Idol Chatter

August 2008 Archives

Friday August 29, 2008

HBO Still Pulling Out All the Stops for 'True Blood' Ad Campaign

Wow. If you ever read my posts you already know that I have a thing for vampires--be they from "Buffy," "Twilight," or the old school "Bram Stoker's Dracula" variety. But it appears that HBO is as excited about vampires as I am--if their extensive, creative ad campaign for "True Blood"--their new show by Alan Ball ("Six Feet Under") premiering September 7th--has anything to say about their feelings.

Their newest ploy: I came across yet another fake website promoting the show--this one advertising "Tru Blood"--the preferred blood alternative drink of vampires on the show. When you head to the site, it greets you with the request that you "Please Enter the Date You Were Turned." You have to check it out. It's really fun.

Apparently I am not alone in thinking this.

The campaign has ad and marketing folks in quite the frenzy. I know I'm excited about it. I can't wait to see the show. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's as good as they are making it seem!

Friday August 29, 2008

Categories: Christian music

Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman Begin Tour

michaelwsmith.jpgTwo of the most enduring and integrous Christian musicians of the last two decades are teaming up for what will no doubt be an inspiring and entertaining tour. And if your Christian faith is important to you, this will likely be a night that's as worshipful as it is wonderful.

Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith--or is it Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman?--are launching their new tour on August 30 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They're calling it the "United" tour and it's the first time the two have toured together.

Smith has won three Grammys and been nominated for nine others. Ever since he got his start by writing songs for well-known Christian musicians (Sandi Patti, Kathy Troccoli, Amy Grant, etc.) and playing as the opening act for Grant back in the eighties, he has been the biggest name in Christian music. He's made 22 CDs, won 33 of the Gospel Music Association's Dove awards and also published books and DVDs.

Friday August 29, 2008

Categories: Entertainment, Movies

Richard Dutcher's 'Very Frustrating Enlightenment'

fallingmoviepic.jpgWhen Richard Dutcher wrote and directed "God's Army," a 2001 movie about the struggles of idealistic LDS missionaries negotiating the reality of Los Angeles, he instantly became a Mormon hero. Dubbed "the father of modern Latter-day Saint cinema" after the film became an indie hit, Dutcher disappointed his Mormon fans with his sequel, "States of Grace," that came out in 2006. With his latest, "Falling," he completes his separation.

The story of a Mormon videographer who loses his faith, besides being perhaps the first "R-rated Mormon film" according to the L.A. Times , "Falling" is an exploration of Dutcher's own falling out with the Latter Day Saints in what he calls "a very frustrating enlightenment."

Friday August 29, 2008

Categories: DVDs, Movies

Top 5 Back to School Movies

MrHollandsOpuspicforic.jpgSome students--and teachers--have already been forced to give up their fun in the sun and others will be forced back into the world of textbooks and tests next week. (On the other hand, the cheers you are hearing are from all of the parents!)

So in honor of the transition into fall, and because I will not be returning to a classroom for the first time in several years--I'm listing a few of my favorite back-to-school movies. Some celebrate education, some mock it, but they are all worth visiting on DVD one more time!

Tell me what movie motivates you as you, or a family member, head back to school by leaving a comment below.

Mr. Holland's Opus: As one of the original inspirational teacher movies that was designed to gain an actor Oscar consideration, Richard Dreyfuss was masterful as a composer who hates teaching music but then learns to love the job and the students.

Chalk: I have recommended this mockumentary before as a DVD pick, and I still say the whole family can find something to relate to in this "Office"-like look at school life.

Friday August 29, 2008

Categories: Television

CW: 'Of Course We'll Screen 90210 for Advertisers'

90210castpicforic.jpgDespite initial reports, the CW will offer a glimpse of the new '90210' to potential advertisers:

While the CW will not make promotional discs containing individual episodes (also known as "screeners") of its teen drama available to critics or media buyers, it does intend to make the show available to industry monitoring services, such as Media Information Services, that view individual episodes and write reports specifically with advertisers in mind.

The Parents Television Council had previously objected to the initial decision to not screen the show for advertisers, maintaining that the show was likely to be as morally questionable as 'Gossip Girl,' which also airs on the network:

"If 'Gossip Girl' is any indication of what '90210' will look like, advertisers have plenty of reason to steer clear of the show. 'Gossip Girl' storylines have glamorized drug and alcohol use along with casual teen sex, including threesomes. Apparently, CW believes this type of content is appropriate to include in the most-watched show among girls ages 12-17, and advertisers shouldn't expect any restraint with '90210.'

Idol Chatter hasn't seen a screener, but we're pretty sure someone hits the Jacuzzi in a bikini before the end of the first episode. Where it goes from there, only Kelly Taylor knows.

90210 at LocateTV.com

Friday August 29, 2008

Categories: Books

Manufactured Muslim Outrage Over 'The Jewel of Medina'

It wasn't big news, but it was making headlines in the publishing world when a new book called "The Jewel of Medina" about Aisha, the last wife of The Prophet Muhammad, hit the stands and stoked some controversy--not because of...

Thursday August 28, 2008

Categories: Pop Culture

No-Go on 'Covered Girls': Priest Calls off Nun Beauty Contest

Nuns, Father Antonio Rungi, Beauty Contest, Catholic Church

Thursday August 28, 2008

Is Buffy Turning Girls into Witches?

We heard about it with Harry Potter in spades: that J.K. Rowling's beloved series about witches and wizards would somehow corrupt the minds and religious practices of youth all over the world. We heard about it with Philip Pullman, too,...

Thursday August 28, 2008

Categories: Television

Watch Clip: An 'Office' Shunning

In this hilarious montage of clips from an episode of "The Office," Dwight, played by Rainn Wilson, uses the Amish technique of shunning (other religions have versions of shunning as well), against a co-worker, Andy. Watch the video below....

Wednesday August 27, 2008

Categories: Christian music

Guglielmucci Not the First Christian Music Artist to Battle Porn Addiction

As you may have already heard from Gospel Soundcheck blogger Joanne Brokaw, pastor and Planetshakers band member Michael Guglielmucci, recently confessed to lying about battling terminal leukemia, duping his congregation, fans, and most shockingly, his wife and family. According to...

Wednesday August 27, 2008

Categories: Television

Parents Coucil Says 'OMG' to '90210' Reboot

Have New York's Upper East Side rich kids set an impossibly high bar for titillation, or will their West Coast Beverly Hills-dwelling teen counterparts kick their six-packs and bikinis up a notch, making the new "90210" a real contender? When...

Wednesday August 27, 2008

Categories: Books, Pop Culture, Trends

Dave Freeman: A Life, and Death, That Reminds to Make the Most of Our Days

In a bit of irony that one only hopes he's enjoying in his latest destination somewhere beyond the stars, Dave Freeman, co-author of the groundbreaking 1999 travel book "100 Things to Do Before You Die," passed away on Aug. 17...

Wednesday August 27, 2008

Categories: DVDs

Enter to Win: Lee Strobel's 'The Case for Faith' DVD

Author and megachurch pastor Lee Strobel wasn't always such a high profile Christian--he was actually a spiritual skeptic until the early 80s. However, after interviewing dozens of scientists for his books "The Case for Christ," "The Case for a Creator,"...

Tuesday August 26, 2008

The Conventions: Life Imitates Art

Did you watch the Democratic National Convention on TV Monday night? No. Neither did I. It made me think back to that "West Wing" episode of a few years ago, where the dramatic twist featured all three major television network...

Tuesday August 26, 2008

Categories: Movies

Watch Trailer: 'Save Me'

"Save Me" stars 80s child star Chad Allen as a drug addicted man who is forced into a Christian-run ministry by his family. The ministry, led by a woman named Gayle (played by Judith Light), can "help cure young men...

Tuesday August 26, 2008

Categories: Books, Pop Culture, Trends

Am I the Only Person Who Liked 'Breaking Dawn'?

I think it's safe to say that I'm Beliefnet's resident obsessionado of all-things Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight Series." And those of you who followed my posts leading up to the release of book four, "Breaking Dawn," I was, um, kind of...

Tuesday August 26, 2008

Categories: Celebrities, DVDs

Interview with The Little Mermaid: Jodi Benson

It was a great pleasure to speak again with Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel in "The Little Mermaid." Jodi returns to the role for a new DVD called "The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning," in stores this week. Tell me...

Monday August 25, 2008

Categories: Books, Politics, Television

'Blue Like Jazz' Author Will Pray for the Democrats Tonight

Though I utterly despise the political conventions of any party, I guess I am going to have to watch at least part of the Democratic National Convention tonight out of curiousity. It seems that Donald Miller, author of the spiritual...

Monday August 25, 2008

Categories: Movies

'Hamlet 2': To Laugh or Not to Laugh?

A lively debate has been going on here between Idol Chatter readers about the controversial comedy "Hamlet 2." In particular the movie's big musical number "Rock Me Sexy Jesus" has raised concerns for its irreverent content. I promised I would...

Monday August 25, 2008

Categories: Pop Culture, Television

The S.S. Minnow is Back in Shipshape

Anyone for a 3-hour tour? If you get on the S.S. Minnow and the other passengers are a movie star, a professor, a millionaire and his wife, not to mention Mary Ann, you might want to check to make sure...

Monday August 25, 2008

Categories: Television

My Super Sweet 16: 'Exiled' in Teenville

Many years ago, when the first episode of MTV's "My Super Sweet Sixteen" aired, I thought that the network had taken a daring step by reflecting this generation's craven consumerism and narcissism back at them with the depictions of half-a-million...

Monday August 25, 2008

Categories: Celebrities, Pop Culture

Who Do You Think Has Been the Most Inspirational Person of 2008?

At the end of every year, Beliefnet selects, with help from our readers, a group of 10 individuals who have made a difference in the world for our Most Inspiring Person of the Year Award. Nominees include celebrities who use...

Friday August 22, 2008

The Gospel According to Oprah (Literally)

It's no secret (ha! I am already making puns) that Oprah Winfrey is many an American's spiritual guide. There is even a book, "The Gospel According To Oprah" by Marcia Z. Nelson, that "praises Oprah for using her entertainment pulpit...

Friday August 22, 2008

Home Makeover: Faith Edition

If Jesus came back today, which television show would be his favorite? A clue comes from Mike Zak, youth director at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in St. Charles, Ill. According to the Chicago Tribune, Zak, a fan of "Home...

Friday August 22, 2008

Categories: DVDs

'Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day': My DVD Pick of the Week

If you are as saddened as I am by the waning days of summer, I have the perfect movie for you. It's a gentle, breezy, frothy, old-fashioned story that celebrates all that was once great about the good ole' days....

Thursday August 21, 2008

'Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2' Gains Stars, Loses Spark

There is no shortage of girl-starpower fueling the "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2" about four best girlfriends who find a pair of jeans that miraculously fit each of them perfectly and makes magic happen in their lives--or wait,...

Thursday August 21, 2008

Categories: Movies

Who Should Be Offended by 'Tropic Thunder?'

A coalition of disability group has called for a boycott of the R-rated satire "Tropic Thunder". They are asking people not to see the movie because they say it demeans, insults, and harms individuals with intellectual disabilities by using...

Thursday August 21, 2008

Categories: Sports

Prayer Puts Olympic Commentator in a Twist

I can forgive NBC's commentators at the Olympic gymnastics competition, Tim Daggett and Elfi Schlegel, their complaints about the judging, and nagging negativity; they are, after a fashion, journalists and they have to call it like they see it. But...

Wednesday August 20, 2008

Categories: Christian music

Top 10 Christian Songs I Hate to Love

My friends and I have been having fun lately emailing a list back and forth of what are the best of the worst Christian songs we grew up listening to. You know, those songs that are enjoyable, with lyrics you...

Wednesday August 20, 2008

Categories: Movies, Trends

Sisterhoods and Bromances: Where are the Love Stories?

We have a lot of tender love stories in movies this year but they have mostly been about friendships. I can't remember a time when there have been so few movies about falling in romantic love. What used to be...

Wednesday August 20, 2008

'Gossip Girl' Is Back and Badder Than Ever!

Everyone's favorite teen soap opera/guilty pleasure "Gossip Girl" is back, premiering on the CW September 1. And of course, its back with a, well, um, bang (so to speak). GG got itself in heaps of trouble last spring as it...

Wednesday August 20, 2008

Categories: Movies

Watch Clip: 'Religulous'

The title of Bill Maher's controversial new documentary, "Religulous," comes from combining the words "religious" and "ridiculous," so it's pretty clear where he stands on the issue of faith. In this clip, he quizzes a Senator who says he doesn't...

Tuesday August 19, 2008

Categories: Books, Christian music

Enter to Win: Rebecca St James' New Devotional

Christian pop star and author Rebecca St. James has a long history of promoting chastity, and modesty, in young women of faith. Her latest book, "Pure: A 90-Day Devotional for the Mind, the Body & the Spirit" will be...

Tuesday August 19, 2008

Categories: Television

'Mad Men's' Catholic Confessions

It might seem odd to have an episode focused on Easter when it's August, but "Mad Men" is not exactly known for fitting the TV mold. The critically-acclaimed series set in the 60s advertising world usually revels, basks, and otherwise...

Tuesday August 19, 2008

David Byrne Talks Godhead

You don't think of former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne as an evangelist, except for those crazy Brazilian, African and Afro-Caribbean beats that practically broke poor drummer Chris Frantz's wrists and led Byrne off to a solo career of promoting...

Tuesday August 19, 2008

Categories: Video

Comedian John Oliver Talks Apocalyptic Books

I love British comedian John Oliver on 'The Daily Show'--he's just the right mix of biting and dry humor. Now, in a video for Jbooks.com, Oliver hosts a "Literature Rodeo." In this segment, he traces the history of Apocalyptic books,...

Tuesday August 19, 2008

Categories: Christian music, Music

A Love/Hate Relationship with the Jonas Brothers

If you're like Gospel Soundcheck's Joanne Brokaw, you may be conflicted about the hottest boy band of the moment, the Jonas Brothers. In her post, "5 Things I Hate About the Jonas Brothers," Brokaw talks about the "bigger than oxygen"...

Monday August 18, 2008

Categories: Sports, Television

At the Beijing Olympics, the Hijab Emerges

So far, the 2008 Olympics has been all Michael Phelps, Dara Torres, Chinese divers, Liu Xiang bowing out (gasp!), gymnastics, Usain Bolt, Redeem Team, U.S. men's water polo, Kerry Walsh and Misty May-Trainer (this list is getting so long!)...

Monday August 18, 2008

Categories: Books

Are You a 'Twilight' Addict?

From the mall to the multiplex to the New York Times best-seller list, Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" books are a huge phenomenon. Are you a "Twilight" fan? How do you think the books measure up to that other series, "Harry Potter"?...

Friday August 15, 2008

Grant 2.0?: Amy Grant's Daughter's Debut

Earlier this week I ran into a huge Christian music fan in a coffeeshop in Hanover, N.H. (clue: his "Amy Grant & Friends" T-shirt) who had just returned from the second annual Smitty Cruise, Michael W. Smith's waterborne jamboree that...

Friday August 15, 2008

Categories: Books

When a Teen Girl Dreams of Being a Saint

When you're a 15-year-old girl, dealing with school, boys, and family is drama enough. When you're a 15-year-old Catholic girl and your name is Antonia Lucia Labella, you not only deal with all three, you also pray to saints and...

Friday August 15, 2008

Categories: Sports, Television

Most Uninspiring Olympic Moments

As I'm staying up late and watching coverage of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, the spirit of the Games has once again taken hold over me: America's Jason Lezak chasing down France's Alain Bernard in the final leg of the...

Friday August 15, 2008

Categories: DVDs

'Please Vote For Me': My DVD Pick for the Week

Because of the ongoing coverage of the Olympics in Bejing, I have to tell you about the best political movie in years, in stores next Tuesday, "Please Vote For Me." The movie documents an experiment done with third graders in...

Thursday August 14, 2008

Categories: Television

Watch Video: Jesus in China

A Frontline World news documentary takes a look at the rise of Christianity in China, from formal government-approved churches to exuberant underground worship houses. Watch the clip below to see how the Chinese are finding ways to praise and worship...

Thursday August 14, 2008

Must-See TV: McCain and Obama at Saddleback Church

Well, if you're tiring of the Olympics, or can't afford the gas to drive to a movie theatre, or can't afford the popcorn after you buy the gas, there'll be a relevant, interesting, and hopefully inspiring show that you can...

Wednesday August 13, 2008

Categories: Scientology

Did Scientology Play a Role in Hayes' Death?

It's tragic enough that singer-songwriter Isaac Hayes died Sunday at the age of 65. But according to an article by Roger Friedman on Fox News.com, Scientology may have played a role in the singer's death--which was just today ruled the...

Wednesday August 13, 2008

Categories: Entertainment, Movies

Save the Date for Billy Graham: The Movie

It's cause for wonder that a biopic of Billy Graham, "America's pastor," hasn't been made before. And perhaps it's a blessing too. As the national release date for "Billy: The Early Years" nears (Oct. 10, according to a press release),...

Wednesday August 13, 2008

Categories: Celebrities, Movies

Paul Newman: A True Hollywood Mensch

Though most of the celebrity news over the weekend focused on two celebrities who died somewhat unexpectedly, I was saddened by another, far quieter, announcement about a celebrity's health status last week. Movie legend and philanthropist Paul Newman has been...

Wednesday August 13, 2008

Categories: Movies

Watch Trailer: 'The Longshots'

In "The Longshots, which hits theaters August 22, Ice Cube plays a man who steps into the father role for his teenage niece, only to find that she has what it takes to become the first girl on her high...

Tuesday August 12, 2008

Categories: Sports, Television

Olympics Bring Love to Countries at War

Ah, finally, day 4, and the Olympics have finally officially started for me. Nope, the run-up and the hype didn't do it. Every sports event this side of the World Poker Championships has a big build-up. No, the opening festivities--while,...

Tuesday August 12, 2008

Categories: Celebrities

Edwards's Mistress Didn't Like Wife's 'Energy'

After roughly two weeks of virtually ignoring the National Enquirer's breaking news of former presidential candidate John Edwards leaving a hotel after reportedly meeting with former employee Rielle Hunter-- whom the magazine had previously claimed was having an affair with...

Monday August 11, 2008

Bernie Mac: Another 'Done Too Soon'

Add another one, Neil Diamond, to your "Done Too Soon" lyrics: Bernie Mac is gone at 50. Although he rose from a poor upbringing to become a household comedic name, there was always a sense that there was more genius...

Monday August 11, 2008

Steven Curtis Chapman Inspires on Larry King

Earlier this summer, a celebrity's son ran over his daughter in a car. The daughter was killed. The son had to deal with the guilt. And, the celebrity is a Christian singer who is gifted, beloved and above reproach, a...

Monday August 11, 2008

McCain and Obama's Favorite Superheroes

Presumed presidential nominees John McCain and Barack Obama have revealed their favorite pop culture icons, including superheroes, with McCain favoring Batman and Obama, Spider-Man and Batman, according to Reuters. I find myself asking two glaring questions: 1. Was this a...

Friday August 8, 2008

Categories: DVDs, Entertainment, Television

Idol Chatter Triva Answer For This Week

Okay, I admit it, the answer to this week's trivia is really just another chance for me to gush about the best discovery I made all summer long: the TV series "Slings and Arrows," which is available on DVD. When...

Friday August 8, 2008

Categories: Movies

'Hamlet 2' Uses 'Sexy Jesus' for Promotion

Some movie studios are wary of religious controversy hurting the promotion of their film, but Focus Features is doing everything it can to encourage that controversy when it comes to the comedy "Hamlet 2." The movie has little to do...

Friday August 8, 2008

Categories: Celebrities, Movies, Television

From 'Office' Temp to Tarantino's 'Bastard'?

As "The Office"'s "Ryan the temp," we loved him. (Although not as much or uncomfortably as Michael Scott did.) And when he was promoted to corporate, we watched as his confidence was revealed as insecurity. Now, the Hollywood Reporter learned...

Thursday August 7, 2008

Categories: Celebrities

Closing the Ledger on Heath's January Overdose

Earlier this week, we blogged about Mary-Kate Olsen, and the fact that she might receive an immunity deal in exchange for her knowledge about the late Heath Ledger's drug use. But today, federal prosecutors are officially dropping the investigation into...

Thursday August 7, 2008

Categories: Celebrities

Christina Applegate Fights Breast Cancer

Long an activist against breast cancer, Christina Applegate, 36, was recently diagnosed with the disease during a routine MRI. The cancer was discovered early, and doctors expect her to make a full recovery. Applegate, whose mother battled both breast and...

Thursday August 7, 2008

Categories: Movies

My Indie Movie Picks from the Traverse City Film Festival

I hate to admit I am feeling pretty beaten down and discouraged after this year's trip to the Traverse City Film Festival, mainly because of the massive amounts of fear-mongering, condescending, political propaganda that, unlike other years, was everywhere I...

Wednesday August 6, 2008

Categories: Celebrities, Video

Watch: Paris Hilton for President?

In response to John McCain's unauthorized use of the celebutante in a new political ad attacking Barack Omaba, Paris "That's Hot" Hilton has just released a video, announcing her presidential candidacy and offering a solution to the energy crisis. See...

Wednesday August 6, 2008

Categories: Movies

Watch Trailer: 'Fireproof'

In Kirk Cameron's new movie, "Fireproof," he plays a hero firefighter who finds his relationship with his wife is more difficult to save than the people he pulls out of burning buildings. With a little help from his dad and...

Wednesday August 6, 2008

Categories: Pop Culture, Television

This Week's Summer Movie Trivia Question

This week's question is going to be a little tough, but I think readers are up to the challenge. Name the TV angel/ghost (depends on your point of view in this case) who said this: "I know, I've been doing...

Wednesday August 6, 2008

Categories: Entertainment, Movies

Loving Thy Neighbor: 'Henry Poole Is Here'

I have a penchant for movies about survival--stories where the heroine or hero begins as down and out as a result of some loss, or setback, or even intense grief and despair, yet somehow, often rather a bit magically, we...

Tuesday August 5, 2008

Categories: Celebrities, Scientology

Ex-Scientologist,