I guess this Victoria’s Secret recruited 18 year old from a Eastern European country, that I can only assume is part of the human trafficking trade, because how else does an 18 year old girl from an Eastern European country end up in America working for top brands….I mean all the Eastern European girls I know are on webcam sites hiding their bruises while being watched by their handlers so they don’t cry for help….. Whatever the reason for Barbara Palvin, she’s here, she’s not all that hot, she’s modeling for Intimissimi Lingerie, because I guess Victoria’s Secret likes to share her, you know lend her to other companies, to build her resume and portfolio and fanbase, before locking her down, and these are the behind the scenes pics. Inspiring. I know.
Following a bad car accident over the weekend in the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles, Kendra Wilkinson was rushed to the hospital. The ex- Playboy centerfold and Splash participant was released yesterday after an examination revealed no serious injuries, though insiders tell Us Weekly Kendra was “in shock” after the crash took place. A rep for the celebrity did not return calls for a comment, but the source confirms Wilkinson was discharged after a couple hours and is now home with husband Hank Baskett and son Hank Baskett IV. Wilkinson dropped out of the ABC diving competition a few weeks ago due to her fear of heights and, ironically, injury. She said the decision will haunt her forever . Yes, that assessment came from someone who was once one of three girlfriend to an 80-year old man in a bathrobe. But we’re glad Kendra is okay.
Who brings a toddler to their sex tape negotiating sessions? Farrah Abraham, that’s who. Seriously … she did that. The Teen Mom star, who doesn’t lack for self-esteem, says she’s an amazing mom. When bringing a little girl to Vivid Entertainment’s offices … other words come to mind. She says that she is negotiating with two other companies for the rights to the Farrah Abraham porn – which she now admits is real – as well as Vivid. One of those, THG can report, is YouPorn … but it’s unclear how close any buyers are to the $2 million price tag she has allegedly placed on the thing. She also brought along her dad to negotiations with Vivid – “for support,” the 21-year-old says – but it’s clear he’s not too thrilled about her sex tape . One can’t even imagine why. It’s one thing to know that James Deen gave it to your daughter six ways from Tuesday … another to sit there and listen to her rehash it and sell the rights. At least she’s open about it … sort of. The funny thing? TMZ interviewed Vivid CEO Steve Hirsch after the meeting with Farrah and even he questioned the wisdom of her bringing Sophia long. When Steve Hirsch is uncomfortable, that says a lot.
Unknown hackers besieged Twitter this week and may have gained passwords and personal information of up to 250,000 users during the cyber-attack. Twitter confirmed it was hacked in a blog post, saying that the passwords were encrypted and that it already reset them as a “precautionary measure.” The social network is “in the process” of notifying affected users. Twitter noted recent revelations of cyber attacks against the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal , but did not elaborate on the origin or methodology of the attacks. “This attack was not the work of amateurs, and we do not believe it was an isolated incident,” Twitter said on its website, following the hacking. “The attackers were extremely sophisticated, and we believe that other companies and organizations have also been recently similarly attacked.” Twitter, which has 200 million active monthly users, said it was working with government and federal law enforcement officials to track down the attackers. The company did not specifically link the attacks to China in the blog post, in contrast to the Times and Journal , which both said the hackers originated in China. Twitter, known for its 140-character messages, could not speculate on the origin of the attacks as its investigation was ongoing, said spokesman Jim Prosser. “There is no evidence now that would indicate passwords were compromised,” said Prosser. Whoever was responsible and why, it’s a trend that isn’t going away anytime soon. Last month, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano warned against the imminent risk of a 9/11-level cyber attack.
Let’s give Kim Kardashian points for honesty. And hilarity. The giant-breasted reality star has openly taken issue with Instagram because the company’s new Terms of Service agreement can be interpreted as giving it permission to sell client photos without compensating the user. What is Kim’s main issue with this controversial addendum? “I just don’t think they should have the right to sell [our photos] to advertising companies on our behalf,” Kardashian told TMZ yesterday. “What if we don’t want to advertise what they want? HA! That’s a good one, Kim Kardashian. When was the last time you didn’t want to advertise with a company? Oh, right. When you weren’t paid for it. In reality, this is an understandable point of contention for Kim and any Instagram client, although the company’s CEO says the wording has been misunderstood and Instagram cannot actually sell your likeness to the highest bidder. Still, will Kim take her nearly six million followers to another photo-sharing site? “I just hope they revise it,” she said ominously of the Instagram policy.
Rapper Fat Joe pleaded guilty Thursday to failing to pay taxes on nearly $3 million in income he earned over two years for concerts and music royalties. The artist, whose real name is Joseph Cartagena, was once a chart topper with several hits like the duet “What’s Luv” with R&B singer Ashanti. Cartagena entered the plea in federal court in Newark because some of the companies he earned money from are incorporated in New Jersey. The 42-year-old entered pleas to two counts covering years 2007 and 2008. His sentencing will take into consideration the government’s initial allegation that he failed to pay income taxes for years 2007 through 2010. Federal prosecutors said the total tax loss to the government was $718,038. Wearing a navy suit in court to plead guilty, Fat Joe looked fit and considerably slimmer than the former size that had earned him his rapper nickname. He has been public about efforts to shed weight after fellow rap stars died from obesity-related issues and has spoke to kids about health and fitness. In federal court Thursday, when asked by U.S. Magistrate Cathy Waldor if he understood the charges he was facing, he replied, “I super-understand it.” Cartagena’s lawyer, Jeffrey Lichtman, said outside court that his client “had already taken steps to resolve this situation” before he had been charged. He said the rapper hoped to pay back the taxes by his April 3 sentencing. The judge set bail at $250,000 and released Cartagena. He could face up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000, plus penalties from the IRS.
And… we’re live! The X Factor featured its top 16 last night, along with awful new hosts Khloe Kardashian and Mario Lopez, and the return of both over-produced numbers and forced judging fights. What did you think of Season 2’s first live show? Let’s start with the Young Adults, coached by Demi Lovato and comprised of Paige Thomas, Jennel Garcia , CeCe Frey and Willie Jones. Paige Thomas – “What Is Love” Jennel Garcia – “Home Sweet Home” CeCe Frey – “Because the Night” Willie Jones – “Here for the Party” Which performance stood out? Who might be going home this evening? Watch the renditions above and vote now on your favorite: Paige Thomas Jennel Garcia CeCe Frey Willie Jones View Poll »
Lady Gaga is but one of many stars reacting to Hurricane Sandy online this week, but for the pop star, the weather event hit closer to home than most. The native New Yorker wrote on her Little Monsters website: “im not sure where to put these feelings. im so sad. i feel like my entire childhood is underwater. the boardwalk in atlantic city, my old Apts in Brooklyn and LES.” “all the bars and friends. im just so sad.” “i know it will be ok. im not sure why i feel this way. maybe homesickness, or maybe its easier to be a gypsy if you know your soul grows from somewhere great.” “and that great place protected me my whole life, now parts are destroyed. just very sad and pensive today. thinking of everyone today.” Other celebrity reactions to the “superstorm” in the past few days: Ben Stiller: “1st access to Internet since #Sandy. To donate your time to support NYC hurricane relief efforts check out https://www.facebook.com/nycservice…RT @CovHousePrez Join @StillerOrg in supporting homeless kids on the NJ coast affected by #Sandy: http://bit.ly/Help_Our_Kids” Diane Sawyer: “Across this great country, hearts and minds with the people in #Sandy ‘s path.” JWoww : “Devastation doesn’t last forever http://bit.ly/JWSandy We can and will rebuild! Thinking about my second family at the Jersey Shore.” Ryan Lochte : “Don’t forget to keep your thoughts & prayers with those in the northeast recovering from #Sandy & not able to celebrate #Halloween tonight” Denise Richards: “Our daughters are such amazing girls, concerned for others & the animals than us missing Halloween #Sandy” LL Cool J: “#sandy My family is dealing w/ this as I tweet. The Lord is great and mighty. Stay strong everyone. It’s hard but trust, this too shall pass” Judah Friedlander: “‘The hurricane was a brutal. My cable went out for 10 minutes.’ – out of touch upper east sider. #Sandy #hurricane” Piers Morgan: “Good for him > @rupertmurdoch: Newscorp giving $1million to help families in NY and NJ hurt by Sandy. Hope other companies will do same.” Alan Cumming: “I’m officially bored of Sandy” Dr. Sanjay Gupta: “watching the evacuation of the nation’s oldest continuously running hospital. #bellevue #sandy #surreal http://twitpic.com/b96oaz” Jesse McCartney: “Breaks my heart to see how bad #Sandy devastated the region where I grew up. Love and prayers to everyone who suffered losses.” Nia Vardalos: “RT @nbc: RT @rockcenternbc: Want to help those struggling in the wake of #Sandy? NBC News compiled list, resources. http://rockcenter.co/Sd0oVN” Marcus Samuelsson: “thank you harlem and @RoosterHarlem staff for staying strong during sandy” Dwayne Johnson: “To all those affected by Sandy ~ “Every set back is a set up for a comeback”. Our prayers are with you. #StayStrong” Ricky Gervais: ” ‘Global Warming isn’t responsible for Hurricane Sandy, Global Bumming is’ say bigoted nutters in funny outfits.” Carmelo Anthony: “Game vs the Nets has been cancelled. We are still working hard. Thoughts are w/ everyone affected by Hurricane Sandy” Katie Couric: “To the first responders & all of those continuing their efforts to restore power & safety to the millions in #Sandy’s path: thank you!!!” Richard Branson: “Hear Halloween postponed on US east coast due to #Sandy. Thoughts are with you all, stay safe as the recovery continues” Kathy Najimy: “NY’ers hav no powr&transit, toxicwater, blownout blgs bt folks outside n costume, guy playng trumpt on the corner-fck sandy.#bestcityinworld” Alec Baldwin: “I suppose, at this point, the critical mass has been reached re a need 4 action on climate change.” Ralph Macchio: “With all the storm aftermath insanity – totally forgot it was Halloween. Until some guy in a shower costume tracked me down. Busted again.”
Also in Monday afternoon’s round-up of news briefs, Len Wiseman is being tapped to direct a classic thriller reboot. Innocence of Muslims actress is heading to federal court. And Benicio Del Toro eyes his latest project. Lee Daniels’ The Butler Heads to The Weinstein Company TWC picked up U.S. rights to the film by Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniels. Forest Whitaker stars in the true-life inspired story about an African-American man who served as a butler in the White House under eight U.S. Presidents. The film also stars Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey, John Cusack, Jane Fonda, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Terrence Howard, Minka Kelly, Lenny Kravitz, Melissa Leo, James Marsden and Vanessa Redgrave. The film traces the dramatic changes that swept American society, from the civil rights movement to Vietnam and beyond, and how those changes affected this man’s life and family. “Lee tells stories in a way no one else does,” said TWC head Harvey Weinstein. “What struck me most about this story is the perspective it comes from, which in this case is the butler- a man who was a fly on the wall for decades in the world’s most powerful home.” The Butler is currently in production in New Orleans. Around the ‘net… Jake Gyllenhaal Eyes Prisoners Gyllenhaal is in talks to star opposite Hugh Jackman the the gritty thriller, being directed by Incendies director Denis Velleneuve. The story centers around a small town carpenter (Jackman) whose young daughter and best friend are kidnapped. He in turn kidnaps the man he believes is responsible for the crime, THR reports . Len Wiseman to Direct The Mummy Universal Pictures has tapped Wiseman to direct the reboot of the franchise that took in $1.25 billion over three films. Jon Spaihts is writing the script for the studio which is looking at a possible Summer 2014 release, Deadline reports . Innocence of Muslims Actress to Sue in Federal Court Cindy Lee Garcia named YouTube, Google and the film’s supposed producer Nakoula Basseley Nakoula in a law suit alleging fraud and emotional distress. Claiming a copyright issue, her lawyer Cris Armenta said on the Today show that they will dismiss the state court lawsuit and head to federal court, Deadline reports . Benicio Del Toro Set for How the Light Gets In Del Toro and producer Laura Bickford who partnered on Traffic and Che are partnering on How the Light Gets In , described as a “contemporary love story set in New York, London, Paris and Berlin.” In the film, Del Toro will play a Chilean novelist living in Paris who falls in love. Variety reports .
Everyone is either looking forward to Wreck-It Ralph or still refers to video games as “those beeping boximacallits.” There are no other options. Gaming movies have a bad reputation, which is weird, because, despite what you may have heard and read, they have yet to materialize. We’ve seen dozens of action movies that share the titles of video games and little else, and run from reprehensible to ridiculously profitable — sometimes in the same series . We’ve also watched feature-length advertisements for video games that we’ve paid to see in hopes that there might be a movie in there somewhere. Case in point: Universal Pictures’ The Wizard. But that may be about to change. Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph could be the first true gaming movie — the first of a genre that could some day stand alongside war, horror and gangster movie genres. It’s a genre whose time has come. The children being brought to the latest Disney movie have grown up with games, while their parents have watched their kids — and the games — grow from simple noise-making bundles of reflexes to fully interactive 3D characters. I haven’t seen Wreck-It Ralph yet, but I already know one thing that’s smart about it. The movie doesn’t tie itself to a single franchise, but populates its world with characters and cliches from all of them. Imagine Super Smash Bros Brawl without being limited to Nintendo, then give them time off to chill between battles. That’s the level of world we’re looking at here. Wreck-It Ralph puts together a dream team of retro characters from a savvily chosen array of games: Zangief from Street Fighter , Q-Bert, Sonic, Kano and even a Beholder. If you’re not familiar with that last creature, he exists in video games the same way Captain Kirk exists in video games — he’s certainly been there but comes from a whole other world: Dungeons & Dragons . The Beholder is an extremely cool nod to gamers. Better yet, the characters are all rendered with such love that even the zombie — the most generic enemy in videogaming history — is recognizably from a specific game series. The double-fire-axe and torn beige shirt distinguishes him as a walker from House of the Dead clearer than a passport with his bite-marks on it. Wreck-It Ralph is stuffed with so many celebrity cameos that Chun-Li, also from Street Fighter , as a background character. Other companies have built entire films around her, although considering how that turned out, it’s probably a good thing the producers didn’t follow suit. The cruelest (but most accurate) gaming revelation was the presence of Sonic and Bowser, but no Mario. The writers told TotalFilm.com that Mario is such a powerful character that there would be no way to put him in the movie without him dominating it. But Sonic? Sure, stick him in there. There was never any doubt about who won the ’90s battle between him and Mario — and his inclusion removes any doubt that the writers really understand the games they’re referencing. Others have bitched about Zangief ‘s presence in the Bad Guys support group when he’s just one of many playable Street Fighters, but come on: he was a Russian in a fighting game in the 90s. He was also almost unplayable in the original, so the only way most people saw him was from the wrong end of a devastating Screw Piledriver. He’s become much cuddlier since, and a surprisingly effective character in Super Street Fighter IV multiplayer. This detailed attention to our old gaming friends is glorious, but could cause a hardcore backlash. The trailers’ focus has obviously been on these recognizable characters, but they’re just as obviously trailer-trash. We’ve probably seen fully half their screen time already. This retro-disappointment is going to be a big complaint for people missing the point, but put it this way: These are Expendables cameos, not Expendables 2 cameos. We can expect these old-school characters to turn up for a few seconds then get out of the way of the main story. Still, for any veteran gamer it’s mind-boggling to see so many different game publishers cooperating. That many intellectual properties overlapping means more legal wrangling than the average nuclear test. That also probably means that none of these characters will actually do anything for most of the movie, but it’s a real coup just to have them along for the ride. Besides, even though, after seeing the trailers, some people are expecting this: The movie has to be about these guys: And that’s a good thing. Because this isn’t a retro movie . It’s a gaming movie. Sonic and the Beholder will get asses in seats, but it’s the original characters, and the, I hope, original story that will make the faces on the other ends of those asses leave with smiles. One of the parody games featured in Wreck-It Ralph , Hero’s Duty, fuses Halo , Call of Duty , Battlefield 3 and every other action shooter, while another, Sugar Rush couldn’t be more of a Mario Kart clone if it featured an Italian plumber. The filmmakers can make all the pointed jokes they want about these and other video games without their publishers complaining. (And it’s not like every other gaming company hasn’t made a knock-off of Mario Kart already.) The new characters are well capable of carrying the movie. Ralph is entirely believable as an 1980s game villain (and already has his own game ). Sergeant Calhoun is a tough female soldier who kicks ass and actually wears sensible body-covering clothing, meaning Wreck-It Ralph is better at character creation than most modern video games. Wreck-It Ralph is important because games aren’t a niche market anymore. They’re everywhere and everyone, from casual Angry Birds players to 80th level World of Warcraft Paladins. It looks like the movie industry is finally ready to take video games seriously. And by that, I mean, have some real fun with them. Luke McKinney loves the real world, but only because it has movies and video games in it. He responds to every tweet . Follow Luke McKinney on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.
