Pop culture’s latest headlines are dominated by
head-scratching news like political satirist Stephen Colbert making a cameo appearance in “The Hobbit” to the star-studded adaptation of “Cloud Atlas.”
“Cloud” Nine? Understatement:
The rules of conventional filmmaking and storytelling seem to be above directors Andy and Lana Wachowski and Tom Tykwer, if their extravagant new film “Cloud Atlas” is any indication.
Loosely based on a popular novel of the same name, this film is best known thus far for its plethora of eccentricities: Tom Hanks and Halle Berry play multiple characters, the storylines interlock in surprising ways and science-fiction and fantasy images are liberally sprinkled into a story loaded with symbolic meaning.
This film is being released on Oct. 26 and will likely be one of the most polarizing of the year.
The Country Unites:
ABC will broadcast the 46th Annual CMA Awards on Nov. 1. with Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood serving as hosts for the fifth consecutive year.
The usual suspects like Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, The Band Perry and Miranda Lambert will take the stage, as well as unlikely Female Vocalist of the Year nominee Kelly Clarkson and rising star Brantley Gilbert.
A special tribute to legendary singer-songwriter Willie Nelson will feature Tim McGraw and Faith Hill in a rare duet.
X Marks the Hosts:
After ousting the exceptionally stiff host Steve Jones after the first American season of the “The X Factor,” Simon Cowell spent the summer searching for suitable replacements, dodging rumors about prospects like Darren Criss, Kevin McHale (both from “Glee”) and Kelly Osbourne.
Reality TV stars Mario Lopez and Khloe Kardashian will host their first live competition show on Nov. 1. Since neither of these hosts has much experience or credibility, their role will likely be heavily scrutinized by the show’s nearly 10 million viewers.
Let’s Go, Calvin!:
After months of dominating the pop airwaves, the Scottish DJ Calvin Harris is set to release his debut album “18 Months” on Oct. 29.
While casual music fans might not recognize Harris’ music, they will likely be familiar with his output. He is best known for producing Rihanna’s smash hit “We Found Love,” as well as dance highlight “Let’s Go,” featuring Ne-Yo.
The new album also features collaborations with Florence & the Machine, Ellie Goulding and British rapper Tinie Tempah.
From the Department of “Wait, What?”:
Comedy Central late-night host Stephen Colbert will make a cameo appearance during Peter Jackson’s upcoming trilogy adaptation of “The Hobbit.”
Colbert, during an interview with Playboy Magazine, mentioned that he had visited the New Zealand set but refused to discuss his appearance. Warner Brothers later confirmed that Colbert will be featured in a later “Hobbit” installment.
The long-awaited prequel series to the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy will also feature cameos from former franchise stars Elijah Wood and Orlando Bloom.
mlieberman@theeagleonline.com
