Critics mostly agree that Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum’s undercover cop comedy is ‘a vibrant reboot of a rather forgettable ’80s TV series.’ By Eric Ditzian Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill in “21 Jump Street” Photo: Sony Where my laughs at? We’ve been suffering through a far-too-serious start at the 2012 box office. The first three-and-a-half months of the year have been dominated by weepy dramas (“The Vow”), kid-friendly animated fare (“The Lorax”), middling horror flicks (“The Devil Inside”) and films that should have kept geek flags around the country flying high but instead could barely inspire a gust of nerdy enthusiasm (“John Carter,” “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance”). Even the adventure-comedy “Journey 2: The Mystery Island” — #4, somehow, on the year’s top-grossing-movies list — elicited more forehead-smacking guffaws than genuine belly laughs. “21 Jump Street” is about to change all of that. As our friends over at NextMovie put it, Jonah Hill’s new film is the “first must-see comedy of the year.” The majority of critics agree, praising the movie’s big laughs, star players and killer supporting performances. Read on for a deep dive into the “21 Jump Street” reviews. The Story “Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum as novice cops who are forced to go undercover as high-school students to bust up a drug ring? Come on, that movie’s going to blow, right? But ’21 Jump Street’ doesn’t blow — which could have been this movie’s raunchy, self-deprecating tagline if it didn’t already have several. ’21 Jump Street’ isn’t a wild, fresh reinvention of the movie-clich
Critics are divided over Will Ferrell’s campy telenovela parody. By Kara Warner Will Ferrell and Diego Luna in “Cada de mi Padre” Photo: Pantelion Films At this point in his storied career, Will Ferrell has taught his fans to expect the unexpected. His latest film, “Casa de Mi Padre,” is a perfect example. The outrageous, purposefully campy and telenovela-esque flick is most certainly not a movie for everyone, and critics are divided on whether its ridiculousness is fun or just plain ridiculous; it currently has a 46 percent Fresh rating over at Rotten Tomatoes . Vamanos a las criticas de “Casa de Mi Padre”! The Premise : “Will Ferrell, speaking passable Spanish (with English subtitles), plays Armando Alvarez, a Mexican rancher hot for the fianc
‘He just had to cancel a couple of shows just so he could get right,’ Royce da 5’9″ tells MTV News in Austin, Texas before SXSW Shady showcase. By Rob Markman, with reporting by Nadeska Alexis Yelawolf Photo: Joey Foley/ Getty Images There’s a Shady party scheduled to go down at SXSW on Friday night (March 16), but sadly Yelawolf will not be performing with his labelmates 50 Cent and Slaughterhouse . The Gadsden, Alabama, MC was hospitalized March 2 with an injury to his spleen after a stage-diving accident in Madison, Wisconsin. “I have [spoken] to him, I spoke to him, I called him and checked on him. I think he stage-dove or something like that,” Royce da 5’9″ told MTV News of Yela’s status when we caught up with the MC in Austin, Texas. “I don’t know if people know this because Yelawolf is such a mild-mannered, laid-back kinda guy, but he gets real rowdy onstage and he doesn’t mind putting his physical health in danger as well as the fans’, which makes for a greater show.” No doubt, Yela has earned a reputation as an energetic performer, mixing both rap and punk-rock elements into his stage show. Unfortunately, after the Wisconsin show, doctors recommended he cancel a number of dates, including a concert at Saint Andrew’s Hall in label boss Eminem’s native Detroit and, of course, tonight’s SXSW showcase. Not that the Shady 2.0 show will be without highlights. 50 Cent is set to perform his 2003 classic debut, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, in its entirety and Slaughterhouse will take the stage in what is expected to be a lyrical free-for-all. Big K.R.I.T., Schoolboy Q, Action Bronson and XXL freshman Don Trip are also scheduled to hit the stage. As far as Catfish Billy, Royce expects his buddy to make a full recovery. “He’s well, he’s doing well,” he said, “He just had to cancel a couple of shows just so he could get right.” SXSW is under way in Austin, Texas, and MTV News has you covered with all of the action. From the Woodies on March 15 to behind-the-scenes scoop on festival showcases from Lil Wayne, T.I., 50 Cent and many more, stick with us for unprecedented access! Related Artists YelaWolf Royce Da 5’9″
‘I’m telling you, this album is gonna be so well worth the wait,’ Mystikal says of his upcoming Original on ‘RapFix Live.’ By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway Mystikal on “RapFix Live” Photo: Natasha Chandel/ MTV News It’s been 11 years since Mystikal ‘s last album, but when his 2012 album Original finally does drop, the energetic bounce master promises that he will deliver in a big way. “I’m telling you, this album is gonna be so well worth the wait, Sway, believe that,” Mystikal told MTV News’ Sway Calloway on Wednesday’s “RapFix Live.” The truth is, even if it wasn’t “worth the wait,” would a rapper really say otherwise? Mystikal acknowledged that his boasts may seem clich
Annual convention welcomes talent from ‘Prometheus,’ ‘The Amazing Spider-Man,’ ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ and more. By Kara Warner Kristen Stewart in “Snow White and the Huntsman” Photo: Universal Pictures Although summer blockbuster season is still a few months away, the lucky fans making the trek to WonderCon this weekend in Anaheim, California, will be getting a very special sneak preview of a few of the summer’s most-anticipated films. The annual comic book, sci-fi and fantasy fest kicked off Friday (March 16) and continues through the weekend with an action-packed schedule of events that include panel discussions, artist meet-and-greets, costume competitions and, of course, movie previews. MTV News will be making the trek down to the Con for a full day of preview presentations and interviews with some very special guests. Here’s a quick preview of what to expect from the studios and films scheduled to appear at the Anaheim Convention Center on Saturday: 20th Century Fox : “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” and “Prometheus” Fox will debut exclusive new footage and the stars and filmmakers from two of the most buzzed-about films this year at the Con. “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” is the tale of one of America’s most beloved historical figures reinvented as a vampire-killer, and star Benjamin Walker, director Timur Bekmambetov and writer Seth Grahame-Smith will be on hand to discuss it. “Prometheus” marks the highly anticipated return of director Ridley Scott to his “Aliens” origins, although the extent of which we are unsure because the film is shrouded in secrecy. Sir Scott will be joined by screenwriter Damon Lindelof and stars Michael Fassbender and Charlize Theron. Universal : “Snow White and the Huntsman” and “Battleship” First-time feature director Rupert Sanders will present a never-before-seen reel of footage from “Huntsman” alongside star Charlize Theron. “I’m going to present a piece that I’ve cut specifically for WonderCon, a five-minute piece that is very different from anything else that’s been seen,” Sanders told MTV News recently. “We made our announcements at Comic-Con and just over a year later, it’s been a quick turnaround on this project, so it’s going to be nice to go back to WonderCon this time and show them an original piece, tailored specifically for them.” Fans will also get an exclusive look at new footage from “Battleship,” presented by director Peter Berg, Brooklyn Decker and Alexander Skarsgard. Sony : “The Amazing Spider-Man,” “Looper,” and “Resident Evil: Retribution” Sony is set to get your Spidey sense tingling with a sneak peek at new footage from director Marc Webb’s interpretation of the web slinger’s origins as portrayed by Andrew Garfield. Webb will be joined by star and current “it” girl Emma Stone. Fans will also receive a first look at the intriguing sci-fi thriller “Looper,” in which time travel is utilized by hired killers. Writer/director Rian Johnson will make an appearance with star Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who plays a young version of Bruce Willis’ character in the film. Sony is also sending up a sneak peek of the latest installment in the “Resident Evil” franchise, “Resident Evil: Retribution,” with director Paul W.S. Anderson and star Milla Jovovich. Which of these movies are you most excited for? Leave your comment below! For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Photos The Amazing Spider-Man Snow White And The Huntsman
Perry will debut the video for her hit on ‘MTV First: Katy Perry’ on Wednesday, March 21, at 7:23 p.m. ET on MTV. By John Mitchell Katy Perry in her “Part of Me” video Photo: Capitol Katy Perry ‘s 2011 was huge, and 2012 is shaping up to be even bigger with the March 26 release of Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection and a new album in the works. We’re just days away from “MTV First: Katy Perry,” when the pop star will debut her video for 53rd Grammy Awards as one of the top nominees. Her Teenage Dream was up for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, and the tracks “Teenage Dream” and “California Gurls” were nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Collaboration, respectively. She also hit the stage to perform a medley of her Dream tracks “Not Like the Movies” and “Teenage Dream.” During “Movies,” Perry floated over the audience while footage from her lavish wedding ceremony in India to Russell Brand played on a screen behind her.
‘I’m an actor digging through Angelina Jolie’s garbage,’ ‘Hunger Games’ star jokes to MTV News about replacing the actress in Cooper’s next flick. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Jennifer Lawrence Photo: MTV News “The Hunger Games” star Jennifer Lawrence has admitted she’s not sure when she’ll be on set for the next film in the franchise, “Catching Fire,” but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have plenty of projects to keep her busy until then. “I just wrapped a movie called ‘The Silver Linings Playbook,’ and that’ll be out at some point, I don’t know when,” Lawrence told MTV News recently. “And then I’m going to go shoot another Bradley Cooper movie. It’s not a Bradley Cooper movie — Bradley Cooper’s in the movie — it’s a Jennifer Lawrence movie with Bradley in it,” she joked. “Bradley Cooper and I are going to come out with a Jennifer Lawrence/ Bradley Cooper box set.” That box set, should it ever get made, would focus on two very different films starring Lawrence and Cooper: “Silver Linings,” due in November, revolves around a man who tries to put his life back together after spending years in a mental institution, while “Serena” is about a Depression-era couple who face personal complications when they learn the wife cannot bear children, possibly destroying the future of their lumber company. Lawrence will play Cooper’s wife in “Serena,” a part originally intended for Angelina Jolie. “I’m not at the status where I have her roles. I have her leftovers, let’s be clear,” she joked of Jolie. “She left it for me. I have her garbage. No, that’s a wonderful place to be. I’m an actor digging through Angelina Jolie’s garbage. I’ve made it.” Shooting on “Serena” has yet to start. Although Lawrence has several films on her production docket, she wouldn’t rule out getting back into the “X-Men” mindset as Mystique if given the chance. “I would love to do another one. I’m hearing the same as everyone else, there’s mumblings,” she said of her “First Class” role. “I can’t wait to get painted again.” If fans can’t wait that long to see Lawrence’s on the big screen, they can head to theaters on March 23 when the highly anticipated “Hunger Games” hits theaters. Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: Jennifer Lawrence Related Photos ‘Hunger Games’ Blazes Into U.K. ‘Hunger Games’ World Premiere Red Carpet
‘This season, we kind of appreciated Jersey more,’ he tells MTV News of season five. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Sway Calloway Sway and Pauly D Photo: MTV News In a sea of laughs (courtesy of Vinny trying to hook up with two lesbians) and drama (including the Situation gossiping about Deena’s sister’s bedtime activities with his brother) on the “Jersey Shore” season finale, perhaps the biggest drama of all was caused by a prank pulled by Pauly D and Vinny. After the crew returned from a camping trip, they found that their pals had pulled the ultimate practical joke, putting all their belongings and the house’s furnishings outside. While almost everyone laughed it off, their pal the Situation didn’t find it as amusing, complaining ad nauseam about the joke. “The finale’s crazy because we go all out with the pranks,” Pauly told MTV News about the season ender. “So me and Vinny, we’re like prank-war champions. The whole house [suffers]. They appreciate it, but they get mad.” It capped off a season that was full of fun, drunken nights, as well as some real emotion, especially when Vinny left the house for a minute to deal with his anxiety issues . In the end, Pauly recalled all the laughs he shared with his roomies. “Well, this season, we kind of appreciated Jersey more,” he said. “So we took advantage of it and everything it has to offer. We were in Italy for so long [last season] that we never were away from the country for that amount of time, so you realize how much you miss gym, tan, laundry. There was no tanning beds in Italy. “Something that surprised me? When Vinny left,” he added about his buddy’s short break from the house. “I never thought he would ever leave me. So he left me, but good thing we brought him back.” With season five over, it’s not clear if the show will come back for a sixth season . If it does happen, Pauly D is down to hit Seaside again. “Absolutely! I’m there! I love summers on the Jersey Shore,” he said. “I love it as a show, and I love it with my roommates. I wouldn’t do it without [them]. I gotta do it with them. I want all of them, and I want the Jersey Shore.” Until then, fans can get their DJ Pauly D fix with his spin-off, “The Pauly D Project,” kicking off on March 29, the same day as the premiere of “Punk’d.” And of course, the “Shore” spin-off featuring mom-to-be Snooki and JWoww is currently in production. Don’t miss “Jersey Shore” every Thursday at 10 p.m. ET on MTV. For continuing “Shore” coverage, be sure to check in with MTV’s Remote Control blog. Related Videos Jersey Shore (Season 5) | Ep. 11 | We Are Family Jersey Shore (Season 5) | Ep. 11 | Deleted Scenes Related Photos Jersey Shore Season 5 | Ep. 11 | Flipbook
30 Seconds to Mars, Linkin Park also headline the loaded South, but only one will win. Vote in all first-round matchups now! By James Montgomery Evanescence’s Amy Lee Photo: Getty Images We’re entering the homestretch of first-round voting in the 2012 MTV Musical March Madness tournament — polls close on Sunday at midnight ET — but there’s still time to help guide your favorite band to victory … or at least to round two. Vote for your favorite band, discuss and share on Facebook and Twitter in the MTV Musical March Madness interactive bracket! Because as history has shown us time and time again, there are no guarantees when it comes to MMM, as heavily favored bands fall by the wayside and unheralded underdogs make deep tourney runs. Of course, it’s all up to you — you can spread the word by downloading one of our custom MMM badges , or by using the hashtag #MMM on Twitter — but to help with any last-minute decisions, we’ve spent all week breaking down each of the March Madness regions. We started with the mighty Midwest and moved on to the wild West and the erudite East . Today, we’ll close with the down-and-dirty South, which has produced both the 2010 champion, Coheed and Cambria, and the 2011 runner-up, Paramore. And this year, well, it looks like that tradition could continue. Because the 2012 South region once again features not only Paramore but Evanescence (who might very well be the team to beat) and MMM powerhouses like 30 Seconds to Mars and Linkin Park too. One of those four bands is going to advance to the Final Four … and stands a pretty good chance at winning it all. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Here’s a look at all the first-round matchups in a very loaded South. #1 Evanescence vs. #16 Alabama Shakes : Pity the ‘Bama Shakes, who were playing near home but drew the all-powerful Evanescence in round one. Not surprisingly, this one was over early, and given EV’s 17,000-vote cushion, we’re thinking they’ll advance to round two. In fact, they might not be challenged until the Sweet 16, with a potential matchup against Linkin Park looming. #2 Paramore vs. #15 Gotye : Sure, Gotye spent the weeks leading up to MMM practicing his pick-and-roll , but when the tourney began, he got appropriately rolled by Paramore, who clearly have bigger things on their minds. Much like Evanescence, they won’t face a tough opponent until the Sweet 16, where they’ll probably meet 30 Seconds to Mars. #3 Kings of Leon vs. #14 Phoenix : Will this be the year the Kings make a deep run in the tourney? Um, probably not. For the second time in three years, they appear headed for a first-round exit, this time at the hands of Phoenix, who hold a pretty hefty lead. Surprisingly, this would be the third-straight year they make it to round two … the trick now seems to be figuring out how to advance from there. #4 Jack White vs. #13 Shinedown : White goes it alone in MMM 2012, and so far, he’s finding it tough to shoulder the load. He owns a slim lead over upset-minded Shinedown, who look to continue the recent trend of heavy bands going deep in the tournament. Though they’re trailing, we like Shinedown’s spirit, and we’re picking them to knock off White and advance. Vote for your favorite band, discuss and share on Facebook and Twitter in the MTV Musical March Madness interactive bracket! #5 Linkin Park vs. #12 At the Drive-In : Last year, LP made it all the way to the Sweet 16 before getting bounced by Paramore. This year, we’re pretty confident they’ll make it past ATDI in round one (they’re up by some 12,000 votes), but the selection committee certainly didn’t do them any favors after that: They’ll have to get past Evanescence if they want to finally taste the Elite 8. #6 30 Seconds to Mars vs. #11 Sleigh Bells : Obviously, the selection committee has it out for the poor Sleigh Bells, who drew Linkin Park in the opening round last year and got 30 STM this year. As you’d probably expect, Jared Leto and company hold a sizable lead here and are locks to move on. Again though, Paramore await in the Sweet 16. #7 Cage the Elephant vs. #10 Ke$ha : A surprisingly competitive 7/10 battle unfolding here, as Cage crept to the early advantage, then watched as Ke$ha — and her Kegels — roared all the way back to take the lead. This one’s still too close to call, though perhaps this is finally the year Ke$ha advances to round two. #8 My Morning Jacket vs. #9 Dave Matthews Band : This potential Birkenstock-burner has basically been a snoozer (our lowest-voted opening-round matchup), which may have something to do with MMJ and DMB fans being too, uh, sleepy to vote. It’s the DMB by a bong rip so far, though given that the winner of this contest gets Evanescence next, well, does it really matter who wins? MTV’s 2012 Musical March Madness Tournament is under way! Voting in the first round runs until midnight ET on Sunday, March 18, and winners are determined by fan votes, so if your favorite act made the cut, it’ll be up to you to guide them to glory. You can rally the troops on Twitter using the hashtag #MMM or by downloading one of our custom badges — but get ready, it’s gonna be a war! Related Videos Musical March Madness Returns! Related Photos MTV’s Musical March Madness 2012 Related Artists Evanescence Paramore
Brand turned himself in on the misdemeanor warrant on Thursday. By Gil Kaufman Russell Brand Photo: Getty Images It was a quick trip to the police station for Russell Brand on Thursday afternoon. The British comedian turned himself in at the New Orleans Sheriff’s office in connection with an iPhone tossing incident and he was swiftly booked on two misdemeanor counts of simple criminal damage to property valued at $700 and then sent on his way. According to TMZ, Brand was sprung from jail in short order after posting $5,000 bond in the case, in which he is accused of grabbing a photographer’s iPhone and tossing it through the window of a downtown law office. An arrest warrant was issued for Brand on Wednesday and the “Arthur” star made no attempt to hide his part in the phone flap. Earlier this week he responded to the news by posting on his Rustyrockets Twitter feed, writing, “Since Steve Jobs died I cannot bear to see anyone use an iPhone irreverently, what I did was a tribute to his memory.” Paparazzo Timothy Jackson filed a police report immediately after the incident that claimed “criminal damages.” Jackson got his phone back and Brand agreed to pay for the window, but police still issued the warrant. TMZ also reported that Brand’s people have already paid for the broken window, handing over $240 to repair it last night. Brand is the second celeb to run afoul of the law recently after grabbing someone else’s phone. Last month,
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