The Wattage Meter: How bright are these stars shining?
A weekly guide to the wattage of stars in the news
MEL GIBSON: 20 watts Mel. Mel, Mel, Mel, Mel, Mel. Frankly, we’re at a loss here. Your whole ugly mess with your ex-girlfriend has been going on for so long it seems from the era of P.S. – pre-Sheen. You were the road warrior, man. What happened? What do you even have to celebrate these days? Your career? Not bloody likely. Your reputation? Good one. Your role in Jodie Foster’s "The Beaver?" That movie is never coming out. No, the only thing you have to be thankful for is the news this week that a plea agreement you’ve made will keep you out of jail on a domestic-violence charge.
ANGELINA JOLIE: 40 watts Hey, Angelina. Like being told you’re too old? No one does, sister. But this week it must have been hard to avoid feeling like your next birthday cake will be seen from space, what with all the candles on it. Don’t worry, surely no one meant to insult you with the news they’re going to reboot the "Tomb Raider" franchise with someone much younger playing Lara Croft, the role that helped turn you into a superstar. Still, coming off the critical failure that was "The Tourist," the news must have stung just a bit.
AMANDA SEYFRIED: 80 watts It’s not as if Amanda Seyfried went straight from playing that hilarious moron in "Mean Girls" to suddenly becoming the Hot Young Thing, but it feels that way. Sure, she had top billing in "Mamma Mia!" and "Chloe" and last year’s "Letters to Juliet." But landing the title role in "Twilight" director Catherine Hardwicke’s "Red Riding Hood" – that’s fame on a whole new level. Right now, gorgeous young woman in love with a supernatural being is the super-fame equation. Also, werewolves – they’re so hot right now.