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AKON'S CRIMINAL PAST MOSTLY FABRICATED: TheSmokingGun.com strikes again following investigation into singer's rap sheet.
*TheSmokingGun.com has exposed Akon as a complete and total fraud when it comes to his so-called criminal past.
Since his debut album "Trouble" dropped in 2004, the singer has claimed he served a total of 4 1/2 years in prison for various felonies, including running "a notorious car theft operation."
But the Web found that he was convicted of only one felony – for gun possession – and that case ended in a guilty plea with three years probation. It also turns out he was arrested for stealing just one BMW. In that case, he was detained in Atlanta for several months before prosecutors dropped all charges against him.
In the story titled "Akon's Con Job," Smoking Gun stated: "Akon's ad nauseum claims about his criminal career and resulting prison time have been, to an overwhelming extent, exaggerated, embellished, or wholly fabricated.
"Police, court, and corrections records reveal that the entertainer has created a fictionalized backstory that serves as the narrative anchor for his recorded tales of isolation, violence, woe, and regret. Akon has overdubbed his biography with the kind of grit and menace that he apparently believes music consumers desire from their hip-hop stars."
Read the entire Smoking Gun article here:
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2008/0416081akon1.html?link=rssfeed
GABRIELLE UNION, JILL SCOTT UNDRESS FOR ALLURE: May issue features five celebs in the buff to celebrate female body.
*Gabrielle Union and Jill Scott are among the five celebrities chosen by Allure magazine to go completely naked for a pictorial in its May issue.
The point of the photo spread, which also includes Zoe McLellan, Ana Ortiz and Angie Harmon, is to celebrate various shapes of the female body.
"Here I am, naked in a magazine at size 16 ... We are all beautiful, each and every one of us," said Scott, according to People magazine.
Harmon reaffirms that the photos are not about selling sex. "It's about showing the female body in a positive, beautiful way," says the actress.
MARIAH ON TRACK TO UNSEAT LEONA LEWIS: Early sales estimates have "E=MC2" replacing "Spirit" atop Billboard 200.
*Mariah Carey's new album "E=MC2" appears to have a lock on the No. 1 spot atop next week's Billboard 200 based on huge first-day sales from the nine chains that report to Nielsen SoundScan's Building Chart, reports Billboard.
Unweighted sales for the Island Def Jam album are at 154,000 units on the report released April 16. That's more than five times the total garnered by the current chart-topper, Leona Lewis' "Spirit" (Syco/J).
Billboard estimates that the merchants who report to the Building Chart -- Trans World Entertainment, Starbucks, Best Buy, Circuit City, iTunes, Border's, Target, Anderson Merchandisers, and Handleman Co. -- represent 80% of the U.S. retail market.
TABLOID SAYS ALICIA KEYS TO MARRY IN JULY: Star claims singer and Kerry 'Krucial' Brothers have already booked the location.
*Star magazine is claiming that Alicia Keys and her rumored boyfriend Kerry "Krucial" Brothers have made plans to tie the knot on Independence Day in New York.
The tabloid says execs at the Oheka Castle – a 32-bedroom French-style chateau on Long Island – have confirmed that a wedding will take place during the July 4th weekend, but have refused to reveal the identity of the bride and groom.
Keys and Brothers have long been rumored to be a couple, but neither has spoken in public about their relationship. The songwriting partners are co-owners of the production company KrucialKeys and New York's Oven Recording Studios.
A representative for the R&B star has yet to confirm or deny the wedding reports.
NAOMI SAYS SHE'S BOYCOTTING BRITISH AIRWAYS: …which should be easy since she's supposedly banned from taking their flights.
*Naomi Campbell is now saying that British Airways, who reportedly banned her from their flights for spitting on a cop, is actually begging her to fly with them again, but she has refused to do so.
According to the New York Post's Page Six, the supermodel says she's been plagued with phone calls from the airline pleading with her to come back and take another flight. But she says she's turned them down because of their "complete disrespect for passengers."
London's Evening Standard quotes a British Airways "insider" who denies Naomi's claim with the statement: "We are not aware of any pleading phone calls to Ms. Campbell."
The catwalker was hauled off a British Airways flight in handcuffs on April 3 after allegedly spitting on a police officer during a dispute over her luggage. She has since blamed her arrest at Heathrow on racism, and has been in Rio de Janiero lately talking to local media about her British Airways boycott.
"Someone from BA called me and asked that I return to fly with them, but this will not occur so early," she said, according to Ireland On-Line. "They didn't find my bag - said it wasn't in the system - and there was a complete disrespect for the passengers.
"I am not speaking for myself. I am speaking for all those who have been disrespected."
WAYNE BRADY DIVORCE BECOMES FINAL: Comedian and wife had been separated for four years.
*Comedian Wayne Brady is officially divorced from Mandi, his wife of nine years and the mother of their 5-year-old daughter, Maile Brady.
The couple married in April 1999 and officially separated in April 2006, citing irreconcilable differences, according to papers filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court.
"Mandie is my best friend. We still love each other and we are raising our beautiful daughter Maile together as a team," Brady, 35, said in a statement issued by his publicist.
Information about their child custody, child support and property-division arrangements were kept under wraps, reports AP.
CLIFTON POWELL DIRECTS AND STARS IN NEW FILM: 'Jada' currently playing in the ATL; Detroit will begin screenings next week.
*Clifton Powell, Rockmond Dunbar and Siena Goines star in the faith-based coming-of-age drama "Jada," about hope in the midst of grief and gang life.
Directed by Powell, the movie follows Jada (Goines), a grief stricken widow and mother of two teens whose upper middle-class lifestyle comes crashing down after her husband dies in a suspicious car accident. With help from the Rev. Terrance Mayweather (Powell) and ex-convict-turned-mentor Simon (Dunbar), a tale unfolds of how even in the darkest times faith in God carries you through.
The film was scheduled to premiere in Atlanta last night and is currently showing at four theaters in the area through April 24. Detroit will host the film's premiere there on April 24 at the Music Hall Theater downtown.
After each showing, patrons will also be able to purchase the 12-song soundtrack featuring the single “Jada’s Song” by urban contemporary gospel artist Holy Boy. The soundtrack also features Andre Gouché & The Prayze Connection, Dave Hollister, and B.R.I.G.G.
OPRAH HEADED TO SIN CITY?: Word has it that talk show host will feature Tina Turner and Cher on special taping from Las Vegas.
*The Las Vegas Review-Journal is reporting that Oprah Winfrey will take her show from its home base in Chicago to the Las Vegas Strip next week.
According to the newspaper, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" will tape a special episode on April 26 featuring guests Tina Turner and Cher.
The taping will reportedly take place at a yet-to-be-named location at Caesars Palace, where Cher opens her new show on May 6.
"The Oprah Winfrey Show" last taped in Vegas in March 2003, for Celine Dion's launch of "A New Day."
HUGHLEY, O'BRIEN WIN DIVERSITY AWARDS: NAMIC ceremony celebrates cable's commitment to multi-ethnic programming.
*Comedian D.L. Hughley, journalist Soledad O'Brien and a CNN special on the Jena 6 case were among the announced winners of the 14th Annual NAMIC Vision Awards, recognizing multi-ethnic original programming on cable TV.
The awards were hosted by "Access Hollywood's" Shaun Robinson and presented at a special luncheon ceremony held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Hughley won in the comedy category for his HBO special "Hughley: Unapologetic," while CNN's O'Brien took home a News/Informational trophy for her special "American Morning: MLK Series."
CNN's "Special Investigations Unit: Judgment in Jena" won for Best Documentary, and BET J picked up the Best Variety/Talk Show prize for "My Two Cents."
HBO led the 29 networks vying for honors in 14 award categories with a trio of wins. HBO's made-for-television movie "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," garnered a win for Best Drama and Best Performance - Drama honors for actor, Adam Beach. "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" chronicled the history of Native Americans in the American West during the 19th century.
'MAKING THE BAND' TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED: Danity Kane and Day26 kickoff U.S. trek next month in Orlando.
*Pre-sale tickets are available now for "P. Diddy & MTV Present Making the Band 4 - The Tour," which will cover 10 major markets across the country beginning May 24 in Orlando.
Fellow MTB4 performer Donnie Klang and veteran Bad Boy artist Cheri Dennis are also on the bill, which wraps in mid-June with a two-night stand in Los Angeles.
Tickets are on sale now via the Bad Boy Records Web site, while the general on-sale starts tomorrow (4/19).
The tour schedule is listed below:
May 2008
24 - Orlando, FL - Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre
25 - Miami, FL - The Fillmore Miami Beach
29 - New York, NY - Hammerstein Ballroom 30 - Baltimore, MD - Pier Six Concert Pavilion
31 - Detroit, MI - Fillmore
June 2008
1 - Chicago, IL - Chicago Auditorium
5 - Phoenix, AZ - Dodge Theatre
6 - Las Vegas, NV - The Pearl Concert Theater
7 - Alpine, CA - Viejas Casino
9-10 - Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern
MURPHY DATING A TRACEY EDMONDS LOOKALIKE: Sister of 'CSI: Miami' star Eva LaRue is reportedly actor's new squeeze.
*Folks who spot Eddie Murphy with his new girlfriend may think he's gotten back together with Tracey Edmonds, but the woman is actually Lara LaRue, the sister of "CSI: Miami" star Eva LaRue.
Lara, the spitting image of Tracey, is rumored to be the latest of several women romantically linked with Eddie since his wedding debacle with Tracey in January.
The two met recently at Japanese restaurant Sushiya in Los Angeles, where Lara works as a waitress. Aand they've "become inseparable of late," according to In Touch magazine. They even share the same April 3 birthday.
A pal tells In Touch: "He is already telling his friends that he is in love... He's been sending Lara huge floral arrangements practically every day."
DONNA SUMMER HITS THE ROAD: Disco diva to support new album 'Crayons.'
*Donna Summer has set aside dates to promote "Crayons," her first collection of new material in 17 years.
The North American tour will begin June 24 in Nashville and spend July throughout the East Coast before heading west in August. It includes two-night stands in Rama, Ontario; Atlantic City, NJ; Richmond, British Columbia; Windsor, Ontario; and Los Angeles. Details are listed below.
"Crayons," due May 20, is the disco icon's first full-length studio album of new material since 1991's "Mistaken Identity," and her first new release since the 1999 live CD/DVD "VH1 Presents Donna Summer: Live & More - Encore!," which was taped at New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom.
The lead single, "I'm a Fire," is currently holding the top spot on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play chart.
Donna Summer's tour dates are listed below:
June 2008
24 - Nashville, TN - T-PAC
26 - Marksville, LA - Paragon Casino & Resort/Mari Center
July 2008
3 - Newport News, VA - Ferguson Center for the Arts
5 - Vienna ,VA - The Filene Center
8 - Gilford, NH - Meadowbrook Musical Arts Center
9 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena
11 - Bethel, NY - Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
12 - Boston, MA - Bank of America Pavilion
16 - Baltimore, MD - Pier Six Concert Pavilion
18 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center
19 - Wantagh, NY - Nikon at Jones Beach Music Theater 20 - Salamanca, NY - Seneca Allegany Casino
22-23 - Rama, Ontario - Casino Rama
25-26 - Atlantic City, NJ - Caesars Atlantic City
27 - Westhampton Beach, NY - Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center
August 2008
6 - Seattle, WA - Benaroya Hall
8-9 - Richmond, British Columbia - River Rock Casino Resort 10 - Spokane, WA - Northern Quest Casino
13 - Saratoga, CA - The Mountain Winery
15 - Reno, NV - Peppermill Reno Hotel Casino
16 - Oakland, CA - Paramount Theatre of the Arts
17 - Santa Rosa, CA - Wells Fargo Center for the Arts 20 - Alpine, CA - Viejas Concerts in the Park
22-23 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl
27-28 - Windsor, Ontario - Windsor Casino 30 - Highland Park, IL - Ravinia Pavilion
31 - Prior Lake, MN - Mystic Lake Casino
DILATED PEOPLES HEADLINES FRESH RHYMES TOUR: Outing includes Alchemist, Aceyalone and 88-Keys.
*The rap group Dilated Peoples shares a bill with fellow underground acts 88-Keys, Aceyalone and The Alchemist in the inaugural Fresh Rhymes and Videotape tour, presented by independent record label Decon.
The 19-city outing kicks off June 2 in Seattle and will run throughout the month, concluding with a swing through the West Coast, reports Billboard.com. Tickets for the tour go on sale today (April 18).
Decon plans to produce an EP after the tour featuring six collaborative tracks involving the trek's featured artists. Additionally, video director Jason Goldwatch (Damian Marley, Young Buck) will document the tour on film to create a short-format video, which will be released with the six-song CD, hence the "Videotape" portion of the event's title.
Dates for the Fresh Rhymes and Videotape tour are listed below.
June 2008
2 - Seattle, WA - Neumos
3 - Portland, OR - Berbati's Pan
5 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues
6 - Tempe, AZ - Marquee Theatre
8 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues
9 - Austin, TX - Emo's
11 - Atlanta, GA - Centerstage Loft
13 - New York, NY - Fillmore NYC at Irving Plaza
14 - Washington, DC - Club 5
15 - Philadelphia, PA - Fillmore at the TLA
17 - Burlington, VT - Higher Ground
18 - Baltimore, MD - Ram's Head Live
20 - Chicago, IL - Double Door
21 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrew's Hall
23 - Boulder, CO - Fox Theatre
24 - Aspen, CO - Belly Up
26 - San Francisco, CA - Mezzanine
27 - West Hollywood, CA - House of Blues
29 – Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up
FRANK LUCAS JR. SUES NYPD OVER RECENT ARREST: Son of drug lord depicted in 'American Gangster' takes action over recent arrest.
*Frank Lucas Jr., the 38-year-old son of former New York drug lord Frank Lucas, is about to sue the city for $25 million over claims of a bogus arrest, use of excessive force and harassment by cops on Staten Island last month.
According to the New York Daily News, Lucas Jr. is charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana in the fifth-degree, which is small potatoes compared to the amounts of drugs moved in the 1960s and 70s by his father, whose life was depicted by Denzel Washington in the film "American Gangster."
"I have no desire to be 'American Gangster Jr.,'" Lucas. told the newspaper Tuesday. His lawyer, Salvatore Strazzullo, contends Lucas was initially a victim of racial profiling because he was stopped while in an auto driven by his manager, Gene Ragusa, who is white. After cops recognized Lucas's name, they allegedly peppered him with insults.
"One officer said, 'You're Frank Lucas's son and a rapper? You got two strikes against you,' " Lucas said.
"He's been tainted by his father's mistakes," Strazzullo said. "The whole time they're saying, 'Look who's here, the "American Gangster." ' "
Cops say they found a glassine bag with residue of weed in Ragusa's car. The men spent two nights in jail before pleading guilty with the condition the charges will be dismissed if they stay out of trouble for one year, the Daily News reported.
QUINCY TO SPEND B'DAY AT MONTREUX JAZZ FEST: Veteran musician to headline night on July 14.
*Quincy Jones will celebrate his 75th birthday in July with a headlining concert at the Montreux Jazz festival, where the lineup also includes Alicia Keys, Herbie Hancock and Gnarls Barkley, organizers announced Thursday.
Paul Simon, Canadian songwriter Leonard Cohen and Lenny Kravitz will also perform at the 42nd Swiss lakeside festival running from July 4-19.
Jones' concert will take place on July 14 and include Hancock, Petula Clark, Al Jarreau and Patti Austin.
In all, nearly 90 groups will perform on the two main stages. Keys is scheduled to perform on July 17.
The most expensive seat costs $380 – for the Quincy Jones night – but other festival concerts on the shores of Lake Geneva are free.
ITTY BITTY BITS: Foxy's release; Conway's sonogram; Fishburne's dad; UniverSoul honors L.L.; Raven Simone in Jet.
*TMZ.com is reporting that Foxy Brown's camp is planning to turn her release from Rikers Island prison today into a media spectacle that includes a press conference and photo op. But the Department of Corrections is reportedly trying to block the event, claiming the parking lot is too small for such shenanigans.
*The New York Daily News is reporting that former pro-football star Curtis Conway, who's expecting a baby with his wife Laila Ali, "proudly showed off the sonogram of their first child at the Women's Sports Foundation awards in L.A."
*Laurence Fishburne had an emotional moment at New York's Booth Theatre at the end of his play "Thurgood." During a standing ovation for his lead role as former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, an audience member said the actor, who has been estranged from his parents for 15 years, was overcome when he saw his father in the crowd and began to weep as he introduced his dad to the audience.
*The UniverSoul Circus will honor LL Cool J and New York Senator Malcolm A. Smith for being outstanding leaders during a ceremony tomorrow (April 19) at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens. The two honorees are founders of the three-year-old “Jump and Ball Tournament,” a teen basketball and Double Dutch competition held every summer in Queens. The Circus will complete its stop in Queens on April 27, then continue on to the Bronx on April 29-May 4 and Newark on May 6-May 11.
*In the new issue of Jet magazine, child star-turned-entertainment mogul Raven Symone reveals why she refuses to change for fame. "I have to stay true to who I am," says the 22-year-old actress/singer/producer, whose self-titled CD is due April 29. "I am not going to sing about sex, drugs and violence, that's just not who I am. While the 5-foot-2-inch singer-actress stays true to her music, she's also staying true to her image by being comfortable with her size. "When I look in the mirror and see how voluptuously fabulous I am, I can't even worry about it. I am just fabulous."
ABC BLASTED OVER DEMOCRATIC DEBATE: Moderators criticized in the media for putting scandals over real issues.
*Folks are highly upset with ABC's Charles Gibson and George Stephanopoulos for spending the first 50 minutes of Wednesday night's Democratic candidates' debate between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton on old, media-worn issues.
The two journalists forced both candidates to comment on such scandals as the Jeremiah Wright comments, Obama's "bitter" gaffe and Hillary Clinton's "sniper fire" remarks, while questions about the war in Iraq and "kitchen table" issues - the economy, health care and the mortgage crisis – weren't brought up until the second hour.
In his Washington Post review of Wednesday night's debate from Philadelphia, critic Tom Shales said Gibson and Stephanopoulos "turned in shoddy, despicable performances."
They "dwelled entirely on specious and gossipy trivia that already has been hashed and rehashed, in the hope of getting the candidates to claw at one another over disputes that are no longer news," wrote Shales. "Some were barely news to begin with."
Shales added: "Gibson sat there peering down at the candidates over glasses perched on the end of his nose, looking prosecutorial and at times portraying himself as a spokesman for the working class."
Regarding Stephanopoulos, who served as the press secretary for Hillary's husband Bill Clinton during his presidency, Shales said he "looked like an overly ambitious intern helping out at a subcommittee hearing, digging through notes for something smart-alecky and slimy. He came up with such tired tripe as a charge that Obama once associated with a nutty bomb-throwing anarchist. That was '40 years ago, when I was 8 years old,' Obama said with exasperation."
By mid-afternoon Thursday, more than 15,600 viewers posted comments on the ABC News Web site criticizing the "biased" and "superficial" questions posed by Stephanopoulos.
Philadelphia Daily News writer Will Bunch posted an open letter to Gibson and Stephanopoulos on his blog. He said he was so angry that "it's hard to even type accurately because my hands are shaking."
"By so badly botching arguably the most critical debate of such an important election, in a time of both war and economic misery, you disgraced the American voters, and in fact even disgraced democracy itself," Bunch wrote.
Greg Mitchell of the trade publication Editor and Publisher said it was "perhaps the most embarrassing performance by the media in a major presidential debate this year."
Read Greg Mitchell's blog here:
http://gregmitchellwriter.blogspot.com/2008/04/shameful-debate.html
Read Shales entire piece here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/17/AR2008041700013.html
Read Stephanopoulos's response to the criticism (and Shales' piece in
particular) here:
http://www.politico.com/blogs/michaelcalderone/0408/Stephanopoulos_defends_debate_performance_We_asked_tough_but_appropriate_questions.html
OPENING THIS WEEK: Kam's Kapsules: Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun
For movies opening April 18, 2008
by Kam Williams
BIG BUDGET FILMS
88 Minutes (R for profanity, disturbing violence and brief nudity) Al Pacino stars in this revenge thriller, set in Seattle, as a forensic psychiatrist with only 88 minutes to find out who's behind the death threat leveled at him on the eve of the execution of a serial killer (Neal McDonough) he helped convict. Cast includes Leelee Sobieski, Amy Brenneman and Alicia
Witt.
The Forbidden Kingdom (PG-13 for martial arts action) Jet Li and Jackie Chan co-star in this time-travel fantasy about an American teenager (Michael Angarano) who finds an Oriental artifact which teleports him back to ancient China where he embarks on an adventure with a kung fu master (Chan) to free a fabled king (Li) unfairly imprisoned by an evil warlord (Collin Chou).
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (R for profanity, sexuality and graphic nudity) Romantic comedy about a depressed slacker (Jason Segel) who goes to Hawaii to get over being dumped by a famous actress (Kristen Bell) only to discover that she's staying at the same resort with her new, rock star boyfriend (Russell Brand). Supporting cast includes Mila Kunis, Jonah Hill, Paul Rudd and Steve Landesberg.
Pathology (R for violence, nudity, profanity, drug use, gruesome images and graphic sexuality) Grisly horror flick about a med student (Milo Ventimiglia) who joins a conspiracy with classmates competing to execute the perfect crime only to realize that he might be the next victim on the hit list. With Alyssa Milano, Keir O'Donnell and Michael Weston.
INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS
Anamorph (R for profanity, violence and disturbing grisly images) Psychological thriller about a couple of detectives (Willem Dafoe and Scott Speedman) who think they're on the trail of a copycat serial killer, until they begin to suspect that it might somehow be the work of the same sicko pronounced dead five years ago. With Clea Duvall, Peter Stormare, Michael Buscemi (Steve's brother), Tandy Cronyn (daughter of Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn) and ex-pro wrestler Mick "Mankind" Foley.
Constantine's Sword (Unrated) Former Catholic priest James Carroll traces the link between religion and violence in this provocative documentary examining faith-based fanaticism from the days of the Crusades right up to America's present involvement in the Middle East.
Expelled (PG for mature themes, disturbing images and brief smoking) Snobby intellectual Ben Stein stars in this pro-Creationism documentary which finds the Nixon speechwriter-turned actor-turned eponymous game show host making the case for teaching Intelligent Design in public schools as a credible alternative to the scientific community's generally-accepted Theory of Evolution.
Four Minutes (Unrated) Homo-erotic drama about the sexual tension which arises between a spinsterly piano teacher (Monica Bleibtreu) and the promising young inmate (Hannah Herzsprung) she gives classical piano lessons to behind bars. (In German with subtitles)
Glass (Unrated) Retrospective chronicles the musical career of Philip Glass, the prolific modern classical composer, who now in his seventies remains as driven as ever to crank out his experimental operas, symphonies, movie and dance scores and more.
The Life Before Her Eyes (R for violence, profanity, drug use and disturbing content) Uma Thurman and Evan Rachel Wood co-star in this psychological drama about a housewife whose idyllic suburban bliss turns into a neverending nightmare when painful memories surface on the 15th anniversary of the Columbine-style tragedy which took the life of her best friend.
Where in the World Is Osama bin Laden? (Unrated) Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) directs this Roger & Me homage in which he perambulates the Middle East, speaking with Muslims around the Arab World, while searching for the harder to find than Waldo religious fanatic who masterminded the 9/11 attack.
Zombie Strippers (R for nudity, profanity, sexuality and graphic violence) Futuristic, horror comedy about a government-created virus which unwittingly turns the women working at an underground gentleman's club in a conservative Nebraska community into a powerfully-seductive race of super zombie strippers. Cast includes Robert Englund, Jenna Jameson and Roxy Saint.
EUR FILM REVIEW: Smart People
Ellen Page Reprises Familiar Role in Dysfunctional Family Comedy
Film Review by Kam Williams
*Is Ellen Page capable of portraying anything besides a wisecracking, suburban teenager with a major attitude? If not, she's in danger of being typecast till she's too old to play another variation of Juno, the spunky, social outcast for which she landed her Oscar-nomination.
Meanwhile, audiences will just have to settle for the latest incarnation of that flip persona in Smart People, a dysfunctional-family drama which might as well have been titled Smart Alecks. Ellen plays Vanessa Wetherhold, a high school senior who's too much of an elitist for to bother having friends or fun.
Instead, the academic overachiever spends her free time practicing for the SATs in search of the stratospheric score that will get her into Stanford. She's also a member of the Model U.N., the Young Republicans and the National Honor Society, extracurricular activities which will look good on her college application.
Her father, Lawrence (Dennis Quaid), a pompous Professor of English Literature at Carnegie Mellon, has been emotionally-unavailable to her and her older brother, James (Ashton Holmes), ever since the death of their mother. Her equally-abrasive sibling attends the University, but he has a room on campus, while Vanessa lives at home with her dad.
There isn't much hope for any of these three misfits until the fateful day that Lawrence hits his head and has a seizure after climbing a fence. (Don't ask) He ends up in the Emergency Room where the attending physician is Dr.
Janet Hartigan (Sarah Jessica Parker), a former student of his, who still has the hots for teacher. However, rather than pick up on her hints, he morosely focuses on the fact that he won't be allowed to drive for the next six months.
As luck would have it, a ready chauffeur conveniently shows up in his adopted brother, Chuck (Thomas Haden Church), a homeless bohemian who's broke again and needs a job and a place to stay. In contrast to his relatively-snobbish relations, Chuck is a cannabis-smoking bon vivant with no ambition other than to enjoy life.
Upon moving in, he becomes intent on bringing the uptight Wetherholds out of their shells via tough love therapy. In short order, he pressures Lawrence to date (Guess who?), loosens up awkward James by hanging out with him in the dorm, and humiliates teetotaler Vanessa into getting high for the first time by telling her she's a robot and needs to relax.
While the contrast between his self-indulgent mania and their slowly-eroding conformity is often amusing, the film's funniest moments by far, nonetheless, come courtesy of Ms. Page's Juno, I mean, Vanessa. She has that terminally-sarcastic character down pat, typified by her flat response to a telemarketer calling for her late mother: "She's been dead for many years. Whatever you're peddling, thank you for the painful reminder."
Juno 2, and just as inspired.
Very Good (3 stars)
Rated R for profanity, sexuality, and brief teen drug and alcohol abuse.
Running time: 95 minutes
Studi Miramax Films
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
The only thing that stands between a man and what he wants from life is often merely the will to try it and the faith to believe that it is possible. — Richard M. DeVos
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
April 18: Singer Trina of Trina and Tamara is 34. Actress America Ferrera ("Ugly Betty") is 24.
April 19: Hip-hop mogul Suge Knight is 43.
April 20: Actress Carmen Electra is 36.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Texas based Kindred Gear is where you'll find all sorts of African designed and inspired fashions and more: www.cafepress.com/kndredgear
Submit your favorite Web site to us along with a 15-20 word (or less) description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
Apr. 18, 1955: Bill Russell named coach of the Boston Celtics basketball team and becomes the first African American to coach an established team in professional athletics.
Apr. 19, 1971: Walter Fauntroy takes office as the first black elected Congressional representative from the District of Columbia since Reconstruction.
Apr. 20, 1853: Harriet Tubman starts the Underground Railroad. (Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
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