TV Talk: The Good, Clean Fun of White Men Rapping

On the Wed., Sept. 29th episode of NBC's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, the host and his guest Justin Timberlake (promoting his current film "The Social Network") proved that watching white men rap can bring great joy. In a medley titled "A History of Rap," former SNL co-stars (The Larry Gibbs Talk Show skit) busted out lyrics from iconic rap and hip-hop acts from the past 30 years. The duo paid tribute to artists like the Sugar Hill Gang, Beastie Boys, Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dog, Kanye West, Eminem, Missy Elliot and Jay-Z.

What made the performance so fun was the easy charisma of both actors. Fallon has made a place for himself in the late night landscape as a personable and pleasant force--or what NPR calls a "good-natured, non-snarky, entirely joy-fueled entertainment — a niche that sorely needs filling." With frequent cameos and hosting gigs on SNL, Timberlake has also become an ambassador for simple, funny entertainment that isn't rude or nasty (well...minus a certain skit about "gift giving)". Who knew such good, clean fun could come from a rap medley?

To receive a musical lesson from professors Timberlake and Fallon, check out the video below.



To catch more of Fallon's easy-going, fun-loving antics, watch Late Night with Jimmy Fallon weeknights at 12:35 am E/11:35 pm C on NBC.

Sources:
MTV: Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon School Us on History of Rap
NPR: Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon are having more fun than you are
RollingStone: Timberlake, Fallon and the Roots present 'A History of Rap'

TV Talk: Sponsored by the letter "C"

Today’s blog post is sponsored by the letter "C." For Cleavage. Or Controversy. Or Crazy. You pick.

By now, everyone has heard about Katy Perry’s play-date-gone-wrong on Sesame Street. Video of her singing a remixed version of “Hot N Cold” with Elmo was released early online, sending parents into mass hysteria over the pop singer’s allegedly inappropriate outfit. Donning a lacy, frilly green princess dress, Perry chases after Elmo who can’t make up his mind if he wants to play dress-up with his celebrity friend. Spoiler: It turns out, Elmo was playing a game the whole time—tag!

There are two primary questions here:

1) Was Perry’s outfit too racy for Sesame Street’s target audience, preschool-aged children?

2) Given Perry’s status as a sex symbol, should producers have been better prepared for avoiding this type of negative feedback?

*Bonus question: Did Sesame Street producers purposefully anticipate this response for media attention?

As a result, the segment was pulled from the on-air version of the program. The clip still remains online for Katy Perry fans to view. Following the hullabaloo, Perry appeared as the musical guest star on Saturday Night Live. She also appeared briefly in the Bronx Beat skit with host Amy Poelher and Maya Rudolph wearing a tight, low cut red Elmo shirt (his eyes suggestively situated on her upper body). Kerry was portraying a children’s library volunteer who was in trouble for, yep, wearing revealing clothing.

The best part of the skit, however, was not Kerry bouncing from her perch on the sofa. It was when Rudolph’s character broke it down, saying, “Who cares if kids are looking at boobs?” As she so eloquently stated, “Boobs feed babies…I turned on CSI the other night, and there’s a dead guy with a worm in his eye. But we can’t look at the tops of boobs?”

This is the power of satire. The skit was poking fun at Perry’s affinity for the risqué, but it also exposes an interesting conundrum in America. We live in a society that is said to be sliding further downhill, falling into a black pit of violence and sex. Yet, we are afraid and embarrassed by a beautiful and useful part of the human body. The issue isn’t that pop singers aren’t wearing enough clothes. The issue, instead, is that we are not fostering a society in which people can appreciate and be proud of the brilliance and beauty of the human form.

Since then, ABC News has reported that Perry will have another opportunity to visit Sesame Street. Check out videos of Perry’s playtime with Elmo and her cameo on SNL below. Also, free feel to share your opinion on Perry’s jump from Sesame Street to Bronx Beat.

Sources:
EW: Katy Perry 'Sesame Street' appearance gets yanked over negative feedback
EW: Katy Perry laughs off 'Sesame Street' controvery on 'SNL'
ABC News: Elmo to Katy Perry: 'We'll have another play date'

Hello! An Introduction to ScreenSiren's Blog

Every morning (or afternoon, for some of you), we wake up and begin a cycle of consuming media images and messages that head honchos from Hollywood all the way to D.C. have specially prepared for us. Whether we are seeking the latest news, weather report or social network status updates, screens have officially become a part of the daily grind. We are constantly looking at iPods and mp3 players; computers and laptops; bigger and flatter televisions; and tiny yet high-def screens of cell phones, smart phones, and iPhones.

This blog will simply be about what it is we seen on those various screens, with an emphasis primarily on movies and television (after all, those are the most entertaining screens to watch). Three times per week, I will post film and TV reviews and entertainment news. Also, we can't forget the most fascinating "time machine" known to mankind (and yes, it is viewed on a screen): YouTube. Video clips, trailers, photos, and links will be provided with each review and news update.

However, idly sitting by and watching movies and TV without questioning what is flashed across the screen can be detrimental. It means we are just accepting the messages and images without wondering why they are there, who put them there, what they mean, and most importantly, if they're true.

To give a brief introduction to my film and movie preferences, here are some quick takes of my favorites on the small and silver screens.