If I were a mad scientist (like, say, Victor Frankenstein), and I mixed “American Horror Story” with “True Detective,” while sprinkling in bits of “Sherlock,” “True Blood” and “Lost,” I’d probably get something akin to Showtime’s “Penny Dreadful.”

The show’s first episode, “Night Work,” is notable for how well-paced and confident it is, allowing us to bask in the show’s atmosphere and beautiful but grotesque creations.

And despite being a gripping hour of TV, the episode also tells us almost nothing about the show’s plot going forward, revealing a bunch of mysteries, characters (some, like Victor Frankenstein, from literature, and some, like Josh Hartnett’s gunslinging Ethan Chandler, who aren’t — at least not yet), and possible story threads. Here’s everything you need to know about the series premiere:

Let’s Talk About That Opening

Now that’s what I call an intro. A young woman awakes from her bed, her child sleeping soundly. Everything is very slow and deliberate, she’s totally fine, until, oh wait, she just got snatched by a monster through a window.

In one short sequence that has absolutely nothing (so far, at least) to do with the show’s plot, it established immediately a unique tone, setting, and visual style; and managed to deliver one hell of a jump scare to boot.

Eva Green’s A Creepster
Green plays Vanessa Ives, a character (also not from any piece of literature) who appears to be the partner of Timothy Dalton’s Sir Malcolm Murray. And she’s about as awesomely creepy as it gets. Just check it out when ...

This week’s episode of “Game Of Thrones” is all about trades. People trading identities, trading their souls, trading one form of justice for another. And it all ended with an amazing cliffhanger that has us begging for the next episode.

Here’s everything you missed on “The Laws of Gods And Men:”

Everything’s Bigger In Braavos
They’ve been teasing it all season, and this episode we got our first glimpse at a major new location in Westeros: the Iron Bank of Braavos. The stronghold on the island nation is run by none other than Sherlock’s older brother, Mark Gatiss: a man who prefers numbers to rumors.

“I prefer the stories they tell. More plain. Less open to interpretation,” Gatiss (who probably has a character name, but whatever) says. That’s in reference to Stannis’ assertion the Bank should give him money because Tommen is a bastard. Instead, Davos shoots back a few numbers of his own, convincing the Bank to give a loan, and pirate Salladhor Saan to give up his naked lady bath for some more ships.

Though this is only a short interaction, we can’t imagine an actor of Gatiss’ stature showed up for one short scene. Expect plenty more from the bank — and Braavos — in upcoming episodes.

Dog Day After-reek
Picking up on the end-of-season three promise, Yara heads to Ramsay Snow’s keep to free her mutilated brother Theon. Unfortunately, Theon is full-fledged Reek now, preferring to sleep in a dog kennel than be freed. He even bites Yara, which is ...

By Maurice Bobb

Andrew Garfield’s Peter Parker may be the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, but it was Seth Rogen and Zac Efron’s new film, “Neighbors,” that swung over the superhero sequel to the top of the box office this weekend.

The Nicholas Stoller-directed comedy about a raucous college fraternity that moves next door to new parents pulled in a hefty $51.1 million, the second-biggest opening weekend ever for a R-rated comedy behind “Ted” ($54 million) that wasn’t a sequel or spin off.

Debuting as the No. 1 movie in America is a huge win for Universal considering “Neighbors” only cost $18 million to produce. The movie even did well overseas under an alternate title, “Bad Neighbors,” raking in $34.5 million.

“The Amazing Spider-Man 2” fell to second place with $37.2 million, a sharp 59% drop from last weekend. Considering that both films fought for fans from the same age group, it was expected that the webslinger would draw fewer viewers, but the Marvel movie’s decline is still alarmingly higher than other comic book sequels like “Captain America 2″ (-56%), “Thor 2″ (-57%) and “Iron Man 3″ (-58%).

The other big debut was Jon Favreau’s “Chef,” which was only shown on six screens. The cooking comedy, which also stars Sofia Vergara, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson, Dustin Hoffman and Robert Downey, Jr., earned an impressive $204,201 in limited release.

Rounding out the top three was Nicki Minaj’s “The Other Woman,” which earned $9.25 million in its third weekend, for a grand total of ...

Moms are simply the best. Even though a good old-fashioned phone call is always appreciated on a day like today, celebrities are also sharing the love for their Mammas to all of their followers (most with amazing throwback pics).

Appreciate these celeb moms — after all, they did bring some of the most talented peeps into this world. Without them we wouldn’t have seen Miley twerkin’, JT bringing sexy back, or have coined the term, “It’s Britney, Bitch.”

Kelci Shipley

By Maurice Bobb

There’s no telling what Mac Miller gave his mother for Mother’s Day, but his fans got quite the gift Sunday (May 11): a new mixtape, Faces.

The 24-track project features Mac at his best, spitting introspective lyrics about his day to day as a Pittsburgh rapper traversing fame while living on the West Coast. He raps about drug-induced hallucinations, partying and just plain old having a good time.

On the trippy “Friends,” which features longtime pal Schoolboy Q, the Blue Slide Park MC raps in a stream of consciousness, with lines like, “The rap Diablo, free your mind my motto, we gon all be good if Treejay ever hit the lotto” and “But still to fall in love is like an orgasm, cuz you never gonna know if you girl fake it/I’m always faded getting faded in the basement.”

Mac’s Mom recently spoke to Complex , where she gave her point of view on raising a successful rapper, shared how she supports him and enjoys his joy and admitted that she doesn’t always agree with what he says. One can definitely assume, then, that she won’t like what he had to say on the Earl Sweatshirt-assisted “Polo Jeans.”

“Just went through a half ounce of coke, blood pouring all out my nose/Don’t tell my Mama I got a drug problem, I’m f-cking high, we publicized when the sun go down, I come alive,” he raps before giving the floor to his Odd Future cohort.

Other ...

Tonight is dark and full of terrors, especially where a certain Imp is concerned.

On tonight’s episode of “Game of Thrones,” titled “The Laws of Gods and Men,” it’s finally time for Tyrion Lannister to stand trial for the murder of King Joffrey Baratheon — a crime that he most certainly did not commit, even though everyone in the Seven Kingdoms believes otherwise.

What can we expect from Tyrion’s day in court? And what else will happen on “Game of Thrones” tonight? Here’s what to expect:

The Trial of the Century Begins
The last time he stood trial for a crime he didn’t commit, Tyrion nearly found himself on the wrong end of the Moon Door, thanks to his signature snark. In all likelihood, Tyrion didn’t learn his lesson from that brush with death. Expect the former Master of Coin to give plenty of lip and bad attitude when standing before his father, Tywin, and fellow judges Mace Tyrell and Oberyn Martell. It might not be the best move for Tyrion, but it’ll be a heck of a show for us.

Dragons are Officially Terrifying
Tywin and his court in King’s Landing have more to worry about than Tyrion and the trial. In previews for tonight’s episode, Tywin expresses his concern about Daenerys Targaryen’s recent conquest of Meereen. The Khaleesi has an army, and she has dragons. Now that she’s on Tywin’s radar, can we expect an imminent confrontation between Daenerys’ Essos forces and the wider world of Westeros?

Stannis Sails East
There’s another developing danger ...

The NBA Playoffs are in full swing, with the second round underway and eight teams remaining chasing the championship. How do the most elite basketball players get ready for their games? Of course, there’s off-season workouts, practices during the year, and strength and conditioning. But getting your mind right before tip is just as important.

The NBA got up with eight of the players whose teams are still in the playoffs to find out their pre-game playlists. Check out their selections below.

Damian Lillard, Portland Trailblazers
1. Juvenile “400 Degreez”
2. Train “Hey Soul Sister”
3. Rich Homie Quan “Memories”
4. J. Cole “Dead Presidents”
5. Drake “Closer To My Dreams”

John Wall, Washington Wizards
1. Young Thug ft. Nicki Minaj “Danny Glover (Remix)”
2. Lil Durk “Live That Life”
3. Lil Dirk “Bang Bros”
4. Meek Mill “Make Me”
5. Rich Homie Quan “What Would You Do (WWYD)”

Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
1. Rich Homie Quan “Man of the Year”
2. Yo Gotti ft. Rich Homie QUan “I Know”
3. Drake “The Language”
4. Young Thug ft. Nicki Minaj “Danny Glover (Remix)”
5. Rick Ross ft. Young Jeezy “War Ready”

DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers
1. A$AP Ferg “Work Remix”
2. Drake ft. Soulja Boy “We Made It”
3. Tupac “Hit ‘Em Up”
4. Wiz Khalifa “We Dem Boyz”
5. Glen Davis “Big Baby Gonna Turn It Up”

Matt Barnes, Los Angeles Clippers
1. Tupac “California Love”
2. Tupac “I Get Around”
3. Tupac “Me & My Girlfriend”
4. Tupac “Picture Me Rollin’”
5. Tupac “Hit ‘Em Up”

Jamal Crawford, Los Angeles Clippers
1. Wale ft. Meek Millz “Heavens Afternoon”
2. Schoolboy Q “Man of the Year”
3. Kendrick Lamar ft. Jay Z “Bitch Don’t ...

By Maurice Bobb

Mother’s Day is special for every child—young or old—who had a matriarch that sacrificed everything for his or her well-being, because it offers them a chance to show “Mama” how much she is appreciated.

But for Eminem , who has famously bashed the woman that raised him on songs like 2002’s “Cleaning Out My Closet,” this year’s celebration is cathartic because he chose to make amends in the most public way possible, a new music video dedicated to Debbie Mathers for “Headlights ,” which was released Sunday (May 11).

The Spike Lee-directed clip begins with Em sitting in a dark room on a sofa watching his Mom discuss raising him on a daytime talk show. With a pensive look on his face, the blonde-coifed MC watches footage of his videos, awards show appearances, interviews and concerts where he said not-so-great things about Mom.

“But as stubborn as we are, did I take it too far, ‘Cleaning Out My Closet’/ And all them other songs, but regardless I don’t hate you/ ‘Cause ma, you’re still beautiful to me, ’cause you’re my mom,” he raps in tandem with Nate Ruess’ subtle crooning.

There’s visuals, of course, of his native 8-Mile stomping grounds, as well as actual scenes from his groundbreaking “8-Mile” film. The video closes with the MMLP2 watching himself on the 106 & Park sofa declaring his love for his mother.

Happy Mother’s Day indeed, Debbie Mathers, from your supremely talented son, Marshall.

May 11, 2014 | No Comments on Eminem Drops Perfect Mother’s Day Card: New ‘Headlights’ Video

Is it just us, or can you practically hear the wedding bells ringing for Kim and Kanye’s upcoming nuptials all the way from Paris?

The famous couple is set to wed on May 24 according to the formal invitation (ours, we assume, was lost in the mail). So we’re not across the pond yet, but Kim did give us a sneak peek at what went down at her bridal shower on May 10.

Joined by her family and BFFs, Kim celebrated the day at The Peninsula in Beverly Hills, with decorative French touches to reflect the destination venue. Guests like fashion designer Rachel Roy were treated to a place setting of white floral arrangements, Laduree macarons and a scrumptiously edible Eiffel Tower.

Afterwards the girls moved the fun to a black-and-white photo booth, where they puckered up and posed in selfie fashion. The pics were even with printed with Kanye (Hearts) Kim in the upper right-hand corner. Aw.

A glowing Ciara stepped into the frame with Kim, who was wrapped in pearls and wore all white for the affair.

Khloe Kardashian snapped a pic with her sis, who she lovingly refers to as “My Keeks.”

Kim with more of her crew.

Strike up the Wedding March!

Kelci Shipley

Art by Janelle Myers

If there’s one thing Moms like, it’s you, because you’re so adorable and sweet and wonderful and smart. If there’s two things Moms like, the other thing definitely isn’t puns. It’s Dads who love puns.

Yet despite all that, we went ahead and made these Mother’s Day pun posters, just for you. Go ahead, we’ll wait until you finish them, it’s not like we’re getting any younger.

Alex Zalben