The Week In Review...

FRIENDS!

The end of another interesting and exciting week for us all. Batman (The Dark Knight) had another profitable weekend making another $75 Mill, This year's Emmy Awards will feature multiple hosts (5 so far), buzz about McG's new Terminator 4 movie, Shark Week returns with mouths agape, and Comic-Con is in full cape and costume!

That about covers everything majorly important here in the world of news and politics (aka Hollywood)...

For your Sunday Special, rather than write a single topic - I will dedicate today's weekending Blog to thoughts on various subjects for you and the benefit of the general media. Below are few other items of equal or of lesser value (You decide) that also transpired this week.

You know the format, statement of facts followed by my response and commentary:

1. Ebert & Roeper: Earlier this week Roger Ebert announced that he would not be continuing with his involvement with show "At The Movies". In a second announcement, Richard Roeper (Co-host) also announced that his last appearance on the show would be August 16, 2008.

Alright Disney, what in the world is going on with your outfit that you would allow such a demise of your classic, iconic program? I would have had my talent on lock for the next 20 years.

Second, it has been a disappointing spiral downward for the show since the untimely passing of Mr. Gene Siskel (1999). Even though I did not agree with the reviews - I grew up watching this program and would tune each Sunday to view the week's selections. I have never listened to any other movie critic, nor watched any other movie review show.

As well, I am a big fan of Roger Ebert and after all, had it not been for his dinner date with Oprah (In which he suggested that she get into television syndication), we would NOT have the Oprah Winfrey Show in every market - we would never have known Oprah. Is it not strange how life changing events occur in a split second, by happenstance? For such events are never planned.

(Insert life changing event here)

Unless there is some type of major format change in the show, I am moderately lathered enough to say why bother continuing the show at all with new talent?

2. Will Smith Highest Paid Actor: Last week, Forbes published its annual list of highest earning stars in which Will Smith topped the list at #1, banking a modest $80 million last year.

This is great news and really I cannot think of a nicer guy. Every actor's dream besides having a recurring role in a big franchise Spy or Superhero movie (Most of the males), accolades from one's peers (Oscar), the next best thing is money...Tons of it...

Just to clarify, a big misconception is that an actor takes home a big check - yes, this true, but over time.

Studios could not afford to write checks for $20, $30, or $50 million dollars to a single person for every movie. Most of the profit happens over the life/run of the film including Theatrical, DVD, VOD, On Demand, Cable, and Television, domestic and international markets.

Similar to an annuity (Think Lottery), payments are made over time - hardly enough to make one a Billionaire, so the objective is to have as many projects all going at once for a compounded, royalty affect. The financials are very similar to as well the music industry with a nominal advance (Based on future sales) and royalty payments.

With all of that magic, perhaps we need to see Will with his BFF, Tom Cruise, in a movie together? Further, what ever happened to Jazzy Jeff?!

4. Daytime Drama: Guest Omarosa and Radio Shock Jock turned daytime talk show host Wendy Williams (The Wendy Williams Show) had what appeared to be an on-air verbal fisticuffs (Heated debate), during the promotion of Omarosa's self-help book.

Really, I have been a fan of Wendy Williams and she has been a friend through Myspace for quite some time. As well, I personally know Omarosa and attended one of her speaking events. Having said, I am not convinced that this display was genuine (Meaning, nothing gets headlines, air time, and attention like the appearance of a good 'Catfight' - that was the idea).

Omarosa in real-life is actually quite funny, intelligent and actively involved with giving back to the community through her numerous charities...She plays a role of the being what others perceive as "Bad Girl".

I can largely relate and being a strong (Emotionally in control), clear, determined female is perceived as being less than cordial (Use your own terminology), for some unknown reason, by the threatened, insecure, and generally small minded.

Furthermore, there is a measure of her resounding confidence and aptitude that all women (And men) should learn. Being in business or in any position of authority requires responsibility for one's actions, deliberate intention, clarity of objective based on an understanding of purpose, and complete self-awareness - very few possess such powerful qualities.

5. Bachelor Breakup: Less than 3 months after their televised engagement on ABC's The Bachelor, Matt Grant and Shayne Lamas have officially ended their relationship (Shayne's decision). This less than surprising news follows reports this weekend that the British-born financier had moved out of Lamas’ home.

Well, quite frankly, I do think it is possible to find love - However, I am not convinced that one can find bliss on a reality show about finding love & bliss. It is simply beyond the bounds of human pressure to succeed and if you have been spending time watching the previous 13 seasons of The Bachelor, you would eventually realize the reality of the improbable (Alas, but that may be the hopefully reason of why you continue to watch).

Speaking of love, the good news is that for your lovelorn you can look forward to Rock of Love III -- even better, just be grateful it is not another season of the never ending Flavor of Love.

*The photo images above are the respective property of their owners.