I heart Will Ferrell.
The fuzzy-haired comedian had me at “SNL.” “Anchorman” and “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” served to seal the deal.
Still, I couldn’t watch him in “Land of the Lost” this week, especially after seeing previews of Ferrell baptizing himself in dino urine.
From all accounts, the flick appeared no more than a venue for an arrogant, clueless Ron Burgundy/Ricky Bobby prototype playing paleontologist.
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And this time, America wasn’t amused.
“Land” became the summer’s first official box-office bomb, according to Exhibitor Relations. It doesn’t take a cinematic CSI to figure out what happened here. Ferrell is suffering from Exaggerated Overexposure, a disease that can afflict any celeb or reality star.
Most rebound from EO after a brief break from the public eye. But if this condition is left untreated, these celebs could get canceled from pop culture.
Seriously, when was the last time you thought about the “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” cast, Ricky Martin or Ja Rule?
We can’t let that happen to Ferrell, so here is how he — and other pop culture staples — can avoid a dangerous dance with irrelevance.
Change it up
Ferrell’s “Land” flop was inevitable. You do the math. How many times could he crank out the same character in different scenarios and make box-office bank? He, and a number of other entertainers, could benefit from switching up their swagger. That means you, remaining “Hills” cast, 50 Cent and LiLo. Even Seth Rogen is one neurotic animated monster away from being, instead of telling, a joke.
Space it out
Celebs shouldn’t totally vanish from the radar screen. No doubt an overextended absence played a role in the failed Fugees’ reunion circa 2005. But they can’t put out double albums, movies and clothing lines twice a year and think the public still is pining for them. The implosion of the Jessica Simpson reality show/commercial/cosmetics brand is a cautionary tale.
Retain some mystique
It’s cool when celebs let us into their lives via social networking. Thanks, Ashton Kutcher, Hammer and Shaq for a steady stream of celebri-tweets. But like a drunk buddy on the BlackBerry at 3 a.m., stars too sometimes are guilty of TMI. It’s no better if they spill their guts on talk shows or stop one too many times to chat with TMZ. Pop culture peeps don’t have to show up for every interview, or reveal the contents of their fridge via Flickr to engage an audience. Celebs: Take a cue from the mysterious Johnny Depp and leave some space between you and your fan base.