The New York Observer » Christopher Rosen

Reviewing the Reviews: The Last Exorcism, Takers, Centurion, and Mesrine: Killer Instinct

If it's the last weekend in August, it's time for some truly forgettable mainstream movies! Why waste time on studio dumps, however, when you can see a plethora of well-received indies? Well, those and Avatar again (it's getting re-released).

The Last Exorcism

Premise: From executive producer Eli Roth -- who you either remember as the schlock horror Read More

Cairo Time‘s Alexander Siddig Has His Moment

The chances are good that you've seen Alexander Siddig many times before. From 24 to Syriana to Deep Space Nine, the Sudanese actor (who was raised in England) is one of the more recognizable character actors around, even if you don't know his name. That should change with Cairo Time, a wistful and wonderful romance Read More

One Indie Movie’s Hollywood Ending

Blame Kevin Smith, or perhaps Edward Burns. They took their little indie films (Clerks and The Brothers McMullen, respectively) to the festival circuit in the mid-'90s, grabbed a distribution deal and went on to fame and fortune. "The popular story that got everyone's attention at the time was the young filmmaker who put the Read More

Translating the Fox Press Tour

The Television Critics Association summer press tour came to a close on Monday with the Fox executive session, which meant only one thing: Deflections about American Idol. Peter Rice and Kevin Reilly, prepare to be translated.

On the rumors of American Idol deals with producer Nigel Lythgoe, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler

What Peter Rice Read More

Translating the ABC Press Tour

Of all the executive press tours at the TCA (Television Critics Association), the ABC session was sure to be the most interesting. That's because on the eve of the TCA, ABC entertainment president Steve McPherson resigned under possibly unseemly circumstances, leaving ABC Family head Paul Lee to answer the questions of Read More

Box Office Breakdown: Inception Dreams That It’s No. 1 Again

You aren't dreaming: Inception is tops at the box office once again. Here's a breakdown of the top five.

1. Inception: $27.5 million ($193.3)

Over the weekend Inception joined Avatar, Alice in Wonderland and Shrek Forever After as three-peat box office champions in 2010. Christopher Nolan's cash cow continued to experience remarkable staying power Read More

Translating the CW Press Tour

Another day, another TCA press tour to translate. This time it's Dawn Ostroff, the head of The CW which features such soapy teen staples as Gossip Girl and The Vampire Diaries.
On the low ratings for The CW programs
Ostroff says: "The days of waking up and looking at the overnight ratings are gone."
Ostroff means: Read More

Translating the CBS Press Tour

The TCA Press Tour is happening this week in Los Angeles and that means it's once again time for some dizzying network spin. For those who aren't familiar, the TCA (Television Critics Association) Press Tour allows critics the chance to speak with network executives and talent about the upcoming television season. First up on the Read More

Today in Crazy: Crossovers Galore!

Sometimes while perusing your assembled and well-honed RSS reader in the morning hours, a theme appears. And with that in mind, call today Crossover Tuesday.
It starts, as things often do, with Rihanna. The multi-platinum "Rude Boy" singer has decided on her first film role: Battleship. And if you're wondering: Yes, that is the same Read More

3 Other Directors That Should Find Their Way to HBO

Remember that logjam of likely never happening film projects that Martin Scorsese had waiting for him on his Google Calendar? Well you can cross one off the list: Scorsese and Mick Jagger are teaming up for a new HBO series that would chronicle the lives of two friends through 40 years of the music Read More

The Season Four Premiere of Mad Men: Still Great, Getting Better

To answer your question: Yes, the fourth season premiere of Mad Men (this Sunday!) is outstanding. All of the energy and momentum that Matthew Weiner created during the criminally good season three finale is not only maintained, but built upon with the determination of upwardly mobile couple adding a floor to their starter house. If you're Read More

4 Things to Keep an Eye on at Comic-Con

If you hear Comic-Con and think "Ain't It Cool talkbacker," then it might be time to recalibrate that air of superiority. The 'Con -- as some nerds call it; ahem -- has become a mid-summer Mecca for all things pop culture. Put it this way: James Cameron screened 25 minutes of Avatar there last summer Read More

Bill Murray Adds to His Enemies List

2010 has turned into quite the banner year for journalists hoping to interview Bill Murray. For whatever the reason -- perhaps a New Year's resolution to return the calls made to his infamous 800-number -- the notoriously elusive Murray is suddenly kind of everywhere! The result has pulled back the curtain to reveal a guy who Read More

David Cross Joins Will Arnett for Arrested Development Reunion

While the will they or won't they status of the Arrested Development movie seems to change every month (current status: they will!), creator Mitch Hurwitz is doing his best to recreate the cult series on his new Fox sitcom, Running Wilde. There's the premise -- Will Arnett plays a spoiled and obstuse developmentally arrested oil Read More

Box Office Breakdown: Inception Steals Millions

As it turns out, people do still see live-action movies in theaters! Here's a breakdown of the top five.

1. Inception: $60.4 million (new)

For an original film that runs for nearly two-and-a-half hours and doesn't lend itself to selling lunchboxes or toys, a $60 million opening is anything but a disappointment. To wit: Inception Read More