SHAME AT THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME?

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THE WEB GOSSIP
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The guy or girl that writes this column is a very big industry insider who wishes to remain anonymous, but wants to write about all the headlines happening in Hollywood and the Music Industry.

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Ben Stiller

GO GREENBERG --- Monday evening was the much anticipated screening of Focus Features latest release, “Greenberg,” starring Ben Stiller; written and directed by Noam Baumbach (the "Squid and the Whale" and "Kicking and Screaming"). It was, as anticipated, a slow-burn, dazzlingly written and acted movie. Stiller for me, is a terrific actor whether it’s a comedy or drama. He was terrific in “Zoolander” and stellar in “Tropic Thunder.” Sure, he’s had his missteps, “Cable Guy” comes to mind, but here he’s downright engaging … and, funny. The real standout here is actress Greta Gerwig, who plays Florence, an assistant for his brother in the movie. She and Greenberg meet and a relationship ensues. The line ‘hurt people hurt people’ keeps coming up and now that I've thought about it, basically describes the movie. Hurt people hurting … but, trying to emerge from that dark place. Stiller says, “Greenberg is about people who haven't realized their dreams. Which is something a lot of people can identify with. How do you deal with it? Greenberg has put up so many layers of defenses and so many barriers of protection to push people away. By showing all of the characters in a real way, hopefully the audiences will feel for the love story that emerges from the movie.” Truth be told, the movie reminded me of the early work of Robert Altman , Paul Mazursky, or Hal Ashby, where introspection was the main motivation in each of their works. Rhys Ifans plays Ivan, Stiller’s buddy, and is a real revelation here. In the past, he’s been the comedic-foil for so many characters (“Notting Hill” comes immediately to mind). Here, he’s downright stoic and his lines are often of a philosophical nature. Turns out he and Greenberg were part of a band in the early '80s, and actually had the chance to sign a record deal, but Greenberg begged off at the last moment, destroying their chances and the members went their separate ways … with much resentment still there. Trying to save his years-old marriage, and with a son Victor, his one standout line for me was ‘imagine if you could embrace the life you could have had.’ Great line, right? A terrific movie for sure. I'm not sure how it will resonate with the mass audiences, but for me Greenberg is the real deal. Kudos to Stiller, Baumbach, Ifans, and Gerwig. For me, an instant classic. So far, one of the best this year .Thanks to Jason Simons of Focus Features for hooking us up on this one and it was a delight re-connecting to MTV's Kurt Loder, who I've known for years.
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Paul McCartney

SCRIPTED --- Tuesday night found us at Danny Fried’s China Club were WPLJ hosted their latest Up Close And Personal concert with The Script; currently the hottest export from Dublin, Ireland. I didn't realize it, but the group opened up for no less than Sir Paul McCartney at his shows last year at Citi Field. The threesome, currently hot as liquid gold with their single “Breakeven,” were sensational, with a remarkable command of the stage. To me, they immediately brought to mind one of my favorite groups Keane, from England. It was terrific to see the WPLJ-gang again, from Scott Shannon, Todd Pettengill, Brad Blacks, Monkey Boy, Race Taylor, Theresa Angela, Tony Mascaro, and Tony Cafarelli. The group’s Danny O’Donoghue, Mark Sheehan, and Glen Powers quickly developed an immediate bond with the night-before-St. Patrick’s Day gang and delivered a tremendous show. In fact, now that I think about it, the crowd was especially raucous and certainly ready to celebrate the next day. We also enjoyed “The End Where I Begin” and “Rusty Halo.” Also spotted were Promo wiz Jerry Lembo; PR-man David Salidor with his latest client Harrison Forbes. Terrific group … terrific show.

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Keifer Sutherland

24 AGAIN --- Just when you thought that TV’s "24" couldn't possibly re-cycle another idea … they did it one more time and it worked as well as ever. They essentially blew up their oh-so-secret and high-tech CTU headquarters, with an EMP. Got that? An EMP? They actually blew CTU up in season 2; gassed it in season 5; and, was sort of taken hostage in season 6 … but, it still worked like a charm this time. I've got to tip my hat yet again to the acting prowess of Keifer Sutherland. When you think of all the fine actors who have been in this show, Sutherland still ranks at the top of the list. Good one Keifer. Again, I do hope "24" survives for one more season. As I said Monday, a firm-end time would probably do everyone and everything over there a big favor. But, Monday night, they shined again. And, just for my own two-cents: This terrific episode was written by Patrick Harbinson and Chip Johannssen, two of the very fine writers from my all-time TV favorite, “Millennium.”

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Alice Cooper

ROCK AND ROLL DO DO --- From all the reports surfacing from Monday’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame show at The Waldorf, it seemed positively dull. Every report I've read referenced Phil Collins not looking well and scowling every time. I know he’s either recovering from back surgery, or about to go under, so he’s not 100%, but even in the photos he seemed to look like Jackie Earle Haley. I'm glad ABBA finally got in, but the names of the acts that have not yet been granted entry is indeed shameful. I know I said Monday I would not mention them, but after repeated requests, here’s the list: Kiss; Depeche Mode; The Cure; Chicago; Hall and Oates; Rush; Alice Cooper; Moody Blues (!!!); E.L.O.; Cheap Trick; Bad Company; Peter Frampton; Heart; T-Rex; Bon Jovi; Journey; Foreigner; Public Enemy; Red Hot Chili Peppers; and, The Monkees. Shameful, right?

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Joseph Fiennes

SHORT NOTES: I love “Regis and Kelly” … but, when they do a pre-tape or post-tape and edit it horrendously, it is the worst … interviews end abruptly, subjects overlap. In the old days, if you did a lousy edit, the fellow would get reprimanded and you'd never see something like that again. Nowadays, it’s almost become a badge of honor to do … and, have the audience pick up on it. The technical term is called Easter Eggs. Still hate it … The L.A. Times today reported that Fox is nearing a deal to bring Conan to their network. Go for it guys … Leno is awful and though I hate to see anyone opposite David Letterman, Conan is due … A show debuted last September called “Flash Forward.” It’s been moved so many times and has had three sets of show-runners, so it never really had the chance to get an audience. The basic premise is that everyone (or, so we think at the onset) blacked out for 137 seconds. Everyone’s blackout enabled them to get a glimpse into their future … some good, some bad. The show returns to ABC tomorrow with a hopefully stepped-up agenda. The writing has been nothing short of terrace; the acting, led by Joseph Fiennes, superb; do yourself a favor and watch it ... "Lost" continues their brilliant end-run of shows. Josh Holloway, just superb. This fellow is doing outstanding work. So enjoyable!
Photos By: RD/Dziekan/Sara De Boer/Retna