Hollywood’s Copycat Culture
Copycats are everywhere in Hollywood these days.
Think back to how “Halloween” in 1978 gave us quite the scare, right? Then came the 1980 film “Friday the 13th,” clearly riding that same stalker wave. And, well, now we have a whole catalog of similar films.
If greed is beneficial, then perhaps imitating is even more rewarding.
This brings us to the marketing strategy of the new horror film “Other Mommy.” Starring Jessica Chastain, the movie features a mother pursued by a sinister force. It seems this force compels her to wear a chilling smile, a telltale sign that something’s off.
If “Smile” (2022) or its upcoming sequel “Smile 2” (2024) rings a bell, you already recognize that unsettling grin. Sure, a franchise can keep putting out sequels, but is it really necessary to swipe such a distinct visual from another series? Maybe this is why critics didn’t get to see “Other Mommy” until its premiere on October 9.
So, expect the reviews to be pretty spine-chilling…
‘Speech’ Impediment
You’d think this would be a flourishing time for the Emmys. There are so many excellent shows out there, thanks to the explosion of streaming services dishing out new content.
Although classics like “The Sopranos” and “Breaking Bad” have wrapped up, there’s still a wealth of top-tier television shows to enjoy.
But interestingly, the Emmys will be switching to Prime Video next year. Any idea why?
It’s all about the ratings—or, more accurately, the lack of them. Viewership has plummeted from about 20 million to just 7 million in recent years.
Next year, Prime Video will present the ceremony, nestled among various political rants. It makes you wonder if the rise of outspoken celebrities has played a role in this dramatic viewership decline…
Outbreak … of TDS
“Donald J. Trump is gonna kill you.”
Now it’s Ana Navarro’s turn to make headlines.
The co-host of “The View” linked a Russian plague outbreak to attacks on President Trump. This isn’t entirely surprising; “The View” could probably turn a casual conversation about Chia Pets into an anti-Trump tirade.
Navarro even took it a step further with her TDS moment. Sure, she was really taking aim at Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., but he does connect back to Trump through his appointment.
“There’s going to be crises, there’s going to be health emergencies. And, you know, when I think about RFK Jr. running HHS, I just think, girl, kiss your ass goodbye!”
Getting that perspective, it seems pretty easy for her, considering where her head seems to be at…
Not ‘Messing’ Around
Here’s a classic “man bites dog” scenario.
Debra Messing, who gained fame from “Will & Grace,” has always been a progressive voice. She once even threatened to reveal the identities of anyone in Hollywood who supported President Trump. The implication was clear: good luck finding work here.
That was then, though, before the hate crime surge both globally and within her industry.
To her credit, Messing has now emerged as a prominent voice in support of the Jewish community since the events of October 7. She’s also aware that the Democratic Party has grown increasingly intolerant of Jewish individuals.
That explains her recent endorsement; she’s supporting Republican Bruce Blakeman against Democrat incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul in the New York gubernatorial race.
“The decline in this city over the last four years has been both drastic and heartbreaking. Economically and socially, we’ve seen so many businesses leave. People are moving away.”
When acknowledging Messing’s support, Blakeman perhaps spoke a truth that’s not often said.
“She’s doing everything she can to save New York and ensure it’s a safe place for Jewish people to live.”
Messing seems to share the views of fellow Jewish actor Michael Rapaport, who has shifted away from his previous anti-Trump rhetoric to criticize New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D).
Longtime liberals crossing party lines to oppose ineffective mayors and governors? Imagine if we could bring that kind of reason to the West Coast…
Sorkin’s Status
Are you really sure about that, Aaron?
Writer-director Aaron Sorkin continues his Facebook saga with “The Social Reckoning” this weekend. This film, a follow-up to “The Social Network” from 2010, critiques Facebook for algorithms causing widespread harm.
While that argument holds weight, the film also serves as an attack on President Trump and the January 6 events.
Yet it seems audiences have other thoughts in mind, with the film struggling to push past the $8 million mark this weekend.
In contrast, “The Social Network” debuted with $22 million and accumulated a $96 million domestic total.
Interestingly, Sorkin is already considering a third installment.
“If a compelling story arises related to Facebook, I’d be interested.”
If the box office returns resemble expert predictions, he might need to launch a GoFundMe to get it rolling. I have a perfect platform in mind for that!
