Could It Be OK not to Love 'The Muppets'?

I loved 'The Muppets.' I did not love 'The Muppets.' I still chuckled enough to think about it money wisely spent, however the movie had serious script issues that got when it comes to it as being a truly great comeback. I do not think I am saying anything especially mean-spirited, why will it seem like I am uttering unforgivable heresy? Everyone loves the Muppets they've decades of fans who're ecstatic these figures have returned around the giant screen inside a prominent way. But when you are among the individuals who thought the large-screen comeback was under perfect, you need to duck and cover. We are not permitted to complete anything under love 'The Muppets,' and when we are just likely to be so negative, we should not say anything whatsoever. What exactly exactly were my issues with 'The Muppets'? (SPOILERS) I figured the film spent additional time telling us the Muppets was once funny as opposed to just showing them be funny. I do not think Jason Segel is really a perfect film writer, and possibly his sentimentality got when it comes to crafting a tale the Muppets needed to be able to make sure they are highly relevant to an era not really acquainted with them sometimes the film feels as though a fawning love-letter to how 'The Muppet Show' accustomed to make Segal feel when he would be a little kid. It is a busy script. The film attempts to address the conflicts of: siblings Gary and Walter becoming an adult and growing apart, Gary moving his relationship forward together with his girlfriend Mary (Can Be), Walter getting a place nowadays where he is able to blossom, the Muppets returning together following a break-up and saving their old theater. It does not spend sufficient time addressing each conflict at any time 'The Muppets' bounces around, departing problems unaddressed for lengthy periods, but apparently that's OK since it is the Muppets and don't forget the way they made you are feeling whenever you were eight years of age? It (inadvertently) shorelines about this concept that your wistful nostalgia for that Muppets is sufficient to cause you to worry about them now. I better understand Frank Oz's complaints concerning the script not in keeping with the figures you may make a film that asks, "What can happen when the Muppets all converted into jaded cynics who increased aside from one another?" It simply works out that the reply is type of boring for lengthy amounts of time and pushing to locate a joke. But for the record, it does not make Frank Oz a "sourpuss," it can make him the man that can discuss the brand new corporately-possessed direction of the creative project he gave three decades of his existence to. Watch a clip for 'The Muppets' I sitting within an audience full of kids plus they increased restless for huge portions from the first hour they did not develop with 'The Muppet Show' plus they did not have this connection their parents needed to it. They simply desired to begin to see the cute, colorful speaking creatures do funny things, also it really does not happen before the last third from the movie once they finally placed on another Muppets revue. That telethon segment is really a blast, and there have been other funny jokes throughout the path of the film (I truly loved 80s Robot), but "helped me laugh" and "excellent movie" aren't synonymous. My concern, though, is the fact that anybody who openly offers criticisms of 'The Muppets' -- along with other beloved qualities -- will get labeled a grouch, a cynic, impossible to impress, or -- the most popular -- being an over-thinker. Our planet does not address any theoretical problems the film may have it attacks the critic and ignores the criticisms. This can be a growing trouble with movie fans and also the conversation about movies. Let us all just admit there is no original ideas left in Hollywood every movie relies off a pre-existing franchise: a comic, a classic cartoon, a magazine series, a relevant video game, a toy, an theme park ride or it is a follow up, a prequel or perhaps a reboot to something we already saw and loved. These franchises all include built-in fanbases, and individuals fanbases offer the product regardless of what -- because once they discovered individuals figures, it meant something to their own personal development. Whenever a dissenter arrives while offering their objective ideas around the defects of the new movie version of individuals figures you like, the fans go like a personal attack. Because the Internet has given everybody an opportunity to seem off and instantly get validated having a friend's "like" or "upvote" or "retweet," we do not ever need to get into debates protecting the items we like any longer. All we have to do is find individuals that already agreed around. Another pleasure from the Internet: because of its anonymity, you are able to personally attack anybody who did not begin to see the movie using the identical perspective as yours. If this is one way popular culture is certainly going, what is the point any longer? You've your factor, I'll have my factor, we'll never share. Nobody new will uncover it because we are afraid to become faced with defects within this factor which means a lot to us. So we'll only share it with others the same as us who've a slavish devotion into it -- instead of new or youthful audiences finding their own pleasure inside it. And it'll die off when our generation dies because new kids will not realize that "factor" we loved a lot whenever we were how old they are. Method to totally understand Jim Henson's message! [Photos: Disney] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-486274.cke_show_edges #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-486274, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-486274

New on DVD & Blu-ray, Week of Nov. 29: 'The Smurfs,' 'Friends With Benefits,' '30 Minutes or Less,' 'Another Earth'

As we slide into the home stretch of the 2011 holiday season, Hollywood is inundating the marketplace with the DVD versions of major and independent theatrical releases from the past year. This week, in descending order of boxoffice success, we have 'The Smurfs,' 'Friends With Benefits,' '30 Minutes or Less,' 'Our Idiot Brother,' 'One Day,' 'Another Earth' and 'The Future.' Read on. 'The Smurfs' What It's About: This live-action/CGI film revolves around the mythical blue Smurfs, who live hidden away in a forest somewhere in Belgium and have a happy, carefree existence. Unfortunately, there's an evil wizard who wants to put an end to that, and while chasing six of the Smurfs, the wizard, his cat and the Smurfs are transported via a magical portal to NY City. There the Smurfs are befriended by two humans -- Neil Patrick Harris and Jayma Mays -- and together they try to get the little ones safely back home before the nasty Gargamel tracks them down. It's Kinda Like: 'Gnomeo & Juliet' meets 'Toys' What We Say: Unlike some of the other films on view this week, 'The Smurfs' makes no pretensions to be other than what it is: A blatant exploitation film for the kids, designed to sell Smurf toys and goodies. And, surprisingly, despite some mean-spiritedness, nasty shenanigans and an occasional impolite bit of behavior for a PG-rated film, 'The Smurfs' is kind of fun to watch. If you have to watch it because you have kids, then rest assured you won't be totally bored. If you don't have kids, you can skip it. • Extras: The DVD contains commentaries, a pair of featurettes, "Blue-pers" and a game; the Blu-ray adds deleted and extended scenes. Rotten Tomatoes Reviews | Buy DVD | Save DVD to your Netflix queue Watch a trailer: 'Friends With Benefits' What It's About: Here's another adult comedy about friends attempting to navigate the rocky shore of sex without love, a theme that now seems to have become a 21st century movie staple. Dylan (Justin Timberlake) is done with relationships. Jamie (Mila Kunis) decides to stop buying into the Hollywood cliches of true love. When the two become friends, they decide to try something new and take advantage of their mutual attraction -- but without any emotional attachment. They soon realize, however, that romantic comedy stereotypes might exist for a reason. It's Kinda Like: 'No Strings Attached' meets 'When Harry Met Sally ...' What the Critics Say: For what it is -- unabashed voyeurism -- most critics jumped into bed with Timberlake and Kunis. Logan Hill of NY Magazine summed things up by saying "Fast-paced and fabulously fake, 'Friends With Benefits' is the Red Bull of romantic comedies, unapologetically delivering a hyperactive, synthetic buzz," while Andrew O'Hehir of Salon.com said the film was "often uproariously and profanely funny, and anchored in high-spirited performances from its central duo, who are well matched as comic foils if oddly lacking in erotic electricity." Meanwhile, Betsy Sharkey of the Los Angeles Times summed up the naysayers by saying, "Even with all their huffing and puffing, this very salty, often funny affair is never quite as satisfying as it should be." • Extras: Commentary, a blooper reel and deleted scenes; the Blu-ray adds "Bonus Benefits: A Pop-Up Trivia Track" and two featurettes. Rotten Tomatoes Reviews | Buy DVD | Save DVD to your Netflix queue Watch a trailer: '30 Minutes or Less' What It's About: Nick (Jesse Eisenberg) is a small-town pizza delivery guy whose mundane life collides with the big plans of two wannabe criminal masterminds (Danny McBride and Nick Swardson). The volatile duo kidnap Nick, strap a bomb to his chest, and force him to rob a bank. Nick enlists the help of his ex-best friend, Chet (Aziz Ansari), to help him and, as the clock ticks down to the deadline, the two must deal with the police, hired assassins, flamethrowers, and their own tumultuous relationship. It's Kinda Like: 'Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle' meets 'Seems Like Old Times' What the Critics Say: Audiences and critics alike gave low scores to this haphazard action-comedy. Richard Corliss of Time magazine spoke for most of the critics when he said "For a soul-sucking 83 minutes, you're trapped inside the film's tiny, ugly mind." On the other hand, Peter Howell of The Toronto Star, speaking for the minority, wrote, "In a year lousy with badly written movies filled with phallic fixations, it's a relief to watch one that is happy to be rude good fun without excessive raunch." • Extras: Deleted scenes, featurettes, outtakes. Rotten Tomatoes Reviews | Buy DVD | Save DVD to your Netflix queue Watch a trailer: 'Another Earth' What It's About: This sci-fi melodrama of sorts stars Brit Marling as an astrophysics student who causes an auto accident that kills the wife and child of a music professor and composer (William Mapother) on the eve of the discovery of a duplicate Earth. Both spiral into despair and self-hate, each in their own way, and as the new Earth comes closer and closer to their Earth -- offering the possibility of alternate realities -- the two begin an unlikely love affair and reawaken to life. It's Kinda Like: 'Solaris' meets 'Donnie Darko' What We Say: This slow-moving darling of the indie (and Sundance Film Festival) set loses its way as it tries to integrate a melodrama about lost opportunities and tragedy with a speculative story line about alternative worlds and second chances. There's too much of the former and not enough of the latter -- the film wallows in its own despair, never giving the possibility for redemption a chance to come to the fore until too late in the game. Still, the film gets points for its originality and the strong screen presence of star Brit Marling. • Extras: Deleted scenes, a pair of featurettes. Rotten Tomatoes Reviews | Buy DVD | Save DVD to your Netflix queue Watch a trailer: Other New November 29 Releases: 'The Art of Getting By': (2011) A lonely and fatalistic aspiring young artist and a "popular" girl find themselves in a charming yet unconventional high school romance. Stars Freddie Highmore, Emma Roberts, Michael Angarano, Rita Wilson, Sam Robards, Alicia Silverstone, Elizabeth Reaser, Blair Underwood. 'Cave of Forgotten Dreams': (2011) Director Werner Herzog gained exclusive access to film this documentary inside the Chauvet caves of Southern France, capturing the oldest known pictorial creations of humankind in their astonishing natural setting. 'Chillerama': (2011) Four-film anthology of gore, guts, goofiness and good times that celebrate the golden age of B horror schlock: 'Wadzilla,' 'I Was a Teenage Werebear,' 'The Diary of Anne Frankenstein' and 'Zom-B-Movie.' '5 Days Of War': (2011) Thriller by director Renny Harlin, set during the five-day war between Russia and Georgia in 2008, focuses on an American journalist, his cameraman, and a Georgian native who witness and document the devastation from the full-scale crossfire and cold-blooded murder of innocent civilians. 'The Future': (2011) Slow-moving, erratic indie drama about a thirtysomething couple (Miranda July and Hamish Linklater) who decide to adopt a stray cat, altering their entire perspective on life: They give themselves one month of freedom to prepare for the adoption, and both wander away from their relationship and reality. 'One Day': (2011) This 21st century variation on 'Same Time, Next Year' follows two friends -- working class teacher Anne Hathaway, who dreams of becoming a writer, and spoiled rich kid Jim Sturgess, who's unhappy with his playboy life -- through two decades by letting us glimpse key moments of their relationship experienced over several July 15ths (the anniversary of the day they met) in their lives. Interesting plot idea (based on a book) gives us snippets of sex and drama and little else. And throws in a bogus ending for good measure. 'Our Idiot Brother': (2011) This sleeper of a comedy stars Paul Rudd as an organic farmer whose willingness to rely on the honesty of others -- and his own honesty -- gets him in trouble -- and causes trouble for his three sisters (Emily Mortimer, Elizabeth Bank and Zooey Deschanel) when he stays with each of them after being booted off his homestead by his ex-girlfriend. Though the film is outright silly at times, the excellent cast and the film's straight-ahead momentum makes for a pleasing viewing experience. Check out more November 29 DVD releases at OnVideo.

Tyler Perry Pens Open Letter to Alleged Jerry Sandusky Victim: "You Are My Hero"

Tyler Perry Tyler Perry, who was sexually abused as a child, calls the 11-year-old who came forward against Jerry Sandusky in the Penn State sex scandal his hero.In an open letter to the unnamed victim to be published in Newsweek, Perry, who's Hollywood's highest-paid man, says the boy was "so courageous" for speaking out at that age - something he didn't do.Jerry Sandusky denies sexual abuse charges, says he's "horsed around with kids""I don't know your name, but I know your face. I don't know your journey, but I know where you are. I am your brother!" Perry writes. "I must tell you, what you have done is so courageous. The strength that it must have taken for your 11-year-old voice to speak out about such a horrible act is something that I didn't have the strength or courage to do at that age."Perry, who revealed last year that was molested as a child in New Orleans, recounts his experience, saying he felt "powerless" because no one listened to him. "So to think that you, when you were only 11 years old, spoke up - you are my hero!" he says. "I'm so proud of you. You have nothing to be ashamed of. I want you to know you didn't do anything wrong. It's not your fault. Please know that you were chosen by a monster. You didn't choose him. You didn't ask for it and, most of all, you didn't deserve it."Though he doesn't name names, Perry alludes to the Penn State higher-ups and witnesses, like ousted football coach Joe Paterno, who allegedly neglected to report the abuse by Sandusky to authorities.Joe Paterno fired as sex scandal rocks Penn State"Do you know that at the young age of 11 you had more courage than all the adults who let you down?" he writes. "All of the ones who didn't go to the proper authorities, all of the ones who were worried about their careers, reputations, or livelihoods. All of the ones who didn't want to get involved. Or even the ones who tried to convince your mother not to fight. You are stronger than them all! I wonder what they would have done if it were their own child."The 42-year-old actor-writer-director emphasizes that the "hardest part" is over for the victim, despite the fact that a trial may loom if Sandusky - whom Perry calls "the coward and very sick individual" - does not plead guilty. Sandusky, who has been charged with 40 counts of sexual abuse against children, has maintained his innocence, telling Bob Costas two weeks ago that he's only "horsed around with kids."Perry adds that millions will support the victim if he were called to testify."You may have to go through with that trial, and you may feel all alone when you're on that witness stand, but just know that there are millions of young boys and grown men who are standing with you - including me," he says. "If every man who has ever been molested would speak up, you would see that we're all around you. You may not know all of our faces and names, but my prayer is that you feel our strength holding you up. You will get through this; you've already endured the worst part at age 11. Now fight on, my young friend, fight on! We are all with you."

Ken Russell Dead: Questionable Director Dies at 84

British filmmaker Ken Russell died on Sunday morning at 84. Russell's credits are the questionable film, 'The Devils,' a 1971 movie starring Vanessa Redgrave and Oliver Reed, which was belittled due to its graphic depiction of sex and violence. Russell received a Best Pointing Oscar nomination for your 1969 film, 'Women for one another,A and would look at direct The Who's 'Tommy,' an legendary 1975 flick good album with the British rock-band. Inside an excerpt within the 2008 book, 'Vanity Fair's Tales of Hollywood,' author James Wolcott examines Russell's work, stating the director is "more than a traffic cop in the canvas chair carrying out for your camera. He's an impressario, each movie part of a larger sales page for your director's signature brand." According to THR, Russell died silently within the sleep. [via THR] [Photo: AFP/Getty Images] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Golden Globe challengers for drama

Pix having a strong worldwide flavor go foot-to-foot with noticeably American tales because the HFPA assembles its slate for the best film drama. Don't assume a foreign prejudice: Remember, "The Social Networking" beat the "The King's Speech."Albert NobbsClassic precursor: GG nominated "The Remains during the dayInch (1983)Chances for any nom: Rather good. On the dozen GG nods, and twin wins for Glenn Close, have formerly attended pic's cast.Otherwise the large one: Turns by Glenn Close and Jesse McTeer * * * CoriolanusClassic precursor: Using the handheld fight footage, you'd swear it's "The Hurt Locker," a minimum of before the iambic pentameter takes over.Probabilities for any nom: Other juxtapositions of contemporary pictures and Shakespearean enunciation -- Baz Luhrmann's "Romeo + Juliet" and Julie Taymor's "Tempest" -- made little impression.Otherwise the large one: Vanessa Redgrave sinks teeth into her juiciest film role in a long time.Jesse McTeer * * * A Harmful MethodClassic precursor: Think ego and id, "Frost/Nixon."Chances for any nom: A minumum of one intellectual heavyweight turns up on every GG drama list.Otherwise the large one: Viggo Mortensen's Freud looks impressive upon cautious. * * * The DescendantsClassic precursor: 1983 champion "Relation to Endearment"Chances for any nom: Heavily recommended award chances don't appear to become waning.Otherwise the large one: George Clooney is really a foreign press fave. * * * Very Noisy and extremely CloseClassic precursor: 1994 megasmash "Forrest Gump"Chances for any nom: Stephen Daldry's features go three-for-three.Otherwise the large one: Max von Sydow's haunted " Old World " grand daddy * * * The Lady Using the Dragon TattooClassic precursor: Explains to "Insomnia" the bone-tingling atmosphere of the Scandinavian murder mystery, and status like a U.S. remake of the overseas original.Chances for any nom: Couple of outright thrillers have made an appearance worldwide comes.Otherwise the large one: Rooney Mara -- fresh face fancy part * * * The HelpClassic precursor: '60s idealistic streak, creates 2006 nominee "Bobby."Chances for any nom: Excellent, because of the HFPA penchant for sentimental ensemble dramas.Otherwise the large one: Octavia Spencer * * * HugoClassic precursor: 1953's "Lili" Chances for any nom: Implanted with passion for cinema, European temperament and three dimensional dazzle, that one is going to be difficult to ignore.Otherwise the large one: Martin Scorsese's helming * * * The Iron LadyClassic precursor: Meryl Streep walked served by a Globe as the second real-existence lady, that point by having an iron skillet, in "Julie & Julia."Chances for any nom: It is a rare Streep vehicle that does not show on the annual HFPA rosterIf not the large one: Streep's Thatcher * * * J. EdgarClassic precursor: "Citizen Kane" and "The Aviator"Chances for any nom: The overseas scribes have proven American historic sagas an unexpected quantity of love.Otherwise the large one: Leonardo DiCaprio's eponymous role * * * Martha Marcy May MarleneClassic precursor: 2002 Globe honoree "The Hrs"Chances for any nom: Moderate female-centric melodramas haven't figured frequently in GG/Drama races.Otherwise the large one: A brand new youthful female face has copped a jerk yearly within the last eight years Elizabeth Olsen could make it nine. * * * MoneyballClassic precursor: A youthful hotshot barges directly into shake an org to the core shades of "Gung Ho" (1986).Chances for any nom: In danger: They did not nominate "Bull Durham" or "Area of Dreams." Otherwise the large one: Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin's stylish, witty script could tickle even committed baseballphobes. * * * Mess Tailor Soldier SpyClassic precursor: "The Spy Who Arrived In the Cold"Chances for any nom: Pic's hyperawareness of Europolitical tension will hit a nerve.Otherwise the large one: Insufficient GG focus on Gary Oldman should ended this season. * * * The Tree of LifeClassic precursor: Carl Dreyer, who (yes!) copped a Globe in 1956, for "Ordet"Chances for any nom: Palme d'Or might have been recognition enough.Otherwise the large one: Should Jessica Chastain obtain a jerk, it's apt to be with this film, from the nearly dozen she produced in 2011. * * * War HorseClassic precursor: Steven Spielberg directs the sniffle-inducing journey of the youthful boy and the beloved creature. Are you able to say "E.T."?Chances for any nom: Thoroughbred has impressive European pedigree combined with "Seabiscuit" sentiment. Otherwise the large one: John Williams' Prokofiev-tinged score is just one of his most stirring. * * * GOLDEN GLOBES RACETops in tubthumps? Best Picture: Drama Best Picture: Comedy or Musical Television Animation Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Steven Spielberg Hosting Special 'War Horse' Screenings During Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving weekend is starting to look a lot like Christmas at the multiplex.our editor recommends'War Horse': Newest Trailer Heavy on Orchestration, Heartstring Pulling (Video)Steven Spielbergs 'War Horse' Poster Debuts (Photo)'War Horse': Watch Trailer for Steven Spielberg's Adaptation DreamWorks announced on Tuesday it will hold special word-of-mouth screenings of Steven Spielberg's War Horse on Sunday, Nov. 27 in 10 cities. PHOTOS: It's a Zoo This Season: 23 Awards Contenders Featuring Animals The primary screening will be in NY City, to be followed by a Q&A with Spielberg. The session will be beamed in via satellite to the other nine screenings, as well as streamed live on MSN.com with real-time text translation provided by Ortsbo.com. Those attending the screenings, or listening to the live stream, can text in their questions. War Horse, based on the critically acclaimed stage play and book, opens nationwide on Dec. 25. On Saturday, Nov. 26, 20th Century Fox will hold official sneaks of Cameron Crowe's Christmas film We Bought a Zoo in hundreds of theaters across the country. We Bought a Zoo, starring Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson and Elle Fanning, opens Dec. 23. Related Topics Steven Spielberg War Horse

Activision: 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3' Sets Five-Day Sales Record

our editor recommendsActivision: 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3' The First Day Sales Achieve Record $400 Million in The United States, U.K. Activision Blizzard, Take-Two Publish Strong Amounts (Video) NY - Gaming giant Activision Blizzard stated Thursday that Cod: Modern Warfare 3has "shattered theatrical box office, book and gaming sales records" for five-day worldwide sell-through in dollars, crossing the $775 million mark. That beat the organization's own previous record of $650 million set last year by Cod: Black Operations. Activision had recorded $550 million 2 yrs ago for Cod: Mw2. The organization reported Charttrack and retail customer sell-through data. "With $775 million of sales of Cod: Modern Warfare 3in its first 5 days, Call of Dutyhas get to be the first entertainment property ever to create five-day launch records for 3 consecutive years across all types of entertainment," stated Activision Blizzard Boss Robert Kotick. Existence-to-date retail sales for that Call of Dutyfranchise have exceeded $6 billion worldwide, which makes it "probably the most valuable entertainment qualities on the planet,Inch he stated. Related Subjects Activision Blizzard

King being SAG's social media ambassador

Regina King ("Southland") remains attracted on as "social media ambassador" for your 18th Annual Screen Stars Guild Honours on Jan. 29.Inside an announcement Tuesday, planners in the SAG Honours mentioned she'll publish on Facebook.InchFull assists since the online face for your honours, giving audiences unequalled utilization of behind-the-moments moments through the days accumulating for the show, additionally to at a negative balance-colored carpet," the org mentioned.King will announce this years nominations 12 ,. 14, then still tweet and publish in regards to the SAG Honours, including updates on presenters and fashion.King was nominated for just about any SAG Award just like a part of the cast inside the film "Ray," that they won an NAACP Image Award. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

'Breaking Dawn' Premiere Preview: Photos of Past 'Twilight' Red Carpets (PHOTOS)

Twi-hards: this is your week! On Thursday night at midnight, you and millions of other fans across the country will crowd movie theaters for the release of 'Breaking Dawn, Part I.' How to pass the time between now and then? With Moviefone's help, of course! Your friendly editors have a bevy of features lined up during 'Twilight' Week, including a live-stream of tonight's 'Breaking Dawn' premiere in Los Angeles, as well as exclusive video interviews with Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, where they'll -- among other things -- do impressions of each other. So, yeah: awesome. First up, though, is this trip down memory lane to look back at past 'Twilight' premieres. Remember how young K-Stew, RPattz and Tay-tay looked in 2008? If not, check out the pics ahead. RELATED: Rob, Kristen and Taylor Cast the '80s version of 'Twilight' RELATED: Behind the Scenes of 'Breaking Dawn, Part I' 'Breaking Dawn' Premiere Preview: Photos of Past 'Twilight' Red Carpets 'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse' Premiere (2010)'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse' Premiere (2010)'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse' Premiere (2010)'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse' Premiere (2010)'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse' Premiere in Rome (2010)'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse' Premiere (2010)'The Twilight Saga: New Moon' Premiere (2009)'The Twilight Saga: New Moon' Premiere (2009)'The Twilight Saga: New Moon' Premiere (2009)'The Twilight Saga: New Moon' After Party (2009)'The Twilight Saga: New Moon' Premiere (2009)'The Twilight Saga: New Moon' After Party (2009)'Twilight' Premiere (2008)'Twilight' Premiere (2008)'Twilight' Premiere (2008) See All Moviefone Galleries » [Photo: Getty Images] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Megan Fox Channels Elizabeth Taylor in Smoldering New Armani Campaign (Video)

Megan Fox's serious cinematic career has taken a bit of a nose dive since her peak moment in Transformers. So the painfully beautiful brunette has decided to go for laughs. Her next role -- a cameo -- is in Sacha Baron Cohen's The Dictator and she has a role (again, unknown) in Judd Apatow's This Is Forty with Leslie Mann, Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Emmy winner Melissa McCarthy and John Lithgow.In these photos from the set, she is wearing leather shorts and a black tank top. What? Did you expect a business suit? While we wait for Megan to get back on the big screen, here's a look at her smokin' new Armani Beauty Video in which she cranks it up to full smolder for an Elizabeth Taylor effect. We also heard that Megan paid visit toVeterans' Home of California on Veterans Day. She must have made a lot of vet's tickers go pitty pat. Here's hoping the medics had the defrib unit close by. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011) Fashion Jason Segel Judd Apatow Leslie Mann Megan Fox Melissa McCarthy Paul Rudd Sacha Baron Cohen Giorgio Armani

Twilight 'Breaking Dawn' Premiere: Fans Already Lining Up

If you've ever questioned the die-hard status of 'Twilight' fans, this story should change your mind rather quickly. According to the Twilight Twitter page, people are already starting to line up for the L.A. premiere of 'Breaking Dawn, Part I' -- four-and-a-half days before it even happens. So, if you're interested in catching a glimpse of Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, you may want to get to the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles immediately for Monday night's red carpet event (which, by the way, we'll be live streaming here on Moviefone). In case that isn't enough incentive, there is a giant 'Breaking Dawn' wedding cake on display there, too. (Picture ahead.) This premiere craziness does raise the question: When will fans start lining up for next week's midnight release of the movie? Theater owners, it's time to get the barriers out. [via @Twilight] [Photo: @Twilight] 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn' Comic-Con Red Carpet See All Moviefone Galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

'Journey 2: The Mysterious Island' Trailer Rocks!

File this under a few things i certainly didn't see coming: I'm really, seriously psyched to determine "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island." The "Journey 2" trailer, which first showed now at Yahoo, is fantastically strange and absurd. A follow up to "Journey to the middle of our planet,Inch this latest adventure ditches Brendan Fraser for Dwayne "The Rock" Manley and keeps Josh Hutcherson firmly in position, transporting the torch for that Anderson family featured within the 2008 movie. Within this follow up, youthful Sean Anderson is growing up a great deal because the conclusion of "Center of the world.Inch He recruits his mother's husband Hank Parsons (Manley) on the mission to locate his grandfather Alexander (Michael Caine), an explorer who's gone missing throughout his look for the fabled Mysterious Island, a location that might be from the lost island of Atlantis. They enlist local guides performed by Luis Guzman and Vanessa Hudgens to assist them on their own expedition, though both Kailini (Hudgens) and her father are greater than a touch skeptical of Sean's plans. Skepticism is immediately put aside once the foursome arrives around the Mysterious Island, a land populated by mountain tops of gold, baby tigers (and men, I am talking about really teensy small baby tigers), Michael Caine's spirit of "advent-chah," gigantic bees which are large enough for grown males to ride on, emasculating massive lizards, and also the peck pop of affection. Clearly this movie is not for fans from the Rock's bloody-and-brutal excursions, nor could it be as harmful (and potentially lethal) as Hutcherson's approaching "Hunger Games." But I'd be laying basically stated this movie does not seem like a absurd quantity of fun. Basically was still being in elementary school and that i saw the "Journey 2" trailer, little-boy-me could be going absolutely mental with this flick. Once the film arrives the coming year on Feb 10, I believe I am going to need to indulge my inner child and find out precisely how strange this "Journey" follow up is really. Inform us that which you think about the "Journey 2" trailer within the comments section as well as on Twitter!

'J. Edgar' Star Leonardo DiCaprio's Approaching Biopics Include 'Bond' Creator, Roosevelt

If Leonardo DiCaprio builds up an Oscar nomination for his role since the enigmatic mind in the FBI in "J. Edgar," that may lead him to two-for-two with Academy Award nominations and biopics. (We won't count "Catch Me If You are Able ToInch because it dedicated to Tom Hanks' character almost around Frank Abagnale, Junior.) Since he was nominated in 2005 for his role as Howard Hughes in "The Aviator," a number of other biopic projects make mind lines with DiCaprio's title installed on star. Lots of emerged, really, it has been difficult to keep close track of these -- therefore we have come up with an inventory in the biopics DiCaprio's been no less than stated with. Take them into consideration past the jump! "Fleming" In 2008, DiCaprio began developing a biopic good information on Ian Fleming, the author in the Jason Bourne books. The script under went one re-write, together with an adversary project take their hands up roughly yearly later. Hardly any remains learned through the project by 50 percent years. "Sinatra" When Martin Scorsese increased being installed on a Frank Sinatra biopic, DiCaprio's title was instantly batted around to battle the role of Old Blue Eyes. With "Silence" poised as Scorsese's next, it may be a while before we view if DiCaprio will need for the mic. "The Wolf of Wall Street" A more low-key biopic, this financial drama DiCaprio's Appian Technique is developing is founded on Jordan Belfort's memoir. "Wolf" follows Belfort's rise to stock market fame and also the eventual and spectacular fall. "Demon inside the White-colored City" Though not technically a biopic, this thriller focuses on two historic figures, one of these simple was Dr. H.H. Holmes, the well-known serial killer. DiCaprio remains rumored for approximately yearly since the primary contender for your dark role. "The Imitation Game" Inside the recommended Alan Turing biopic, DiCaprio would play in the math wizzard responsible for the decoding and damaging the Nazi file file encryption throughout World War Ii. "The Increase of Theodore Roosevelt" Another extended-in-development Scorsese project, this film good early years of the Rough Driver had DiCaprio's title attached as soon as the famous director increased being involved. It seems that where one goes, another soon follows. Which biopic would you like to see DiCaprio in? Inform us inside the comment below and also on Twitter!

Academy awards: Eddie Murphy Pulls Out As Host

HAMMOND: Murphy Exit Throws Academy awards Into Further Chaos Will The Academy Consider John Grazer? HAMMOND: Academy awards Publish-Ratner What Now? Surprise! Brett Ratner Out As Oscar Producer Up-to-date: Only three several weeks prior to the Academy awards, the Academy of Movies Arts and Sciences and ABC are almost to where you started. Hrs after Brett Ratner made his resignation as Oscar producer within the fallout of racy-highlighting-on-vulgar public comments and using an anti-gay slur, Eddie Murphy has walked lower as host. The move isn't entirely unpredicted considering the fact that Ratner was the one that introduced in the Tower Heist star Murphy, andDeadline noted that Ratner’s exit Tuesday gave Murphy an ideal opportunity to bow out. However it still provides the Academy a large headache needing to replace a producer and today a number only three several weeks prior to the Feb 26 Oscars ceremony. However, Murphy’s acceptance from the gig was abnormally early. Using the two departures, the only real key person in the creative team residing in place is veteran TV producer Don Mischer, who was simply initially combined with Ratner. For potential substitutes, John Grazer, who created Tower Heist, has been rumored like a candidate to achieve success Ratner. Here's AMPAS’ statement on Murphy’s departure: Beverly Hillsides, CA Academy of movement Picture Arts and Sciences Leader Tom Sherak introduced that Eddie Murphy has withdrawn as host from the 84th Oscars. “I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and that we all wish him well,” stated Sherak. Said Murphy, “First and foremost I wish to state that I completely understand and support all parties’s decision regarding a big change of producers with this year’s Oscars ceremony. I had been truly searching toward being an element of the reveal that our production team and authors were just beginning to build up, however i’m certain the brand new production team and host is going to do a similarly great job.” Oscars for outstanding film accomplishments of 2011 is going to be presented on Sunday, Feb 26, 2012, in the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, and public live and eat the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation will also be public reside in a lot more than 200 nations worldwide.

Tunes (As cancoes)

A VideoFilmes presentation and production. Created by Joao Moreira Salles, Mauricio Andrade Ramos. Directed, compiled by Eduardo Coutinho.With: Dea, Gilmar, Esmeralda, Jose Barbosa, Sonia, Nilton, Isabell, Zio, Jose, Lidia, Fatima, Ramon, Maria p Fatima, Maria Aparecida.Like Ernest Wiseman, nineteen thirties-born Brazilian docu filmmaker Eduardo Coutinho ("Two Decades Later," "Master Building," "Playing") silently keeps producing one strong film to another. His latest, "Tunes," is again a stealthily straightforward feature, and appears at such wide-varying subjects as human instinct, diversity and also the energy and need for music and love simply by asking several Rio p Janeiro occupants to discuss a common Brazilian song. It makes sense, simply put, lyrical. After its Rio preem, the pic will launch worldwide at IDFA, included in a Coutinho small-retrospective. Although the 78-year-old Coutinho has additionally directed fiction films, co-written scripts and from time to time labored being an actor (lately in "From Starting to Finish"), because the late the nineteen nineties, the prolific director has mainly centered on documentaries. His apparently nonchalant style, using its roots in TV confirming, has become so loose that Coutinho almost appears to come across fabulous people and tales, though the truth is those are the consequence of careful research and selection. For "Tunes," a preliminary number of 237 potential interviewees, discovered by placing advertisements in newspapers prospecting people in Rio's avenidas, led to 42 shot interviews, though only 18 finally appear onscreen. Each individual has about 5 minutes to sing a little of their favorite tune, a capella, and explain why that song is essential for them. The simplicity the concept is echoed within the backdrop, featuring its a stage having a single chair and black curtains lit with a spotlight. Throughout the interviews, individuals are presented in medium closeups, though a wider shot at the start or finish of the scene might showcase something from the subject's personality, through body gestures, as she or he makes its way into or leaves happens. The options of tunes, all Brazilian, may be unfamiliar for foreign audiences, however the tales in it are globally identifiable. Widower Gilmar, a difficult guy, works an audio lesson his dressmaker mother accustomed to sing when he would be a boy. Stalkerish Sonia still can't overcome her first love 30 years later, while German Isabell, who found Rio to marry a Brazilian who then left her, finds both revenge and peace inside a (heavily highlighted) samba song. Lidia attempted to shoot her lover, while Zio mourns losing his three "moms": his real mother, wife and mother-in-law, who all died within the same year. The majority of the interviewees -- diverse in age and background, and just recognized onscreen by their first names -- choose tunes they have to have acquired around the radio, though Zio has written their own. A unique situation is among the film's most memorable protags, the lively Dea, who's believing that the incorrect date was placed on her birth record because she does not seem like somebody that was created in 1928. She sings a tune in the king of Brazilian music, Roberto Carlos, which she once sang with him, adding mischievously: "He was married at that time.Inch Appearing throughout are recurring styles of affection, loss and desire, all complex feelings that are the subjects of numerous tunes. The brilliance of Coutinho's conceit is the fact that he sets to demonstrate that individuals frequently use song when words can't express the way they feel, but he shows this allowing people discuss the feelings that inspired their song of preference. Tech package is modest but classy. Pic was created by VideoFilmes, the organization of helmer Fernando Meirelles.Camera (color, HD), Jacques Cheuiche editor, Jordana Berg seem, Valeria Ferro assistant director, Ernesto Piccolo. Examined at Rio p Janeiro Film Festival (competing), March. 13, 2011. (In Intl. Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam -- competing.) Running time: 91 MIN. Contact Boyd van Hoeij at news@variety.com

Box Office Preview: Brett Ratner's Star-Packed 'Tower Heist' Hopes to Steal $30 Mil Opening

Universal's broad PG-13 action-comedy Tower Heist is poised to top the domestic box office in the debut, however the large real question is whether or not this can hit $$ 30 million.our editor recommendsTower Heist: Film ReviewA Very Harold & Kumar three dimensional Christmas: Film ReviewEddie Murphy in 'Tower Heist': Exactly what the Experts Say Eddie Murphy States John Grazer Saved 'Tower Heist' (Video)Universal Backs Off 'Tower Heist' Premium VOD Test The $85 million pic has lots of star energy inside a cast brought by Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy and Matthew Broderick. Murphy, whose live-action career has experienced recently, particularly should see better amounts than normal. Casey Affleck, Alan Alda, Tea Leoni, Michael Pena and Gabourey Sidibe also star within the film, about several non-crooks who set to take advantage of the guy who conned them from their pensions. PHOTOS: Where Would be the 'Ben Stiller Show' Alumni Now? Imagine Entertianment's John Grazer and Kim Roth created the film with Murphy, while Relativity Media assisted finance. Last year on a single weekend, Warner Bros.' comedy Deadline opened up to $32.7 million in the domestic box office, even though Universal is applying that film like a comp, the studio is lowering its weekend estimate to between $25 million and $$ 30 million due to the soft marketplace. Rivals suggest Universal needs the film to spread out to a minimum of $$ 30 million. COVER STORY: Exactly Why Is Funnyman Ben Stiller Not Laughing? Tower Heist also opens day and date in 21 nations overseas, such as the U.K., Germany, The country, Hong Kong and India. Within the U.S., monitoring -- that has sprang in recent days, because of a flurry of publicity by Stiller and Murphy -- is strong among males of any age then older women. Tower Heist should also play well with African-American and Hispanic audiences due to Murphy and Pena, based on Universal. However, Tower Heist could lose teenagers to Warner Bros. and New Line's more decently allocated A Really Harold & Kumar three dimensional Christmas. Conservative estimations show the R-ranked stoner comedy opening within the $18 million range, however it could hit $20 milion, thanks simply towards the three dimensional factor. (Harold and Kumar Avoid Guantanamo Bay opened up to $14.9 million in April 2008.) Performed by John Cho and Kal Penn, Harold and Kumar continue the quest for an ideal Christmas tree after Kumar destroys the initial. The film, also starring Niel Patrick Harris, comes complete with three dimensional gimmicks (think smoke rings). A Really Harold & Kumar three dimensional Christmas cost within the low $$ 30 million range to create. DreamWorks Animation and Vital's three dimensional toon Puss in Boots includes a good shot of besting Harold & Kumar for that No. 2 place locally, and it is predicted to gross within the low $20 million range in the second weekend. The pic opened up to $34.a million last weekend after losing business due to the freak storm around the New England. Puss in Boots has made just north of $40 million through Wednesday in the domestic box office, and nearly $20 million overseas, where it loved an archive-breaking debut in Russia last weekend. But large story worldwide will still be Steven Speilberg's The Adventures of Tintin: Strategies of the Unicorn, which first showed to some dazzling $56 million last weekend because it folded in its first key areas, smashing records in France and Belgium, home country from the beloved comic character. The new sony and Vital are partners on Tintin, and discussing foreign distribution responsibilities. Vital releases the film in The United States over Christmas. In the niche box office, Anchor Bay opens The Boy of Nobody in 10 theaters in choose U.S. metropolitan areas. The Sundance Film Festival title stars Channing Tatum, Al Pacino and Katie Holmes. The Weinstein Co. is re-delivering Kristin Scott Thomas indie hit Sarah's Type in 300 theaters over the U.S. a few days ago inside a proceed to drum up attention as honours season will get going ahead. The film has made north of $7 million locally up to now. Related Subjects Brett Ratner Eddie Murphy Ben Stiller Puss in Boots Matthew Broderick Tower Heist A Really Harold & Kumar three dimensional Christmas

News Corp. steady on cable, film biz

Foreign exchange, driven by 'Justified' and reruns of 'Two . 5 Males,' elevated News Corp.'s domestic nets by 14%.'Rise in the Planet in the Apes' aided film biz profit rise 24% to $347 million.News Corp. mentioned its quarterly profit dipped to $738 million from $775 million, partly around the $91 million restructuring charge at its Uk newspaper business together with a 1-time hit from tugging out its BSkyB bid, both were the fallout in the phone hacking scandal that skyrocketed this summer season.The businesses were strong, however. Operating earnings rose 21% to $1.4 billion and revenue elevated 7% to $7.9 billion for your fiscal first quarter ended Sept 30.Core TV and film companies all completed well, with operating earnings greater in cable, broadcast, satellite and shot entertainment. Only posting was lower.Earnings at cable nets rose 18% to $775 million.Ad revenue within the domestic nets elevated 14% driven by prices and ratings growth at Foreign exchange. Worldwide channels elevated revenue 24% introduced by STAR India and Fox Latin America.Affliate revenue rose 9% within the domestic channels and 24% worldwide.Shot entertainment saw operating profit up 24% to $347 million, travelled into the world theatrical perf of "Rise in the Planet in the Apes," and "Rio" and "X-Males: Top ClassInch on home video.Television revenue rose 27% to $133 million. Company reported robustnational advertising market as well as the broadcast in the 2011 Emmy Honours, additionally to some more than two-fold increase in retransmission consent revenues. These increases were partially offsetby lower political advertising revenue from our television stations and elevated marketing costs within the broadcast network, intended for the launch of latest series "Terra Nova," "New Girl" and "The X Factor."Posting saw operating earnings drop 38% to $110 million, reflecting this is the impact from closing What Is The News around the world inside the Uk reducing revenue within the Austrialian newspapers. That was partly offset by greater advertising and circulation revenue within the Wall Street Journal.Italian satcaster Sky Italia saw earnings rise 45% to $119 million. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

NBC adds latenight tasks to Vaughan's plate

NBC has extended the responsibilities of program professional Doug Vaughan to include lots of latenight. Having a completely new two-year deal, Vaughan will assume the title of senior veep of special programs and latenight, verifying to Peacock alternative and latenight programming prexy Paul Telegdy. "Saturday Evening Live," "Late Evening with Jimmy Fallon" and "Last Call with Carson Daly" will fit in with Vaughan's oversight, while Telegdy will retain firsthand charge of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." The NY-based Vaughan also examines reality program pitches and special-event programming that originate inside the Colonial. "Doug has consistently provided strong and artistic executive leadership in shepherding NBC's special deals from NY," Telegdy mentioned. "I'm very sure that he'll use his unique capabilities to develop NBC's legacy inside the latenight genre and may keep doing innovative be employed in our program special deals.Inch Vaughan will be a producer after which it supervisory producer at "Today" from 1993-2002. In 2005, he increased being V . p . of special programs in news and entertainment, then gone after SVP of special programs and alternative in 2007. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

'Deep' applying for grants farewell

LFF's Sandra Hebron, second from left, will receive a fond send-taken off "The Dark Blue Sea's" Tom Hiddleston, Terence Davies, Sarah Kants and Harry Hadden-Paton. Terence Davies paid out moving tribute for the BFI London Film Festival's departing artistic director, Sandra Hebron, within the gala screening of his film "The Dark Blue Sea," which closed the 55th edition Thursday.Hebron has walked lower after nine years in charge. She grew to become an associate from the British Film Institute just like a programmer in 1997, and become the LFF's artistic director in 2003. Under her leadership, the fest elevated from 120,000 admissions in 2003 with a record lots of 133,000 as of this year's event.Showing his film within the stage in the Odeon Leicester Square, Davies mentioned he first met Hebron in 1992 when she went Manchester's Cornerhouse cinema which since, she'd been instrumental to locate a crowd for his films."Once the audience is not there, the act (of filmmaking) is not complete," he mentioned. "Here's searching for you, kid." Tom Hiddleston, star of "The Dark Blue Sea," seconded that emotion, proclaiming that Hebron happen to be the initial person out to "give a pat round the back" to his 2007 debut movie "Unrelated" by Joanna Hogg. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com