Today the Sydney Morning Herald ran a story about TiVo! It’s mostly fluff and it doesn’t say they’re bringing it out here or anything, but at least it’s a mention.

Apparently there’s going to be a new remake of Around the World in 80 Days… starring Jackie Chan. As Passepartout. And British comedian Steve Coogan will play Phileas Fogg. I quote from the article:

Based on the novel by Jules Verne, “80 Days” begins with Passepartout (Chan), an adventurer, trying to make it to China to restore a sacred object stolen from his village. He’s joined by Phileas Fogg (Coogan), who puts his rep as an inventor on the line to provide the transport. Bent on stopping them is Lord Kelvin (Jim Broadbent), head of the Royal Academy of Science, who’ll lose his fortune if the duo circles the globe in that 80-day period.

Based on the novel by Jules Verne??? If you haven’t read the book, let me spell it out for you: it’s nothing like this. Passepartout is French, for God’s sake! They never even go to China! I shouldn’t get so upset, but the original really is one of my favorite books. This quote is especially ironic: “We believe in Frank Coraci’s vision for a film that will be a lot like ‘Willy Wonka’ — colorful, fun and adventurous,” said Cary Granat, head of the company developing the picture. I’d just like to point out another similarity with Willy Wonka: they’re both complete rip-offs that bastardize and dumb-down an excellent story. Hmmph.

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade was last night. I think Madam Sadam and Her Weapons of Mass Seduction is the Greatest. Float. Concept. Ever.

RIP Mr. Rogers. *sniff* (Does anybody else remember the crazy puppet lady that looked like Phyllis Diller and lived in the merry-go-round house? She was my favorite.)

How evil are you? I am depressingly good. Name that movie quote: “I’m Bad Ash. And you’re Good Ash! You’re little goody two shoes, little goody two shoes…” (Link courtesy of a fellow goody-goody.)

Now even Variety is reporting that SMG is officially leaving Buffy. She’s such an idiot. Even at its worst, Buffy is fifty times better than any movie role she’s had to date. I hope they go with a Faith spin-off…

Whoa! Somehow I missed some major Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban casting news. Michael Gambon will be taking over as Dumbledore. I didn’t recognize the name either, but if you look at his picture you’ll realize you’ve seen him in lots of other stuff (most notably Sleepy Hollow). I think he’ll be pretty good. But even more amazingly… guess who’s playing Sirius Black? Gary friggin’ Oldman! I’m excited to see how that turns out. I mean, Oldman is a fine actor and in my mind he really “looks” the part. But on the other hand, he also has this tendency to play roles, like, so far over the top that it distracts from the picture. Remember his cop in The Professional? Sure, Azkaban would make you a little crazy, but not that crazy. (Link courtesy of Kevin.)

I am only 57% hip. Or something. Actually I’m not sure that’s a bad thing. Based on the questions, I get the idea that hipsters = wankers. (Link courtesy of Brigita, who’s even less hip than me, even if she is a pescavore.)

Bono got nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Frickin’ Bono. Too… many… snarky… comments… to… choose…