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Cannes Film Festival: Our Top 10 Must-See Movies

Films from Robert Pattinson (‘Cosmopolis’) and Kristen Stewart (‘On the Road’) have us pumped, along with eight others. By Kevin P. Sullivan Robert Pattinson in “Cosmopolis” Photo: Alfama Films Hollywood is officially headed to the French Riviera for the 65th Cannes Film Festival, which kicks off Wednesday. With so much of the attention Stateside focused squarely on the “Rob and Kristen Factor,” we thought it would be helpful to take a look at the lineup and share the films we are most excited about at the upcoming festival. Here are our top 10 most anticipated movies at the Cannes Film Festival: 10. “The Paperboy” This adaptation of the Peter Dexter novel marks Lee Daniels’ first film since making it big on the indie scene with “Precious.” “The Paperboy” promises a different direction for Daniels, telling the story of a reporter (John Cusack) who travels back to his home town to investigate a death-row case. 9. “Reality” Director Matteo Garrone made waves at Cannes in 2008 with his hyper-real look at Neapolitan organized crime, “Gomorrah,” which won the Grand Jury Prize that year. For this year’s festival, he returns with “Reality,” a look at the way we perceive life since the dawn of reality television. 8. “Cosmopolis” Robert Pattinson’s name alone has drawn much attention to this in-competition film, but the true nature of its intrigue lies with its director, David Cronenberg. With his adaptation of Don DeLillo’s novel, Cronenberg, with the help of Pattinson, of course, looks to be revisiting the bizarre aesthetics and subject matters that made him famous in the 1980s. We’ve been waiting for this one ever since it won the MTV Movie Brawl 2012 back in January. 7. “Like Someone in Love” “Certified Copy,” the previous film from Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami, earned Juliette Binoche a best actress award at Cannes in 2010, but the film itself is one of the best examples of pure art-house filmmaking in the past few years. With “Like Someone in Love,” Kiarostami shifts his focus from Italy to Japan but keeps the same entry point of a man and a woman who may or may not know each other. 6. “Amour” “The White Ribbon,” Michael Haneke’s previous film tangentially about the saplings of fascism in Germany, wowed audiences on the Croisette in 2009, and “Amour” seems poised to do the same. The film tells the story of Georges and Anne, an octogenarian couple whose bond comes under strain after one of them suffers an attack. 5. “On the Road” Similar to “Cosmopolis,” “On the Road” has drawn a great deal of attention because it features a “Twilight” star, in this case Kristen Stewart, but she only makes up an element of this insanely star-studded Jack Kerouac adaptation, which also stars Sam Riley, Garrett Hedlund, Kirsten Dunst, Viggo Mortensen and Terrence Howard. 4. “Lawless” Formerly known as “Wettest County,” this Southern-set prohibition crime film boasts a cast featuring Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Jessica Chastain, Gary Oldman and Guy Pearce and a critical darling of a director, John Hillcoat. The recently released trailer looks strong, and Hillcoat’s pedigree alone (his previous films include “The Proposition” and “The Road”) make this a must-see for the festival. 3. “Rust and Bone” A film about a whale trainer who loses a leg to an orca doesn’t necessary seem like Palme d’Or material, but “Rust and Bone” comes from director Jacques Audiard, who took the Grand Jury Prize in 2009 with the impressive “A Prophet,” and it stars Marion Cotillard as the unfortunate trainer. 2. “Killing Them Softly” It wouldn’t be surprising if you haven’t seen “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” but it would certainly be unfortunate. The western starring Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck debuted and left theaters quietly, but since 2007, the film has slowly gained a reputation as a modern classic. As director Andrew Dominik’s first film since “Jesse James,” “Killing Them Softly” stands out as both his reunion with Pitt and his much-anticipated follow-up. 1. “Mud” A writer/director may take a few films to nail down their voice and storytelling identity, but with his first two movies, Jeff Nichols has not only established himself as a serious filmmaker, but also one of the most exciting auteurs working today. Those films, “Shotgun Stories” and “Take Shelter,” are two genuine masterpieces of American filmmaking, and we look forward to his third feature film “Mud,” starring Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon. For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Photos Cosmopolis Teaser: 5 Key Scenes ‘On The Road’

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Cannes Film Festival: Our Top 10 Must-See Movies

Does Demi Lovato Have ‘The X Factor’?

Experts break down Lovato’s casting on the Fox reality show to MTV News. By Jocelyn Vena Demi Lovato Photo: MTV The world is still reacting to the now-confirmed news that Britney Spears and Demi Lovato will sit together at the “The X Factor” judges table this fall . While their spots on the show remain among worst-kept secrets in recent memory, these two former Disney princesses will now set out to prove they are savvy enough to judge up-and-coming talent on the Fox competition series. While L.A. Reid, Simon Cowell and Spears bring decades of experience with them to the show, Lovato, only 19, may seem too much like a rookie on the surface. But, she’s already amassed the kind of experience performers triple her age could wish for. She’s released three albums, which have all landed top-five spots on the Billboard 200. She’s starred on the hit Disney series, “Sonny With a Chance” and was the female lead, alongside the Jonas Brothers, in both “Camp Rock” films, which were incredibly successful for the Mouse House. All the success at such a young age makes Lovato a perfect pick for the show. “They’re looking for female pop singers who can engage a younger audience,” Monica Herrera, a senior editor at Rolling Stone, told MTV News. “Demi seems like a good choice because she hits not just music fans, but TV fans and I think they’re kind of trying to find somebody who can hit all angles.” She may have tons of teenage Lovatics, but Keith Caulfield, associate director of charts/retail at Billboard, added that she still hasn’t yet permeated the adult market, which makes this the right time to make this move. “I thought it was interesting choice just because, I mean, she is a star, but she seems a bit under the radar to a degree so this is a great look for her because it’s going to elevate her visibility and give her a whole new audience and a great platform to introduce new material,” he said. “I think it’s a great opportunity for her to really expand her fanbase. I think a lot of people are going to discover Demi for the very first time.” And, that’s why, Herrera adds, she needs to strike while the iron is hot. “I think it’s definitely a smart move; I don’t think she can afford to wait at this point. I think that is kind of a way to jumpstart it and really get herself out there,” she explained. “Obviously she’s gonna want to put out an album timed to the fall show. She’ll have the team behind her to really kind of maximize this opportunity and put out a single and an album that will kind of get the lift that she really needs right now.” Caulfield notes that Lovato will serve as the perfect answer to Spears . “Demi, considering her history and frankly her years of experience, she’s gone through the ringer,” he said. “Demi is probably going to have more realistic commentary, probably not harsh but probably coming from the point of view of ‘I did this before.’ Certainly her and Britney have the X factor, that something about them that makes them stars, it’s hard to pin down. I think it’s going to be good. I think they’re both interesting choices.” So for anyone wondering if Lovato is still too young to mentor, well, Herrera says they should put those concerns aside. “I really think it does [help that she’s young], especially since they are skewing younger and younger with the contestants. I think someone like Demi would have been perfect for someone like Rachel Crow [who competed last season]. She obviously knows what it’s like to be thrust into the spotlight in that way from a really young age,” she said. “I really think that she can be that guiding force.” Do you think Demi Lovato has the “X Factor,” or is she too young? Leave your comment below! Related Videos ‘Demi Lovato: Stay Strong’ Related Photos The Evolution Of: Demi Lovato Related Artists Demi Lovato

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Does Demi Lovato Have ‘The X Factor’?

Does Demi Lovato Have ‘The X Factor’?

Experts break down Lovato’s casting on the Fox reality show to MTV News. By Jocelyn Vena Demi Lovato Photo: MTV The world is still reacting to the now-confirmed news that Britney Spears and Demi Lovato will sit together at the “The X Factor” judges table this fall . While their spots on the show remain among worst-kept secrets in recent memory, these two former Disney princesses will now set out to prove they are savvy enough to judge up-and-coming talent on the Fox competition series. While L.A. Reid, Simon Cowell and Spears bring decades of experience with them to the show, Lovato, only 19, may seem too much like a rookie on the surface. But, she’s already amassed the kind of experience performers triple her age could wish for. She’s released three albums, which have all landed top-five spots on the Billboard 200. She’s starred on the hit Disney series, “Sonny With a Chance” and was the female lead, alongside the Jonas Brothers, in both “Camp Rock” films, which were incredibly successful for the Mouse House. All the success at such a young age makes Lovato a perfect pick for the show. “They’re looking for female pop singers who can engage a younger audience,” Monica Herrera, a senior editor at Rolling Stone, told MTV News. “Demi seems like a good choice because she hits not just music fans, but TV fans and I think they’re kind of trying to find somebody who can hit all angles.” She may have tons of teenage Lovatics, but Keith Caulfield, associate director of charts/retail at Billboard, added that she still hasn’t yet permeated the adult market, which makes this the right time to make this move. “I thought it was interesting choice just because, I mean, she is a star, but she seems a bit under the radar to a degree so this is a great look for her because it’s going to elevate her visibility and give her a whole new audience and a great platform to introduce new material,” he said. “I think it’s a great opportunity for her to really expand her fanbase. I think a lot of people are going to discover Demi for the very first time.” And, that’s why, Herrera adds, she needs to strike while the iron is hot. “I think it’s definitely a smart move; I don’t think she can afford to wait at this point. I think that is kind of a way to jumpstart it and really get herself out there,” she explained. “Obviously she’s gonna want to put out an album timed to the fall show. She’ll have the team behind her to really kind of maximize this opportunity and put out a single and an album that will kind of get the lift that she really needs right now.” Caulfield notes that Lovato will serve as the perfect answer to Spears . “Demi, considering her history and frankly her years of experience, she’s gone through the ringer,” he said. “Demi is probably going to have more realistic commentary, probably not harsh but probably coming from the point of view of ‘I did this before.’ Certainly her and Britney have the X factor, that something about them that makes them stars, it’s hard to pin down. I think it’s going to be good. I think they’re both interesting choices.” So for anyone wondering if Lovato is still too young to mentor, well, Herrera says they should put those concerns aside. “I really think it does [help that she’s young], especially since they are skewing younger and younger with the contestants. I think someone like Demi would have been perfect for someone like Rachel Crow [who competed last season]. She obviously knows what it’s like to be thrust into the spotlight in that way from a really young age,” she said. “I really think that she can be that guiding force.” Do you think Demi Lovato has the “X Factor,” or is she too young? Leave your comment below! Related Videos ‘Demi Lovato: Stay Strong’ Related Photos The Evolution Of: Demi Lovato Related Artists Demi Lovato

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Does Demi Lovato Have ‘The X Factor’?

Does Demi Lovato Have ‘The X Factor’?

Experts break down Lovato’s casting on the Fox reality show to MTV News. By Jocelyn Vena Demi Lovato Photo: MTV The world is still reacting to the now-confirmed news that Britney Spears and Demi Lovato will sit together at the “The X Factor” judges table this fall . While their spots on the show remain among worst-kept secrets in recent memory, these two former Disney princesses will now set out to prove they are savvy enough to judge up-and-coming talent on the Fox competition series. While L.A. Reid, Simon Cowell and Spears bring decades of experience with them to the show, Lovato, only 19, may seem too much like a rookie on the surface. But, she’s already amassed the kind of experience performers triple her age could wish for. She’s released three albums, which have all landed top-five spots on the Billboard 200. She’s starred on the hit Disney series, “Sonny With a Chance” and was the female lead, alongside the Jonas Brothers, in both “Camp Rock” films, which were incredibly successful for the Mouse House. All the success at such a young age makes Lovato a perfect pick for the show. “They’re looking for female pop singers who can engage a younger audience,” Monica Herrera, a senior editor at Rolling Stone, told MTV News. “Demi seems like a good choice because she hits not just music fans, but TV fans and I think they’re kind of trying to find somebody who can hit all angles.” She may have tons of teenage Lovatics, but Keith Caulfield, associate director of charts/retail at Billboard, added that she still hasn’t yet permeated the adult market, which makes this the right time to make this move. “I thought it was interesting choice just because, I mean, she is a star, but she seems a bit under the radar to a degree so this is a great look for her because it’s going to elevate her visibility and give her a whole new audience and a great platform to introduce new material,” he said. “I think it’s a great opportunity for her to really expand her fanbase. I think a lot of people are going to discover Demi for the very first time.” And, that’s why, Herrera adds, she needs to strike while the iron is hot. “I think it’s definitely a smart move; I don’t think she can afford to wait at this point. I think that is kind of a way to jumpstart it and really get herself out there,” she explained. “Obviously she’s gonna want to put out an album timed to the fall show. She’ll have the team behind her to really kind of maximize this opportunity and put out a single and an album that will kind of get the lift that she really needs right now.” Caulfield notes that Lovato will serve as the perfect answer to Spears . “Demi, considering her history and frankly her years of experience, she’s gone through the ringer,” he said. “Demi is probably going to have more realistic commentary, probably not harsh but probably coming from the point of view of ‘I did this before.’ Certainly her and Britney have the X factor, that something about them that makes them stars, it’s hard to pin down. I think it’s going to be good. I think they’re both interesting choices.” So for anyone wondering if Lovato is still too young to mentor, well, Herrera says they should put those concerns aside. “I really think it does [help that she’s young], especially since they are skewing younger and younger with the contestants. I think someone like Demi would have been perfect for someone like Rachel Crow [who competed last season]. She obviously knows what it’s like to be thrust into the spotlight in that way from a really young age,” she said. “I really think that she can be that guiding force.” Do you think Demi Lovato has the “X Factor,” or is she too young? Leave your comment below! Related Videos ‘Demi Lovato: Stay Strong’ Related Photos The Evolution Of: Demi Lovato Related Artists Demi Lovato

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Does Demi Lovato Have ‘The X Factor’?

Demi Lovato Confirmed As ‘X Factor’ Judge

Lovato and Britney Spears expected to be at Monday (May 14) Fox upfront event. By Gil Kaufman Demi Lovato Photo: Tom Pennington/ Getty Images America will meet the rebooted panel of the “X Factor” on Monday and filling the fourth slot at the judge’s table will be Demi Lovato . The 19-year-old Disney star is expected to make the announcement of her high-profile gig on Monday at the Fox network upfront presentation, which will also officially reveal the worst-kept-secret in TV: that Britney Spears has joined the show as well. Lovato is one of the many names 
 that has been in the mix for the gig, which at one point also included Avril Lavigne, Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey. TMZ confirmed that Lovato has scored the gig, which will put her on alongside series creator Simon Cowell and music executive L.A. Reid when the show comes back for its second season in the fall. Last week, Spears finalized her deal, which will reportedly pay her $15 million 
 for one season’s work. Spears and Lovato replace Paula Abdul and former Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger, who were fired in January after the first season of the heavily-hyped show failed to live up to Cowell’s lofty expectations. Both Lovato and Spears are expected to be on hand on Monday when Fox announces the show’s new lineup at its upfront presentations. Though Lovato has a summer tour planned 
, those dates will reportedly not conflict with her new duties on “X Factor.” A spokesperson for “X Factor” could not be reached for comment at press time. Last week, MTV News asked some media experts whether the move to “X Factor” makes sense for Spears and the general consensus was that it did. “I think it is a good move, actually,” said Entertainment Weekly 
 writer Tanner Stransky. “I think she has so many people on her team watching what she’s doing and being careful. I think nobody would let her take a misstep, but I think it’s the right move right now.” The only concern is how the reclusive star might deal with the increased scrutiny and requirement to think on her feet on live TV. “I think everyone is a little concerned, simply because Britney has been very press-shy since she’s been in her conservatorship, and everything is incredibly guarded and incredibly controlled,” said Keith Caulfield, associate director of charts at Billboard . “And there can be uncontrollable moments on ‘The X Factor,’ and if things are not completely in control and things are not rehearsed, things could go wrong. With a live show, anything can happen, and that can be very exciting but, at the same time, a little worrisome.” Lovato and Spears, 30, are the kind of young singers that “X Factor” producers were seemingly looking for to give the show a more youthful appeal and share their experience with contestants. Both are former child stars who’ve struggled with personal issues 
 and neither has experience appearing on live network television. Do you think Demi Lovato will make a good “X Factor” judge? Let us know in comments below. Related Photos The Evolution Of: Demi Lovato Related Artists Demi Lovato

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Demi Lovato Confirmed As ‘X Factor’ Judge