By Ninette Cheng
Northwest Asian Weekly
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Happy New Year to my fellow pop-culture junkies! December was a fairly slow month. Two films, “The Social Network” and “Rabbit Hole,” featuring Asian American actors, could very well be in contention for awards, while Far East Movement continued to rise. “K-Town” might have finally sealed the deal, “Hawaii Five-O” added another Asian cast member, and Bruno Mars’ case has been postponed once again.
Is “The Social Network” a future Oscar winner?
December has been a good month for David Fincher’s film, “The Social Network.” The critical darling, staring Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield (and featuring Brenda Song in its ensemble cast) has so far racked up awards from the Boston Society of Film Critics, the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association, the Hollywood Film Festival (including an ensemble cast award), and the National Board of Review. Coming up are Hollywood’s heavy hitters, the Golden Globes and Academy Awards. I thought the film was quite enjoyable, and I hope to see it perform well!
Sandra Oh plays a grieving woman in “Rabbit Hole”
Sandra Oh has kept pretty quiet, but I am happy to finally report some news! The Grey’s Anatomy star is featured in this month’s “Rabbit Hole” (the film opened on December 17). The drama circles around Nicole Kidman, who stars as a mother grieving over the loss of her 4-year-old son. Oh plays the supporting role of Gaby, a woman in the same support group as Kidman’s character. Will the film be the potential Oscar upset that some are predicting? We’ll have to wait and see!
On a side note, I would love to see the day when I report an Asian entertainer up for an Academy Award. And I hope that it’s not just for playing a small role in a potential award-winning film.
Will Far East Movement’s “Rockateer” fly to the top of the Billboard Charts?
I mentioned in my annual winners and losers column that this was a huge year for the Far East Movement and its role for Asian Americans in pop music. Its newest song “Rockateer” stood at #41 on the Billboard charts, while “Like a G6” was at #14. With two music videos coming out, the group’s success should continue on into January. On a side note, Far East Movement performed in Seattle on New Year’s Eve! Who was lucky enough to catch them live?
Is “K-Town” finally coming to your living room?
The monstrosity that is “K-Town” might have finally found a home. Yes, I know. Everyone was holding his or her breath! The producer, Tyrese Gibson, and cast members Scarlet Chan and Joe Cha tweeted that the reality show, following a group of young Asian Americans in LA, had found a network.
Gibson’s tweet reads, “Ladies and Gentleman, proud to say we just closed our K-Town Deal!! Who and what is K-town?? I’m glad you asked, standby.”
The show is expected to premiere in mid-2011.
“Hawaii Five-O” welcomes Reiko Aylesworth
“Hawaii Five-O” has announced plans to add Reiko Aylesworth to its cast. The part Japanese actress (who is from Seattle!) is best known for her previous work on “24.” She will play Daniel Dae Kim’s ex-fiancée. The role will also be a reunion for Aylesworth and Kim, as they previously worked together on “Lost.” There is no word as to when Aylesworth’s first episode will air.
Bruno Mars escapes court for two more months
I mentioned last month that Bruno Mars was arrested for drug possession in Las Vegas on Sept. 19. Mars’ court date was set for December 14, but the judge has now moved it back to Feb. 4. Is it just me, or do the famous just keep getting lucky and these types of cases keep slipping between the cracks?
Will “The Social Network” or “Rabbit Hole” win any major awards? Will Bruno Mars’ case ever go to court? Stay tuned! I’ll see you next month! ♦
Ninette Cheng can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.