Justin Gaston is not OVER MILEY CYRUS!

Friday, July 30, 2010

Interview: Discussing "Inception" Theories With Cillian Murphy

There’s a lot going on in Christopher Nolan’s (wonderful) Inception. One of those things: Cillian Murphy’s Robert Fischer. If you’ve seen the film by now then you already know how truly sympathetic Robert Fischer is. In fact, he’s arguably more sympathetic than the main character, Cobb. Cobb’s problems come from his own undoing while Fischer’s come from his father. Ironically, Fischer and Cobb are extremely similar. They are both looking for catharsis and to let go of someone from the past. The closings to the arcs are parallels. They both, arguably, go through the same change.

Fischer raises a big ethical question that really isn’t delved into the film all too much: isn’t Cobb going to ruin a man’s life to save his own? His whole team seems cool with that, oddly. But then again, Cobb is never truly played as a “likable” type of guy. He’s selfish in more ways than one. Fischer is the one that comes out looking good through this whole ordeal, not Cobb.

I got plenty of time to speak to Mr. Murphy recently about this as well as throwing possible theories his way.
(Note: This interview is filled with spoilers (for Inception and Sunshine (but mostly just Inception)))

To start off, when you got the script were you surprised that Fischer wasn’t the typical, slimy boss’s son?

Yeah. First of all, when I got the script it took me several readings to wrangle it into any type of discernible shape. I was wondering if I was intellectually up to this. You know, Chris is such a great writer that I suppose Robert is in the vernacular of a heist movie as the mark. That role wouldn’t generally offer as much complexity as I think that this one does. So, yes, I was surprised. There was some meat on the bone to get sucked into it. I think in terms of the character, obviously Cobb’s emotional journey is primary, but the emotional arc of Fischer is sort of the secondary kind of narrative.

Do you see Cobb and Fischer as parallel characters? In terms of their arcs, they go through a similar type of catharsis.

Yeah, I think certainly when we spoke about it during rehearsal it became clear that for this to matter Robert really had to go through something. Even though it’s all a con and a setup, it really needed to matter. So yeah, I guess there is some type of crossover.

Since Fischer does become so sympathetic did you ever think he could possibly make Cobb and his team look bad? They’re going to ruin his business and possibly damage his future.

Perhaps. I think what’s great about this script and the film is that it doesn’t adhere to the traditional type of “good guy vs. bad guy” thing. Everybody has got a link and a chain to their character. Leo’s character is a criminal and my character is a rich kid who has feelings of misery. He’s got an emotional depth to him. I think, because of that, it’s okay because every character has a bit of ambiguity to them.

Even though Fischer is going to lose everything he has, wouldn’t you say what he gains at the end is more important?

Sure, even though it’s phony [Laughs]. That’s the wonderful thing, again, that you’re very curious to follow these characters after the fact to see how this whole adventure will affect their lives. It would be very interesting to see what Fischer is doing and whether it improves his life or if it makes him a better person. It’d be interesting to see.

Do you consider what he gets in the end as something phony? Or do you consider the change he goes through as something real?

I think, yeah. It’s definitely a real change, I would imagine. We’re talking literally, but because they go so deep into his sub-conscious right down to the most fundamental thing driving him as a human being, and to alter that is definitely going to affect him profoundly.

Are you surprised that Chris keeps making you play characters with terrible childhoods?

[Laughs] I think it’s more surprising he keeps asking me to put a bag over my head in every film. That seems to be the pattern. I actually didn’t think of that, but I assume you’re referring to Crane?

It seemed to be implied in Batman Begins he had a bad childhood.

Yeah, we did talk about that when we were coming up with the character of Crane. He probably suffered terribly at the hands of bullies because he was very physically inadequate. We didn’t go into it at any great depth, but I think the thing with Fischer is that his father-son relationship is obviously a very complicated one. It’s made more complicated by the fact that his father is such a huge influential person. I’m the father of two sons myself and have a relationship with my own father and it’s very curious to explore that.

How I tried to play him was as a spoiled kid. A kid who’s got everything he wants materially, but all he wants really is the attention of his father. That’s where we began with the character. I don’t think he has anything else in common though with Jonathan Crane [Laughs].

Fischer’s arc reminds me of Citizen Kane a bit.

Wow.

I mean in a sense, even at the end when he holds the windmill and that’s very Citizen Kane-like.

Yeah. Yeah. I can see that. I’ll let you draw comparisons [Laughs].

Character wise, there’s some similarities.

Sure. I can see that. Again, I think it’s kind of a universal story that one about father’s attention, not getting it, being crippled inside, and all of that stuff.

What do you think of Fischer’s name? Bare with me for a second, but shortened it’s Bobby Fischer and Adriane’s totem is a chess piece. Did you notice that?

[Laughs] I didn’t, to be completely honest with you. You know what’s fascinating? As the film has come out and as people have been seeing it they’re taking it to the heart and some are seeing it several times. I have had so many different theories thrown at me, and so many different positions and it’s fascinating.

You know, Chris really doesn’t go into the symbolism of things when he’s directing you and when he’s talking about the script he talks about the emotion of the character and where you are in the scene. I think that all the other stuff… Cobb is obviously the same name as the main character from his first movie The Following, but if you look at that film there’s a scene where they break into an apartment and there’s a big batman logo there. That was clearly an accident and accidents happen often. It was years before he even made that film. His films do sort of self-reference themselves and that’s interesting. But that’s a longwinded way of saying ‘no’ [Laughs].

[Laughs] So, it’s just a coincidence?

I would imagine so. Again, I did ask Chris about the name of the character and he did kind of illuminate me. It’s not a big deal for him that symbolism and he doesn’t go into it. That’s what’s great about his films is that there’s so much there for the audience to read into in anyway they want.

Speaking of reading into things, what’s your interpretation of the ending?

[Laughs] I have been asked this again and I am going to remain on-the-fence firmly. You know, I never asked Chris and I don’t want to know from him. I think it’s much more exciting not knowing. I’m sure certain people will have definitive opinions on it, but for me, I much prefer not to know. I’ve seen the movie three times now and I feel differently about it each time. So, that’s all I’m saying.

Let me ask you this then, do you think whether or not it’s a dream for Cobb even matters? He still gets the catharsis he needs.

That’s an interesting question. You know, my character goes through a catharsis all be it through a dream from a huge setup. I don’t know, I find the thing about dreaming is that you tend to work stuff out as kind of a repair of the psyche. Sometimes, you go to bed having a lot on your mind and then when you have these dreams you can sort of wake up feeling better about things. So, it’s an interesting question. It’s an interesting question, but again, I’m going to leave it ambiguous.

I will say though, no matter if it’s a dream or not it’s still a happy ending for Cobb.

I think so. I think so.

Did you ever ask Chris how he came up with the ending and that final shot?

No, man, I really believe in not knowing the magic of these things. I don’t know if the top happened to spin like that on that day or if it was something he had right from the beginning. It’s sort of a masterful end to the movie. On the three occasions I’ve seen the movie when that scene comes up there’s a collective gasp in the theater. For that to happen after watching the film and that shows how involved the audience is and that’s amazing. Also, every time I watch it affects me physically. My whole body tenses up. It’s not just from the agony of watching myself up on screen, but it’s from the actual experience of the film. It’s just such a tense experience. You find that you’re sitting in a really uncomfortable experience and you’re clenching a lot [Laughs].

I know how said you don’t like to ask about the intentions behind certain things, but do you and Chris ever talk about the themes he keeps revisiting? Most of his protagonists deal heavily with the ideas of control and obsession.

Yeah, I know that. Again, I haven’t. That’s something more of journalist, critics, or cinephiles tend to be interested about. I just think that they’re themes he’s interested in and there’s a lot of scope for drama in those themes. I think you can see that in his films they do investigate similar sort of areas. They’re all very, very different.

You mentioned before how there is no clear villain or hero, similar to a few of Nolan’s films, but do you see Cobb as sort of his own antagonist? He is a part of his own undoing, in a way.

Yeah, he is. That’s a very interesting take on it. He’s kind of like a guy; he’s an addict. He’s addicted to this alternate reality and his problems are his own fault, in a way.

I love that scene where Cobb goes into that basement and sees all those unsettling people dreaming. He’s just like them.

Totally. Yeah, it’s fascinating that idea.

I saw someone ask you in an interview if you see the dreams as a metaphor for acting, do you remember that?

I don’t…

I was going to say, and many have said this, but it’s kind of a metaphor for filmmaking itself.

I think so. I think the filmmaking one is probably more accurate. I don’t think it’s specifically about acting, but there’s a lot that’s like allegories for filmmaking. The way they’re creating sets of infinite possibilities and letting your imagination create a world of all these things. You do that when you dream and you do that as a filmmaker as well.

Even the ensemble itself could be tied to filmmaking. Cobb is obviously the director and Saito is the money guy.

[Laughs] Yeah, well then what would Fischer be I wonder?

He’s the audience.

Aha, what would Adriane be then?

She would be the production designer.

[Laughs] Cool. That’s cool. I like that. I’d go with that one, definitely.

What’s this process of talking about the film been like for you? I mean, I’m obviously giving you my interpretations and I’m sure you’ve already heard countless others so far.

Oh, I love it. To be honest, it’s just gotten more and more. I’ve had my friends call or text me who’ve gone to see the movie two or three times and have all these theories about it. I just think it’s brilliant. This has been said many, many times, but given the current climate I’d say people were starving for something stimulating cerebrally and viscerally. I think this really shows that you don’t have to do everything in 3D. It’s not essential and I really like Chris’s attitude to that as well. He just does it the way he wants to and he feels that the audience will appreciate it for that.

The film also works so well because you could enjoy it as totally different things. You can enjoy it as a thought provoking experience or even just as a summer action movie.

Totally.

You’ve watched it different ways, though?

You know, I’ve seen the film three times and have had different experiences. For me, just watching the other performances was fantastic. That’s the beauty of being in an ensemble is that there’s so much stuff you’re not in and you can relax and watch them do their brilliant work. And then [the second time], it was really piecing together the rules of the arena. The last time, I just watched it completely for the ride and experience it without questioning it too much.

It’s easy to do that too. The story is actually pretty simplified where you can sort of relax without thinking about every single detail.

I don’t think so either. For me, for the first two viewing experiences it was sort of me trying to figure out who’s dream we’re in and who exactly was the architect, who was the subject, and whose projections were whose. A lot of the film I have to be mildly bewildered.


Have you ever had this type of experience with any other films? Where people constantly come up to you with interpretations or where you keep forming your own?

No, I don’t. This is has been kind of unique in that way. Every film is different and every film people respond to differently. Sometimes they don’t respond at all [Laughs]. This is certainly unique. As we all traveled around from London to Paris and to LA we were all kind of amazed by the level of passion about it. People were really excited about it and there were some really profound and deep questions being asked and that’s not common. It has been a very unique experience.

There are a few scenes of yours I want ask specifically about your approach to. First, the scene in the bar where Fischer realizes he’s in a dream. You easily could’ve acted hysterical during that moment, but you act really restrained where you could still feel his confusion and that he was scared.

It’s funny that you should bring up that moment because that was my first scene in the movie [Laughs]. I sort of walked up having to act opposite of Leonardo DiCaprio on a set that turns [Laughs]. A lot of that fear is probably for real. In all seriousness, it’s just Chris. It’s how Chris can direct actors and how he knows the level of actors. If you look at most of his films everything is kind of underplayed and there’s very little hysteria in his films. That’s the sort of performance he likes. Even in the Batman movies, well the Joker is a different type of animal entirely, but you know what I mean? It’s all based in reality. I think Chris’s thing is to generally just go through the truth and honesty of it.

That’s also probably why the dream sequences work so well. He bases them in a reality rather than going crazy with them.

Yeah absolutely. In that scene for example how I perceive that I’m dreaming is done so subtlety like the water in the glass and the room tilting like that. It’s beautifully done.

When you get to the third dream level, in the snowy mountains, Fischer easily could’ve gone all, “I got this,” but you still played onto his hesitation. How’d you approach that? Keeping him still slightly hesitant?

At that stage he kind of feels like he’s been accepted to the team. I was very keen on that so I said to Chris, “He’s gotta have a gun. He would’ve graduated to having a gun,” because at this point he thinks he’s in Tom Berenger’s character’s dream. That’s another part of the con so now I feel like I’ve graduated to the team by being in Browning’s sub-conscious. Again, it’s just another part of the con. I enjoy that sequence because he feels as if he’s accepted.

What about the final moment with Fischer’s father? You gotta be careful in scenes like that because you can easily slip into over-sentimentality.

Again, I’ll refer this to Chris because he’s such a brilliant director of actors. I was very lucky to have Pete Postlethwaite as my dad. When you’re working with an actor of that caliber it really just raises your game and you really feel the moment between you. I was lucky to work with him, because I’ve loved his work for many years and I think he gave us the most heartbreaking onscreen ever in In The Name of the Father. It was just really working on hard with him and Chris just doing his thing. Doing his genius filmmaker thing [Laughs].

You can’t say that about most filmmakers I’d imagine.

Nope, not really. Not really.

My final question, about a year ago I talked to Rose Byrne, who’s extremely nice.

She’s brilliant.

But I regret not asking her about the final act of Sunshine. There’s a bit of a split about it, do you know what I’m referring to?

Whew.

And just to clarify, I think it’s a great film.

I’m very proud of that movie too. I never had a problem with the third act of the movie. I think it’s amazing that they fly into the sun [Laughs].

It’s a beautiful moment.

Yeah, I find it very moving. Myself and Rose spent a lot of time on top of a bomb. It was great to work with her because she’s a brilliant actress. I also thought Mark Strong was amazing in that as well. He had fun with a lot of hours in the makeup chair.

I think that movie works so well because Boyle really got what made those films like Solaris and 2001: A Space Odyssey great.

Yeah, again, I feel privileged to work with Danny a couple of times as well. You just have to learn from these guys. They’re amazing. When you have a director that has such a confident vision like both of those guys all you have to do is show up and say the words in the right order.

So you’re still learning with every project?

You got to, man. I know it’s a cliché, but it’s the truth. It’s about moving forward. We’re talking about Inception and it’s so exciting, but I finished that movie a year ago. You got to keep moving forward. I feel like I have a lot more to prove to myself as an actor.

Inception is now in theaters.


SOURCE

Spiderman October Issue features Gay Couple on Cover!!

INFO ABOUT COMIC:

COVER BY: DAVID LAFUENTE GARCIA
WRITER: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
PENCILS: SARA PICHELLI
INKS: SARA PICHELLI
COLORED BY: JAYPO LLC
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC

THE STORY:
Poor Peter Parker. All his friends hate him, his girlfriend has stopped speaking to him and to top it off, the whole world despises Spider-Man. What’s a dude to do?? How about save the world and maybe meet the new love of his life? Fan-favorite BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (NEW AVENGERS) and rising Ultimate sensation, SARA PICHELLI (RUNAWAYS) bring you a new and exciting Spider-Man story you don’t want to miss!!

IN STORES: October 27, 2010

Someone on Vampire Diaries is gay!!

The Vampire Diaries producer Kevin Williamson wants to have a gay character on his show. It probably won't be Jeremy, Bonnie, Caroline, Matt or Jenna. And it couldn't be Stefan, Elena or Damon, even though that would be a really big twist, because it would kind of end that whole love triangle thing.

So Williamson thinks he'll have to bring in a new character to make a gay storyline work.

"It's one of those things that needs to feel organic and seamless," Williamson told a group of reporters on July 28 in Beverly Hills, Calif., where he was at The CW's party for the Television Critics Association press tour. "I don't want it to be a character that comes in and is a one off. I want someone to come in and have a reason and a purpose and really push that story forward the way I want to do it, and they're so important to the story that without them the show won't happen. That's what I want."

Gay teens are an important issue to Williamson outside of show business. He supports GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. "I'm sitting in the wings waiting," he said. "I'm waiting, which character can be gay? Which character won't? Where will it fit in? How can I get the gay character in? I don't want to sound like I'm a militant about it, like THERE MUST BE A GAY CHARACTER even though I am. It's not just that, it's also diversity. I always feel like I don't have enough diversity on my show and that is one of the things I'm very conscientious of, and not just gay characters. Any diversity. In anything, I want everyone represented. I want everybody on the show."

He's used TV to support gay issues before. On Williamson's last teen drama, Dawson's Creek, Jack (Kerr Smith) came out in the second season. That also makes it tougher for Vampire Diaries because he doesn't want to repeat himself. "I don't want to do a coming out story. I did it on Dawson's Creek. As much as I'd like to do [a gay story], I want it to be fresh and I'd want to do it in a new way. I don't know what that way is. We've seen it. We've seen it on countless shows. I've done my coming out story and I was very proud of it and I don't know what it would be."

It's not going to be the werewolf either. That would be so obvious. Tyler Lockwood is going to wolf out this year, but don't read any more into that. "I kept joking with Michael Trevino going, 'Well, the werewolf's going to come out. He's going to come out of the closet.' And Michael Trevino said, 'Really? That's a tired allegory I just want to point out.' And he's right. It is. So I go, 'No, we're not doing that.' The werewolf story is an allegory on its own for any coming out story. It's a universal coming out story."


Williamson also won't force a character to be gay when they need to be something else for the show. He's writing a few guest star parts now that won't work as gay characters. "There's plenty of characters coming but the couple of regular characters that we're bringing in are female, so I guess they could be lesbians but we're bringing them in for love interests. Once the wheels are in motion, it's hard just to add something simply because you want to do it."

But he really wants to—and not just Williamson. All of the Vampire Diaries want to have a gay character. "You do know my writing staff is just a mixture of gay or gay friendly. We all just sit around and talk about Glee and why don't we have a gay character. All we do is talk about it and we're trying to figure it out. And I've done it. I want to do something new. Teenagers is my big deal, GLSEN. They're my passion. It's something I'm passionate about. I've just got to figure out how to do it. How do I do it and be original. I want it to be a good story. As soon as we can, we will. Also I think when we bring in more characters, if it fits the story, we'll do it."

The Vampire Diaries returns Sept. 9 on The CW.

Joss Whedon explains why he chose Jeremy Renner and Mark Ruffalo

Monday, July 26, 2010

Sure the big Marvel announcement came yesterday at the Marvel Studios panel, but we just can’t stop obsessing about Joss Whedon and the fact that he has assembled such a mind-blowingly amazing cast for “The Avengers.”

When we caught up with the man of the week/hour/con, we asked Whedon why his two newest additions: Jeremy Renner and Mark Ruffalo are perfect for Hawkeye and Hulk, respectively.

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“The thing about Hawkeye, he’s got his bows and arrows, you need somebody who’s very very down to earth, who’s very grounded, and who’s going to be the kind of guy who, you see him, and you understand why he likes to be far away from things and then shoot at them,” Whedon said, adding that without the right actor in the role things could get “very silly” if handled incorrectly. “[With] Jeremy, he just has a lovely quality.”

With regard to Ruffalo, Whedon says the celebrated actor was his “first and only choice for Bruce Banner.”

“I’m stunned that we landed that, just stunned," he said. "He has what I remember loving about the show, that quality of, you just look at him and you go through it with him, he invites you in in a way that [no] other performer has since Bill Bixby. He is a guy who’s been beaten up by life, but not defined by that. That’s what I want from Bruce Banner, is a guy who’s still getting it done, even though he has his problem.”

Ryan Reynolds: Give me more superhero movies!

With upcoming turns in 'Green Lantern' and 'Deadpool,' Reynolds doesn't think he's latched on to too many comic book properties just yet.

Many aspiring actors work through their entire careers without ever once diving into the superhero pool — which is why it's particularly unusual that actor Ryan Reynolds is playing superheroes in two upcoming films.

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Reynolds is currently in the midst of wrapping up filming on "Green Lantern," director Martin Campbell's adaptation of the beloved DC Comics icon. But despite his upcoming appearance as the brave star-spanning Hal Jordan, Reynolds is equally well known for his brief but memorable turn as mutant mercenary Wade Wilson in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine." Little more than a cameo, Reynolds' work as Wade is set to expand in a planned "Deadpool" spin-off film from 20th Century Fox.

Given the two roles — polar opposite though they may be — one could make the assumption that Reynolds is getting a little bit greedy when it comes to the superhero genre. But when MTV News pointed out that notion to the actor at last week's Comic-Con in San Diego, Reynolds was quick to get on the defensive.

"First off, Deadpool is not a superhero and he would stab you in the thorax if he heard you say that," Reynolds said, adding with a laugh, "I don't think I've ever said anything geekier than that in my entire life."

Reynolds' second line of defense was a bit more practical. "I've only played Deadpool for four and a half minutes thus far," he said, acknowledging that the character's spin-off movie is currently in the planning stage. "When we're talking down the line and we're talking about the 'Deadpool' movie, at that point you can call me a greedy bastard."

For now, Reynolds is more than content playing the ace fighter pilot turned superhero in "Green Lantern" — and even off-camera, the actor is nothing short of a hero for his young fans, thanks to his decision to recite the "Green Lantern" oath for a young fan at Comic-Con.

Inception, effects-fests and the big-budget unreality curse

Are the massive sums doled out for blockbusters really creative boon for gifted directors such as Christopher Nolan?
It may be one of the summer's darker ironies that, as government ministers vie to find out quite how little can be spent on the nation's health and education, the film industry has reached the point in the year when it's filling our cinemas with movies made for the GDPs of small nations (or, these days, large ones).
Yes, it's the season of those mega-budget, hundred-million-dollar-plus behemoths which prove that, while it keeps getting harder to make films outside the studio system, those within it are are still being given gargantuan funds to boggle and amaze us (and keep us buying those 3D glasses).

And as with any unequal distribution of wealth, awkward questions follow – such as whether having huge sums at their fingertips is actually good for film-makers, or whether they're the right people to have it in the first place. The thing about the kind of grandiose spectacle the biggest budgets buy you is that, CGI or otherwise, it all starts to look the same.

Not literally, of course – even I can tell the difference between Narnia and Pandora. But the set-pieces of the most extravagant blockbusters always seem to share a certain sheeny sensibility so that, however expensive, they never look real. In such circumstances, true creativity is all too often sacrificed for size.

Predictably, I can't help thinking of Inception here – a film in which the $160m budget goes on a smorgasbord of ornate, effects-heavy money shots. Yet impressive as all the dreamscape malarkey is, I left Inception convinced that the best vehicle for Christopher Nolan's talents remains something like Memento – one simple great idea spun out into a terrific, taut, modern thriller. For all the recent hullaballoo, Nolan still feels like a lost maker of brilliant B-movies, with studio largesse inflating his "vision" beyond its natural limits – a phenomenon that has also afflicted Peter Jackson and Sam Raimi.

None of which is to deny the charm of sheer, vast, gleefully ridiculous spectacle, or to imply that anything made for pocket change is intrinsically wonderful; Lord knows I've seen enough films to disprove both sides of that equation. But it's also true that, once the budget starts to climb into nine figures, displaying it onscreen becomes a perversely dreary end in itself – so that rather than allowing a director to show the world the wonders inside his or her head, the game becomes to find ways of visibly splashing the cash just to heighten the sense of the movie as an event. (At this point, it seems apposite to mention that the most expensive film of all time is Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End.)

There are two connected problems here. One is the inevitable committee interference a giant budget brings with it, with the pressure of a carrying studio's entire future likely to stifle even the most gifted film-maker. Not that the most gifted film-makers are often involved here, which is the second problem. The industry's catch-22 is that there is a small army of directors whose wildly individual films mean they will never be trusted with a big budget despite them having exactly the kinds of imagination that deserve one.

After the demented swagger of Valhalla Rising, I'd certainly be intrigued (and shocked) to see Denmark's Nicolas Winding Refn making merry with Michael Bay-style sums. But for me, if there's one film-maker who should be granted at least one go with the serious money, it's David Cronenberg. Apart from the cracked brilliance of his work, it was his fine 1999 techno-drama Existenz that lodged persistently in my head throughout and after my viewing of Inception. I'd urge any Nolan fans to seek it out. And who knows – if enough of you do, he may get $160m to play with ...

Reference: guardian

Lindsay Lohan ordered to go to rehab after jail!

When Lindsay Lohan gets out of jail she'll head to rehab immediately. She will be ordered by court to go to a 90-day treatment in California, so it's not that bad.

Sources say the plan is for her to enter a rehab center somewhere in California so her family and friends etc can keep in close contact with her.

Michael Lohan had lobbied for his daughter to enter a facility on Long Island, but we're told that's not going to happen.

Lindsay's peeps most likely want to avoid a repeat of her 2007 rehab visit to Cirque Lodge in Utah. It's a respected facility, but word is Lindsay treated it like a joke.

Kellan Lutz talks about his competitor, Henry Cavill

Saturday, July 24, 2010

He calls Henry "that boy".

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The two hotties will face off against one another in the upcoming "Immortals" (formerly known as "Gods of War"), and when we caught up with "Twilight" hunk recently, we had to ask him who would win in a fight: Kellan's Greek God of the sea or Henry's Titan Theseus?

"Well, I play Poseidon so I have that godly aspect," Kellan said. "But Henry's a strong kid. It was really fun working with him and seeing him train because he went through months and months of training. I wish I could have a movie where was able to do that because he went through some intense stuff. He's a buff kid."

The upcoming film, which also stars Frieda Pinto and Isabel Lucas, is directed by "The Fall"'s unique visionary, Tarsem Singh. It is slated for release in November 2011.

Interview with Mad Men's Bryan Batt about the show!

Mad Men, one of AMC's critical darlings, returns Sunday at 9 p.m. While the fate of former Sterling Cooper art director Sal Romano remains unknown, we chatted with actor Bryan Batt about his experience working on the show. Batt is also the author of "momoir" She Ain't Heavy, She's My Mother, and owner of home décor store Hazelnut in New Orleans.


Q: What was your favorite piece of set design?

A: There are two things. There's a coffee table in Roger Sterling's old office that I tried literally to put in my bag, and there was a pair of paintings, these abstract expressionist paintings in the conference room that I coveted. They're just gorgeous.

Q: Who in the cast is most like their character?

A: I would say it's a tie between Rich Sommer, except he's not as doubtful as Harry Crane, and John Slattery, except John's not a philanderer. But John has this clever, clever, dry wit. He just effortlessly has everyone in stitches. I would have to say them for certain aspects. And Christina (Hendricks). ... She's one of these women that she's not trying whatsoever to be sexy, but she just is. I don't know how else to describe it, it's like trying to ask the sun not to shine.

Q: What was the hardest part of portraying Sal Romano?

A: The hardest part for me as an actor was just pulling back so far, not giving so much, because I'm used to giving so much. And the scripts are so brilliant with the show, you don't have to act the subtext. You don't have to act the foreshadowing. You don't have to do anything but say the words and be honest in the scene and you're fine. It's so well-written.

Q: What are your favorite moments of the series?

A: I have to take out mine. ... I'll never forget in the opening of the second season (the image) of January (Jones) coming down that staircase at the hotel to meet Jon Hamm. That visual just looked to me like something out of a late-'50s beautiful film noir. It was just gorgeous. One of the most heart-breaking -- there are so many heart-breaking moments -- when Christina (Hendricks) was getting raped by her fiancé and her head just turned to the camera and that look, it still gives me chills.

Q: What was one of the most difficult scenes to shoot?

A: Whenever you see a scene in the conference room, and we're all around that table, we just call it the conference room from Hell, because no matter what, it's going to take forever. We just know it, because the more people that are sitting around that table, the more times they have to take out the walls and get the cameras in from all the different angles.

Q: If you could bring back one piece of '60s fashion that hasn't already been brought back, what would it be?

A: Hasn't it all come back? Well, they haven't gotten to the Nehru jacket, and the flare pants have not come in. We have the tie bars and the skinny pants. ... I never wore a lot of hats. I would like to bring back more hats. Jon (Hamm) and John Slattery really used the hats, but I didn't have a lot to do with the hats. I think they're pretty sassy.

Q: Besides Sal, if you could portray any other Mad Men character, male or female, who would it be?

A: Hands-down, it's got to be (Joan Holloway). Just for the outer-body experience, just to feel what that's like. It must be very different to walk down the street and have every head turn. It's a different kind of power, it's different kind of human experience that I'm totally unfamiliar with. I'm sure every guy would say Don Draper. And sure, who wouldn't like to be that? But I just think it would be really interesting to really get the perspective from the epitome of the female beauty side.

Q: Which Mad Men woman would you say is most like your mother?

A: Trudy (Campbell, played by Alison Brie). Trudy is the closest. ... (My friend and I) walk in the morning every day, and once the book was in and was coming out, then we were daydreaming about who could play my mother, and we came down to Alison.

Q: What advice would you give Sal after he got fired?

A: I've said this before: What I would predict or want for my character is light years behind what Matt (Weiner) and the rest of the writers would come up with. I just hope there's a little more Sal left, because it's just been such a joy to play.

Q: If Sal was living today, where would he be?

A: If Sal was living in the present day, I think he'd be partnered and grateful. We had a wonderful adviser on the show and a lot of Sal's journey and stories were based on his life. He and his partner recently got married last year before all the Prop. 8 in Los Angeles. He was married (to a woman), he did have children, he met his partner and finally realized he had to be who he was. He's still good friends with his wife, the children are still part of his life and he and his partner are married. I think it's beautiful. It's what I'd wish for Sal.

Casey Affleck Sued for Sexual Harassment

One of the producers on the Joaquin Phoenix documentary Casey Affleck directed last year is suing him for $2 million claiming sexual harassment, E!Online reports. Amanda White filed her lawsuit early Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court.

White alleges that in addition to enduring "uninvited and unwelcome sexual advances in the workplace" throughout the making of 'I'm Still Here: The Lost Year of Joaquin Phoenix,' she also wasn't paid for her work as a producer.

"Affleck repeatedly referred to women as 'cows'; he discussed his sexual exploits and those of other celebrities that he allegedly witnessed; and asked [White], after learning her age, 'Isn't it about time you get pregnant?'" the suit states.

The producer also claims that while the group was filming in Costa Rica, she wasn't able to go to her room one night because Affleck and Phoenix were in it with two women.

Affleck's lawyer, Michael J. Plonsker, quickly shot back at the allegations, calling them "preposterous and without merit."

In a statement to PopEater and other outlets, Plonsker explains their side of the story: "Ms. White was terminated from the production over a year ago. She and her lawyers believe that this maliciously and erroneously filed complaint will cause the producers to succumb to her outrageous and baseless demands. She is mistaken."


The actor intends to file cross-claims against White as well.

When the crew was filming in San Francisco, White alleges Affleck attempted to get her to spend the night with him in his hotel room. After she said no, the lawsuit claims he "became hostile and aggressive" and "violently grabbed her arm in an effort to intimidate her into staying."

Affleck is married to Phoenix's sister, Summer, and has two children.

White is asking for at least $2 million in damages to cover sexual harassment, retaliation, failure to prevent harassment/retaliation, constructive discharge in violation of public policy, breach of oral contract, unjust enrichment, and negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Guinness : Saw is the 'most successful horror series' ever

Friday, July 23, 2010

Serial killer franchise Saw has been named the most successful horror movie series by the Guinness World Records.





"I'm still in shock," Burg told Reuters. "The fact that we beat out (such horror franchises as) 'Friday the 13th,' 'Nightmare on Elm Street,' 'Halloween' and 'Texas Chain Saw Massacre' is a testament to our cast, crew and our partners at Lionsgate."

The six Saw films, in which victims try to escape elaborate traps set by the "jigsaw killer", have made a total of $733m at the box office.

Guinness World Records editor Craig Glenday will present the award on Friday.

Saw made its debut in 2004, and a new film has been released for Halloween every year since.

The seventh and final instalment, which will be shown in 3D, is due out on 29 October.

"We are done; this is it. We don't want to be that boxer who fought one too many fights," Burg said.

"In every Saw movie, we left questions open and in this movie we answer every question the audience has ever had."

Although other horror films have spawned more sequels - there are 12 films based on Friday the 13th and nine for Nightmare On Elm Street - Saw has proved the biggest box office draw.

The Guinness prize will be handed over to the films' producers at the Comic-Con conference in San Diego.

James Marsters will return to 'Smallville'

In a piece of news that will thrill fans of James Marsters and The CW's "Smallville"... James Marsters is set to return to "Smallville" this season.

The beloved "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" bloodsucker and "Caprica" cult prophet told a Comic-Con crowd on Friday (July 23) that he'll appear in the 200th episode of "Smallville."

Marsters has made multiple appearances on "Smallville" as Braniac, last appearing in a 2008 arc. "Smallville" is, of course, entering its 10th and final season on The CW this fall.

According to our largely unscientific measurement system, "Smallville" has aired 195 episodes through the end of last season. By our similarly unscientific count, that has Marsters returning for the fifth episode of this season. "Smallville" returns to The CW on Friday, September 24, therefore Marsters's episode will air... sometime this fall.

"Caprica" will be back in January, with episodes that promise more of Marsters' Barnabus.

If, however, you absolutely, positively have to get a James Marsters fix before then, the 47-year-old actor will appear in the pilot for CBS' "Hawaii Five-0," airing on Monday, Sept. 20.

Dexter New Season Sneak Peek!

Vincent Kartheiser (Pete Campbell) talks Mad Men

Vincent Kartheiser wants to put something to rest: He does own a toilet.

Kartheiser, who plays oily ad man Pete Campbell on AMC’s “Mad Men” (Sunday at 10 p.m. on AMC), recently invited a writer into his home. The upshot of the ensuing interview was that the 31-year-old, Minnesota-raised actor rides the bus to work and got rid of his commode. The report was off a bit, but the story proved just strange enough to take hold and spread.



“I need to stop this,” Kartheiser told the Herald in a telephone interview from his Los Angeles home. “I’ll be 80 years old and people will still be wondering this. Yes, yes, my God, I have a toilet. I do have a toilet and I don’t have a car.”

Water Closet-Gate is just one of the oddities Kartheiser has had to deal with since “Mad Men” went white-hot. As season four opens, Don Draper (Jon Hamm) stumbles and Kartheiser’s Pete does what he can, as always, to make the most of it.

The Draper/Campbell relationship is just one of the things viewers can expect to see evolve this season. While remaining purposefully vague, Kartheiser said it’s inevitable that the two continue their dance.

“Things are always happening at the office, but especially everybody’s relationship with Don Draper,” he said. “He’s our protagonist, and it’s really his relationship with everyone that’s under the spotlight. I feel like that relationship is constantly being tested and adjusted.”

Kartheiser calls it a study in pack mentality.

“That’s always true with men,” he said. “There will be two men on a ski lift, and by the time they get to the top of the mountain, they’ve already compared things about each other, arm-wrestled in a way. We’re still animals, and we’re still sniffing around each other. And Don (Draper) draws a lot of noses because of his strong status.”

Pete got Peggy pregnant, married Trudy and bedded a young nanny in his building, despite her less-than-enthusiastic participation. One might think that with such personality traits, the actor might want to distance himself from Pete. Not so. Kartheiser said there’s a lot he likes about the sometimes petty, sometimes selfish young executive.

“He has this very formal kind of mask he puts on when he’s at the office,” he said. “I like that. I like that it’s kind of obvious. Everyone wears these masks in life. We’re all kind of playing a role, trying to be someone to everyone or to ourselves, and I just like that Pete’s so obvious about it. It’s kind of refreshing. There’s something really honest about how he can’t hide his bad thoughts or indiscretions, and I can appreciate that.”

Has Pete tunneled his way into the young actor’s subconscious? Is there a lot of Pete in Vincent?

“There’s more of me in Pete,” Kartheiser said. “I’m a beta male. I can be jealous and trivial. I definitely say the wrong things and don’t even know what I’m saying most of the time. But I can be loyal.

“Most females find me creepy and off-putting, and that’s Pete Campbell.”

Matthew Lewis talks Neville Longbottom's dramatic physical change in Deathly Hallows

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

In a new interview, actor Matthew Lewis opened up about the physical changes he had to go through to play Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films. He noted that as Neville looked dramatically different in Deathly Hallows, the final installment in the saga, he was given the chance to forgo his signature fake teeth and fat-suit.

"The teeth and the ears were the first to go, and then the fatsuit came shortly after - I look a lot more like him in the new film," he revealed.

"I didn't mind wearing all those things because it was appropriate for the character. He's been a bit more bloody and battered as he's been living underground so we've made him slim out."

"It's been a great evolution of the character.

"Having started when I was 11 years old, Neville was shy and vulnerable, who was pushed around, bullied and was very nervous.

"Over the years, he has more depth and can stand up more for himself. In the seventh one, he's almost a completely changed man. He's a reckless resistance leader who wants to go and fight, and do the right thing. He's become more heroic, he's got heart, courage and loyalty. He's still not perfect, but he comes through where it counts."

What Life Is Like for Lindsay Lohan Behind Bars

Lindsay Lohan surrendered herself to authorities on Tuesday to begin serving her 90-day jail sentence. But what will life behind bars be like for the 'Mean Girls' actress?

Her cell at the women's correctional facility in Lynwood, California, is 12-by-8 feet, and she will be separated from the other 1,800 prisoners, according to the Associated Press. Lohan joins a list of famous females who've been housed in the same jail, including Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Khloe Kardashian and 'Lost' alum Michelle Rodriguez.

In a twist of fate, Alexis Neiers, star of E!'s 'Pretty Wild,' is in the cell next to Lohan's. Neiers is currently incarcerated for her part in a string of robberies that hit celebrity homes -- including Lohan's, USA Today reports. Yahoo says Lindsay occupies cell 28, with Neiers in 29. Although Neiers is behind bars specifically for burglarizing Orlando Bloom, a watch stolen from Lindsay was found at the Neiers' home.

Meanwhile, Lohan's first visitor was her attorney, Shawn Chapman Holley. "Understandably, Lindsay's having a difficult time adjusting as it would be for anyone. She's trying to make the necessary adjustments to an extremely stressful and difficult situation. There were some tears," the lawyer told PEOPLE.

For other visitors, there are a few issues: "It's a four-hour wait for visitors, which is totally crazy. Dina and Lindsay's other visitors will have to wait on line with everyone else," a source close to the actress tells PopEater.

The source also adds, "Her father will not be allowed to visit her. She wants no part of him."

She does have some support while inside. When Lohan arrived at the facility, the inmates cheered for her.

"Lindsay was crying when she came in. She was handcuffed but seemed calm. We all started saying 'God bless you Lindsay' and saying 'Hi' to her and then she smiled at us," prisoner Tiffany Hawes, who was being released at the same time, explained to Britain's Daily Mail.

TMZ has the details on her daily routine while she's locked away. She'll be allowed to exercise three times a week, shower every other day, and will be served two cold meals and one hot meal every day.

What will she do with the 20-hours a day she'll spend alone? "Lindsay is going to spend her time in jail writing new songs that she will record the second she gets out. Her emotions are so raw at the moment the material will be her best ever. It will definitely get nominated for a Grammy," PopEater's source says. oh

If she behaves herself and the jail remains overcrowded, Lohan will only have to spend 12-13 days behind bars for violating her probation from previous drug and alcohol arrests, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said on Tuesday. It's a big break for Lohan, who was given 90 days by a judge and was initially expected to serve about 23 days of that sentence.

Steve Whitmore told reporters that nonviolent female inmates generally serve about 25 percent of their sentence, principally because of overcrowding in the jail system. He indicated to PEOPLE that Lohan would likely be released from Century Regional Detention Facility either August 1 or 2.

At Tuesday's hearing, Beverly Hills Judge Marsha Revel ordered that Lohan must not be released to house arrest or electronic monitoring and also slashed the 24-year-old's transition time between jail and her 90-day rehab stint from 48 to 24 hours.

Lohan was sentenced July 6 to 90 days in jail and a 90-day inpatient rehabilitation program for violating probation on an old DUI and drug case.

Matt Weiner talks more about MM season 4

Somehow the world managed to survive these eight months since Mad Men’s season-three finale. It was a divisive season that took bizarre, even surreal turns; no one on the show had a good time, except for maybe Roger Sterling, and a lot of fans weren’t having much fun either. Many fumed, a few gave up hope. But most remained committed, stumbling like dry drunks toward another round of virtual martinis. And at last, the wait is over. On Sunday night at 10 p.m. on AMC, the perfectly coiffed pain returns. Before we plunge into a refurbished world — new ad agency, new office, new fashions, new characters — Vulture talked to the show's creator and mastermind, Matthew Weiner, about the new season, and why he revels in not giving the audience what they (think they) want.



Q: The season starts with the new agency, Sterling Draper Cooper Pryce, up and running, and in a lot of ways it feels like a fresh start for the show. It must be a liberating device for a writer, being able to leap ahead like that.

A: It allows me to skip things that don’t give me much story. There will be some overlap with last season, because you’re finding out how things ended up. But some things are entirely dropped, and I know viewers can have a problem with that. There will be lots to get used to, like Peggy working with this new guy, and they clearly already have a working relationship. You’re in the midst of the story instantly, much like when the Brits took over last season; they were firmly entrenched when the show began. I think of it like a musician or recording artist you love. You go to see them in concert and you really want to hear your favorite songs, but how interesting is that for the musician?

Q: You say viewers will have some problems with things that aren’t tied up. Overall, do you care what the audience thinks or pay attention to what they want?

A: Not that much. I go with what interests me.
Wow. Asshole

Q: As has been reported, the show opens with a reporter asking, “Who is Don Draper?” ...

A: I don’t want to talk too specifically about any of that, but as far as Don is concerned, and the meta part of it aside, the new season is all about what it’s like for this very secretive man who has a dual identity to suddenly be front and center as one of the faces of the new agency. How is he going to handle it? That really interests me.

Q: One of the most rewarding moments of last season’s finale was when Roger tells Don he doesn’t want him to go. They had a rough time of it last year, yet even more than Roger and Joan, I feel like Don and Roger need to be together.

A: They have a fascinating relationship. How can a person be friends with Don, who gives and reveals so little? And yet clearly Roger manages to get to him: Roger being conspicuously happy and running off with Don’s secretary made Don very angry. Roger does everything that Don can’t; he’s Don’s id — partly because he’s older and had had a heart attack and is confronting his mortality. To me, one of the great tensions in the show is that people act differently at different stages of their lives.

Q: Speaking of Roger and Joan: Any chance they’ll get back together, as so many fans hope?

A: If I were to give them what they wanted, I don’t know if they would like it.
Fuck you Weiner!!!!!!!!!

Q: Some of the dialogue in Sunday’s episode reminds me of a Billy Wilder film — particularly The Apartment.

A: I’m very flattered. I’ve always felt that these characters were influenced by the movies they saw. But it isn’t so much the language that’s the same as what’s important and what’s not.

Q: In an episode last season, Roger performed “My Old Kentucky Home” in blackface at a country club. It was a moment — along with the John Deere tractor accident — that felt, to some fans, egregiously over-the-top. Did you get much flack for it?

A: I was surprised it didn’t polarize people more. That episode was all about class — decline and fall of the Roman empire, the decadence that goes on with the idle rich, with Roger being completely oblivious. The idea of shooting it was terrifying. And it was horrible to watch in person, in front of a crew. But we researched it and that stuff happened — the word "darkie" wasn’t even taken out of the song until 1986! We always have that on our side. [Laughs.] Viewers realized that it was in the realm of reality. And I just felt that if Roger did it with earnestness, and for his new wife, it would be okay. John [Slattery] was very brave to do it — thematically it meant so much for the show.

Q: Given the world we live in, it surprises me sometimes how scandalized viewers can get over some of the things your characters do — even divorce between a couple that clearly has nothing in common will inspire backlash.

A: People believe in love in the most duplicitous circumstances — they believe in it even for Don and Betty, who have the worst marriage on the show, possibly of all time. Our concept of sin is in the Ten Commandments, and was always there. But the thing that’s strange to me is that when people turn on the television, they want to judge the bad guys and love the good guys. When you fall in love with characters, when they do crappy things, or are cruel to each other, you feel a sense of betrayal.

Q: It’s funny how that never changes, no matter how many salacious scandals we’re exposed to.

A: In terms of the whole culture, I think there’s a tremendous pleasure in moral superiority. Mad Men depends on you, at some point, admitting that you have these feelings of superiority. You can’t be too sanctimonious. If you are, you’ll be repulsed by the show.

Doctor Who S5 on DVD

Several weeks ago we reported the BBC America news that "a lush 6-disc collection is in works and should be available on both Blu-ray and DVD in time for the holidays" for Doctor Who - The Complete 5th Series. This is the 13-episode collection starring Matt Smith as The 11th Doctor and Karen Gillan as his companion, Amy Pond. This morning the Los Angeles Times posted an article giving an exact release date of November 9th. The newspaper's write-us also informs us about some interesting extras the releases for this title!





To quote the Times exactly, they said this: "it will contain a truly tantalizing extra: two newly filmed sequences, both written by Steven Moffat and available only in this collection. They are called "Meanwhile, in the TARDIS..." and, as that title suggests, they are drop-in moments that show what happens between the episodes". Smith and Gillan star in these newly filmed short sequences. They also star on the box art, which we have for you below courtesy of the newspaper article (please head over there using the above link for a slightly larger version, as well as to read the original Times story in full). This is strictly the Blu-ray version of the packaging, and may not be finalized for North America yet, so it could be subject to change.

Stay tuned for further updates, as the BBC and distributor Warner Home Video are expected to formally announce this title in the not-too-distant future (perhaps in conjunction with the upcoming San Diego Comic Con).

Also, Blogtor Who has some more details on the extras in the British release, which will presumably be the same or similar to the American release:

Doctor Who Complete Series 5, will be available in stunning lenticular packaging, as well as a numbered limited edition Boxset making it the perfect gift for Christmas. The DVD also features some fantastic extras including exclusively filmed scenes giving you an insight to what has happened in the TARDIS between episodes, as well as a Matt Smith video diary, and Doctor Who Confidentials for each episode and the Monster Diaries from each volume.

Lindsay Lohan's Lawyer: "She's Scared, But Resolute"

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

She was handcuffed and whisked away to jail earlier today (July 20), but according to her attorney, Lindsay Lohan has accepted her reality.

The “Mean Girls” lawyer, Shawn Chapman Holley, “She’s scared as anyone would be. But she’s resolute and she’s doing it.”

"She asks for your prayers and support," adds Chapman Holley, who says Lohan "is accepting responsibility and [has] stepped up to the plate and is doing what has been asked of her."

Prosecutor Deputy District Attorney Danette Meyers says she's "absolutely" satisfied with the outcome and says the 90-day jail sentence "was appropriate in this case."

Lauren Conrad: Calling Spencer "Sucky" Was "So Lame"

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Lauren Conrad memorably dissed Spencer Pratt as a "sucky person" in season two of The Hills.

Looking back, she says she wishes she would have chosen a different insult.

"You know what, that's so lame because I didn't want to cuss on camera! So 'sucky' was the first word that came to my head and it follows me everywhere!" Conrad told UsMagazine.com at the Hollywood party to celebrate the series finale of The Hills Tuesday night.

"Who says that? That's not my favorite!" she added.

But Conrad, 24, says she has "no regrets" about leaving the show after its fifth season.

"I'm happy when I left. I think it was the right time for me, and I mean, I probably have a million regrets about the stuff I did on the show! But I mean, just little stuff," she told Us.

Conrad said it was "really cool" to appear on the reunion show (taped at The Roosevelt Hotel) alongside co-stars Audrina Patridge, Lo Bosworth, Stephanie Pratt and frenemy Kristin Cavallari. "I got to say goodbye a year ago to everybody, but this is kind of a nice opportunity. It's so cool to be included."

Up next for her?

"I have a book tour starting Oct. 5, a style guide and the third novel in my L.A. Candy series, so that'll be fun," she told Us. She may even appear on TV again.

"I don't know! I am really happy where I am right now," she said. "I love doing the books, I love doing the clothing line. It's great, but I did enjoy doing television. I don't think I'd ever do reality that involved around my personal life again! I think I got my fill!"

When asked if she was "sad" that Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt weren't invited to the finale party (Spencer held an impromptu press conference outside the hotel), Conrad joked, "Not for me! Um, I think that was the network's decision."

As for the series' surprise ending, in which Brody Jenner and Cavallari tearfully say goodbye as the camera zooms out to reveal they're shooting on a Hollywood lot, Conrad admits she didn't watch it.

"I actually didn't see this season," she told Us. "I watched my final episode and I really liked how it ended and that was when the show was done for me."

Emma Watson wearing an expensive hangbag in Thailand

Have fun in Thailand, Emma!

Solange Didn't Like To Wear Dereon Clothes

Solange Knowles quit her job as spokesmodel for her sister Beyonce's Dereon fashion range because she couldn't envision herself wearing the clothes away from the runway.

The singer signed up to front Dereon, the junior apparel collection and sister line to Beyonce's House of Dereon range, which she launched with their stylist mum Tina Knowles in 2006.

Solange subsequently chose to step down from the role because the style of the Dereon line was completely different from her own.

She says, "I initially was involved as the spokesperson, but the clothes just didn't reflect my personal style and I decided to hand that over."

But Solange insists there was no fall out with her superstar sister over her decision - and the 24 year old now has her sights set on modelling for Beyonce and Tina's new bedding collection.

She adds, "That's the great thing about my family. We work together so closely that if something's not working out, we can be honest about it and there won't be any grudges or issues...

"I will say though, they did just do a bedding line that I am extremely in love with and I was like, 'Can I model that... in my house?'"

Joseph Gordon-Levitt in a Giant Plastic Ball

"Inception" star Joseph Gordon-Levitt rolls down 53rd Street during a taping of the "Late Show with David Letterman" on July 14, 2010.

Ryan Phillippe Forgot to Button His Pants!

This actor obviously wasn't ready for his close up (at least, his crotch wasn't) when he stepped out on the set of his latest movie with his fly unbuttoned yesterday.

Sex offender violated probation at ‘Toy Story 3’

Friday, July 9, 2010

A 46-year-old convicted child sex offender who violated his probation by taking his family to see "Toy Story 3" at a Livingston County theater has been ordered to serve 90 days’ house arrest.

Michael Keeler of Gregory also was ordered to pay $125 a month toward more than $4,000 in outstanding court fees.

Keeler’s probation prohibits him from being within 1,000 feet of "places primarily used by people age 17 or under." An electronic tether confirmed he was in the theater.

Keeler was sentenced in May 2008 to serve five years’ probation after being convicted of second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a person under 13.

Defense attorney Douglas Mullkoff tells the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus that Keeler had completed a sex offender’s education program.

SOURCE

Lindsay Lohan takes big girl notes, almost gets taken seriously.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Nobody can accuse Lindsay Lohan of not doing her homework.

During the hearing on Tuesday that led to the starlet's 90-day jail sentence, the actor was seen writing with a red pen. Later, she covered her face with the page, inadvertently showing it to the cameras. What appears in high-resolution photos of that page will surprise anyone who thought Lohan was just a party girl: Turns out, she's an expert note-taker as well!



In meticulous, rather amazing block penmanship, Lohan appears to have recorded every bit of the proceedings. At the top, she notes, "Dad's sitting behind Liana," (likely a reference to Aliana, aka "Ali," her sister) and refers to "so-called friends." The rest is a timeline of the alcohol-awareness classes that "LL," as she refers to herself, took and missed during the period of time she was ordered to attend them.

Photos: Lindsay's dramatic day in court

Lohan leaving court after learning of her 90-day jail sentence. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images These notes add a cryptic layer to the troubled former child actor's persona. With her frequent Twitter rants and late-night hijinks, one might expect Lohan's notes to more closely resemble doodles, or the curse word she had painted on the rainbow-swirled nail of her middle finger (which Lohan claims was "a joke"). But there's nothing ditzy about the impressively neat document, which looks more like the notes of a lawyer than a starlet.

Lohan might have learned her note-taking skills in high school, where she was a straight-A student who reportedly excelled in science and math. Though Lohan turned down film roles to attend Cold Spring Harbor High School in her Long Island hometown, she later left and was homeschooled.

Another sign Lohan might be getting serious? She skipped her planned belated 24th birthday party at a club Wednesday night, instead reportedly staying home to celebrate with family and friends.

Despite her responsible note-taking, Lohan may still be bitter about her sentence, she took to Twitter to quote the U.S. Constitution and, "impressively", referring to Article 5 of the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights' prohibition against "cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment." After displaying her laudable legal-research abilities, Lohan ended her Twitter outburst with an entreaty to retweet a link to a Newsweek story about an Iranian woman awaiting a stoning as punishment for an adultery conviction.

Lohan has been ordered to surrender to her jail term on July 20 and spend the next 90 days in an in-patient rehab facility. At that time, she won't have lawyer Shawn Chapman Holley by her side: Chapman resigned on Thursday, telling UsMagazine.com she and Lindsay are "very disappointed" by the sentence handed down on Tuesday.

SOURCE

Lady Gaga at Yoko Ono's house!

@seanonolennon:With gaga at mom's house, she's belting on the white piano...

Yes, that is Lady Gaga on John Lennon's piano, at Yoko Ono's house.

Lady GaGa To Perform On Today Show

Rihanna’s Philips concert canceled

After hearing reports that Rihanna’s concert, planned for July 28 at Philips Arena, was suffering poor ticket sales, we have now heard it has been canceled.

Our source is an insider who’s been working with promoters.

Rihanna was to have performed with Ke$ha.

It’s just the latest in a long string of summer concert cancelations. Here locally, 50 Cent was to have played the Tabernacle but scrapped the show, presumably due to low ticket sales. On Friday night, Liza Minnelli’s planned concert at Chastain Park Amphitheatre was scotched. The performer sent a statement saying that complications following knee surgery forced the move.

And Lilith Fair dropped its planned Aug. 8 date.

Rihanna’s concert is still listed on the Philips events calendar and the Live Nation Web site, although some of her other concerts are listed as “canceled” on the Live Nation site. She was to have performed July 22 and 24 in Phoenix and Dallas and Aug. 3 in Indiana, for example. All of those dates are now scotched.

source

Kelly Rowland is ‘Proud’ of Herself for Waiting to Get Implants

Kelly Rowland wanted a boob job for a long time, but the singer said it was worth waiting 10 years to actually go through with it. ”I’m very happy with myself. For me, my story behind it was making young people think before they actually do something,” she told BBC Radio of her decision to get implants back in 2007.

Kelly said she struggled with her body image and wanted the surgery back in her Destiny’s Child days: “When I initially thought about that, I was 17 years old,” she said. “That’s a ridiculous age to make a decision to do something different to your body.”

She eventually went under the knife to boost her A-cup to a B-cup a decade later.

“For me, it was waiting. That’s the message I actually had to say. When people found out about it, one person asked me and I just couldn’t lie. I didn’t feel the reason to lie.”

She added: ”I’m really proud of myself that I waited. That’s 10 years I waited. That’s 10 years I was like, ‘I hate this top. It does not fit. I hate this top.”

Too bad Kelly never realized in those 10 years that she was beautiful the way she was (sigh…what the industry does to folks), but to each her own. At least she thought out the decision instead of rushing into alter her body and at least she had sense enough to not get some big old, tacky, basketball-sized implants like some of these chicks out there!

Janet Jackson talks about Michael Jackson's Drug Problem

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Janet Jackson says her brother Michael's prescription drug use wasn't a secret to family members.

"People think we were in denial but we weren't," the star of Why Did I Get Married Too? told Oprah on Friday. "We tried intervention several times. He was very much in denial. He didn't think he had a problem."

During one of interventions, Janet said she became so distraught "seeing him and knowing that there was an issue that he was in denial about" that she had to leave the room. Adding: "A lot of the relationships I've been in, they've had issues with addiction. It's difficult when you see it. [I] recognize it so quickly because I've dealt with it in past relationships."

Janet says that the last time she saw Michael was a month before his death at a Jackson family party Janet threw for their parents Katherine, who is now the guardian of Michael's three children, and Joe.

"He was thin then, and we knew that he had a problem," she said. "We all did."

Michael died last June at the age of 50. The autopsy released by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office concluded that he was the victim of a homicide, backing the coroner’s initial determination that he died from “acute propofol intoxication.” His personal doctor, Conrad Murray, told police he gave the King of Pop the sedative to help him sleep. In addition to propofol, a second sedative lorazepam was also primary responsible for Michael's death. There was also Midazolam, Diazepam, Lidocaine and Ephedrine in his system.

SOURCE: Star Magazine

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