US – Saturday, March 20
The Grid
The week's releases
Metro staff reviews the latest CDs, DVDs and books for your reading pleasure.
 
Music
SXSW: Day three
I couldn't wait to share this photo. They are a band from Chicago called Banana and the Woman, which my friend so keenly observed might have just as easily been called Sleeping Bag and the Rainbow Wig if the costume section at their Five and Dime had different options.
 
My Entertainment
THE WEEK THAT WAS
This week, the news community ate up the story of world’s fattest mom Donna Simpson — who, reports claim, actually hopes to increase her already ample girth to claim a new record.
 
The Word
James admits to ‘poor judgment’
Sandra Bullock is having quite a week with her dogs. On Thursday, husband Jesse James released a statement to People magazine about the affair rumors swirling around the couple, stating that a “vast majority” of the allegations are “untrue and unfounded,” but says, “It’s because of my poor judgment that I deserve everything bad that is coming my way.
 
Movies
Taking on a blockbuster
If the name Stieg Larsson isn’t familiar, the cover of his globally best-selling book may provide instant recognition, considering the novel is reaching Harry Potter-level ubiquity. The film adaptation follows suit, blowing box office records all over Europe for its roundly praised, faithful rendition of the story of two detectives (of sorts) who uncover family scandals in search of a woman who has been missing for 40 years. We sat down with director Niels Arden Oplev to chat about his version of the tale.
 
Published 00:30, November the 18th, 2009
Send
 
CageCage
 

Cage may be a shopping addict

 
 

We’ve always wondered why Nicolas Cage went from starring in excellent movies (“Raising Arizona,” “Wild at Heart” and “Leaving Las Vegas”) to starring in not-so-excellent movies (“Knowing,” “Bangkok Dangerous,” to name just two). Well, it turns out he needed money  — and lots of it.

Samuel Levin, CPA, (Cage’s former accountant whom the actor is suing) says in a countersuit that when he was hired, he warned Cage he needed to earn $30 million a year just to maintain his lifestyle, reports TMZ.com. In 2007, Levin says Cage bought three homes totaling more than $33 million, 22 cars and 47 pieces of art.

Three homes and 22 cars? We’d kill to upgrade to an apartment that has three rooms and a Dodge that was manufactured in this decade. And don’t even get us started on our dream to one day be able to afford premium cable. Nicolas, we think you might have a little shopping problem.

 
 
Share
 
Music
MMMpod
The March MMMpod features conversation and music from Surfer Blood and The Allman Brothers Band (There's a double-bill you're not too likely to see. However, Gregg Allman does mention Hannah Montana!). We also speak with Vampire Weekend and the Dropkick Murphys.
 
 
 
Metro Life Panel
Read more