http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/02/12/tom-cruise-set-to-star-in-mission-impossible-4/
Tom Cruise Set to Star in Mission Impossible 4
Tom Cruise has patched up his relationship with Paramount Pictures, which ended in 2006 over his public behavior and views, as it was announced on February 9 that the actor has agreed to reprise his role as spy Ethan Hunt. The studio plans on going ahead with making a fourth installment in the successful ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise.
It was initially reported by screencave.com last year that Cruise would only serve as a producer along with ‘Mission: Impossible 3′ director JJ Abrams on the third sequel of the series, based on the CBS television show from the late 1960s and early ’70s, but he wouldn’t be starring in the fourth movie. Even though Cruise has changed his mind, Abrams, who is famous for also directing last year’s hit ‘Star Trek’ and the television shows ‘Alias’ and ‘Lost,’ will still only be serving as a producer as he looks for someone else to direct ‘Mission: Impossible 4.’
Even though Cruise hasn’t starred in a hit movie, or worked with Paramount, in several years, the two are putting their differences aside to release the film during Memorial Day weekend in 2011. Even though the franchise has grossed $1.4 billion worldwide, the fourth installment will face stiff competition, as ‘The Hangover 2′ also opens that weekend. ‘Mission: Impossible 4′ will also go against another fourth installment, as ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ opens on May 20th, a week before Memorial Day.
Bad Robot Productions will also be producing ‘Mission: Impossible 4,’ and it will also be co-financed by David Ellison’s Skydance Productions Screenwriters Josh Applebaum and Andre Nemec are in the process of writing the script, based on an original idea by Cruise and Abrams.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Charlie Sheen Reunited With Wife
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/02/11/charlie-sheen-reunited-with-wife/
Charlie Sheen Reunited With Wife
Charlie Sheen reunited with his wife Brooke Mueller Sheen on February 8 after an Aspen judge reversed a restraining order against the actor, according to the Associated Press. The couple is now going to try and work on their relationship after a domestic disturbance fight erupted on Christmas Day, when Sheen allegedly attacked his wife with a knife at his Aspen home.
The couple appeared at the Pitkin County Courthouse, and hugged after the hearing. They plan to fly out of Aspen together, as attorney Yale Galanter announced he plans on asking prosecutors to drop the case. Sheen is currently charged with felony menacing and misdemeanor charges of third-degree assault and criminal mischief. If charged, he could spend three years for the most serious charge, but the ‘Two and a Half Men’ star has not yet entered a plea.
Sheen and Mueller have been speaking through their attorneys since his arrest to protect her and their young twin sons. Judge James B. Boyd left the protection order in place to prohibit Sheen from harassing or retaliating against his wife, though the two have told their respective lawyers they wish to reconcile. The actor is also prohibited from possessing weapons or using non-prescription alcohol or drugs.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Charlie Sheen Reunited With Wife
Charlie Sheen reunited with his wife Brooke Mueller Sheen on February 8 after an Aspen judge reversed a restraining order against the actor, according to the Associated Press. The couple is now going to try and work on their relationship after a domestic disturbance fight erupted on Christmas Day, when Sheen allegedly attacked his wife with a knife at his Aspen home.
The couple appeared at the Pitkin County Courthouse, and hugged after the hearing. They plan to fly out of Aspen together, as attorney Yale Galanter announced he plans on asking prosecutors to drop the case. Sheen is currently charged with felony menacing and misdemeanor charges of third-degree assault and criminal mischief. If charged, he could spend three years for the most serious charge, but the ‘Two and a Half Men’ star has not yet entered a plea.
Sheen and Mueller have been speaking through their attorneys since his arrest to protect her and their young twin sons. Judge James B. Boyd left the protection order in place to prohibit Sheen from harassing or retaliating against his wife, though the two have told their respective lawyers they wish to reconcile. The actor is also prohibited from possessing weapons or using non-prescription alcohol or drugs.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Super Bowl XLIV Now Most Watched TV Show in History
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/02/11/super-bowl-xliv-now-most-watched-tv-show-in-history/
Super Bowl XLIV Now Most Watched TV Show in History
The New Orleans Saints have something else to celebrate this week besides their surprising 31-17 upset over the AFC champion, the Indianapolis Colts, on Sunday at Super Bowl XLIV at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami. According to Nielsen, the ratings system used to track television viewing habits in the U.S., the game followed ‘Avator’s lead at the box office by beating the previous record holder and becoming the most watched program in American television history.
‘Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,’ the series finale of the hit television comedy series ‘M*A*S*H,’ which aired in 1983 after 11 seasons on CBS, held the record for being the most watched TV show for 27 years. Approximately 105.97 million viewers tuned in to see how the show, which was based on the 1970 movie and the 1968 novel, would end. Contrastingly, this year’s Super Bowl, which also aired on CBS, pulled in 106.5 million viewers.
The two teams had a hard time securing the record, as there are 114.9 million homes in the U.S. that have televisions, which is 32 million more than when the ‘M*A*S*H’ finale aired. There are also many more channel options now as opposed to the early ’80s, not including DVR and DVD players.
The Saints, who are celebrating its first Super Bowl win in its franchise history, also beat out the previous record set for the amount of viewers who watched the most important game in the NFL. Last year, 98.7 million people watched the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Super Bowl XLIV Now Most Watched TV Show in History
The New Orleans Saints have something else to celebrate this week besides their surprising 31-17 upset over the AFC champion, the Indianapolis Colts, on Sunday at Super Bowl XLIV at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami. According to Nielsen, the ratings system used to track television viewing habits in the U.S., the game followed ‘Avator’s lead at the box office by beating the previous record holder and becoming the most watched program in American television history.
‘Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,’ the series finale of the hit television comedy series ‘M*A*S*H,’ which aired in 1983 after 11 seasons on CBS, held the record for being the most watched TV show for 27 years. Approximately 105.97 million viewers tuned in to see how the show, which was based on the 1970 movie and the 1968 novel, would end. Contrastingly, this year’s Super Bowl, which also aired on CBS, pulled in 106.5 million viewers.
The two teams had a hard time securing the record, as there are 114.9 million homes in the U.S. that have televisions, which is 32 million more than when the ‘M*A*S*H’ finale aired. There are also many more channel options now as opposed to the early ’80s, not including DVR and DVD players.
The Saints, who are celebrating its first Super Bowl win in its franchise history, also beat out the previous record set for the amount of viewers who watched the most important game in the NFL. Last year, 98.7 million people watched the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Bill Murray Claims There Will Be a Ghostbusters 3
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/02/10/bill-murray-claims-there-will-be-a-ghostbusters-3/
Bill Murray Claims There Will Be a Ghostbusters 3
After months of internet rumors and speculation, Bill Murray confirmed to the Daily Mail that there will be a ‘Ghostbusters 3,’ a follow-up to the successful 1989 sci-fi comedy ‘Ghostbusters 2.’ After claiming that the few scenes he was featured in during the second movie were the only funny ones and that his 1993 hit ‘Groundhog Day’ should have been awarded Oscars, he told the producers of ‘Ghostbusters’ he would only appear in the next installment if his character, Dr. Peter Venkman, was killed in the beginning and later appeared as a ghost.
This news, while not totally surprising, comes after months of confusion of what was happening with the movie. For example, Sigourney Weaver, who portrayed Dana Barrett in the original two ‘Ghostbusters,’ announced in December while promoting ‘Avatar’ that she saw an early copy of the ‘Ghostbusters 3′ script, and Murray’s character would steal the show in a ‘ghostly presence.’ But since Murray is known to make fun of his old roles and joke around about his image, nothing is officially confirmed yet if Peter will appear as a ghost.
But Ivan Reitman has announced he will be directing the third installment of the successful series. “I’m not going to comment on what’s in the script and on what (Sigourney) may or may not have said,” Reitman announced at the National Board of Review Awards. “She’s been so busy on ‘Avatar,’ I’ve not been able to find her. There’s some very cool things in the new draft [of the script], let’s just put it that way.”
Written by: Karen Benardello
Bill Murray Claims There Will Be a Ghostbusters 3
After months of internet rumors and speculation, Bill Murray confirmed to the Daily Mail that there will be a ‘Ghostbusters 3,’ a follow-up to the successful 1989 sci-fi comedy ‘Ghostbusters 2.’ After claiming that the few scenes he was featured in during the second movie were the only funny ones and that his 1993 hit ‘Groundhog Day’ should have been awarded Oscars, he told the producers of ‘Ghostbusters’ he would only appear in the next installment if his character, Dr. Peter Venkman, was killed in the beginning and later appeared as a ghost.
This news, while not totally surprising, comes after months of confusion of what was happening with the movie. For example, Sigourney Weaver, who portrayed Dana Barrett in the original two ‘Ghostbusters,’ announced in December while promoting ‘Avatar’ that she saw an early copy of the ‘Ghostbusters 3′ script, and Murray’s character would steal the show in a ‘ghostly presence.’ But since Murray is known to make fun of his old roles and joke around about his image, nothing is officially confirmed yet if Peter will appear as a ghost.
But Ivan Reitman has announced he will be directing the third installment of the successful series. “I’m not going to comment on what’s in the script and on what (Sigourney) may or may not have said,” Reitman announced at the National Board of Review Awards. “She’s been so busy on ‘Avatar,’ I’ve not been able to find her. There’s some very cool things in the new draft [of the script], let’s just put it that way.”
Written by: Karen Benardello
American Chopper Canceled by TLC
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/02/10/american-chopper-cancelled-by-tlc/
American Chopper Canceled by TLC
‘American Chopper,’ the popular TLC reality series, has been placed on the chopping board, TMZ is reporting. The cable network officially confirmed on February 8 that the reality show has been cancelled, and will air its final episode on Thursday, February 11.
The show, which debuted on TLC’s sister channel the Discovery Channel in 2003, focuses on the business at the Orange County Choppers’ bike shop. It later moved to TLC in 2007, and has run for six seasons, during which two video games were released and a short-lived parody show on Comedy Central was launched.
The shop is run by Paul Teutul, Sr. and his two sons, Michael and Paulie Jr. However, Paulie was fired at the beginning of the current season, as he engaged in disagreements with his family. For instance, TMZ reported this past December that Paul sued Paulie for over $1 million in stock options.
Still, the show helped promote Orange County Choppers over the years. Some of the most well-known customers to frequent the shop and order custom designed motorcycles were such actors as Russell Crowe, Bill Murray and Will Smith.
Written by: Karen Benardello
American Chopper Canceled by TLC
‘American Chopper,’ the popular TLC reality series, has been placed on the chopping board, TMZ is reporting. The cable network officially confirmed on February 8 that the reality show has been cancelled, and will air its final episode on Thursday, February 11.
The show, which debuted on TLC’s sister channel the Discovery Channel in 2003, focuses on the business at the Orange County Choppers’ bike shop. It later moved to TLC in 2007, and has run for six seasons, during which two video games were released and a short-lived parody show on Comedy Central was launched.
The shop is run by Paul Teutul, Sr. and his two sons, Michael and Paulie Jr. However, Paulie was fired at the beginning of the current season, as he engaged in disagreements with his family. For instance, TMZ reported this past December that Paul sued Paulie for over $1 million in stock options.
Still, the show helped promote Orange County Choppers over the years. Some of the most well-known customers to frequent the shop and order custom designed motorcycles were such actors as Russell Crowe, Bill Murray and Will Smith.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Friday, February 12, 2010
Andrew Shue and Amy Robach Marry
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/02/09/andrew-shue-and-amy-robach-marry/
Andrew Shue and Amy Robach Marry
Actor Andrew Shue, who portrayed Billy Campbell in the hit ’90s FOX series ‘Melrose Place,’ married ‘Weekend Today’ anchor Amy Robach on February 6 at Chelsea Piers in New York, PEOPLE Magazine is reporting. The day was extra special for the couple, as the actor’s mother officiated the ceremony, and it was the anchor’s 37th birthday.
PEOPLE also reported that the ceremony had a modest gathering, as the couple wanted an intimate feel with close friends and family. The wedding party did, however, include Shue’s three sons and his ex-wife Jennifer Hageney, along with Robach’s two daughters and her ex-husband Tim McIntosh. Shue’s sister Elizabeth Guggenheim and her Academy Award-winning director-husband Davis, along with Robach’s NBC colleagues Meredith Vieira, Ann Curry and Kathie Lee Gifford were also all in attendance.
The couple met last April at a book party, and the two were engaged five months later. The ceremony was unique in the fact that the couple decided to have a cake for Robach’s birthday instead of a traditional wedding cake. They also decide to forgo gifts, and asked the guests to bring their favorite dance and love songs, which were played throughout the ceremony.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Andrew Shue and Amy Robach Marry
Actor Andrew Shue, who portrayed Billy Campbell in the hit ’90s FOX series ‘Melrose Place,’ married ‘Weekend Today’ anchor Amy Robach on February 6 at Chelsea Piers in New York, PEOPLE Magazine is reporting. The day was extra special for the couple, as the actor’s mother officiated the ceremony, and it was the anchor’s 37th birthday.
PEOPLE also reported that the ceremony had a modest gathering, as the couple wanted an intimate feel with close friends and family. The wedding party did, however, include Shue’s three sons and his ex-wife Jennifer Hageney, along with Robach’s two daughters and her ex-husband Tim McIntosh. Shue’s sister Elizabeth Guggenheim and her Academy Award-winning director-husband Davis, along with Robach’s NBC colleagues Meredith Vieira, Ann Curry and Kathie Lee Gifford were also all in attendance.
The couple met last April at a book party, and the two were engaged five months later. The ceremony was unique in the fact that the couple decided to have a cake for Robach’s birthday instead of a traditional wedding cake. They also decide to forgo gifts, and asked the guests to bring their favorite dance and love songs, which were played throughout the ceremony.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Taylor Lautner Set to Play Stretch Armstrong
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/02/09/taylor-lautner-set-to-play-stretch-armstrong/
Taylor Lautner Set to Play Stretch Armstrong
Fan favorite Taylor Lautner, who portrays werewolf Jacob Black in the blockbuster hit series ‘The Twilight Saga,’ will take on his next big role by taking on the title character in ‘Stretch Armstrong,’ Universal Pictures has announced. The studio’s chairman, Adam Fogelson, and co-chairman, Donna Langley, announced on February 5 that the movie will be released in summer 2012, and will also be in 3-D.
According to comingsoon.net, Brian Goldner, the president and CEO of Hasbro, Inc., the company that released the toy, said ‘Stretch Armstrong’ won’t be released for another two years so that Universal can successfully add all the elements it needs to make a great summer blockbuster. The studio also wants to accommodate the actor’s current commitments, mainly to the promotion of the next ‘Twilight’ movie, ‘Eclipse,’ which is set for release in June.
“In the past two years, (Taylor) has emerged as a real star at the global box office. He brings the perfect balance of energy and athleticism to the role of an unlikely super hero with a fantastic super power,” said Langley. “We couldn’t be more pleased that he has agreed to be our Stretch.”
The movie will be based on the iconic action figure, whose most notable feature was that its arms and legs could stretch outwards, was first popular in the 1970s, and saw a resurge in popularity in the ’90s. Steve Oedekerk, who previously worked on Jim Carey’s 2003 hit ‘Bruce Almighty,’ wrote the screenplay, and Hasbro’s Brian Goldner and Bennet Schneir are set to produce.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Taylor Lautner Set to Play Stretch Armstrong
Fan favorite Taylor Lautner, who portrays werewolf Jacob Black in the blockbuster hit series ‘The Twilight Saga,’ will take on his next big role by taking on the title character in ‘Stretch Armstrong,’ Universal Pictures has announced. The studio’s chairman, Adam Fogelson, and co-chairman, Donna Langley, announced on February 5 that the movie will be released in summer 2012, and will also be in 3-D.
According to comingsoon.net, Brian Goldner, the president and CEO of Hasbro, Inc., the company that released the toy, said ‘Stretch Armstrong’ won’t be released for another two years so that Universal can successfully add all the elements it needs to make a great summer blockbuster. The studio also wants to accommodate the actor’s current commitments, mainly to the promotion of the next ‘Twilight’ movie, ‘Eclipse,’ which is set for release in June.
“In the past two years, (Taylor) has emerged as a real star at the global box office. He brings the perfect balance of energy and athleticism to the role of an unlikely super hero with a fantastic super power,” said Langley. “We couldn’t be more pleased that he has agreed to be our Stretch.”
The movie will be based on the iconic action figure, whose most notable feature was that its arms and legs could stretch outwards, was first popular in the 1970s, and saw a resurge in popularity in the ’90s. Steve Oedekerk, who previously worked on Jim Carey’s 2003 hit ‘Bruce Almighty,’ wrote the screenplay, and Hasbro’s Brian Goldner and Bennet Schneir are set to produce.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Friday, February 5, 2010
The Lost Symbol Movie Greenlit by Columbia Pictures
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/02/05/the-lost-symbol-movie-greenlit-by-columbia-pictures/
The Lost Symbol Movie Greenlit by Columbia Pictures
'The Lost Symbol,’ the third installment in the financially successful ‘Da Vinci Code’ book series by Dan Brown, has been greenlit by Columbia Pictures to become the next movie in the equally popular film series. British director Steven Knight is reportedly on board to helm the movie, according to Variety, as the studio was eager to work with him again after it acquired his screenplay ‘Pawn Sacrifice’ last year.
The book follows the series’ protagonist, Robert Langdon, as he is called to Washington, D.C., to begin decoding the symbols of the Freemasons. While Tom Hanks portrayed the Harvard professor of religious iconology and symbololgy in the previous two movies, 2006’s ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and last year’s ‘Angels and Demons,’ he has not yet committed to reprising the role. However, Columbia expects that he will. In addition to Hanks, if he agrees to come back to the series, and Knight, who also directed ‘Dirty Pretty Things’ and wrote the upcoming ‘Shutter Island’ and ‘The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,’ Brian Grazer and John Calley are set to produce the movie.
The movie series is one of the most successful of all time, as ‘The Da Vinci Code’ grossed $758 million worldwide, and ‘Angels and Demons’ earned $486 million worldwide. Columbia feels ‘Lost Symbol’ will do as well at the box office, since the novel sold more than one million copies on its first day alone when it was released by Doubleday in September.
Written by: Karen Benardello
The Lost Symbol Movie Greenlit by Columbia Pictures
'The Lost Symbol,’ the third installment in the financially successful ‘Da Vinci Code’ book series by Dan Brown, has been greenlit by Columbia Pictures to become the next movie in the equally popular film series. British director Steven Knight is reportedly on board to helm the movie, according to Variety, as the studio was eager to work with him again after it acquired his screenplay ‘Pawn Sacrifice’ last year.
The book follows the series’ protagonist, Robert Langdon, as he is called to Washington, D.C., to begin decoding the symbols of the Freemasons. While Tom Hanks portrayed the Harvard professor of religious iconology and symbololgy in the previous two movies, 2006’s ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and last year’s ‘Angels and Demons,’ he has not yet committed to reprising the role. However, Columbia expects that he will. In addition to Hanks, if he agrees to come back to the series, and Knight, who also directed ‘Dirty Pretty Things’ and wrote the upcoming ‘Shutter Island’ and ‘The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,’ Brian Grazer and John Calley are set to produce the movie.
The movie series is one of the most successful of all time, as ‘The Da Vinci Code’ grossed $758 million worldwide, and ‘Angels and Demons’ earned $486 million worldwide. Columbia feels ‘Lost Symbol’ will do as well at the box office, since the novel sold more than one million copies on its first day alone when it was released by Doubleday in September.
Written by: Karen Benardello
MacGyver Creator Trying to Stop Release of MacGruber
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/02/05/macgyver-creator-trying-to-stop-release-of-macgruber/
MacGyver Creator Trying to Stop Release of MacGruber
The creator of the hit ’80s television series ‘MacGyver,’ Lee Zlotoff, envisioned the character to use his uncanny wit, brains and ability to defuse bombs to get out of hostile situations. Now Zlotoff is preparing MacGyver for another aggressive fight-in the court room, according to the Hollywood Reporter
With the scheduled April 23 release of the parody film ‘MacGruber,’ which is based on the ‘Saturday Night Live’ skit featuring Will Forte as a man who lets bombs blow up, Zlotoff is preparing to take legal action against Relativity Media, the movie’s production company. Zlotoff is trying to stop the company from premiering the parody movie, as he feels a full-length feature film is different from a short television skit.
The ‘MacGyver’ creator is currently developing a movie of his own with New Line based on the television series, and feels that if a parody of the drama hit theaters first, it will compromise its chances of success. Zlotoff’s lawyer, Paul Mayersohn, is hoping the courts will rule in his client’s favor and proclaim that ‘MacGruber’ is infringing on the rights of his show.
But Zlotoff and New Line haven’t filed legal action yet, as they are faced with the difficult task of convincing a court that the spoof falls outside the lines of fair use. But their attorneys have served Relativity Media with cease and desist orders in preparation for possible litigation.
Written by: Karen Benardello
MacGyver Creator Trying to Stop Release of MacGruber
The creator of the hit ’80s television series ‘MacGyver,’ Lee Zlotoff, envisioned the character to use his uncanny wit, brains and ability to defuse bombs to get out of hostile situations. Now Zlotoff is preparing MacGyver for another aggressive fight-in the court room, according to the Hollywood Reporter
With the scheduled April 23 release of the parody film ‘MacGruber,’ which is based on the ‘Saturday Night Live’ skit featuring Will Forte as a man who lets bombs blow up, Zlotoff is preparing to take legal action against Relativity Media, the movie’s production company. Zlotoff is trying to stop the company from premiering the parody movie, as he feels a full-length feature film is different from a short television skit.
The ‘MacGyver’ creator is currently developing a movie of his own with New Line based on the television series, and feels that if a parody of the drama hit theaters first, it will compromise its chances of success. Zlotoff’s lawyer, Paul Mayersohn, is hoping the courts will rule in his client’s favor and proclaim that ‘MacGruber’ is infringing on the rights of his show.
But Zlotoff and New Line haven’t filed legal action yet, as they are faced with the difficult task of convincing a court that the spoof falls outside the lines of fair use. But their attorneys have served Relativity Media with cease and desist orders in preparation for possible litigation.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Syfy Revamps Fairy Tales in New Original Movies
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/02/04/syfy-revamps-fairy-tales-in-new-original-movies/
Syfy Revamps Fairy Tales in New Original Movies
In a new twist to its Saturday night movie lineup, the Syfy Channel announced on Monday, February 1 that it’s re-imagining classic fairy tales and pop culture characters. The new line-up will begin on February 27 at 9pm ET with the premiere of Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast.’
In order to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Estella Warren and Rhett Gilles are starring in the title roles of ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ It follows Beauty, a young woman who has a gift of healing, as she tries to help a deformed Prince regain his throne. Together, the two try to defeat the nobleman who wants to become king and destroy a power-hungry witch. The movie was directed by David Lister and written by Gavin Scott.
Syfy’s Executive Vice President for Programming and Original Movies, Thomas Vitale, said that by changing these classic stories, the network is “…creating an entertaining new genre for our popular Saturday night movie franchise, which has become the television destination for fans of action-packed independent sci-fi, horror and fantasy films.”
Vitale added that other movies that are in a preliminary development state include ‘Red,’ which focuses on a young woman who is the descendant of the real Little Red Riding Hood. She tells them that her family kills werewolves, but he doesn’t believe her until he himself is bitten by a werewolf and the family tries to kill him. Another fairy tale that’s getting re-imaged is Hansel and Gretel, in the form of ‘Hansel.’ Twenty years after he initially meet the infamous witch, Hansel tries to find her again to seek revenge, only to find that his sister Gretel, who he thought was dead, is now working with the witch.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Syfy Revamps Fairy Tales in New Original Movies
In a new twist to its Saturday night movie lineup, the Syfy Channel announced on Monday, February 1 that it’s re-imagining classic fairy tales and pop culture characters. The new line-up will begin on February 27 at 9pm ET with the premiere of Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast.’
In order to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Estella Warren and Rhett Gilles are starring in the title roles of ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ It follows Beauty, a young woman who has a gift of healing, as she tries to help a deformed Prince regain his throne. Together, the two try to defeat the nobleman who wants to become king and destroy a power-hungry witch. The movie was directed by David Lister and written by Gavin Scott.
Syfy’s Executive Vice President for Programming and Original Movies, Thomas Vitale, said that by changing these classic stories, the network is “…creating an entertaining new genre for our popular Saturday night movie franchise, which has become the television destination for fans of action-packed independent sci-fi, horror and fantasy films.”
Vitale added that other movies that are in a preliminary development state include ‘Red,’ which focuses on a young woman who is the descendant of the real Little Red Riding Hood. She tells them that her family kills werewolves, but he doesn’t believe her until he himself is bitten by a werewolf and the family tries to kill him. Another fairy tale that’s getting re-imaged is Hansel and Gretel, in the form of ‘Hansel.’ Twenty years after he initially meet the infamous witch, Hansel tries to find her again to seek revenge, only to find that his sister Gretel, who he thought was dead, is now working with the witch.
Written by: Karen Benardello
New Keith Richards Documentary Rumored
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/02/03/new-keith-richards-documentary-rumored/
New Keith Richards Documentary Rumored
The Rolling Stones’ guitarist Keith Richards is stepping out from behind his instrument to become the focus of his own documentary, and Johnny Depp is set to direct the film, The Playlist is reporting. The music social networking website claims it received the information after Depp was in Drvengrad last month for the opening of this year’s Kustendorf Film Festival, where a statue of his image was unveiled.
While the mega-successful group has been featured in several documentaries before, including ‘Gimme Shelter,’ ‘Shine a Light’ and ‘Sympathy for the Devil,’ this will be the first to exclusively feature Richards. It will also mark the first time Depp took on a directing role in 13 years, since the Native American drama ‘The Brave.’
The Playlist also quoted Depp as saying that when he was in Serbia, he had an editor already reviewing ‘kilometers’ of footage featuring Richards. Depp also said that he’s “very touched that Keith agreed to show up in front of my cameras,” but there’s no word yet whether or not filming has begun.
If the documentary is indeed filming, it will be the second time the duo has worked together. Depp based his infamous, Academy Award-nominated role as Captain Jack Sparrow in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl’ and its sequels on the guitarist. Richards even appeared in ‘At World’s End,’ the third film in the series, as Sparrow’s father, Captain Teague.
Written by: Karen Benardello
New Keith Richards Documentary Rumored
The Rolling Stones’ guitarist Keith Richards is stepping out from behind his instrument to become the focus of his own documentary, and Johnny Depp is set to direct the film, The Playlist is reporting. The music social networking website claims it received the information after Depp was in Drvengrad last month for the opening of this year’s Kustendorf Film Festival, where a statue of his image was unveiled.
While the mega-successful group has been featured in several documentaries before, including ‘Gimme Shelter,’ ‘Shine a Light’ and ‘Sympathy for the Devil,’ this will be the first to exclusively feature Richards. It will also mark the first time Depp took on a directing role in 13 years, since the Native American drama ‘The Brave.’
The Playlist also quoted Depp as saying that when he was in Serbia, he had an editor already reviewing ‘kilometers’ of footage featuring Richards. Depp also said that he’s “very touched that Keith agreed to show up in front of my cameras,” but there’s no word yet whether or not filming has begun.
If the documentary is indeed filming, it will be the second time the duo has worked together. Depp based his infamous, Academy Award-nominated role as Captain Jack Sparrow in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl’ and its sequels on the guitarist. Richards even appeared in ‘At World’s End,’ the third film in the series, as Sparrow’s father, Captain Teague.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Oscar Frontrunner Sandra Bullock Leads Razzie Nominations
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/02/03/oscar-frontrunner-sandra-bullock-leads-razzie-nominations/
Oscar Frontrunner Sandra Bullock Leads Razzie Nominations
This awards season, some of America’s favorite stars have seen their career thrive. But with the announcement of the nominations for the 30th annual Golden Raspberry Awards, or Razzies, Monday morning, the day before the official nominees for this year’s Academy Awards were set to be released, some actors saw their careers come to a screeching halt.
Sandra Bullock, who won Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and People’s Choice Awards for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy in the number one box office hit ‘The Blind Side,’ and had the best year of her career with the help of her other number one release ‘The Proposal,’ is nominated for ‘All About Steve.’ The Oscar frontrunner is nominated for Worst Actress in the critically panned summer release, which is also nominated for Worst Picture, Worst Director (Phil Trail) and Worst Couple (for Bullock and co-star Bradley Cooper, who starred in this year’s Golden Globe winner for best comedy movie, ‘The Hangover’).
Beyonce, who came off the weekend on a high note after winning a record six Grammy’s on Sunday night, is also nominated for Worst Actress for her role in last spring’s semi-successful ‘Obsessed.’ Also nominated in the category are Miley Cyrus for ‘Hannah Montana: The Movie,’ Megan Fox for both ‘Jennifer’s Body’ and ‘Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen,’ and Sarah Jessica Parker for the Christmas critical bomb ‘Did You Hear About the Morgans?’
Leading the nominations are the summer releases ‘Land of the Lost,’ which was based on the television show and starred Will Farrell, and the blockbuster ‘Transformers 2.’ Both have seven nods each.
Those dishonored with a Worst Actor nomination are some of Hollywood’s A-listers, including John Travolta for ‘Old Dogs,’ all three Jonas Brothers for ‘Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience,’ Will Ferrell for ‘Land of the Lost,’ Steve Martin for ‘Pink Panther 2′ and Eddie Murphy for ‘Imagine That.’
For Worst Picture, the other nominees include ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra,’ which also received a Worst Director nomination for Stephen Sommers; ‘Land of the Lost,’ which also received a nod for Worst Director for Brad Silberling; ‘Old Dogs,’ in which Walt Becker was also nominated for Worst Director; and ‘Transformers 2.’ Michael Bay was also nominated for Worst Director for ‘Trannies, Too.’
The Worst of the Decade nominations were also announced. Among them are: Worst Picture, which includes 2000’s ‘Battlefield Earth,’ 2001’s ‘Freddy Got Fingered,’ 2002’s ‘Swept Away,’ 2003’s ‘Gigli’ and 2007’s ‘I Know Who Killed Me.’ The Worst Actor of the Decade nominees are Ben Affleck, Eddie Murphy, Mike Myers, Rob Schneider and John Travolta. The Worst Actress of the Decade nominees include Mariah Carey, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Jennifer Lopez and Madonna.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Oscar Frontrunner Sandra Bullock Leads Razzie Nominations
This awards season, some of America’s favorite stars have seen their career thrive. But with the announcement of the nominations for the 30th annual Golden Raspberry Awards, or Razzies, Monday morning, the day before the official nominees for this year’s Academy Awards were set to be released, some actors saw their careers come to a screeching halt.
Sandra Bullock, who won Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and People’s Choice Awards for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy in the number one box office hit ‘The Blind Side,’ and had the best year of her career with the help of her other number one release ‘The Proposal,’ is nominated for ‘All About Steve.’ The Oscar frontrunner is nominated for Worst Actress in the critically panned summer release, which is also nominated for Worst Picture, Worst Director (Phil Trail) and Worst Couple (for Bullock and co-star Bradley Cooper, who starred in this year’s Golden Globe winner for best comedy movie, ‘The Hangover’).
Beyonce, who came off the weekend on a high note after winning a record six Grammy’s on Sunday night, is also nominated for Worst Actress for her role in last spring’s semi-successful ‘Obsessed.’ Also nominated in the category are Miley Cyrus for ‘Hannah Montana: The Movie,’ Megan Fox for both ‘Jennifer’s Body’ and ‘Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen,’ and Sarah Jessica Parker for the Christmas critical bomb ‘Did You Hear About the Morgans?’
Leading the nominations are the summer releases ‘Land of the Lost,’ which was based on the television show and starred Will Farrell, and the blockbuster ‘Transformers 2.’ Both have seven nods each.
Those dishonored with a Worst Actor nomination are some of Hollywood’s A-listers, including John Travolta for ‘Old Dogs,’ all three Jonas Brothers for ‘Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience,’ Will Ferrell for ‘Land of the Lost,’ Steve Martin for ‘Pink Panther 2′ and Eddie Murphy for ‘Imagine That.’
For Worst Picture, the other nominees include ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra,’ which also received a Worst Director nomination for Stephen Sommers; ‘Land of the Lost,’ which also received a nod for Worst Director for Brad Silberling; ‘Old Dogs,’ in which Walt Becker was also nominated for Worst Director; and ‘Transformers 2.’ Michael Bay was also nominated for Worst Director for ‘Trannies, Too.’
The Worst of the Decade nominations were also announced. Among them are: Worst Picture, which includes 2000’s ‘Battlefield Earth,’ 2001’s ‘Freddy Got Fingered,’ 2002’s ‘Swept Away,’ 2003’s ‘Gigli’ and 2007’s ‘I Know Who Killed Me.’ The Worst Actor of the Decade nominees are Ben Affleck, Eddie Murphy, Mike Myers, Rob Schneider and John Travolta. The Worst Actress of the Decade nominees include Mariah Carey, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Jennifer Lopez and Madonna.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Next Bourne Movie May Be Prequel
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/02/03/next-bourne-movie-may-be-prequel/
Next Bourne Movie May Be Prequel
If Universal Pictures decides to make another Bourne movie, it will probably be a prequel detailing the event of what happened before the first movie, ‘The Bourne Identity.’ It will also most likely feature a new actor and director, Matt Damon told Empire Magazine on the red carpet for the premiere of Clint Eastwood’s Invictus.
There have been a lot of questions about whether or not Universal would continue the series since the latest edition, ‘The Bourne Ultimatum,’ earned $442,911,572 worldwide after its release in August 2007. Producer Frank Marshall hinted that another sequel was in the works for a summer 2011 release, but ‘Bourne Ultimatum’ director Paul Greengrass dropped out during the past few months. Damon, who portrayed assassin Jason Bourne for the entire trilogy, has implied that he would only be interested in returning to the series if Greengrass returned.
Damon also said that a prequel will most likely come before another true sequel because “…I think we’re probably another five years away from doing it-we’ve got to get a script…” Universal tends to favor prequels as a way to keep fans interested in franchise while they work on new scripts for sequels. Such examples include the ‘Silence of the Lambs’ sequel ‘Red Dragon’ and ‘The Scorpion King,’ the prequel to ‘The Mummy Returns’ that was released before ‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.’ But Damon and Greengrass will be reunited for ‘Green Zone,’ which Universal is releasing on March 12.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Next Bourne Movie May Be Prequel
If Universal Pictures decides to make another Bourne movie, it will probably be a prequel detailing the event of what happened before the first movie, ‘The Bourne Identity.’ It will also most likely feature a new actor and director, Matt Damon told Empire Magazine on the red carpet for the premiere of Clint Eastwood’s Invictus.
There have been a lot of questions about whether or not Universal would continue the series since the latest edition, ‘The Bourne Ultimatum,’ earned $442,911,572 worldwide after its release in August 2007. Producer Frank Marshall hinted that another sequel was in the works for a summer 2011 release, but ‘Bourne Ultimatum’ director Paul Greengrass dropped out during the past few months. Damon, who portrayed assassin Jason Bourne for the entire trilogy, has implied that he would only be interested in returning to the series if Greengrass returned.
Damon also said that a prequel will most likely come before another true sequel because “…I think we’re probably another five years away from doing it-we’ve got to get a script…” Universal tends to favor prequels as a way to keep fans interested in franchise while they work on new scripts for sequels. Such examples include the ‘Silence of the Lambs’ sequel ‘Red Dragon’ and ‘The Scorpion King,’ the prequel to ‘The Mummy Returns’ that was released before ‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.’ But Damon and Greengrass will be reunited for ‘Green Zone,’ which Universal is releasing on March 12.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Mel Gibsons Return to Acting Did Not Fare Well
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/02/02/mel-gibsons-return-to-acting-didnt-fare-well/
Mel Gibsons Return to Acting Did Not Fare Well
America usually embraces and loves come-backs from former Hollywood favorites, such as Mickey Rourke in his Golden Globe-winning turn last year in ‘The Wrestler.’ But audiences weren’t so quick to overlook Mel Gibson’s shortcomings, as the director and screenwriter’s first movie as an actor in eight years, the crime thriller ‘Edge of Darkness,’ grossed only $17.1 million during its opening weekend.
The film, which is the first time Gibson graced the screen since his drunk driving arrest and alleged anti-Semitic rant in 2006, paled in comparison to Liam Neeson’s similarly themed hit ‘Taken.’ That movie made $24.7 million during its opening weekend last year, even though it lost the majority of its targeted young adult male audience on Super Bowl Sunday.
‘Edge of Darkness’ was also doomed by the fact that James Cameron’s new mega sci-fi hit, and the new number one grossing movie of all time, ‘Avatar’ toppled the box office again for the seventh straight week. That movie made another $30 million over the weekend, and with the Oscar nominations being announced this week, it’s sure to be number one next weekend as well.
Gibson was hoping to revive his once-thriving acting career with ‘Edge of Darkness,’ as he has conquered many genres. His particular strengths were in action thrillers, such as in the ‘Lethal Weapon’ series, and as a man out for revenge, as in ‘Payback’ and ‘Ransom.’ The role of Thomas Craven, a Boston homicide detective trying to find his daughter’s killer, in ‘Edge of Darkness’ was intended to be not only reminiscent of those roles, but also his portrayal of Rev. Graham Hess in 2002’s hit ‘Signs,’ his last acting role, and Sean Penn’s Oscar-winning turn as Jimmy Markum in 2003’s ‘Mystic River.’
While the movie itself received mixed reviews, many critics praised Gibson for his acting. But ‘Edge of Darkness’ was the weakest opening weekend of his career since his Oscar-winning role in 1995’s ‘Braveheart,’ which opened in 1,000 fewer theaters. Perhaps his second comeback role this year, in the comedic-drama ‘The Beaver,’ will fare better. Gibson’s third screenplay, titled ‘How I Spent My Summer Vacation,’ will be released next year and will feature him as a career criminal whose ally in a Mexican prison is a 9-year-old boy.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Mel Gibsons Return to Acting Did Not Fare Well
America usually embraces and loves come-backs from former Hollywood favorites, such as Mickey Rourke in his Golden Globe-winning turn last year in ‘The Wrestler.’ But audiences weren’t so quick to overlook Mel Gibson’s shortcomings, as the director and screenwriter’s first movie as an actor in eight years, the crime thriller ‘Edge of Darkness,’ grossed only $17.1 million during its opening weekend.
The film, which is the first time Gibson graced the screen since his drunk driving arrest and alleged anti-Semitic rant in 2006, paled in comparison to Liam Neeson’s similarly themed hit ‘Taken.’ That movie made $24.7 million during its opening weekend last year, even though it lost the majority of its targeted young adult male audience on Super Bowl Sunday.
‘Edge of Darkness’ was also doomed by the fact that James Cameron’s new mega sci-fi hit, and the new number one grossing movie of all time, ‘Avatar’ toppled the box office again for the seventh straight week. That movie made another $30 million over the weekend, and with the Oscar nominations being announced this week, it’s sure to be number one next weekend as well.
Gibson was hoping to revive his once-thriving acting career with ‘Edge of Darkness,’ as he has conquered many genres. His particular strengths were in action thrillers, such as in the ‘Lethal Weapon’ series, and as a man out for revenge, as in ‘Payback’ and ‘Ransom.’ The role of Thomas Craven, a Boston homicide detective trying to find his daughter’s killer, in ‘Edge of Darkness’ was intended to be not only reminiscent of those roles, but also his portrayal of Rev. Graham Hess in 2002’s hit ‘Signs,’ his last acting role, and Sean Penn’s Oscar-winning turn as Jimmy Markum in 2003’s ‘Mystic River.’
While the movie itself received mixed reviews, many critics praised Gibson for his acting. But ‘Edge of Darkness’ was the weakest opening weekend of his career since his Oscar-winning role in 1995’s ‘Braveheart,’ which opened in 1,000 fewer theaters. Perhaps his second comeback role this year, in the comedic-drama ‘The Beaver,’ will fare better. Gibson’s third screenplay, titled ‘How I Spent My Summer Vacation,’ will be released next year and will feature him as a career criminal whose ally in a Mexican prison is a 9-year-old boy.
Written by: Karen Benardello
History Made at Grammy Awards 2010
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/02/01/history-made-at-grammy-awards/
History Made at Grammy Awards 2010
History was made at Sunday night’s 52nd annual Grammy Awards, as Beyonce became the most honored female artist by the Grammys in one night, winning six awards for her third solo album, ‘I Am…Sasha Fierce.’ Taylor Swift also beat several veteran artists to win the night’s top honor, album of the year, for her second album, ‘Fearless.’
Swift, who won a total of four awards, jumped around on-stage after beating Beyonce, the Dave Matthews Band, Lady Gaga and the Black Eyed Peas for best album. “Oh wow-thank you so much! I just hope that you know how much this means to me…. that we get to take this back to Nashville,” said Swift, as ‘Fearless’ was last year’s best-selling album of any genre.
Beyonce’s honors included wining the first award given during the ceremony, song of the year. She won for her mega-hit ‘Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It),’ which she will share with the three writers. However, Beyonce wasn’t able to go on-stage to accept the award, as she was preparing for her performance, which included ‘If I Were A Boy’ and Alanis Moorisette’s hit ‘You Oughtta Know.’
The decorated singer also won best R&B contemporary album for ‘I Am…Sasha Fierce.’ After winning best female pop vocal for ‘Halo,’ Beyonce said in her acceptance speech “This has been such an amazing night for me and I’d love to thank the Grammys.”
Beyonce beat her own record this year, as she won five awards in 2004 for her debut album ‘Dangerously in Love.’ Other artists, including Lauryn Hill, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Alison Krauss and Amy Winehouse, also hold that record. But Beyonce is the first artist to hold two records.
But the former Destiny’s Child singer lost out on record of the year, which went to the Kings of Leon’s ‘Use Somebody.’ The award was the third of the evening for the family quartet. When lead singer Caleb Followill accepted for record of the year, he admitted they were a little drunk, but still happy to win.
While Lady Gaga won two awards during the pre-telecast ceremony, she lost in every category she was nominated for during the actual show, including record, song and album of the year. But she made history for opening the show during a duet with Elton John, much like Eminem did in 2001, when they sang her song ‘Speechless’ and his classic ‘Your Song.’
Rihanna returned to the show after skipping last year’s ceremony, when she was assaulted by then-boyfriend Chris Brown. She had a good night though, as she accepted the best rap-sung award with Jay-Z for ‘Run This Town,’ a collaboration which also featured Kanye West. The rapper didn’t attend the ceremony, as he has kept a low profile since he interrupted Swift’s acceptance speech at September’s MTV Video Music Awards.
Swift, who was the second most nominated artist of the night with eight nods, after Beyonce’s ten, proved to West how well her career has been going, as she also won several other awards, including best country album.
Written by: Karen Benardello
History Made at Grammy Awards 2010
History was made at Sunday night’s 52nd annual Grammy Awards, as Beyonce became the most honored female artist by the Grammys in one night, winning six awards for her third solo album, ‘I Am…Sasha Fierce.’ Taylor Swift also beat several veteran artists to win the night’s top honor, album of the year, for her second album, ‘Fearless.’
Swift, who won a total of four awards, jumped around on-stage after beating Beyonce, the Dave Matthews Band, Lady Gaga and the Black Eyed Peas for best album. “Oh wow-thank you so much! I just hope that you know how much this means to me…. that we get to take this back to Nashville,” said Swift, as ‘Fearless’ was last year’s best-selling album of any genre.
Beyonce’s honors included wining the first award given during the ceremony, song of the year. She won for her mega-hit ‘Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It),’ which she will share with the three writers. However, Beyonce wasn’t able to go on-stage to accept the award, as she was preparing for her performance, which included ‘If I Were A Boy’ and Alanis Moorisette’s hit ‘You Oughtta Know.’
The decorated singer also won best R&B contemporary album for ‘I Am…Sasha Fierce.’ After winning best female pop vocal for ‘Halo,’ Beyonce said in her acceptance speech “This has been such an amazing night for me and I’d love to thank the Grammys.”
Beyonce beat her own record this year, as she won five awards in 2004 for her debut album ‘Dangerously in Love.’ Other artists, including Lauryn Hill, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Alison Krauss and Amy Winehouse, also hold that record. But Beyonce is the first artist to hold two records.
But the former Destiny’s Child singer lost out on record of the year, which went to the Kings of Leon’s ‘Use Somebody.’ The award was the third of the evening for the family quartet. When lead singer Caleb Followill accepted for record of the year, he admitted they were a little drunk, but still happy to win.
While Lady Gaga won two awards during the pre-telecast ceremony, she lost in every category she was nominated for during the actual show, including record, song and album of the year. But she made history for opening the show during a duet with Elton John, much like Eminem did in 2001, when they sang her song ‘Speechless’ and his classic ‘Your Song.’
Rihanna returned to the show after skipping last year’s ceremony, when she was assaulted by then-boyfriend Chris Brown. She had a good night though, as she accepted the best rap-sung award with Jay-Z for ‘Run This Town,’ a collaboration which also featured Kanye West. The rapper didn’t attend the ceremony, as he has kept a low profile since he interrupted Swift’s acceptance speech at September’s MTV Video Music Awards.
Swift, who was the second most nominated artist of the night with eight nods, after Beyonce’s ten, proved to West how well her career has been going, as she also won several other awards, including best country album.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Disney Shuts Miramax Studios Down
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/02/01/disney-shuts-miramax-studios-down/
Disney Shuts Miramax Studios Down
Hollywood lost a once prominent movie-making company on January 28 when The Walt Disney Company shut down Miramax Films. Both the New York and Los Angeles offices were closed, and about 80 employees, including the division’s president, Daniel Battsek, were laid off.
While Miramax had a dwindling number of dedicated employees in recent years, even at the Disney’s management headquarters in Burbank, the label announced that it will be retained by Disney and still release about three movies per year.
The independent studio, which also acted as both producer and distributor for its own foreign films, was founded in 1979 by Bob and Harvey Weinstein. The brothers named the division after their parents, Max and Miriam, and drove the company to the top by relentlessly chasing after business partners and popular directors.
The Weinsteins sold Miramax to Disney in 1993 for $70 million. But their relationship with Disney deteriorated after the studio initiated lavish Oscar campaigns and its movie budgets began to escalate. The brothers eventually left Miramax in 2005 to start the independent film studio the Weinstein Company. After they left, Miramax underwent much tighter budget restrictions. These constraints were made evident in the amount of money the company brought in each year; in 2007, it made $135.3 million in domestic ticket sales. But by last year, that number fell to $65.8 million.
Miramax has released multiple award-winning and fan favorites, including ‘Reservoir Dogs,’ ‘Pulp Fiction,’ ‘Clerks,’ ‘Swingers’ and ‘Good Will Hunting.’ Some Oscar campaigns did work, as such films as ‘The English Patient,’ ‘Shakespeare in Love,’ ‘Chicago’ and ‘No Country for Old Men’ have won best picture Academy Awards.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Disney Shuts Miramax Studios Down
Hollywood lost a once prominent movie-making company on January 28 when The Walt Disney Company shut down Miramax Films. Both the New York and Los Angeles offices were closed, and about 80 employees, including the division’s president, Daniel Battsek, were laid off.
While Miramax had a dwindling number of dedicated employees in recent years, even at the Disney’s management headquarters in Burbank, the label announced that it will be retained by Disney and still release about three movies per year.
The independent studio, which also acted as both producer and distributor for its own foreign films, was founded in 1979 by Bob and Harvey Weinstein. The brothers named the division after their parents, Max and Miriam, and drove the company to the top by relentlessly chasing after business partners and popular directors.
The Weinsteins sold Miramax to Disney in 1993 for $70 million. But their relationship with Disney deteriorated after the studio initiated lavish Oscar campaigns and its movie budgets began to escalate. The brothers eventually left Miramax in 2005 to start the independent film studio the Weinstein Company. After they left, Miramax underwent much tighter budget restrictions. These constraints were made evident in the amount of money the company brought in each year; in 2007, it made $135.3 million in domestic ticket sales. But by last year, that number fell to $65.8 million.
Miramax has released multiple award-winning and fan favorites, including ‘Reservoir Dogs,’ ‘Pulp Fiction,’ ‘Clerks,’ ‘Swingers’ and ‘Good Will Hunting.’ Some Oscar campaigns did work, as such films as ‘The English Patient,’ ‘Shakespeare in Love,’ ‘Chicago’ and ‘No Country for Old Men’ have won best picture Academy Awards.
Written by: Karen Benardello
TBS Developing Animated Show Based on Joe Dirt
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/02/01/tbs-developing-animated-show-based-on-joe-dirt/
TBS Developing Animated Show Based on Joe Dirt
Expanding on the semi-successful 2001 movie ‘Joe Dirt,’ TBS is currently working with the film’s main star, David Spade, as well as Pictures Television and Happy Madison Productions, to bring an animated version of the comedy to television, according to comingsoon.net. TBS closed a deal to produce a pilot script, and further follow the life of Spade’s character Joe Dirt, a muscle-car lover with a mullet.
In describing its decision to produce the animated series, Michael Wright, the executive vice president and head of programming for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies (TCM), said “David Spade is a hugely popular comic talent who has created a funny, yet lovable, character in ‘Joe Dirt.’ We look forward to seeing how he and his fellow writers and producers take this character in new directions as TBS continues exploring the world of primetime animation.”
Spade will write the pilot with Fred Wolf, his frequent writing partner who has worked on scripts for ‘Joe Dirt’ and ‘Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star,’ and Donick Cary, who has written for ‘The Simpsons.’ With the help of Doug Robinson of Happy Madison Productions, all three writers will also executive produce the series.
The movie version of ‘Joe Dirt’ was set in Los Angeles, and followed Joe, who worked as a janitor for a radio station. A producer at the station decided to put Joe on the air because he found his white trash way of life funny. The majority of the movie follows Joe recounting his life on the air, while the disk jockey and audience laugh at him. The character’s life was loosely based on one of David Spade’s childhood friends, Mitchell Brunton.
‘Joe Dirt’ is just one movie to feature a friend of actor and Happy Madison founder Adam Sandler. The television show is one of the company’s latest productions, which was founded in 1999 and has released such hit movies as ‘Anger Management,’ ‘50 First Dates’ and ‘You Don’t Mess With the Zohan.’
Written by: Karen Benardello
TBS Developing Animated Show Based on Joe Dirt
Expanding on the semi-successful 2001 movie ‘Joe Dirt,’ TBS is currently working with the film’s main star, David Spade, as well as Pictures Television and Happy Madison Productions, to bring an animated version of the comedy to television, according to comingsoon.net. TBS closed a deal to produce a pilot script, and further follow the life of Spade’s character Joe Dirt, a muscle-car lover with a mullet.
In describing its decision to produce the animated series, Michael Wright, the executive vice president and head of programming for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies (TCM), said “David Spade is a hugely popular comic talent who has created a funny, yet lovable, character in ‘Joe Dirt.’ We look forward to seeing how he and his fellow writers and producers take this character in new directions as TBS continues exploring the world of primetime animation.”
Spade will write the pilot with Fred Wolf, his frequent writing partner who has worked on scripts for ‘Joe Dirt’ and ‘Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star,’ and Donick Cary, who has written for ‘The Simpsons.’ With the help of Doug Robinson of Happy Madison Productions, all three writers will also executive produce the series.
The movie version of ‘Joe Dirt’ was set in Los Angeles, and followed Joe, who worked as a janitor for a radio station. A producer at the station decided to put Joe on the air because he found his white trash way of life funny. The majority of the movie follows Joe recounting his life on the air, while the disk jockey and audience laugh at him. The character’s life was loosely based on one of David Spade’s childhood friends, Mitchell Brunton.
‘Joe Dirt’ is just one movie to feature a friend of actor and Happy Madison founder Adam Sandler. The television show is one of the company’s latest productions, which was founded in 1999 and has released such hit movies as ‘Anger Management,’ ‘50 First Dates’ and ‘You Don’t Mess With the Zohan.’
Written by: Karen Benardello
Brittany Murphy Husband Claims Warner Brothers Killed Her
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/01/30/brittany-murphys-husband-claims-warner-brothers-killed-her/
Brittany Murphy Husband Claims Warner Brothers Killed Her
Warner Brothers is the reason Brittany Murphy died, her husband, Simon Monjack, told The Daily Beast during an interview. While the Los Angeles coroner’s office has not yet released an official cause of death yet for the actress, they have indicated that it appears to be from natural causes, and no foul play was involved.
During the interview, which became publicized on January 28, Monjack told The Daily Beast that he is about to file a wrongful-death lawsuit against the studio. He said he feels the studio caused his wife to have a heart attack by allegedly firing her from the sequel to the smash box office hit ‘Happy Feet’ just weeks before her death.
Monjack also claimed that the studio killed Murphy by slowing her chances of reviving her once-booming career. Her hit movies include 1995’s ‘Clueless,’ her break-through role during which she reportedly “stole (co-star and former prominent actress) Alicia Silverstone’s career,” and 2002’s ‘8 Mile Road.’ Murphy was devastated by the move, which her widower claims was made after reports that she was fired from ‘The Caller’ because she was reportedly drunk on the Puerto Rican set.
“It’s a cruel town,” Monjack also said. “Warner Brothers relied on conjecture and hearsay about the Puerto Rico film for why they canceled Brittany’s role (as the voice of Gloria) in ‘Happy Feet.’ You’re disposable as an actress or actor.” He also said they weren’t willing to pay her a fair wage, only agreeing to a $10,000 a day, five-day minimum contract, plus box office bonuses, even though the 2006 original made over $380 million worldwide.
Monjack also feels he has just cause to file a suit against Warner Brothers because all the rumors about his wife’s partying and alleged drug use cost her roles in recent years. “All she wanted to do was to make movies,” he said. “She was waiting for the role that would revive her career, waiting for the call from Penny Marshall or Gary Fleder, people she had worked with before, that they might remember how talented an actress she was and call with a new magical role.”
Written by: Karen Benardello
Brittany Murphy Husband Claims Warner Brothers Killed Her
Warner Brothers is the reason Brittany Murphy died, her husband, Simon Monjack, told The Daily Beast during an interview. While the Los Angeles coroner’s office has not yet released an official cause of death yet for the actress, they have indicated that it appears to be from natural causes, and no foul play was involved.
During the interview, which became publicized on January 28, Monjack told The Daily Beast that he is about to file a wrongful-death lawsuit against the studio. He said he feels the studio caused his wife to have a heart attack by allegedly firing her from the sequel to the smash box office hit ‘Happy Feet’ just weeks before her death.
Monjack also claimed that the studio killed Murphy by slowing her chances of reviving her once-booming career. Her hit movies include 1995’s ‘Clueless,’ her break-through role during which she reportedly “stole (co-star and former prominent actress) Alicia Silverstone’s career,” and 2002’s ‘8 Mile Road.’ Murphy was devastated by the move, which her widower claims was made after reports that she was fired from ‘The Caller’ because she was reportedly drunk on the Puerto Rican set.
“It’s a cruel town,” Monjack also said. “Warner Brothers relied on conjecture and hearsay about the Puerto Rico film for why they canceled Brittany’s role (as the voice of Gloria) in ‘Happy Feet.’ You’re disposable as an actress or actor.” He also said they weren’t willing to pay her a fair wage, only agreeing to a $10,000 a day, five-day minimum contract, plus box office bonuses, even though the 2006 original made over $380 million worldwide.
Monjack also feels he has just cause to file a suit against Warner Brothers because all the rumors about his wife’s partying and alleged drug use cost her roles in recent years. “All she wanted to do was to make movies,” he said. “She was waiting for the role that would revive her career, waiting for the call from Penny Marshall or Gary Fleder, people she had worked with before, that they might remember how talented an actress she was and call with a new magical role.”
Written by: Karen Benardello
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Forest Whitaker Considering Starring in Criminal Minds Spinoff
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/01/29/forest-whitaker-considering-starring-in-criminal-minds-spinoff/
Forest Whitaker Considering Starring in Criminal Minds Spinoff
Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker is reportedly going to try his hand as television’s new leading man, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The website announced on January 25 that he is negotiation with CBS for its potential ‘Criminal Minds’ spin-off.
If Whitaker is accepted for the project, he will the play the role of squad leader Cooper, who CBS describes as a dynamic father figure to the rest of the Behavioral Unit team. Cooper is a former well-known profiler who hasn’t prominent in eight years.
The spin-off was written by ‘Criminal Minds’ executive producer Chris Mundy, and is based on a story he created with executive producer Ed Bernero. Richard Shepard will be directing the pilot. The spin-off’s story will be introduced on a spring episode of the original show, and will focus on a new group of profilers who work outside the FBI bureaucracy.
The producers wanted Whitaker early on, and initiated what came to be a lengthy on- and off- negotiation. When The Hollywood Reporter made the announcement on the 25th, CBS was close to locking him into a contract. Part of the contract will include a producing credit for Whitaker.
This isn’t the first time Whitaker has starred on television. His numerous guest-starring roles include FX’s ‘The Shield,’ where he portrayed Lieutenant Jon Kavanaugh, and NBC’s ‘ER,’ where he played Curtis Ames, both in 2006 and 2007.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Forest Whitaker Considering Starring in Criminal Minds Spinoff
Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker is reportedly going to try his hand as television’s new leading man, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The website announced on January 25 that he is negotiation with CBS for its potential ‘Criminal Minds’ spin-off.
If Whitaker is accepted for the project, he will the play the role of squad leader Cooper, who CBS describes as a dynamic father figure to the rest of the Behavioral Unit team. Cooper is a former well-known profiler who hasn’t prominent in eight years.
The spin-off was written by ‘Criminal Minds’ executive producer Chris Mundy, and is based on a story he created with executive producer Ed Bernero. Richard Shepard will be directing the pilot. The spin-off’s story will be introduced on a spring episode of the original show, and will focus on a new group of profilers who work outside the FBI bureaucracy.
The producers wanted Whitaker early on, and initiated what came to be a lengthy on- and off- negotiation. When The Hollywood Reporter made the announcement on the 25th, CBS was close to locking him into a contract. Part of the contract will include a producing credit for Whitaker.
This isn’t the first time Whitaker has starred on television. His numerous guest-starring roles include FX’s ‘The Shield,’ where he portrayed Lieutenant Jon Kavanaugh, and NBC’s ‘ER,’ where he played Curtis Ames, both in 2006 and 2007.
Written by: Karen Benardello
Sam Worthington Rumored to Star in Dracula Year Zero
http://www.shockya.com/news/2010/01/29/sam-worthington-rumored-to-star-in-dracula-year-zero/
Sam Worthington Rumored to Star in Dracula Year Zero
New Australian superstar Sam Worthington, who starred in last year’s hit movies ‘Avatar’ and ‘Terminator: Salvation,’ has reportedly signed on to star as Vlad the Impaler in Universal Picture’s new film ‘Dracula: Year Zero.’ LatinoReview.com reported on January 25 that Universal is being pressured by Comcast, which in December 2009 bought a 51 percent controlling stake in NBC Universal, to release at least eight movies next year, and ‘Dracula’ is on the fast track to be one of them.
Universal reportedly has up to 14 projects in the works, but has yet to finalize which will continue ahead into development. Many of these already have scripts, actors and directors, including ‘Dracula,’ which will be directed by Alex Proyas, who also directed last year’s ‘Knowing’ and 2004’s ‘I, Robot.’ ‘Dracula’ also reportedly has a $100 million budget.
‘Dracula’ will be an origin tale, telling the story of the Romanian royal who inspired Bram Stoker’s vampire tale. It will also radically detail how Vlad become the famous character. Proyas described the script, which was written by Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless, as “an interesting and original take on this character. It’s all about how Vlad of Transylvania became this creature; the choices that he made to make him into this tragic character. It’s so intriguing to me, to approach this as a character study on a huge, epic canvas.”
Written by: Karen Benardello
Sam Worthington Rumored to Star in Dracula Year Zero
New Australian superstar Sam Worthington, who starred in last year’s hit movies ‘Avatar’ and ‘Terminator: Salvation,’ has reportedly signed on to star as Vlad the Impaler in Universal Picture’s new film ‘Dracula: Year Zero.’ LatinoReview.com reported on January 25 that Universal is being pressured by Comcast, which in December 2009 bought a 51 percent controlling stake in NBC Universal, to release at least eight movies next year, and ‘Dracula’ is on the fast track to be one of them.
Universal reportedly has up to 14 projects in the works, but has yet to finalize which will continue ahead into development. Many of these already have scripts, actors and directors, including ‘Dracula,’ which will be directed by Alex Proyas, who also directed last year’s ‘Knowing’ and 2004’s ‘I, Robot.’ ‘Dracula’ also reportedly has a $100 million budget.
‘Dracula’ will be an origin tale, telling the story of the Romanian royal who inspired Bram Stoker’s vampire tale. It will also radically detail how Vlad become the famous character. Proyas described the script, which was written by Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless, as “an interesting and original take on this character. It’s all about how Vlad of Transylvania became this creature; the choices that he made to make him into this tragic character. It’s so intriguing to me, to approach this as a character study on a huge, epic canvas.”
Written by: Karen Benardello
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