Category Archives: Entertainment

The Weeknd readies ‘Trilogy’ release, drops “Wicked Games” as lead single

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Twenty-two year old Abel Tesfaye, better known by his stage name The Weeknd, is about to take the industry by storm. If you haven’t heard of the R&B crooner, it’s about time you did. In 2011, Tesfaye released three critically acclaimed mixtapes consisting of nine tracks each through his own label XO. It didn’t take very long for rap superstar Drake to notice his talents; Drake is featured on the second mixtape in the song “The Zone” and Tesfaye would go on to take over Drake’s Take Care track “Crew Love.” After performing at this year’s Coachella, he started a US tour that goes into the fall when he will release Trilogy, an album that will combine all three previously released mixtapes–House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence–delicately mixed and remastered. It will also include three bonus tracks he’s currently producing in the studio today. His label XO has teamed with Universal Music Group’s Republic Records for the commercial release.

Fans of The Weeknd will all agree: choosing standout track “Wicked Games” from House of Balloons is the perfect single to promote Tesfaye’s Trilogy. You’ll notice striking and subtle differences in the remastered, radio-friendly version of the song. Listen to it below, and compare it to the original. Soon the single will be sold via iTunes, and when it hits the ‘Net I’ll amend the post. If you haven’t already, you can download the mixtapes for free right here.

The Weeknd started out as an undercover oddity whose actual identity was shrouded in mystery. With “Wicked Games” on the rise and Trilogy around the corner, Abel Tesfaye and his decadent themes and soothing, sophisticated style better be ready for the spotlight.

[Via PotholesInMyBlog; Billboard]

Flight of the Conchords returns for charity

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Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement–the duo that makes up parody folk band Flight of the Conchords–reunited this summer for Red Nose Day 2012 to support Cure Kids, a New Zealand charity whose proceeds fund medical research into life-threatening childhood illnesses. The 14-minute clip starts off like a typical Flight of the Conchords episode that would air on HBO. Band manager Murray Hewitt (Rhys Darby) plays the “present” game with the guys and informs them that they’ve got a new gig to play. After some nostalgic back and forth between the three of them, the bulk of the clip features Bret and Jemaine interviewing schoolchildren from Auckland and Wellington about a range of topics including what it means to be sick and how to raise money. The video concludes with a brand new Conchords track featuring other NZ celebrity voices; the lyrics are born out of the entertaining answers provided by the kids. Bret and Jemaine are known for their comedic timing and keeping a straight face, so when they break out in fits of laughter during the interviews it makes it all the more fun.

Revisiting the band meeting and watching Bret and Jemaine back in full form is such a treat, but let’s not forget why they did it. After watching the video embedded above, purchase the song “Feel Inside (and stuff like that)” at iTunes and .91 cents from the sale of the track will go to the Cure Kids organization. Continue reading Flight of the Conchords returns for charity →

G.O.O.D. Music’s ‘Cruel Summer’ up for preorder, see tracklist here

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Kanye West is cutting it close, but he’s just going to make it. His G.O.O.D. Music compilation album Cruel Summer is set to hit stores September 18, three days before the sweltering season comes to a close. Since the album is now available to preorder digitally at iTunes, the official tracklist is out in the open. You may be surprised to discover that ‘Ye reached out to artists outside his G.O.O.D. Music label to contribute to the album. Such guests include R. Kelly, The-Dream, and Ma$e. A total of 12 tracks make up Cruel Summer, and five of them we’ve already heard: Mercy, Cold, I Don’t Like, New God Flow, and Clique. Disappointing? Perhaps. Even more so is that Kid Cudi is only featured on a single track (all by himself) and Mr. Hudson is no where to be seen.

Jump after the break to view the full tracklisting. The video embedded above features an animated rendition of the artistic tri-fold packaging. [Preorder a digital copy at iTunes / Preorder a physical copy at Amazon]

Continue reading G.O.O.D. Music’s ‘Cruel Summer’ up for preorder, see tracklist here →

Movie trailer round-up: Steven Spielberg’s ‘Lincoln’, Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Mama’, hot comedy ‘The Oranges’ & ‘Wreck-It Ralph’

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Steven Spielberg has found his stride again. In Lincoln he tells the historic tale… As the Civil War nears its end, President Abraham Lincoln clashes with members of his cabinet over the issue of abolishing slavery. Daniel Day-Lewis plays our sixteenth President to a T, Sally Field is Mary Todd, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Robert Todd, and Tommy Lee Jones is Thaddeus Stevens. Rounding out this all-star cast is Lee Pace, Jackie Earle Haley, Gregory Itzin, James Spader, Hal Holbrook, and Jared Harris as Ulysses S. Grant.

Lincoln is out November 9.

Jump after the break for more trailers. Continue reading Movie trailer round-up: Steven Spielberg’s ‘Lincoln’, Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Mama’, hot comedy ‘The Oranges’ & ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ →

‘Entourage’ movie update: Creator Doug Ellin is almost done with the script!

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If you thought you’d never see the boys again, you thought wrong. Entourage creator Doug Ellin spilled to Deadline that his plans to bring back Vince, Drama, Turtle, E, and Ari for one last big screen hurrah are chugging along at a brisk pace. As of this past Wednesday he claimed to be on page 110 of the screenplay and that he has hopes to finish it by this Sunday. Though the plot is being kept under wraps, Ellin teased what’s in store for fans of the hit HBO series. If you recall, during a post-credits sequence agent Ari Gold received an important phone call from John Ellis asking if he would succeed him as the head of a studio. “There are interesting developments about Ari as a studio head, and that’s still the first page for me,” said Ellin. “But foremost is the friendship between the guys who are still hanging out and going to fun parties, and it continues with the same characters.”

And now we wait with bated breath for HBO to greenlight Entourage: The Movie. When there’s more, you’ll know. For now, smoke more weed Turtle, seriously.

[Via Deadline]

‘SNL’ adds three featured players, Jason Sudeikis staying on (for now)

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As we inch ever so close to the 38th season premiere of Saturday Night Live, it’s been confirmed that three new featured players will take the place of the departed Kristin Wiig, Andy Samberg, and Abby Elliot. They are Aidy Bryant, Tim Robinson, and Cecily Strong and they all hail from Chicago’s Second City improv comedy club.

In other SNL news, although the most recent reports had Jason Sudeikis eyeing an exit from the late-night NBC show, head honcho Lorne Michaels informs us that the actor will remain on the show “at least until January” so that he can reprise his roles as presidential candidate Mitt Romney and Vice President Joe Biden as we head into election season.

And there’s one more thing: Michaels has shared that featured player Jay Pharoah will be replacing Fred Armisen as President Obama on the show this season. In an interview with the New York Times Michaels said, “Jay has been doing Obama in his act this summer, and Jay is coming into his own. I just thought it might be time to shake it up.”

SNL returns to NBC’s lineup this Saturday night (9/15) at 11:35PM with host Seth MacFarlane and musical guest Frank Ocean.

[Via EW; NYT 1, 2]

FOX schedules bonus episode of ‘Touch’ before second season premieres

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Touch fans, listen here! Kiefer Sutherland’s Martin Bohm is returning to TV earlier than expected in a bonus episode that airs tomorrow night, Friday, September 14 at 8PM. The logline for “The Road Not Taken” goes like this:

In an all-new bonus episode, Martin’s car mysteriously breaks down in the town where he first became a reporter. When he begins to suspect his mentor is involved in illegal activity there, he risks severing their friendship in order to find the truth.

It’s certainly not the more reliable source, but according to Wikipedia this unaired episode is part of season one and takes place after the two-part finale “Gyre.” That final sequence when (spoiler alert) Martin and Jake connect with Amelia’s mother Lucy felt like a fantastic season ender; it will be interesting to see how this lost “episode 13” (which sounds like it may entirely be a flashback) plays into the story and where we left off.

Touch returns for its second season on October 26 on FOX. It will be paired with Fringe on Fridays.

2012 Fall TV Schedule: NBC

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Here we are, the most exciting time of year. Summer is coming to a close, school is back in session, new shows premiere and your favorites return to the magical box in your living room. The 2012 fall TV season technically doesn’t start until later this month, but some of the networks are premiering new shows sooner rather than later. Whip out your calendar; it’s prime time to mark it up.

NBC has the most staggered rollout of the big four networks. In August, the Peacock previewed the Matthew Perry starrer Go On and the wacky Animal Practice to take advantage of its Olympics coverage. They also premiered the controversial reality show Stars Earn Stripes and the second season of Grimm last month. NBC will continue to let shows premiere before the official start of the fall season with The Voice starting Monday, September 10. Also premiering next week is Go On (a re-airing of the pilot on 9/10 plus episode 2 on 9/11), The New Normal (the pilot on 9/10 plus episode 2 on 9/11), Parenthood, and Guys with Kids. The week of September 17 sees the premiere of Revolution, Up All Night, The Office, and Parks and Recreation. Interestingly, the network is only premiering one show during the official start week (that is 9/24 -9/30), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Fans of 30 Rock, Whitney, and Community will have to wait until October. Also premiering that month is the Dick Wolf drama Chicago Fire.

Buzzy NBC dramas to look out for include J.J. Abrams’ Revolution (I saw it, the pilot is good not great, much potential is there) and Hannibal from Bryan Fuller. The latter show is premiering in midseason along with Do No Harm, Infamous, and comedies Next Caller, Save Me, and 1600 Penn.

Ryan Murphy’s The New Normal is certainly the network’s most buzzy new comedy. Having watched the previews of both shows during the summer Olympics, I heartily recommend Go On over Animal Practice, especially if you’ve been following Perry over the years.

Jump after the break to view the full schedule.

Click here to get reacquainted with the new programming.

Look in the gallery below to view key art, aka TV posters!

Continue reading 2012 Fall TV Schedule: NBC →

2012 Fall TV Schedule: FOX

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Here we are, the most exciting time of year. Summer is coming to a close, school is back in session, new shows premiere and your favorites return to the magical box in your living room. The 2012 fall TV season technically doesn’t start until later this month, but some of the networks are premiering new shows sooner rather than later. Whip out your calendar; it’s prime time to mark it up.

FOX’s fall rollout begins next week on Thursday, September 13 with the two-night premiere of The X Factor (now with Britney Spears and Demi Lovato) and Glee. Monday, September 17 sees the return of Bones and the series premiere of new medical drama The Mob Doctor. During the official start week (9/24 – 9/30) viewers will catch two new episodes of New Girl as well as the series premiere of Ben And Kate and The Mindy Project, plus the return of Kitchen Nightmares, Fringe, and the Sunday night Animation Domination lineup. October sees the premieres of Raising Hope, The Cleveland Show, and Kiefer Sutherland’s Touch.

Buzzy FOX comedies to look out for include Ben And Kate (starring Dakota Johnson, Nat Faxon, and Maggie Jones) and The Mindy Project (starring Mindy Kaling).

A FOX drama to look out for is The Following from Kevin Williamson starring Kevin Bacon. It premieres in midseason along with comedy The Goodwin Games.

Jump after the break to view the full schedule.

Click here to get reacquainted with the new programming.

Look in the gallery below to view key art, aka TV posters!

Continue reading 2012 Fall TV Schedule: FOX →

2012 Fall TV Schedule: ABC

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Here we are, the most exciting time of year. Summer is coming to a close, school is back in session, new shows premiere and your favorites return to the magical box in your living room. The 2012 fall TV season technically doesn’t start until later this month, but some of the networks are premiering new shows sooner rather than later. Whip out your calendar; it’s prime time to mark it up.

ABC is following CBS with a rather traditional fall rollout, however they are saving a handful of shows for October and November starts. After Shark Tank, What Would You Do?, and 20/20 begin on Friday, September 24, the majority of ABC’s fall shows will premiere during official start week–that is Monday, September 24 through Sunday, September 30. October will see the premieres of Nashville and returning shows Suburgatory, Happy Endings, and Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23. In early November the Tim Allen starrer Last Man Standing returns to the schedule with Reba McEntire’s Malibu Country.

Buzzy ABC dramas to look out for include new country/pop musical Nashville (starring Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere), Shawn Ryan’s politically charged Last Resort (starring Andre Braugher and Scott Speedman), and the mysterious 666 Park Avenue (starring Terry O’Quinn, Vanessa Williams, Rachael Taylor, and Dave Annable).

None of the network’s fall comedies particularly stand out yet, but be on the look out for midseason entrants How To Live With Your Parents (For The Rest Of Your Life) (starring Sarah Chalke and Brad Garrett) and Family Tools (starring Kyle Bornheimer and J.K. Simmons). Other mid-season starters include Zero Hour and Red Widow.

Jump after the break to view the full schedule.

Click here to get reacquainted with the new programming.

Look in the gallery below to view key art, aka TV posters!

Continue reading 2012 Fall TV Schedule: ABC →

2012 Fall TV Schedule: CBS

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Here we are, the most exciting time of year. Summer is coming to a close, school is back in session, new shows premiere and your favorites return to the magical box in your living room. The 2012 fall TV season technically doesn’t start until later this month, but some of the networks are premiering new shows sooner rather than later. Whip out your calendar; it’s prime time to mark it up.

As is tradition, CBS has no surprises up its sleeves when it comes to rolling out their fall TV shows. After Survivor: Philippines begins on Wednesday, September 19, the rest of the network’s lineup will premiere during the official start week–that is Monday, September 24 through Sunday, September 30.

Buzzy CBS dramas to look out for include period show Vegas (starring Dennis Quaid and Michael Chiklis) and the Sherlock Homes inspired Elementary (starring Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu as Joan Watson).

The only new comedy entering the fray for CBS this fall is Partners (starring Michael Urie, David Krumholtz, Sophia Bush, and Brandon Routh). It comes from Will & Grace creators David Kohan and Max Mutchnick, so it might be worth giving a shot if your schedule allows for it.

The following shows are being held for midseason starts: Friend Me, Golden Boy, and The Job.

Jump after the break to view the full schedule.

Click here to get reacquainted with the new programming.

Look in the gallery below to view key art, aka TV posters!

Continue reading 2012 Fall TV Schedule: CBS →

2012 Fall TV Schedule: THE CW

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Here we are, the most exciting time of year. Summer is coming to a close, school is back in session, new shows premiere and your favorites return to the magical box in your living room. The 2012 fall TV season technically doesn’t start until later this month, but some of the networks are premiering new shows sooner rather than later. Whip out your calendar; it’s prime time to mark it up.

The CW is starting late. They’re letting their new and returning shows out of the gate next month. It’s all part of the network president Mark Pedowitz’s plan to let viewers sample the big four networks’ new programs before diving into The CW’s offerings with “no traction.” The network kicks things off October 2 with the return of the Rachel Bilson starrer Hart of Dixie, followed by Supernatural the following day. The following week of October 10 sees the return of 90210, Gossip Girl, and The Vampire Diaries. New shows Arrow and Beauty and the Beast also premiere that week. The week of October 16 sees the premiere of Emily Owens M.D. and on Friday, October 19 America’s Next Top Model returns to the schedule along with Nikita. The following shows are being held for midseason starts: The Carrie Diaries, Cult.

Jump after the break to view the full schedule.

Click here to get reacquainted with the new programming.

Look in the gallery below to view key art, aka TV posters!

Continue reading 2012 Fall TV Schedule: THE CW →