Logan Trailer, Rocky Horror Picture Show Reviews & Lady Gaga VS. Madonna

FOX’s remake of The Rocky Horror Picture Show premiered last night, and proved to be full of moments that were both impressive and cringeworthy. Here are some of the highs and lows of the new production–from Laverne Cox’s fabulous interpretation of Dr. Frank-N-Furter to the prime time censorship of some of the original film’s most beloved scenes.

“It felt so special to have Tim be a part of our production. Of course, Tim Curry played Dr. Frank-N-Furter — he’s the original Dr. Frank-N-Furter from 40 years ago — and to have his stamp of approval and his presence, and his wit, and his humor, and his talent bless our production just felt so incredible.I had to sing all the songs that he made famous in front of him, which is very intimidating. In those moments, I would stop before or after I would sing something [and] I would ask him about the dramatic moments, and what he thought about various moments in terms of the story and the script. It was really wonderful to share that with him.”

Here they are:

• Victoria Justice’s earnestness. Victoria Justice’s portrayal of Janet Weiss was the perfect combination of sweet and sexy.
• Tim Curry’s narration. The original Dr. Frank-N-Furter returned in the role of “narrator”–a move that was an effective tribute and not gimmicky. He even sang a few lines of “Let’s Do the Time Warp Again.”
• Laverne Cox’s Dr. Frank-N-Furter. While some have argued that having “a woman, playing a woman…makes [the role] less transgressive,” Cox brought her own spark to the part. And her wardrobe SLAYED.
• Adam Lambert’s “Hot Patootie.” Lambert-as-Eddie gave a rocking performance “Hot Patootie – Bless My Soul” that proved to be one of the strongest performances of the night.
• Laverne Cox’s “I’m Going Home.” Cox’s Grace Jones-esque vocals proved the perfect match for this emotional ballad.

• Laverne Cox’s British accent. While she was excellent in every other way, the accent proved distracting.
• Rocky’s boxers. As Vulture points out, “If perfect human specimen Rocky isn’t wearing a speedo, then Dr. Frank-N-Furter is definitely not doing his job.” In other words: Staz Nair’s Rocky wasn’t showing quite enough skin.
• The Snapchat tie-in. During commercial breaks, FOX displayed the Snapchat logo, and if you took a photo of it, you would get access to an exclusive Rocky Horrorfilter. However, it was nearly impossible to unlock the filter in time.
• It’s not live. Unlike FOX’s production of Grease, Rocky Horror was pre-taped–which stripped the production of the very thing that makes it a unique television experience.
• The fake audience. If you’re not going to do an actual live show, consider cutting the forced shots of audience members dancing in a theater. It makes the whole thing feel phony.

  

  During an interview with Beats 1 Radio on Thursday, Lady Gaga became upset when host Zane Lowe compared her to Lady Gaga and threw some not-so-subtle shade at the queen of pop. “Madonna and I are very different,” she quipped.” I wouldn’t make that comparison at all and I don’t mean to disrespect Madonna, she’s a nice lady, and she’s had a fantastic huge career, biggest pop star of all time. But I play a lot of instruments. I write all my own music. I spend hours and hours a day in the studio. I’m a producer. I’m a writer. What I do is different.” She continued, “There’s a spontaneity in my work. I allow myself to fail. I allow myself to break. I’m not afraid of my flaws. There are major differences between me and her. I don’t mean that in a disrespectful way. I just will not be compared to anyone anymore. I am who the f**k I am and this is me. My life story is my life story.” Your move, Madonna.
  Watch first clip here
  Watch second clip here