No Crims in the Mouse House

Well, no overseas criminals that is.

I mean ones who were caught and caused a big old tabloid blitzkrieg.

Yes, I mean her.

The moral of this story: if you're going to do a prank with any shred of illegality...don't get caught.

The Final Manhattan Video Log

Alas, it is time to leave and I offer some thoughts on departing, US politics, and realise that I am not skilled in webcam tours.

I am forever debted to everyone who I have encountered during my 8 years here.

Special thanks go to (forgive me for using initials): AS, MN, PZ, KM, AB, JE, CB, RB, KV, AW, and DS.

As well as God and my mother, although since I'm not religious, I'll just go with my late father and my mother. 

Sure Sandra...Sure

AFP has an article/interview with Sandra Bullock promoting her new film The Proposal.

Standard puff piece with one interesting twist: She says she hates romantic comedies.

She claims The Proposal is more in the classical 1930s-40s type of comedy in that it has a bit of drama.

Uh huh.

She also says that she "likes her comedy too much to bastardise it with romantic comedy."

Well, you have your moments, Sandy.

I wonder if she's gotten in touch with the marketing department, because they certainly seem to think it's your standard issue Sandra Bullock rom-com.

Sunday Jukebox Bows Down

Remember Insooni? Well, she released her 17th album last month and it's a killer one. 

The lead off single is Fantasia, and it's well...the only word I can describe it is f.i.e.r.c.e. (She's 52 years old as of April.)

Respect.

If only I can arrive into Australia like this.

It's Pride Week in Shanghai

Who knew? I didn't.

Apparently it was meant to be low-key.

My God...I'm Leaving Just As This Place Is Getting Good

There are things I thought I would never see come to fruition in the US that are happening now:

• A black president
• Government ownership (temporary, but still) of several major corporations.
• Politicians and the public actually making a concerted effort for increased accountablity for high-ranking executives.

And guess what, it's hitting Hollywood too.

Anyone who has ever studied or even looked at the entertainment industry from a financial perspective knows that it is a money pit, the depths of which are only escaped by Churros bought at Citywalk, an apartment building going with GE for its appliances, Miley Cyrus going on tour, or that new billboard on the LIE. 

Greater financial transparency in respect to the entertainment industry could unleash a wave of humility in an industry where humility is a cardinal sin. 

I do not expect this to be a radical overnight change, but perhaps instead of trying to get several overblown popcorn movies and shows that subidise the bombs, we might see a more balanced slate of entertainment wherein both the aim and reach is more measured: Are not several modest successes made with modest budgets not as valuable as 2 gigantic super hits that make up for a slate/season filled with turkeys? (Or should I say "peacocks?")

I am not saying that my vision is the likely outcome, but the fact that we have Variety telling all these execs that they aren't immune from the national mood is quite mind-blowing. 

I have to pity them on some level, because the ones who would be leading the angry mob are the actors, and after the SAG battle and the WGA battle, there are some seriously pissed off creatives.