|
|
|
Megan Glaros joined CBS 2 in 2008 as the weekend morning Meteorologist and Entertainment Reporter. Now in New York City, Megan has been heading out to movie premieres for a firsthand look at upcoming films and press junkets where she sits down with the stars to talk about their roles. In her WCBSTV.com blog, she'll tell us her thoughts on the movies and the celebs she meets along the way. To read Megan's full bio, click here.
Almost a year ago to the day I sat down at the Regal on 42nd Street to watch the one and only screening of a new movie called "Twilight." I'd heard a little bit of the book buzz on the franchise, but I wasn't expecting much. I can remember thinking things like, "Hmmm…this theater is really full," and "Why are all these girls screaming when Robert comes on screen?"
Well – now I know.
After the screening I stopped by a bookstore to pick up "Twilight," "New Moon," "Eclipse," and "Breaking Dawn." I figured – why not. Well thank you Stephanie Meyer for causing me to lose and ENTIRE week of my life reading all four books! It's not the most stimulating or challenging read, but the whole series simply weaves a great story. A story that is hard to put down. A story that makes for the latest and greatest vampire craze to hit the world since "Dracula."
The Twilight film made instant mega stars of Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson and made it tough for anyone to get interviews with either of them. Summit Entertainment did offer me an actor with a much smaller role: Taylor Lautner. When the 16-year-old Taylor walked into our studios, he was accompanied by one handler and his dad. He looked like any cute 16-year-old junior in high school, and I think he may have even been a little nervous about being interviewed. Taylor and I got along well. We chatted about his role and about the crazy Twilight fans, and I asked him one important question: "Are you ready for this?"
Taylor laughed and said, "I don't think so". And today, I find myself wondering if he even had an inkling of what he was about to go through.
(Click here to watch my Nov. 2008 interview with Taylor!)
Shortly after the movie came out, rumors started circulating that Taylor was about to get fired. That he wasn't big enough or buff enough to play the role of Jacob in "New Moon." I remember thinking – poor kid. But Taylor took to the gym, gained 30 pounds and proved that he could play the role. It was kind of crazy for me to see the little Taylor that I chatted with in November turn into the big, bulky Taylor that fills the screen in New Moon. It's also nutty to have interviewed him when he was an unsure 16-year-old, and to see him now – big movie star, dating Taylor Swift (maybe) and becoming the biggest thing to hit the screaming girl set since….well….Robert Pattinson.
This year I found myself really looking forward to the "New Moon" screening, and curious to see how they brought the second book to life. Let me tell you – they followed that book as well as I think they could have, and I don't think fans will be disappointed. "New Moon" is the most depressing of the series, and it's not the most uplifting movie, but it stays true to the story that fans have fallen in love with the world around. I might go see it again, but I might not. I might re-read New Moon (again), but I might not.
I can tell you that I'll be looking forward to next November and "Eclipse."
Oh, and by the way, rumor is – "Breaking Dawn" might become two separate films – more movies for Twilight fans to love – more money to make!
Later!
Megan
Hey guys! The world of entertainment has been crazy lately!! It's like all the celebs KNOW that awards season is just around the corner! Here's what I'm featuring in my entertainment wrap today.
1) Aerosmith is NOT breaking up. Yes, I know the rumors have been crazy, but Stephen Tyler himself took to the stage last night in NYC to sing 'Walk This Way' with Joe Perry AND address the rumors. According to him – he's not going anywhere.
2) Denzel is coming back to Broadway! The Hollywood hunk and two-time Oscar winner will be starring in "Fences" next year. April through mid-July.
3) Celine Dion finds out she's not pregnant. Sadly, the star thought her IVF had worked, but it was a misdiagnosis. She and hubby will keep trying.
4) Meryl Streep hits the red carpet here in NYC for her brand new film. She's starring with Clooney, but it's just their voices!! The animated flick 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' hits theaters the day before Thanksgiving.
That's what I have for today, but here are some other headlines that didn't make the cut!
Angelina's new trailer for Salt
Peter Fonda talks about the 40th anniversary of "Easy Rider"
MJ was buried in a $35,000 suit
Warren Beatty sues for the rights to "Dick Tracy"
Brad Pitt wants to shoot "Inglourious Basterds 2"
Tiffany Amber Theissen is going to have a baby
Robert Pattinson loves 'darkness' in women. OK????
Chat at ya next time! Meg
Cheerio all! This past week has been all about the Brits – at least in my little corner of the newsroom.
Depending on the day, my job can be fun, stressful, hard, easy or just downright cool. Yesterday was one of the coolest work days yet. I got a chance to do a story from Paul McCartney's impromptu performance on the marquee at the Ed Sullivan Theater. Let me begin by saying – WOW! Not only does he give an amazing show, but he's just as good now as ever. You should have seen McCartney climb out of the window and onto the marquee – it was a moment that I will never forget. I've always been a fan of The Beatles and to see him in person was wicked cool. He played for about a half an hour with the huge crowd swaying to the beat and singing along to their favorite tunes. He played a few Beatles songs as well as some Wings, some new stuff AND – this was very cool – a little Hendrix. I recorded some of the performance with my flip cam, and we've posted a few videos here on the blog – including a little Hendrix, McCartney style.
Yesterday's concert was the second part of my British Invasion – it all began last Friday at the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince junket. Let me start by saying – the movie is GREAT. What was more exciting, meeting the cast!
Daniel Radcliffe – This was my second time interviewing Daniel. We first chatted when he was here in the city doing Equus on Broadway. He was just as friendly and energetic this time around. Just being in his presence makes you feel like you've had five cups of coffee – in a good way. Daniel has a big spirit and a zest for life, and it really comes across in our interview.
Emma Watson – Let me tell you something about Emma. First off, she is very petite with gorgeous skin, and a down to earth attitude that is VERY refreshing. She wasn't wearing over the top clothes – just a cute pair of jeans, flat sandals and a big grey sweater. She's quite a bit like her character, Hermione, in her seriousness, and it's easy to tell that she's very intelligent. I wish her the best of luck in college, and hope she enjoys her time as a coed without paparazzi and craziness. Good luck Emma!!
Rupert Grint – Nice guy. Not quite as energetic as Daniel, but what a little comedian! You really get a chance to see Rupert in a different light in this film, and I think he does a great job of bringing home the whole "romantic comedy" aspect of this Potter movie. He also told me about the ribbing that he and Daniel give each other before, during, and after kissing scenes. Ha ha. Funny. You can see the whole interview in our video clips.
Just to round off Brit week – David Beckham is back with the LA Galaxy now, and the whole Beckham family should be back in Cali this week. Hope you enjoyed the English version of my blog.
Catch you on my entertainment wraps in our 5pm show (this side of the pond – ha ha)
Meg
Wow! "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" pulled in a one day total of $55 million yesterday. That sets a brand new record and kicks "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" out of the Wednesday opening day lead. Crazy! That's a ton of cash for one day!
To put it into perspective for ya…Sandra Bullock's new movie "The Proposal" brought in the biggest box office WEEKEND total for Bullock ever – at $34 million. "Transformers" smashed that in just one day.
Now, what did I think of the movie?? It is what it is my blog friends. I did not love the flick. I checked my watch a ton of times during the 2.5 hour long movie. That being said, however, it is a perfect summer "hanging with my buddies now that school is out" kind of movie. Shia and Megan have good chemistry, and there are some funny and touching moments. It was, in my opinion, too long.
Side note: I saw Shia LeBeouf in the hallway at CBS today, and he's a lot shorter than you'd think. He's also pretty thin…but he does have that je ne sais quoi.
:) Meg
Hi everyone! Are you as bummed out about our rainy June as I am?? Ugh! Just wanted to update you on some of my upcoming junkets/red carpets. I promise to fill you in on all of them, and I could actually use your help!!
"My Sister's Keeper Red Carpet" – featuring Cameron Diaz, Abigail Breslin among others.
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" – junket with the Potter peeps
"GI Joe" – junket with Sienna Miller, Channing Tatum, and Marlon Wayans.
In addition to those movies, I'm pumped to see the second "Transformers" movie, "Bruno" and the new Johnny Depp flick, "Public Enemies."
That's what I'm up to the in the next month, and I'll give you the inside scoop on everything! If you have any questions for the stars of My Sister's Keeper, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince or GI Joe, let me know! I just might ask the stars YOUR questions!!
Later! I'm off to do my entertainment wrap in the 5:30 show. After that, it's off to the Whole Foods for something yummy for dinner.
Meg
PS – Follow me on Twitter @meganglaros
So we all know Robert Pattinson is "King of All the Tweens." But, do you know much it costs to get Pattinson to pucker up??? Bet you never thought about it. Last night at the Cinema Against AIDS event in Cannes, Pattinson auctioned off some smackeroos for cash – $28,000 a pop people – and we are talking about a smooch on the cheek by the way…this is not even a lip lock!! How much do you think that would go for???
Big weekend at the box office. "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" (could the title be any longer??) and "Terminator: Salvation" are both hoping to win the Memorial Day weekend. They'll be competing against "Star Trek" and "Wolverine," which are still in theaters. Which one do you plan on seeing if any??
Tweet me @meganglaros.
Have a good one!
Meg
PS > I saw "Terminator: Salvation" on Tuesday and I didn't love it. It wasn't bad. It was decent…it just couldn't compare to "Star Trek" or "Wolverine." This summer movie season is shaping up to be a real battle! Back in February I would have thought Terminator was the great – but now…not so much. Christian Bale does a bit too much of the "Batman" voice but otherwise he's strong. Sam Worthington, on the other hand, was fantastic.
Hey all! I blogged yesterday with my review of "Star Trek" – but today, I have a treat for you guys! I've been in contact with Todd Brugmans - Vice President of the USS Avenger in New Brunswick, NJ. USS Avenger is a chapter of Starfleet – a mega popular "Star Trek" club. Todd saw the movie last night, and shot me his review of the film right after the closing credits. Todd knows what he's talking about when it comes to "Star Trek" – and here he is in his own words. Thanks for the great review Todd!!
Hi, Megan,
I'm just getting in from having seen "Star Trek", and as a long-time fan of all things 'Trek', I have to say I was mightily impressed. This is fast-paced adventure with one action sequence following another.
The movie was able to introduce fresh faces on familiar characters while remaining true to the original spirit of the 43-year-old legacy.
The new cast did well with their characters. Long-time fans are likely to side more with Karl Urban's portrayal of Doctor McCoy as being the most like the original character, initially played by DeForest Kelly.
The film's opening sequence sets the tone for changes to Kirk's basic character, and allows for greater flexibility in Chris Pine's performance than to simply try to be William Shatner doing Kirk.
The film, which tells the basic story of how this crew comes together for the first time takes a few liberties with several of the characters, adding new dynamics which are both interesting and appealing to a younger demographic. These changes have a great deal of potential for being further explored in film sequels, or a new televised series, should the show be brought back to the 'small' screen.
The film successfully works in several elements of humor which help to offset the heavy tensions of the crew in a life-and-death struggle. We will see Leonard Nimoy reprise his role as an aged Spock. His part in this feature is the binding tie between the events of this film, and everything Trek fans have known of this fictional universe for the past 43 years.
I went into the theater tonight with no pre-set expectations, and have come away very satisfactorily entertained. JJ Abrams has successfully introduced to a new generation of fans an Enterprise crew for a 21st century audience. I look forward to seeing where they go from here.
Regards,
Todd Brugmans
Chapter Vice-President
USS Avenger, a North Brunswick, NJ chapter of
Starfleet: The International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc.
Prepare to be 'beamed up' earthlings. "Star Trek" hits theaters tonight!
Trekkers have been waiting for this for a while, but I saw the movie, and "Star Trek" is not just for sci fi fans anymore. JJ Abrams put a phenomenal movie together, and even if you aren't familiar with the characters, you will LOVE the new film. This version is really an origin story. We learn all about Kirk before he was Captain, Spock when he had more emotion, and how all of the beloved characters came together on the deck of the USS Enterprise.
"Star Trek" was a groundbreaking series when it hit the airwaves in 1966, and it made huge stars of William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. These actors became gods to the Trekker community, and the focus of conventions and clubs and even "Star Trek" themed cruises. The franchise got a new life in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" in the 80's, but nothing like what we'll see from this new movie.
The casting on the film is breath-taking. I watched a few old school episodes ("The Trouble with Tribbles J") the night before I hit the theater for a screening of the new film, and let me tell you – Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto were excellent choices for Captain Kirk and Spock. I cannot say enough about this film. It's a big blockbuster with tons of action and lots of special effects, but it also boasts a really good story. I'm not, or wasn't, a big "Star Trek" fan, but I wouldn't mind seeing this movie again!! Critics are giving "Star Trek" five star reviews, and I whole heartedly agree. I'll be interested to see how hard core Trekkers feel about this new version of their favorite crew!
Tweet me with your review @meganglaros!! I'd LOVE to hear what you think.
Live Long and Prosper!
Meg
