Anita Pointer, of the sibling hit-making group the Pointer Sisters, died on Saturday at age 74, her family in a statement.
“While we are deeply saddened by the loss of Anita, we are comforted in knowing she is now with her daughter, Jada and her sisters June & Bonnie and at peace,” said the statement issued by publicist Roger Neal. “She was the one that kept all of us close and together for so long. Her love of our family will live on in each of us. Please respect our privacy during...
“While we are deeply saddened by the loss of Anita, we are comforted in knowing she is now with her daughter, Jada and her sisters June & Bonnie and at peace,” said the statement issued by publicist Roger Neal. “She was the one that kept all of us close and together for so long. Her love of our family will live on in each of us. Please respect our privacy during...
- 1/1/2023
- by Lisa Tozzi
- Rollingstone.com
Anita Pointer of The Pointer Sisters has died aged 74.
Pointer died on Saturday (31 December) surrounded by family at home in Beverly Hills, her publicist Roger Neal said.
The singer was one of four sisters who founded the Grammy-winning pop and R&b group. The Pointer Sisters found success in the Seventies and Eighties.
Their hits include “I’m So Excited”, “Fire”, “Jump (For My Love)” and 1974’s “Fairytale”. The latter was covered by Elvis Presley in 1975.
Pointer’s family issued a statement, reading: “While we are deeply saddened by the loss of Anita, we are comforted in knowing she is now with her daughter Jada and her sisters June and Bonnie are at peace.
“She was the one that kept all of us close and together for so long. Her love of our family will live on in each of us.”
Anita’s death follows two years after her sister...
Pointer died on Saturday (31 December) surrounded by family at home in Beverly Hills, her publicist Roger Neal said.
The singer was one of four sisters who founded the Grammy-winning pop and R&b group. The Pointer Sisters found success in the Seventies and Eighties.
Their hits include “I’m So Excited”, “Fire”, “Jump (For My Love)” and 1974’s “Fairytale”. The latter was covered by Elvis Presley in 1975.
Pointer’s family issued a statement, reading: “While we are deeply saddened by the loss of Anita, we are comforted in knowing she is now with her daughter Jada and her sisters June and Bonnie are at peace.
“She was the one that kept all of us close and together for so long. Her love of our family will live on in each of us.”
Anita’s death follows two years after her sister...
- 1/1/2023
- by Annabel Nugent
- The Independent - Music
These days, it'd be tough to find a TV wit drier than that of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend's Heather Davis. The actress who plays the perpetual community college student, however, is anything but. Bright and bubbly, Vella Lovell is genuinely delighted to talk about everything from the Kardashian sisters' pregnancies to Mary Jane, the play she starred in at the Yale Repertory Theatre over the CW musical comedy's hiatus.
After more than two years of playing such an acerbic character, the 32-year-old actress is also eager to analyze just what makes Heather tick, especially since we'll be seeing more of her than ever this season.
Et chatted with Lovell at the end of September, when the cast was in the middle of filming season three's eighth episode, and she opened up about Heather's big musical numbers, the diversity on set and yes, all of that revenge she's helping Rebecca Bunch dish out to Josh Chan.
Et: The season...
After more than two years of playing such an acerbic character, the 32-year-old actress is also eager to analyze just what makes Heather tick, especially since we'll be seeing more of her than ever this season.
Et chatted with Lovell at the end of September, when the cast was in the middle of filming season three's eighth episode, and she opened up about Heather's big musical numbers, the diversity on set and yes, all of that revenge she's helping Rebecca Bunch dish out to Josh Chan.
Et: The season...
- 10/13/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Peta Murgatroyd really thought her time was up on this season of Dancing With the Stars.
Last week, Murgatroyd and her partner Nick Lachey did what many fans thought was their best routine so far when they danced to The Pointer Sisters' "Jump (For My Love)." While it may have been the 43-year-old singer's personal best, the pair still only scored a 21 out of 30, which put them in the bottom two for a second time.
Luckily for Lachey, it was Derek Fisher who ended up going home, but Murgatroyd admitted to Et's Cameron Mathison that she was almost certain that they would be bidding farewell to the ballroom.
Watch: Jordan Fisher Gets First Perfect Scores of the 'DWTS' Season After Tearful Performance
"It was more uncomfortable the second time around then it was the first time around," the DWTS pro confessed. "I didn't think it was possible."
Murgatroyd added that's she's over being in the bottom...
Last week, Murgatroyd and her partner Nick Lachey did what many fans thought was their best routine so far when they danced to The Pointer Sisters' "Jump (For My Love)." While it may have been the 43-year-old singer's personal best, the pair still only scored a 21 out of 30, which put them in the bottom two for a second time.
Luckily for Lachey, it was Derek Fisher who ended up going home, but Murgatroyd admitted to Et's Cameron Mathison that she was almost certain that they would be bidding farewell to the ballroom.
Watch: Jordan Fisher Gets First Perfect Scores of the 'DWTS' Season After Tearful Performance
"It was more uncomfortable the second time around then it was the first time around," the DWTS pro confessed. "I didn't think it was possible."
Murgatroyd added that's she's over being in the bottom...
- 10/10/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
It's hard to believe we're already into week three of Dancing With the Stars!
On Monday night, the 11 remaining contestants danced their hearts out to routines inspired by their ultimate guilty pleasures. From the most technical lifts to the sassiest performances, Et's breaking down all the best choreography moments we saw in the ballroom.
Watch: 'Dancing With the Stars' Pays Tribute to the Victims of Las Vegas Massacre With Touching Opening Message
Drew Scott & Emma Slater - Argentine Tango, "Red Right Hand" by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Dance highlight: We've patiently been waiting to see more lifts this season, and this week, we got them! Drew and Emma kicked off the night with a true crime-inspired piece, with the Property Brothers star holding his pro partner in the air at the 0:52 mark.
Judges' score: 23/30.
Et's score: 21/30. We found it a bit surprising that the judges' gave this pair such high scores, when some of...
On Monday night, the 11 remaining contestants danced their hearts out to routines inspired by their ultimate guilty pleasures. From the most technical lifts to the sassiest performances, Et's breaking down all the best choreography moments we saw in the ballroom.
Watch: 'Dancing With the Stars' Pays Tribute to the Victims of Las Vegas Massacre With Touching Opening Message
Drew Scott & Emma Slater - Argentine Tango, "Red Right Hand" by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Dance highlight: We've patiently been waiting to see more lifts this season, and this week, we got them! Drew and Emma kicked off the night with a true crime-inspired piece, with the Property Brothers star holding his pro partner in the air at the 0:52 mark.
Judges' score: 23/30.
Et's score: 21/30. We found it a bit surprising that the judges' gave this pair such high scores, when some of...
- 10/3/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
The competition on Dancing With Stars is heating up!
The 11 remaining contestants will take the floor once again on Monday night, performing dances inspired by their ultimate guilty pleasures, a brand new theme for the dance competition show.
But before the stars and their pro partners show off their skills, Et's breaking down everything you need to know about what to expect in the ballroom!
Who's on top of the leaderboard?
1. Frankie Muniz & Witney Carson: 25/30
2. Tie! Jordan Fisher & Lindsay Arnold, Lindsey Stirling & Mark Ballas: 24/30
3. Vanessa Lachey & Maksim Chmerkovskiy: 23/30
Watch: Nikki Bella Dishes On Her & John Cena's Real-Life 'Red Room' Ahead of 'DWTS' Guilty Pleasures Night
Who's in danger of elimination?
Nikki Bella & Artem Chigvintsev received the lowest score from the judges last Tuesday, 18/30. They were followed closely behind with a three-way tie between Derek Fisher & Sharna Burgess, Terrell Owens & Cheryl Burke and Nick Lachey & Peta Murgatroyd, who all received...
The 11 remaining contestants will take the floor once again on Monday night, performing dances inspired by their ultimate guilty pleasures, a brand new theme for the dance competition show.
But before the stars and their pro partners show off their skills, Et's breaking down everything you need to know about what to expect in the ballroom!
Who's on top of the leaderboard?
1. Frankie Muniz & Witney Carson: 25/30
2. Tie! Jordan Fisher & Lindsay Arnold, Lindsey Stirling & Mark Ballas: 24/30
3. Vanessa Lachey & Maksim Chmerkovskiy: 23/30
Watch: Nikki Bella Dishes On Her & John Cena's Real-Life 'Red Room' Ahead of 'DWTS' Guilty Pleasures Night
Who's in danger of elimination?
Nikki Bella & Artem Chigvintsev received the lowest score from the judges last Tuesday, 18/30. They were followed closely behind with a three-way tie between Derek Fisher & Sharna Burgess, Terrell Owens & Cheryl Burke and Nick Lachey & Peta Murgatroyd, who all received...
- 10/2/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Steve Miller has led many musical lives. First he was the guitar-wielding Space Cowboy who blew minds with the blues in the psychedelic San Fransisco of the late ’60s. Then he morphed into the laid-back Joker, crackin’ wise amid the slightly more self-serious singer/songwriters of the early ’70s. He graduated to full scale arena rocker in the middle of the decade with amped-up hits like “Rock ‘N Me” and “Take the Money and Run,” and by the ’80s songs like “Abracadabra” made him a video star on a nascent MTV. Now the icon is looking back on his remarkable musical journey with Ultimate Hits,...
- 9/13/2017
- by Jordan Runtagh
- PEOPLE.com
She’s not in Nashville anymore, Toto!
After a string of starring roles in musicals like Chicago and Mamma Mia!, Country superstar Jennifer Nettles is joining the ranks of stars reinventing songs from the hit musical Wicked — appearing in the show’s #OutOfOz: Wicked Studio Sessions video series.
People has the first look at the 43-year-old Grammy winner’s take on “No Good Deed,” one of two tunes Nettles tackles in the popular YouTube show — which has seen Wicked alums like Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Aaron Tveit and more take a new stab at Stephen Schwartz’s songs.
For Nettles,...
After a string of starring roles in musicals like Chicago and Mamma Mia!, Country superstar Jennifer Nettles is joining the ranks of stars reinventing songs from the hit musical Wicked — appearing in the show’s #OutOfOz: Wicked Studio Sessions video series.
People has the first look at the 43-year-old Grammy winner’s take on “No Good Deed,” one of two tunes Nettles tackles in the popular YouTube show — which has seen Wicked alums like Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Aaron Tveit and more take a new stab at Stephen Schwartz’s songs.
For Nettles,...
- 9/13/2017
- by Dave Quinn
- PEOPLE.com
Love Actually fans in the colonies finally have their answers!
Thursday night, American fans of the 2003 holiday classic tuned into NBC’s star-studded charity Red Nose Day Special, which featured the premiere of the highly anticipated Love Actually mini-sequel. The short followup was created by Love Actually writer/director Richard Curtis, who also happens to be the co-creator of Red Nose Day — Comic Relief’s annual charity event. Proceeds go to help disadvantaged children around the world.
The 10-minute clip, titled Red Nose Day Actually, featured most of the major stars from the film — like Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley, Colin Firth,...
Thursday night, American fans of the 2003 holiday classic tuned into NBC’s star-studded charity Red Nose Day Special, which featured the premiere of the highly anticipated Love Actually mini-sequel. The short followup was created by Love Actually writer/director Richard Curtis, who also happens to be the co-creator of Red Nose Day — Comic Relief’s annual charity event. Proceeds go to help disadvantaged children around the world.
The 10-minute clip, titled Red Nose Day Actually, featured most of the major stars from the film — like Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley, Colin Firth,...
- 5/26/2017
- by Mike Miller and Dave Quinn
- PEOPLE.com
It’s National Sibling Day! Go ahead and hug your brother and/or sister in appreciation, even if they can be total twerps sometimes.
If you’re stuck alone as an only child, I feel you. Luckily, there are plenty of adorable animal siblings you can adopt into your life right now. As we know, Instagram is stacked with unbelievably fluffy and stylish pet accounts, but only a few can boast a whole family of furry superstars.
Here are 11 of those sweet sibling Instas, proving that much like Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, The Property Brothers and all those Hemsworth brothers,...
If you’re stuck alone as an only child, I feel you. Luckily, there are plenty of adorable animal siblings you can adopt into your life right now. As we know, Instagram is stacked with unbelievably fluffy and stylish pet accounts, but only a few can boast a whole family of furry superstars.
Here are 11 of those sweet sibling Instas, proving that much like Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, The Property Brothers and all those Hemsworth brothers,...
- 4/10/2017
- by Kelli Bender
- PEOPLE.com
The highly-anticipated Love Actually mini-sequel has finally debuted in the U.K., and while the special won’t be available in the U.S. until May, we’ve got all the highlights to hold you over.
Almost all of the original star-studded cast reunited for the 10-minute follow-up in honor of Red Nose Day in the U.K. on Friday — but it was Hugh Grant who immediately stole the show.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
The actor has already caused a storm on social media after recreating his iconic dance routine down the Downing Street stairs. Instead of getting down to The Pointer Sisters’ “Jump,...
Almost all of the original star-studded cast reunited for the 10-minute follow-up in honor of Red Nose Day in the U.K. on Friday — but it was Hugh Grant who immediately stole the show.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
The actor has already caused a storm on social media after recreating his iconic dance routine down the Downing Street stairs. Instead of getting down to The Pointer Sisters’ “Jump,...
- 3/24/2017
- by Mike Miller and Phil Boucher
- PEOPLE.com
When in Australia... go skydiving?
Well, that's what Carrie Underwood did during her time in Sydney, where she'll be performing two of her Riptide world tour concerts this week.
Watch: Carrie Underwood Proves She's a Multitasking Mama in Cuddly Pic With Son Isaiah
The "Dirty Laundry" singer started Saturday's adventure by posting an Instagram video from the ground, instructing fans to "See if you can guess what we're doing today." She then sang along to John Denver's "Leaving on a Jet Plane" and Tom Petty's "Free Fallin," sandwiched by a fun lip sync to the Pointer Sisters' "Jump," before sharing a selfie of her and a friend's "brave faces."
Underwood was so proud of taking such a major leap (pun totally intended) that she posted four photos of the dive. "Still can't believe I did this!" she captioned the first one of her about to jump with her Sydney Skydivers instructor.
More: [link=nm...
Well, that's what Carrie Underwood did during her time in Sydney, where she'll be performing two of her Riptide world tour concerts this week.
Watch: Carrie Underwood Proves She's a Multitasking Mama in Cuddly Pic With Son Isaiah
The "Dirty Laundry" singer started Saturday's adventure by posting an Instagram video from the ground, instructing fans to "See if you can guess what we're doing today." She then sang along to John Denver's "Leaving on a Jet Plane" and Tom Petty's "Free Fallin," sandwiched by a fun lip sync to the Pointer Sisters' "Jump," before sharing a selfie of her and a friend's "brave faces."
Underwood was so proud of taking such a major leap (pun totally intended) that she posted four photos of the dive. "Still can't believe I did this!" she captioned the first one of her about to jump with her Sydney Skydivers instructor.
More: [link=nm...
- 12/12/2016
- Entertainment Tonight
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's...Carrie Underwood! The 33-year-old country star recently jetted to Sydney, Australia, where she is set to perform two concerts this week as part of her Ripcord world tour, and made a pit stop over the weekend to do something unusual and exhilarating for herself; She decided to go skydiving. Underwood chronicled her death-defying adventure on Instagram, starting with a montage of selfie videos of her on the ground, lip-synching songs to get her in the mood (and likely try to calm her nerves), such as the 1969 hit "Leaving on a Jet Plane" by the late John Denver, the Pointer Sisters' 1983 song "Jump" and of course, Tom...
- 12/11/2016
- E! Online
Saved by the Bell‘s most unforgettable episode almost didn’t make it to air.
One needs to only say the three words to bring up the episode in question: “I’m so excited.”
The moment appeared in a season 2 episode called “Jessie’s Song,” which followed Jessie Spano (Elizabeth Berkley) descending into caffeine pill addiction while trying to balance school and her new singing group, Hot Sundae. Zack (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) confronts Jessie about her habit, prompting her to try and manically sing the Pointer Sisters’ hit before admitting through sobs: “I’m so … scared!”
It was a scene that...
One needs to only say the three words to bring up the episode in question: “I’m so excited.”
The moment appeared in a season 2 episode called “Jessie’s Song,” which followed Jessie Spano (Elizabeth Berkley) descending into caffeine pill addiction while trying to balance school and her new singing group, Hot Sundae. Zack (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) confronts Jessie about her habit, prompting her to try and manically sing the Pointer Sisters’ hit before admitting through sobs: “I’m so … scared!”
It was a scene that...
- 11/15/2016
- by Dave Quinn
- PEOPLE.com
One of the Pointer Sisters got the best possible outcome from her divorce -- she's getting to keep the fruits of her music career. Bonnie Pointer's divorce from Motown producer Jeffrey Bowen was just finalized and, according to docs, she's getting her music royalties ... which she called her only separate property. Despite 35 years of marriage ... Bonnie said they have no community property. Jeffrey didn't dispute that ... as the judge entered a default judgment in Bonnie's favor.
- 6/2/2016
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
With Prince's shocking death, the monumental scope of his influence on music is just starting to become clear. The rock, funk and R&B icon has inspired dozens of today's award-winning artists and has crafted numerous albums that ended up greatly reshaping our current musical landscape. He is not just Prince; he is a king. And unlike some royalty, Prince loved to share his wealth, writing numerous songs for his fellow artists and allowing his music to be covered by other performers as well. Some of Prince's successful pieces may surprise you, especially since he doesn't sing a word on the tracks.
- 4/21/2016
- by Kelli Bender, @kbendernyc
- PEOPLE.com
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The 1970s Richard Pryor-headlined comedy Car Wash - that gave us the song of the same name - is getting a remake...
Universal is eyeing up a remake of the 1976 comedy Car Wash, that originally starred Richard Pryor. He led the cast, alongside The Pointer Sisters, Bill Duke, George Carlin, Otis Day and Lorraine Gray. You may very well be familiar with the title song, too.
Car Wash followed the employees of, well, a car wash across a day of their lives. The new version thus far only has producers attached. Suzanne Coston is producing the rename, with Suzanne de Passe executive producing.
As of yet, it’s unclear how closely the new film will reflect and/or mirror the first, and the search is on for a writer for the new film. More news as we get it, as always…
The Tracking Board.
Check out...
google+
The 1970s Richard Pryor-headlined comedy Car Wash - that gave us the song of the same name - is getting a remake...
Universal is eyeing up a remake of the 1976 comedy Car Wash, that originally starred Richard Pryor. He led the cast, alongside The Pointer Sisters, Bill Duke, George Carlin, Otis Day and Lorraine Gray. You may very well be familiar with the title song, too.
Car Wash followed the employees of, well, a car wash across a day of their lives. The new version thus far only has producers attached. Suzanne Coston is producing the rename, with Suzanne de Passe executive producing.
As of yet, it’s unclear how closely the new film will reflect and/or mirror the first, and the search is on for a writer for the new film. More news as we get it, as always…
The Tracking Board.
Check out...
- 3/2/2016
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
There's a good chance those reading this article can't remember a Dec. 31 without Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve. Even if you don't watch the annual, year-end special at home, it's hard to escape. It's on in bars. It's on at parties. And sometimes people will actually turn on the TV just to watch the Times Square countdown. It's that well-integrated into the holiday. Dick Clark hosted the show from 1975 to 2004. After suffering a stroke in late 2004, Clark returned to the special in 2006, and appeared in every subsequent New Year's Eve celebration until his death in April 2012. Now hosted by Ryan Seacrest,...
- 12/30/2015
- by Drew Mackie, @drewgmackie
- PEOPLE.com
There's a good chance those reading this article can't remember a Dec. 31 without Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve. Even if you don't watch the annual, year-end special at home, it's hard to escape. It's on in bars. It's on at parties. And sometimes people will actually turn on the TV just to watch the Times Square countdown. It's that well-integrated into the holiday. Dick Clark hosted the show from 1975 to 2004. After suffering a stroke in late 2004, Clark returned to the special in 2006, and appeared in every subsequent New Year's Eve celebration until his death in April 2012. Now hosted by Ryan Seacrest,...
- 12/30/2015
- by Drew Mackie, @drewgmackie
- PEOPLE.com
How is it late August already Kids have already had their first day of school and we have closed our third concert, 'Rhythm of Life' That is Banana Boats Cansler speak for nuts The community here in Sonoma Valley went nuts for this show. It was a variety show that surprised you with every number. One minute you had a sexy fosse style number, then a lyrical dance to 'Fields of Gold' danced and choreographed by Amanda Lehmen and Dylan Smith and such by Leslie MacDonnel and Stephen Stubbins...oh, and can we talk about the fact that I have always thought it was among the fields of Bali Barley makes so much more sense. Great job, Meggie That got the ladies dressing room laughing... There were other stand out numbers packed with energy where there was no dancing at all. My brained was tried and tested with...
- 9/8/2015
- by Guest Blogger: Meggie Cansler
- BroadwayWorld.com
“Game of Thrones” turned into a musical on Thursday’s episode of “The Tonight Show.” Jimmy Fallon put his editing team’s mashup skills to good use once again by making a video depicting the cast of the HBO fantasy series singing the Pointer Sisters’ hit, “I’m So Excited.” All your favorite characters, from Tyrion to Varys to Daenerys, contribute a word or two. And who doesn’t love the idea of Tywin Lannister jamming to the Pointer Sisters in the hour of recreation that he allows himself? See Photos: 11 Famous Fire Breathers: Notable Dragons in Honor of ‘Game...
- 4/10/2015
- by Joe Otterson
- The Wrap
Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman talk about the new take on Doctor Who in a new interview with Empire. We recently posted an interview about how Capaldi is not only a fan, but a Doctor Who trivia master; it's a must read.
Capaldi on the his Doctor:
"He's more alien than he's been for a while. He doesn't quite understand human beings or really care very much about their approval."
Coleman on the new Doctor:
"With Matt's Doctor [Clara] felt quite safe, really. She knew she'd be caught if she was in danger, but this guy is a lot less human-friendly and a lot less patient. He's more removed and inaccessible. You can't quite access him in the same way."
Capaldi on his fandom:
"Doctor Who was a part of being a kid in the '60s with The Beatles and Sunday Night At The London Palladium and smog and bronchitis and all that stuff,...
Capaldi on the his Doctor:
"He's more alien than he's been for a while. He doesn't quite understand human beings or really care very much about their approval."
Coleman on the new Doctor:
"With Matt's Doctor [Clara] felt quite safe, really. She knew she'd be caught if she was in danger, but this guy is a lot less human-friendly and a lot less patient. He's more removed and inaccessible. You can't quite access him in the same way."
Capaldi on his fandom:
"Doctor Who was a part of being a kid in the '60s with The Beatles and Sunday Night At The London Palladium and smog and bronchitis and all that stuff,...
- 7/30/2014
- by Free Reyes
- GeekTyrant
Bonnie Pointer -- a founding member of The Pointer Sisters -- has filed for divorce after more than 35 years of marriage.Bonnie cites irreconcilable differences as the reason for ending her marriage to Motown Records producer Jeffrey Bowen. The couple married in 1978. It's not like this came from out of the blue ... According to legal docs, they separated in 2004.Bonnie is drawing a clear dividing line on the subject of assets ... claiming her royalties for recordings,...
- 7/1/2014
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
George Michael was one of the biggest stars of the 80′s and early 90′s, starting with Wham! and then solo. Since his debut, he’s sold over 100 million records worldwide and notched eight #1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100.
He’s had a tougher time personally and professionally since the mid-90′s thanks to a prolonged battle with Sony records and very public legal problems, but he’s been publicly out for over fifteen years, and hopefully he’s found his freedom.
Today is his 51st birthday, so let’s take a look back and try to pick out the 20 best singles of his career, both solo and with Wham! This is a good place to start The Essential George Michael Collection.
20. Freedom
Year: 1985
Album: Make It Big
Chart Peak: #3
The fourth and final single from Make It Big in the U.S., it was the first not to hit #1
19. Last Christmas...
He’s had a tougher time personally and professionally since the mid-90′s thanks to a prolonged battle with Sony records and very public legal problems, but he’s been publicly out for over fifteen years, and hopefully he’s found his freedom.
Today is his 51st birthday, so let’s take a look back and try to pick out the 20 best singles of his career, both solo and with Wham! This is a good place to start The Essential George Michael Collection.
20. Freedom
Year: 1985
Album: Make It Big
Chart Peak: #3
The fourth and final single from Make It Big in the U.S., it was the first not to hit #1
19. Last Christmas...
- 6/25/2014
- by snicks
- The Backlot
Ever since she stole the 2008 movie Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, you’ve probably suspected you’d be friends with actress Ari Graynor. After she popped by EW to take our Pop Culture Personality Test, we can confirm you’re right. Currently starring in CBS’ Bad Teacher, Graynor is also headlining Second Stage Theatre’s dark off-Broadway comedy American Hero, which begins previews May 12. Jerry O’Connell co-stars in the play, and the first sign she’s as fun as you want her to be is when she speaks about the birthday present he recently gave her — “I don’t want to brag.
- 5/12/2014
- by Mandi Bierly
- EW.com - PopWatch
Birthday shoutouts go to Charlie Hunnam (above), who is 35, Cynthia Nixon is 48, Marc Jacobs is 51, and Dennis Quaid is 60.
Comic Book Publisher Ends Relationship With Vendor Over Marriage Equality
Beyonce Liberated.
Billy Porter On Inspiring Gay Kids, Finding Forgiveness
Here’s the trailer for Matt Riddlehoover‘s More Scenes From A Gay Marriage, co-starring Charlie David and Rodiney
And no one would give up their seat. For shame.
Here’s Jimmy Fallon and Anne Hathaway performing Broadway versions of rap songs.
Jeremy Irvine will star in Roland Emmerich big-screen Stonewall. The only thing I know about him is he starred in War Horse, and this.
Veet Pulls Its Ad After Creating Hairy Controversy. That was … quick. What do you think? Offensive?
And here’s The Weekly ShoutOUT™. Each week we’re going to focus on one out athlete/performer and feature a daily pic and career timeline. We’ll be showcasing the big names,...
Comic Book Publisher Ends Relationship With Vendor Over Marriage Equality
Beyonce Liberated.
Billy Porter On Inspiring Gay Kids, Finding Forgiveness
Here’s the trailer for Matt Riddlehoover‘s More Scenes From A Gay Marriage, co-starring Charlie David and Rodiney
And no one would give up their seat. For shame.
Here’s Jimmy Fallon and Anne Hathaway performing Broadway versions of rap songs.
Jeremy Irvine will star in Roland Emmerich big-screen Stonewall. The only thing I know about him is he starred in War Horse, and this.
Veet Pulls Its Ad After Creating Hairy Controversy. That was … quick. What do you think? Offensive?
And here’s The Weekly ShoutOUT™. Each week we’re going to focus on one out athlete/performer and feature a daily pic and career timeline. We’ll be showcasing the big names,...
- 4/9/2014
- by snicks
- The Backlot
On an all new "Pretty Little Liars," a couple familiar faces are back in town and Mona appears to have chosen a side. Check out these sneak peek clips of "Bite Your Tongue."
Above, good ol' Maggie Cutler (guest star Larisa Oleynik) is back, telling Ezra that Malcolm is back in Seattle because she changed her mind about letting Ezra see him. Also, she's got a blonde bob -- do you think it was her in the car that Ezra was yelling at last episode?
But then why would he lie to Aria and say it was her lawyer? Why tell a half-truth? Though either way, Maggie confirms his story, at least so far in that she won't let him see Malcolm. But is that really what he was up to when he supposed to be in Philadelphia? Hmm.
Below, Mona calls out the Liars (though only Aria is there to hear it,...
Above, good ol' Maggie Cutler (guest star Larisa Oleynik) is back, telling Ezra that Malcolm is back in Seattle because she changed her mind about letting Ezra see him. Also, she's got a blonde bob -- do you think it was her in the car that Ezra was yelling at last episode?
But then why would he lie to Aria and say it was her lawyer? Why tell a half-truth? Though either way, Maggie confirms his story, at least so far in that she won't let him see Malcolm. But is that really what he was up to when he supposed to be in Philadelphia? Hmm.
Below, Mona calls out the Liars (though only Aria is there to hear it,...
- 1/24/2014
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Elizabeth Berkley channeled her Saved by the Bell character, Jessie Spano, on Monday night's episode of Dancing With the Stars. The actress performed an enthusiastic jive routine with her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, to the Pointer Sisters hit "I'm So Excited" - and though we're pretty sure you already know Elizabeth's connection to that song, let's just say it has something to do with a manic Jessie and a bottle of caffeine pills. If the '80s throwback wasn't amazing enough, Elizabeth had the support of none other than her former Sbtb costar Mario Lopez and received a near-perfect score from the three judges. We got word over the weekend that Elizabeth would be re-creating the iconic scene, and she confirmed the news herself with a series of tweets leading up to the big event; speaking of social media, please check out this incredible tweet from Mark-Paul Gosselaar (aka Zack Morris...
- 10/15/2013
- by Brittney Stephens
- Popsugar.com
Elizabeth Berkley isn’t exactly running from her “Saved by the Bell” past. For Monday’s “Dancing With the Stars,” she recreated one of the most, er, dramatic moments from her old show by downing “Jive Pills” before a performance of the Pointer Sisters’ “I’m So Excited.” Dance pro and extremely good sport Val Chmerkovskiy filled in for Zack Morris as Berkley revisited Jessie Spano’s harrowing addiction to caffeine pills. Also read: ‘Saved by the Bell’ Star Tiffani Thiessen Not Excited for Reunion With Mr. Belding? (Video) “I’m so excited!” Spano sang in a 1990 scene, as Morris...
- 10/15/2013
- by Tim Molloy
- The Wrap
After six long weeks of teary backstories, incessant Coldplay montages and Oscar-worthy editing, it's time... to face... the X Factor live shows.
We've already explained just why we love the live shows here, and we're hoping the return of an unedited Shazza will take things to the next level. Can Gary keep up his meanie persona? What words will Nicole make up this year? Will Louis kill off another Motown legend?
Join Digital Spy when The X Factor returns to ITV at 8pm to find out, and let us know your thoughts on the show in the comments box below and via our Twitter feed.
22:19We also have everything crossed for a return of The Group Performance, but either way, we'll be back tomorrow at 8pm, and we hope you can join us. Thanks for reading, and we'll see you then.
22:15Also on tomorrow's show will be Ellie Goulding,...
We've already explained just why we love the live shows here, and we're hoping the return of an unedited Shazza will take things to the next level. Can Gary keep up his meanie persona? What words will Nicole make up this year? Will Louis kill off another Motown legend?
Join Digital Spy when The X Factor returns to ITV at 8pm to find out, and let us know your thoughts on the show in the comments box below and via our Twitter feed.
22:19We also have everything crossed for a return of The Group Performance, but either way, we'll be back tomorrow at 8pm, and we hope you can join us. Thanks for reading, and we'll see you then.
22:15Also on tomorrow's show will be Ellie Goulding,...
- 10/12/2013
- Digital Spy
After six long weeks of teary backstories, incessant Coldplay montages and Oscar-worthy editing, it's time... to face... the X Factor live shows.
We've already explained just why we love the live shows here, and we're hoping the return of an unedited Shazza will take things to the next level. Can Gary keep up his meanie persona? What words will Nicole make up this year? Will Louis kill off another Motown legend?
Join Digital Spy when The X Factor returns to ITV at 8pm to find out, and let us know your thoughts on the show in the comments box below and via our Twitter feed.
21:53Nicole thinks they might be "the best band I've ever seen on this show". "International stars". Well, we might have to rewind this on the Sky+ box and listen again.
21:52Imagine that song with a needless bit of an X Factor key changery.
We've already explained just why we love the live shows here, and we're hoping the return of an unedited Shazza will take things to the next level. Can Gary keep up his meanie persona? What words will Nicole make up this year? Will Louis kill off another Motown legend?
Join Digital Spy when The X Factor returns to ITV at 8pm to find out, and let us know your thoughts on the show in the comments box below and via our Twitter feed.
21:53Nicole thinks they might be "the best band I've ever seen on this show". "International stars". Well, we might have to rewind this on the Sky+ box and listen again.
21:52Imagine that song with a needless bit of an X Factor key changery.
- 10/12/2013
- Digital Spy
Disc of the week
Hannibal – Series 1 Blu-ray review
Show
Hannibal is one of the unexpected recent highlights of U.S. TV crime drama. Inspired by Thomas Harris’ series of novels featuring the urbane maniac Hannibal Lector, the show reinvigorates a tired brand in a wholly enthralling way – and in a manner that’s not for the squeamish.
Hannibal is actually a prequel to the first Harris book to feature Lector, Red Dragon. Will Graham (Hugh Dancy), an almost supernaturally gifted but psychologically fragile profiler and instructor at the FBI’s Quantico training facility, is drafted by Jack Crawford (Laurence Fishburne), head of the Behavioural Science Unit, to assist with difficult cases. Crawford is well aware of the danger he exposes Graham to by asking him to immerse himself in the minds of killers, so he enlists the assistance of psychiatrist Hannibal Lector (Mads Mikkelson) to monitor Graham’s mental state...
Hannibal – Series 1 Blu-ray review
Show
Hannibal is one of the unexpected recent highlights of U.S. TV crime drama. Inspired by Thomas Harris’ series of novels featuring the urbane maniac Hannibal Lector, the show reinvigorates a tired brand in a wholly enthralling way – and in a manner that’s not for the squeamish.
Hannibal is actually a prequel to the first Harris book to feature Lector, Red Dragon. Will Graham (Hugh Dancy), an almost supernaturally gifted but psychologically fragile profiler and instructor at the FBI’s Quantico training facility, is drafted by Jack Crawford (Laurence Fishburne), head of the Behavioural Science Unit, to assist with difficult cases. Crawford is well aware of the danger he exposes Graham to by asking him to immerse himself in the minds of killers, so he enlists the assistance of psychiatrist Hannibal Lector (Mads Mikkelson) to monitor Graham’s mental state...
- 9/4/2013
- by Adam Lowes
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
When Disney got Elton John and Tim Rice to create the music for The Lion King, the result was one of the most popular Disney soundtracks ever (if not the most popular); so how is it that the Oliver & Company soundtrack featuring Billy Joel, Huey Lewis, Bette Midler, and Ruth Pointer (of The Pointer Sisters) has gone mostly forgotten? It’s certainly not because of the quality of the music, as it has a few very catchy numbers. The best answer might ultimately be that because Oliver & Company fell between the cracks during a major shift in how Disney handled home video releases, it took the movie years to arrive on VHS, then DVD, and now Blu-ray, and consequently its lack of availability has made it difficult for new generations to sink their teeth into it. And maybe that’s not all bad, because outside of seeing it for the...
- 8/27/2013
- by Lex Walker
- JustPressPlay.net
Los amantes pasajeros (English title: I’m So Excited!)
Written by Pedro Almodóvar
Directed by Pedro Almodóvar
Spain, 2013
It seems as though everything that could be said or written in praise of Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar has already been expressed. He is, without the shadow of a doubt, not only a critical darling, but has also earned himself a very respectable amount of fans in the movie going public, and, lest it be overlooked, built an impressive career with stories that, either directly or otherwise, spoke about subsections of the human population that only so rarely make important or relevant appearances in film, most notably homosexuals and transvestites. Almodóvar has dabbled in a multitude of genres, from pure dramas to comedies, and as recently as 2011 body horror (The Skin I Live In). I’m So Excited! is the director’s return to pure comedy, and in flamboyant fashion at that.
Written by Pedro Almodóvar
Directed by Pedro Almodóvar
Spain, 2013
It seems as though everything that could be said or written in praise of Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar has already been expressed. He is, without the shadow of a doubt, not only a critical darling, but has also earned himself a very respectable amount of fans in the movie going public, and, lest it be overlooked, built an impressive career with stories that, either directly or otherwise, spoke about subsections of the human population that only so rarely make important or relevant appearances in film, most notably homosexuals and transvestites. Almodóvar has dabbled in a multitude of genres, from pure dramas to comedies, and as recently as 2011 body horror (The Skin I Live In). I’m So Excited! is the director’s return to pure comedy, and in flamboyant fashion at that.
- 7/14/2013
- by Edgar Chaput
- SoundOnSight
Since 1999, director Pedro Almodovar has had a fabulous run of outstanding films. From All About My Mother through to 2011′s beguiling and brilliant The Skin I Live In, Almodovar has been at the very top of his game, producing work of such consistent high quality that he has become one of the foremost filmmakers on the world stage. It is a shame then that in 2013, after hitting 6 simultaneous home runs, that I’m So Excited sees the director losing his footing and producing his first disappointing work in nearly 15 years.
I’m So Excited is set aboard a flight where a technical failure threatens the lives of passengers and the crew. While the pilots and those on the ground are trying to find a solution, the cabin crew turn their eyes to drugs to not only calm themselves down but to also face the “savage” passengers and keep them at...
I’m So Excited is set aboard a flight where a technical failure threatens the lives of passengers and the crew. While the pilots and those on the ground are trying to find a solution, the cabin crew turn their eyes to drugs to not only calm themselves down but to also face the “savage” passengers and keep them at...
- 7/6/2013
- by Will Chadwick
- We Got This Covered
It’s Fourth of July weekend, so why not go see a Spanish movie?
I just wanted to share that I recently suffered/indulged in one of my biggest Lol spasms of 2013 during the absolutely ridiculous dance scene in Pedro Almodóvar’s new film I’m So Excited (Los amantes pasajeros, in theaters now). It’s not complicated: The three first-class flight attendants (Carlos Areces, Raúl Arévalo, and Javier Cámara, pictured) just vamp around to the Pointer Sisters’ hit, on a plane, in the middle of a life-threatening flight. It sounds annoying and probably would be annoying to many humans.
I just wanted to share that I recently suffered/indulged in one of my biggest Lol spasms of 2013 during the absolutely ridiculous dance scene in Pedro Almodóvar’s new film I’m So Excited (Los amantes pasajeros, in theaters now). It’s not complicated: The three first-class flight attendants (Carlos Areces, Raúl Arévalo, and Javier Cámara, pictured) just vamp around to the Pointer Sisters’ hit, on a plane, in the middle of a life-threatening flight. It sounds annoying and probably would be annoying to many humans.
- 7/5/2013
- by Annie Barrett
- EW.com - PopWatch
I’m So Excited!
Directed by: Pedro Almoldovar
Cast: Javier Camara, Cecilia Roth, Paz Vega, Blanca Suarez, Carmen Machi, Lola Dueñas
Running Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Rating: R
Release Date: July 5, 2013 (Chicago)
Plot: Three flight attendants take care of their passengers as two pilots attempt to prevent their damaged plane from crashing.
Who’S It For? If you’re familiar with Almoldovar, this film is likely to play for you better than for the uninitiated, if at least for the sake of being aware of his dramatic style and recurring themes. This movie could be a cult classic, but only within the cult of people who follow Almoldovar, and will watch anything he makes.
Overall
I’m So Excited!, which is like Pedro Almoldovar’s very gay Spanish version of Soul Plane, is a silly movie made that is outwardly fine with functioning as a simple breath of relaxed air from...
Directed by: Pedro Almoldovar
Cast: Javier Camara, Cecilia Roth, Paz Vega, Blanca Suarez, Carmen Machi, Lola Dueñas
Running Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Rating: R
Release Date: July 5, 2013 (Chicago)
Plot: Three flight attendants take care of their passengers as two pilots attempt to prevent their damaged plane from crashing.
Who’S It For? If you’re familiar with Almoldovar, this film is likely to play for you better than for the uninitiated, if at least for the sake of being aware of his dramatic style and recurring themes. This movie could be a cult classic, but only within the cult of people who follow Almoldovar, and will watch anything he makes.
Overall
I’m So Excited!, which is like Pedro Almoldovar’s very gay Spanish version of Soul Plane, is a silly movie made that is outwardly fine with functioning as a simple breath of relaxed air from...
- 7/5/2013
- by Nick Allen
- The Scorecard Review
The Heat is on, according to People's movie critic. Meanwhile, she's not sure whether the guilt outweighs the pleasure in Channing Tatum's White House Down but finds I'm So Excited to be high-flying fun.See This• The Heat There's already been a fair amount of handwringing in some circles over whether The Heat, Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy's buddy-cop movie, is truly feminist. It's a big-budget female-driven comedy, so that's a plus for women. But their characters are damaged and unlikable, so that's supposedly a minus. They're terrific at their jobs, another win. But their male colleagues don't respect them,...
- 6/28/2013
- by Alynda Wheat, PEOPLE Movie Critic
- PEOPLE.com
It's a bit of a shame that the U.S. release of Pedro Almodóvar's latest, called Los Amantes Pasajeros in Spanish, is titled I'm So Excited!, and that it will presumably use the moment where the flight attendants break into a raucous rendition of the Pointer Sisters hit as a key marketing point. Not that I blame them -- the song-and-dance is the film's high point, and easily its most unhinged and memorable scene -- but in a movie with few other surprises, the whole could have benefited greatly from such a burst of energy coming out of nowhere. Not to say the rest of the film, a slight, stylish sit-com-melodrama at 35,000 feet, is bad. It's agreeable, breezy and often quite funny, but those hoping...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 6/27/2013
- Screen Anarchy
I’m So Excited (Los amantes pasajeros)
Directed by Pedro Almodovar
Written by Pedro Almodovar
2013, Spain
For three decades, Pedro Almodovar has been the most internationally successful purveyor of queer cinema. His first film, 1980’s Pepi, Luci, Bom and Other Girls on the Heap, was released just two years before Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s too-soon swan-song, Querelle. Though the directors possess distinctly different approaches to the medium (Almodovar hasn’t yet gone sci-fi ala World on A Wire, for instance), their films were among the first brashly and unapologetically queer films that were both critically accepted and widely seen. Fassbinder’s films, operating under the New German Cinema umbrella, aggressively proclaimed their institutional critique by way of difficult, at times unpalatable imagery (Remember In A Year of Seven Moons?), while Almodovar’s commentary is often, but no less importantly, couched beneath the artifice of camp and melodrama. Because Almodovar oftentimes...
Directed by Pedro Almodovar
Written by Pedro Almodovar
2013, Spain
For three decades, Pedro Almodovar has been the most internationally successful purveyor of queer cinema. His first film, 1980’s Pepi, Luci, Bom and Other Girls on the Heap, was released just two years before Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s too-soon swan-song, Querelle. Though the directors possess distinctly different approaches to the medium (Almodovar hasn’t yet gone sci-fi ala World on A Wire, for instance), their films were among the first brashly and unapologetically queer films that were both critically accepted and widely seen. Fassbinder’s films, operating under the New German Cinema umbrella, aggressively proclaimed their institutional critique by way of difficult, at times unpalatable imagery (Remember In A Year of Seven Moons?), while Almodovar’s commentary is often, but no less importantly, couched beneath the artifice of camp and melodrama. Because Almodovar oftentimes...
- 6/23/2013
- by John Oursler
- SoundOnSight
While the rains poured last night in NYC, a few hundred slightly damp cinephiles gathered inside at the New York Times Center for the latest installment of Times Talks: A Conversation With Pedro Almodóvar. As fans of the Spanish auteur are probably already aware, Almodóvar's latest film, "I'm So Excited" (out June 28th), is the filmmaker's first foray back into madcap comedy in over two decades. The film centers on a group of misfits: newlyweds, partygoers, inebriated flight attendants and closeted pilots all stranded together on a flight for a soapy ride full of secrets, revelations and the occasional loosely choreographed Pointer Sisters dance number. As a surprise for the audience Almodóvar brought along three of his actors: Carlos Areces (who plays the riotous flight attendant Fajas), Blanca Suárez ("The Skin I Live In") and Miguel Ángel Silvestre. As usual, Almodóvar was armed with a translator so that he could...
- 6/8/2013
- by Cory Everett
- The Playlist
To the delight of Saturday Night Live diehards, after leaving at the end of the last season, Kristen Wiig returned to the show to host an episode. She revived most of her staple SNL characters: the unattractive sister in a girl group on the Lawrence Welk Show, half of an unprepared singing duo on Weekend Update, a vain ex-wife in "The Californians," Gilly, and the overly excited Target woman. While it was marvelous to see Wiig back on the show, the litany of these characters felt too comfortable and grew stale as the show wore on. Of course, Wiig's talent as a comedian shined through, particularly in the fresh sketches. After a total flop of an intro skit (turns out the Benghazi hearings aren't interesting, even when they're being parodied), Wiig went with a song and dance number for her monologue. Singing a rewrite of "I'm So Excited" by the Pointer Sisters,...
- 5/13/2013
- by Maggie Lange
- Thompson on Hollywood
She's back! Kristen Wiig returned to her Saturday Night Live stomping grounds last night after leaving the show nearly a year ago, hosting the late-night laugher for the first time. Kicking off the show with a song-and-dance number, Wiig sashayed her way around the SNL backstage area while singing her own rendition of the Pointer Sisters' "I'm So Excited," bumping into new and old cast members along the way. While there weren't a ton of celeb/SNL alum cameos like her send-off episode during last year's finale, she did bump into Jonah Hill and a very pregnant Maya Rudolph making out in a closet. And then it was time for the show. Wiig's first...
- 5/12/2013
- E! Online
Kristen Wiig returned to the "Saturday Night Live" stage as host this weekend, her first time back since her exit last year.
The actress was joined by fellow "SNL" alum and "Bridesmaids" co-star Maya Rudolph for her opening monologue (which included a performance of the classic Pointer Sisters hit, "I'm So Excited"), and Jonah Hill also made a cameo.
One of the funnier bits of the night was a timely Mother's Day commercial for 1-800 Flowers.
Photos: The Incomparable Kristen Wiig
In the sketch ad, Kristen plays a loving daughter who gives flowers to her mom ...
Copyright 2013 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The actress was joined by fellow "SNL" alum and "Bridesmaids" co-star Maya Rudolph for her opening monologue (which included a performance of the classic Pointer Sisters hit, "I'm So Excited"), and Jonah Hill also made a cameo.
One of the funnier bits of the night was a timely Mother's Day commercial for 1-800 Flowers.
Photos: The Incomparable Kristen Wiig
In the sketch ad, Kristen plays a loving daughter who gives flowers to her mom ...
Copyright 2013 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
- 5/12/2013
- by nobody@accesshollywood.com (AccessHollywood.com Editorial Staff)
- Access Hollywood
Note: We will post videos from this week's Saturday Night Live as soon as they are made available online. Former Saturday Night Live castmember Kristen Wiig returned to host the show just a year shy of Mick Jagger giving her an emotional sendoff in last season's finale. In her ridiculously charming opening monologue, Wiig sang to the tune of The Pointer Sisters’ “I’m so Excited” to show how good she felt about being back on SNL. She explored backstage to prove how well she knew the show's inner workings, but at every turn she got the details totally wrong. Wiig
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- 5/12/2013
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
★★★☆☆ To say that Pedro Almodóvar's Pointer Sisters-referencing I'm So Excited (Los amantes pasajeros, 2013) is one of the flamboyant Spanish auteur's more inconsequential efforts would perhaps be doing it a disservice; it is, after all, as interested in sexual politics and forms of control and restraint as any of his previous films. The key distinction to make, then, is that this is arguably his first all-out comedy, forgoing heartrending melodrama in favour of sharp one-liners and trusted sight gags. As expected, Almodóvar proves himself a deft comic director, though this latest enjoyable offering does struggle to reach the dizzying heights of his finest work.
An Airplane! for post-recession Spain, I'm So Excited takes place almost entirely aboard an ill-fated commercial flight en route to Mexico City. With the plane's landing gear damaged before take off - in a sequence which features cameos from Almodóvar regulars Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz...
An Airplane! for post-recession Spain, I'm So Excited takes place almost entirely aboard an ill-fated commercial flight en route to Mexico City. With the plane's landing gear damaged before take off - in a sequence which features cameos from Almodóvar regulars Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz...
- 5/5/2013
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
Chaos reigns in business class in Pedro Almodóvar's slight yet droll commentary on post-crash Spain
Pedro Almodóvar, who turns 64 in September, is Spain's most important film-maker since Luis Buñuel and one of the first directors to enter mainstream cinema as openly gay. He made the last great movie of the 20th century, All About My Mother, and the first great movie of the 21st century, Talk to Her. He began his career making courageous, outrageous low-budget comedies, pushing the envelope of taste and acceptability in the immediate aftermath of Franco's dictatorship. Now with I'm So Excited! he characteristically combines subtlety and frivolity in a Wildean manner to comment upon Spain's current moral and economic crisis.
His recent films have been seriocomedies, their plots complicated and referential. In All About My Mother, for instance, he brought together A Streetcar Named Desire and All About Eve. I'm So Excited! returns to a looser form,...
Pedro Almodóvar, who turns 64 in September, is Spain's most important film-maker since Luis Buñuel and one of the first directors to enter mainstream cinema as openly gay. He made the last great movie of the 20th century, All About My Mother, and the first great movie of the 21st century, Talk to Her. He began his career making courageous, outrageous low-budget comedies, pushing the envelope of taste and acceptability in the immediate aftermath of Franco's dictatorship. Now with I'm So Excited! he characteristically combines subtlety and frivolity in a Wildean manner to comment upon Spain's current moral and economic crisis.
His recent films have been seriocomedies, their plots complicated and referential. In All About My Mother, for instance, he brought together A Streetcar Named Desire and All About Eve. I'm So Excited! returns to a looser form,...
- 5/4/2013
- by Philip French
- The Guardian - Film News
Pedro Almodóvar's air steward farce could be some kind of national allegory – but the great director's real interest lies in returning to the good-natured sex comedy of his youth
Pedro Almodóvar's new film is a cheeky comedy about stressy homosexuals in an aeroplane going round and round in the sky without getting anywhere. There are some stressy heterosexuals as well. They are theoretically menaced by a danger that no one, least of all the audience, is taking all that seriously. The movie is Almodóvar's satirical venting of national exasperation with the economy, the king and perhaps even Spain itself – a troubled country that the plane is making its hazardous and entirely ineffective attempt to leave. But finally it's less ambitious than that: more like a lark, a small-scale domestic flight that returns the director, inevitably, to his favourite, hedonistic concerns of sexual identity and sexual transgression.
In the opening credits,...
Pedro Almodóvar's new film is a cheeky comedy about stressy homosexuals in an aeroplane going round and round in the sky without getting anywhere. There are some stressy heterosexuals as well. They are theoretically menaced by a danger that no one, least of all the audience, is taking all that seriously. The movie is Almodóvar's satirical venting of national exasperation with the economy, the king and perhaps even Spain itself – a troubled country that the plane is making its hazardous and entirely ineffective attempt to leave. But finally it's less ambitious than that: more like a lark, a small-scale domestic flight that returns the director, inevitably, to his favourite, hedonistic concerns of sexual identity and sexual transgression.
In the opening credits,...
- 5/3/2013
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Pedro Almodóvar, one of Spain’s most internationally acclaimed directors (he’s won two Academy Awards to date), returns to familiar territory with I’m So Excited, his first out-and-out comedy since Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown was released some twenty three years ago. Gone are the somewhat sombre explorations of dark, labyrinthine subjects found within his recent crop of dramas (The Skin I Live In, Broken Embraces), only to be replaced by all the necessary ingredients needed to make a frivolous, laugh-inducing and frothy farce.
When a technical failure caused by airport workers, played by Almodóvar regulars Penélope Cruz and Antonio Banderas, forces Peninsula Flight 2549 to circle Toledo until a runway can be sourced and prepped for an emergency landing, the equally outlandish and excessive characters aboard – from the camp and sexually promiscuous flight crew to the novel business class passengers – turn to alcohol, smuggled-on drugs...
When a technical failure caused by airport workers, played by Almodóvar regulars Penélope Cruz and Antonio Banderas, forces Peninsula Flight 2549 to circle Toledo until a runway can be sourced and prepped for an emergency landing, the equally outlandish and excessive characters aboard – from the camp and sexually promiscuous flight crew to the novel business class passengers – turn to alcohol, smuggled-on drugs...
- 4/30/2013
- by Jamie Neish
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Director: Pedro Almodóvar; Screenwriter: Pedro Almodóvar; Starring: Javier Cámara, Pepa Charro, Lola Dueñas, Cecilia Roth, Antonio Banderas, Penélope Cruz; Running time: 90 mins; Certificate: 15
Pedro Almodóvar switches to something a little more frivolous after delving into the darkness with plastic surgery thriller The Skin I Live In. New comedy I'm So Excited is very much Carry On Across the Airways as he tracks the lives of passengers and crew on a flight from Spain to Mexico City.
It's as camp as Christmas and light as a feather, but there's fun to be had in this absurdist comedy in the clouds. Almodóvar regulars Antonio Banderas and Penélope Cruz make fleeting appearances as squabbling baggage handlers at the start of the film, but the baton is swiftly passed on to air stewards Joserra (Javier Cámara), Ulloa (Raúl Arévalo) and Fajas (Carlos Areces) for the mile-high shenanigans.
A landing gear hitch leaves the flight in a holding pattern,...
Pedro Almodóvar switches to something a little more frivolous after delving into the darkness with plastic surgery thriller The Skin I Live In. New comedy I'm So Excited is very much Carry On Across the Airways as he tracks the lives of passengers and crew on a flight from Spain to Mexico City.
It's as camp as Christmas and light as a feather, but there's fun to be had in this absurdist comedy in the clouds. Almodóvar regulars Antonio Banderas and Penélope Cruz make fleeting appearances as squabbling baggage handlers at the start of the film, but the baton is swiftly passed on to air stewards Joserra (Javier Cámara), Ulloa (Raúl Arévalo) and Fajas (Carlos Areces) for the mile-high shenanigans.
A landing gear hitch leaves the flight in a holding pattern,...
- 4/29/2013
- Digital Spy
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