AD campaign for new 2008-2009 season of low-rated Gossip Girl shows desperation of the show's

producers.

Been monitoring the development of the low-rated Gossip Girl TV show for a few months now.  The show isn't interesting in and of itself, but I continue to wonder what it is about GOSSIP GIRL that has much of the media championing the show (mention of the show's stars in newspaper tabloid gossip columns--NY DAILY NEWS Sunday May 11 2008-August 18 08--, the show's stars on the covers on magazines, profiles on the show in major entertainment magazines--Entertainment Weekly 5-09-08, etc) DESPITE it's pathetically LOW ratings?  Do the publicists behind the show have THAT much pull?  Yeah, Chace Crawford is pretty, but come on!  Goes to show the lengths the media will go to make a show SEEM important, even when the public consistently shows that it DOES NOT care about GOSSIP GIRL. 

That said, president of The Media Research Center, L. Brent Bozell III had a VERY interesting op-ed piece in The NY Post on Saturday, August 9th, 2008 ("The Real Dirty Secret of 'Gossip Girl' ").   In it, he writes about the suggestive print ads used to promote the upcoming 2008-2009 season of Gossip Girl.  

While he doesn't mention that the show's producers actually started using these suggestive ads early this spring;

he wonders whether the show's producers are "really just perpetuating their own kinky stereotypes of teens, instead of reflecting the real attitudes of their target audience..." with these ads.  Great point and good question.

By the way, does the target audience of GOSSIP GIRL even look at the gossip sections of newspaper tabloids?  Do they even care about shows like "Gossip Girl" or "The Hills"?  I don't think so, but that's pure speculation.

--The Wow Jones Report

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="200" caption="Ed Westwick (Gossip Girl) at Coca-Cola event"] 

[/caption]

 

Coca-Cola event

 

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="200" caption="TV Personality Robert Verdi at Coca-Cola event"][/caption]

 

What's good everybody!

I recently did an event for Coca-Cola at The Yard in the Soho Grand hotel, NYC. It was pretty cool, the dude from Gossip Girl was there (which I can't wait for the first episode Sept. 1!). Here's some pics...

Coca-Cola

Xxo,

Saigon

Son of Rambow (2008) 

Starring: Bill Milner, Will Poulter, Jules Sitruk, Jessica Stevenson, Neil Dudgeon, Anna Wing, Ed Westwick, Eric Sykes

Directed By: Garth Jennings

Son of Rambow is the sort of quiet indie with foreign cred that is long enough on charm to get those who see it to champion it as the sort of warm-hearted comedy the masses should be seeing instead of the mass-produced simple fare the Hollywood keeps pumping out. I've already come across reviews with that sentiment, and to tell the truth, after seeing the trailer, I was expecting to do the same after watching the movie.

But I can't. Don't get me wrong, it IS a charming little movie, with enough wonderful imagination and precocious performances by its young leads to make it an enjoyable enough experience. But beyond the cute concept, the nostalgic look at its period trappings (the early 80s), and the English accents, there isn't much that separates Son of Rambow from an above-average Disney offering. It's the sort of movie I wanted to like more than actually did like, with its lack of focus and debt to earlier, similar films (such as Rushmore) being the chief factors in tempering my enthusiasm.

The film follows Will Proudfoot (Bill Milner) an imaginative young boy whose strict religious upbringing prevents him from watching films or television, who meets Lee Carter (Will Poulter), a school bully who enlists Will into helping him make his screen test for a junior filmmaker competition. After Will views a bootleg copy of First Blood that Lee is making for his older brother (Ed Westwick), Will is enthralled with the film, creating his own story that becomes the basis for he and Lee Carter's movie, a movie they must keep secret from Will's family.

The film is at its best when Will and Lee Carter are finding creative ways to make Will's crazy movie, as the two leads are mostly delightful and their antics are light-hearted fun. But, much like Michel Gondry's Be Kind Rewind, another film released this year about amateurs recreating their visions of other movies, the movie is at its weakest when it comes time to be a movie. Besides the two leads, none of the other characters are developed, which wouldn't be a problem if writer/director Garth Jennings didn't turn over so much of the movie to other characters and their problems.

While most of the movie is spent with Will and Lee Carter, a significant subplot is given to Jules Sitruk's Didier Revol, an exchange student from France whose exoticness instantly makes him a celebrity at school, complete with a sycophantic posse who follow his every move. It's a cute gag, with this foreign kid bringing 80s new wave to the English countryside, that lingers too long to the point of annoyance. Just as Lee Carter resents how Didier starts to take over he and Will's movie, I resented how he started to take over Son of Rambow, and found myself disinterested when Jennings took one last crack at humanizing him as he leaves.

Similarly, the idea of Will's ultra-religious upbringing was one that was initially interesting, but ultimately amounted to little as the movie's lack of focus failed to capitalize. Thus, time spent with Will's mother (Jessica Stevenson) and the authoritarian would-be father figure Brother Joshua (Neil Dudgeon) was both another needless distraction and opportunity lost.

In lingering around subplots and supporting characters that are never developed long enough to warrant genuine investment, the payoff for the film felt a little too pat for a film that had the opportunity to do better. Overall, it was still relatively enjoyable little film, one long on charm and ideas but ultimately short on execution.

3/5

Related:
Be Kind Rewind (2008) 
Rushmore (1998) 
Science of Sleep, The (2006)

First, watch the original ending:

Now, watch Heather Fink's version, costarring me, Rick Shapiro (in a dramatic turn), Heather, and various other hotties:

Also: I'm doing a-ight in the Hot Blogger Calendar contest...but not well enough to make it into the Top 12! AUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGH! Please, please help me rectify this sitch by voting for my sassy ass. I shall be so deeply grateful, my monkeypantses.

(I'm also upset that Michelle Malkin isn't the in the Top 12. What the hell, man? Am I the only one who dreams of posing with her? It can't be so!)

Intriguingly enough, my man Francesco Marciuliano is TOTALLY in the Top 12! You can vote for Francesco Explains it All (or for his buddy Josh of The Comics Curmudgeon) by going here!

Tally ho, citizens!

Don't click on these video clips if you don't want spoiler-ish clips from the second season of Gossip Girl. Guess you already know by now that the season premiere will be on September 1, Monday. *mark your filofax peeps*

This is from the 1st episode, "Summer Kind of Wonderful":

(click here if video does not appear)

And this clip is sizzling hot! Find out why it's "earotic", hehe...This is from the second episode, "Never Been Marcused": (note: Actually in the fan sites, they said the 2 clips were taken from the 3rd episode, "The Dark Night". Either way, we should be grateful, hehe)

(click here if video does not appear)

This third clip is pretty heartbreaking at the end. :(

(click here if video does not appear)

I wrote in my previous blog entry that Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass) is featured on this week's Page Six magazine. Well, here are the scans:

By the way, last August 25, the Gossip Girl cast was fetted by YSL and Henri Bendel. Ed, Blake Lively (Serena), Chace Crawford (Nate) and Penn Badgley (Dan) weren't present though:

And I've saved the best for last. It's Leighton Meester (Blair) and her real-life boyfriend (and one-time co-star) Sebastian Stan (Carter Baizen). Totally cute! *grins*

This season looks so good.  Chuck Bass!!!!!!

Pick of the Week:

Gossip Girl Season 1 - Perhaps the biggest surprise of the entire new season of shows, this has a terrible pilot but from there on in is the most ridiculous, silly, sassy, smart show on TV. It's a beautifully rendered portrait of upper-class New York life which pokes fun in all the right places and, in Ed Westwick's Chuck, has the most delicious semi-villain yet conceived for a teen-targeted show. The next season promises more sex, drugs and, well, more sex so I can't flippin' wait. As much fun as you can have with a new show right now.

Also out

Chuck Season 1 - Patchy and slightly uninspired tale of an accidental spy from the pen of The OC's Josh Schwartz. Just never really kicked into an acceptable gear despite mostly decent cast. In fact, the key reason for its failing is Morgan, the sidekick to our eponymous hero, who is about as annoying as a human being can be.
Persepolis - Beautiful and charming little story and you can read my thoughts on it here.
Happy Go-Lucky - Mike Leigh's new piece about a young lady with an unbreakably positive outlook on life. I will be watching it this week.
Never Back Down - Step Up 2 The Streets with mixed martial arts. So bad, it's awesome.
Stop-Loss - Misguided but valiant attempt at engaging with the psychology of modern warfare although it is packed with talented young males, not least the outstanding Joseph Gordon Levitt.
Love is the Devil - Intense portrait of Francis Bacon from Derek Jarman and starring Derek Jacobi. A fine, well-acted and well-balanced piece of work.
Pathology - Milo Ventimiglia from Heroes in some surgery horror thing. Haven't seen and likely won't.
Street Fight - A recounting of the battle between Cory Booker and Sharpe James to become the Mayor of Newark. An incredible, eviscerating study of dirty local politics with a bleakness to its conclusion which was eventually solved by life.
Lonesome Jim - Not seen but directed by the great Steve Buscemi and starring the soon-to-be-great Casey Affleck alongside the never-will-be-great-but-still-charming Liv Tyler.

Actor/Rocker/Poet Ed Westwick is featured in the latest issue of Page 6 magazine. Ed talks about all the gossip surrounding him, Chace Crawford, and how he got started in the business.

How he got started:
"At age 6, when my mum put me in a drama program. I quit to play soccer because the two activities both fell on Saturday. But after secondary school, I thought, 'What the fuck am I going to do with my life, man? I was so frustrated with the idea that you had to figure it all out right away."

On his fashion sense:

"My style has always been good.  Top notch, baby.  I like the glamorous indie rock look, like the Libertines.  But you know, without the heroin needle sticking out of my arm."

On his Bromance with Chace Crawford:

"People think Chace is gay, and thought I was gay, that we were humping.  It's not true, but hilarious.  People project their fantasies onto people.  I've never been someone who makes it my objective to go out and pick up chicks.  But I've met some fantastic ladies here.  You know, those amazing conversations where you find yourself in a cafe talking until 2 a.m. and never see them again."

Oh Ed Westwick, let me count the ways on how do I love thee. I love thee for the drunken reverie   you shared with People.com. *Or poem as you insisted*. And I quote:

Tell me what can you want?
You’ve got it all.
Things are real in a handshake.
Rest my bones these days in a different way.
Cherish the change; it may not stay.
I remember your dress,
Like dreams when you wake with a sudden start.
You’re beside me in the dark,
Wrapped in my arms.
Love is being entranced in a glance,
To muster up courage when you’re flustered,
To stumble on the words you prepare.
Don’t worry about the money that went down the drain
Because the best things in life are free.

Shakespeare you ain't but who knew "Chuck Bass" is a romantic? *LOL*

Ed is also featured in Page Six Magazine (via Just Jared) this week. An excerpt:

On his relationship with co-star and roommate Chace Crawford: “People think Chace is gay, and thought I was gay, that we were humping. It’s not true, but hilarious. People project their fantasies onto people. I’ve never been someone who makes it my objective to go out and pick up chicks. But I’ve met some fantastic ladies here. You know those amazing conversations where you find yourself in a café talking until 2 a.m. and never see them again.”

On planning to enjoy the city and the last warm days of the season: “I love going out in the summer. The girls wear their nice dresses. Did that sound sleazy? It really did, didn’t it? Put it like this: Everyone comes out looking gorgeous in summer. We are a more beautiful species in the summer. No doubt Chuck Bass would say ‘cheers’ to that, baby.”

*******************************************************

I find these recent pics of Ed attending a Coke event totally cute! My week is now "complete", haha!

Here are new pics from the Gossip Girl set this week. Leighton Meester (Blair Waldorf) and Blake Lively (Serena van der Woodsen) channel the Audrey Hepburn classic, "My Fair Lady". Guess this scene would figure in another one of Blair's dream sequences. B loves Audrey, remember?

The BFFs in present-day clothes:

The "Others". Kidding aside, here's Little J (Taylor Momsen), Vanessa (Jessica Szohr), Lily (Kelly Rutherford) and Lonely Boy (Penn Badgley):

Last but not least, here are some episode stills from the second episode of Gossip Girl Season 2. The title of the episode is "Never Been Marcused". Marcus by the way is Blair's rebound guy after Chuck "ditched" her in the Season 1 finale. Actually Blair's using him to make Chuck jealous. Atta Blair!

Don't forget, season 2 episode 1 (Summer Kind of Wonderful) will air a week from now (Sept. 1). Mark your calendar everyone!

Altre Foto QUI

I wasn't able to write anything yesterday. I apologize to all my dailiy readers. It's because I rewarded myself with a movie treat while eating pop corns specially made by my mom. POP. I watched the following.

-The Beach by Leo di Caprio, Broke Back Mountain....(duhhh....)....and the last three episodes of Gossip Girl.

-------------------SATURDAY: Woke up at 5:00 am.

Ok. So it is a Saturday. And why the hell I am in the office? What can I do? I am trying to be a good employee here. I just want them to see that even in the non-working days...I am still workin' and sloggin' my butt out.

In short, I don't have a choice.

Forget about it. At least I have all the time to compose a blog today while waiting for these "primadona" laborers whom I set to meet at 7:30 am and it ended up that it was just me waiting for nothing.

Let's talk about my latest craze and everyone's latest fav in fact. My substitute while waiting for the release of One Tree Hill Season 6. Thanks to Romina for introducing such new hobby. It took me time to finally start it and thank God I just recently finished the complete first season.

GOSSIP GIRL

I just love the casting. I love the outfits. I love the story. I love the setting. I love everything about it. The upper east side.....Manhattan's elite and their scandalous life.

So who's my favorite character? It's definitely Ed Westwick. Portraying the character as Chuck Bass suited his "seducing and panty liner melting" looks. Drawing few lines in the series doesn't even make him unnoticed.

So how about the rest of the characters. Let us start with Serena van der woodsen (Blake Lively). Though she looks manly sometimes, her sweet face never fails to impress me and uuuuuugggghhh...the wardrobe? glamorous. I just don't like her character specially in the later part of it. She became boring and out-casted by Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester).

So Blair. A one of a kind bitch who is always there as a friend. Though she has a strong character, there is always inside her heart that makes everyone love her so much. But a bitch will always be a bitch. In the real world, hundreds of them exists. I guess I am one of them.

Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley). Cute but not so "IN" for me. A knight in shining armor type of good looking guy. Specially for Serena. But not for me, I guess. I just feel that he could have been a better character instead of being Dan Humphrey. I hope there will be a switch character episode so that we can find out the real chemistry.

Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford). Handsome lass who had sex with Blair's bestfriend Serena without her knowledge of course. Its revelation happens to be the main conflict of the first few episodes. Best buddies turned out to be best-enemies. But I won't spoil it for you. Go get a copy and find it out yourself.

Jenny Humphrey (Taylor Momsen). I remember her. She used to play the role of Gretel in "Hansel and Gretel", a few years back. As for her role in the "Gossip Girl", she always remind of somebody when I was back in College. Social climber who climbs on top of her way to fulfill her wants. Doesn't care much about her needs. Tagged as Little "J", her character had set a standard composure for all the wannabees in town.

Vanessa Abrams (Jessica Szohr) Dan's best friend. A smart princess from Brooklyn who exactly looks opposite to the description. She was Nate's latest interest in the later end of the first season. I don't know, for me they don't seem to match. But let us see. I am sure there will be more surprises to come.

And finally, the gossip girl. The mysterious voice over played by Kristen Bell. Perfect voice for a perfect character. The eye of the town and the milk spiller.

So what is my favorite scene? It was the part where Blair followed Serena in the place where they use hang out when they are lonely. It was raining. Prior to that scene was the incident in which Blair gave a humiliating surprise to Serena by telling everyone that she has undergone rehabilitation due to over use of drugs. I love the part in which Blair read her unsent letter to Serena.

That letter made me cry. She missed Serena so much and asking her why she had to leave during the most critical days of her life. And no matter how many times she hides it, she can't always fool her heart. She missed her best friend.

I can't wait for the next season to come. I am sure, like me, everyone is craving for it.

And who am I? that's the secret I will never tell.

You know you love me.......

XoXo

Gossip Girl

Take a deep breath...

Blake Lively giving us over the shoulder.

The gorgeous cast of CW's "Gossip Girl"

Taylor Momson being interviewed.

Leighton Meester being interviewed.

Hottie Chace Crawford making ladies (and gay men) around the world beg for mercy!

Are you ready for the hottest photo of all time???

Yes, in case you live under a rock - thats Chace Crawford. (Swoon!)

What a night. Ooo la la!

Were you at the Gossip Girl party? Do you have any hot shots you want to be included?

Please e-mail us at micah@micahjesse.com.

xoxo

I "heart" Chuck Bass! Always have, always will.

Here's some Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley) as well:

Ed and Chace off the set. Still hot, hehe!

By the way,  the site Gossip Girl Insider is soooo lucky! They were given a copy of the 1st episode of Gossip Girl season 2. In fact, they already have a recap! If you're not like me and will wait for Sept. 1 instead for the season premiere, then don't click here!!!!!

Here's some of the quotes from the 1st episode of season 2, still courtesy of the Gossip Girl Insider:

Gossip Girl: They say summer love is fleeting. But sometimes what starts as a fling, can lead to the real thing. A simple trip to the beach can be all it takes to clear our heads and open our heads, and write a new ending to an old story. There are those who got burned by the heat. They just want to forget and start over. While there are others who want each moment to last forever. But everyone can agreed on one thing - tans fade, highlights go dark, and we all get sick of getting sand in our shoes. But summer is the beginning of a new season, so we find ourselves looking to the future. You ain't seen nothin' yet. XOXO, Gossip Girl.

**************************

Chuck: Please don't leave with him.
Blair: Why? Give me a reason... and "I'm Chuck Bass" doesn't count.
Chuck: 'Cause you don't want to.
Blair: That's not enough.
Chuck: 'Cause I don't want you to.
Blair: That's not enough.
Chuck: What else is there?
Blair: The true reason I should stay right where I am and not get in the car. Three words. Eight letters. Say it... that I'm yours.
Chuck: I... I ... [pause]
Blair: Thank you. That's all I needed here.

******************************************************

Gossip Girl: Spotted: Serena and Nate in a massive display of PDA... and that's exactly what Dan Humphrey is. Pretty. Damn. Angry.

******************************************************

Sigh, can't wait for Sept. 1!!!

Here's more of my Chuck *sigh*:

I gather this must be Blair Waldorf's Ivy-league look. Though some people will find it an odd fashion mix, I still love Blair, hehe!

Blair's itty-bitty short shorts..It's redundant, I know! *LOL*

Just Jared even had a shot of Blair/Leighton's derriere. Touche.

Blair's BFF, Serena van der Woodsen, was also spotted recently:

By the way, the cast members of Gossip Girl were given an End-of-Summer bash by Vitaminwater last weekend:

Of course these are the obligatory Chuck/Ed Westwick and Blair/Leighton Meester shots, haha! I so love these two!

Lastly, Michael Ausiello of Entertainment Weekly gave this juicy scoop on Gossip Girl season 2. Here it is quoted verbatim on his Ask Ausiello column in ew.com:

Question: You've seen the first two Gossip Girl episodes?! Spill! --Melissa
Ausiello: As I mentioned in my Gossip Girl premiere party wrap-up video, I got the distinct impression that the show is laying the groundwork for a possible Rufus/Vanessa pairing. The signs are subtle, but they're there. I'm curious to see what you guys think. Elsewhere, there's a scene between Leighton Meester and guest-cougar Madchen Amick in the second episode that was so good I nearly wept. No surprise that exec producer Stephanie Savage -- who's second only to Patrick Mulcahey (Santa Barbara) when it comes to writing bitchtastic dialogue –- penned the outing. Oh, and many words have been used to describe Chace Crawford's Nate – hot, sexy, tasty, yummy, etc. Well, by the end of the second ep, you'll be able to add male prostitute to that list.

*****************************

Thanks to Just Jared and Blairnandchuck.com for the pics. Do check my other Gossip Girl entries here. xoxo

That was our first stop on Saturday night in the Hamptons: Vitaminwater Hosts an End-of-Summer Hamptons Bash for the CW Network's "Gossip Girl"

When we arrived at the party, we were ushered up to The Estate on VitaminWater golf carts... How chic!

The red carpet was totally cool! With actual VitaminWaters down the press line 'attached' to the wall -- well, not adhered -- because some of the cast members leaned back while taking photos and knocked a few of them off!

Inside the party, which was held at The Estate, there were ice luges (if you can't see there is an "XOXO" ice luge, two bars, and oodles of gorgeous people!

There's your favorite blogger, MICAH JESSE, chatting it up with the lovely Leighton Meester.

Our interview started off rocky as her red carpet rep told me I could only ask her two questions...

Psssh!

Well, Leighton liked us more than her rep may have anticipated...

We ended up talking like girlfriends for a good while.

Leighton is a total sweetheart!

We talked to just about the whole cast: the gay man's dream Chace Crawford (stay tuned for that photo), uber hottie Ed Westwick, cutie patootie Taylor Momson, bad girl Jessica Szohr whose hair we were totally digging (it was in twists), Blake Lively (who may have become a bigger diva than anyone expected...) and the lovely Leighton Meester (above).

The cast did not, unfortunately, interact much with the hundreds of people who came out to celebrate the success of their season.

Must be tiring being a travelling Gossip Girl cast member!

But give back to those who make you!

Kind words from Micah Jesse.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE FOOTAGE FROM THE PARTY....!

[Micah Jesse's shirt courtesy of Evisu. Thank you Adam Schmidt!]

Whose side are you on? Team B?

Or Team S?

Let the (cat)fight begin!

Leighton and Blake have a laugh during the break.

Hmmm, can't wait for season 2 to commence next month and find out what caused these BFFs to rough it up. Anyway, this post wouldn't be complete without a Chuck Bass/Ed Westwick pic. Here's Ed who was spotted out and about in NY recently. Happy weekend everyone!

For my other Gossip Girl entries, click here.

Source 1

Source 2

To all Blair-Chuck shippers of Gossip Girl, feast your eyes on these pics. Pics are courtesy of Gossip Girl Insider and Gossip Girl Fan by the way.

Chuck Bass and his crazy sartorial fashion pieces. Still, I heart him, weird fashion sense be damned!

Queen B and S...as well as her clique:

Speaking of S, she was spotted shopping with her mom, Lily:

The Humphreys (Dan and Little J) were also spotted:

There will be a new character on season 2 named Poppy. She will reportedly be Serena's new friend (not the Georgina Sparks-kind of friend though). Poppy will be played by Tamara Feldman, who was last seen on Dirty Sexy Money:

In case you haven't seen this yet, this is a funny clip from E!'s The Soup. Blake Lively and America Ferrera were interviewed by Good Day LA when the host suddenly asked about Blake's tv series. America's reaction is totally priceless!

(click here if video does not appear)

So whose side are you on? Team Ugly Betty or Team Serena van der Woodsen?

I say it's Team Chair (Chuck/Blair)!!! *LOL*

I watched it yesterday, it's a really cute nostalgia flick, the story of two kids growing up in the eighties who have bags of imagination and a film camera to document their mischief. 

It was produced by Hammer and Tong's (Nick Goldsmith and Garth Jenning)

They made that awesome Blur video with the cute little milk carton...and if that's not enough for you, Ed Westwick aka the hot naughty guy ( Chuck Bass ) from Gossip Girl is in it...

Here's some recent candid shots of Leighton Meester and Ed Westwick. Leighton was up and about in New York while Ed was spotted at the Lollapalooza fest. Ho-hum, Ed commits a fashion faux pas in my eyes. No socks! Tsk, tsk!!!

The CW network also released the titles of the first five episodes of Gossip Girl season 2. They are as follows, with the date that they're going to be shown:

1. Summer Kind of Wonderful (September 1)
2. Never Been Marcused (September 8)
3. The Dark Night (September 15)
4. The Ex-Files (September 22)
5. The Serena Also Rises (September 29)

***************************************************************

By the way, thanks to BlairandChuck.com for the pics. Do check my other Gossip Girl entries. Click here. XOXO