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Wipeout Canada’s Ennis Esmer Talks People Falling Down and The Joy of Making Fun of Them

Kimberly Rupnarain — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:32:14 +0000

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Turkish-born Ennis Esmer is probably best known to Canadians who tune in every Friday night at 8 p.m. to watch him as Osman ‘Oz’ Bey, on the popular CTV show, The Listener. But Esmer won’t only be recognized for being a supernatural paramedic’s best friend for much longer.

The 32-year-old actor will host the highly-anticipated, Wipeout Canada, which premieres Sunday night on TVtropolis, alongside his co-anchor Jonathan Torrens (of Trailer Park Boys fame) and field reporter, Jessica Phillips (Republic of Doyle and Being Erica).

So what does Esmer love the most about working on Wipeout Canada so far?

“I think it’s realizing the lifelong dream of making fun of people for falling down,” said the actor, adding that his favourite challenge on the course is, “watching the contestants try to salvage their dignity, while being ridiculed.”

The dignity Esmer speaks of is often illusive on the hilariously difficult four-round course, as contestants attempt tackling obstacles like the dizzy dummy, the sucker punch wall and the wipeout zone to try and score the $50,000 grand prize. Of the winning sum, Esmer said there are a lot of reasons why people compete for the money.

“Some want it to put their kids through school, some to pay off debt. One person wanted to go on a shopping spree at Costco,” he said. “I don’t know how you could spend $50,000 at Costco though.”

I’m not sure either, but clearly someone who is willing to spend $50,000 shopping at the ultimate bulk store must be a character – as many of the contestants who appear on Wipeout, are.

“I think people just really want to be on television,” said Esmer, “almost more than they want the money. There’s a wide-range of physical specimens on the show, some real characters. And there are definitely contestants who try to make themselves stand out as villains.”

According to Esmer, it’s that same range of personalities on the show that causes Wipeout Canada to be so enjoyable for at-home viewers.

“I think it can be really cathartic for people. You know, on the show there’s someone that looks like your jerk-of-a-boss, and you see them trying to dig themselves out of the mud, embarrassing themselves, it’ fun.”

The viewers at home aren’t the only ones having fun at the expense of the contestants though. Esmer, who writes for the show as well, said that he and co-anchor Jonathan Torrens have a great dynamic, though viewers at home shouldn’t expect the duo to be polar opposites.

“On the American show one is very much like a sports commentator and the other, comedic relief. On Wipeout Canada, we go back and forth a lot.” Esmer jokes that Torrens, as a Canadian-born blonde, and he, as a brunette immigrant also, “cover the whole Canadian spectrum.”

But making fun of people for falling down is only one of Esmer’s day jobs. Currently, he is also reprising his role as Oz Bey, the partner and paramedic of The Listener himself, on the second season of the CTV show. Though the roles are unalike, Esmer appreciates the value of both.

“They’re obviously very different, but I’m fortunate in this industry to work two jobs, and I’m very happy to do both. Working on one helps you to appreciate the other.”

And because Esmer loves both his roles, don’t expect to see him competing on Wipeout anytime soon.

“I think the instinct for me is the same, to be able to get out there and perform. I don’t even dress up for Halloween anymore because I don’t feel like I need the attention, I’m satisfied creatively.”

And even though Esmer would never risk getting “smoked in the choda” by going on the show, he did have some advice for aspiring Wipeout wannabes.

“Talk to a therapist. I think some of the contestants need to talk to a career counselor, because a few of them have pretty wild jobs.”

And if you’ve already dealt with a shrink and still decide to try your luck on the Wipeout course, Esmer advises to “really focus on balance. Seriously, people really need to work on their balance.

You don’t know what you’re in for,” he adds.

Tune in to TVtropolis on Sundays at 8 p.m. to catch people falling down for money – and Ennis Esmer making fun of them – on Wipeout Canada.

A Different Spin with Blink 182′ Mark Hoppus Series Premiere

andPOP Staff — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:44:32 +0000

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Blink 182′s Mark Hoppus has a brand new show starting tonight on Fuse!

Every week, Hoppus will offer a place for music fans to discover and indulge their passions through interviews with artists and celebrities and musical performances by mainstream and emerging bands. A Different Spin with Mark Hoppus will also feature Schumer, Mark’s hilarious counterpart who will be part of the show both in-studio and on the field at concert tours, festivals and other music-related happenings. The show will also contain music news and fun panel discussions, offering an entertaining spin on what’s hot in the music industry

On The Red Carpet for ‘The Last Exorcism’ With Eli Roth, Patrick Fabian and Ashley Bell

andPOP Staff — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:59:11 +0000

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Do you enjoy having the hairs on the back of your neck standup? Are you into horror flicks? Well an all star cast including Patrick Fabian, Ashley Bell and producer Eli Roth have put together The Last Exorcism. So far the critical reception has been amazing and we caught up with some of the cast on a recent red carpet in Toronto.

Beyonce’s New Video: ‘Why Don’t You Love Me’

Graham Slaughter — Wed, 05 May 2010 15:04:55 +0000

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Yesterday, Beyonce launched the world premiere to her newest video Why Don’t You Love Me.

Since its release yesterday, the video already has 50, 000 views (and counting) on YouTube.

The “Sasha Fierce” songstress channels her inner ’50′s house-wife in the video, directed by the acclaimed Melina Matsoukas.

Check out Beyonce in all her vintage glory below!

‘Iron Man 2′ Premiere Cancelled Due to Volcanic Ash

Sara Harowitz — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:04:35 +0000

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The world premiere of the highly anticipated Iron Man 2, which was supposed to take place in the UK, has been cancelled and moved to Los Angeles due to the ongoing air travel issues, reports NME.com.

Big-named actors from the action sequel such as Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mickey Rourke, Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L Jackson were all due to fly to London for the event, which was supposed to be held yesterday (Monday, April 19).

Unfortunately, because of the restricted air travel due to ash clouds from the eruption of Iceland’s volcano Eyjafjallajökull, that was no longer possible.

“Due to the continuing air travel uncertainty, Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment have taken the decision to move the Iron Man 2 world premiere and junket to Los Angeles,” said Paramount in a statement.

Miley Cyrus’ film The Last Song, also due to have a London premiere, also faced problems due to the volcanic ash.

Bob Dylan’s Art to Premiere in London

Graham Slaughter — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:55:10 +0000

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It looks like the times are a-changin’ for Bob Dylan.

The timeless musician, known for his five decades of influence in the music industry, will showcase his visual art for the first time in London starting this Saturday, Febraury 13.

Even though Dylan has been making art since his early music tour in 1989, this will be the first time that his works go on display for the public.

When it comes to his art, Dylan is simple, “I just draw what’s interesting to me, and then I paint it.”

The collection, which includes landscape painting and personal sketches, will run in the Halycon Gallery of London until April 10.

Red Carpet Pics: Canadian Premiere Of Inglourious Basterds

Ilan Mester — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:54:39 +0000

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andPOP was at the Canadian premiere of the highly anticipated “Inglourious Basterds,” the latest Quentin Tarantino film. The director himself was present along with Eli Roth, who plays Sgt. Donny Donowitz in the war movie.

The event took place on Aug. 12 at the Scotiabank theatre in Toronto and featured two World War II vehicles mounted with models dressed in ‘40s attire. Hundreds of fans lined the street of the theatre to catch a glimpse of the director and a star of his film.

“Inglourious Basterds” is set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, where a group of Jewish-American soldiers led by Lt. Aldo Raine (played by Brad Pitt) are chosen to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by killing Nazis. The group, known as “The Basterds,” soon cross paths with a French-Jewish girl who’s escaped a near-death experience.

“Inglourious Basterds” opens in theatres on Aug. 21. Keep checking back for a review of the film.

Wolverine Gets World Premiere In Tempe, Arizona

Eva Lam — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 03:17:04 +0000

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The stars of “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” brought a little Hollywood glitz and glamour to Tempe, Arizona as they attended the world premiere screening of the movie on Monday.

The city won the right to host the world premiere via an online voting contest sponsored by Twentieth Century Fox.

According to the Arizona Republic, thousands of people – many of whom camped out the night before – showed up for the event at the Harkins Tempe Marketplace theatre.

Jackman arrived at the premiere in style, riding in on a Harley Davidson motorbike in a nod to his mutant counterpart. He was also presented with a “Wolverine Parking Only” placard from the mayor of Tempe, Hugh Hallman, who proclaimed the day “X-Men Day.”

“I waited three years for this moment and now the world premiere is here in Arizona,” Jackman said. “I’m proud to be here with the cast . . . and show it to you first.”

Fans also went wild at the sight of Jackman’s “Wolverine” co-stars, including Ryan Reynolds, Liev Schreiber, Lynn Collins, will.i.am and Taylor Kitsch.

“I think this is how they should do it from now on. I really do,” said Reynolds, who plays the mutant Deadpool. “L.A. has had their fair share of Hollywood premieres. So has New York. This is the way to do it. You get to be interactive with the fans.”

Following the pre-party, the movie was shown on all 16 screens at the theatre to thousands of lucky fans who’d snagged tickets.

“Wolverine” hits theatres across the U.S. and Canada on Friday.

‘Dancing With The Stars’ Cast Announced

andPOP Staff — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 03:09:09 +0000

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The eclectic new cast of “Dancing With The Stars” was announced yesterday, featuring everyone from young R&B artists to infamous figure skaters.

The men in the running are comedian Adam Carolla, Chilean actor Cristian de la Fuente, “Police Academy” star Steve Guttenberg, 21-year-old Grammy nominee Mario, illusionist Penn Jillette and NFL star player Jason Taylor. Lovely ladies Priscilla Presley, “American Pie” actress Shannon Elizabeth, Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi, the original “Tracy Turnblad” Marissa Jaret Winokur, tennis champ Monica Seles and Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin will also tear it up on the dance floor.

Stars will be paired up with their professional dancer partners this morning, and fans will get to see them in action on March 17. They’ll have to prove themselves right away, as the March 25 episode will be a double elimination – the first in “Dancing with the Stars” history.

New ‘Beowulf’ Trailers Go Live

andPOP Staff — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 16:45:30 +0000

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The new trailer for Beowulf, one of Hollywood’s most anticipated epic films, went live on Apple.com yesterday.

The family friendly preview (as well as the provocative restriced version) are just the beginning of the buzz for the film, slated for release November 16.

“Scene Unseen Movie Reviews” has been conducting weekly podcasts for the Robert Zemeckis film that will continue up until the film’s release. Hosts Chris and Jimmy interview cast and crew members, discuss behind-the-scenes stories, and dish the dirt on this medieval movie.

With a star studded cast including Ray Winstone, Anthony Hopkins, John Malkovich, Robin Wright Penn, Brendan Gleeson, Crispin Glover, Alison Lohman, and Angelina Jolie, Beowulf will surely heat up the holiday season.

To learn more about the legendary battle of Beowulf and Grendel, and to hear from your favourite stars, check out the remaining seven podcasts:

9/24: Crispin Glover
10/8: Brendan Gleeson
10/15: Doug Chiang
10/22: Roger Avary & Neil Gaiman
10/29: Ray Winstone
11/5: Angelina Jolie
11/12: Robert Zemeckis

Gossip Girl Premieres Tonight on CTV

andPOP Staff — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 11:00:06 +0000

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This television season?s biggest mystery: Who is Gossip Girl?

Savvy fans will recognize Veronica Mars herself, Kristen Bell, as the all-knowing voice behind Gossip Girl?s biting narration. Based on the best-selling series by Cecily von Ziegesar, the identity of Gossip Girl is never revealed, while she spills all the secrets of the most popular students at a posh Manhattan prep school on her web site.

Helmed by the acclaimed creators of The O.C., Josh Schwartz and Canadian Stephanie Savage, Gossip Girl promises to be every bit as fresh and juicy as viewers came to expect from The O.C., with some Sex and the City flair and a hip soundtrack.

But Gossip Girl?s drama is on a whole new level than the Cohen family ever dealt with. The pilot, airing at 8 p.m. ET tonight, focuses on the sudden return of Serena Van der Woodsen (Blake Lively, Accepted), whose self-imposed exile to boarding school was at the centre of a falling out with her best friend, Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester, Entourage). While Blair has enjoyed her time as reigning social queen, Serena?s arrival threatens to take away her spotlight – and the affections of her boyfriend, Nate (Chace Crawford, The Covenant).

One person who is pleased to see Serena is Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley, The Bedford Diaries), an outcast at school because of his middle-class background who only has eyes for her. His freshman sister, Jenny (Taylor Momsen, How the Grinch Stole Christmas), is desperate to be accepted and is thrilled by the attentions of bad boy Chuck Bass (Ed Westick, Children of Men).

And of course, every last scandalous detail is provided to the members of this elite and vicious circle via Gossip Girl?s up-to-the-minute messages to their Sidekicks.

You know you love it.

Gossip Girl will settle into its regular timeslot next Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET.