‘By the People’: Ed Norton and Hollywood’s Mindless Obama Praise

Amy Rice and Alicia Sams’ documentary, “By the People,” provides a lens into Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign.  A guided tour of sorts, the film delves into the Obama’s biggest milestones, while ignoring glaring contradictions and blemishes.  Perhaps two words can best describe it: snooze fest.  Teamed with the films vapidity and its lack of new, unexplored material, there are some intriguing conflicts of interest surrounding its production.

“By the People” is a praise initiative that doesn’t offer much beyond what politicos and Obama enthusiasts already know: Obama was a regular Joe who, through a series of (unfortunate for the American people) events, captured the presidency.

While Hollywood’s insane obsession with anything and anyone left of center is never a surprise, one should ardently question why HBO, after purchasing the film for seven figures, has chosen to ignore other intriguing political stories.  Why not balance the film with another special or documentary that explores the McCain-Palin campaign?  One could argue, as I’m sure HBO would, that the focus of the film is on to the winning candidate.  Fine.  Argue away, but anyone with a pulse knows we’d be hard pressed to see a similar accolade to a Republican victor.  Furthermore, Sarah Palin’s initial book sales prove that she’s a brand worth exploring.  So, why not go for it? (more…)

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Tags: Ari Emanuel, By the People, documentary, hbo, Obama
Posted Nov 10th 2009 at 11:11 am in Film, Media Criticism, News, Politics | 25911865 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/bhallowell/2009/11/10/hollywoods-mindless-praise/%27By+the+People%27%3A+Ed+Norton+and+Hollywood%27s+Mindless+Obama+Praise2009-11-10+19%3A11%3A53Billy+Hallowell

HBO Obama Doc: The Bland Leading the Blind

Last night HBO debuted the documentary “By the People: The Election of Barack Obama,” which chronicles the historic election of our 44th president. The film was shot by Alicia Sams and Amy Rice with a key assist from actor Edward Norton. The directors wanted to follow Obama around on his campaign after seeing his speech in the 2004 Democrat Convention. They couldn’t get any calls back until Ed Norton stepped in to help. Norton doesn’t appear in the film. But there are plenty of other starry-eyed voters lined up to praise “the one.”

The film’s first 45 minutes deals with the Iowa Caucus where Obama’s campaign begins. He spends eight months meeting people and working his bland charm, trying to convince everyone he’s just like them. An agreeable, prosaic kind of guy who looks good in a suit and grins a lot. There is no indication of his politics or past associations being radical. He seems a moderate. There are a few people interviewed who question his past, but it’s given little attention. (more…)

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Tags: By the People: The Election of Barack Obama, Ed Norton, hbo, Hillary, Iowa
Posted Nov 4th 2009 at 8:11 am in Film, Politics, Reviews | 25765854 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/jhudnall/2009/11/04/hbo-obama-doc-the-bland-leading-the-blind/HBO+Obama+Doc%3A+The+Bland+Leading+the+Blind2009-11-04+16%3A11%3A08James+Hudnall

Larry David’s God-Given American Right to Be a Jerk

What in the world is wrong with people in the entertainment industry who come from humble beginnings, have a few years of real struggle and then with their uniqueness and by the grace of God (which you could interpret as luck), they make it big, as in rich and famous big. The chances of becoming as famous as Lindsay Lohan are 1 in 1,574,638 as tracked by E-Poll Market Research, but really, wouldn’t you rather be you?

Mr. David has been blessed beyond any struggling writer, producer, actor or stand-up comedian’s wildest dreams. His total cash receipts have still not been tallied since the funds continue to pour in from “Seinfeld,” but it’s accurate to say that with what he has earned to date, he could have paid for a lot of Nancy Pelosi’s botox.

Years after helping make television history, David jumped back into the small screen with the blessing of HBO and created “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” which — in line with him marching to the beat of his own drum — is done unscripted. The show has a very solid following as it is in its seventh season, which is three television lifetimes these days. Great Larry, Mazal Tov. Isn’t America grand? Bet you would only have had the career of Heidi from the Hills if you lived in Cuba.  (more…)

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Tags: Curb Your Enthusiasm, hbo, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Larry David
Posted Oct 30th 2009 at 11:44 am in Celebrity News, Featured Story, Politics, Religion | 255638287 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/ekaris/2009/10/30/larry-davids-god-given-american-right-to-be-a-jerk/Larry+David%27s+God-Given+American+Right+to+Be+a+Jerk2009-10-30+18%3A44%3A14Ellen+Karis

Larry David’s ‘Piss Christ’

An email received today:

“First let me state that I’ve been a fan of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” for many years and, even though Larry David is a liberal, I generally enjoy the writing and Larry’s antics. However, this time what I saw made me feel a little sick, extremely disappointed and a bit angry as well. I will never watch the show again as I have lost all respect and feelings of good will for Mr. David.

“Did you happen to see the episode to which I refer? Assuming you did not catch the episode, briefly stated: Larry pisses on the face of a painting of Jesus Christ, followed by mocking of Christians who believe the piss drop on the face of Jesus is a tear, thus they’ve witnessed a miracle. I wonder how many other viewers, Christian and non Christian, are similarly shocked and disgusted? Of course, the hypocrisy is that Mr. David would never exhibit such gross contempt for any other religion, especially Islam. (more…)

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Tags: "Piss Christ" religion, Curb Your Enthusiasm, hbo, Larry David
Posted Oct 27th 2009 at 2:22 pm in Religion, Television | 253922371 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/bighollywood/2009/10/27/larry-davids-piss-christ/Larry+David%27s+%27Piss+Christ%272009-10-27+21%3A22%3A44Big+Hollywood

Why Were the Emmys Not ‘Racist’?

I am no fan of awards shows. To me, it is one of the strongest proofs of the weakness of our society that the endeavor to which we give the most prominent and glamorous honors is that of movie and television “acting” (or, to paraphrase Jerry Seinfeld, “Saying what someone else told you to say”).

I also abhor false or frivolous claims of racism. Of course, according to the media, the end of this scourge was supposed to be of the many dividends of making Barack Obama President, but those of us on the right certainly know this has so far turned out to be one of many lies we were told during the 2008 campaign.  (more…)

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Tags: Bill Maher, black television, Emmys, Golden Age, hbo
Posted Sep 28th 2009 at 5:04 am in Celebrity News, Culture, Featured Story, Television | 23319083 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/jziegler/2009/09/28/why-were-the-emmys-not-racist/Why+Were+the+Emmys+Not+%27Racist%27%3F2009-09-28+12%3A04%3A41John+Ziegler

HBO’s Potential New Star ‘Licked Doorknobs’ to Make Republicans Sick

The first reaction to a story like this is get wrapped ’round the axle of HBO’s hypocrisy, so let’s get that out of the way: Of course no Republican who had behaved in the same manner as ”sex columnist” Dan Savage would get a shot at an HBO show. But there’s really no hypocrisy when you realize that Bill Maher’s network is waging ideological war. Through that prism of clarity, the network’s desire to do business with and thrust Mr. Savage further into the American cultural/political landscape is perfectly consistent.

For those of you unfamiliar with Savage, here’s an excerpt from a Salon piece he wrote in 2000 titled “Stalking Gary Bauer.” The set-up was simple, Savage volunteered at Republican Gary Bauer’s presidential campaign headquarters and decided, “…if it’s terrorism Bauer wants, then it’s terrorism Bauer is going get[.]“: (more…)

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Tags: "Savage Love", Dan Savage, Gary bauer, hbo, Pastor Rick Warren
Posted Aug 25th 2009 at 5:03 am in Entertainment, Featured Story, News, Politics | 210662149 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/jjmnolte/2009/08/25/hbo-orders-pilot-for-self-described-terrorist/HBO%27s+Potential+New+Star+%27Licked+Doorknobs%27+to+Make+Republicans+Sick2009-08-25+12%3A03%3A55John+Nolte

Scorsese Ready to Trash Sinatra in Upcoming Biopic

Not sure which is more revolting, Scorsese’s determination to cast Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Sinatra or his determination to do to The Voice what he and Leo did to Howard Hughes: reduce and distill a great man who accomplished great things down to his worst elements; focus on the flaws instead of the many, many accomplishments…

Like anyone who lives to see his 82nd birthday, Sinatra the man is defined by more than just wherever some storyteller decides to point his soda straw focus. Sinatra the man was also a “man,” a virile, strong, fiercely independent, two-fisted scrapper who fought for everything he achieved. Regardless of his gifts as an actor, there is no way the eternal boy-faced DiCaprio can fill those shoes convincingly — especially if Scorsese wins the day and tells the story of the sixties, which began with the singer’s 45th birthday. (more…)

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Tags: "The Rat Pack", biopic, Frank Sinatra, hbo, Leonard DiCaprio
Posted Aug 24th 2009 at 10:57 am in Entertainment, News | 210186201 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/jjmnolte/2009/08/24/scorsese-ready-to-trash-sinatra/Scorsese+Ready+to+Trash+Sinatra+in+Upcoming+Biopic2009-08-24+17%3A57%3A30John+Nolte

Reader Poll: What Kind of ‘Enlightenment’ Will HBO Deliver?

The Hollywood Reporter doesn’t mention what kind of spiritual awakening will cause Laura Dern’s character to wreak havoc as she seeks to live an enlightened life. Obviously they want to keep us guessing, so take a look below and then use our poll to make an educated guess: (more…)

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Tags: "Enlightened", hbo, laura dern, Mike White
Posted Aug 7th 2009 at 9:46 am in Entertainment, Politics | 20124620 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/bighollywood/2009/08/07/reader-poll-what-kind-of-enlightenment-will-hbo-deliver/Reader+Poll%3A+What+Kind+of+%27Enlightenment%27+Will+HBO+Deliver%3F2009-08-07+16%3A46%3A32Big+Hollywood

Interview: ‘Getting it Right’ with Captain Dale Dye

Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing a man who has helped bring to life some of my favorite films, series and projects. Captain Dale Dye, USMC (Ret.) has enjoyed an incredible career in Hollywood as an actor, a writer and as the most recognizable military/technical advisor in the industry. He recently worked as the Senior Military Advisor on HBO’s upcoming World War II miniseries “The Pacific” (currently in post-production) and is preparing to direct his first feature, “No Better Place to Die.”

J.R. Head: Thanks so much, Dale, for taking the time to talk with me.

Dale Dye: You’re most welcome. It’s a pleasure to be anywhere talking about the business we love these days. Hopefully, things will loosen up a bit, we’ll all go to work and I won’t have time for this in the near future.

JRH: Well, I’m glad I caught you when I did. First, let me say that I’ve enjoyed so many of the projects you’ve worked on.

DD: That means a lot coming from a guy with a military background. The reason I work so hard at it is to ensure guys like you and millions of others who served get a fair shake from Hollywood. (more…)

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Tags: "Born on the Fourth of July", "Forrest Gump", "Starship Troopers", "The Last of the Mohicans", "The Thin Red Line"
Posted Jun 30th 2009 at 5:02 am in Entertainment, Featured Story, Military | 17326213 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/jrhead/2009/06/30/getting-it-right-with-captain-dale-dye/Interview%3A+%27Getting+it+Right%27+with+Captain+Dale+Dye2009-06-30+12%3A02%3A42J.R.+Head

The Imus Standard: Should Letterman Be Fired?

A friend of mine sent a link to a website that advocates CBS firing late-night host David Letterman for his over-the-top jokes about Sarah Palin and her children. The site tells readers what they can do to help make this firing happen.

But should Letterman be fired?

His so-called jokes were crass and tasteless. Not only did he refer to Palin herself as being “slutty,” but he used a crude sexual reference to Palin’s 14-year-old daughter Willow, whose only sins are the fact that she is a Palin and she attended a Yankees game with her mother in NYC. (more…)

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Tags: Al Sharpton, Bill Maher, Bristol Palin, cbs, David Letterman
Posted Jun 16th 2009 at 10:13 am in Entertainment, Politics | 16175410 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/pmeister/2009/06/16/should-david-letterman-be-fired-over-jokes-about-palin-and-family/The+Imus+Standard%3A+Should+Letterman+Be+Fired%3F2009-06-16+17%3A13%3A19Pam+Meister

Into the Gathering Storm

If you’re a history buff and you’ve got HBO, then have I got a movie for you: Into the Storm. (And if you’re cable-less, add it to your NetFlix queue.) Yes, it’s made-for-HBO, but it’s from the John Adams/Band of Brothers wing, not the Recount/Angels in America department.

It’s a sequel of sorts to The Gathering Storm, known informally around my home as the Greatest Churchill Movie Ever Made. And in answer to the first question on your mind right now, no, the new HBO/BBC co-production is not quite as good as Gathering Storm. (But then, we just have to resign ourselves to the fact that nothing ever will be.)

Partly it’s Albert Finney’s fault. They say nobody’s perfect, but they haven’t seen Finney play Winston Churchill. (He most deservedly won both an Emmy and a BAFTA.) You’ve heard the phrase “tears of joy”? A largely alien experience to me, a pretty stoic, manly guy. Alien to me no more, my friends, once I watched Gathering Storm for the first time.

I regret to report that Brendan Gleeson, who essays the role in the sequel, gives it a yeoman’s try, but can’t quite measure up. There are simply more and richer layers to Finney’s performance, perhaps due to nothing no less unfair than a longer and more experienced life, even (dare I say it, oh what the hell) more talent. Janet McTeer, who plays wife Clemmie in the new movie, fares better, nearly matching Vanessa Redgrave’s marvelous performance in Gathering Storm. (Why, they even look alike.) (more…)

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Tags: Albert Finney, brendan gleeson, Churchill, Film, hbo
Posted Jun 4th 2009 at 8:14 am in Military, Reviews | 150698One Commenthttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/aleigh/2009/06/04/into-the-gathering-storm/Into+the+Gathering+Storm2009-06-04+15%3A14%3A07Andrew+Leigh

When Good Googles Go Bad

When we talk about mainstream media bias, a discussion of Google must be included.  Although not a traditional media outlet, Google is every bit as much a controller and disseminator of information as all  three traditional networks combined.  It’s presumed to be a kindly information sorter, kind of an encyclopedia plus the Yellow Pages.  A dispassionate “spider” named Googlebot patrols the Internet and hands you results.  Right? Well, that bot is set up by human beings, human beings that for the most part are partisan Democrats.

From 2000-2004 Googlers’ contributions to the Democrats far outweighed the paltry sum given to the GOP.  From an old World-Net Daily article: (more…)

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Tags: CNN, Eric Schmidt, Google, hbo, Media bias
Posted Apr 29th 2009 at 6:41 am in Media Criticism | 1108822 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/jromano/2009/04/29/google/When+Good+Googles+Go+Bad2009-04-29+13%3A41%3A04John+Romano

“NewsBusted” 4/24/09 — Fake News from the Right

In this episode, “NewsBusted” covers: IMF, Recession, Insect Torture, Barack Obama Scholarship, New York TImes, Hezbollah, Audrina Patridge, HBO, Sarah Palin, Lisa Rinna, and Playboy magazine.

– 

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Tags: Audrina Patridge, Barack Obama Scholarship, hbo, Hezbollah, IMF
Posted Apr 24th 2009 at 9:51 am in Celebrity News, Media Criticism, Political Humor, Video | 115426No Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/epeterkofsky/2009/04/24/%e2%80%9cnewsbusted%e2%80%9d-42409-%e2%80%94-fake-news-from-the-right/%E2%80%9CNewsBusted%E2%80%9D+4%2F24%2F09+%E2%80%94+Fake+News+from+the+Right2009-04-24+16%3A51%3A09Eric+Peterkofsky

Hollywood’s Biggest Easter Weekend Ever By As Much As 16%!: ‘Hannah Montana’ Down 40% on Saturday, But Still Becomes All-Time #2 Easter Weekend Opening With $34M!

She has a hit TV show on the Disney Channel, a pair of albums that have debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts, a concert tour with 69 sold-out arenas in North America, and now a second #1 movie in as many years. Miley Cyrus is the biggest teen star in the world.

With most of Hollywood (including myself) expecting an opening in the mid-$20M’s for Hannah Montana The Movie (Disney), Miley has surprised “grown-ups” with her box office clout once again. The picture opened with a heavily front-loaded $17.39M on Good Friday then dropped 40% on Saturday to an estimated $10.34M, and it will reach an estimated $34M by the end of Easter weekend, making it the all-time #2 opening for the bunny holiday weekend. My Friday night early 3-day projection was for $33.6M, but then I raised my number to $39M on Saturday. As it turns out, I should have stuck with my first pass. These young skewing movies are tricky to project, and the Easter Weekend, where Saturday traditionally drops from Friday, makes it even more complicated.

(more…)

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Tags: "Fast & Furious", 2 fast 2 furious, 3-d, adventureland, akira toriyama
Posted Apr 10th 2009 at 10:58 pm in Entertainment, Political Humor, Steve Mason's Box Office | 103286No Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/smason/2009/04/10/easterestimates/Hollywood%27s+Biggest+Easter+Weekend+Ever+By+As+Much+As+16%25%21%3A+%27Hannah+Montana%27+Down+40%25+on+Saturday%2C+But+Still+Becomes+All-Time+%232+Easter+Weekend+Opening+With+%2434M%21+2009-04-11+05%3A58%3A08Steve+Mason

“NewsBusted” 4/10/09 — Fake News from the Right

In this episode, “NewsBusted” covers: Timothy Geithner, President Obama, Bill Clinton, Democrats, Ward Churchill, Willie Geist, Glenn Beck, Hillary Clinton, HBO, Applebee’s, TV Land, and Helen Thomas.

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Tags: Applebee's, Bill Clinton, Democrats, Glenn Beck, hbo
Posted Apr 10th 2009 at 4:09 pm in Celebrity News, Media Criticism, Political Humor, Video | 103086One Commenthttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/epeterkofsky/2009/04/10/%e2%80%9cnewsbusted%e2%80%9d-41009-%e2%80%94-fake-news-from-the-right/%E2%80%9CNewsBusted%E2%80%9D+4%2F10%2F09+%E2%80%94+Fake+News+from+the+Right2009-04-10+23%3A09%3A14Eric+Peterkofsky

Lots of Cash in Hollywood Easter Baskets: ‘Hannah Montana’ and ‘Observe & Report’ Could Lift the Weekend to an All-time Best!

Easter weekend 2009 will almost certainly be an all-time record-breaker for Hollywood with a pair of new releases that could be among the top six bunny holiday openings of all time. Although neither Hannah Montana: The Movie (Disney) or the new R-rated comedy Observe & Report (Warner Bros) will challenge 2006’s all-time Easter weekend opening champion Scary Movie 4 ($40.2M), both new offerings look very solid in pre-release industry tracking, and they will be joined by some strong holdovers.

Universal’s Fast & Furious is likely to cross the finish line first for a second consecutive weekend, following up last weekend’s almost $71M with about $30M, which would mark a 58% drop. Still, it must be considered a triumph that the re-teaming of Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster and Michelle Rodriguez may have $120M in US sales after just 10 days. That will mean that Fast & Furious will have almost doubled the domestic gross of The Fast & The Furious: Tokyo Drift (the last film in the franchise), and this souped-up thrill ride could be headed for $160M US.

(more…)

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Tags: "Fast & Furious", 2 fast 2 furious, 3-d, adventureland, akira toriyama
Posted Apr 9th 2009 at 9:31 am in Entertainment, Steve Mason's Box Office | 101426One Commenthttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/smason/2009/04/09/easter-tracking/Lots+of+Cash+in+Hollywood+Easter+Baskets%3A+%27Hannah+Montana%27+and+%27Observe+%26amp%3B+Report%27+Could+Lift+the+Weekend+to+an+All-time+Best%21+2009-04-09+16%3A31%3A58Steve+Mason

Borat, Keira Knightley, and the Case Against Shock Value

There were two big stories that emerged from Hollywood this week.  The first was the release of the first trailer for Bruno, Sacha Baron Cohen’s newest movie creation, a highly offensive faux documentary about a gay Austrian fashion critic touring America.

The second was the release of Keira Knightley’s new ad about domestic violence.

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Now these two videos have very little in common.  Cohen’s trailer is an outrageous piece of shock theater.  Knightley’s ad is a public service message designed to raise awareness of domestic abuse. 

But what both have in common is a willingness to cross all lines of good taste and judgment.  (more…)

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Tags: "Real Sex", bad taste, Borat, Bruno, George Carlin
Posted Apr 6th 2009 at 12:02 pm in Entertainment, Politics | 9835484 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/bshapiro/2009/04/06/borat-keira-knightley-and-the-case-against-shock-value/Borat%2C+Keira+Knightley%2C+and+the+Case+Against+Shock+Value2009-04-06+19%3A02%3A25Ben+Shapiro

The plight of 40+ Hollywood actresses; Don’t write off Julia Roberts because of DUPLICITY!

The movie business is not generally kind to women when they pass the age of 40, and Julia Roberts (now 41) is learning that lesson the hard way. The former Pretty Woman has returned to the big screen this weekend in Tony Gilroy’s Duplicity (Universal), and one prominent blogger wrote this headline:

Duplicity soft: Julia’s Comeback? Audiences Say Go Back

Julia Roberts and Clive Owen star in the fun, smart DUPLICITY, from writer/director Tony Gilroy

Roberts’ last starring role was in 2003’s Mona Lisa Smile ($63.8M domestic), and since then she has become a full-time Mom. Overall, she has 8 movies on her resume that have reached $100M in the US with her as a lead (I’m not including the Ocean’s Eleven franchise). Her most successful string of movies started in 1997 with My Best Friend’s Wedding ($127.1M cume) and ended with her Oscar winning performance in Erin Brockovich ($125.6M cume). During that span, she starred in 6 movies, generating an average of $115M in domestic box office.

(more…)

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Tags: 101 dalmations, 102 dalmations, 40+ actresses, ABBA, academy award winner
Posted Mar 22nd 2009 at 6:48 pm in Celebrity News, Entertainment, Media Criticism, Reviews, Steve Mason's Box Office | 8689872 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/smason/2009/03/22/juliaroberts/The+plight+of+40%2B+Hollywood+actresses%3B+Don%27t+write+off+Julia+Roberts+because+of+DUPLICITY%212009-03-23+01%3A48%3A38Steve+Mason

Let’s Talk About Mormons (and ‘Big Love’)!

Tonight, HBO’s “Big Love,” which has become tremendous television, runs its season finale.   In spite of the fact that the first large media portrayal of Mormons living and working in America (in my memory) is based around a rogue polygamist family, a truly cultish “compound” of polygamists worshiping a nefarious self-proclaimed prophet (Harry Dean Stanton!), and some corrupt elements of the actual Church of LDS, I gather that at least some Mormons watch each new episode eagerly.  I understand, because however you want to describe the structure of the show or how it portrays the Mormon Church, it has produced one memorable character after another and as many compounding plot twists as the genre can handle so well.  And then there’s the acting – it’s wonderful.

Watch it now or later, but if the premise of one man with three attractive wives somehow turned you off from the series…or let’s say, turned someone in your house off from the series…the show’s exploration of love and family will surprise you with its heart and concern for tradition.  Jeanne Tripplehorn’s performance as “Barb” (the first wife) could carry you through this season alone.  Hey, the main title song is literally “God Only Knows,” with Carl Wilson singing forever through the opening credits.

More about the show after the jump, but here’s my question: how has the show changed or informed your impression of Mormons?  If you’re LDS, what do you think of the show?  (more…)

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Tags: Big Love, cable, Carl Wilson, Chloe Sevigny, George Romney
Posted Mar 22nd 2009 at 4:01 pm in Entertainment, Politics, Reviews | 84122149 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/jude/2009/03/22/lets-talk-about-mormons-and-big-love/Let%27s+Talk+About+Mormons+%28and+%27Big+Love%27%29%212009-03-22+23%3A01%3A10Jude

My Real Time With Bill Maher

To view video of Andrew Breitbart on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” taped Friday, March 13, 2009 click here.

This week’s Washington Times column:

Pretty much everyone I respect in media and politics recommended I not go on HBO’s “Real Time With Bill Maher.” But on Friday night, I defied that wisdom and had the time of my life.

I sparred with Mr. Maher, Georgetown professor Michael Eric Dyson and a MoveOn.org audience from hell that booed my sentences before they were completed. Unfortunately, my wife and in-laws, who watched from the green room, were not as enamored with the experience as I was.

Since the salad days of ABC’s “Politically Incorrect,” which minted countless right-wing pundits and best-selling authors, conservatives have rightly assessed the HBO version of the Maher show as R-rated and shockingly hostile to their worldview. So most opt out.

I totally see why. But I think that’s exactly the wrong strategy.

(more…)

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Tags: Bill Maher, Fox News, Georgetown, hbo, john ziegler
Posted Mar 15th 2009 at 4:03 pm in Celebrity News, Entertainment, Featured Story, Media Criticism | 80614204 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/abreitbart/2009/03/15/my-real-time-with-bill-maher/My+Real+Time+With+Bill+Maher2009-03-15+23%3A03%3A13Andrew+Breitbart

Open Thread: Andrew Breitbart on ‘Real Time With Bill Maher’ — Tonight: 10pm EST/ 7pm PST

Big Hollywood’s own Andrew Breitbart is a guest tonight on HBO’s “Real Time With Bill Maher.” He’s joined by comedian Sarah Silverman, professor and author Michael Eric Dyson, and Steven Pearlstein of the Washington Post.

The show begins at 10pm ET/ 7pm PT. Those of you with HBO jump on in and tell us what you think. Those of you without can get the latest here.

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Tags: Andrew Breitbart, Bill Maher, hbo, Real Time with Bill Maher, Sarah Silverman
Posted Mar 13th 2009 at 6:03 pm in Entertainment, Featured Story, Politics | 79422159 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/bighollywood/2009/03/13/open-thread-andrew-breitbart-on-real-time-with-bill-maher-tonight-10pm-est-7pm-pst/Open+Thread%3A+Andrew+Breitbart+on+%27Real+Time+With+Bill+Maher%27+--+Tonight%3A+10pm+EST%2F+7pm+PST2009-03-14+01%3A03%3A32Big+Hollywood

‘Brave’ Hollywood Takes It To The Mormons

Mormon church leaders are criticizing HBO for including a private, sacred ceremony in its show Big Love, the drama about a polygamous Mormon family in Utah. Apparently only church members “in good standing” are allowed to enter temples and either witness or take part in the rite called the “endowment ceremony.”

HBO, of course, apologized for offending Mormons but defended its use of the ceremony because its depiction is “critical” to the show’s story line. Ah, the quintessential non-apology apology, used frequently by politicians: We’re sorry if we offended anyone, but we’re not going to do anything that will actually rectify the situation. Be sure to tune in, though, and boost our ratings! (more…)

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Tags: Big Love, Church of Latter Day Saints, hbo, Isaac Hayes, law and order
Posted Mar 11th 2009 at 1:03 pm in Entertainment, Media Criticism | 77410210 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/pmeister/2009/03/11/big-loves-big-goof/%27Brave%27+Hollywood+Takes+It+To+The+Mormons2009-03-11+20%3A03%3A45Pam+Meister

The Hollywood Awards Show Not Shown on TV

This week’s Washington Times column:

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. | After spending two weeks on something akin to a fact-finding mission in depressed New York and depleted Washington, D.C., I found no answers to our nation’s mounting ills. I discovered that there is much to be angry about and unlimited reasons for deep concern. But on the evening after my return, the stars aligned on the outskirts of Los Angeles at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, and for a brief moment I felt safe again in America.

On Saturday, my wife and I were privileged to attend the second annual “Celebration of Freedom Gala.” We joined more than 1,000 others who, like us, were electrified to honor 43 of the 98 living Medal of Honor recipients. We also gave our thanks to former first lady Nancy Reagan, war hero and actor Charles Durning, and Gen. David H. Petraeus. (more…)

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Tags: "Dog Day Afternoon", "Freedom Never Cries", "The Sting", Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment, Bronze Star
Posted Mar 8th 2009 at 4:53 pm in Celebrity News, Featured Story, Media Criticism, Military | 7554256 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/abreitbart/2009/03/08/the-hollywood-awards-show-not-shown-on-tv/The+Hollywood+Awards+Show+Not+Shown+on+TV2009-03-09+00%3A53%3A46Andrew+Breitbart

‘Taking Chance’ Delivers Moving Tribute

HBO premiered “Taking Chance,” starring Kevin Bacon, on Saturday night.  If you haven’t seen it yet, make time to watch it.  ”Taking Chance” is unlike any Iraq War movie we’ve seen, thus far, in that it steers clear of any political message.  I don’t mind telling you that I find that to be incredibly refreshing.

By the way, I realize that I’m a little late on this but, being just a regular schmo, I don’t get advance screeners of things.  Consider this to be like talking to the buddy you haven’t seen since Friday.

Based on true events, the movie follows the experiences of Lieutenant Colonel Mike Strobl and is a moving tribute to PFC Chance Phelps, a 19-year-old Marine who was killed in battle in 2004.  Even though the story follows LtCol Strobl as he escorts the body of this fallen Marine back to his family, it does not victimize Phelps.  Further, it shows a side of America that I rarely see, living in Los Angeles.  At every opportunity the movie takes the time to demonstrate the honor shown by fellow members of the military, as well as civilians raising hand to heart to offer respect.  Not even the camera is disrespectful to PFC Phelps – he is more a symbol of all the brave men and women that we’ve lost in Iraq. (more…)

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Tags: hbo, Iraq War, kevin bacon, Marines, Taking Chance
Posted Feb 24th 2009 at 4:21 pm in Entertainment, Politics, Reviews | 6525074 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/jrhead/2009/02/24/taking-chance-delivers-a-moving-tribute/%27Taking+Chance%27+Delivers+Moving+Tribute2009-02-25+00%3A21%3A02J.R.+Head

One Iraq War Vet Declares War On Hollywood

Please go to this link first – click here – to understand what I’m about to rant about and why I’m so pissed.

Almost 90% of Americans believe the war in Iraq is and was a waste. The Hollywood media feeds the public wasteful, depressing, and horribly fabricated stories. When did the U.S. military become the bad-guys? We are stereotyped “Generation Kill.” I guess that is all we do. All we do is go to Iraq, hunt innocents and slaughter them. I guess that is what I did for eight months while I was there.

I guess I really didn’t save Iraqi families from being tortured by foreign jihadis. I didn’t set up the first ever Iraqi elections. Or see my brothers blown up, shot, maimed, and killed. Getting attacked from Mosques and hospitals–and you know what?  We just took it, day after day we took it and we kept going. An IED blowing up underneath me each day.  We couldn’t fight back; we were ordered not to. No matter how much vengeful, pent up aggression I felt, or how much I wanted to kill, I didn’t act on it. We have a code, Rules of Engagement. “RULES,” rules that are followed.

But according to then Senator and now President Obama, all I did was air-raid villages and kill innocent civilians.  This is a video I will never forget:

People like Pat Dollard and Micheal Yon tell the true stories.

Please watch these clips and tell me if you buy into what is portrayed. Honestly, tell me what you believe. (more…)

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Tags: "Redacted", 9/11, Barack Obama, Brian De Palma, Generation Kill
Posted Jan 29th 2009 at 4:00 am in Featured Story, Media Criticism, Video | 33666158 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/sgtwelsh/2009/01/29/one-iraq-war-vet-declares-war-on-hollywood/One+Iraq+War+Vet+Declares+War+On+Hollywood2009-01-29+12%3A00%3A30Sgt.+Welsh

HBO Captures a Marine’s Final Journey Home

Did you know that every fallen soldier travels from Dover to their final resting place with an escort every step of the way? HBO captures this touching journey in a new drama starring Kevin Bacon, Taking Chance, premiering February 21. Bacon portrays the real-life journey of Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl, USMC, who was tasked with escorting home a stranger, Chance Phelps. Phelps, a 19 year old Lance Corporal, had been killed in action in Iraq.

At a press event for the drama today, Strobl described how, as he escorted the body to Dubois, Wyoming, construction workers paused and put their hard hats over their hearts, a flight attendant handed him a crucifix, and ordinary Americans responded with emotion. “All of these people who you could presume had varying political views,” said Strobl, “exhibited a profound sense of gratitude and sorrow at Chance’s loss.”

“It’s an extremely profound comment on the casualties of war,” said Bacon. It’s also a profound comment on the great debt we owe our service men and women.

Have you been moved or touched by a fallen soldier finally coming home?

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Tags: hbo, Iraq, soldier
Posted Jan 9th 2009 at 5:23 pm in Entertainment, Reviews | 1364152 Commentshttp://bighollywood.breitbart.com/rcusey/2009/01/09/hbo-captures-a-marines-final-journey-home/HBO+Captures+a+Marine%27s+Final+Journey+Home2009-01-10+01%3A23%3A50Rebecca+Cusey