True Blood Star Tackles Charles Manson Bio-Pic

I don't consider myself much of a scoop-ster, but I broke this story for NBC's Popcorn Biz on Tuesday.

Jason Stackhouse is going helter skelter.

At the press day for his new film, "Red Hill," a nouveau spaghetti western set in the Australian high country (which perhaps makes it a boomerang western), "True Blood" star Ryan Kwanten told us that he's moving into a new phase in his career, one that allows him a bit more creative control over some of his future projects, which include next year's satirical self-help book (not the sex guide it's been erroneously hyped to be) "The G Strategy," a handful of acting jobs and upcoming hyphenate turns as actor-producer of the Australian film, "The Twenty-Something Survival Guide" and "The Family," as in the Manson Family, with Kwanten both producing and starring in the role of Charles Manson.

Though still in the early stages of development, Ryan also told us Brad Anderson, who previously directed one of Christian Bale's finest performances in the brilliantly chilling 2004 film "The Machinist," is attached to the film which would delve into Manson and the murders his followers committed.

What's truly unsettling to us is how appealing that sounds.

Kwanten would bring a whole new dimension to Manson, one of the most disturbing and loathsome human beings ever to walk the face of the earth. When looking at the atrocities Manson convinced people to commit, its nearly impossible for people to imagine him as anything but a monster (which he is). But there had to be a reason his followers were swayed and we're fascinated by the idea of watching Kwanten illuminate the magnetic, charismatic, alluring side the cult leader must have possessed.

Best known for his shirtless antics as Jason Stackhouse, one of Bon Temps stupidest and most oversexed residents, shunning the easy eye candy parts Kwanten is undoubtedly offered in favor of demanding, complicated work confirms our theory that the young Aussie might be one of the most promising actors on television. Incredibly serious about his craft, thoughtful and intelligent, we fear he suffers from the Heath Ledger-Brad Pitt Syndrome; men better recognized for their beauty and body than formidable talents.

And that isn't a euphemism.

Malkovich, Meeting Secretariat, Mongolian BBQ and Musical Sing-a-Longs

It was 115 degrees in LA yesterday so what better time to move inland. As in, away from the water. As in toward the molten center of the earth where it would be even hotter. Ugh!

Why would anyone make such an insane choice? Well, it wasn't really up to me. I had to go to Santa Anita Park, the oldest horse racetrack in California, for the Secretariat press day.

AC on full blast, my dread quickly gave way to giddiness as I arrived at the glorious art deco park . I felt suddenly, fabulously Great Gasby-esque. Besides, it was a dry heat. So what if the air huffing out of my mouth felt cool, this was mint julep territory and I wasn't going to let the heat bring me down.

The two things I was the most excited about were the possibility of horses and proximity to John Malkovich.

I had the major hots for Malkie back in high school, circa Dangerous Liaisons. My mother was seriously worried about me.

(JM and Nelsan Ellis, aka: True Blood's Lafayette, aka: The Best Character on Television)

During the press conference, Malkovich didn't disappoint, especially when addressing his wardrobe as Secretariat’s trainer, Lucien Laurin, a man who is described as dressing like Super Fly. “1973 is really the nadir of the history of fashion. When you watch [Secretariat’s] races on YouTube, the astonishing ugliness of the clothes just blinds you.”

Oh, John, you slay me.

Just when I thought things couldn't get any better, lookie what I found.

I was never one of those "horsie" girls growing up. Living in New York, I guess I realized it simply wouldn't be practical as part of apartment living. But getting this close to such a tremendous, haunting animal, I went into Elmira mode. I wanted to hug and squeeze it and love it forever and ever. "A pony" is totally going at to the top of my holiday wish list this year.

After my day at the races, I drove back into the sweltering city for a quickie meal of Mongolian BBQ...

Some light reading...
(How much do I love that Rob Lowe is totally sucking it in?!? Hilar.)

And an evening with friends at the El Capitan for Beauty and the Beast Sing-a-Long.

Disney was on fire when I was in high school, putting out a string of classics in quick succession.

Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King; they all have such sentimental value, but I didn't realize what a grip they had on my heart until Belle came out to introduce the show...

I was literally squealing.

And then then music started. Every lyric, every song, it came flooding back as we sang and clapped and danced in our seats.

Little town, it's a quiet village..."

We've decided every movie should be done as a sing-a-long. It was Ah-may-zing!