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Recently, The Wrap wrote a really insightful article about celebrities coming out publicly with ease, yet there are certain industries where it is still taboo to be out of the closet, namely big movie stars. It seems so easy to be Neil Patrick Harris, Matt Bomer, and Anderson Cooper, all big television personalities, who came out in their own way whether it was a press release, a significant other's acknowledgment in a speech, or a letter to the editor of an online publication. The news made the headlines for a day, and then we all moved on. Living in Hollywood, I hear the rumors all of the time from the stars hiding behind the religion of Scientology, to the actor in two huge summer action films, to the Academy Award nominated actor who almost came out, but chickened out at the last minute. (Google “Toothy Tile” for a hint.) Are the rumors true? I certainly don't hang out in celebrities' bedrooms, but with certain stars, where there is smoke, there is fire.
If telling the public has been so easy for television stars, why is it so difficult for big box office stars? Here are some of the reasons:
After last week's tragedy in Aurora, Colorado, it was only a matter of time before we heard pundits hop on CNN and MSNBC and tout the "Violence and Hollywood" angle as a possible motive. A secondary thread to this is "Violence and Video Games," and that is also another factor in this case. Many folks want to take a look at MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) ratings, because PG-13 films have the same amount of violence, suggestive scenes, and language that a Rated R film did ten years ago. Has violence in Hollywood movies escalated? Sure. I would hardly argue with that statement, as torture porn movies like Saw came in vogue and sophomoric sex humor encouraged by the success of the Judd Apatow movies grew. I think we have become accustomed to tolerating more in our PG-13 movies as trends and social mores have changed.
In the last few years, our country has endured a rough economy, layoffs, and a weak real estate market, but not in Hollywood. When a female star's career is waning, there is one key thing she can do to revive interest in her cooling career: get pregnant. A baby bump has become a hot commodity in Hollywood and here are the ways a star can make money from having a baby:
By: Michael Fitzgerald Troy
With all of the shocking revelations Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang have been bestowing on everyone's favorite Amazon over in the best thing since sliced bread, DC New 52's Wonder Woman, I wondered (pun intended!) what in great Gaea's girdle Wonder Woman's granddaughter thought of all of the hullabaloo? Okay, so Christie Marston isn't really Wonder Woman's granddaughter, but she is the granddaughter of Wonder Woman's father, or creator rather, William Moulton Marston. Wonder Woman hit the scene in 1941 as a result of Marston wanting to create a positive role model for everyone - boys, girls, men, and women - thus, Wonder Woman was born. Marston was also the creator of the first lie detector test. I mention these nuggets as I feel they bear great relevance on the Amazon with a gilded lasso, a gift from the gods that compels whomever be bound by it to tell the truth. It is no secret that I am a huge Wonder Woman fan. Ironically, my last name has no connection to Wonder Woman's wayward sister, Donna Troy. Christie was kind enough to answer a few of my questions regarding my lifelong idol.
This interview was conducted on July 12, 2012.
By Michael Fitzgerald Troy
Disclaimer: The following is purely fan fic and should be treated as such. The wild delusions of Michael Troy are intended for nothing more than a quick guffaw.
By Michael Fitzgerald Troy
After seeing a copy of Michael Fitzgerald Troy's pop culture mash-up tribute comic book Going Gaga! at Comic-Con this year, Mother Monster tweeted, "So Cool! Someone found this at Comic-Con. Can I buy it pleasssee!!!" The tweet heard 'round the world; Facebook and Twitter started blowing up in a man hunt for Michael Troy, as little, devoted "Monsters" everywhere were clamoring to find the book for their musical matriarch. After posting it on Facebook, Gaga talks and fans listen to the tune of 72,0000 plus "likes." Further proving the power of Twitter, the story of Lady Gaga's comic book endorsement spread to the likes of MTV Style, Gaystar News, and several news outlets in Italy! (Ciao, Gaga!)
The bad news is that the small print run book has sold out. The good news is that the book is now available for digital download for the discount price of only $1.99 via Mydigitalcomics.com. And, another print run of the book is being planned.
By Michael Fitzgerald Troy
The cutest couple I know and the heart and soul of Fanboy Comics could only be cuter if they had their honeymoon at Comic-Con.
Oh, wait . . . they did! Happy Anniversa-Con, guys!
Mostly known for writing intelligent, gay erotica, Marten Weber dips his toe in the geek pool with his first science fiction novel, Bodensee. A decided departure from the "Papi Porn" of Weber's more widely known tales of Cassanova's younger, gayer brother "Benedetto" and a not-so-angelic fallen angel, "Gabriel," Bodensee is a thrilling, page-turning epic. Described as "a modern mash-up of Henry James meets The Matrix," sign me up!
This interview was conducted on June 26, 2012.
Yesterday, I finally hit Cars Land at California Adventure to see what all of the hype was about. The rumors that it's crowded are true, but here are three tips to take with you the next time you visit the park. I also included some fun photos from the day. I will be doing a few Disney posts throughout the year as I put my new Annual Pass to good use.
By Michael Fitzgerald Troy
Disclaimer: The following is purely fan fic and should be treated as such. The wild delusions of Michael Troy are intended for nothing more than a quick guffaw. The DC Universe has gone kaput yet again, and this time the finger on the trigger of the gun is pointing to the past. The DCU is born again in the '70s. Meet the revised heroes in the demented eyes of Michael Troy in the days of disco, free love, and killer dance beats.
Dust off your bell bottoms and enjoy!