When pop star Britney Spears married her backup dancer Kevin Federline last year, I knew it was only a matter of time before the two would be pitching a reality show to the networks. I figured it would be a knock off of Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson's reality show, "Newlyweds", format-- you know, a glimpse into the lives of a newly married celebrity couple. Well, as predicted, Britney and Kevin's reality show, titled "Chaotic" is now being shown on both the UPN Network and MTV. But the show isn't about the newly married couple-- instead, it's a video documentary of their courtship.
From the goofy opening credits, which dub the producers as "Britney" and "Kevin" (no last names) to the very fact that these two even have this footage-- it all seems kind of corny to me. What new couple videotapes their courtship? Aren't most people too busy getting to know each other in the beginning of their relationship to remember to pull out the digital camcorder every time a special moment pops up? Not Britney and Kev, apparently.
These two media hounds aren't paparazzi shy, that's for sure. In fact, since they have been together the couple is frequently photographed together, alone and with his children from a former girlfriend. Obviously they had lots of practice posing for the camera while filming their whirlwind romance.
After watching the first episode of "Chaotic" , I have to wonder why Spears agreed to do this. Well, of course it's for the money (the couple received a reported 2 million dollars for the show), but you'd think she could afford to be more selective about her projects. A pop superstar by the time she was in her early teens, Spears has cornered just about every market-- she's sold millions of records; she's a writer ( "A Mother's Gift", which she coauthored with her mom, Lynne Spears); she's an actress (she starred in the 2002 film "Crossroads"); and she has a perfume with her name on it (called "Curious"). This woman should be very, very rich. So why the reality show stint? Sadly to say, it may be a sign that her career is winding down. Motherhood awaits, so maybe she's ready to retire and be a full time mom. Or perhaps she's hoping to go the route of Jessica Simpson and thinks the reality show will give her sagging singing career a boost. Whatever the reason may be, it's not good enough.
The show is almost awkward to watch at times. The worst part is the close up shots of the couple kissing. Such extreme close ups make you feel as though you are actually part of the kiss. In other segments, the night cam makes their faces look green and Britney even quips that they look like vampires on it (they do). Later, when Brit is casually applying about 50 coats of mascara to her eyelashes, Kev is quizzing her about her "love". She's obviously acting shy and coy when asked personal questions by him. But then she's sure to boast how great the sex is in their relationship. Personally, I don't need to see the video proof of the first time these two exchanged "I love you's". Not to begrudge them their love, but it all seems kind of staged to me. Again I ask you-- who tapes this stuff?
All in all, this is the most unreal reality show I've ever seen. My final verdict on "Chaotic"? It's simply idiotic.
