A&E NEWS: June 12 – June 18, 2011
JURASSIC REBOOT: I first saw Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park when I was nine-years-old, and it scared the hell out of me, which, in turn, was why I loved the hell out of it. Granted, it’s two sequels were lesser films (the third significantly so), but I enjoyed each of them nonetheless. And so with news that Spielberg is looking to reboot the franchise, I can’t help but get a little excited. Word on the street (i.e. The Hollywood Reporter) is that Spielberg has been quietly meeting with screenwriter Mark Protosevich (I Am Legend) to brainstorm new ideas. What exactly “reboot” means is unclear, though a direct remake of the original 1993 film seems unlikely. Personally, I’m a little reluctant to jump on board and start waving my pom-poms just yet. But I sure am getting ready, I’ll tell you that much.
SAMUEL L. JACKSON: When it comes to profanity, few can spit out more swears with as much force and charisma as actor Samuel L. Jackson. Fitting, then, that Jackson recently recorded an audio book version of Adam Mansbach’s children’s book, Go The Fuck To Sleep. The book, which is actually geared toward new parents, has become something of a phenomenon, thanks largely to a leaked digital copy that made the rounds on the Internet earlier this spring. But now with Jackson’s reading, the book’s popularity is once again on the rise. Funny thing is, Go The Fuck To Sleep hasn’t even been released yet. For more info on Jackson’s reading, click here. For a free download of Jackson’s reading, head over to Audible.com. Or (before YouTube removes it), you can view the book and hear Jackson’s reading in the video below.
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BEST PICTURE: I’m a movie geek, which means that, for better or worse, I watch the Academy Awards each and every year. Two years ago, when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences decided to expand the number of Best Picture nominees from five to ten, I was hesitant to support their decision. After all, while more quality films would be brought into the spotlight, there was also the risk that lesser films would have to be called upon just to fill the ten spaces. Now, however, the Academy has decided that as of 2012 anywhere between five and ten films can be nominated—meaning we could have a year with only five nominations, or eight nominations, or (God forbid) ten nominations, or anything in between. And to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, I say good on ya. Give us quality over quantity every time. For more info, click here.
POTTERMORE: I’ll do it—I swear I will. One of these days I’ll actually sit down and read the Harry Potter series. The first two books were enjoyable enough, and I’m told it only gets better from there, so…well, one of these days…maybe. In any event, Potter fans are all aflutter, what with author J. K. Rowling launching a new website called Pottermore. Just what exactly Pottermore is, however, is anyone’s guess. So far, all we’ve been given is the cryptic message, “Coming Soon.” Is this just a movie-tie-in (the final film instalment hits screens on July 15), or a new Harry Potter book, or something else entirely? No one can say for sure, but fans in the know are saying that there will be an announcement made on June 23, 2011. At the very least, I’m curious to see what comes of this “project.” For (a little bit) more info, head over to CBC.
VIDEO OF THE WEEK: Neil Patrick Harris’ 2011 Tony Awards Opening Number
I rarely watch the Tony Awards, though after seeing this, I’m starting to think that I’ve really been missing out. The short of it is this: Neil Patrick Harris is the kind of “winning” that Charlie Sheen could only dream of.
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The 168 Turnaround is a week-in-review column, a place for me to reflect on the week’s most interesting pop culture news items. If it mattered to me or I think it might matter to you, then it will be here. If I’ve overlooked an important news item, or if you have a comment or question, please leave a response below. Thank you for reading.
zs roe 
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