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Jumat, 24 Januari 2020

Kate Middleton Just Subtly Proved How Sad She Is About Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Exit Drama - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

How is Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge dealing with Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s decision to exit the royal family? While Prince William and Kate haven’t officially responded to the news that Meghan and Prince Harry are taking a “step back” from their royal duties, a body language expert believes that Kate has exhibited signs that she’s sad about the Sussexes’ exit.

Prince William Kate Middleton reaction to Megxit — Prince William and Kate Middleton | Yui Mok – WPA Pool/Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s exit was approved by the queen

When Prince Harry and Meghan announced their plans to leave the royal family, there was some drama surrounding what would happen. Queen Elizabeth called a special meeting with Prince Harry, Prince William, and Prince Charles to work through the specifics, then issued a statement in support of their plan.

The queen noted: “Following many months of conversations and more recent discussions, I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family. I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.”

Kate appears “sadder” after the exit decision

No one really knows what goes on behind the palace doors, but it’s interesting to look for hints that may reveal how everyone involved is dealing with Prince Harry and Meghan’s exit drama.

Body language expert Judi James broke down Kate’s gestures at a recent event with Prince William and found that the Duchess of Cambridge might be upset, especially given how close she’s been with Prince Harry over the years.

The Cambridges hosted the UK-Africa Investment Summit reception at Buckingham Palace and both were on full display so it was easy to analyze their body language.

James shared with Express how Kate was professional at the event, which was attended by Sophie Wessex, Prince Edward, and Princess Anne. Kate laughed with Sophie and seemed friendly with guests, but some of her quieter moments were revealing.

James told Express: “Like the Queen, Kate’s signature charisma involves continuity, meaning she tends to provide unchanging body language that is always upbeat, smiling and professional.”

James added: “Her personal sadness at Harry’s exit must be quite deep as the pair always seemed close, with Harry making Kate uncharacteristically giggly on many royal outings. But her overall demeanor as she supports her husband on his first solo hosting spot at the palace looks as calmly smiling as always.”

The body language expert did find some “sadder” moments, noting: “In between the smiles and laughter, though, there are a couple of glimpses of a sadder, more reflective facial expression, both in the car and just before she enters the room to go on the royal ‘stage,’ that might reveal some clues about her true emotions.”

Will Prince William and Kate have to “pick up the slack” now?

With Prince Harry and Meghan leaving their royal duties behind, there are concerns that the Cambridges will have to “pick up the slack,” as a palace source told The Mirror: “Harry and Meghan deciding to up sticks and leave without any thought about how it could affect them is pretty selfish.”

The source added: “If the Sussexes are only here half the year then it will fall to William and Kate to pick up the slack with more engagements, more pressure, and that has not even been considered.”

Express further reports that the Cambridges may have to “to take on more responsibility,” and “Kate may find herself stretched between home and work in her daily life.”

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2020-01-24 09:35:43Z
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First reactions praise Taylor Swift documentary 'Miss Americana' as 'illuminating, empowering' - USA TODAY

Bryan Alexander USA TODAY

Published 3:42 AM EST Jan 24, 2020

Taylor Swift and director Lana Wilson received a rousing standing ovation onstage following the world premiere of their new documentary "Miss Americana," which opened the Sundance Film Festival Thursday night.

The Netflix-look behind the scenes of the popstar's life (available on streaming and select theaters Jan. 31) has already set off a social media frenzy, fueled further by Swift's candid revelations on body image issues and struggles to overcome an eating disorder.

Based on the early social media reaction, the assembled world's film media was impressed with the film and emotional insight.

"As someone who’s covered Taylor Swift’s music and career for news over the past decade, I found #MissAmericana to be a compelling snapshot," tweeted Piya Sinha-Roy, senior film editor for The Hollywood Reporter.

Sinha-Roy noted that big issues such as Swift's feud with former manager Scooter Braun are covered in the film, that "doesn’t address everything...but she’s taking charge of her narrative. Gotta respect that."

Leah Greenblatt, an EW critic, was surprised with the impact.

"Maybe not the most expected start to #Sundance2020 but the Taylor Swift doc #MissAmericana is smart and funny and intimate and feels like the kind of insight you actually want into a superstar," Greenblatt tweeted.

Ramin Setoodeh, Variety's New York bureau chief, tweeted "#MissAmericana is an illuminating, empowering portrait of Taylor Swift at a turning point in her career, a meditation on the loneliness of fame, and a study on why women — even very famous women — aren’t treated the same as men. #Sundance2020"

Leigh Blickley, senior, entertainment reporter with the Huffington Post, called the documentary "funny, sad and poignant" adding she "loved it."

Adam Chitwood, deputy editor for the entertainment site Collider, called the documentary "a fascinating and candid story of how an insanely famous artist who was trained to be nice and inoffensive reconciles her growth as a political and feminist human being in the public eye."

Kevin Fallon, senior entertainment reporter at the Daily Beast, went straight to the point. "I really liked #MissAmericana," he tweeted. "Taylor finally says her piece. It’s gratifying to watch. It’s fun, too."

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2020-01-24 08:16:59Z
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Kamis, 23 Januari 2020

Meghan Markle's dad admits he was 'jealous' Prince Charles walked her down the aisle at royal wedding - Fox News

Meghan Markle's dad was noticeably absent from her royal wedding ceremony to Prince Harry after suffering a heart attack and undergoing surgery.

Now, in a new documentary, Thomas Markle, 75, is opening up about what it felt like to watch Prince Harry's father, Prince Charles, escort his daughter, now 38, down the aisle at the St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in England on May 19, 2018.

MEGHAN MARKLE, PRINCE HARRY WOULDN’T BE THE FIRST ROYALS TO BANK ON THEIR ROYAL TITLES, EXPERTS SAY

Meghan's father admitted he felt "jealous" as the Prince of Wales was linked arm-in-arm with his daughter moments before she and Harry tied the knot. It was something he said he "really wanted to do," he told the U.K.'s Channel 5 (via DailyMail).

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Megxit plan will be complete sometime in the spring of 2020. (AP)

"My daughter looked beautiful. I wish that I could have been there with her. I certainly appreciated Charles was there. I admit I cried a bit about that. To this day I can't forget that moment," Thomas said in the documentary, according to the DailyMail.

Thomas' ex-wife, Doria Ragland, was in attendance at Meghan's wedding. Meghan's father originally had planned to attend the nuptials and walk her down the aisle.

OPRAH WINFREY TALKS MEGHAN MARKLE, PRINCE HARRY'S MEGXIT PLANS: 'THAT’S HIS DECISION FOR HIS FAMILY'

Meghan Markle's father told Channel 5 that she and Prince Harry "owe" him for the "trashy things" that have been said about him since their royal wedding. (Toby Melville - Pool/Getty Images)

However, days before, Thomas secured a staged photoshoot with paparazzi, leading tensions to run high between him and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Thomas then suffered a heart attack and missed the ceremony due to surgery.

Channel 5's 90-minute documentary with Meghan's father comes weeks after she and Prince Harry announced their decision to "step back" as senior members of the royal family. The couple, with the queen and Buckingham Palace's support, will split their time between the U.K. and North America.

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Harry was spotted arriving in Canada to reunite with Meghan and their son, Archie, 8 months, earlier this week.

Also in the documentary, Thomas blasted the royal family for being "stiffer" than Meghan's very own in America in addition to claiming that Harry and Meghan "owe" him for the "trashy things" that have been said about him.

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2020-01-23 13:57:21Z
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Former Recording Academy head speaks out after filing lawsuit with Grammy allegations - GMA

Deborah Dugan speaks out after filing lawsuit against Recording Academy with Grammy allegations | GMA

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2020-01-23 12:54:25Z
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'The Final Straw' That Forced Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Exit from the Royal Family - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to leave the royal family was not made lightly. While their announcement may have come as a surprise to many, it was “months of conversations” before everything was finalized. Prince Harry recently delivered a speech that stated, in part, explained how the couple had “no other option.” According to a new report, the “final straw” for their decision has to do with their son, Archie.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry | Toby Melville – WPA Pool/Getty Images

Prince Harry shared the reasons behind their exit

During a dinner for supporters of Sentebale in London, Prince Harry shared the reasons behind their decision to step away from their royal duties.

He explained: “I must say that I can only imagine what you may have heard, or perhaps read, over the past few weeks. So, I want you to hear the truth from me. As much as I can share, not as a prince or a duke, but as Harry, the same person that many of you have watched grow up over the past 35 years, but now with a clearer perspective.”

He shared later: “Once Meghan and I were married, we were excited, we were hopeful and we were here to serve… The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly. It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges. And I know I haven’t always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option.”

Prince Harry further noted: “I hope it helps you understand what it had come to, that I would step my family back from all I have ever known to take a step forward into what I hope can be a more peaceful life.”

Of course, the media scrutiny took its toll on the Sussexes, as Prince Harry shared: “You looked after me for so long, but the media is a powerful force. And my hope is one day our collective support for each other can be more powerful, because this is so much bigger than just us.”

Was this the reported “final straw” for the Sussexes?

While the couple endured constant public and media criticism, according to a report from TMZ, their need to protect their son Archie’s privacy forced them to make this drastic decision to exit the royal family.

A source told TMZ that “things really began to sour” after Archie’s birth, as their attempts to keep him out of the spotlight were met with criticism. The British press wasn’t happy with the way the Sussexes controlled the media’s access to their son, from abandoning the typical public photocall after his birth to keeping details of his christening private.

TMZ reports that “the final straw” came after Archie’s christening, with a source sharing: “They think if the British public aren’t contributing financially then they don’t have the same right to comment on their private life.”

Now that they’ve moved to Canada, according to The New York Times, the Sussexes’ lawyers sent a letter to British news outlets threatening a lawsuit after paparazzi captured personal photos of Markle walking with Archie and their dogs.

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2020-01-23 11:33:30Z
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Star Trek: Picard is so much more than a hero’s homecoming - The A.V. Club

Just hours into season one of Star Trek: Picard, the eponymous and beloved Starfleet officer is told, “This is no longer your house, Jean-Luc.” While it’s true that Picard, played indelibly and with renewed soulfulness by Patrick Stewart, doesn’t have quite the same standing in the year 2399 that he did in 2385, the character and actor still look very much at home in the newest Star Trek series. In many ways, Picard is the leader we remember, a man whose compassion and intelligence preceded him, who believed that the progression of humanity could, with concerted effort, keep up with that of technology. But 20 years after the events of Nemesis, there’s been a considerable change in circumstance: he’s now a man with no crew or starship, just a long memory and a mission (and a vineyard and a great dog, but we digress).

The same sense of purpose that sends the erstwhile Enterprise captain journeying through the stars once more also extends to the wider series, and keeps Picard from being a mere exercise in nostalgia or repackaging of intellectual property. The series, Alex Kurtzman’s latest foray into this particular sci-fi universe, shares its lead character’s penchant for delving into history, but keeps its eyes trained forward, seeking out new ways to tell classic Trek stories—among them, exploring what it means to be human.

Finding a balance between old and new, between the past and the future, is as much a thematic concern as it is an offscreen imperative for Kurtzman, Stewart, and their fellow executive producers Michael Chabon, Akiva Goldsman, and Heather Kadin. No one on screen or behind the scenes believes this story can just pick up where The Next Generation (or even the big-screen adventures) left off, narratively or otherwise. The passage of time, both on the show and in real life, is seen and felt everywhere, from Picard’s strained relationship with Starfleet to the Federation’s current state of intergalactic affairs to the more somber tone of the series.

But even with such an esteemed history and noble intentions, Star Trek: Picard struggles at times to fly true in its first three episodes. Attempts to marry the sensibilities of big-screen (specifically, Kelvin timeline) Trek with those of its TV counterpart result create discord; there is a slickness to the pilot, particularly in the big action set-pieces, that doesn’t quite jibe with the more pensive nature of the small-screen franchises. But veteran TV director Hanelle M. Culpepper, who helmed the first three episodes, eventually settles into a more familiar speed, one that allows each new discovery to land before moving on to the next.

Picard is also so packed with plot and backstories, it’ll have you wishing you had the memory banks of Data (Brent Spiner), the dearly departed android whose cinematic death still haunts Picard. In just the first three hours, the series sprints through decades of history, including the tragic events of the Romulan supernova that killed billions and made refugees of millions more. The details of Picard’s rift with Starfleet are gradually revealed, and we also learn more about his retirement, his vineyard employees, and his old (but new to us) comrades, like Raffi Musiker (Michelle Hurd), who is one of a surprising number of people on this show who won’t readily forgive the old Francophone. Kurtzman et. al. insist that you can walk into Picard a Trek novice, which is probably true, though we should note that being versed in the history only enriches jokes about Picard’s indifference to science fiction and makes transparent the wary reactions to the mere mention of the Tal Shiar.

In addition to all that world-building, Picard season one has conspiracies within conspiracies—though we suppose that’s to be expected in any storyline with this many Romulans involved, including Narek (Harry Treadway). There are flashbacks and previously unheard-of destinations, as well as new characters with just as much to lose the iconic captain, but whose motives aren’t nearly as obvious to us. Alison Pill co-stars as Dr. Agnes Jurati, the Earth’s leading expert on synthetic life forms—the same synthetic life forms (or “synths”) that were outlawed following an attack on a Mars space station that was first glimpsed in Short Treks. As Cristobal Rios, Big Little Lies’ Santiago Cabrera gets to play buttoned-up and swashbuckling, occasionally even in the same scene. But most intriguingly, Picard introduces Dahj (Isa Briones), a brilliant young woman who, despite meeting Jean-Luc in the premiere, has deep connections to his past.

At times, it’s difficult to keep the people and machinations straight, not to mention maintain interest in them. But all of these moving parts make up the engine that drives Picard the man and Picard the series, from the real-life events that inform the isolationism and refugee crisis depicted on the show to the search for compassionate and right-minded leaders. Regret is a powerful motivator, and Jean-Luc’s list of regrets is nearly as long as his list of accomplishments, but Picard is more opening salvo than it is a requiem for a starship captain. War, or some other cataclysmic event, is brewing, and no one gets to sit it out; not even the man who once thwarted the Borg. Soon, Picard’s return makes all the more sense—the reunion of the actor and the role, of the character and the battlefront is truly, as Dahj says at one point, “like lightning seeking the ground.” It’s immediately, undeniably comforting to see Stewart playing Picard once again, even as dulcet-toned actor brings new layers of vulnerability and insecurity to the role.

But though Picard acts as a beacon for his companions and viewers at home, the series doesn’t paint him as a savior. Picard carves out a distinct place for him—which is, at times, on the bridge of a starship—while also expanding the roles of his new comrades. It’s hard to pick a favorite among the new castmates, who bring wide-eyed energy (Pill), charisma (Cabrera), pathos (Hurd), and star quality (Briones) to familiar environs. But they’re ready to chart a new course within the universe of Star Trek, just as that universe welcomes back its most inspiring hero. Together, these stories make for one of the most rousing installments in the franchise, and potentially one of the most powerful.

Reviews by Zack Handlen will run weekly beginning Thursday, January 23.

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2020-01-23 08:00:00Z
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Judge blocks Joey Kramer's efforts to sue his way back into Aerosmith's drummer slot - The A.V. Club

Photo: C Flanigan/WireImage (Getty Images)

Stepping into what mustt have been the most awkward conversation held between a band and their drummer since the last time a band was forced to have a conversation with its drummer, a judge has blocked Joey Kramer’s legal efforts to force Aerosmith to let him play with them at the Grammys this weekend. Per Deadline, a Massachusetts judge ruled tonight that Aerosmith’s decision not to allow Kramer—who hasn’t performed with the group since last year, when he suffered unnamed “minor injuries”—to play when they receive an award on Sunday night does not constitute breach of contract, as he and his lawyers were asserting.

In fact, the judge essentially said what Aerosmith said in their statement yesterday: If Kramer wanted to play at the Grammys this year, he probably should have gotten all of this in place before the band was just days away from playing together on national TV. To quote: “Given that Kramer has not played with the band in 6 months and the dearth of available rehearsal time before the upcoming performances, Kramer has not shown a realistic alternative course of action sufficient to protect the band’s business interests.”

Kramer, of course, says he’s been trying, and that the band has been stopping him, up to and including forcing him to record an “audition” to return, which they then rejected for lacking “energy.”. The other members of Aerosmith, meanwhile, maintain that they would love for their bandmate of 50 years to come back into the fold—just not with zero rehearsal time ahead of a major event. They’ve also been vocal about their desire to have Kramer at the Grammys alongside them, just not performing with them on stage. (Although to be fair, they made that statement before today’s legal ruling; who knows how well the whole “suing to get back into the band thing” is going with people behind the scenes.)

Still, though, we have to say this sets a good precedent: Once suing your way into Aerosmith becomes an acceptable legal maneuver, who knows how far it’d go? Soon we’d all be hiring lawyers to score us plum spots in Boston or Steely Dan. Anarchy would reign, as lawyers then began suing themselves into the ranks of Cheap Trick or the Who. Madness in the streets! Love in an elevator! Revolution X!

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2020-01-23 05:43:00Z
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