This October, Lexus launches its branded, broadband entertainment channel, L Studio. Its aim is to create a destination site offering original, innovative content with familiar faces. A face both original and familiar is Lisa Kudrow, who wrote and produced the new series Web Therapy.

Web Therapy is a 15-part comedy series about Fiona Wallice, a psychotherapist who offers three-minute therapy sessions over the Web. Her character is another flavor of Kudrow Kooky, and the “therapy” that Wallice provides is humorously cringe-worthy. If you enjoy watching Ursula on Mad About You or Phoebe on Friends, you’ll find Web Therapy amusing enough.

We get a pretty good idea of what’s in store for unsuspecting patients when Fiona explains the three-minute concept to her new client and, it so happens, ex-fling Richard: “I have done the 50 minutes with people, but they end up going on and on about dreams and feelings and memories and past experiences that add up to a whole lot of nothin’ as far as I’m concerned.” Web Therapy is a funny look at psychotherapy in the wrong hands.

The first three installments are on the site now, and I look forward to the rest. I love that L Studio is providing a creative outlet for talent such as Kudrow. But the question remains as to whether the internet channel will become a destination site for me or anyone else — will it be the intended HBO of the Web? Most of the programming will contain no Lexus branding whatsoever. Will innovative entertainment inspire us to park our Subarus in the garage in favor of the Lexus? … continue reading

Two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank has a new film opening this Friday: P.S. I Love You.

That sounds so cute, but P.P.S. that's what worries me. Why, oh why, do so many Oscar-winning actors immediately turn their professional attentions to the supernatural, or superhero, or save-the-world teacher, or in this case pseudo-paranormal tripe, after receiving that famous golden statue? Are they so blinded by its shiny little bald head that their vision is impaired to the point that they can't see how poorly scripted many of these followup projects are? Or how sappy the concepts are? Or how vapid and cliché the stories can be? Whatever it is, it sure does happen often. Charlize Theron — Aeon Flux? Halle Berry — Catwoman? Nicole Kidman — Birth? The Stepford Wives? Bewitched? Kevin Spacey — K-PAX? Yikes! … continue reading

Seems I'm not the only one out there who thinks brains are an essential part of the beauty package. Personally, I can only look for so long before wanting to carry on a coherent, intelligent conversation about something a little deeper than fashion. I also like to be able to use words that contain more than a single syllable.

There are plenty of lists out there detailing beauties with big brains, but this one does a better job than most. The list includes some of the most obvious brainy beauties, like Jodie Foster, Natalie Portman and Jennifer Beals. But, like any list, it is far from complete. So because I know you are all simply beside yourselves waiting for another list, I will keep you waiting no longer. Here are some of the women who prove to me that smart is sexy. Think of it as my anti-Britney list.

Maggie Gyllenhaal

She has a degree in literature from Columbia University. She also tends to choose roles that involve a whole lot of brain power, and she isn't afraid to speak her mind. I love that in a woman. … continue reading