Author: Richard Lawson

The Call Sheet

The Dramatic Demise of 'American Idol'

Fox

Today in show business news: Not many people watched the American Idol finale, The Voice is still going strong, and Pete Campbell takes to the stage. 

By Richard Lawson

Oct 23, 2012

The Ingenious Melancholy of Taylor Swift

Forget "America's sweetheart" or "crossover queen" or whatever else folks may be calling her. In the spirit of Halloween, I'm going to call Taylor Swift what she really is: a witch. How else but through some strange, possibly dark magic could this 22-year-old barn swallow have so intoxicated me?

Comments | 15,821 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 23, 2012

The Smart Set

Justin & Jessica's $300,000 Wedding Pics

Today in celebrity news: More details emerge about Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel's big Italian wedding, including who was and wasn't invited and what Biel wore, plus there's a royal wedding a bit to the east in Luxembourg and James Franco's new girlfriend is causing problems. 

Comments | 7,824 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 22, 2012

The Call Sheet

Hugh Grant Is Getting Romantic Again

Today in showbiz news: America's favorite British bumbler will attempt to charm us once again, The CW shows generosity to several new shows, and Anna Kendrick can't stop singing.

Comments | 3,748 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 22, 2012

What's Left to Be Done in a Third Season of 'Homeland'?

Showtime has just renewed the tingly spy drama for a third season. The decision was a no-brainer, as the show has earned Showtime its first best series Emmy, and the ratings, once only fair, have grown steadily so far this season. But how are they going to do it??

Comments | 6,143 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 22, 2012

The Smart Set

James Franco Has a New Girl

Today in celebrity gossip: Hollywood experimenter James Franco has a new thing he's doing, Justin and Jessica are indeed married, and Michael Lohan continues to be irritating. 

Comments | 8,713 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 19, 2012

The Call Sheet

Nicolas Cage Will Be One of the Last Men on Earth

Today in showbiz news: Everyone's favorite insane actor is going to be Left Behind, Miley Cyrus gives Two and a Half Men a boost, and another look at Skyfall.

Comments | 11,971 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 19, 2012

Movie Review

Losin' It: 'The Sessions' & 'The First Time'

Today we review two new movies about losing one's virginity, the drama The Sessions and the teen comedy The First Time.

Comments | 4,081 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 19, 2012

The Smart Set

Bethenny's Big Bravo Diss

Today in celebrity news: Bravo's biggest star to date is ignoring her creators, Heidi Montag spent a lot of money, and Daniel Radcliffe is on the market. 

Comments | 6,940 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 18, 2012

The Call Sheet

Brendan Fraser Heads to Television

Today in showbiz announcements: A once-big movie star downsizes, Michael Douglas and Diane Keaton team up to tell an old tale, and Joaquin Phoenix hates the stupid old Oscars.

Comments | 3,245 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 18, 2012

The Eleven TV Shows That (Probably) Won't Survive the Season

Word comes today that NBC has canceled its first-year veterinary sitcom Monkey Hospital Ape ER Dr. Doolittle's Wonderful, Blunderful ICU Animal Practice after weeks of poor ratings. What other shows are in danger? Let's take a look.

Comments | 12,683 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 18, 2012

What We Watched

'American Horror Story': Aliens, Nymphos, Bad Boston Accents, Oh My!

Last night was the second season premiere of FX's grim, gunky, 'n' glorious American Horror Story, a show so shamelessly filthy and melodramatic that it's almost heartwarming. This season, though? Well, based on last night's episode, it seems like we're mostly dealing with gore and ghoulishness.

Comments | 5,740 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 18, 2012

The Smart Set

Justin and Jessica's Nearing Neapolitan Nuptials

Today in celebrity news: J&J will be tying the knot in Italy any moment now, someone's scolding Lena Dunham for something once again, and Uma Thurman gave her daughter a crazy name.

Comments | 4,411 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 17, 2012

The Call Sheet

'Emily Owens, M.D.' In Critical Condition

Today in showbiz news: A likable new CW show is already in trouble, two deceased Walking Dead actors reunite in the afterlife, and Elizabeth Banks regrets a one-night stand. 

Comments | 4,168 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 17, 2012

How Angry Do We Want Tom Cruise?

Paramount has released a new full-length trailer for the upcoming Tom Cruse action film Jack Reacher, and it is serious. Too serious?

Comments | 5,589 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 17, 2012

Watching the Debates in the Twitter Democracy

Hate to spoil the party, but the whole "binders full of women" thing from last night's debate? It's already over. It was funny for about, let's say, fifteen minutes, but by the time the inevitable @Romneys_Binder Twitter account popped up (not to mention the single-service Tumblr and, ugh, the other binder Twitter), the joke had already flourished, matured, and died.

Comments | 2,332 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 17, 2012

The Smart Set

Another 'Bachelorette' Disaster

Today in celebrity gossip: Another ABC-sponsored relationship has come to an end, Mel Gibson has love in his life once more, and Bob De Niro is homeless. 

Comments | 5,295 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 16, 2012

The Call Sheet

Tyra Banks Is Now Looking for Boys, Too

The impossible is happening on America's most important reality show. Elsewhere in showbiz news today: Robert Pattinson gets a new gig, we're importing yet another British show, World War Z sounds both good and bad, and there's hope for Revolution yet.

Comments | 2,454 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 16, 2012

What to Watch Tonight If You're Not Watching the Debate: 'Emily Owens, M.D.'

If you can't stomach another damn debate tonight, fear not, there are other television options at 9pm. And, odd as it may sound, we recommend you check out the series premiere of The CW's Emily Owens, M.D., a cloying on the surface, charming on the inside little series about a young doctor.

Comments | 3,018 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 16, 2012

The Smart Set

Kristen and Rob Went to Lunch

Today in celebrity gossip: The Twilight twins (ew) are back together again, Jennifer Aniston tearfully speaks about her engagement, and Sarah Palin and Halle Berry are practically sisters from other misters. 

Comments | 3,492 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 15, 2012

The Call Sheet

Cable Devours Broadcast TV in Single Night

Last night's season premiere of The Walking Dead was the highest rated show of the fall, on any channel. Also in showbiz news: Lindsay Lohan is interviewed again for some reason, Aaron Paul gets a big lead role, and Christoph Waltz will lead Russia.

Comments | 3,286 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 15, 2012

What We Watched

'The Walking Dead' Has a Gracefully Lurching Return

Oh thank god. Or thank whatever demon sent the zombie plague to Earth on AMC's The Walking Dead, because last night's season three premiere blessedly built on the action of the season two closer and ratcheted up the jangly tension even more.

Comments | 2,414 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 15, 2012

The Smart Set

Katie Holmes Is Finished with Actors

Today in celeb news: Katie wants to meet artists instead of actors, Jennifer Aniston wants her ex-mother-in-law at her wedding, and Paris Hilton is schooling us all in how to live. 

Comments | 8,939 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 12, 2012

The Call Sheet

New Oprah Is Just Old Oprah All Over Again

Today in showbiz news: Oprah brings back some old tricks to save OWN, The CW has a good night, and Jason Schwartzman takes on a thrilling new role.

Comments | 3,612 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 12, 2012

The Smart Set

Katie Holmes Rode the Subway

Today in celebrity news: A big star slums with the commoners, Tory Burch is way richer than we thought, and Lindsay Lohan makes a phone call.

Comments | 5,750 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 12, 2012

Movie Review

Getting the Picture: 'Argo' & 'Seven Psychopaths'

Today we review two new films, the political thriller Argo and the dark comedy Seven Psychopaths.

Comments | 4,653 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 11, 2012

The Call Sheet

Does 'Nashville' Have a Country Prayer?

Today in showbiz news: One of the better shows of the new season did only OK in its debut last night, Tom Hanks is officially headed to Broadway, and Jodie Foster is directing another movie. 

Comments | 2,205 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 11, 2012

What We Watched

'Arrow' Is Silly, Shirtless, and Intriguing

Hey did you guys watch the premiere of Arrow last night? What's that? You don't know what Arrow is? Oh, ha, sorry, let me call it by its street name: Shirtless Man Show.

Comments | 2,557 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 11, 2012

The Smart Set

All Canadian Celebrities Are Related

Justin Bieber is a blood relative of basically every famous Canadian, Stevie Nicks feels terrible about this whole Nicki Minaj mess, and Lance Bass says the wrong things about Jessica Biel. 

Comments | 4,862 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 10, 2012

The Call Sheet

Liam Neeson Is Making a Lot of Money

Today in showbiz gossip: Getting Taken is a pretty lucrative enterprise, Shailene Woodley is free of Secret Life and on to bigger things, and a glimpse of Anthony Hopkins as Alfred Hitchcock.

Comments | 2,242 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 10, 2012

Blogs Aren't the Best Marketing for TV Shows

From the storied, sun-bleached tract of asphalt known as Hollywoodland comes the latest tale of a lowly assistant working her way into the big leagues. This time by starting a Tumblr making fun of her job (and her boss), she has been promptly rewarded with a television show. Well, that's the story being spun, anyway.

Comments | 1,733 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 10, 2012

The Smart Set

Taylor Swift Is Kissing Cousins?

Today in celebrity gossip: Taylor Swift might be in a scandalous Kennedy love triangle in which she's the villain, Lindsay Lohan and mama Dina get in a big fight in Long Island, and Sarah Palin's writin' a book. 

Comments | 5,551 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 9, 2012

The Call Sheet

Hollywood to Ruin 'Peanuts' Next

Today in showbiz news: Fox has plans to turn Charlie Brown and friends into big-screen movie stars, Kris Jenner wants her own show, and two funny ladies just got their own show.

Comments | 4,082 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 9, 2012

Let's Put 'Community' Out of Its Misery

Is there a more miserable story in recent TV history than that of Community, a much-lauded show — perhaps overly so, definitely too rabidly — that's fallen victim to a seemingly unending stream of calamities and indignities?

Comments | 9,206 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 9, 2012

The Smart Set

Tom Cruise and Matt Damon Got Spanked Together

Several movie stars got a bit rowdy for Matt Damon's 42nd birthday in London recently. Elsewhere in celebrity men behaving badly: Justin Bieber might be a beer drinker, Richard Gere just won't leave ladies alone, and Hulk Hogan admits to an odd affair.

Comments | 5,850 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 8, 2012

The Call Sheet

Everyone Still Loves 'Steel Magnolias'

Today in show business news: Lifetime had one of its biggest nights ever last night, ABC had one of its more troubling nights in recent memory last night, and Fox feels bullish about two new shows.

Comments | 2,915 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 8, 2012

Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman Divorcing, Love Is Dead

Sad news for fans of love: after thirty years of marriage, wonderfully tiny couple Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman are calling it quits. TMZ reports today that the actors, who have three children together, have separated and plan to divorce.

Comments | 3,966 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 8, 2012

The Smart Set

Bristol Palin Is Under Attack

Today in celebrity gossip, someone is sending threatening packages to Dancing With the Stars addressed to Bristol Palin. Also: Beyonce surprises Jay-Z, Snooki stays home, and David marries Amber. 

Comments | 11,338 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 5, 2012

The Call Sheet

The Return of Kim Basinger

Today in showbiz news: A faded Oscar-winner books a respectable role, Lifetime assembles a strange group to make a strange movie, and ABC's submarine show is sinking.

Comments | 5,090 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 5, 2012

Movie Review

'The Paperboy' & 'Taken 2': Here Come the Sex Monsters

Today we review two new films, the strange sex drama The Paperboy and the predictable thriller Taken 2.

Comments | 5,768 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 5, 2012

The Smart Set

Miley Cyrus Is Wildin' Out

Today in celebrity news: Miley is cute little Hannah Montana no more and she wants you to know it, Zac Efron doesn't like dates, Bristol Palin reviews a film, and Chris Brown issues a statement and makes a video all about this Rihanna situation. 

Comments | 6,207 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 4, 2012

The Call Sheet

Finally, 'Die Hard 5'

At long last we get a glimpse at the latest installment of the Die Hard franchise. Elsewhere in showbiz news today: Pretty Little Liars will do some more pretty lying, Adele's James Bond song is really good, and Diane Warren gets her own show, sort of. 

Comments | 2,794 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 4, 2012

'Nashville' Is a Rhinestone With One Big Flaw

ABC has made the pilot episode of its new country music soap Nashville available online and boy howdy, it's a daggum blast! Well, that might be a little overly effusive, but it is a mostly entertaining, well-acted hour full of fading glory and rising bitchery.

Comments | 1,373 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 4, 2012

What's the Matter with 'Lincoln'?

Despite all the grand lead-up to the making of Lincoln — Tony Kushner's much whispered about script, long delays partly having to do with Liam Neeson climbing aboard and then leaving to be an action star — the promotional material so far is pretty underwhelming. And, if we're honest, a little silly.

Comments | 3,438 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 4, 2012

The Smart Set

Chris and Rihanna Do It Again

It's not two but three nights in a row now for hip-hop/R&B/pop's hottest young couple. Elsewhere in celebrityland: Kate Gosselin wants back on TV, for the children; Andy Cohen thinks he's making art; and Julianne Moore was robbed. 

Comments | 3,665 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 3, 2012

The Call Sheet

Katie Couric Is Back in Hot Water

Katie Couric's talk show, once so promising, is in trouble. Also today in show business news: Last night was a TV ratings black hole, Cinemax renews a gratuitous but great show, and we finally see Streisand and Rogen in action together.

Comments | 37,245 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 3, 2012

Ten Years In, 'NCIS' Finally Got Me

It's scary, but I'm just going to come out and say it: I have an NCIS problem and it is only escalating.

Comments | 2,759 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 3, 2012

Hi-Yo, Silver... Er, OK: Hints of Trouble with 'The Lone Ranger'

Disney has released its first teaser trailer for next year's big (and we mean big) movie adaptation of the beloved old series The Lone Ranger, and for the most part it looks like a pretty straightforward summer action yarn. But there's trouble lurking around its edges.

Comments | 3,928 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 3, 2012

The Smart Set

Chris Brown and Rihanna Had Some Fun at a Nightclub

Today in celebrity gossip: An old couple got hot and heavy at a New York club, tempers flare at American Idol, and Amanda Bynes really does not like Lindsay Lohan. 

Comments | 2,809 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 2, 2012

The Call Sheet

NBC Really Is Doing Well, You Guys

The once most-troubled network is on an amazing rebound. They're topping the ratings and ordering full seasons of new shows. It's all very exciting. Elsewhere in showbiz news, Meryl Streep is being lured for an ill-advised project and Drea De Matteo is going back to work.

Comments | 4,828 Views

By Richard Lawson

Oct 2, 2012

What We Watched

Code Blue on 'The Mob Doctor'

Every network TV season includes a best show you're not watching — last spring it was the sturdy but forgotten Prime Suspect, and this season it just might be The Mob Doctor, a Fox drama that's struggling and looks to soon be sleeping with the fishes. (No more mob jokes, I promise.)

Comments | 7,561 Views

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