Ryan Phillippe’s Show of Strength
Ryan Phillippe’s Show of Strength
Making sure that he maintains his oh so hunky form, Ryan Phillippe was spotted out for a workout at Gym Nemo in West Hollywood earlier today (April 1).
And the Little Boy Blue actor had a surprise in store for the awaiting paparazzi, showing off some new ink on his arm as he rolled up his sleeves.
According to a source at the scene, “At first glance it looked like a piece of a bald eagle, perhaps a nod to his soldier character in his upcoming war drama Stop-Loss. However, at closer inspection the tat is obviously that of a phoenix rising from the ashes.”
With Phillippe recently quoted as saying that he was physically distraught after his divorce from ex-wife Reese Witherspoon, maybe the new ink symbolizes him finding strength after reaching rock bottom.
Judd Apatow Wants Eric Bana
CHUD is reporting that Eric Bana has been approached to play Clarke, Leslie Mann’s boyfriend, in Judd Apatow’s untitled third film which stars Seth Rogen and Adam Sandler as stand-up comedians.
At first glance Bana seems like a really odd choice for an Apatow comedy, better known for his roles in action and dramatic films. Apatow has said that his new film is more dramatic than his previous efforts (40-Year-Old-Virgin and Knocked Up), calling it “a hilarious drama”. Sandler even recently admitted that the script is “very funny” but at the same time, “pretty heartbreaking.”
Plus casting Bana fullfills an inside joke set-up by Seth Rogen’s character in Knocked Up (”If any of us get laid tonight, it’s because of Eric Bana in Munich.”) Eric Bana in a Apatow Dramadey? What do you think?
Lipstick Jungle vs. Cashmere Mafia: Who Wins?
You know that scene in The Parent Trap where Hayley Mills and Hayley Mills realize they were separated at birth and their dreams of one big happy family were squashed because their parents just couldn’t get along?
Well, you might feel something similar watching this Thursday’s premiere of Lipstick Jungle on NBC, which at first glance seems a genetic carbon copy of that other Cashmere show.
See, the story has been told since last spring that Candace Bushnell (author of Sex and the City) and Darren Star (producer of Sex and the City) were working together on a TV version of her book Lipstick Jungle (Page Six even said they were living together at the time) but couldn’t see eye to eye. Hence, mommy and daddy separated and created two new series with very similar premises: Star’s Cashmere Mafia by ABC (which premiered last month) and Bushnell’s Lipstick Jungle by NBC (which premieres Thursday).
When you see Lipstick’s premiere ep, you may want to start singing, “Let’s get together, what do you say?” ‘Cause while Lipstick is, in my opinion, the better show, combining elements from the two series would make one fantastic series.
So, just because I'm so very helpful, I did a little head-to-head matchup between the shows. Read on to find out which show comes out ahead on such points as best man-candy or best working-mom character. It will also help you envision what might have been the ultimate post-SATC series: Cashmere Lipstick Mafia Jungle, from Candace Bushnell and Darren Star. Read on, and then post your vision for CLMJ in Comments.
The Category: The Plot
The Winner: Lipstick Jungle
LJ’s three high-powered women living in New York City somehow seem to click better than Cashmere’s four. The characters seem a bit more real, the storylines a bit more entertaining and, though it takes a few episodes to get into, Lipstick is ultimately the more addictive show because you actually care what happens to these women.
The Category: The Married Lady Who's Looking Elsewhere
The Winner: Nico (Kim Raver) from Lipstick Jungle
Sure, we can sympathize with Miranda Otto’s heartbroken character, Juliet, on Cashmere, since her bored husband had an extramarital affair and prompted her wandering eye, but Juliet is just too obnoxiously frigid and forced, whereas Kim Raver’s Nico does some very bad things (she’s the one with the wandering eye) and yet somehow manages to draw us in and make us like her. Besides, it's Kim Raver. Even Jack Bauer digs her.
The Category: The Single, Confused Chick Looking for Love
The Winner: Caitlin (Bonnie Somerville) of Cashmere Mafia
We'll always love Lindsay Price, because she was Mrs. Steve Sanders on 90210, but her LJ character, Victory, is kind of annoying. And maybe we're still a little jealous of Bonnie Somerville 'cause she dated Zach Braff, but her flighty portrayal of Caitlin is cute. Plus, she's into gals and guys! Sorta hot. [Ed. note: Very hot.]
The Category: The Struggling, Juggling Mom
The Winner: Zoe (Frances O’Connor) from Cashmere Mafia
We children of the '70s can’t help but love Brooke Shields, but truth be told, her Lipstick character, Wendy, is waffly, wavering and the weakest link of the series, while Frances O’Connor’s similar character over on Cashmere is sincere and endearing.
The Category: The Powerful Exec Who Can't Find a Man
The Winner: Mia From Cashmere Mafia
This character doesn't really exist on Lipstick, so we really didn't have any other choice than to let Mia win by default. But really, it's because Lucy Liu is a former Charlie's Angel, and we don't feel like getting our asses kicked today.
The Category: The Man-Candy (Crucial to Any Chick Show!)
The Winner: Kirby Atwood (Robert Buckley) from Lipstick Jungle
His six-pack’s debut in the second episode alone is worth tuning in for. And though his storyline with Kim Raver’s very much married Nico will make you blush, it’s the most intriguing and ultimately surprising of any of the storylines. And did I mention the abs?
When you see LJ on Thursday, do come back to Comments and let us know which you prefer, okay?
Boston Legal: Patriot Acts (season finale)
(S04E20) “Shirley, it was good that we oppose.” - Carl Sack leaving himself wide open.
Shatner and Spader’s celebratory dance upon learning they were accepted into the Coast Guard may have been the best acting I have seen out of the two of them all season.
When I read the synopsis of the season finale I really didn’t know what to think. At first glance, of course, the idea of one city seceding from the United States seems ridiculous. However, this being Boston Legal I knew there had to be more to it.
Watching Denny and Carl stroll into the courtroom was all I needed to understand how great this was going to be. Not only will we finally be treated to both sides of the debate about how America has lost it’s way but my three favorite characters are right in the middle of it.
One thing I really disliked was the constant attempts by Shirley to get everyone off the case. Yes, it’s ridiculous. Yes someone is bound to come off looking very bad. Yes, it may well be the nail in the coffin of Denny’s career but we all know that without both Denny and Alan giving their closing speeches, the entire episode would be pointless.
As for Shirley’s claim that Denny was no match for Alan, I don’t agree. Sure, Denny has become a shadow of the brilliant lawyer that he once was, but he’s never been more passionate about a case and as we’ve seen many times on this show, that kind of passion overcomes a working knowledge of the law every time.
I was elated to see Anthony Heald again. Boston Public not withstanding, Heald’s best work has been done under the eye of David E. Kelley. When he first appeared on The Practice playing a similar character with a similar name, I knew he would be one of my favorite DEK characters.
As much as I like watching Tara Summers walk around in her short skirt, she didn’t seem to do much else in this episode. It seemed like the only reason she was even on-screen was because Katie and Jerry share an office. Too bad, considering this is the first episode in a long time where she hasn’t been involved in the prostitution nonsense.
Denny’s explanation to Alan as to why he was offended by the Secession was awesome. Not only did it fit right in with the theme of friendship in the show but he made Alan realize something about himself. Sometimes a friend will ask you to do something or in this case, not do it and that’s all the reason you need. Unfortunately Alan, as usual, was too concerned with making a spectacle to think about his best friend. It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes, “A friend helps you move. A real friend helps you move a body.”
While the scene between Denny and Shirley in the bathroom gave me Ally McBeal flashbacks, it was nice to see Shirley admitting she was wrong and showing Denny that she still cared.
The entire ending sequence was sweet and if it turns out to be the last image I have of BL (god forbid) at least I’ll always have the balcony.