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PopWireNews, Reviews and Commentary from the World of Popular Culture Friday, November 6 2009'Chill' out over the chair, says 'Brothers' star MitchellLOS ANGELES — Daryl "Chill" Mitchell's life changed nine years ago when a motorcycle accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. He uses a wheelchair to get... 'Dawn' of the new millennium: High-profile remake of a 1980s cult favoriteDETROIT — It's a quiet afternoon in downtown Detroit as an invasion is in progress. Soldiers and shabbily-dressed civilians are standing at a cordoned-off area around... Jeff Bridges abides, and works like crazyTORONTO — In "The Men Who Stare at Goats," Jeff Bridges plays Bill Django, a military man who returns from Vietnam to embrace the '60s counterculture headlong —... Sit down and shut up: Don Rickles is in the houseYou call him Mr. Rickles because he deserves it. He's a legend. Honorary member of the Rat Pack. The guy Johnny Carson tossed into a hot tub. And a performer who has as much... In concert, Jewel remains a diamond in the roughThere's nothing fancy about Jewel's concerts. That's not the way she rolls. "It's just me and my guitar," says the country-folk-pop singer from Durham, N.C., a stop on her...  Lily Tomlin has had an extraordinary career being ordinaryThe most surprising thing about Lily Tomlin is that she's really not that funny. At least, that's what she says. "I'm quite in earnest as a person. I could imitate funny... Craig Ferguson's autobiography is a testimony to America's eternal appeal to immigrants"American on Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot" by Craig Ferguson. HarperCollins. 268 pages. Acknowledged that this may seem to be a left-field... Chicago band The Academy Is … shakes up its sound once againThe Academy Is ... isn't afraid of taking chances. Each of the Chicago band's albums features a different approach to pop-leaning rock, and its new EP, "Lost in Pacific... 'Unmistaken Child' a must-see documentaryOne of 2009's most intriguing documentaries played so briefly that you probably missed it. But thanks to the eternal life promised by DVD, you can see "Unmistaken Child" in... Roland Emmerich's latest big-budget doomsday extravaganza is his 'darkest film' to dateCANCUN, Mexico — Roland Emmerich has an ongoing project: destroying the world. In 1996's "Independence Day," the German director sent aliens to wipe out the White... Hit repeat with Steely Dan and 'Aja'Bruce Springsteen is doing it. So are Van Morrison, the Pixies and Steely Dan. Playing a classic album in its entirety in concert — along with random favorites, of... Film changes student's course: 'Precious' star pursuing actingCHICAGO — You'd never guess it from meeting her on the street, but Gabourey Sidibe makes an incredibly convincing troubled, abused teenager. The 26-year-old New Yorker... Thursday, November 5 2009Richard Kelly hopes to push moviegoers' buttons with 'The Box'Filmmaker Richard Kelly's initial encounter with Richard Matheson's fiendish little short story "Button, Button" — about a cash-strapped couple offered a million dollars to push a button on a box that will instantly cause someone they don't know to drop dead — came not on the page, but on TV. "As a bunch of attorneys have informed me, I am not allowed to exploit the name of a certain... Season finale of 'Mad Men,' Sunday on AMC'Goats' director Heslov and star George Clooney go way backIt's a 'Wonderful World' for Matthew BroderickPop 20: What's next for paranormal pop cultureWednesday, November 4 2009Celebrating the memoir, fiction's day is done?When browsing online or in a bookstore, one might easily conclude that every third person in the country is actively engaged in writing or reading a memoir. The rest have it on their to-do lists. Ben Yagoda, author of the new "Memoir: A History" (Riverhead Books) concurs. "I worked on the book for three years, and the whole time I kept expecting to die down a bit," he said in a recent... Live from New York: Previously unreleased SinatraA handful of CDs feature women singing traditional country standards'American Idol' finalist wants you to spend a night at his 'Rock Show'Ethical journalism: A book goes case by casePop culture titans Winfrey, Perry throw their weight behind movie from bookGreat expectations: Movie fans are buzzing about these 8 holiday-season filmsTony Curtis revisits 'Some Like It Hot' for his new bookGoogle's desire to scan old books has critics casting it as GoliathMichael Connelly talks about setting his latest novel in Hong KongDeli talk with David SaxTuesday, November 3 2009Q&A: Irving puts his own fears in print with 'Last Night in Twisted River'In John Irving's latest novel, the main character shares the author's profession, but that's not the most important similarity. They also share the same anxieties. "The book describes what I fear," Irving said. "Last Night in Twisted River," published in October, is the extended story of Daniel Baciagalupo, the son of a logging camp cook, who grows up to be a writer. Irving is known for novels... Can bigger screens save a shrinking market?Comic actress Mo'Nique gets a breakout dramatic role in 'Precious'Acoustic guitar virtuoso Leo Kottke can't believe he's still on stageVertigo's first prose novel spins out of 'Fables'Monday, November 2 2009TV's demise has been greatly exaggeratedThe most mind-boggling aspect of the still-fresh TV season isn't that witches have returned to Eastwick or that the planet got a sneak peek at the apocalypse. It's that, for the first time in years, network executives can step away from the ledge. Ratings are up 2 percent after falling for several seasons. I'm not suggesting the suits break open 11,000 bottles of champagne, but there is plenty... 50th anniversary Blu-ray edition makes Hitchcock's 'North by Northwest' look new'Forgotten'? Not Christian SlaterThese chilling, low-budget flicks are right on frightFor its director and young star, 'Precious' is ready to popIn Roland Emmerich's world, the fleet can flee disaster'V': The saucer-shaped bandwagonWine, women and song: What it's like to be piano superstar Lang LangString Cheese alum Bill Nershi finds his mountain music rootsFriday, October 30 2009New all-star band Monsters of Folk has enjoyed it from the get-goMINNEAPOLIS — The main problem with a supergroup, side project or whatever you want to call Monsters of Folk is how serious the musicians are about it. Are they really investing a lot of time and energy into the music, or are they just looking for a quick excuse to get away from their regular bandmates for a while? Jim James, however, probably doesn't need to further demonstrate his level... With 'Hannah Montana' looming in the rearview mirror, is it time for Miley to move on?New rules for Oscar's best-picture raceRhythm &Blues Foundation needs help , so it can help othersBruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Sting at epic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame partyKym Whitley is having fun being funnyThe peasants love it: Mel Brooks defends his musical creation 'Young Frankenstein'Monsters: Creepy, crawly and completely realThursday, October 29 2009Things on TV that make us screamHalloween is nearly here, so let's talk ghosts. Annoying TV ghosts. They seem to be everywhere. On their respective CBS dramas, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Patricia Arquette possess the freakish ability to chat with ghosts. On "Lost," Hurley often sees ghosts. And on "Desperate Housewives," a ghostly narrator has nothing better to do than haunt Wisteria Lane and spew hackneyed observations. But... Nick Hornby calls 'Education' star Carey Mulligan a revelationNew rules for Oscar's best-picture raceThe Movie Masochist: 'Saw' VI, or VII, or whateverBrazilian diva Gal Costa continues to be the voice of 'tropicalismo'Brandi Carlile gives voice to her love of different singersDick Gregory on Obama, longevity and comic geniusesNew all-star band Monsters of Folk has enjoyed it from the get-go'Antichrist' star Willem Dafoe takes a leap of faith into the tabooWednesday, October 28 2009Lyle Lovett: Texas is in his blood, always on his mindIt is record-release day for Lyle Lovett, a Tuesday when his 14th album, "Natural Forces," is being unleashed on the world. Typically, such an occasion becomes the apex of a promotional push, a day loaded with TV appearances, performances and any number of exercises to capitalize on what is, in essence, "opening day" for a recording. For Lovett — multiple Grammy Award-winning songsmith,... 'Big Bang Theory' a supernova for CBSStyle-merging Marc Broussard remains determined to go his own wayArt that emerged from Great Depression served as more than escapism, book saysSenator hopes his book clears up misconceptions about LatinosAnne Rice 'obsessed' with her new hero, a killer recruited to do God's workThere's no burying vampire maniaTuesday, October 27 2009Stephen Sondheim talks about the future of theater and what he's working on nextSEATTLE — Stephen Sondheim does not give many interviews. Why should he? Now 79, Sondheim long ago cemented his reputation as Broadway's most esteemed living composer and lyricist, and one of the American musical theater's greatest visionaries. From "West Side Story" to "A Little Night Music" to "Sweeney Todd" and on, the eight-time Tony Award honoree has redefined and expanded the sonic... ICP's lucrative empire includes clothing, comic books, DVDs and even wrestling exhibitionsVeteran actress Estelle Parsons is 81 and on the road with 'August: Osage County'Style-merging Marc Broussard remains determined to go his own wayMonday, October 26 2009Rock Hall celebrates 25 years with Madison Square Garden showsNEW YORK — The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony is generally one of the year's swankiest, most exclusive affairs — marked by once-in-a-lifetime collaborations, stunning arguments and $1,500-a-plate dinners at the Waldorf-Astoria. Sure, you could watch much of it unfold on VH1 or Fuse, but there is something about having that much rock royalty in one place that is hard to... Bottle Rockets: oldies but goodies (and getting better)A movie guide for stupid parentsCarey Mulligan is known for movies set in different eras'White Collar,' premiering Friday on USAPie-splattered comedian Soupy Sales was one of the TV greatsPBS hopes unusual distribution will boost audience for 'Endgame'Amazon fights to keep Kindle on top of e-book crowdAnother Stoker bites into the Dracula legendFriday, October 23 2009Booksellers call for probe of online book-price warsDALLAS — The American Booksellers Association on Thursday asked the U.S. Justice Department to investigate online book-price wars underway by Amazon.com, Wal-Mart and Target. In a letter from the 109-year-old trade organization representing independent booksellers, the ABA's board told antitrust officials that the discounted pre-sales of hardback bestsellers for $9, "constitute illegal... Final take: Kenny Ortega was hesitant to take on 'This Is It' filmIndian-born director Mira Nair became fascinated with Amelia EarhartDirector's film-school project turned into critically lauded 'More Than a Game'Blaxploitation 101: Five that were dynamiteNever-seen Muhammad Ali footage added to 'Champions' DVD updateThe state of the late: With Leno off 'Tonight,' is there a new king of the night?Anthony Daniels talks about being C-3PO, narrating 'Star Wars in Concert'Songwriters find that radio is tried-and-trueBooksellers call for probe of online book-price warsSteve Martin reunites with his old stand-up partner , the banjo , for serious music |
Now on PopMatters
Columns
Moving Pixels: Parent-Child Bonding: Video Games that Bridge the Generation Gap The Rockist: Metal, Back from Purgatory
Blogs
Marginal Utility: A Quick Theory of the Self Mixed Media: Monsters of Folk - “Temazcal” (video) Sound Affects: Masters of the Form: Rage Against the Machine (1992) Short Ends and Leader: ‘Goats’ Constantly Gets In Its Own Way Moving Pixels: Cut Scenes Can Work in Games Notes from the Road: Fuck Buttons + Growing: 4.Nov.09 - Washington DC
Music
:. Say Anything: Say Anything :. Wolfmother: Cosmic Egg :. The Swell Season: Strict Joy :. Neon Indian: Psychic Chasms :. Karen O and the Kids: Where The Wild Things Are :. Slaraffenland: We’re on Your Side :. Gloria Jones: Share My Love
Film
:. The Men Who Stare at Goats :. Endgame :. The Fourth Kind :. Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire :. Disney’s A Christmas Carol :. Gentlemen Broncos
DVDs
:. Adult Swim in a Box :. The 39 Steps :. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (Those Aren’t Pillows Edition)
News
:. Craig Ferguson’s autobiography is a testimony to America’s eternal appeal to immigrants :. INTERVIEW:Jeff Bridges abides, and works like crazy :. Roland Emmerich’s latest big-budget doomsday extravaganza is his ‘darkest film’ to date :. INTERVIEW:Hit repeat with Steely Dan and ‘Aja’ :. INTERVIEW:Lily Tomlin has had an extraordinary career being ordinary :. Film changes student’s course: ‘Precious’ star pursuing acting
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