USA Today Dumps On Idol Finale.

Today's edition of USA Today gave reviews of season finales. American Idol, along with 24, were more or less tarred and feathered. About Idol, USA Today said:

American Idol (Fox)
Bianco: *

The finale word: Now you know why variety died.

What is it about the finale that causes the Idol producers to jettison all good sense and succumb to the show's smarmiest, most self-satisfied and over-commercialized traits? No wonder the Emmy has so far escaped them; they continually leave voters with a foul taste in their mouths.

For more than two bloated hours, a series that yearns to be a combined revival of The Original Amateur Hour and Ed Sullivan turned into an even cheesier version of Donny & Marie. Why would a show supposedly devoted to talent use its finale to mock the untalented with idiotic awards? And why can't a show that is supposedly well produced present its guest stars without making them look and sound mummified?

The only bright spot was seeing how far Carrie Underwood has come as a performer since her Idol win. Maybe she should produce next year's finale. She could hardly do worse.

The entire article, which discusses shows such as DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, GREY'S ANATOMY, CSI, and others can be viewed here.

Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix - Behind The Scenes

I admit it. I'm a BIG Harry Potter fan and was pleasantly surprised to find this video of behind the scenes footage. Supposedly, it's been shown on television, but I never heard about it. Maybe they showed it overseas.
You can see it by going here.

Meanwhile, here are 13 other clips from the movie.

Olson Twins To Become Next Bond Girls?

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are set to be the first Bond girl twins.


The two sisters are in talks to appear in the next 007 adventure, tentatively titled 'Bond 22', starring Daniel Craig as the suave British spy.

In a bid to secure the 20-year-old sibling stars, producers are offering Mary-Kate and Ashley a clause in their contracts stating they will not have to strip off or shoot any sex scenes, according to online gossip columnist Janet Charlton.

If the twosome accept the offer they will reportedly play characters who help Bond with his mission.

Other beauties rumoured to be starring in the hotly anticipated film include Dutch actress Carice van Houten and Australian star Abbie Cornish, who recently appeared with Russell Crowe in 'A Good Year'.

'ER' actor Goran Visnjic is mooted to be playing a villain, while Dame Judi Dench and Giancarlo Giannini will reprise their roles as M and Rene Mathis respectively.

Shooting on the movie is due to start in 2008.

Source: MonstersAndCritics.Com