Zac Efron really is all grown up. The former High School Musical actor will anchor his most mature movie to date in 2012, starring alongside Nicole Kidman, Matthew McConaughey, John Cusack and others in The Paperboy, an upcoming drama based on a 1995 novel by Pete Dexter. Check out the first official poster now: The film focuses on a Miami Times reporter who comes back to his Florida hometown to investigate a case involving a death row inmate. It’s not the only film to star Efron in the new year, either. Check out The Lucky One trailer now!
Critics weren’t wowed by director Guy Ritchie’s 2009 original, and this time around is no different. By Kevin P. Sullivan Robert Downey Jr. in “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” Robert Downey Jr. ‘s steampunk take on the classic literary detective returns for a new mystery in “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.” The first film from 2009 didn’t exactly wow the critics, and the sequel is no exception. The mixed response ranges from “better than the first” to “one of the worst of the year,” but the chemistry between Downey and Jude Law earned the critics’ highest complements. We’ve rounded up some of the best reviews to give you a sense what the critics are saying: The Story “As the film opens, Watson is paying a visit to his occasional partner in solving crimes. His wedding to Mary (Kelly Reilly) is fast approaching and Holmes is to be his best man. The intrigues begin in earnest with the bachelor party Holmes throws at an eccentric gentleman’s club, in which none of Dr. Watson’s pals show up but two new characters do — a very wry Stephen Fry as Holmes’ brother, Mycroft, and a Gypsy fortuneteller Madam Simza Heron, played by Noomi Rapace. Holmes has had a chance encounter (or was it) with the lovely Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) who seemed clearly over her head in something that involves Professor James Moriarty (Jared Harris, the age-old nemesis, but newly arrived to the films and as dapper as he is in ‘Mad Men’).” — Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times Robert Downey Jr. “Really, if [director Guy] Ritchie were on the case, even a little bit, how could he not notice Robert Downey Jr. giving the worst performance of his career? This is a director of some stature. He could talk to his star and help him. Here is an actor capable of dazzling audiences with his virtuosity, and yet there he is, slack and flat, phoning it in with a blithe delivery and his accent going in and out. Downey knows — of course he knows — that he could sleepwalk through the movie, and it will still be a hit.” — Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle The Direction “Ritchie has done it again. In an act of criminal negligence, he’s wasted Robert Downey Jr. — an actor with the perfect verbal dexterity to play Sherlock Holmes — in a sequel that eliminates smarts in favor of relentless headbanging. 2009’s ‘Sherlock Holmes’ was lousy, but it was also a big hit. So the sequel, ‘A Game of Shadows,’ is more of the stupid same. It wouldn’t matter so much if Downey and Jude Law, as the bromantic Dr. Watson, didn’t look so ready to turn on the cerebral dazzle. Instead, Ritchie treats them like action goons out of his ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ basement.” — Peter Travers, Rolling Stone As a Sequel “After Guy Ritchie’s ‘Sherlock Holmes’ (2009) with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law grossed something like half a billion dollars, this was no time to rethink the approach. What they have done, however, is add a degree of refinement and invention, and I enjoyed this one more than the earlier film.” — Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times The Final Word “It’s elementary. If you enjoyed the first ‘Sherlock Holmes’ directed by Guy Ritchie and starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law as Holmes and Watson, then you’ll likely leave the sequel feeling satiated.” — Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune Check out everything we’ve got on “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com .
TV writers are always looking for edgy, attention grabbing material, and it appears that this year they’ve settled on incest as the shock tactic du jour. After an exceptionally incestuous first season of Game of Thrones , where Lena Headley and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau play identical twins with a twincestuous bent (seen in action at left) and a nude Emilia Clarke was presented to her brother for skinspection in the first episode, cable’s been exploding with incest storylines. [WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD] This season Jimmy ( Michael Pitt )’s twisted relationship with his mom Gillian ( Gretchen Mol ) on Boardwalk Empire was revealed to be the result of mother-son sex, and Bored to Death closed its season with star Jason Schwartzman finding out his new lover Isla Fisher is also his half-sister…and continuing to date her anyway. Throw in Deb ( Jennifer Carpenter )’s dirty dream about her (adopted) brother Dexter ( Michael C. Hall ) on this week’s Dexter , and you’ve got a regular orgy of familial fornication. So what’s behind the incest trend? Creators say there’s been little moral outcry from viewers over the material, and Damon Lindelof , co-creator of Lost (which also featured an incest storyline), says that he thinks it’s just the last taboo to titillate an increasingly jaded audience: “If I were Freudian, I’d say that those writers… are projecting their own sick desires onto their favorite TV characters, [but] let’s face it: Incest is interesting and people like to be interested… For the record, I’m an only child.” Mr. Skin members can see more from provocative pay-cable series like Game of Thrones , Boardwalk Empire , Bored to Death and Dexter right here at MrSkin.com!
TV writers are always looking for edgy, attention grabbing material, and it appears that this year they’ve settled on incest as the shock tactic du jour. After an exceptionally incestuous first season of Game of Thrones , where Lena Headley and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau play identical twins with a twincestuous bent (seen in action at left) and a nude Emilia Clarke was presented to her brother for skinspection in the first episode, cable’s been exploding with incest storylines. [WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD] This season Jimmy ( Michael Pitt )’s twisted relationship with his mom Gillian ( Gretchen Mol ) on Boardwalk Empire was revealed to be the result of mother-son sex, and Bored to Death closed its season with star Jason Schwartzman finding out his new lover Isla Fisher is also his half-sister…and continuing to date her anyway. Throw in Deb ( Jennifer Carpenter )’s dirty dream about her (adopted) brother Dexter ( Michael C. Hall ) on this week’s Dexter , and you’ve got a regular orgy of familial fornication. So what’s behind the incest trend? Creators say there’s been little moral outcry from viewers over the material, and Damon Lindelof , co-creator of Lost (which also featured an incest storyline), says that he thinks it’s just the last taboo to titillate an increasingly jaded audience: “If I were Freudian, I’d say that those writers… are projecting their own sick desires onto their favorite TV characters, [but] let’s face it: Incest is interesting and people like to be interested… For the record, I’m an only child.” Mr. Skin members can see more from provocative pay-cable series like Game of Thrones , Boardwalk Empire , Bored to Death and Dexter right here at MrSkin.com!
One writer makes the case for why you should be watching Simon Cowell’s latest import. By Gil Kaufman, with additional reporting by Jim Cantiello “X Factor” judge Simon Cowell Photo: Ian Derry / FOX Imagine a reality competition that mixes the drama of “Dancing With the Stars,” the variety-show feel of “America’s Got Talent,” the weekly singing battles of “American Idol” and the cutthroat competition between celebrity judges of “The Voice.” That would be amazing, right? Well, guess what? It exists, and it’s called “The X Factor.” But chances are you’re not watching it. Simon Cowell’s bid to make “Factor” the new “Idol” hasn’t taken off as quickly as he brashly predicted earlier this year. The show is pulling in a solid 9-plus million viewers per night, which is about half of the 20 million Simon promised. But Nielsen recently reported that the strong ratings helped the Fox Network — which also airs “Idol” — win the November “sweeps” period among the coveted 18-29 demo by grabbing the top spot among unscripted programs. And yet, even as “Factor” drills down to its final seven contestants this week, the show has failed to develop that must-see-TV aura that “Idol” has enjoyed for nearly a decade. After covering “Idol” for nine seasons, I was exceedingly reluctant to take on yet another musical competition show, but somehow “Factor” has wormed its way into my TiVo and I’ve become a major fan. So in case you haven’t been watching, here’s what I think you’ve been missing: Stars Forget for a moment that Cowell remains the biggest name in reality-TV judging, or that he recruited his Paul McCartney — Paula Abdul — to join him on the judging panel. So far, the show has hosted eye-popping performances from Willow Smith, Jessie J, Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Bruno Mars and, this week, Tinie Tempah. Yes, “Idol” also lands big names, but it’s often saddled with giving up prime-time slots to snoozy former winners and finalists like Constantine Maroulis, Crystal Bowersox and David Cook, whose careers have not exactly set the charts on fire. The Stage If nothing else elevates “Factor” above “Idol” or “The Voice,” it’s the elaborate, over-the-top staging. “Idol” pulls out the big guns for the finale, but from the very first live show, “Factor” has been giving us VMA/Grammy-worthy production numbers complete with backup dancers, constantly varying sets and a massive video-screen-covered stage that makes each performance feel like an event. The craftsmanship is so bombastic at times that it’s easy to forget that you’re essentially watching nobodies on a game show. Watch the remaining “X Factor” finalists explain what makes their show so unique. Variety Because of the format (which includes groups, boys, girls and over 30’s), so far this season we’ve seen rappers, country groups, pop stars, boy bands, R&B crooners and hip-hop/soul hybrids on “Factor.” Quality While “Idol” has struggled over the past few seasons to launch a bona fide star and has frequently been saddled with top 12 groupings larded with substandard singers, almost without exception, the acts that made it to the live shows on “Factor” had some legitimate commercial potential. From such eliminated groups as New Jack revivalists Stereo Hogzz to manufactured country act Lakoda Rayne and soul singer LeRoy Bell, even the early castoffs from “Factor” have a legitimate shot at making it in the industry. Add in such easily packaged finalists as cutie diva Rachel Crow, next Chris Brown-type Marcus Canty, power vocalist Melanie Amaro and hip-hop tween Astro and you have a top seven silly with possible future stars. And I’ll put former-addict rapper/crooner Chris Rene up against Lee DeWyze any day. Judges As much as we hate to love him, Cowell really is the best at this, and his banter with a more subdued Abdul was missed. Add into the mix opinionated, no-BS veteran music man L.A. Reid and weepy ex-Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger and you have a panel that is fun to watch and quick to scrap. With each judge competing against each other as well, you also get some seemingly legitimate sniping and griping among them that adds more drama to the show. And who can forget Abdul’s painfully long on-air near breakdown when pressed by annoying host to Steve Jones to choose between two of her groups during week three? Drama With all of that going on, producers have also ceaselessly hammered the rich backstories of the contestants, from fresh-out-of-rehab young dad Chris Rene and shockingly overconfident Brooklyn teen MC Astro to formerly homeless soul rocker Dexter Haygood and scrappy 13-year-old Crow. The white-knuckle moments each week when the judges are forced to potentially toss one of their own overboard — not to mention back-to-back double-elimination episodes — amps up the drama even more. “It shows people’s lives, it shows who they are … it shows what they’re about, what they represent,” finalist Rene told MTV News. “It doesn’t just show an artist or a singer. They go into your life and they’re like, ‘So who are you? What are you about? What do you do?’ … If I wasn’t me, and I was watching the show and I’d seen all the stuffs that’s going on with all the different contestants, I would be like, ‘Wow this is crazy! What’s going on here? What is this? Did they set this up? Like, is this real?’ ” Have you been watching “X Factor”? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: ‘X Factor’ Judges Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid
The Brewer Boys also lament their early elimination, as five contestants were sent home after first live episode. By Jim Cantiello Dexter Haygood on “X Factor” Photo: Fox On Tuesday night, it was time to face the music. And for five “X Factor” contestants , the music said, “Thanks, but no thanks.” Throughout the epic live “X Factor” debut, the judges axed five hopefuls they had been personally grooming, turning a top 17 into a top 12. MTV News was granted exclusive press access backstage to speak with the first batch of eliminated finalists just minutes after they were dropped from the show. “I killed it tonight. That’s what I feel, man!” said Memphis rocker Dexter Haygood, who delivered an over-the-top cover of Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl” under Nicole Scherzinger’s tutelage. During the early audition episodes, America fell in love with Haygood’s infectious energy and emotional life story, which included everything from living on the streets to fronting Xavion, the first African-American rock band to be featured on MTV. “I’m just happy to be moving on, somewhat,” said Haygood, who chalked up his onstage confusion during elimination to feeling overwhelming pressure. “Let me tell you something: Being in a competition is a lot of stress. I’m not happy to be off, but it’s a good feeling knowing that the competition [has ended],” Haygood said before rocking a sports metaphor: “If you don’t win the Super Bowl, you’re glad the damn season is over.” A downtrodden Phillip Lomax aimed to focus on the good things about his time on “X Factor.” “I’m obviously disappointed, but I have to look at this in a positive light and realize that I’ve accomplished what not many people have,” the crooner said as the sound of a cheering studio audience echoed the halls of CBS Studios. Earlier in the show, Phillip’s swinging “I’m a Believer” raised some questions about song selection among the judging panel, but Lomax insisted he was happy with what L.A. Reid picked for him. “I definitely played a hand in [picking that song] as well,” said Phillips, who got as far as he did in the competition due to his dead-on Frank Sinatra impersonation, which he abandoned for the poppier Monkees hit Tuesday night. “I thought it was a good song. Definitely out of my comfort zone, but I decided to go with what my mentor told me to do and I had faith. I still have faith. I’m still a believer,” he chuckled before censoring himself. “Sorry, that’s way too corny.” Meanwhile, teen sibling duo the Brewer Boys, who both sport Bieber hairdos, were at peace with their elimination, courtesy of teary mentor Paula Abdul — or, as they insist on calling her, “Miss Paula.” They’ll never forget Miss Paula’s “hands-on” mentoring, as well as her gaggle of Chihuahuas they befriended during the judges’ home episodes. Keep your eyes peeled for the duo — who performed a bizarre mash-up of Hall & Oates’ “Rich Girl” and George Michael’s “Faith” on Tuesday — as they hope to hit the road, but in the short term, the only thing on Justin Brewer’s schedule is chilling in bed and playing a ton of “Call of Duty.” Lomax, likewise, has no beef with mentor L.A. for letting him go. “I think he’s an outstanding guy. I wish that he made a different decision, obviously, but he could only take three, and those three guys are outstanding as well. It’s a shame he didn’t pick me,” the aspiring actor shrugged before wandering the halls of CBS Studios to say his goodbyes and hopefully bump into Kim Kardashian, who was spotted nearby at the “Dancing With the Stars” stage. There was no time to chat with Simon Cowell’s eliminated girls, Tiah Tolliver and Simone Battle, who were favorites of the Brit but were never well-liked by his fellow judges. Minutes after the show went off the air, they briskly grabbed their belongings and jumped into a production van to take them back to their hotel. Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: ‘X Factor’ Judges Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid
First live episode whittles pool down to 12 finalists. By Adam Graham Melanie Amaro performs on ‘X Factor’ Photo: FOX Five contestants were shown the door on Tuesday’s “X Factor,” the first live episode of the singing competition. Among those sent away during the two-and-a-half-hour episode was Dexter Haygood, the formerly homeless contestant who once lived on L.A.’s Skid Row. Haygood — described early on as the “funky phenomenon” by his mentor Nicole Scherzinger — said he was “kinda confused” by the dismissal, which followed his bizarro-world mash-up of Britney Spears’ “Womanizer” and Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl,” though he then said he didn’t know why he was confused. “Right now I’m in the boggle zone, which is the 21st century twilight zone,” Haygood explained. Also sent packing during the episode were 20-year-old Tiah Tolliver, a favorite of Simon Cowell’s who was never liked by the other judges; 22-year-old Simone Battle, who plugged her upcoming music video even as she was being given the boot; crooner Phillip Lomax, the 22-year-old who was saddled with singing the outside-of-his-comfort-zone “I’m a Believer” on the episode by his mentor L.A. Reid; and brother duo the Brewer Boys, who apologized to their mentor Paula Abdul (older brother Justin referred to her as “Ms. Paula”) for letting her down in their performance. That left 12 finalists who will go on in the competition:
There were a few surprises (no Brennin Hunt?!? No Caitlin Koch?!?) and a few scripted moments of drama (Simon flying to Florida to invite Melanie Amaro), but The X Factor named its final 17 last night. The following hopefuls, categorized according to the show’s groups, will soon perform live for your votes… Females Simone Battle Drew Ryniewicz Tiah Tolliver Melanie Amaro (Below) Rachel Crow Melanie Amaro – Will You Be There Over 30 Josh Krajcik Dexter Haygood Leroy Bell Stacy Francis Groups The Brewer Boys Lakota Rayne Intensity Stereo Hogzz Males Brian Bradley Phillip Lomax Chris Rene Marcus Canty
Teen rapper Brian Bradley, James Brown-alike Dexter Haygood and other favorites sail through to the finals. By Adam Graham Paula Abdul Photo: FOX Pint-size rapper Brian “Astro” Bradley, recovering addict Chris Rene and the formerly homeless Dexter Haygood are among the finalists on “The X Factor,” it was revealed on Tuesday’s (October 18) episode of the Fox singing competition. During the two-hour episode, the competition’s 32 remaining contestants were trimmed to 16. Those singers will face off in the live episodes, which begin next week, and ultimately try to claim the show’s $5 million recording contract. And in a last-minute twist — because of course there’s going to be a twist — one extra contestant was allowed through to the finals. Here are the 17 “X Factor” finalists:
Santa Monica, California, radio station will air performance and interview on November 1 episode of ‘Morning Becomes Eclectic.’ By Matt Elias Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard performs at Berkeley Street Studio in Santa Monica, California on Thursday Photo: Jeremiah Garcia SANTA MONICA, California — Death Cab for Cutie treated about 150 fans to a private performance Thursday night. The tiny show took place at legendary producer/mixer Bob Clearmountain’s Berkeley Street Studio in Santa Monica, California. If you weren’t one of the lucky few to attend the intimate affair, don’t fret: Local public radio station and tastemaker KCRW served as the evening’s host and will air the performance on the November 1 episode of “Morning Becomes Eclectic.” It will be available in KCRW’s archives the same day. The cozy space was a perfect setting for the Seattle quartet’s lush melodies. While the room was small, Death Cab didn’t seem to scale down their performance one bit, playing as if they were onstage at an arena. They opened their 10-song set with “Crooked Teeth,” off 2005’s Plans . Many of the songs that followed were from the band’s recent release, Codes and Keys, including “You Are a Tourist” and “Stay Young, Go Dancing.” About halfway through the set, the band sat down with KCRW DJ Anne Litt for a Q&A, which will also air on the “MBE” episode in November. The band chatted about the inspiration behind the lyrics in “You Are a Tourist,” books they’re reading and being enthralled by the Foo Fighters’ stage presence — something they witnessed firsthand after opening for them. It was their ability to absolutely own the stage that singer Ben Gibbard said he admired most about the Foos, who were doing just that across town Thursday night, playing to a sold-out crowd at the Forum. Death Cab ended with a two-song encore, or “noncore,” which Gibbard said happens when a stage is too small for a band to exit before returning. Despite the tiny venue, the band did its best to make the audience feel like it was in an arena. Related Artists Death Cab For Cutie
