August 14th, 2008

“Partie Traumatic”, the debut CD by hot new band The Black Kids, rocks.  The band has a great, sophisticated pop sound.  Sophisticated pop meaning that their music is filled with killer guitar riffs and synthesized harmonies (thus the pop) but their lyrics elevate their songs past the sugary sweet stuff.

The CD also has an interesting child-like element at work throughout.  For example, it opens with a knock, knock joke.  Now, I don’t know about you, but I can’t remember the last time I heard a knock, knock joke in a song.  Moreover, they also borrow the “Oh-we-oh’s” from The Wizard of Oz.  Rock on.

The stand-out single from the album is the immensely dance-able and can’t-get-it-out-of-your-head-able “I’m Not Going To Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You.”  It’s surprising how many times I find myself returning to this track on the CD. 

Pick this album up before your friends do so you can have the bragging rights when The Black Kids make it big.

“American Teen,” the documentary from Nanette Burstein, documents the senior year of five high school students in Warsaw, Indiana.  Where is Warsaw?  Good question.  Thanks to Google maps, Warsaw is 123 miles away from Chicago and 162 miles away from Indianapolis.

The five high school students selected all fill an archetypal role.  There’s Princess Megan, Rebel Hannah, Jock Colin, Geek Jake and Heartthrob Mitch.  They are the people you went to high school with, I guarantee it. 

When watching the film, you almost forget it’s a documentary.  It’s more like you’re watching a drama about high school.  Except here, the drama is real.  From significant-other problems to the nervous anticipation of college acceptance letters, this film will bring you immediately back to your own high school days.

Sure the technology has improved, but the film illuminates that for most, high school is still the same.  Indeed, same crap but different year. 

Justin Timberlake hopes to take New York’s Fashion Week by storm with a performance and a clothing-line showcase of his own. The 27-year-old pop singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer and actor will first be singing at Fashion Rocks on Sept. 5 and then showcasing his William Rast clothing line on Sept. 7.

Timberlake and his business partner, childhood friend Trace Ayala, have scaled back on the designs that received not-so-favorable reviews when seen in Los Angeles back in October 2006, said Women’s Wear Daily. Last fall, designers Jonan and Marcella Lindeberg were named creative directors of the line.

“I am really excited that we have the chance to develop these strong collections together,” said Timberlake in a statement. “My vision for a complete William Rast lifestyle brand is in the hands of two of my most favorite designers.”

The William Rast brand is a full contemporary men’s and women’s fashion collection.

The warm and fuzzy sequel “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2″ starring Blake Lively, America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel, and Amber Tamblyn explores situations such as estranged grandmothers, a pregnancy scare, forgiveness, and discovering independence. It is being compared to “Sex and the City,” but the two movies only have one common trait – four talented leading actresses. The acting and relationships are sweet and genuine, which makes watching this movie an emotional roller coaster.

Pros:

Seeing what family means to the different girls.

Without these actors, it would be a different movie – this is a terrific collection of actors who have had some time to develop their acting abilities – and it shows!

It’s not about men – Nor is it solely about finding the perfect man or getting married (which, as a woman, I really appreciate).

Cons:

The character of Julia – at first, “Julia” was a “Pro” because, despite being disappointed by losing a lead role in a play to friend Carmen (Ferrera), she encourages her – at first. But, by the end, she’s become the mean girl stereotype we were expecting. Very disappointing.

The movie is a little long.

Unique Qualities:

The acting talent is obvious. Each girl is a team player in an ensemble but steps up to the plate to take the lead in their own scenes. Their acting feels true, making this a unique quality in the context of the other summer movies this year.

Is the not-so-hot economy affecting Hollywood? Let’s investigate.

According to a press release on the Disney (including Miramax) official site, profits decreased by 2% for the months of April, May and June compared to January, February and March with total profits of $1,433 million. They are also down 2% from the same quarter last year. Biggest Box Office Hit for April, May & June, “Wall E.”

In an article on the Examiner.com it states that Paramount/Viacom’s (including DreamWorks) profits are up 35% for April, May and June in comparison to a year ago. By this three months’ end their profits equal $1,771 million. They are up 55% from the previous quarter. Biggest Box Office Hit for April, May & June, “Iron Man.”

A Time Warner press release showed a 14% increase for April, May and June over last year (“The Dark Knight” was not in theaters yet). Profits for filmed entertainment totaled $2,564 million, which is a 9% decrease from January, February and March’s totals. Biggest Box Office Hit for April, May & June, “Sex and the City.”

NBC Universal (GE) profits are up 7% from April, May and June of 2007 and up 8% from January, February and March as stated in a GE release. Biggest Box Office Hit for April, May & June, “Wanted.”

News Corp’s earnings release for 20th Century Fox for April, May, and June quarter showed their total profits equaled $220 million a 16% decrease from January, February and March. Their profits only equaled $106 million during April, May, and June 2007. Biggest Box Office Hit for April, May & June, “What Happens in Vegas.”

In the end, we have 4 areas of decreasing profits, showing the economy may be affecting things. But there are also 5 areas with increasing profits, possibly a sign that movie goers haven’t given up their popcorn addictions just yet. With an incredible summer of blockbusters and A List ensemble casts, it seems that although Wall Street is a buzz with red down arrows, Hollywood is still a buzz with millions of green, maybe just not as many as last year.