More good reviews...Shane is the BEST!
Thank you Sandalwood

LOL, ER-me, no worries! I'm with you on the whole Germs vs. Jonny Was thing! Ah well, maybe it's more about promoting the movie than anything else -- but I hope he goes back to fronting JW.

The fact that he was invited to be lead singer for the Germs by its members based on his dead-on performance is a great compliment to his versitilaty as an actor. I wouldn't read too much into it other than that. I don't think he's going to go all Darby Crash on us!!!

I agee with you!

I think the "touring" thing is just a short-lived deal for them to all promote this movie.

I'm so happy that he's getting such wonderful reviews all-around, what a great actor and a great guy!

well of course i agree with you all that the germs touring thing was primarily to promote the movie, but i think what was bugging me was the fact that shane is a musician himself and it *seemed* like he was playing music that he normally wouldn't be into for reasons that reeked of commercialism. so it's just the hoighty-toighty principle of the thing. i do agree that it's amazing that the original members thought highly enough of him to ask him to tour with them.

Bingo again, Sandalwood!

Although I did read somewhere that SW actually helped finance the movie to the tune of the value of a Ferrari and another small car's worth (the type of terminology he used to describe it). LOL. I can't write quote marks on that because it isn't exact, but that's approximately what SW said.

So, maybe the commercialism worry is invalid, I still hope.

Yep, I had read that too, and also that he'd be happy if it breaks even. This movie has been in the works for several years now, and Shane has said several times he was keen to break out of the teen movie mold and get into more adult-character pics. I'm sure he believed in this film, hence his own financial commitment.

I also just found two more reviews of WWDIS. The first has a great pic of Shane at the screening, and I think the girl next to him is Bijou Phillips, right?

http://www.laist.com/2007/06/26/what_we_do_is_s.php

The second review is mixed in general but largely positive where Shane's performance is concerned. Interestingly, the review ends with a mention of another movie, Charlie Bartlett, which stars Kat Dennings -- whom you may remember played Ray's underage groupie Zoe!

http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/los-...epressed-dudes/

In case anyone's interested, MTV's movie site has a review and a video clip of Shane talking about playing with the Germs...

http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2007/06/26/shane...y-la-film-fest/

Thanks for all the links everyone!

I just can't stop watching our boy. I seem to be devouring any snippet of info on him Hmmm......really must concentrate on work.....

To hear him talk he sounds so reasonable and down to earth. But to read that he is on stage with those lyrics, beer bottles flying and climbing speakers...can't quite reconcile the two. Wonder if for him it is like a big acting challenge...playing at that...or he feels right at home...the real him?

Xo -- I suspect a lot of his mainstream fans are wondering the same thing!!

Well, obviously xotucker, sandalwood and I are wondering...perhaps more, who knows.

Well, I think he's sweet and very down-to-earth, and he's a wonderful actor, and he's gotten wonderful reviews.

But oh my goodness, I really don't like his singing voice.

hi, been silent for a while trying to catch up on all the boards and fanfic. thanks to all for all the SW links. it seems he's really trying hard to diversify into lots of different roles and styles and this must just keep adding feathers to his cap. hope he doesn't veer away from the acting too much tho, agree with Galaxy about his singing voice - hope he doesn't give up the day job

Thanks for all the links!
I love how he's getting great reviews for his job!!!
And I like his voice!! I couldnt not like it even if I wanted too!
He's perfect!

And I read that he kissed that Bijou on the forehead.... Starting to hate her.....

Im proud of Shane West doing well in that movie (:
It makes me happy to see him enjoying the punk rock concert life style.
However he has been doing drinking and smoking on the tour I heard as well as cutting with glass?! =/

Plus if Shane is to return next season on ER, will we be seeing the goatee and rocker hair look and everything?

Well I don't think anyone really did mind the goatee. He always wore that alot during his ER days. In terms of his overall appearance if he returns to the show, he will dress for whatever the script and storyline calls for his character. I doubt we'll be seing him with the rocker look. I think his present look is for the promotion of the movie. He knows what look is appropiate for each setting.

Idk, because if Ray is doing work with the Germs he may continue as it appears to be he loves it. And we have never seen Ray with that much hair, lol, not saying I don't like it because I think he obviously looks HOT, but just that's not the Ray we know.

I agree G-unit I think his present look is for the promotion of the movie too.
And like you said too...He knows what look is appropiate for each setting.

hi new to the board .i just wanted to comment that we all know shane is a smart man he's been in the entertainment buisness a long time and knows what to do and not to do. i noticed some worried about shane being in the germs well we have to remember he himself is a punk rock musician music is his first love he has said this many times .plus we as his fans should be proud he got this gig it 's lovely to know they apreciate him that much and his talents .plus we can't really critisize shane for bottles being thrown at a concert that happens at concerts at times they can be rowdy . as for jumping on speakers well shane loves his fans and likes to get them excited that's all. i see a lot of other places acting like he's a drunk or a dopper and it's not fair so he maybe a smoker or have a drink every now and then but as he says he's just a simple louisianna boy at heart .plus he has parents and 2 younger sisters one who is very young so he wouldn't do anything to embarass them . i just think he should be shown respect and fans should love him cause he's a great entertainer i personally love ray and neela and want him back on .that's all i wanted to say .thank you.heather

Shane said in an interview it was one of his firsts, and if those people were long time fans of the real Darby, then to see Shane on stage, while many of them have been drinking, I wouldn't expect them to be so kind.

When I said he drinks and smokes, to me, that isn't some one I would generally love so much, and isn't some one that people normally look up to. I don't look up to him, well because I'm a girl, but I never said I thought he did drugs or anything.

PLUS welcome Heather, my name is Heather as well (:

Wow, SW would be proud to have you as a fan, heatherlynn28! You certainly are dedicated and that's great! I, for one, looove SW in terms of his work as an actor as well as his general hotness . LOL! But I'm not the type of fan who will like any celebrity with complete abandon. Yes there has been some very mild debate re SW's latest artistic ventures. Some like it or aren't bothered; some don't like it at all; and others are just wondering about his motivations in doing it -- and all three reactions are sensible, i think. Yes, I know that he has called himself a punk rock musician and lifelong fan of punk, but those of us who commented re his gig with the Germs have mostly just noted that the punk he plays with them is vastly different from the punk he plays as leader of his own band (and the Germs are different from the other groups he has cited as his main musical influences).

SW certainly is courageous though because has put up with a lot in doing this, as many people in the punk community have been merciless about what they see as some Hollywood actor's attempt to take the place of Darby Crash onstage. Aside from the band thing, I think all of SW's fans are totally excited about the wonderful reviews he's gotten for WWDIS and it goes to show what a fine, versatile actor he is. (And did I mention the hotness factor??) Hope it translates into bigger, better roles for him.

As for the drinking and smoking...well, that's his personal life. I do agree with Heather in that it's not something I generally find appealing.

Lastly, re his new look with fuller goatee, etc... it does make him look more mature, so perhaps it might lend to his character on ER when we see him next -- to show that it is a more mature, manly Ray who has emerged from his tragedy.

I don't know if they will have him look exactly the same cause his hair is all gelled and stuff, and if you are just going to sessions to get well again, then why would you do your hair so well?

He is a great actor, and even if he does smoke and drink I have much respect for him because he isn't like some celebrities out there in this world, just it is the one thing of Shane I am not fond of..

What in the world does that mean? I hope not self-mutilation or drugs? I am in the dark here. Enlighten me! THANKS.

As he has been trying to portay the real Darby, it is said that he has even cut on stage like Darby actually did. A cut across the chest; that's what it is.

This is nothing new or unusual. Actors commit acts like this all the time in order to get into the mind of the character they're playing or to experience certain aspects of that character's life so it will be easier to translate on screen. That is a sign of a great actor. There have been actors who have lost weight, put on weight, had surguries, lived a certain way, dressed a certain way, talked and acted a certain way, etc., etc. It's just a strategy actors have used since the beginning of acting in order to get into character and have a more effective and accurate performance.

Oh it's a great performance he puts on, just that's not my style at all.

Yeah I know what you mean. It's not particularly appealing to me either. It seems weird from the outside looking in I guess. It's just that some might make the mistake and relate or confuse what he does to get into a role with who he is as a person. Sometimes there is a thin line between reality and fiction. You have to be able to seperate the two as an audience member or fan and simply admire the performance

And, sometimes the fine line between reality and fiction can be difficult for the actor to separate, too, if they are not strong enough within themselves.

I'm NOT saying that's what's going on with SW.

Seems to me like he's really into his craft.

Even in his last NBC interview, there, he was talking about how much he enjoyed the opportunity to actually ACT for the season finale. You can tell he loves and respects his profession and takes it very seriously.

yeah...I'm totally agree!

i agree on a lot here he definately did get to act his butt off in the finale more then they have let him in in ages .and while i'm a big fan and admire of his i try to not be like some i've seen who are totally in love with him .he's hot and a great actor .i defend him simply b/c i think it's best to trust what the man himself says and feels rather then tabloid mags or tv news who tend to take him simply playing in a bio pick to extreame .and i'm sure he uses method acting to get into a character most actors do but again as i said he has familly to think of so he wouldn't do anything that could damage his health and well being after all he's 29 now not some 18 or 20 year old boy anymore but a man 1year to 30.by this time in life i figure you can have fun sure but you also grow up a lot by then.heather

Yeah he said in that interview that he was greatful for the past few episodes, because he has had a lot more.

Is it that "method acting" thing actors go on about? Some do take it 2 extremes & develop health problems (psychological/physical) as a result.

i never like ray but he kind of grew on me and the neela and ray storyline as been great.

So I just saw Whatever It Takes, with Shane West, and I was just wondering, how do you prefer Shane's acting?

In a sweet cute love story, like in WIT, and AWTR, or a dramatic role that he has portrayed in ER?

Heather, how did you like "Whatever It Takes"? Haven't seen it yet and can't rent it anywhere; wondering whether it's worth buying that DVD as well as "Get Over It"? Reviews, anyone, outside of the fact that SW is in it?? Or are they worth it for his performance alone??

I have seen SW in AWTR and of course on ER and love him in both. He's a versatile actor. In my mind, there is a fine line between SW and the characters he plays -- sometimes that line gets blurry in my head when I think about whether what I really like is a mix of Ray Barnett/Landon Carter as opposed to SW himself. I mean, I don't really know anything about SW as a private person other than what we see in interviews (in which I readily admit he comes across as down-to-earth, sensible and sweet). I think I transfer a lot of Ray's characteristics onto to SW himself, which I know is wrong but can't help. Anybody else ever feel the same way?

Came across a clip of Shane performing at the after party for the WWDIS premiere. The audio is not good, but at least you can see Shane doing his thing. The blonde girl who sits on the stage in the forefront is Bijou Philips -- Shane kisses her on the forehead at 1:56.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7QEXRB1hug

sandalwood thank for the Shanre clip

I am to start to be angry with the NBC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SEE by Kristin O-line:

Evilnece: I know Shane West's pilot didn't get picked up, so will he be returning to ER next season? I would really like to see more Ray/Neela!
According to producers, it's not out of the question, but it's also not likely. He's definitely not back as a regular, but it's possible (although not planned) for him to return for a guest spot.

http://www.eonline.com/gossip/kristin/deta...sid=fd-hot2-txt

If Shane not to come back on ER as regular. Then for me ER finished!
The others characters are nothing for me. I see ER because of him and because of Roomies.

No Shane/ No Er for me
No Roomies/No Er for me

Well in that case love22 I have some sad news because Shane is definitely not going to be a regular next season. Didn't you already know that? It is old news. Shane already announced it in his tv guide interview a few months ago. It was decided a long time ago. You really can't be upset with NBC or TPTB becuase ultimately it was Shane's decision. His contract was up and he didn't want to renew for more than a year. TPTB actually wanted to bring him back but they wanted him to sign on for the option of more years. Because Shane didn't agree with their terms, they had to write him off the show but with a possibility of him making a guest appearance. Anyway, you have to be realistic, there is no way possible that he can be a regular. At most he can only be a guest star for a few episodes. Ray got both his legs amputated. That takes a long time to recover from. There is no way he can be a doctor right now. Therefore, it is impossible for him to be a regular.

Now is really the END for me...and for many others Shanes fans!

This is no confirmation, that he won't return. It's really dissapointing and something I was really afraid of. But still, Kristin is not always the most reliable source. Let's wait and see.

Take anything Kristen says with a grain of salt, she doesn't know everything that she thinks she does. I have a feeling this campaign will wake TPTB up because a lot of the people who are signing the petition and sending letters are apart of that 18-49 ratings group that they like so much. They might be rethinking things as well with John Stamos embarassing behavior in Australia and Shane's positive reviews for his movie.

Also saw this online. What do you think of Shane's comment about preferring to sing in a band vs. being a front man in a movie?? Is he referring specifically to the Darby Crash role, or to any leading role/acting in general? The other thing to consider is that if this revival tour/punk music thing continues to go well for Shane/The Germs, he may not have or want to spare the time to do any meaningful guest role on ER.


**********
The Los Angeles Film Festival paid homage to two of punk rock's greatest legends this year with premieres, parties and performances for What We Do Is Secret and Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten.

Based on the life of Darby Crash, the lead singer of The Germs, What We Do Is Secret chronicles the years before his alleged suicide in 1980 and the introduction of punk to the Hollywood scene. Director Rodger Grossman believes Shane West, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Darby, was perfect for the role - so much so that West is now fronting The Germs in their recent revival. "Punk rock is my favorite kind of music," said West, who spent eight years in a punk band before joining the project. "My parents were in punk bands, so I never thought I would grow up to do what my parents did. That's not very punk rock." His claim to fame might be acting, but the ER star admits he'd much rather be singing in a band than playing the part of a front man in a movie. "There's no contest," he confessed.

"The secret to the film was the fact that it was finally finished," West added on his way into the premiere after party at Element Hollywood. Twelve years in the making, the movie was a labor of love for everyone involved and Grossman said the movie was such a success because he "surrounded himself with great people" like his young stars West and Bijou Phillips and surviving band members Pat Smear and Lorna Doom, who served as consultants on set to ensure the films authenticity.

Kristen Bell and Danny Masterson were among party goers treated to a live by performance by West and current band members Smear, Doom and Don Bolles. Phillips, who was seen rocking out to the live set, spent over two months learning to play the bass and The Germs original music. West said Phillips "played amazingly in the film from the get-go. She learned all her parts really quickly." The daughter of Mamas and Papas' John Phillips, described herself as a "huge fan of punk," then laughed and said "but given the state of society today, we're all punk now."
http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/movies/news/n12643.htm

What exactly has Kristen said that we didn't know before or at the very least didn't suspect? Should any of us be surprised? Is this news to anyone? Didn't we already know that Shane won't be back as a regular? He confirmed that himself in the tv guide interview. Didn't we already know that he could possibly make a guest appearance? Also confirmed by him in the tv guide interview. Absolutely nothing has changed. Kristen has just confirmed what we already knew. Kristen has no idea whatsoever what TPTB are planning for any of the characters that are still regulars much less Shane. TPTB haven't even figured out what direction they are going for the first half of the season yet so everything is up in the air. Nobody knows what's going to happen.

Unhappyly I also will not see ER without Shane!

Hey, Sandalwood,

Interesting info. You know what I, personally, think about all this.

I would think that SW's career wouldn't go as well in the punk direction. There is just too much competition in music in general and punk (unless there is a giant revival) just isn't a large share of it. People can put whatever they want out on youtube. I don't know how far one can go on the "cachet of the Germs" (if you can even really use that term about them).

I wonder if it is Darby Crash-specific, I would, again, guess that it is whatever is working best. And with that said, I imagine acting will always be a fall-back position as long as he can get acting work.

It really doesn't bode well for Reela, though, does it.

I agree with ER - me I really doubt that Shane's career would go well in the music industry, there's way too much competition there as much as I like Jonny Was's music I'm really, really not a fan of the music The Germs play...no offense to Shane but he's always been a better actor than a musician to me so I would really be disappointed if he gave up acting to pursue it.