One of life’s great shared injustices is the yearbook photo. We all had to get them. And — unless they’ve somehow magically found a cure for awkwardness, geekiness and general dorkitude since I was a teenager — most of us dreaded them. For whatever reason, be it bad skin, bad clothes or the steadfast yet ultimately misguided belief in the transformative properties of big bangs, many of us look back at our school pictures and cringe. Or, at the very least, giggle. But you know what? Celebrities had to get them too, just like us mere mortals. Now that is what I call justice.

So, let’s play a little game called Name That Teenager. It’ll be fun; like being back in high school, but already knowing what everyone will look like at the class reunion. Let the games begin:

Among them you have a Rock star, an Alien hunter, an alphaBette and the possible next president of the United States of America.

Give up? … continue reading

I remember watching Ashley Judd's first indie film, Ruby in Paradise, and being bored to tears. Don't get me wrong: It was a decent film, and she was decent in it. But the plot moved along at the pace of molasses in January in Minnesota. Molasses doesn't go anywhere in January in Minnesota. Since that time, Judd has spread her wings in everything from episodic television to big-budget Hollywood epics, and I have certainly enjoyed going along for the ride.

In October, Judd will be in Vancouver to begin filming her next project, another indie affair called Helen. Judd is set to play the title character in the new offering from writer/director Sandra Nettelbeck. Some of you might recognize Nettelbeck's name. She wrote the screenplay for No Reservations, which starred Catherine Zeta-Jones and was a remake of Nettelbeck's award-winning film Mostly Martha.

The new film focuses on music professor Helen's struggle with debilitating depression. Despite her family's attempts to reach her, the only connection Helen is able to make in her depressed state is with one of her young female music students. I can think of a Judd musical connection that would certainly cheer me up.

Just what kind of connection Helen finds with her student isn't exactly spelled out yet. But clearly Judd isn't afraid to invoke a little subtextual innuendo, judging by her Frida tango and some of the longing looks she gave Lynn Collins in Bug. … continue reading

Cable network A&E has signed on to develop a new pilot called Danny Fricke. The show centers on a female homicide detective in Los Angeles. The deal hinges on the casting of the pilot, specifically the lead. A&E executives want her to be "sexy, smart and tough, and believable as a detective." Since Mariska Hargitay already has a job, I figured it couldn't hurt to offer the folks over at A&E a few helpful suggestions. Of course, I have a couple of criteria of my own to add. In order to be believable as a homicide cop, she can't be 20 years old, and she can't be a size zero. In no particular order, here are my suggestions. Feel free to chime in with your thoughts.

5. Rose Rollins

She plays a tough MP on The L Word, so a Los Angeles homicide cop isn't too much of a stretch. Plus, she looks like she could actually arrest someone. She can arrest me anytime she wants.

4. Demi Moore

She wore a gun and a badge in Mr. Brooks and made us believe she was a Navy Seal in G.I. Jane. Throw in a few Charlie's Angels–inspired action sequences and I'm sold. … continue reading