In case you were too busy driving around with your dog on your car roof or wondering how to finish that research paper with Wikipedia going dark for a day in protest of a proposed law, here are some of the recent pop culture stories you might have missed.
Movies
The Los Angeles Times notes that four recent movies leave the viewer with an open ending. (Watch out for spoilers!)
Do the proposed George Clooney is planning a movie about art historians rescuing art looted by the Nazis.
Keifer Sutherland reports that shooting for a 24 movie could start in a few months.
A new documentary looks at the life and career of comedian Bernie Mac.
Metromix has 21 films to watch for in 2012.
Another Bruce Almighty sequel is in the works, but this time with Jim Carrey returning.
James Franco’s new movie about the life of writer Hart Crane is available on demand or through download. (review)
This year, four film classics return to theaters but this time in 3-D. . .
The Los Angeles Times takes a look at the character of Sherlock Holmes’s sidekick Watson on the screen through the years.
NY Times reviews new documentary in the Paradise Lost series about the West Memphis 3, recently cleared of murder.
Why an empty box was the Star Wars holiday gift sensation in 1977.
Watch the trailer for Wes Anderson’s upcoming film, Moonrise Kingdom:
Music
Owl and Bear has an interesting list of top 2011 albums.
The New York Times reviewed why Woody Guthrie is relevant now.
Kelly Willis talks about making an album with her husband Bruce Robison. (No Depression)
Madlands? Bruce Springsteen’s forthcoming album is angry. (Paste)
A conversation with Texas legendary troubadour Billy Joe Shaver.
Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars, and Taylor Swift will perform at Grammy Awards on Feb. 12.
A proposed Indiana law sets performance standards (w/ fines) for the national anthem at public schools and colleges.
Turnstyled Junkpiled has a “tribute show” collection of videos of artists covering Townes Van Zandt songs.
John Fogerty made a guest appearance on the new Fox TV show The Finder, also singing the theme song.
Van Halen just released its first David Lee Roth video since 1996.
Television
The Golden Globes award show was on Sunday, leading to the question: Do the Golden Globes pick better winners than the Oscars?
The 500th episode of The Simpsons airs Feb. 19.
The Paley Center for Media celebrates Bill Cosby’s 50 years in show biz.
AMC is developing a Goodfellas TV series. Yeah, I think this is funny. Clown funny.
Other Pop Culture News
Alvin! Check out the history of Alvin and the Chimpmunks.
Barry Larkin on his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
A new biography of Stephen Hawking celebrates the ideas of the world’s most famous scientist. (review)
Better start stockpiling those Twinkies and cupcakes. Hostess filed for bankruptcy.
(Some Related Chimesfreedom Posts)