Zac Efron

There are worse ways to lose your Disney image than these shots in the April “Interview” magazine.  The shots are taken by Mikael Jansson and are really very tasteful and beautiful.  The black and white adds a classic look.  The dirt adds some grit which any aspiring actor (particularly from Disney) really needs.  This is a wise transition and one that other Disney stars should consider.  Keep your clothes on and make it classy.

This lovely young woman is displaying a Purple Bloom Bird Eating Spider.  This species of tarantula from Columbia is very aggressive.  She has more guts than I.

Tom Hulce in “Amadeus”

I am so addicted to this quiz site.  Every day there is a new quiz to test your music trivia knowledge.  Be warned:  the classical music quizzes are truly a bitch!  Categories range from specific bands to 70s music, jazz, Easy, Moderate, and many more.  Prizes and cash are strictly imaginary, but bragging rights are real enough.

Martin Cube’s Music Mastermind Quiz

Maureen McCormick

Gary Busey

…that Maureen McCormick and Gary Busey would have done as well as they did on last night’s Comedy Central Roast of Larry the Cable Guy.  I expect funny from Lisa Lampanelli, Jeffrey Ross, Jeff Foxworthy, et al.  Who knew Marcia, Marcia, Marcia could be so good and that Gary Busey could be together enough to be so entertaining.  All in all, it was a good roast and I’m glad I managed to stay awake long enough to watch.

Dwayne Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, Alexander Ludwig, and Carla Gugino in “Race To Witch Mountain”

I was no fan of The Rock’s wrestling career (I’m no fan of wrestling in general) and his action star career left with me the distinct taste of “meh” in my mouth, but he has certainly got gold with comedy.  His stint on SNL was hilarious and his comedic movie roles (even the small ones) are fantastic.  I’m really looking forward to seeing him as the title character in “Tooth Fairy”.  He holds steady on this course and he will be turning down roles for lack of time.

Jon Stewart

Wow!  If you haven’t seen Jon Stewart’s 17 minute interview with “Mad Money” host, Jim Cramer you need to see it now.  It’s the stuff Emmys are made of.  It’s a real shame when real journalism is relegated to comedians.  Kudos for Jon, though, for taking on the mantle.  He asked every question I had for Jim and his ilk and I was cheering by the end.  If you really want to know the truth behind one of this country’s financial issues (these guys aren’t the only problem), Jon will show you just how these money gurus have screwed you.

This is part 1.  Be sure to watch parts 2 and 3!
Link

No, I’m not talking about “Twilight” with Rob Pattinson (a wildly popular Vampire book and movie ala Stephenie Meyer).  I’m talking the third installation of the Russian trilogy directed by Timur Bekmambetov.  As you may recall, he directed the Angelina Jolie vehicle “Wanted” and its awesome special effects.  His previous installments of the trilogy, ”Night Watch” and “Day Watch”, are also spectacular in their effects and cinematography.  Even though they are Russian horror/fantasy films dubbed in English, it is so worth it to read along.  The DVDs have an English option and while that’s certainly easier to follow, there’s something to be said for hearing the actors voice their parts in their native tongue.

I understand this film is due out this year, but other than that, I have no information.  If any of you horror fans can fill me in, I would appreciate it.

Ashley Tisdale

She’s on the cover of April 2009 Cosmo, has a new film on the way (They Came from Upstairs), and has a new album on the way (“Guilty Pleasure”).  Now these accomplishments are great, but what I really like about Ashley is the fact that she is such a positive role model.  She’s kind, talented, pretty, fashion savvy, and most importantly, has kept her nose clean.  Little girls all over the world can look up to this young woman and parents can breathe a sigh of relief as they do so. 

Wizard of Gore

Crispin Glover

Release Date: TBA
Herschell Gordon Lewis’ original vision was so offbeat and underground that it took two years after the film was wrapped to find distribution. Almost four decades later, director Jeremy Kasten, who’s headed such horror fare as All Souls Day and The Thirst, takes Allen Kahn’s story updated by Zach Chassler, and attempts to put his own stamp on it. The flick is centered on a sadistic magician who finds pleasure in maiming, torturing and brutally killing his on stage volunteers. Or so it would seem! The movie will feature Crispin Glover, Bijou Philips, Brad Dourif, Kip Pardue and Jeffrey Combs. A release date has not been ascertained as of yet.

From a Buick 8

Release Date: TBA 2009
Speaking of the aforementioned Tobe Hooper, the man responsible for genre greats like Eaten Alive, Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Funhouse; also has the pick back in hand, ready to carve another master work in the Stephen King adaptation of From a Buick 8. The film highlights a strange car looking vessel, a Buick 8; that serves as a portal into another dark dimension for human beings to experience. Those who have read the book know this bears no resemblance to King’s other automotive horror story, Christine. The film is currently in pre-production and is chalked for an unknown 2009 release.

Drag Me to Hell

Justin Long

Release Date: TBA
Before becoming an A-list director behind behemoth blockbusters like the Spiderman franchise, Sam Raimi was deeply steeped in the horror genre. He pushed the envelope with The Evil Dead series, combining technical ingenuity with a blend of horrific and humorous story elements. Not only that, but he basically apotheosized the character of Ash, the immortal Bruce Campbell camp cult hero. And now, for the first time since ‘92, he returns to the genre with Drag Me to Hell, about a supernatural curse gone awry, permeating a human host. So far, Justin Long is in line to star, an unsettled 2009 release date to be seen.