Inception is The Exception

Box office numbers for this past weekend of July 30 through August 1 indicate that Inception continues to enjoy a third weekend at the top.
Dropping a mere 36% from the previous weekend, the Christopher Nolan film inched closer to breaking $200 million and will undoubtedly meet the expectations.

Where is Keanu Reeves when you need a good Sci-Fi bender?

Talk is already circulating that Nolan should just receive the Oscar now...

Bye Bye Ellen

Last week it was announced that Ellen DeGeneres would be leaving the beleagured “American Idol.”

As of late, rumors circulating that the network was looking to shake-up the Idol format and that they may even re-vamp all of the current judges and bring back original producer, Nigel Lythgoe - All mere speculation.

DeGeneres released a statement today regarding what she claims was her decision. “A couple months ago, I let Fox and the ‘American Idol’ producers know that this didn’t feel like the right fit for me,” DeGeneres told the press. We tend to agree - but, the good news is that we have new found respect for DeGeneres for a great effort, despite the critics.

Really, we think Ellen would have been better suited as judge on "So You Think You Can Dance". Just sayin'...

(Photo/Courtesy of Fox Broadcasting, News Corp.)

Smellin' Good...

And, the award for the most CLEVER SOCIAL MEDIA Campaign goes to...

Week of Wolves and Vampires

Impressive Opening Week for Teen Love Triangle Movie Twilight Saga: Eclipse

"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" is waning at the box office but still has gotten off to a blockbuster start with $161 million in its first five days.

The third chapter in the vampire romance fell off sharply after debuting last week with $68.5 million.

The good news is that was the second-best opening-day haul ever, behind its predecessor, last year's "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," which opened with $72.7 million.

Not So Good Jay...

Not Good...

Less than six months after Jay Leno returned to hosting The Tonight Show, the show's ratings are the lowest they've been since 1992, Variety reports.

In the second quarter of this year, the average total audience declined from 5 million viewers last year to 4 million viewers. This time last year featured a number of high-profile episodes, including an interview with President Barack Obama, Leno's final night and Conan O'Brien's debut as host.

America's Got Viewers...

“America’s Got Talent” helped NBC take Wednesday night last week, it also took the coveted 18-49 demographic by a slim margin over FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance.”

Although the show is experiencing notable ratings, really, the show has not been the same since the departure of David Hasselhoff.

"Hoff" was the over-the-top personality that show and audience members had grown to know and love. Howie is a great guy (Despite being an unrelenting acclaimed germaphobe), but something about the show is simply remiss.

We are not big fans of boy host Nick Cannon and would have preferred someone as host a little more mature and experienced. Further, it is not necessary to constantly 'plug' Mariah Carey's music every season. Please, a little more tact would be appreciated here...

But, then again, the lackluster season could be the level of talent this year. (Photo/ Courtesy of NBC Universal)

Cleopatra or Tomb Raider?

Late last week it was announced the new film Cleopatra is currently in development for Angelina Jolie. According to producer Scott Rudin the film is based on the biography: "Cleopatra: A Life".

Well, the good news is that the role of Cleopatra was already written according to history, so this effort is not within creative original thought, but a talented writer could frame a modern version.

Although Angelina was previously Tomb Raider Lara Croft, and super-agent Evelyn Salt soon to be released Salt, she was also previously Queen Olympias in the Oliver Stone's version of Alexander (2004).

Speaking of Tomb Raider
We have been informed that socialite Kim Kardashian is in being considered for the film's lead character Lara Croft (Of course, this could be a convenient non-story).

Having said, we like Kim K just fine....

Moreover, we would like to imagine her in the role (Definitely better than Megan Fox), BUT everything is just too much with Kim (Makeup, hair, derriere, cleavage, media coverage, sex tapes, too much information, etc). It's a desperate condition that we have repeatedly witnessed called the, "Look at me, Look at me" syndrome.

After all of her browbeating constant selling of her "Carefully manufactured over-sexualized shtick" it's difficult to imagine Kardashian in a serious role. Alright, let's try a different choice for the role.

The Real Mr. Miyagi

After a Hugely Successful Weekend for Sony's Karate Kid remake...

We would like to take a moment to remember the original Best Supporting Actor version of Mr. Miyagi, played by the late and talented comedian, Pat Morita.

We are sure he is watching the movie from that big Arclight Hollywood theater in the sky.

This one's for you...(Photo/ Wikipedia)

In Box Office News It's All Karate Chop...

The Karate Kid has Won an 80s Style Showdown at The Weekend Box Office over The A-Team.

Sony's insta-remake of 1984's "The Karate Kid" debuted at No. 1 for the weekend garnering a take of $56 million, according to studio estimates. The big-screen adaptation of the 1980s TV series "The A-Team" came in at less than half that, the 20th Century Fox release opening in second place with just over $25 million.

Little Jaden Smith and eyebrows are adorable. Long-term acting ability remains to be seen, but ol' dad Will always had a reliable smug and a smart a** one liner ready (No matter the movie) - let's see if there is a flow of similarity between father and son.

However, we had more of an A-Team feel going on this weekend. After all, the A-Team had action - Big Action - loud and elaborate set pieces, and Bradley Cooper without a shirt (Just what most guys want to see). (Photo/Associated Press)

In Glee News...

Last Week's Season Ending Episode Viewed By Just Under 11 Million People, The Series Largest Audience

Admittedly, despite revitalizing old tunes and inspiring Broadway, our zest for 'Glee' has waned considerably - In fact, the season ending episode was the ONLY episode we actually viewed this year.

Perhaps maybe it was all of the DVD watching of the show's previous seasons. Maybe it is because we tire of the same story told over, and over, and over (Note to Ryan Murphy). Maybe we are just burned out on all of the over exposure (Too popular now). Really, everyone and their brother literally hopes to be on the show now - We say a little too late.

Ah, but that's why we continue to be the voice of influence, by the time the general population comes around, we are already on to scouting the next hit show. It's our burden...You're welcome. (Photo/ Fox Broadcasting, News Corp)

Goodbye!

This week there are a number of shows that will be A) Ending their season or B) Ending their life on network television.

First, a few shows have already ended their season:

1. America's Next Top Model: Krista White was named America's Next Top Model. Quite honestly Krista was the most interesting in appearance and personality - happy to hear that she won.

2. Celebrity Apprentice: Brett Michaels was announced the hired Celebrity Apprentice. We are thrilled that Brett won - he's a great guy all around. Now then, we do want to see Brett without all of the makeup, hair extensions, bandannas, fake tan, and all of that Arizona man jewelry.


Now, for the shows that have ended their life (Really, it's about time):

1. 24 (Fox)
2. Lost (ABC)
3. Law & Order (Dick Wolfe)


Meanwhile and speaking of Scripted Drama, the latest installment of The Bachelorette (ABC) began this week (Sort of) and so far, we can say that this season's offerings (The men) are somewhat generic and unappealing (Not as cute as Jake).

Where are the models on this fake dating show?! Also, on a special note to the casting department: Where is the diversity - very disappointing.

There She Is...Miss America

Last week, Rima Fakih was crowned the new Miss America.

Fakih, 24, a former New Yorker was raised in Dearborn, Mich. She left 50 contestants behind, including runner-up Miss Oklahoma, for the coveted title.

Wonderful and refreshing news for this gorgeous beauty! We happened to have viewed portions of the program and noticed a few oddities. Particularly the Trump kind...

Trump's business partner (Co-owner of the pageant) was a judge, as was Trump's wife Melania (40) was also a judge, emcee Curtis Stone was a contestant on Trump's Apprentice, Trump's name was dropped numerous times throughout the telecast and even the announcer of the program was Trump himself - you get where we are going with this? Next, the 63-year old Trump will even add co-hearse his name to the title, "Donald Trump's Miss America Pageant". This is professional level 'Brand-Ram' and at this perspective, it's really an illness ripe for rehab.

We spoke with a former 'Pageant Authority and Insider Personality' and have been informed that Trump himself allegedly selects the winner of the pageant. If true, no surprise. Further, this year's selected winner happens to be of Arab-American descent. For this fact, makes not a difference to us...However, the Trump motive could have a more self-serving purpose. Of course, the purpose is not to impart good will between the countries, but we speculate that perhaps more because of Trump's project in Dubai. Ah, time to sell some condos...

Can You Smell What The Rock Is Cooking?

The Rock will co-star in the 5th installment in the "Fast & Furious" franchise with Vin Diesel -both will find their need for "Faster" speed on the same screen.

When we first mentioned this breaking story to Val, we received not a reaction - she simply graced us with a big, gorgeous smile and walked away. Either this was really good news or she has already floated away blissfully in some heavenly ether over the thought of her favorite action star Vin Diesel (Who once complimented her on her fabulous smile) and The Rock, together in the same movie...Translation: If you want anything - now's a very GOOD time to ask.

Anyway, the new storyline for FF5 is about an ex-con who sets out to avenge his brother’s death after they were double-crossed during a heist years ago. During his campaign, however, he’s tracked by a veteran cop and an egocentric hit man.

Hey Universal, you have just made SOMEONE a MAJOR fan who will probably be attending opening night...and probably every subsequent night thereafter...Cheers. (Photos/Associated Press)

The Coco Speaks

After Months of Waiting, former The Tonight Show host Conan O'Brien Opens Up About The NBC Debacle.

In a recent interview, O'Brien told 60 Minutes that he decided to leave NBC because the "relationship" was clearly "toxic."

First, break-ups are always uncomfortable and as one reader stated, "Coco now has the opportunity to move away from the D-Bags". Well said. However, remember that everything is a business proposition and according to NBC (Jeff Zucker), The Tonight Show was allegedly losing money (Although presumably, Jay Leno at 9 PM was THE biggest money loser).

The business decision was made somewhere along the lofty ranks of NBC to reduce The Tonight Show by 30 minutes and return Leno back to the original time slot. Sounded like a great plan to CYA. Only one slight inconvenience - Mr. O'Brien did not go along with said plan. As luck would have it, Leno was aptly available to back stab replace or as he termed in a recent interview, "...Both got screwed".

Right, who would guess these days, "...Got screwed" means once again getting your own show after miserably failing from another in a curious programming experiment that created such a contentious environment that forced someone else out of their job/livelihood? Ah, life is good.

On a lighter note, O'Brien is on a nationwide comedy tour, "Legally Prohibited From Being Funny On Television", which kicked off earlier this month as TBS announced that it had signed the comic for a late-night program set to bow in November. (Photo/Reuters)

Open Letter: Oprah Winfrey

During this second edition of "Open Letter", we decide to chime-in on the Oprah Winfrey unauthorized 'Self touted failed attempt at a tell-all' biography recently penned by Kitty Kelley.

Although Oprah has not officially released a statement, nor have we requested comment from her people, we have decided to issue a brief statement on the behalf of Ms. Winfrey, as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------



(As written from the desk of Oprah to author Kitty Kelley in the Oprah grand announcement voice often used during her show - "Look under your seat people, because you are all getting one!")

Dear Ms. Kelley,

Sooo, what?

I'm Rich, B--ch!

The next time you decide to write an unauthorized tell-all book about the Oprah, tell ME something that even I don't already know.

Incidentally, I'm Oprah, B--ch!

Kisses,
Oprah

Oprah Winfrey
Owner of OWN

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Our work is done here...You're Welcome. (Photo/Associated Press)

The End of Life?

Discovery Channel debuted this season a new stunning miniseries called, "Life".

First, not Life as in YOUR Life, but the Life that transpires around you while you are living your Life. If you’ve seen Planet Earth then you’ll probably enjoy this even more. While Planet Earth focused more on the global effects and events, Life explores further into nature, focusing more on the wildlife (Narrated by Oprah Winfrey).

Although the series has completed it's 'first run', we suggest that if you have a chance - we highly recommend that you catch this breathtaking and amazing series.

Really, the show should be a mandatory requirement in the curriculum for every Earth Science class!

Attn Hollywood: Your Flight Has Been Canceled

Roger Ebert shared this photo -

Although, this is not related to our usual fare (Television Entertainment), we thought this was an AMAZING photo of the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano in Iceland and had to share it with you. (Photo/Roger Ebert)

The Kate Goes On

"Hardest Working Reality Star", Kate Gosselin, gets a new show on TLC.

According to Steve Cheskin (EVP of Programming for TLC), “Yes we are developing a new show with Kate,” he said.

The show is tentatively titled, “Twist of Kate”, and will reportedly feature Kate answering questions from readers who have been inspired by her story and her life as a single mom with 8 kids. Welcome to your niche market, Kate. Next, a Kate inspired line of products, books, and clothing for single moms (Oops, we say too much).

Ever since Kate dumped the short, pudgy bald guy, we've admired this woman. However, we're not sure the best format for this type of show (Documentary, Docu Soap, Talk) - and, we are the experts...At this point, we vote for 2-hour special, because really how many questions could there possibly be left to answer about Kate that we have not already heard, read, and seen on the TV, Radio, Web and Tabloids over the past year and a half??

Open Letter: Sandra Bullock

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We have created a new strip here on StJohnDaily.com called, "Open Letter: Insert Name Here" . We hope you enjoy the rantings series and look forward to your feedback.

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Dear Sandra Bullock,

First, it is quite rare that we actually write about Celebrities (Unless it's somehow related to Television and/or Film), but in light of recent events, we felt compelled to blog this Open Letter to you.

We realize that you are busy with other matters and considering that you are the current, "America's Sweetheart" - which strangely appears to be common yore for every female film actress (Once title of Julia Roberts, Renee Zellweger, Gwyneth Paltrow, Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston, and Reese Witherspoon), who produces real "Chops" in a role. Strangely, male actors are never given names such as "America's Sweetheart". Ah, we're beginning to babble...

Anyway, the point that we are desperately hoping to make (If it could be considered one) is that we have been baffled and perplexed from the beginning as to "Why" - no, really. Why? As Don Trump once publicly said, he could never understand what you ever saw - We agree, but love is a 'funny' unpredictable thing that makes us do 'funny' unpredictable things.

Alright, once you have taken out the 'Trash' - we wish for you to think of happier times - you know, like the ones in your movies. Having said, we know that movies are not real (Of course), but in our version of reality, we always imagined you with the following leading men (All Co-Stars at one point):

1. Keanu Reeves (Not only Val's favorite, but we feel he is perfect for you).
2. Ryan Reynolds (Well, this list was compiled PRIOR to his marriage to Scarlett Johansson).
3. Benjamin Bratt (Good looking, again, before he was married).
4. Hugh Grant (Last checked, he is STILL available - minus hookers, oops 'Dates').
5. Ben Affleck (Before the obvious).

Our best 2-cents: Spend an afternoon watching your movies (Don't feel funny about it, our buddy Tom Cruise spends much of his time watching his movies, as well...We've been told).

So, in conclusion we agree, there is currently a ridiculously dire shortage of Good Looking, Single, [Straight], Secure, Mature men over the age of 30 in this town (Indeed a wicked conspiracy)...But, keep looking up because in a few weeks, the Tabs will feature you on the cover dating a new young hottie (Whom you don't even know, nor perhaps maybe might not even have met)...So, if you ask us that's not a bad way to rebound. You Go Girl!
(Photo/ AP)

The Joan Is Back...

TV Land tells us a second season of the popular reality series How’d You Get So Rich? starring Ms. Joan Rivers set to return.

The series will once again take viewers on an escapade to meet mega-rich millionaires who worked hard and struck gold (-?). Rivers introduces viewers to folks who made a lot of money in out of the ordinary, fascinating ways and asks all the questions no one else would while touring some of the most expensive homes– in the way only Joan Rivers can (Of course).

How’d You Get So Rich? will premiere on May 5th on TV Land Network. (Photo/ Mtv Networks, Viacom International, Inc.)