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Justin Timberlake a bigger celeb than Muhammad Ali?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Q100’s “The Bert Show” never called to ask what I thought about about their recent “Who Do You Know!” celebrity contest. Maybe they should have.
I could have saved show yakkers Bert, Melissa, Jeff and Jenn some major embarrassment. The contest — and it was a good one — challenged radio listeners to use their personal connections and get the biggest celebrity they could to call the station to win money for charity.
Jessica Biel called. So did Ben Affleck, Morgan Freeman, Fran Drescher, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sean Connery, Bette Midler and others.
Trouble is, when they got around to selecting who was the biggest celebrity who called, “The Bert Show” chose Justin Timberlake as No. 1 over … get this … Muhammad Ali.
At this moment my head is in my hand because I can’t believe anyone on the planet would make such a dumb move.
I mean, Timberlake is a big celebrity. But no way does he even come close to Muhammad Ali.
Granted, Ali was never a Mouseketeer. Far as I know Ali never appeared on Ashton Kutcher’s “Punk’d” to get so upset during the prank being played on him that he called his mama. Ali didn’t expose Janet Jackson’s breast. Nor did he ever date Britney Spears.
So maybe Ali isn’t the bigger celeb. All he did was win the world boxing title three times! All he did was emerge during the 1960s as a fighter who could command as much if not more media attention than Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
I have been around celebrities most of my life. I can tell you three times I was rendered speechless.
No. 1: I was working in a busy newsroom in the early 1980s when, unexpectedly, Ali walked in with the publisher. The entire newsroom stopped cold. And it was close to deadline time. Ali slowly walked around and spoke to everyone. It was amazing.
No. 2: When Ali appeared to light the cauldron at the 1996 OIympics in Atlanta.
No. 3: While driving and listening to “The Bert Show” and realizing that the celeb who had just called the station was Ali.
I’ve seen Timberlake in person. He’s a fine celeb. A nice guy. But he lacks the charisma of an Ali.
Oh, what was it my once-wee son, Cecil B., said about Justin Timberlake as our biggest male pop star? Oh, yes. It was this: “After Michael Jackson, I guess J.T. is what we’re left with by default.”
The argument at the radio station shouldn’t have been about Timberlake vs. Ali. It should have been about Ali vs. President Carter.
Who do you think is the bigger celeb — Timberlake or Ali? Or would you have named someone else who called the station as the biggest celebrity?
Permalink | Comments (39) | Post your comment | Categories: Alan Smithee
Are you ready for Michael Moore’s ‘9/11’ sequel?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Michael Moore’s next documentary will be a followup to his controversial “Fahrenheit 9/11.”
The Oscar-winning filmmaker’s as-yet untitled 9/11 sequel, in the works now and being shopped to international studios at the Cannes Film Festival, will apparently follow events as President Bush’s popularity has fallen and the U.S. economy has worsened.
The film could be released as early as spring 2009.
It’s a bold move, especially considering how American moviegoers have for the most part shunned recent features and documentaries — such as “Rendition” and “In the Valley of Elah — that have dealt with depressing issues surrounding the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.
What do you think of Michael Moore? Will you see his sequel to “9/11”?
Permalink | Comments (22) | Post your comment | Categories: Bob Longino
How you can win free movies for a year
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
How would you like to be the proud owner of movie passes that would let you see one free movie a week for the next 52 weeks?
In conjunction with the opening of the new AMC Avenue Forsyth 12 in Cumming, the theater chain is holding a contest with 100 winners of the free movie passes.
The first 100 guests who show up dressed as their favorite celebrity or movie character for the theater’s grand opening on Friday will each win an envelope containing 52 passes for free admission to the Avenue Forsyth 12 good until May 16, 2009.
Costumed winners must be at least 18 and have a photo I.D. Starting at 4 p.m. Friday, guests can line the theater’s red carpet and will walk in at 6 p.m.
The theater is located at the southwest corner of Ga. 400 and Peachtree Parkway (Highway 141).
Need some ideas for a costume? I’d suggest Batman or Shrek. Iron Giant would be cool. Charlie Chaplin. The Little Mermaid. Or maybe you should fashion yourself into Nick Nolte’s mug shot.
Who or what would you dress up as?
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: Bob Longino
Truth be told: ‘Speed Racer’ finished 3rd
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What’s the latest game in Hollywood? Manipulating your box office estimates so things won’t appear as bad as they are.
Take “Speed Racer,” for example. Last Saturday I was hootin’ and hollerin’ at home when I called up Friday box office figures and saw that not only was “Iron Man” trouncing “Speed,” but that the Ashton Kutcher-Cameron Diaz disgrace known as “What Happens in Vegas” was at No. 2, slightly ahead of “Speed.”
By Sunday of course, that had all seemed to change as three-day estimates were that “Speed” finished at $20.2 million to “Vegas’” $20 million.
But … and it’s a really big but … Warner Bros.’ Sunday estimate for “Speed” was a little too generous and off by about $1.6 million.
The final box office return: 1. “Iron Man” with $51.2 million (about $700,000 above Paramount’s three-day estimate), 2. “What Happens In Vegas” with $20.2 million (up $200,000 from Fox’s estimate) and 3. “Speed Racer” with $18.6 million (down $1.6 million from Warner Bros.’ estimate).
How does this happen? Well, so that Hollywood can tout its millions at the box office on Monday, studios provide only estimates for Sunday’s take. Those estimates are determined Sunday morning in Hollywood.
It is embarrassing for the weekend’s main new movie to underperform, so some industry watchers claim studios will cushion some films to make them appear stronger.
Why? Generally, the public knows only the estimated results. All day Monday all they hear is that, in this case, “Speed Racer” is No. 2. Few realize later that “Speed,” when final tallies are in on Monday, actually finished at No. 3.
This same result happened in March with another loser of a movie — Universal’s “Leatherheads.” George Clooney’s comedy had an estimated finish at No. 2. In reality, it was a sinker at No. 3 its opening weekend.
Are you surprised that “Speed Racer” fell short? If you didn’t go see this movie, why?
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‘Iron Man’ crushes ‘Speed Racer’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The contest at the weekend’s box office wasn’t between “Iron Man” and “Speed Racer.” The former finished comfortably in the top spot, amassing $50.5 million.
The battle was at the also-ran No. 2 spot where “Speed” ($20.21 million) just barely squeaked by the inane comedy “What Happens in Vegas” ($20 million).
What was good about “Speed Racer”?
Well, for a while I was slightly amused by the monkey Chim Chim.
And I liked the bright colors.
Safe to say, after I type this sentence I’ll never think of “Speed Racer” again.
Did you like the movie? What were your favorite parts? Or, like me, did you go see “Iron Man” again?
Permalink | Comments (10) | Post your comment | Categories: Alan Smithee
Atlanta’s Afemo Omilami cast in N.C. movie
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta-based actor Afemo Omilami will portray civil rights activist Golden A. Frinks in “Blood Done Sign My Name,” the film adaptation of Timothy Tyson’s book about an African American Vietnam vet falsely accused of killing a white woman in North Carolina.
“Blood” will begin filming this month in Charlotte and co-stars Nate Parker (“The Great Debaters”). The director is Jeb Stuart, who wrote “Die Hard” and “The Fugitive.”
During the civil rights movement, Frinks, who some called “The Great Agitator,” became known for conducting non-violent acts of protest.
Omilami recently completed two more episodes of TV’s “Ghost Whisperer” and last month had stage roles in “The Piano Lesson,” “Jitney” and “Seven Guitars” at the Kennedy Center in Washington for director Kenny Leon.
With his wife Elisabeth, Omilami co-directs the Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless program in Atlanta.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Bob Longino
In honor of ‘Vegas,’ what’s your best Sin City story?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Las Vegas, with its get-drunk dance clubs, cool pools and happenin’ casinos, is part of the setting of the Cameron Diaz-Ashton Kutcher comedy “What Happens in Vegas.”
Anybody who’s ever been there has a Vegas story. You know, the one you’re not supposed to tell because of the modern culture pledge that … what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t talk about other people’s stories.
One of my favorites involves a certain esteemed AJC movie columnist with the initials A.S. His best Vegas story involves a post-poker game party, a quart of gin, two showgirls and the unlucky appearance of the girls’ angry boyfriends. But that’s all I’m saying.
What are the best legendary Vegas tales you’ve heard … or witnessed? And, please, don’t divulge names and be sure to keep your stories clean.
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If you’re like me, skip ‘Speed Racer’ and see “Iron Man’ again
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s my indubitable list of what matters most among new movies this weekend:
1. “Speed Racer.” Slow to get in gear but totally committed to its pop-art world concept. (Psst: Won’t blame you if you end up seeing “Iron Man” again instead).
2. “What Happens in Vegas.” Dedicated to the Hollywood tradition of mindless, boisterous romantic comedies sold on the personalities of overmarketed talent.
3. “Redbelt.” Fascinating jiu-jitsu drama for a little while. Complicated for a bit longer. And by the time the ultimate fight kicks in, it jumps the tracks.
4. “Then She Found Me.” Mildly watchable, but yet another example of why Helen Hunt went from Oscar winner to also-ran.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Alan Smithee
Lesson learned: Play your vegetables!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The 11-member Vegetable Orchestra is based in Vienna. The group shapes instruments out of veggies and performs concerts across the globe.
Here’s a sampling of a work from market to stage.
Enjoy!
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Mr. Smithee's Megaplex
Screen on the Green’s final film: ‘Footloose’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The final film for this year’s free Screen on the Green will be … (drumroll, please) … 1984’s “Footloose” with a toe-tapping Kevin Bacon.
Moviegoers voted online at Peachtreetv.com for Screen on the Green’s fifth and final film to be shown on June 26. The losers: “Rocky” and “Back to the Future.”
The series starts May 29 with “Jaws” at Centennial Olympic Park. Other films will be “Big Momma’s House” on June 5, “Chicago” on June 12 and “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” on June 19.
Due to the drought, this year’s Screen on the Green was temporarily moved from Midtown’s Piedmont Park to downtown.
By the way, guess I should have voted in the final film selection. I would have preferred “Back to the Future.”
What’s your feeling about the choice of “Footloose”? Will you go to Screen on the Green this year?
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Latest comments
Ali should have won, hands down. For those of you who don’t listen, the had a Supreme Court Justice come in and define “celebrity.” She said that first you should look at “global celebrities;” people known around the world.... read the full comment by Sharon | Comment on Justin Timberlake a bigger celeb than Muhammad Ali? Read Justin Timberlake a bigger celeb than Muhammad Ali?
The Bert show should be taken off the air for such a stunt…Ali-“greatest of all time”, man of the people, and most importantly stood for human rights!!! Yes, JT is a great star, but thats just it. A star versus a legend not only for... read the full comment by WTF | Comment on Justin Timberlake a bigger celeb than Muhammad Ali? Read Justin Timberlake a bigger celeb than Muhammad Ali?
The Bert show should be taken off the air for such a stunt…Ali-“greatest of all time”, man of the people, and most importantly stood for human rights!!! Yes, JT is a great star, but thats just it. A star versus a legend not only for... read the full comment by WTF | Comment on Justin Timberlake a bigger celeb than Muhammad Ali? Read Justin Timberlake a bigger celeb than Muhammad Ali?
I have to say that the Bert show is one of the saddest, lamest excuses for a radio talk show. They take anything related to sex or getting drunk and try to turn it into deep, meaningful material. How much longer will this shallow program be allowed to run…... read the full comment by elladee | Comment on Justin Timberlake a bigger celeb than Muhammad Ali? Read Justin Timberlake a bigger celeb than Muhammad Ali?