How can you tell when Saturday Night Live is having a good season? It’s easy to peg when SNL is in a slump or in transition; all you have to do is say, “who the hell is that guy?” after tuning in and seeing a new cast member who is still figuring it out, or… Read more »
Even if you've never read George R.R. Martin's a A Song of Ice and Fire series, you're probably aware that the Game of Thrones showrunners have taken some serious liberties in adapting their source material. Some of the changes make perfect sense and were entirely expected (A 13-year-old Daenerys would've made for some pretty uncomfortable scenes in season one.), whereas others took hardcore fans by surprise. (Is Sansa Stark really marrying Ramsay Bolton ?!) Here's a rundown of some of the biggest changes between the books and the wildly popular show. Obviously, spoilers lie ahead: 1. Worst. Fiance. Ever. In the books, Ramsay marries a friend of Sansa Stark’s, believing her to be Arya Stark. (Yeah, it’s complex). On the show, the writers chose to simplify things and raise the dramatic stakes by having the notorious sadist marry Sansa, instead. Might be good news for the audience, but it’s TERRIBLE news for poor Sansa. 2. THAT Scene Next to Joffrey’s Body One of GoT’s most controversial scenes showed what appeared to be Jaime Lannister raping his sister (and lover) next to the body of their dead son, Joffrey. In the book, the sex is consensual…though still pretty darn disturbing. 3. More Deaths Mean Fewer Actors to Pay! Barristan and Mance lost their lives this season, yet remain alive in the world of the books. The same can be said of Bran’s friend Jojen Reed in season four. Of course, in other worldly Westeros, you can never completely rule out the possibly of a return. In the books, the slain Catelynn Tully returns as the zombie-like Lady Stoneheart hell-bent on avenging her son’s death. That obviously hasn’t happened yet on the show, but we’re holding out hope. 4. Tyrion Lannister: Disfigured No More! In the books, Tyrion is profoundly disfigured at the Battle of Blackwater. On GoT, he’s simply left with a cool scar. Peter Dinklage explained the decision in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, saying, They’d have to [digitally paint] over my face in every frame, and that’s costly and time consuming. I think a scar solves everything.” 5. Robb’s Wife Doesn’t Lose Her Life In the books, Robb Stark marries a young nurse named Jeyne Westerling after he sleeps with her and feels guilty about it. On the show he marries Talisa Maegyr following a slightly longer romance. A pregnant Talisa gets stabbed to death at the Red Wedding. As far as we know, Jeyne is still alive in the books. 6. A Tale of Two Reeks In both the books and the show, Theon sacks Winterfell under orders from his father. In the books, however, he’s assisted by a hygenically-challenged prisoner named Reek…who eventually betrays him and reveals that he’s actually Ramsay Snow. In Martin’s version, Theon disappears for the next three books. In GoT, we get every gruesome detail of his torture. View Slideshow
Even if you've never read George R.R. Martin's a A Song of Ice and Fire series, you're probably aware that the Game of Thrones showrunners have taken some serious liberties in adapting their source material. Some of the changes make perfect sense and were entirely expected (A 13-year-old Daenerys would've made for some pretty uncomfortable scenes in season one.), whereas others took hardcore fans by surprise. (Is Sansa Stark really marrying Ramsay Bolton ?!) Here's a rundown of some of the biggest changes between the books and the wildly popular show. Obviously, spoilers lie ahead: 1. Worst. Fiance. Ever. In the books, Ramsay marries a friend of Sansa Stark’s, believing her to be Arya Stark. (Yeah, it’s complex). On the show, the writers chose to simplify things and raise the dramatic stakes by having the notorious sadist marry Sansa, instead. Might be good news for the audience, but it’s TERRIBLE news for poor Sansa. 2. THAT Scene Next to Joffrey’s Body One of GoT’s most controversial scenes showed what appeared to be Jaime Lannister raping his sister (and lover) next to the body of their dead son, Joffrey. In the book, the sex is consensual…though still pretty darn disturbing. 3. More Deaths Mean Fewer Actors to Pay! Barristan and Mance lost their lives this season, yet remain alive in the world of the books. The same can be said of Bran’s friend Jojen Reed in season four. Of course, in other worldly Westeros, you can never completely rule out the possibly of a return. In the books, the slain Catelynn Tully returns as the zombie-like Lady Stoneheart hell-bent on avenging her son’s death. That obviously hasn’t happened yet on the show, but we’re holding out hope. 4. Tyrion Lannister: Disfigured No More! In the books, Tyrion is profoundly disfigured at the Battle of Blackwater. On GoT, he’s simply left with a cool scar. Peter Dinklage explained the decision in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, saying, They’d have to [digitally paint] over my face in every frame, and that’s costly and time consuming. I think a scar solves everything.” 5. Robb’s Wife Doesn’t Lose Her Life In the books, Robb Stark marries a young nurse named Jeyne Westerling after he sleeps with her and feels guilty about it. On the show he marries Talisa Maegyr following a slightly longer romance. A pregnant Talisa gets stabbed to death at the Red Wedding. As far as we know, Jeyne is still alive in the books. 6. A Tale of Two Reeks In both the books and the show, Theon sacks Winterfell under orders from his father. In the books, however, he’s assisted by a hygenically-challenged prisoner named Reek…who eventually betrays him and reveals that he’s actually Ramsay Snow. In Martin’s version, Theon disappears for the next three books. In GoT, we get every gruesome detail of his torture. View Slideshow
Peter Dinklage from ‘Game of Thrones’ and Taylor Schilling from ‘Orange is the New Black’ will come together for an NYC production of ‘A Month in the Country.’
The actors’ on HBO’s most-watched series tend to really disappear into their roles. So much so, in fact, that many Game of Thrones actors look completely different in real life than they do on the show. Of course, most of the folks who currently populate Westeros didn’t get their start in the Seven Kingdoms. For the sake of believability, producers made an effort to avoid mega-famous A-listers when casting GoT but whether you realize it or not, you’ve seen some of your favorite sers, maesters and Wildlings in previous projects: 13 Game of Thrones Stars in Earlier Roles 1. Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister These days, Peter Dinklage is best known as fan-favorite Tyrion Lannister. Some GoT actors’ previous roles are sure to shock you (Grand Maester Pycelle was in Star Wars ?!), while others are common knowledge amongst hardcore fans (The two actresses who appeared in Harry Potter and GoT should both be dubbed Queen of the Fantasy Nerds). So jump into the gallery above to find out why Tywin Lannister looks so damn familiar. You’ll be armed with all the information you’ll need to impress/annoy your friends during this Sunday’s season finale. And, of course, if you need to catch up in time for the conclusion of season four, you can always watch Game of Thrones online at TV Fanatic. Hopefully, it’ll help you forget about the sight of Ned Stark in a dress.
Is Jennifer Aniston pregnant at last? For real this time? The actress has talked about having children for years, and celebrity gossip magazines have impregnated her roughly 392 times over the past decade. It’s constant tabloid fodder and never true. So shat makes us think that she may actually be with child now, and prepping to start a family with Justin Theroux? This photo! See Aniston’s “baby bump” for yourself: Too bad it’s an old photo. Nice try there, In Touch! A new report from that fine publication claims that Jennifer, 45, and Justin, 42, are finally expecting their first child, and that she’s four months pregnant. Oh, and guess what, it’s a girl! Congratulations! “Sources” close to Justin and Jennifer “revealed” that the happy couple are already thinking of baby names and designing a nursery in their home. She is hoping for “all-natural” pregnancy with no pain medications or epidurals, but “all that matters to her now is to bring a healthy baby girl into the world.” “Jen can’t wait to meet her little angel.” Jennifer Aniston is Pregnant! 1. Jennifer Aniston Pregnant, Alone Jennifer Aniston is pregnant and alone. That does not sound like a good combination. As for baby girl names ? They’re leaning towards Philippa, as they believe Pippa is the cutest nickname for their little miracle baby. That part we can’t dispute. The rest of this report? Very much disputable. Her alleged baby bump, whatever it looks like, has supposedly become “nightmare for the wardrobe people, who are having a harder time covering [it].” She could also just be wearing tighter clothes. Bottom line? Until the actress herself says she’s knocked up, which may be never, we’ve learned not to believe it after the deluge of false reports (above). Nothing fake about these pics though. Nothing: 15 Hottest Pics of Jennifer Aniston 1. Call Me! Don’t worry, Jennifer Aniston. Following this spread in GQ, you’ll be receiving non-stop calls from men around the world.
X Men Days of Future Past is set to do battle with Godzilla. The latest edition of this awesome franchise has been released in theaters, bringing stars such as Jennifer Lawrence , Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Halle Berry, James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender together in two different periods of time. Is the latest superhero movie receiving super reviews? In a word: Yes. Big time. Scroll down for a summary of a few reviews and prepare to a blast into the entertaining past some at some point this weekend… For those who felt The Last Stand was a poor exit for many of these characters, X-Men: Days of Future Past should at least salve the wound in part. – James Berardinelli The characters – and the performers playing them – step unto the breach to provide just enough wit and feeling to make “Days of Future Past” something other than a waste of a reasonable person’s time. – A.O. Scott Time travel, Peter Dinklage and 1970s kitsch top a very long list of what makes “X-Men: Days of Future Past” such a blast. – Betsy Sharkey In the capable hands of director Bryan Singer, who helmed the first two X-Men films, it’s a nearly seamless adventure ride despite a plot that at times strains credulity. – Bruce Demara An audacious, thrilling adventure that’s the most epic adventure yet featuring everyone’s favorite mutants. – Jeffrey Lyles Days of Future Past manages to never buckle under the weight of its unbelievable foundations to make for the summer’s most satisfying blockbuster so far. – Rodrigo Perez 33 Memorable Movie Posters 1. Yeezus Movie Poster The first poster for Yeezus is out. Kanye West, of course, is behind the mysterious film.
X Men Days of Future Past is set to do battle with Godzilla. The latest edition of this awesome franchise has been released in theaters, bringing stars such as Jennifer Lawrence , Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Halle Berry, James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender together in two different periods of time. Is the latest superhero movie receiving super reviews? In a word: Yes. Big time. Scroll down for a summary of a few reviews and prepare to a blast into the entertaining past some at some point this weekend… For those who felt The Last Stand was a poor exit for many of these characters, X-Men: Days of Future Past should at least salve the wound in part. – James Berardinelli The characters – and the performers playing them – step unto the breach to provide just enough wit and feeling to make “Days of Future Past” something other than a waste of a reasonable person’s time. – A.O. Scott Time travel, Peter Dinklage and 1970s kitsch top a very long list of what makes “X-Men: Days of Future Past” such a blast. – Betsy Sharkey In the capable hands of director Bryan Singer, who helmed the first two X-Men films, it’s a nearly seamless adventure ride despite a plot that at times strains credulity. – Bruce Demara An audacious, thrilling adventure that’s the most epic adventure yet featuring everyone’s favorite mutants. – Jeffrey Lyles Days of Future Past manages to never buckle under the weight of its unbelievable foundations to make for the summer’s most satisfying blockbuster so far. – Rodrigo Perez 33 Memorable Movie Posters 1. Yeezus Movie Poster The first poster for Yeezus is out. Kanye West, of course, is behind the mysterious film.
Lady Gaga may have sung about the paparazzi early in her career, but from now on she’ll only be serenading paps who follow her strict instructions. According to the New York Post , Gaga has started issuing demands to photo agencies , giving them exclusives in exchange for their promise to Photoshop her pics according to her specifications. Photographers at a Gaga event last week were reportedly told to “smooth out her jaw line and thin her arms” as well as “smooth out and thin her legs.” So much for “born this way!” Some photographers and event planners are getting fed up, with one coordinator anonymously describing Gaga as a “control freak.” Others don’t seem to mind the demands and are likely grateful for the exclusives. Kevin Mazur – a photographer who gained sole rights to photograph Gaga’s final show at the Roseland Ballroom – says similar demands aren’t all that uncommon. “It’s like any other artist I work with and it’s very minimal because we want to get the photos out there right away,” said Mazur. “She caters to the paparazzi like no other artist I’ve seen.” Sounds like someone wants to keep getting those exclusives! But not every celebrity shares Gaga’s view on photo enhancement. Recently, singer Lorde called out a Photoshopped image of herself and tweeted it, along with this message to her fans: “Be proud of who you are… flaws and all.” Words to live by, and clearly not ones that a lot of people out there take to heart, whether it’s celebrity gossip sites or huge companies selling products. Check out some flagrant Photoshop nightmares below: 11 Really Terrible Examples of Photoshop Open Slideshow 1. Target Photoshop Fail This might be the worst example of Photoshop in the history of the Internet. Look closely at her crotch. View As List 1. Target Photoshop Fail This might be the worst example of Photoshop in the history of the Internet. Look closely at her crotch. 2. Lena Dunham in Vogue This GIF points out all the spots where Vogue edited a Lena Dunham photo. Interesting to analyze, huh? 3. Jennifer Lawrence Photoshop GIF Jennifer Lawrence is beauty as it. Why change her, people? WHY?!? 4. Nicki Minaj and Kobe Bryant ESPN Magazine Cover Nicki Minaj is not happy about this ESPN the Magazine cover. She has called it out for too much “retouching.” 5. Miranda Kerr: Where Did Her Hips Go? Check out Miranda Kerr in these side-by-side images. Notice anything different?!? 6. Ashley Greene: Fakest Photo Ever! We somehow aren’t buying this Ashley Greene photo. She doesn’t appear to really be sitting in front of that house. 7. Rihanna Glamour Magazine Cover We think this is a photo of Rihanna. But it could be Michael Jackson. Come on, Photoshop! 8. The Heat Poster This is not what Melissa McCarthy looks like, let’s be honest. These UK posters for The Heat came under a lot of fire. 9. Pretty Little Liars Season 4 Poster Ashley Benson called out her own show for this poster. The Pretty Little Liars look totally fake in it. 10. Photoshop Use Highlighted in Dramatic Viral Video How does Photoshop transform its subject(s)? This dramatic video will open your eyes. It’s crazy! 11. Fisher-Price Baby Photo That baby’s head and body can’t be from the same person, can they?
Dancing with the Stars’ Peta Murgatroyd and James Maslow may or may not be dating, and Erin Andrews was determined to find out on the show last night. It was momentarily uncomfortable in the ballroom at the 7:00 mark … James Maslow & Cheryl Burke – Tango – Week 4 The new Dancing With the Stars co-host went in for the kill after James’ performance which Cheryl Burke (his partner for one ” switch up ” night only). “It sounds like we have a little bit of talking to do,” she said to the duo. “Can I just … can you tell us you’re dating? I want a Dancing With the Stars baby!” “You’re adorable! C’mon, who doesn’t want this?” Erin Andrews ‘ questioning didn’t go over so well. “Oh my God,” Peta replied, as she wiped her brow uncomfortably. Maslow added: “You can’t have a baby while you’re dancing, alright? So that’s not gonna happen.” Romance rumors first began when the Australian dancer, 27, and Big Time Rush singer, 23, were paired together in the show’s first week in march. A then-shocked Murgatroyd, blushing visibly, then revealed on the program that, “I actually met James once before for dinner … we kind of hit it off.” “I thought he was a good looking guy and then he went away on tour for two weeks and I didn’t see him until he walked into the studio,” she continued. Maslow said at the time, “Would I take her on another date? Yeah, she’s a really cool girl. But right now we are both here for the same reason – we want to win.” But let’s be honest … they’re cute together. Dancing With the Stars Season 18 Episode 4 Performances Open Slideshow 1. Danica McKellar & Maksim Chmerkovskiy Danica McKellar & Maksim Chmerkovskiy do the jive on Dancing with the Stars’ “Switch-Up” night! View As List 1. Danica McKellar & Maksim Chmerkovskiy Danica McKellar & Maksim Chmerkovskiy do the jive on Dancing with the Stars’ “Switch-Up” night! 2. James Maslow & Cheryl Burke – Tango – Week 4 James Maslow & Cheryl Burke – Tango – Week 4 Dancing with the Stars. 3. Meryl Davis & Val Chmerkovskiy – Argentine Tango – Week 4 Meryl Davis & Val Chmerkovskiy – Argentine Tango – Week 4 Dancing with the Stars. 4. Amy Purdy & Mark Ballas – Salsa – Week 4 Amy Purdy & Mark Ballas – Salsa – Dancing with the Stars Week 4. 5. Candace Cameron Bure & Tony Dovolani – Quickstep – Week 4 Candace Cameron Bure & Tony Dovolani – Quickstep – DWTS Week 4 6. Cody Simpson & Sharna Burgess – Foxtrot – Week 4 Cody Simpson & Sharna Burgess – Foxtrot – DWTS Week 4. 7. Charlie White & Peta Murgatroyd – Rumba – Week 4 Charlie White & Peta Murgatroyd – Rumba – DWTS Week 4. 8. NeNe Leakes & Derek Hough – Afro Jazz – Week 4 NeNe Leakes & Derek Hough – Afro Jazz – DWTS Week 4. 9. Drew Carey & Witney Carson – Cha Cha Cha – Week 4 Drew Carey & Witney Carson – Cha Cha Cha – Week 4 Dancing with the Stars Season 18!