#FREEFREDWILLARD

Fred Willard & Mr. Will-W.

With all the controversy surrounding Comedian Fred Willard's recent Arrest, it is refreshing to see him take it all in good humour. Willard says on Twitter, "Wait til u hear my version; much more PG. & my review, lousy film, but theater would make a terrific racquetball court. Full story 2 follow.".

Honestly, the Man is 72-years-old and has paid his dues to Society for the past 45 years, consistently bringing smiles to our faces. Willard was endangering no one with his Behaviour and surely he couldn't have been the first to do so at such a Venue. This further raises the burning Question we all want to know the answer to: "Do the LAPD not have any more pressing concerns to deal with than patrolling Adult Theatres for Lewd Acts"? 

 

I personally have met Willard and had a nice Chat with him last Winter. I can vouch that he is an awesome Guy.  Even at 78-years-of-age, he still is stirring the pot and provoking thought about Hypocrisies of a Law in need of redefining.  Icon.

 

#FREEFREDWILLARD

#BEATTHESYSTEM

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

MICK JAGGER HOSTS "SNL": KRISTEN WIIG SAYS FAREWELL

Mick Jagger on SNL

Fantastic 37th Season Finale for NBC's Saturday Night Live! Rock Legend Mick Jagger not only hosted, but also filled the role of Musical Guest last night in a great display of acting chops.  Jagger showed his range, playing a Gay Actor in mock Game Show Catch Phrase which saw him trying to flirt with his Game Partner (Taran Killam), while dropping some not so subtle clues about his Sexuality.  

Jagger also did a brilliant job in a Karaoke Skit which saw Fred Armisen and Bobby Moynihan do impressions of him as he sat tortured, failing to see the resemblance.  In his Musical Performance, he was paired together with some of his favourite new Acts, Foo Fighters and also Arcade Fire showing that he's still got those Jagger-like Moves.

Mad Men Star Jon Hamm even made an appearance on the Show's Cold Opening titled The Lawrence Welk Show which had him appear as an Italian Crooner, Johnny Prosciuotto (a play on Jon Hamm).  His Performance kept getting crashed however by Kristen Wiig's unwelcome attentions as she tried seducing him onstage with her disproportionately-sized hands. Brilliant. Who knew Hamm could sing so well?

Last night also was Kristen Wiig's Swan Song on SNL, receiving a Tribute from her Co-Stars and Jagger, presented in a Skit wearing a Cap and Gown as "one particular Student who won't be returning this Summer".  Holding back her tears, Wiig danced to Ruby Tuesday alongside with the Show's Ensemble and Jagger.  She will be missed.

If you're in Canada, watch Clips on Global Television's SNL Website here.

(Photo credit: NBC)

WILL FERRELL RETURNS TO "SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE" FOR MOTHER'S DAY

Will Ferrell on SNL

Will Ferrell made a long-awaited return to his Saturday Night Live roots last night, bringing some serious laughs. Opening the Mother's Day Episode with a Speech with him awkwardly describing his love for his Mother Kay, who was by his side. He gave her a heartfelt thanks by the end of those few fumbling minutes, mentioning his appreciation for her for delivering him through her "lady parts with a bunch of strange men standing around her".

In a Mock-Commercial for a medication called Nasaflu, Kristen Wiig and the Funnyman were pitch-perfect together. Ferrell appeared as a Man with a loud, abrasive sneeze frequently interrupting his Wife (Wiig) as she attempted with growing frustration, to introduce the benefits of the Medicine.

Just as she settles into bed for the night, watch what happens!

Also memorable is a hilarious Sketch reuniting SNL Alumni Ana Gasteyer together with Ferrell as their famous Duo Marty & Bobbi performing some Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender-fied Verions of the Hits at an LGBT Prom. Amaze.

For those of us in Canada, click here to see.

(Photo credit: NBC)

TRACY MORGAN IN TORONTO FOR CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FEST

Tracy Morgan in Toronto - March 2012

Former Saturday Night Live Alumni and Star of 30 Rock, Tracy Morgan, flew into Toronto earlier this evening right in-time for his Sony Centre for the Performing Arts appearance, as part of the Canadian International Comedy Fest taking place in the City. Stunning the audience with his raunchy brand of Humour, Morgan performed for just-over an hour to a standing ovation.

Morgan was incredible to Fans who waited outside the Venue, stopping to take Photos with Fans and signing Autographs.  "Let's do it!", he declared to my Photo request, some snapped by his Wife, Sabina.

After heading out in his Suburban, Mr. & Mrs. Morgan were spotted having some post-show Cocktails at Fairmont Royal York Hotel's Epic, greeting Fans in the Hotel Lobby afterward.

In addition to his recurring role on 30 Rock as Tracy Jordan, Morgan also can be seen on Hidden Camera Reality Series Scare Tactics, where he will be returning for a fifth season this Fall as Host and Executive Producer.

I have an Signed Photo from Morgan to give away and to qualify, simply "like" Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook and "like" this corresponding Post before May 1, 2012.  Good luck!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

LINDSAY LOHAN ON "SNL"

Lindsay Lohan on SNL

Drawing some mixed reviews from her big return to NBC's Saturday Night Live, one cannot help but feel a bit underwhelmed especially after all the build-up leading to tonight's Episode hosted by Lindsay Lohan. Now the problems weren't all entirely all her from a performance standpoint, but more the lack of wit in some of the material she was relegated to.

Starting off with some big laughs, a blonde and almost unrecognizable Lohan put her pride aside and poked fun at her own personal problems during the Show's introduction with her Ankle Monitor going off jokingly as she stepped too far center stage. Kenan Thompson then came on-stage, checking her pupils and then getting a pat-down from Kristen Wiig, before we were re-assured that Lohan's certified and ready-to-go.  Jon Hamm even was on-standby in the event they needed a Back-up.  They kid.  Or were they?

MAYA RUDOLPH HOSTS "SNL"

Maya Rudolph on SNL

The hilarious Maya Rudolph returned back to the same show in which she first gained popularity last night, Saturday Night Live between 1999 and 2007. The Funnywoman played Host, appearing first doing a Disco number joking about all the Men behind-the-scenes at SNL she's slept with over the years.  She promises not to name names, but then gives an overt wink every time she walks by one of her Co-stars.  Justin Timberlake, Paul Simon and Amy Poehler even dropped by to make quick appearances!

Rudolph brought the house down with a pre-taped Sketch titled The Maya Angelou Prank Show, which has her playing the famous Writer, going about pranking her peers a la Punk'd and Betty White's Off their Rockers - all were forgiving of her and more honoured than anything.  Outright hilarity!  

Watch it all below:

ZOOEY DESCHANEL ON "SNL": JEAN DUJARDIN SURPRISE APPEARANCE

Zooey Deschanel & Jean Dujardin on SNL

What a surprise it was to see The Artist Star Jean Dujardin on last night's Saturday Night Live, hosted by Zooey Deschanel!  The Best Actor Frontrunner made an appearance on the Sketch, Les Jeunes de Paris - normally reserved best for Emma Stone - a subtle and appropriate bit of campaigning to nab that Oscar.

Deschanel was delightful, performing a cute song in a heart-patterned dress on her Ukulele about her Boyfriend forgetting Valentine's Day, which sounded similar to her viral version of What Are You Doing New Years' Eve?  Suffering a few fumbles with her dialogue, the New Girl Star's best Sketch teamed her with Kristen Wiig, both of them enticing a group of hungry Men at a restaurant called Crab Blast.  After teasing and teasing at great lengths, ultimately we learn there is no crab to be served!

Watch Deschanel on SNL in the US here and in Canada here.

(Photo credit: NBC)

DANIEL RADCLIFFE ON "SNL"

Daniel Radcliffe on SNL

In an exceptional Saturday Night Live tonight, Harry Potter himself Daniel Radcliffe performed hosting duties. Among his greatest moments were an appearance on the recurring Target-themed Sketch with Kristen Wiig which had him in a Mullet longing for her - his Co-worker - in a perfect American accent. He also did a hilarious Parody of the Musical Jersey Boys where a majority of the Songs sung were lesser versions of those by Franki Valli and the Four Seasons.  The British Thespian brought out the laughs as indicted-but-not-guilty Casey Anthony's Yorkshire Terrier, going on about how treacherous it is to have her as his Owner.  "Life is ruff", he claimed. 

Daniel Radcliffe as a Yorkshire Terrier

The brightest moment had Radcliffe once again in the role that made him famous, re-visiting Hogwarts with Jason Sudeikis as Draco Malfoy and Bill Hader as Severus Snape.  At the end of it Radcliffe declared with confidence, "I've still got it!".

Up-and-coming Musical Guest Lana Del Rey performed her Tracks Video Games and my favourite Blue Jeans to warm reaction from the in-house Audience (although more mixed reviews on Twitter) crooning multiple throatier, melodic variations to her recorded renditions.  Her Debut Disc Born to Die hits stores January 27, 2012 via Universal Music.

Although it might take a day to surface, visit Global Television's Website for Clips watchable in Canada.

JIMMY FALLON & MICHAEL BUBLÉ ON "SNL"

Michael Bublé & Jimmy Fallon on SNL

Jimmy Fallon returned to his Saturday Night Live roots last night and absolutely knocked it out of the Ballpark for that Christmas Episode, featuring Michael Bublé as Musical Guest. SNL Alumni Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, Rachel Dratch and more popped by to show their support too! 

You must watch this mock Michael Bublé Christmas Duets Fauxmercial which will have you rolling on the floor with some pretty dead-on impressions of Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, M.I.A., Ke$ha, Russell Brand, Scotty McCreery, Sting, Kanye West and Thom Yorke. Amaze.  Bublé also is quite funny reacting to these little disastrous Duets.

This ridiculous War Horse Parody also cannot be missed where they make a complete mockery of the TONY Award-winning Play with Fallon playing the Horse, Joey.

KATY PERRY MAKES DEBUT HAS "SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE" HOST

Katy Perry on SNL

Katy Perry debuted a new Blonde Bob on her first-ever appearance on Saturday Night Live as Host. Careful not to spread herself too thin, Musical Guest responsibilities were delegated to Swedish Pop Queen Robyn.

Even though Perry's Skits weren't overly ambitious, she did ably deliver what was required of her in a variety of Roles including the highlight which had her playing Pippa Middleton, telling off Queen Victoria and King Phillip, calling them "Geysers", for pressuring Sister Kate to make a Baby. Perry's British Accent was quite spot-on undoubtedly due to the help of Funnyman Husband Russell Brand, just in Toronto on Thursday.

Another Skit had her playing herself on a Finnish Talk Show with Kristen Wiig playing Host and making Perry uncomfortable as Clips were shown every time she answered a question.  One could see that she was able to relax more  by her final Skit opposite a noticeably-slimmer Horatio Sanz, a Stranger she falls in love with based on all the similarities they share including their love for Singer, Jewel.  They even shared a full-on Kiss!

Matt Damon and Val Kilmer also made a quick appearances on the Episode in a Musical SNL Digital Short done in the spirit of The Muppets, along with Andy Samberg and Perry.

Matt Damon, Val Kilmer, Katy Perry & Andy Samberg

Meanwhile, Robyn wowed the Audience with renditions of Grammy-nominated Call Your Girlfriend and also Dancing on my Own.   In the former, she even pulled-out some Hand-Jives and a Summersault.  Pretty snazzy.

JASON SEGEL & THE MUPPETS ON "SNL"

Jason Segel & The Muppets on SNL

So brilliant! Jason Segel hosted NBC's Saturday Night Live last night and he was superb as always. Watch this adorable Song and Monologue he did with the help of The Muppets, who are none to pleased that he is getting all the attention with his hosting gig.

If you're in Canada, you can watch the Introduction and various Skits from last night here.  You can't miss Paul Rudd's surprise entrance and full-on smooch with Segel in honour of U.S. Thanksgiving.  It's quite something!

I just saw The Muppets again yesterday for a second time and loved it just as much as the first time. Review to be posted Wednesday. Walt Disney Motion Pictures releases Wednesday, November 23, 2011.

(Photo credit: Global Television/NBC)

FOSTER THE PEOPLE TO APPEAR ON "LIVE AT MUCH"

Foster the People

Huge news!  One of the biggest breakthrough Acts of 2011 are making yet another trip back to the City and this time you can see them for free!  Those handsome Boys of Foster the People, will be doing a free Performance and Interview at MuchMusic's Live at Much on November 30, 2011 at 7:00 PM. The Band will be back in Toronto, hot on the heels of their current European Tour and an appearance on NBC's Saturday Night Live recently.

Details on Wristbands will be made available early next week.  Click here for more information on that.

A quirky (in a good way) new Video has just been released for Call it What You Want, their latest Single. See it below:

MELISSA MCCARTHY ON "SNL"

Melissa McCarthy on Saturday Night Live

Melissa McCarthy might be your unconventional It Girl... but she is! The Funnywoman is exactly why we need to see more real Comedic talent on Saturday Night Live instead of Celebrities trying their hands as Actors, at the expense of our patience and time.  The Star of Mike and Molly and Bridesmaids was rushed onto the long-running Show hot on the heels of her recent Emmy win and the results were tremendous.  She sang, she danced, she made us laugh and she grossed us the hell out (i.e. gulping down some Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing straight from the bottle).

Although it's hit or miss, whether or not it will work due to NBC's regional restrictions (Canadians can see it here), this is the proper link for one of her most brilliant Sketches, Arlene where she not-so -subtly drops a hint or two to her Co-worker played by Jason Sudeikis, that she's into him.  We all need someone like that in our Offices!

Watch below:

JENNIFER LOPEZ HINTS AT DIVORCE REASONS ON NEW TRACK "STARTING OVER"

Jennifer Lopez in September 2011 Issue of Vanity Fair

Just what exactly is Jennifer Lopez telling us with her rumoured next single Starting Over? Although many of us were shocked to hear about her split from Marc Anthony recently, Lopez might have been hinting at trouble for a while now.  She first performed the Track back in February 2010 when she did double-duty as Host and Performer on Saturday Night Live.

Although RedOne-produced track Papi originally was slated to be the third single off Lopez's latest Disc Love?, it appears plans have of switched seeing that Starting Over is more relevant to this point in her life right now.

Read some of the excerpts below:

"DEGRASSI" RECEIVES FIRST PRIMETIME EMMY NOMINATION

Clare Edwards, Sav Bhandari & Holly Sinclair from Degrassi

Congratulations to the Cast and Crew of Degrassi, who received their first-ever Emmy Award nomination earlier today for Outstanding Children's Program. Seeing the complex and sophisticated ideas which have evolved out of The Kids of Degrassi Street - which I watched  religiously growing up - brings me a sense of pride and joy as a Torontonian.  

Despite negative reviews, Toronto-filmed Mini-series The Kennedys also received a handful of nominations!  No love for Katie Holmes though.

INTERVIEW: JASON SUDEIKIS ON "HORRIBLE BOSSES" | PRIZE PACK GIVEAWAY

Jason Sudeikis

Most of us know Jason Sudeikis for his work on NBC's Saturday Night Live where his sketches The Two A-Holes and his impression of American Idol Winner Taylor Hicks have brought him considerable notoriety since joining its Cast in 2005. With three Films slated for release in 2011 in addition to his on-going commitments with The Cleveland Show and SNL, it would appear that the Actor/Comedian/Writer from Kansas is now a bona fide Movie Star. Hall Pass in which he starred alongside Owen Wilson already topped to the Box Office in its debut this past February and now Sudeikis arrives in Toronto to promote another Comedy, the hotly-tipped Horrible Bosses for Warner Bros./New Line Cinema. 

Riding the same Elevator, I note Sudeikis actually is much taller in-person than imagined.  His Boy-Next-Door good looks are paired with some no-fuss Fashions: a navy blue Cardigan, a pressed white Dress Shirt and a pair of Jeans.  He tells me, "Yeah, I know Toronto pretty well as I filmed a Movie here a few years back (The Rocker) but flew in late last night and only had a chance to have Drinks.  Now I have to fly right out again after this!".

Entering the Interview Suite of his Hotel, he admits to an intimate group of Journalists that he wasn't readily sold on being a part of Horrible Bosses.  "Initially I was hesitant to sign-on as I had just finished filming Hall Pass and then Horrible Bosses got the green light from New Line Cinema. It was just go go go!", he recalls.  "I had just played a character with Ladies on his brain in Hall Pass and I spent much of my charms on that. This time around I'd have to play a Guy with Ladies on his brain and at the same time charm his Friends into murdering their Bosses.".  Sudeikis admits to having declined Director Seth Gordon's offer at one point but after chatting over the Phone over a period of three weeks and being given some creative input into the Script, he convinced himself  finally to stop taking himself so seriously and accept the role of Kurt.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE & LADY GAGA ON "SNL" | "IT'S NOT GAY WHEN IT'S IN A THREE-WAY"

Justin Timberlake hosts Saturday Night Live

Although it's sad to see another season of Saturday Night Live end, at least last night's Finale was a memorable one.  Host Justin Timberlake was joined not only by Lady Gaga as a Musical Guest, but also appeared alongside her on three Sketches.  And how about that Cameo from our favourite Sex Symbol Bradley Cooper, who I interviewed last week here.

Timberlake fully combined his talents to bring out the laughs whether it be dancing in a Beer costume in  a Drink-off against Kristen Wiig in a Tea Bag get-up, or singing with Andy Samberg in a continuation of their Mother Lover Digital Short series.  In the latter Musical Clip, both Timberlake and Samberg together with Gaga, sang about the sexy joys of a Threesome.  "It's not Gay when it's in a three-way", they proclaim - at one point parodying two Jacks and one Chrissy in an homage to Three's Company!

And despite promising not to sing, so to let Gaga have her moment, he still went into song and dance during his introduction, at one point serenading a lucky Woman in the audience on bended knee.

You absolutely must watch Gaga, Samberg and Timberlake's Digital Short below.  So hot!

KRISTEN WIIG IN JUNE 2011 ISSUE OF "INTERVIEW"

Kristen Wiig in June 2011 issue of Interview

"There’s definitely a difference between girls seeing a stripper and guys seeing a stripper. When a male stripper comes into a room of girls, they’re just laughing and screaming and giggling and embarrassed. It’s funny." - Kristen Wiig 

The lovely, sexy and talented Kristen Wiig, aka our new Queen of Comedy, sits down and chats with David Grohl of The Foo Fighters on the June 2011 issue of Interview Magazine.  She reveals how raucous she was as a Teenager growing up in Rochester but also says how she actually is, "I never considered myself to be funny—maybe because socially I can be a little shy sometimes. I just didn’t think that you could be both.".

Click here to read the Interview in full.

If you haven't seen Bridesmaids yet, please see it this Long Weekend.  Funniest Film of 2011.  Read my Review here.

(Photo credit: Steven Pan/Interview Magazine)

JON HAMM, JIMMY FALLON, LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM & CHRIS COLFER SURPRISE ON ED HELMS EPISODE OF "SNL"

Ed Helms on Saturday Night Live

In what was one of the best Saturday Night Live episodes in quite some time, all stops were pulled for this taping hosted by The Hangover star Ed Helms. Guest appearances from Glee's Chris Colfer, Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham, Mad Men's Jon Hamm and former SNL alumni Jimmy Fallon, plus Musical Guest Paul Simon not only surprised - they impressed!

Long-running Animated Sketch The Ambiguously Gay Duo which hyperbolizes the Homoeroticism of Comic Hero Duos (i.e. Batman & Robin), has been a favourite of mine for quite some time. Last night they decided to throw in an extra wist and give it the Live Action treatment.  And the results were hilarious.  Watch below as Hamm and Fallon team-up in an eye-popping way to save the world.

Watch The Ambiguously Gay Duo below:

ALBUM REVIEW: JESSIE J - WHO YOU ARE

Although the first taste she gave us with Do It Like a Dude wasn’t a good indicator what she’s all about, UK import Jessie J (née Jessica Cornish) definitely has a word or two of advice for us on her debut, Who You Are. In fact, the 23 year-old Singer/Songwriter Londoner’s feel-good vibe has already infiltrated airwaves Stateside. If you loved Miley Cyrus’ Party in the U.S.A. – and I know many of you do – chances are, you’re already a Fan of her work without even realizing it.

Expectations admittedly are high and although this debut Disc is a mixed bag of Songs, the raw talent Jessie J possesses is v. present. If not this Album, she is on the verge of something spectacular. Her vocal tone, range and styling are clear proof of the legacy which the likes of Beyoncé, Fergie and Alicia Keys have left on this generation of young Divas, but furthermore she really pulls out every single trick and bit of inspiration she has within her on Who You Are. There is nothing understated about Jessie J – she goes all-out because she can.

I have not been shy about expressing my love for Dr. Luke-produced hit Price Tag (ft. B.o.B.) which despite repeating a vibe heard on Hits like No One (Alicia Keys) and Where is the Love (The Black Eyed Peas), I cannot deny its standalone appeal. It is a proper introduction to the uplifting vibe she truly wants to deliver. Sunny tracks like L.O.V.E. and Stand Up promote positivity and teach us Pop Listeners a lesson or two on Reggae - her way.