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A look back at 2007’s most entertaining ... and bizarre by Joshua Maloni
Most Entertaining Movie: “Transformers” Sure, there were better movies released in 2007. But, how much fun was it watching the toys we played with growing up come to life on the big screen? Most Entertaining TV Show: “Pushing Daisies” Equal parts wit and whimsy, the story of Ned The Pie Maker and his long-lost love Chuck – whom he brings back from the grave in the same fashion he revives dead fruit for his pastries – is a sugary delight. Most Entertaining Comeback: Hanson Ten years ago, the teenyboppers were “Mmmbopping” their way to the top of the Billboard charts. But, when N’Sync and Britney came along, the boppers were banished. Today, the band has morphed into a legit alt-rock act – and serious contributors to the less fortunate in South Africa. Most Unusual Success: Josh Groban’s holiday album There is no gray area with the classical crooner: You either love him or you want to rip your ears off when you hear him. Seriously. Yet, inexplicably (even with an appearance on “Oprah”), Groban’s “Noel” looks as if it will be the year’s top-selling album – surpassing releases from Disney’s “High School Musical” and “American Idol” stars Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Daughtry. Apparently, the tide is turning in Groban’s favor. Most Memorable Local Concerts: Billy Joel at HSBC Arena (three hours of hits!); Hootie and the Blowfish at Artpark (three encores!); Kelly Clarkson at Seneca Niagara Casino (amazing vocal talent); Marc Scibilia at Club Infinity (an audience so large people were sitting on the floor); Relevant Worship at Kingdom Bound (local band outdraws national acts). Most Newsworthy Duos: Paris and Nicole, Britney and Jamie Lynn “Simple Life” stars and moochers of Daddy’s money Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie each made headlines in 2007 for the wrong reasons. On May 4, Paris was sentenced to 45 days in jail for violating the DUI-related probation she was serving. One month later, she snuck out of the “MTV Movie Awards” to begin serving her term. After four days, she was sent home, only to be publicly dragged back. Ultimately, she spent three weeks in the clink. BFF Nicole Richie was busted in December 2006 for driving under the influence of drugs. In July, she was sentenced to four days in jail. One month later, she wore an orange suit for all of 82 minutes before being released. The Spears family had a forgettable year, as well. Britney divorced K-Fed, lost custody of their children, gained weight, lost hair, and sleepwalked through her big return to MTV. Not to be outdone, little sister Jamie Lynn, 16, and a star on Nickelodeon, recently announced she’s with child. Let’s hope 2008 is a year of better decision-making (and sobriety) for all of the above. Least Entertaining Disappearance: Rachel McAdams Fresh from hits “Mean Girls,” “The Notebook,” “Wedding Crashers” and “Red Eye,” it seemed as if the Canadian starlet had usurped Julia Roberts and Reese Witherspoon as Tinseltown’s Go-To Girl. Yet, Rachel McAdams hasn’t been seen on screen since 2005. What gives? Like Roberts and Witherspoon, McAdams has decided to be more selective with the roles she signs on to play. Also, she’s rather selfishly grown fond of spending time with family and friends. The nerve. Alas, men ages 13-50, there is good news: McAdams will be back in 2008
with a trio of films. “Viva Laughlin” The worst show I’ve ever seen was also immensely fun to watch. A drama set in Las Vegas where all the characters break out into spontaneously bad cover songs? Brilliant. Apparently, Hugh Jackman’s success as Wolverine in the “X-Men” franchise gives him a greenlight to make crap so bad Survivorman wouldn’t touch it. |
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