June 29, 2010
New ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ trailer debuts. Goosebumple overdose in progress.
I’m finding it difficult to type, Popwatchers, because I’ve just watched the first full trailer for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and my entire body is currently riddled with goosebumples. Before I apparate you over the jump so y’all can watch the trailer and discover for yourself the sensation of a goosebumple overdose, a word of warning: The opening of this trailer includes an iconic and surprising moment between Harry and Voldemort in the Forbidden Forest. Those of you who’ve read the final Harry Potter book know exactly which scene I’m talking about, but those of you who haven’t — those of you who’ve only consumed Harry Potter as a cinematic experience, and not a literary one — may find this scene to be a big honking spoiler. Indeed, pretty much all of the footage ahead, and my thoughts on it, aren’t for those who prefer to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows with virgin eyes. For the rest of you: Accio goosebumples!
First impression: Our dear Harry looks like an adult, and not just physically. The Boy Who Lived lived through so much during what should have been his final year at Hogwarts, and you can see it in Daniel Radcliffe’s world-weary eyes. Beyond that, I daresay this trailer actually managed to live up Warner Bros.’s decidedly un-British ballyhooing about the Potter series being a “WORLDWIDE PHENOMENON” and this two-part finale being “THE MOTION PICTURE EVENT OF A GENERATION.” We caught glimpses of Harry’s tussle with Voldemort’s snake Nagini, the flight from the Dursley’s, the Battle of Hogwarts, Harry and Voldemort’s final showdown, and, whoops, yep, the goosebumples are back just writing about it.
I know I should be flustered that that final showdown does not appear to be as J.K. Rowling wrote it — i.e. inside the rubble-strewn Great Hall, with practically everyone in Harry’s life surrounding him — but I’m honestly not. In fact, the only thing that elicited a cocked eyebrow was the notion that I somehow need to complete this journey in 3-D.
But what do you make of the new Deathly Hallows trailer, Popwatchers? Are you currently all with the goosebumples, currently all with the wondering why I call them goosebumples – because, well, why not? – or currently all with the wondering why you’ve even read this far given the fact that you couldn’t care less about Harry Potter?
Alicia Keys Baby Bump Watch: Live in NYC
She announced last month that she is pregnant and engaged to Swizz Beatz, but Alicia Keys is showing no signs of slowing down just yet.
The singer performed her mega-hit "Empire State of Mind" and more for Good Morning America's Summer Concert Series in NYC Friday.
Is that the first traces of a baby bump we see?
Baby bump or not, Alicia Keys looks terrific!
This is the first child for Keys, 29, and it will be her first marriage. Swizz Beatz, 31, who has dated her for years, has two sons from previous relationships.
Good timing, too: Keys' four-month-long Freedom Tour wrapped up June 4 and she recently performed at the World Cup kickoff concert in South Africa.
Mena Suvari and Simone Sestito: Married!
Mena Suvari wed music producer Simone Sestito in Vatican City on Saturday in a "very romantic and traditional Italian" wedding with a few hundred guests.
It's the second marriage for the American Beauty star, who wed cinematographer Robert Brinkman, 17 years her senior, in 2000 before splitting in 2005.
Walking down the aisle, Suvari wore a gown by good friend Stacey Bendet, owner of Alice + Olivia. She had been engaged to Simone Sestito since 2008.
"He got down his knees," Suvari said last fall. "It was very romantic. I love him. It's all about family and culture. I love his family and it just inspires me."
Sestito is just as smitten. "The thing I love most about her is the understanding," he said. "We get each other alot, so there's a good connection there."
Sounds like it. Congratulations, kids!
Mena Suvari is now Mrs. Simone Sestito!
Ne-Yo and Monyetta Shaw: Expecting First Child!
Ne-Yo is going to be a father.
The singer recently told Ebony he is expecting his first child, and that he recently flew home to Atlanta to be with his girlfriend during her first ultrasound.
"I am 30 and I do have my first child on the way, and I am very, very, very excited about that," Ne-Yo revealed. Ne-Yo's baby mama is Monyetta Shaw.
Joking that his firstborn will be "stubborn, he revealed that his girlfriend is due to give birth in early 2011, meaning they must have just found out.
"It's a New Year's baby," said Ne-Yo, whose new album is set for September 21 release. "I'm just in a really good place in life right now."
Congratulations to Monyetta Shaw and Ne-Yo!
Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami (and Chicago), Scott Gets Wasted
Wow. What an amazing coincidence: the same week E! airs an episode of Kourtney and Khloe Takes Miami that focuses on Scott Disick being a pathetic drunk, that loser happens to get in a filmed fight with his neighbor.
It's almost as if the marketing team planned it that way!
Below, a THG intern offers up her thoughts on this week's installment of the most scripted show on television...
It’s weird that Kourtney said she doesn’t go to clubs when she’s photographed at them ALL THE TIME and was at one two episodes ago. Still, this gave her a chance to get out of town with Khloe and head to Chicago.
You’d think Kourt would want to support Scott’s club opening, but nope. She goes to the Windy City and pushes around Mason while walking next to Khloe, who literally is a foot taller than her in one scene.
The girls are in Chicago to explore Khloe’s obsession with all things forensics and serial killers. She meets with a renowned doctor to do some investigating. As the doctor is explaining what a sociopath is, Khloe is having flashbacks and relating everything to Scott. She reallyyyy has it out for the guy.
Meanwhile, back in Miami Scott’s friends fly down for the opening of his club “MIA.” When they visit the store, the boys invite the Dash employees, who respond with: “We know it’s a bad idea, but we should go anyway to show we are on Kourtney’s side.”
What?!? That’s the most illogical rationalization I’ve ever heard. Inappropriate all around.
Scott feels the need to prove to this boys that he’s not a boring ol’ dad and can still hang. So he chugs Patron - and gets drunk. He calls one of the girls a hooker, the girl cries and then goes home.
While it’s never polite to call a girl a hooker, the girl really didn’t need to overdramatically beer tear about it. You’re hanging out with Scott Disick, he could be shoving money down your throat... Oh wait I think he pulled that in this episode, too.
The Dash employees totally seemed ditzy and dramatic. They crossed the line, which was really stupid of them, but then again the E! producers probably obviously told them to.
Furthering all things inappropriate, Khloe point blank tells Scott that she thinks he is a sociopath. He freaks out on her. She tries to embarrass him at work. All Kourtney wants to do is protect that little nugget of a baby, Mason. Khloe needs to tone it down. Then again, Scott needs a Valium...or five.
Ah, just another week in the world of twisted reality TV.
Chris Brown BET Awards Tribute to Michael Jackson: Tears Flow For the Man in the Mirror
Last night's BET Awards featured lots of big names - Kanye West, Usher, T.I. - but perhaps the most talked-about performance came from Chris Brown.
Chris Brown BET Awards Performance
The embattled singer, who has kept a relatively low profile of late, provided an emotional tribute to the late Michael Jackson, breaking down in tears.
Chris was introduced by Michael's brother, Jermaine Jackson.
After a lengthy performance featuring the sickest Michael-inspired dance moves you'll ever see, Brown took the mic to sing "Man in the Mirror" and lost it.
Nearly six minutes into the elaborate MJ homage, his voice cracked, he couldn't sing, and at one point he crumpled to the stage in apparent agony.
MAN IN THE MIRROR: For Chris Brown, that Michael Jackson hit took on an entirely different meaning as he paid tribute to his idol on stage at the 2010 BET Awards.
Coupled with the one-year anniversary of Michael's death, the moving moment was made even more so by the song's lyrics and Chris' recent past.
The 21-year-old returned to the stage later to apologize to his fans: "I let you all down before, but I won't do it again. I promise you," Brown said.
Say what you will about the guy and what he's been through, the performance was actually pretty cool and showed how MJ's music influenced him.
Was that really what it was about, though? Or was it about exploiting Michael's memory for some much-needed positive PR, as some fans have said?
Here's Chris Brown channeling Michael Jackson ...
Chris Brown BET Awards Performance
Vienna Girardi to Jake Pavelka: Just Leave Me Alone!
Vienna Girardi is supposedly scared of Jake Pavelka. He says he'd get engaged to her all over again. Another day in the aftermath of the Breakup of the Century.
After a taped reunion interview that reportedly involved Jake making a fist in anger, a Vienna source says she is afraid of Jake and doesn’t want to go near him.
While ABC claims that no one was ever in physical danger, witnesses say the scene was ugly, and Vienna Girardi wants nothing to do with the guy ever again.
“I am afraid of Jake because he is verbally abusive and controlling, I'm afraid of what he might do next," she told a close friend. “I just want to be left alone."
The friend adds that Vienna "just wants a normal life" and is allegedly "starting a regular 9-5 job in marketing" today, which she's really "looking forward to.”
Marketing what, her own topless pics and celebrity news interviews?
Jake and Vienna at their Fake Relationship Hall of Fame induction.
It's been reported that one reason for the breakup was that Jake refusing to put it to her, but he was all over Vienna when it came to publicity about the couple.
No wonder he says do it all over again - the two were all over the news!
While he's hurt by Vienna's alleged cheating, "I'm getting all the Tweets and support from fans," he says. "You guys are going to get me through this. Thank you."
"My goal in life is to make decisions that minimize regrets. I don't regret anything I've done," he said on Good Morning Texas. "It's been the most amazing ride."
Yes, folks, it's been an amazing ride ... broken fake engagement and all.
"I've gotten to do things that most people never even dream of doing, and I sit here [thinking], 'What have I done to deserve this?' Somebody pinch me."
We'd love to, Jake. Got a vice handy?
Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas: The Outdated Photo Shoot
The July 2010 issue of Teen Vogue is a collector's item. How come?
Because it features a lengthy photo shoot and interview with Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas... even though these two broke up last month!
Fortunately, the singers remain good friends and got together for a second round of questions after their relationship fizzled. But it still makes for an interesting read when Lovato is asked how they originally got together and she replies:
"One night I asked him, 'What is the deal? We're perfect for each other. What are you doing?' And he was like, 'This is really awkward. I have to go.'"
Joe said he had to think it over, but returned to ask Demi out. Which would be a cuter story if the pair were still an item.
To the stars' credit, they are mature and open about their split. Says Joe:
"When I met Demi, I knew right away that our friendship was really strong. I don't want to lose that ever."
It doesn't sound like he will, although Lovato admits "I kind of learned throughout this whole experience that having my private life public isn't as awesome as it might seem."
Jennifer Capriati Rushed to Hospital, Recovering from Suspected Overdose
Former tennis star Jennifer Capriati was rushed to a Florida hospital yesterday, following a suspected drug overdose.
According to TMZ, Capriati - who made her professional debut at the age of 13 and won three Grand Slam titles - was taken away by paramedics who responded to a call from a hotel in Riviera Beach.
Her family says Jennifer is "recuperating at a South Florida hospital from an accidental overdose of medication prescribed to Jen by her personal physicians."
Capriati was arrested for marijuana possession in 1994 and spent time in rehab before a return to tennis a couple years later. in July 2007, she left the game again and admitted to depression, saying:
"When I stopped playing, that's when all this came crumbling down. 'If I don't have [tennis], who am I? What am I? I was just alive because of this. I've had to ask, 'Well, who is Jennifer? What if this is gone now?' I can't live off of this the rest of my life.'"
We hope she finds the answers and makes a full recovery.
Report: Landon Donovan Knocked Up British Chick
U.S. soccer star Landon Donovan may be facing a crisis much bigger than his team's elimination from the World Cup this past weekend - a forthcoming love child.
A newspaper in the UK will allege that a British woman is pregnant by Donovan, who is separated from his wife, actress Bianca Kajlich, but not divorced from her.
His relationship with Kajlich became the subject of great interest last week after they shared an emotional phone call following his winning goal against Algeria.
Donovan, who played for the Liverpool football club Everton this winter, blew her a kiss during an interview, fueling speculation that the couple might reconcile.
"It would surprise no one if Landon and Bianca were back together very soon," said one of her friends. "They have remained in contact and are very close."
Landon Donovan is separated from wife Bianca Kajlich. The fact that he may have fathered a love child with someone else may not aid his bid to reconcile with her.
The identity of Donovan's baby mama is unclear at this time, as is how Bianca will feel about his attempts to win her back if this love child rumor proves to be legit.
Regarding the pregnancy rumor, Donovan did not deny it might be true, telling Sports Illustrated's Web site: "I was informed of the possibility during the World Cup."
"If I need to take responsibility, then I will provide the appropriate support," he added. "This is a private matter, and I will refrain from further comment at this time."
Donovan has spent most of his career in the U.S., but played on loan in Liverpool earlier this year, becoming a fan favorite - apparently with one woman in particular.
He was a hero for the USA at the World Cup, scoring three goals and guiding the team to the knockout phase, where they were eliminated on Saturday by Ghana.
BET Awards Fashion Face-Off: Fergie vs. Cassie
While Chris Brown's BET Awards performance gets much of the attention, we can't forget about the obligatory, morning-after-awards-show tradition at THG:
Picking apart the night's ridiculous fashion choices!
Below, Fergie and Cassie go head-to-head in a clash of single-named titans. The Black Eyed Pea's tailcoat dress raised some eyebrows, for better or worse.
Cassie's ensemble, meanwhile, defies description.
Is that an ace bandage around her chest? That and the pleated pants really accentuate the half-shaved head, we have to admit. This could become a trend.
Whose outfit looked better, fashion fanatics? Vote:
Kim Kardashian Wins Website Award. Seriously.
Instead, that dishonor falls upon the entire concept of the Digital Supernova Award.
The first of its kind was handed out to Kim Kardashian on Saturday night, as she was feted by Sony Ericsson and Buzzmedia for having the top celebrity website on the planet. (Tough break, Spencer Pratt. Better luck next tear!)
Said Kim:
“I’m so proud of my new site and it’s an honor to be recognized for doing something that I love. I get excited to connect with my amazing fans around the world every day and love to share what’s going on in my professional and personal life. I carry my digital camera with me at all times and I do put my heart and soul into this website and take a lot of time out to blog every single day, a few times a day.”
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