The Toast - 2.20.09 - Joaquin Phoenix Explains Himself And American Idol Screws Up

What's that smell?...I do believe it's fresh Toast. Here's what Hollywood did this week:

Star Gazing

 

Joaquin Phoenix came by the studio to attempt to explain his recent behavior. This was quite an interview! Following his "special" appearance on Letterman, the crazy man's new indy film Two Lovers pulled off a respectable opening. Maybe whatever the hell he's doing is working.

 

 

Rihanna continues to lay low following the altercation with Chris Brown. Chris, however, has gone into full damage control mode, hiring Hollywood spin doctor Alan Nierob to help repair his tarnished woman-beating image. Update: TMZ has released a photo of Rihanna's injuries and the LAPD isn't exactly thrlled.

 

 

 

Suge Knight pleaded guilty to laying a whooping on his girlfriend who's since gone missing. The Death Row Records founder didn't seem too worried about her whereabouts though, when the paparazzi caught up with him this week.

 

Tube Talk

 

 

Somebody hit the Tivo, there's been an American Idol blooper! Though Paula's usually known for being the show's blunder-maker, this week someone behind the scenes dropped the ball as the top 36 attempted to sing their way into our hearts. We have the clip!

 

 

Grey's Anatomy may be down an Izzy next season. Rumors are swirling about Katherine Heigl possibly being written off the program this season following her bashing of the show's writers last year. Payback's a biznitch!

 

 

 

Conan O'Brien spent the week saying farewell to New York and hello to Hollywood. The Late Night host took Matt Lauer on the most interesting tour you'll ever see...imagine the dude's prop room!

 

 

Reel World

 

Tyler Perry named another God-awful movie after himself. This one's either called Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail or Tyler Perry's I'm a Conceited Director Who Makes Crap for Movies...not sure which.

 

 

 

Fired Up hits theaters, giving horny teens something to do over the weekend. It's about a few dudes who attempt cheerleading excellence in order to make whoopee with a seemingly unattainable chica.

 

 

 

Eleven Minutes is a documentary that follows Project Runway winner Jay McCarroll as he leaves the show behind and struggles to make his mark on the fashion industry. The critics love this one, so given the alternatives, it's your best bet.

 

That, and a pantload more awaits. Click the Featured Video tab to get started.