C’mon son… The captain of the ill-fated Costa Concordia had been drinking ‘with a beautiful woman’ at the ship’s bar before he sailed into disaster, it was claimed last night. Francesco Schettino, 52, has been arrested on suspicion of multiple manslaughter and abandoning ship when the cruise liner ran aground after sustaining a 160ft gash in the port-side hull. Six people are now confirmed dead and 14 are still missing. The sixth person – a male passenger – was found dead wearing a life vest on the second deck of the ship, according to an Italian news agency. That area of the boat was not submerged. One passenger has accused the captain of drinking in one of the ship’s bars on the night the vessel ran aground, before taking control after the crash. Monique Maurek, 41, from the Netherlands, said: ‘What scandalised me most was when I saw the captain spending much of the evening before we hit the rocks drinking in the bar with a beautiful woman on his arm. B-b-but wait it gets worse… ‘Most people didn’t even have any idea of what the evacuation warning sound would be. ‘It was only because some of us had already been on a cruise that we recognised that seven blasts of the horn was a signal to abandon ship.’ Phil Metcalf, whose daughter Rose was one of the last people off the ship, said she had revealed the captain allegedly abandoned ship in the early stages of the evacuation, leaving his staff onboard. He said: ‘Since the captain had left there was nobody, so everybody was left to their own devices hence some of the chaos, so obviously the crew took it upon themselves and decided in the absence of the captain to organise and try and help people.’ So this dirty son-of-a-beyotch jumped ship soon as isht got ugly??? Hope they find a nice lil’ creative punishment for this coward! Source More On Bossip! Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner: Here Are Some Current And Future Celebrity Stepdads Handling Their Biz With The Kids Out Of Pocket Old Heads: Mama Jones Starts Twitter War With Olivia???? Canada Dry: Tattoo Artist Claims That Drake Waited In His Car And Sent His Bodyguards To Confront Him Elsewhere In The World: J.R. Smith’s Sister Goes H.A.M. In The Stands At Chinese Game, Choking Out Broads And Catching Fade With An Old Head!
Here’s Tamara Ecclestone opening the London International Boat Show the other day in a sexy little dress. I thought this chick was worth a few billion dollars, what the hell is she doing working a boat show? Maybe she got cut off and needs to fend for herself. I highly doubt it, but that would be awesome. Anyhow, she looks good, she’d look better with me on her arm, but what can you do. I like the captain’s hat, permission to come aboard.
Even the best of us fall down. Johnny Depp found that out the hard way tonight while making his way through a crowd on Hollywood Blvd. While Jack Sparrow may have no trouble leaping from ship to ship on the open seas…walking to one’s car is another matter entirely! Johnny tripped outside the popular hotspot, 25 Degrees, on Saturday night, but seemed to laugh it off soon after. Follow Hollywood.TV on Facebook @ facebook.com/hollywoodasithappens
Children of the ’90s were aghast to hear there was a live-action Captain Planet film reboot in the works, courtesy of the producers behind the Transformers movies. Even the good people at Funny or Die took heed, making their own version of what a live-action Captain Planet movie would look like… if Don Cheadle (in horrifying blue face paint and the Captain’s trademark green mullet) played the part of the eco-friendly superhero, with folks like Brenda Song and Pedro from Napoleon Dynamite onboard as his multi-culti band of annoying young do-gooders.
The rolling geekgasm of Comic-Con is gradually winding down , and the triumphant Marvel Studios is punctuating Day 3 without even setting foot in San Diego. Behold: A new collection of Avengers concept-art portraits featuring Iron Man, Captain America and a quartet of other series regulars.
Edward and Bella weren’t at Comic-Con on Friday , but, for geeks, an even better couple made an appearance: Tintin co-masterminds Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson. Elsewhere, John Cusack, Colin Farrell, Tom Hardy, and the cast of The Amazing Spider-Man lent their charms to Hall H, along with William Shatner. And, seriously: would it even be Comic-Con without Captain Kirk? Click ahead for day two in pictures.
Film should give ‘Harry Potter’ a run for its money this weekend. By Josh Wigler Chris Evans in “Captain America: The First Avenger” Photo: Paramount Pictures The summer of superheroes rages on this weekend with the theatrical release of “Captain America: The First Avenger.” It’s the final building block audiences need before the full picture of Joss Whedon’s “The Avengers” comes into focus this summer, and by all accounts, the movie does not disappoint. Sporting a fresh rating at review aggregate Rotten Tomatoes , both comic book fans and casual moviegoers alike are feeling the patriotic splendor that Cap has to offer, so “Harry Potter” better watch out: Steve Rogers’ mighty shield could very will split the Boy Who Lived’s wand in half this weekend! Read on for a selection of the “Cap” reviews currently rocking the Web, and check out our own “Captain America” review on Splash Page. And if the star-spangled superhero spirit moves you, give us your own reviews in the comments section below. The Story “It was a pleasure to realize, once ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ got under way, that hey, here is a real movie, not a noisy assembly of incomprehensible special effects. Of course it’s loaded with CGI. It goes without saying it’s preposterous. But it has the texture and takes the care to be a full-blown film. You know, like with a hero we care about and who has some dimension. And with weight to the story. As we plunge ahead into a limitless future of comic-book movies, let this be an inspiration rather than Thor or Green Lantern. ” — Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times The Hero “As the titular comic book character, Chris Evans has an appealing, earnest quality, whether he’s playing the digitally enhanced (reduced?) scrawny Steve Rogers or the well-muscled super-soldier dubbed Captain America. Evans provides just the right human anchor to the flash and dazzle of director Joe Johnston’s production. The movie wouldn’t work without Evans’ likability and the sense of integrity he projects, as well as his all-American good looks.” — Claudia Puig, USA Today The Villain “Then there’s Hugo Weaving as Captain America’s nemesis, Red Skull — a role that requires delivering a genuine performance from behind grotesque crimson prosthetics, which Weaving accomplishes with admirable dexterity. In fact, everyone hits their marks with energy and finesse in ‘Captain America,’ which with its clean, Art Deco lines and sprightly spirit exemplifies why comic book movies are such reliable fodder for Hollywood. They come pre-storyboarded, after all; their gadgets, dinguses and doo-dads are a production artist’s dream, just as those tights, capes and masks must provide fetishistic frissons for the most on-trend costume designer.” — Ann Hornaday, The Washington Post The Action “A chase and shoot-out in a ‘Dick Tracy’ version of New York is one of the most thrilling scenes of the summer movie season, yet this generous film keeps the popcorn popping for two full hours. It’s got musical numbers, as Rogers is costumed as Captain America and sent on a war-bonds tour; it’s got a prison break, as the touring celebrity frees some multicultural P.O.W.s from the Nazis, and it’s got a mythic smackdown, as Captain America squares off against Germanic evil genius Johann Schmidt (the hugely entertaining Hugo Weaving, mimicking documentarian Werner Herzog).” — Joe Williams, St. Louis Post-Dispatch The Setting “Though it begins and ends with a scene or two in the present, as directed by Joe Johnston from a screenplay by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, ‘Captain America’ is first and foremost an origins story. Almost half of the film’s running time elapses before Rogers gets any kind of power at all, and though its elements are awfully familiar, it’s the most involving part of the film because it takes advantage of Evans’ performance. These early-days sections are so old-fashioned that, if you take away the copious special effects, watching ‘Captain America’ feels akin to watching the venerable 1950s television version of ‘Superman’ starring George Reeves. Buttons are pushed, dials are turned, secret passwords are uttered and lights blink, just like they did way back when.” — Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times Check out everything we’ve got on “Captain America: The First Avenger.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos MTV First: Captain America MTV Rough Cut: ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ Related Photos ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’
We’ve been following ‘The First Avenger’ since it was first announced. By Ryan J. Downey Chris Evans in “Captain America: The First Avenger” Photo: Paramount Pictures Captain America will finally throw his mighty shield on the big screen this weekend. And while Cap’s journey from the comics to the megaplex wasn’t quite as arduous as the hero’s transition from World War II to present day (which involved being frozen in a block of ice), there were plenty of twists and turns before Chris Evans put on the costume that will allow him to lead the Avengers. A “Captain America” movie actually appeared back in 1990, but to call it a “B-movie” would be generous. Albert Pyun, the director responsible for action romps like Jean Claude Van Damme’s “Cyborg,” cast actor Matt Salinger in the title role and took several liberties with established continuity. Cap was still named Steve Rogers, still given his abilities by a “super soldier serum” during World War II and still frozen in a block of ice, however, his arch-nemesis switched from German to Italian. This summer’s “Captain America: The First Avenger” returns the Red Skull to his nefarious Nazi origins. Hugo Weaving plays the megalomaniacal fellow experimental “super soldier” who leads Hitler’s deep science division, HYDRA, which eventually breaks away from the Nazis due to the Skull’s world-domination plans. Steve Rogers is a Brooklyn kid whose scrawny size and poor health cause him to be rejected continually as he tries to enlist for the war effort. A professor’s serum gives him a muscular body and super-strength. Thanks to technology, Evans portrays both versions of the character. Jon Favreau considered directing “Captain America” before ultimately choosing “Iron Man” instead. That film’s success established Marvel as a Hollywood studio in its own right (with distribution help, of course), following previous Marvel character flicks like “X-Men,” “Spider-Man” and “Daredevil,” which were handled by other studios. Marvel decided to mix heroes onscreen as they always have in print (at least the ones they still own the rights to) with next summer’s “Avengers” movie building on “Easter eggs” and story connections established across multiple films, like “Cap.” “The Incredible Hulk” director Louis Leterrier was considered for a time before the job ultimately went to Joe Johnston , who had proven his hero prowess and period-movie gloss with “The Rocketeer.” Garrett Hedlund (“Tron: Legacy”), John Krasinski (“The Office'”) and Mike Vogel (“Cloverfield”) were among the actors reportedly considered for the title role. Sebastian Stan (“Gossip Girl”) was considered as well before ultimately being cast as Captain America’s sidekick, “Bucky” Barnes. Chris Evans actually turned the role down . He had played a Marvel hero before, appearing as the Human Torch in two “Fantastic Four” films. Evans and Weaving were the first cast announcements. “I got a call, and they said they want me to audition, and I said, ‘Great!’ And then I thought about it and I said, ‘No thanks,’ ” Evans told MTV News. “And then they called back and they said, ‘Well, they want you to test,’ and testing is basically they’ll draw up a contract, and if you’re testing then you’re only testing with a couple other guys and the odds of walking away with it drastically increase. And again I just said, ‘I think I’m good. This isn’t really what I’m looking for.’ “It just seemed like the more I walked away, the more they pursued,” he explained. At Comic-Con last year, where he appeared onstage with the rest of the Avengers, Evans told us about all the research he did to bone up on Captain America lore after he accepted the role. “Personally, when I was going through the comic books, the ones that were most intriguing were the origin stories. I just wanted to get as many different takes on how this guy started out.” Fans were thrilled to learn more information about the Captain America movie as it trickled out online: The Howling Commandos would appear; the Cosmic Cube figured into the story; Tony “Iron Man” Stark’s father, Howard Stark, would be a central supporting character, and so forth. But as it turned out, Evans was still questioning his decision to play the role even at Comic-Con. “I remember the first time I went to a fitting and I put on the suit, and I just was so terrified, so focused on the negatives, still,” he told us a few months later. “I bet when I was at that Comic-Con, I was probably still terrified, probably still apprehensive about whether or not this was right. “I can’t believe I almost didn’t do it!” he told us emphatically. “For better or worse, no matter what happens with the film, whether it’s a good film or not, it was the right thing to do and I’m glad I did it.” Audiences will have a chance to make up their own minds about “Captain America: The First Avenger” this weekend. Critics have been positive thus far. At press time, the film stood at 73 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, which collects reviews from major critics. “It’s paced and designed for people who won’t shrivel up and die if two or three characters take 45 seconds between combat sequences to have a conversation about world domination, or a dame,” wrote The Chicago Tribune. Rolling Stone praised the film’s star in particular. “Evans, who played the Human Torch in two less-than-fantastic Fantastic Four films, brings such humor, heart and vigor to virtuous Steve that our rooting interest holds even when the action gets to be standard-issue,” Peter Travers wrote. Check out everything we’ve got on “Captain America: The First Avenger.” For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ MTV First: Captain America Experts Break Down The First ‘Captain America’ Trailer Related Photos ‘Captain America’
Rapper was also hit with felony possession of an assault weapon charge, following alleged altercation in June. By Gil Kaufman Tone Loc Photo: Todd Williamson/ Getty Images “Wild Thing” rapper Tone Loc was in a Los Angeles courtroom on Thursday, where the 45-year-old MC (born Anthony Smith) pleaded not guilty to felony possession of an assault weapon and domestic violence charges. Loc was arrested last month for suspicion of felony domestic violence following an alleged altercation with the mother of one of his children. According to TMZ , police found an unregistered military-grade assault rifle, a semi-automatic Colt AR-15 Sporter, during their investigation into the incident on June 18. He is slated to return to court in the case on July 28. Last December, Loc was arrested for DUI, but his manager told TMZ that his client does not drink and it was a seizure that caused him to drive erratically. Best known for his gravelly voice and laid-back attitude, Loc had two best-selling singles from his 1989 debut, Loc-ed After Dark, which was followed by the less-successful 1991 disc Cool Hand Loc. After his music career cooled off, the rapper used his unmistakable voice to launch a second career as a voice-over actor and sometime movie actor, appearing in films such as “The Adventures of Ford Fairlane” and “Posse.” He’s also lent his voice to the movies “FernGully: The Last Rainforest,” “A Cool Like That Christmas” and “Titan A.E.,” as well as the TV shows “King of the Hill” and “C-Bear and Jamal.”
‘Captain America’ star opened up in rapid-fire Twitter session with MTV News’ Josh Horowitz. By Terri Schwartz, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Chris Evans Photo: MTV News Though the world’s attention is focused on Chris Evans in anticipation of his turns as Captain America in “Captain America: The First Avenger” and “The Avengers,” at heart Evans is just an average Joe who likes singing show tunes in the shower. MTV News’ Josh Horowitz set out to find the softer side of America’s superhero during a rapid-fire Twitter session with him on “MTV First: Captain America.” Evans revealed that he prefers his eggs scrambled, has a celebrity crush on Salma Hayek and still gets starstruck around Michael Jordan. But fans who submitted their Twitter questions wanted to know the real Chris Evans, the man that they would bring home to meet their parents. When asked whether he’s a good date, Evans admitted that he has some pretty good moves for the ladies. “Oh yeah, I’m a great date,” he said with confidence. “Chivalry was a big thing in my household. If you didn’t hold the door for a woman, my mother’s going to knock your head in.” Considering his superhero background, questions quickly became comic book-based. Apparently Evans’ favorite masked hero growing up was neither Captain America nor Johnny Blaze, both of whom he’s played on the big screen, but Spider-Man. At least he kept the answer within the Marvel family. Evans again voted against his onscreen alter ego when asked whether Iron Man or Captain America would win in a fight. “Unfortunately, probably Iron Man,” he confessed. “I’ve got to be honest. I’m being real.” Hopefully fans will get a chance to see that showdown once “The Avengers” hits the big screen. The most important question of the bunch, though, ended up being the one with the most surprising answer. One Twitter follower asked Evans what song he likes to sing in the shower, but Evans was too embarrassed to give a direct answer. “I grew up doing theater, so unfortunately it’s probably going to be in the world of show tunes,” Evans said with a laugh. When Horowitz prompted him to give up just one song he loves, the “Captain America” star refused. “It’s bad. I can’t even go any more than that,” he said, but then let slip that he’s a sucker for “Rent.” Well, today for you, tomorrow for us, Chris! Check out everything we’ve got on “Captain America: The First Avenger.” For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV First: Captain America
