Moviefone Editorial

Tag: lisa-kudrow

  • Movie Review: ‘The Parenting’

    (L to R) Edie Falco, and Brian Cox in 'The Parenting'. Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    (L to R) Edie Falco, and Brian Cox in ‘The Parenting’. Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    ‘The Parenting’ receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.

    Premiering on Max on March 13th, ‘The Parenting’ is the latest blend of horror and comedy to arrive this year –– and is one of the most successful so far.

    Humorously blending the sort of possession story offered up by ‘The Exorcist’ allied with the rom-com stylings of ‘Meet the Parents,’ Craig Johnson’s movie works on both fronts, and a committed cast throw themselves into the roles.

    Related Article: Parker Posey Talks ‘Beau Is Afraid’ and Working with Director Ari Aster

    Will ‘The Parenting’ scare up solid laughs?

    Lisa Kudrow in 'The Parenting'. Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    Lisa Kudrow in ‘The Parenting’. Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    Comedy and horror tend to be fairly natural bedfellows, but getting the balance right between the two can be tricky, as one can cancel out the other. ‘The Parenting’ certainly leans heavier on the comedy aspect and doesn’t feature too much that is truly terrifying, but it does a good job of weaving the genres into a cohesive whole.

    Many of the jokes are uproarious and come out of character, which means this works on several levels, including some gross-out moments and authentic development for the story.

    Script and Direction

    (L to R) Nik Dodani, and Brandon Flynn in 'The Parenting'. Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    (L to R) Nik Dodani, and Brandon Flynn in ‘The Parenting’. Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    The movie’s script comes from Kent Sublette, who has long worked on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ and has served on the writing teams of various award shows. But while there have been complaints in recent years about a dip in comedy levels at the venerable series, ‘The Parenting’ shows no signs of such lag.

    Laughs come thick and fast with this film, rooted in believable characters, while the horror aspect is also entertaining and well crafted.

    Chances are you’ll guess early on what is really happening here, but that doesn’t detract from how much fun you’ll have watching the movie itself.

    Edie Falco in 'The Parenting'. Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    Edie Falco in ‘The Parenting’. Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    As director, Craig Johnson has mostly worked in the indie sphere on movies including ‘The Skeleton Twins,’ ‘True Adolescents’ and ‘Alex Strangelove.’ He’s also been behind the camera for shows such as ‘Minx,’ Gossip Girl’ and ‘School Spirits.’

    Here, he brings character-focused skills to bear on the film, encouraging the cast to stretch themselves and bring their A-game to the various roles.

    While the horror side of things is, as mentioned, less of the focus, it’s still brought to the screen in interesting fashion. The scares are well-shot and the demonic side of the story has just the right level of freakish energy.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) Lisa Kudrow and Dean Norris in 'The Parenting'. Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    (L to R) Lisa Kudrow and Dean Norris in ‘The Parenting’. Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    If the script and direction are both winners, the charming, funny cast is equally a part of the movie’s ultimate success.

    As central characters Rohan and Josh, actors Nik Dodani and Brandon Flynn share a warm chemistry as the couple who are nervously preparing to have their parents meet (while Rohan is also planning to propose to Josh, which adds an extra layer of anxiety). Their back-and-forth feels authentic, as do their heightened responses to each other’s family units.

    And what family units! Rohan’s adoptive parents are the withdrawn Frank (Brian Cox) and the smart, somewhat picky Sharon (Edie Falco), who aren’t best amused by the situation they find themselves in. And that’s before the demonic angle kicks in.

    Brian Cox in 'The Parenting'. Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    Brian Cox in ‘The Parenting’. Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    Falco does buttoned-down well here, playing off of everyone else and letting the comedy flow naturally. As the layers of Sharon peel, we find out what much more about her and how much she cares for her son.

    As for Cox, he’s fantastic here, his buttoned-down character the first to be possessed by the demon lurking within the renovated rental house and turning him into something quite different.

    Lisa Kudrow, meanwhile, leans into the kookiness of Liddy, Josh’s mother, but this is no Phoebe clone; instead she’s a good-natured person looking to have fun who becomes more and more concerned as the film goes on.

    She’s well matched by Dean Norris, who is Josh’s big-hearted dad Cliff, who just wants everyone to get along, but is also prepared when the worst happens.

    Parker Posey in 'The Parenting'. Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    Parker Posey in ‘The Parenting’. Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    Then there’s Vivian Bang’s Sara, the boys’ OTT best pal, who takes a panicked text from Rohan as reason to show up at the rental house and inject her particular brand of party girl attitude. But even she is more than meets the eye.

    Finally, there’s Parker Posey as local eccentric Brenda, who manages the rental property and might just have more to do with the possession problem than anyone might first suspect. Posey is solid in the role, bringing a particularly offbeat energy.

    And the cast as a whole are absolutely game for a laugh –– how many movies have you seen where a naked Brian Cox vomits all over another character? Or seen Edie Falco surprised on the toilet by people walking in on her?

    Final Thoughts

    (L to R) Brian Cox, Nik Dodani, Brandon Flynn, Edie Falco, Dean Norris, Lisa Kudrow in 'The Parenting'. Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    (L to R) Brian Cox, Nik Dodani, Brandon Flynn, Edie Falco, Dean Norris, Lisa Kudrow in ‘The Parenting’. Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    ‘The Parenting’ is a truly entertaining mix of laughs and chills that, while you might be surprised it isn’t coming out around Halloween, should work for any movie night that needs a blend of genres.

    A solid script, fine style and great casting make this one stand out. It’s not a perfect film, but it’s a really fun one.

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    What’s the plot of ‘The Parenting’?

    A young gay couple, Rohan and Josh (Nik Dodani and Brandon Flynn), host a weekend getaway with their respective parents in a country house rental. Things take a turn when the three couples discover the presence of a 400-year-old evil entity.

    Who is in the cast of ‘The Parenting’?

    • Nik Dodani as Rohan
    • Brandon Flynn as Josh
    • Parker Posey as Elizabeth
    • Vivian Bang as Lillian
    • Lisa Kudrow as Lisa
    • Dean Norris as John
    • Brian Cox as Gerald
    • Edie Falco as Dorothy
    'The Parenting' premieres March 13th on Max. Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    ‘The Parenting’ premieres March 13th on Max. Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    List of Movies and TV Shows Directed by Craig Johnson:

    Buy Brian Cox Movies on Amazon

     

  • Lisa Kudrow Talks ‘Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion’ Sequel

    (L to R) Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino in 'Romy and Michele's High School Reunion'. Photo: Touchstone Pictures.
    (L to R) Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino in ‘Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion’. Photo: Touchstone Pictures.

    Preview:

    • Lisa Kudrow says that the ‘Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion’ script is in good shape.
    • She thinks it’ll happen.
    • The new movie would serve as a follow-up to the 1997 comedy.

    Among the list of movies that people have been waiting for a sequel for, ‘Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion’ ranks fairly highly for fans of the comedy starring Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino as two women who concoct a fake business success story to impress their former classmates.

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    There has been talk of a potential sequel in the past, but now, according to Kudrow, we could be closer than ever before.

    Kudrow stopped by Drew Barrymore’s eponymous talk show while doing press for her Netflix comedy thriller real estate series ‘No Good Deed’ and had a positive update for the process of getting more ‘Romy’ in our future.

    Here’s what Kudrow had to say as per Deadline:

    “We’re as close as we’ve ever been. There’s a script that’s really good, by Robin Schiff.”

    Kudrow seemed to think it has a good chance of happening, though she did qualify her comments with “I mean, we’ll see.”

    Right now, the film only really has Kudrow and Sorvino attached to reprise their roles as Romy White and Michele Weinberger, with Schiff at work on the script.

    No director is involved, and the movie has had no studio or even a greenlight attached.

    Still, given that it boasts a recognizable title, still-popular stars and the potential for a compelling follow-up story (where are Romy and Michele now?), there’s every reason why this one might eventually make it to our screens.

    Related Article: Producer Mira Sorvino and Actor Christopher Backus Talk ‘Daft State’

    What’s the story of ‘Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion’?

    (L to R) Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino in 'Romy and Michele's High School Reunion'. Photo: Touchstone Pictures.
    (L to R) Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino in ‘Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion’. Photo: Touchstone Pictures.

    The original movie stars Kudrow and Sorvino as the title characters, two dim-bulb, inseparable friends who hit the road for their ten-year high school reunion and concoct an elaborate lie about their “successful” lives in order to impress their classmates, hoping to change their fortunes after spending their school days as targets of the popular crowd.

    ‘Romy & Michele’ was a cult success on its original release, earning $29.2 million worldwide from a $7 million budget. It was directed by David Mirkin, and written by Schiff, who adapted his play ‘The Ladies Room’ for the film.

    Also in the cast? Janeane Garofalo, Alan Cumming, Camryn Manheim, Elaine Hendrix and Justin Theroux.

    Schiff would go on to create a TV pilot for a prequel series called ‘Romy and Michele: In the Beginning,’ which spun the clock back to when the central duo graduated high school.

    It starred Katherine Heigl as Romy and Alexandra Breckenridge as Michele, and while it was originally shot in 2002, it failed to become a series, and eventually aired as a 2005 TV movie on ABC Family.

    ‘Romy & Michele’: The Play

    (L to R) Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino in 'Romy and Michele's High School Reunion'. Photo: Touchstone Pictures.
    (L to R) Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino in ‘Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion’. Photo: Touchstone Pictures.

    In her interview with Barrymore, Kudrow also mentioned that she appeared in the play as the characters, who were later fleshed out for the movie.

    Here’s what she said:

    “They had to do a backers audition for the play to see if they could even mount the play. And they went to all the [acting] teachers, ‘Who do you recommend to audition?’, so you know, I went. That was my first audition, ever, for ‘Airhead No. 2,’ Michele. We were these minor characters. We were on stage a total of seven minutes, in and out, for the whole play.”

    What has Mira Sorvino said about the sequel?

    (L to R) Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino in 'Romy and Michele's High School Reunion'. Photo: Touchstone Pictures.
    (L to R) Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino in ‘Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion’. Photo: Touchstone Pictures.

    Sorvino’s comments last year echoed Kudrow’s about the development.

    She told People:

    “[Schiff has] written multiple drafts of an amazing funny script, which checks all the boxes for all the fans. Almost every single character from the original that was important is coming back… This is all pending, them making deals, them saying yes, but they’re all in there.”

    Sorvino also said that the aim was to have the sequel shooting in the second quarter of this year.

    What else is Lisa Kudrow working on?

    Lisa Kudrow in 'Romy and Michele's High School Reunion'. Photo: Touchstone Pictures.
    Lisa Kudrow in ‘Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion’. Photo: Touchstone Pictures.

    Kudrow, one of the veteran stars as ‘Friends,’ has a few projects on the go.

    In addition to ‘No Good Deed,’ she’s in the cast of comedy horror movie ‘The Parenting,’ TV series ‘Q Talks’ and TV Movie ‘Bright Futures.’

    She also starred in Apple TV+ series ‘Time Bandits,’ though that has not been renewed for a second season.

    When would the ‘Romy & Michele’ sequel be in theaters?

    With the script still in development, there is really no information as to when the eventual movie might be released. Our best guess would be 2026 at the earliest.

    (L to R) Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino in 'Romy and Michele's High School Reunion'. Photo: Touchstone Pictures.
    (L to R) Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino in ‘Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion’. Photo: Touchstone Pictures.

    Mira Sorvino Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Mira Sorvino Movies on Amazon

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  • ‘Friends’ Actor Matthew Perry Dies

    David Schwimmer and Matthew Perry in HBO Max's 'Friends: The Reunion.'
    (L to R) David Schwimmer and Matthew Perry in HBO Max’s ‘Friends: The Reunion.’ Photography by Terence Patrick.

    Preview

    • ‘Friends’ actor Matthew Perry is dead at 54.
    • His TV and movie also career included ‘The Whole Nine Yards’, ‘Fools Rush In’ and ‘The West Wing’
    • Colleagues and co-stars, including Paget Brewster, paid tribute.

    Matthew Perry, who became hugely famous thanks to his role on iconic TV sitcom ‘Friends’, has died at the age of 54.

    He was reportedly found in a jacuzzi at his home, but the investigation is ongoing. He’ll be remembered primarily for his work on ‘Friends’ but enjoyed a long career on screens big and small.

    Matthew Perry: Early Life and Pre-‘Friends’ career

    Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, and Lisa Kudrow in HBO Max's 'Friends: The Reunion.'
    (L to R) Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, and Lisa Kudrow in HBO Max’s ‘Friends: The Reunion.’ Photograph by Courtesy of HBO Max.

    Matthew Langford Perry was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, on August 19th, 1969. He was raised in Ottawa, Canada, where he attended elementary school alongside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

    His mother, Suzanne Morrison, was a journalist and press secretary to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Justin’s father, while his father, John Bennett Perry, was an actor and model.

    Perry made his television debut in 1979 on an episode of ‘240-Robert’ (which starred his father). After moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting, he would go on to book roles in shows like ‘Not Necessarily the News’, ‘Charles in Charge’, ‘Silver Spoons’, ‘Just the Ten of Us’ and ‘Highway to Heaven’. Perry became a series regular on ‘Boys Will be Boys’, which premiered in 1987 and ran for a single season.

    In 1989 he had a recurring role on ‘Growing Pains’ followed by a series regular role on ‘Sydney’. He’d continue to guest star on shows like ‘Who’s the Boss?’ ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’, and ‘Dream On’.

    In 1993 he was a series regular on ‘Home Free’, but his big break would come the following year.

    Related Article: Richard Roundtree, Best Known for Playing the Lead in ‘Shaft’, Has Died at the Age of 81

    ‘Friends’ and Beyond: Perry’s career takes off

    Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow in HBO Max's 'Friends: The Reunion.'
    (L to R) Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow in HBO Max’s ‘Friends: The Reunion.’ Photography by Terence Patrick.

    In 1994, Perry landed the role of the wise-cracking Chandler Bing on the NBC sitcom ‘Friends.’ Along with co-stars David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow and Matt LeBlanc he became a household name.

    Across 10 seasons, ‘Friends’ was the most successful comedy series of the ‘90s, earning different generations of fans during its run and in more recent times since younger audiences have discovered it via Netflix.

    Perry, along with his colleagues, would end up earning a huge $1 million fee per episode.

    And though he never reached the heights of, say, his co-star Aniston in terms of movie fame, he appeared on a variety of shows and films following his time on the series.

    His post-friends TV work included appearances on ‘The West Wing’, ‘Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip’ and ‘Mr. Sunshine’, a sitcom he co-created that lasted for nine episodes. A reboot of ‘The Odd Couple’ fared better, lasting three seasons.

    Which movies has Matthew Perry appeared in?

    Matthew Perry stars in '17 Again.'
    Matthew Perry stars in ’17 Again.’

    Though it was not the focus of his career, Matthew Perry appeared in movies both before, during and after his stint on ‘Friends’.

    Early work included ‘A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon’, ‘She’s Out of Control’, ‘Fat Man and Little Boy’, ‘Fools Rush In’, and ‘Almost Heroes.’

    Other movies include ‘The Whole Nine Yards’, ‘Serving Sara’, ‘The Whole Ten Yards’, ‘Birds of America’ and ‘17 Again’.

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    Matthew Perry: tributes arrive

    Matt LeBlanc, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer and Lisa Kudrow in HBO Max's 'Friends: The Reunion.'
    (L to R) Matt LeBlanc, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer and Lisa Kudrow in HBO Max’s ‘Friends: The Reunion.’ Photography by Terence Patrick.

    Warner Bros. TV, the production company behind friends, issued a statement on his death:

    “We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry. Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family. The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.”

    Paget Brewster, who appeared on ‘Friends’ hit Twitter to offer her own tribute:

    Matthew Perry: life struggles

    Perry was open about his battles with addiction to both alcohol and pills and spent a considerable amount of time and money getting sober. He ended up founding Perry House, a men’s sober living facility, in his old Malibu beach home. “I really lived life to its fullest and that got me in trouble from time to time,” he said in a US Weekly interview several years ago.

    Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc in HBO Max's 'Friends: The Reunion.'
    (L to R) Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc in HBO Max’s ‘Friends: The Reunion.’ Photography by Terence Patrick.

    Matthew Perry Movies:

    Buy Matthew Perry Movies On Amazon

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  • ‘Space Force’ Season 2 Interviews

    Ben Schwartz from Netflix's 'Space Force' Season Two.
    Ben Schwartz from Netflix’s ‘Space Force’ Season Two.

    Premiering on Netflix February 18th is the second season of the popular comedy ‘Space Force.’ The series is a workplace comedy that revolves around a group of people tasked with establishing the sixth branch of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Space Force.

    The series stars Steve Carell (‘Despicable Me’) as General Mark R. Naird, the Space Force’s first Chief of Space Operations. The ensemble cast also includes John Malkovich (‘Con Air’), Ben Schwartz (‘The Afterparty’), Diana Silvers (‘Booksmart’), Tawny Newsome (‘Vacation Friends’), Noah Emmerich (‘Suspicion’), and Jimmy O. Yang (‘Crazy Rich Asians’).

    Moviefone recently had the opportunity to speak with actors Ben Schwartz, Jimmy O. Yang, Diana Silvers and Tawny Newsome about their work on ‘Space Force’ season two.

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    You can read the full transcript of our interview below, or watch all the interviews in the video played above.

    Moviefone: As season two begins, the US Space Force is really having to prove its worth. Ben, as the social media director and the publicist, what is Tony’s biggest challenge this season?

    Ben Schwartz: By the way, you’re exactly correct, that is what is happening. Tony’s biggest challenge is trying to spin this thing into something that looks positive. He has to spin this thing into showing that Space Force is worthwhile and keeping these people who work there is worthwhile.

    Somehow, now he is the underdog trying to keep the story of what’s happening as positive as possible, to give people hope that this thing could actually be wonderful for our country and things like that. So, there’s a lot more on his shoulders, but also failure is just a skip away. He is very aware that he may have to start looking for another job.

    MF: Jimmy, what is Chan dealing with personally and in the workplace this season?

    Jimmy O. Yang: I’m not sure of the Chan and Angela possibilities. Will they, or won’t they? Relationships can cause HR complaints, but you know, it’s happening. So, I think he’s a capable scientist. He approaches everything like science, like a math problem. So, he really has to learn how to grow as a human being with his interpersonal relationships.

    But it’s not just with Angela. It’s also his bromance with Tony, Ben Schwartz’s character, him being a mentee to John Malkovich’s character, almost mentoring this new intern, all while under the family umbrella of General Naird. It’s all very, very fun with very relatable human family dynamics and circumstances, even though it’s set in the very high stakes and grand scale of ‘Space Force.’

    MF: Tawny, does Captain Ali have a larger role this season than she did in the first season?

    Tawny Newsome: Yeah, for sure. You know, I think the writers did a great job of not ignoring the fact that she did this wild thing. She literally went to the moon. She was the first black woman on the moon. Then to just come back and kind of jump into everyday life is a big ask. So, she definitely has some tumult going on. I think we got to play with it in a really fun way.

    You know, (producer) Greg Daniels had asked me, do you have like something that you do? We need an outlet for her or whatever. I was like, well, I play the drums. Could she be drumming somewhere? He’s like, yes. So, the writers ran with that. Then when I got the scripts later, I was like, oh wait. So, she’s drumming in the middle of the night in an apartment complex. That’s a serial killer move, who does that? That’s truly insane to drum, even to drum in a house, in a regular neighborhood, or in an apartment. So, that told me a lot about where she’s at and the amount of F’s she was giving at that moment, which is less than zero.

    MF: Diana, your character has matured a lot between season one and season two. What happened to her between seasons that helped her to grow so much?

    Diana Silvers: I think especially at that age, everything is kind of life or death. Because your emotions are heightened, you’re hormonal and there’s just a lot going on. You truly are the center of everything that revolves around you. You are the center of your universe. I think in season one, Erin felt like she wasn’t. She felt like a side character in someone else’s life. I think when, that big event happened with her mom and General Naird, she actually sees that she does matter.

    She means something, and she is kind of like the center of not just her universe, but her family’s universe. I think it allowed for her to get grounded again and reground herself. So, going into Space Force and finding a parental figure in Mallory and having like two parents in a way again. Having a support system and being around other adults that genuinely care about her, she was able to explore her own identity and figure out what she wants for herself and where she wants to go with her life.

    ‘Space Force’ season two premieres February 18th on Netflix.

    (L to R) John Malkovich, Tawny Newsome, Lisa Kudrow, Steve Carell, Jimmy O. Yang, Ben Schwartz, and Diana Silvers in 'Space Force' Season Two. Photo Courtesy of Netflix.
    (L to R) John Malkovich, Tawny Newsome, Lisa Kudrow, Steve Carell, Jimmy O. Yang, Ben Schwartz, and Diana Silvers in ‘Space Force’ Season Two. Photo Courtesy of Netflix.
  • Every Phoebe From ‘Friends’ Gif That Will Always Make You Laugh

    Every Phoebe From ‘Friends’ Gif That Will Always Make You Laugh

    What would “Friends” be without Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow)? 100% less funny, for sure.

    Sure, Chandler was the comedian, but Phoebe brought the subtle comedy that the show needed.These are the Phoebe moments that will never cease to make us lol.

    1. When she said this

    2. When she had no time for your judgement! But, plenty of time for champagne.

    3. When she started a GoFundMe before it even existed.

    4. When she had the appropriate to reaction to money.

    5. When she could be fancy and give no effs at the same time.

    6. When her bagpipe impression was 20/10.

    7. When she was the John Lennon of her time.

    8. When she knew how to accessorize like a 12-year-old girl going to her first school dance.

    9. When she ran like no one was watching.

    10. When she felt the same way about her smoke detector as we do.

    11. When she knew how to get a free meal.

  • ‘Friends’ Co-Creator Reacts to That ‘Terrible’ Phoebe Theory

    Weirdly enough, one of the creators of “Friends” is not down with the fan theory that the whole show was a “meth-addled fantasy of a homeless Phoebe as she stared through the window of Central Perk.”

    That alternate series finale theory — that lonely Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) had to imagine her “Friends” — started making the rounds in August 2015, so it’s not exactly brand new information. The fanfic went viral, but Entertainment Tonight only just got comment from “Friends” co-creator Marta Kauffman at the 2017 ATX Television Festival in Austin.

    “That’s the saddest thing I’ve ever heard! No, I never heard that — that’s a terrible theory. That’s insane! That’s crazy, like, alt-television theory. Wow! I’m fascinated. I just think someone needs a life. Someone needs a life, that’s all I’m saying.”

    Hey, now. Anyone who helped to create a character who sings “Smelly Cat” has no room to tell others to get a life. It’s a decent theory, if a super-depressing one. Kauffman told ET she’s heard many “Friends” theories over the years, but that one was the most unsettling.

    Still, it adds a new layer to your “Friends” experience to re-watch each episode with that theory in mind.

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  • ‘Grace and Frankie’ Season 4 Is Official, With Lisa Kudrow Along for the Ride

    There’s no retiring “Grace and Frankie” yet.

    The Netflix comedy-drama series starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin is officially coming back for its fourth season. The streamer revealed Wednesday that we can expect the next season in 2018, along with a new character played by Lisa Kudrow. Production is underway now, so Netflix revealed a photo of the actress submerging herself into her guest role.

    In Season 4, Kudrow will play Sheree, Grace’s manicurist-turned-friend, according to Deadline. As much as Grace likes her, though, she irritates Frankie. Sheree’s presence apparently leads to problems between the friends-slash-roommates.

    Ironically, Kudrow’s “Friends” character, Phoebe, seems like she’d get along great with Frankie. With both being unconventional and free-spirited, we can picture them discussing the merits of yam lube or working on art together. We don’t know much about Sheree yet, but we’re definitely curious to see why she gets along so well with Grace but not Frankie.

    The guest role reunites Kudrow with “Friends” co-creator Marta Kauffman, who is also one of the creative minds behind the recent Netflix hit.

    “Grace and Frankie” Season 4 is slated to premiere in 2018.

    [via: Grace and Frankie/Twitter; Deadline]

  • Lisa Kudrow Recalls an Incredibly Rude ‘Friends’ Guest Star

    Friends Television Stills TelevisionSomebody out there is overdue for a smack upside the head.

    “Friends” star “Watch What Happens Live” — she’s part of the voice cast for “The Boss Baby” and co-stars in “Table 19,” which are both out this month — and she answered a fan question.

    The fan asked Kudrow, without naming names, what was the worst behavior she ever saw from a guest star on “Friends”?

    Here’s her answer:

    “The worst behavior, off the top of my head? I rehearsed without makeup most of the week, and then on show night, I’m in hair and makeup, and I was told, ‘Oh wow, now you’re —’ Can I say it? ‘Now you’re f*ckable’. That’s bad behavior, I’d say.”

    Host Andy Cohen said “Wow,” and the audience ooooohed, although some laughed. Fellow guest Jennifer Beals asked Kudrow if she retaliated against the guest star.

    “I told Matt LeBlanc. He’s like a big brother.”

    Let’s hope Joey had some choice words for this totally un-f*ckable guest star. Could they BE more obnoxious?

    [via: Entertainment Weekly]

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  • Which Phoebe Buffay Song Are You? [QUIZ]

    Phoebe Buffay (Friends.” Who could forget her classic hits like “Jingle Bitch” or “Crusty Old Man?”

    So now it is time to find out which song of hers truly captures who you are as a person in our quiz, below.

  • Famous TV Shows That Launched Stars’ Careers

    Freaks and GeeksEvery famous actor has one performance that served as a breakout role, and for many, that role was in a television series. Inviting the actors into your home on a daily or weekly basis is one of the most magical things about television. So you feel invested in those moments you see a star being born. From low-rated shows that only ran a season to ratings behemoths that remained popular for more than a decade, these series launched the careers of some beloved stars.

    ‘Friends’ (1994 – 2004)

    It’s easy to forget that the cast of “Friends” were all unknowns at the start. Family Ties,” and a handful of movie roles. Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer were all working actors but none had yet found a project that took off. Everything changed when the six of them sat on that orange velvet couch at Central Perk, drinking oversized lattes. Despite some spectacularly awful 1990s fashion and those distinctive haircuts, “Friends” doesn’t feel dated and remains one of the classic sitcoms of all time. The cast has not stopped working since the show went off the air, proving they will always be there for us.

    ‘My So-Called Life’ (1994 – 1995)

    Critically beloved and tragically canceled after one season, “My So-Called Life” launched the careers of Homeland,” while Leto, among other achievements, won every Supporting Acting award possible for his work in “Dallas Buyers Club.”

    ‘Freaks and Geeks’ (1999 – 2000)

    Cult classic “Freaks and Geeks” was a veritable talent farm, launching the careers of Linda Cardellini, John Francis Daley, Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jason Segel, and Busy Phillips. It was also created by Paul Feig (“Bridesmaids“) and executive produced by a little-known guy named Judd Apatow. So how exactly did this dramedy last for a mere 15 episodes on NBC? That’s one of television’s most enduring mysteries.

    ‘ER’ (1994 – 2009)

    Best known for stints on “The Facts of Life” and “Roseanne,” ER.” It’s a perfect example of the right actor being cast in the right role at the right time. Clooney brought an immense amount of charm to the role, and Doug became the quintessential bad boy with a heart of gold. His chemistry with co-star Julianna Margulies was electric, making Doug and Carol Hathaway one of the iconic TV couples of the ’90s. And don’t forget — he brought the Caesar haircut back. Clooney left “ER” in 1999 to pursue movies, but returned as a guest star several times, proving that he never forgot where he came from.

    Lest you think Clooney and Margulies were the only stars to emerge from County General, don’t forget that Noah Wyle, Ming-Na, Alex Kingston, and Maura Tierney all had breakout roles on “ER” as well, making it a destination show for dramatic talent in the ’90s.

    ‘Dawson’s Creek’ (1998 – 2003)

    Dawson’s Creek.” Holmes even famously delayed her audition so she could star as Lola in her high school’s production of “Damn Yankees.” While the entire cast delivers fantastic performances, the one to watch is future three-time Oscar nominee Williams. Her portrayal of the troubled Jen Lindley displays a maturity well beyond her 15 years.

    Sources