached by CBS as a host of the Late Late Show. Sixteen years later, CBS once again is reaching out to Comedy Central’s Daily Show franchise to replenish its late-night ranks,...
- 4/10/2014
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Redskins superfan Ben Stein says he doesn't see why the team should have to change its name -- telling TMZ Sports, "They can call them the Toilet Bowl Cleaners if they would win some games!""Everyone knows that Native Americans are perfectly well understood and appreciated and valued in America," Stein said in Hollywood last night ... "It doesn't matter what the football team is called.""What would be good is if they could win some games!
- 4/5/2014
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Fox Searchlight
People love to gamble. It doesn’t matter how hard governments or well-meaning/control freak do-gooders try to contain humanity’s penchant for the thrill of a good bet, the seemingly insatiable desire to soothsay while put something of worth on the line always wins out. The gambling bug simply can not be contained.
The bulk of the gambling world’s profits undoubtedly come from the sphere of the sporting world, whose entire appeal is based on the unpredictability of outcomes, but like a Vegas-minded Tom Joad, wherever there is an uncertain outcome, Gambling will be there. Wherever competition exists and thrives, Gambling will be there. Wherever people can pool together money with a pledge that the person who correctly guesses the most categories wins the sum of the combined entries, Gambling will be there, which brings us to the intersection of the gambling world and the entertainment world: the Academy Awards.
People love to gamble. It doesn’t matter how hard governments or well-meaning/control freak do-gooders try to contain humanity’s penchant for the thrill of a good bet, the seemingly insatiable desire to soothsay while put something of worth on the line always wins out. The gambling bug simply can not be contained.
The bulk of the gambling world’s profits undoubtedly come from the sphere of the sporting world, whose entire appeal is based on the unpredictability of outcomes, but like a Vegas-minded Tom Joad, wherever there is an uncertain outcome, Gambling will be there. Wherever competition exists and thrives, Gambling will be there. Wherever people can pool together money with a pledge that the person who correctly guesses the most categories wins the sum of the combined entries, Gambling will be there, which brings us to the intersection of the gambling world and the entertainment world: the Academy Awards.
- 2/28/2014
- by Christopher Lominac
- Obsessed with Film
Ben Stein, actor and former advisor to Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, appeared on CNN on Tuesday with Washington Times Senior Editor Emily Miller to discuss the government shutdown. The two conservatives engaged in a verbal brawl over the wisdom of the Republican Party forcing a shutdown. Stein insisted that the demands the Gop placed on President Barack Obama and the Democrats which led to a shutdown were “nonsense.”...
- 10/1/2013
- by Noah Rothman
- Mediaite - TV
In Our Nixon, director Penny Lane explores the Nixon administration by juxtaposing secret White House discussions from the infamous Nixon tapes with incredibly intimate Super 8 footage taken by avid amateur cineastes H.R. “Bob” Haldeman, John Ehrlichmann and Dwight Chapin. The fact that these men also happened to be the chief of staff, special advisor and assistant to our much maligned 37th President is one thing; that they were also three of Nixon’s closest aides and the key conspirators jailed during the aftermath of the Watergate scandal is another entirely. Despite what Ben Stein might say, Our Nixon has little to no polemical […]...
- 9/1/2013
- by Brandon Harris
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
In Our Nixon, director Penny Lane explores the Nixon administration by juxtaposing secret White House discussions from the infamous Nixon tapes with incredibly intimate Super 8 footage taken by avid amateur cineastes H.R. “Bob” Haldeman, John Ehrlichmann and Dwight Chapin. The fact that these men also happened to be the chief of staff, special advisor and assistant to our much maligned 37th President is one thing; that they were also three of Nixon’s closest aides and the key conspirators jailed during the aftermath of the Watergate scandal is another entirely. Despite what Ben Stein might say, Our Nixon has little to no polemical […]...
- 9/1/2013
- by Brandon Harris
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
This may be the longest, most jam-packed edition of CulturePop yet, and Melinda and I would like to think there's a little something for everyone here. First up, we talk to Laura Michalchyshyn, Robert Redford's producing partner and an Emmy nominee for their project, "All the President's Men Revisited," a documentary exploring the Watergate scandal that brought down President Nixon We talked about Watergate, Ben Stein's on-camera tears and why all need to be good citizens. Then, we switched gears and Melinda and I talked about pop culture. As much as we've loved talking to Emmy nominees this month, we simply couldn't...
- 8/28/2013
- by Liane Bonin Starr
- Hitfix
After former Nixon speechwriter Ben Stein used his "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," "Win Ben Stein's Money," and renowned financial journalism fame to launch a critique of Penny Lane and Brian L. Frye's new film "Our Nixon," the filmmakers have responded to Stein's critiques. For the most part, Stein's critique, published in The Daily Beast, accuses Lane and Frye of being Nixon-bashers who used footage widely available to recreate rote arguments against Nixon. He then gets really angry at CNN for "producing" the film. Lane and Frye, in a retort to Stein also published in The Daily Beast, start by getting the easiest accusation out of the way: "Our Nixon" is an independent production licensed by CNN. In other words, CNN had nothing to do with the film until it was finished. Then, the filmmakers explain how a collage film made of found and archival works, in response to Stein's...
- 8/28/2013
- by Bryce J. Renninger
- Indiewire
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