Will the superhero all-star flick live up to the hype? Fans who got an early peek seem to think so. By Eric Ditzian Chris Hemsworth in “Avengers” Photo: Marvel “The Avengers,” apparently, rules. After a string of Los Angeles screenings, nerdy tastemakers have been squealing all over Twitter about what director Joss Whedon has delivered for this loooooong-in-development superhero all-star flick. “Like, double plus awesome,” declared Seth Green. “Lost” guru Damon Lindelof came up with a Twitter hashtag that’s a little too colorful to reprint here without a tweaking: . To Lindelof, I say right back: F—yeah! Because, honestly, what a relief! For a while now on “Talk Nerdy,” Brian Phares and I have been expressing worries like:
With today’s theatrical opening of the documentary Hit So Hard , Movieline is pleased to revisit its coverage from the film’s New York festival premiere on March 28, 2011. — Ed. Courtney Love shrugged. “We’ve been in lots of rooms together,” she said to a packed theater of moviegoers at the Museum of Modern Art, where Hit So Hard , a documentary about her band Hole (and, more specifically, drummer/addict/survivor Patty Schemel) had its New York premiere Monday night. The crowd laughed, steeped in nostalgia and recognition — not that Love was talking about this room or this crowd. Love was talking about the members of Hole themselves — herself, Schemel, guitarist Eric Erlandson and bassist Melissa auf der Mar, reunited for the New Directors/New Films festival screening. Hit So Hard ‘s director, P. David Ebersole, had earlier repeated the fest’s talking point about the event being the first time all four had been “in the same room” in 13 years, and many of the evening’s attendees — casual viewers and die-hard Hole fans alike, many dressed in faded black merch-table artifacts from Hole’s 1997 Celebrity Skin tour — had been drawn in for the express purpose of seeing what drama might transpire. How would the quartet respond to the home-movie evidence of debauchery, chaos and self-destruction? How would the erstwhile intimacy and contemporary candor reflect on the band members and their work? Would Courtney Love even bother to show up? Indeed she would, because ultimately Hit So Hard isn’t a rock expos
Though the internet sensation ” Texts from Hillary ” Tumblr has officially come to an end (creators Stacy Lambe and Adam Smith are going out while they’re on top of the meme world after receiving the ultimate submission from Hillary Clinton herself), they did get to meet the Secretary of State in the flesh when she invited them for a thank-you meeting. Between photo ops and LOLZ, Clinton let slip her favorite of the Texts from Hillary: the one with Ryan Gosling , of course. See how the Madame Secretary deals with the Baby Goose’s “Hey girl” after the jump and commemorate the best political pop cultural meme of April 2012. I mean, it’s the best. The meeting of two memes! So long, Texts from Hillary . Original photo by Diana Walker for Time . More hilarity from Hillz here .
“It sounds creepy, but basically I just enjoy looking at her face, and think about it a lot. Even when she was a child actor in Panic Room , she just always appears very, very tired. She looks like she has an old soul. There’s something about her presence on camera and how she carries herself. She’s very intriguing. A lot of times, it looks like she hasn’t slept for two days and it’s exciting to think about: ‘What were you doing? Why were you awake so long? What were you thinking about?'” Julia Vickerman’s MUCHOS KSTEW , comprised entirely of artwork inspired by Twilight ‘s Kristen Stewart , runs through April 20 at L.A.’s Meltdown Comics. [ Next Movie ]
The Farrelly Brothers’ Three Stooges flick is pratfalling into theaters Friday, so naturally stars Will Sasso, Sean Hayes, and Chris Diamantopolous bounced into the ring Monday night on WWE Raw to bring Stooge awareness to the world of wrestling. ENTV has all the choice details and footage from the historic meeting of WWE and Larry, Curly, and Moe — for which Sasso-as-Curly donned full Hulkamania gear before getting chokeslammed by Kane. ( Kane, my new hero !) Well, at least this stunt was at least marginally less painful (for me, not so much for Curly) than that ill-advised medical spoof video for Stoogesta. Actually, it’s the single most satisfying bit of Three Stooges marketing material I’ve seen so far. Agree/disagree? [via ENTV ]
Oh…my… GOD , Becky — look at Catwoman ‘s butt. Ahem . In a new promo image from The Dark Knight Rises , Anne Hathaway poses as Catwoman and shows, as many salivating fanboys have already suggested, just why the Batman sequel might’ve earned that PG-13 for “sensuality.” But wait! Why is everyone talking about Catwoman’s butt and not Batman ‘s meticulously sculpted-but-jaunty rubberized codpiece? Equal opportunity for costumed cosplay ogling after the jump, thanks to two new promo images for the July tentpole. First, we’ll start with this suggestively perky, full-length look at Hathaway as Catwoman, unearthed today on the internetz (hat tip ComingSoon ): A mask and cat-ear goggles? Leather gloves over a bodysuit also made of leather, with thigh-high boots to boot? This is one layered lady. I bet she makes that squeaking leather sound when she walks. Now, maybe Catwoman’s using her butt as yet another deadly weapon. Or maybe when you wear giant stiletto shit-kicking heels like that, one’s rear lifts naturally (welcome to the world of woman secrets, fellas). Ok, fine. Take a good gander. Now, can we move on to…Batman’s bat-junk? Behold, from the current issue of EW : I don’t know about you, but this kind of overly structured superhero outfit feels excessive and a little exhausting to look at. I can’t picture anyone toiling away somewhere in the Bat-sweatshop making every little molded rubber part of Batman’s faux six-pack, though it is funny to imagine the rationale for such a design: He needs protection… for each pack ! Do you think Bruce Wayne toiled very long over the agonizing decision to go with the muted bronze of his utility belt? How does one fit oneself for the perfectly proportioned superhero codpiece? The above image comes from EW’s Summer Movie Preview issue, which was accompanied by various Chris Nolan non-spoiler quotes and this very interesting tidbit concerning baddie Bane , played by Tom Hardy , and his unusual voice: “It’s a risk, because we could be laughed at — or it could be very fresh and exciting,” says Hardy, adding that the voice he developed was influenced by many factors, including a desire to honor the comic book character’s brains and Caribbean heritage. “The audience mustn’t be too concerned about the mumbly voice,” says Hardy. “As the film progresses, I think you’ll be able to tune to its setting.” Aha! And so we kind of get an answer in the great Bane ethnicity debate: Hardy is seemingly playing the villain true to his Caribbean/Latin heritage as written in the comics, which hardly closes the book on the issue. The fact that Bane’s being played by a white guy could conceivably still be explained away in the film; the character’s comic book origins cite a British mercenary father and a local rebel mother, which seems to make Bane half-Latino, half-Caucasian. But time will tell. For now, we have butts and junk to stare at. [ ComingSoon , EW ]
First album in nearly three years expands on their roots while remaining as socially sharp as ever. By James Montgomery Gossip’s Beth Ditto Photo: MTV News Beth Ditto is definitely feeling her Trenta -sized coffee (which she pronounces “Trawn- tay, ” proof that, while you can take the girl out of Arkansas, you definitely can’t take Arkansas out of the girl). She bounded around the MTV Newsroom, proclaiming to no one in particular she’s “sweatin’ so much” and explaining the laundry list of names she weighed for Gossip’s upcoming album — Get a Job and Wrap being two particular favorites, the latter because she “loves Christmas and a good pun” — before finally settling on A Joyful Noise. And why? “It’s a Dolly Parton/ Queen Latifah movie, after all,” she explained. Of course, A Joyful Noise is also much more than that — it’s Gossip’s first album in nearly three years, a shimmering selection of house-tinged tunes (produced by Brian Higgins, who’s done work for Kylie Minogue and Girls Aloud) that, depending on whom you ask, either represents the next logical step in the band’s 13-year career or a complete reimagining of their sound. Of course, if you ask Ditto about it, she doesn’t think it’s either, really. “One time, I remember getting a Facebook post — I think it was actually MySpace, maybe even Friendster — from someone I knew in high school, and she was like, ‘You’ve really changed,’ ” she said. “And I was like, ‘Well, I hope to hell so. ‘ But you think about that, and a lot of questions in interviews have been like, ‘Well, do you feel like that’s selling out?’ And I’m like, ‘Well, I never really sold in, so I don’t know what you’re talking about.’ ” Then again, on Joyful Noise, Gossip are definitely embracing their shiny sides. “Move in the Right Direction” pumps like all of Kylie’s best tracks, “Into the Wild” struts on stiletto-heeled electro stabs, and first single “Perfect World” swirls on a starry bed of synths (and some downright disco backbeats). Call it evolution or call it reinvention — Ditto prefers to see it as the Gossip becoming all they can be. “It was so nice, because after 13 years, you start out so bare-bones and so stripped-down, and you don’t have a lot of money, so being at this point, we had time, and people trusted us, because they see we’re not just really crazy,” she said. “We got to experiment a lot, and it was like a little Hit Factory; there was music everywhere in this ancient house, and everybody was working on pieces of music. You’d walk in and you’d hear it being filtered through all these different ideas, which is what I’ve learned, over the years, is what production is. I used to be really against it, because I didn’t understand it. And now that I do, it’s just like having a stylist or asking someone to paint your house. It’s their interpretation of your work.” And though the sound may have morphed, the spirit remains the same. Just like they’ve always done, with Joyful Noise, Gossip are channeling the sexual politics — in this case, the openly gay ethos that charged disco and house music of the ’70s and ’80s, which they don’t see as all that different from the bracing, DIY aesthetic of the punk they’ve played for more than a decade now. “We listened to a lot of house music, I would say. House and disco and all that was really radical when it was first coming out, and I feel a connection to that, for sure,” drummer Hannah Blilie said. “The whole ‘disco sucks’ thing? They were burning disco records in the middle of a stadium. They hated the style and they hated the people making it too. It’s a hidden hatred.” “To me that was the most homophobic statement; it’s much easier to say, ‘I hate disco,’ rather than, ‘I hate f–s,’ ” Ditto added. “There’s always some kind of amazing connection in music. Like, country music, I feel really in touch about growing up in poverty and the struggle of that. House music, I really feel the need to break free and have a space of your own, where you can be really free and really crazy, and just like punk or hip hop, it’s about creating a space of your own. Safety zone. The safety dance.” Are you excited for the Gossip’s new music? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Gossip
‘Twilight,’ ‘Spider-Man,’ ‘Iron Man’ among other high-profile series that changed directors along the way. By Josh Wigler Gary Ross Photo: WireImage “The Hunger Games” franchise, just like the fictional games themselves (minus all the death and bloodshed), has lost a much beloved player in director Gary Ross , who has decided not to return for the developing sequel, “Catching Fire.” Persistent rumors that Ross’ days in Panem were numbered concluded with the director’s official departure Tuesday night, leaving the continuing tales of Katniss, Peeta and Gale without a visionary to guide them for the time being. Though Ross’ decision is a blow for “Hunger Games” enthusiasts everywhere — yours truly included — it’s certainly not the first time that a director has stunned fans by leaving a high-profile franchise at an unexpected time. From your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man to the Boy Who Lived, here are five other filmmakers who parted ways with beloved franchises. Sam Raimi and “Spider-Man” After three films — two widely adored and one critically panned — Sam Raimi’s days swinging alongside “Spider-Man” came to an end. In the midst of pre-production on a fourth Tobey Maguire-starring adventure, both Raimi and Maguire parted ways with Sony over creative differences. The result of their ousting: Sony rebooted the “Spider-Man” brand, with an all-new “Amazing” installment hitting theaters this summer from director Marc Webb and “The Social Network” co-star Andrew Garfield. Jon Favreau and “Iron Man” Spidey isn’t the only big-screen Marvel superhero who lost a crucial member of his creative posse. Director Jon Favreau , who helmed the first two “Iron Man” films for Marvel Studios, said his goodbyes to Ol’ Shellhead in December 2010, opting to focus instead on another Disney property, “Magic Kingdom.” Just as Ross contends there’s no bad blood between him and Lionsgate, Favreau and the remaining “Iron Man” players appear to have left on good terms; indeed, the director appeared alongside Robert Downey Jr. at the Hero Complex Film Festival last June for an onstage reunion and geek-out. Tony Stark lives on even without Favreau, blasting off next summer for a brand-new mission under director Shane Black’s watchful eye. Paul Greengrass and the “Bourne” series Following “Bourne Ultimatum,” the third film in the spy thriller series, two-time “Bourne” director Paul Greengrass walked away from the franchise to work on other films. Leading man Matt Damon left as well, out of loyalty to the director, leaving “Bourne” producers in a lurch. How do you make a Jason Bourne movie without Jason Bourne? You make “The Bourne Legacy,” apparently. Longtime “Bourne” writer Tony Gilroy wrote the script and directed the latest installment, putting an all-new character played by Jeremy Renner in the hot seat this time around. With Renner in play, the door remains open for a future Damon-Greengrass “Bourne” return. Catherine Hardwicke and “The Twilight Saga” Just as “The Hunger Games” lost Ross, so too did the “Twilight” series lose its original director. Catherine Hardwicke was the first filmmaker to bring the hotly anticipated love story of Edward Cullen and Bella Swan to life, but despite the success of that first film, Hardwicke decided not to direct “New Moon” , due to what she described as “timing” issues. Even without Hardwicke behind the lens, “Twilight” continued to do massive business at the box office with different directors for each film; Bill Condon is the only filmmaker to tackle multiple “Twilight” movies, closing the series out with this coming November’s “Breaking Dawn – Part 2.” Chris Columbus and “Harry Potter” There would be no Hogwarts without J.K. Rowling, of course, but there would be no Hogwarts-at-the-movies without original “Harry Potter” director Chris Columbus. He helmed the first two “Potter” films with wonderful whimsy, but that tone would not have fit with future movies in the franchise as Harry’s world grows progressively darker. The boy wizard’s war against Voldemort was therefore chronicled by several other directors following Columbus’ post-“Chamber of Secrets” departure, with David Yates ultimately stepping in to helm the final four installments in the series. Tell us what you think of Gary Ross’ “Hunger Games” departure in the comments section! Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games” and “Catching Fire.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos High-Profile Movie Franchises That Changed Directors Related Photos The Hunger Games
Well, that was fast: Just hours after Josh Hutcherson gamely threw his support behind Hunger Games director Gary Ross , Ross has officially announced he’s not directing the franchise sequel, Catching Fire . “I simply don’t have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make,” wrote Ross in a statement. More after the jump. Whatever happened behind the scenes, Ross and Lionsgate’s joint statements make a point to emphasize that not directing Catching Fire was Ross’s decision, not the studio’s — a nicety that conveys good terms whether or not tough negotiations over salary and the like were had. Similar sentiments were expressed back in 2008 when, after opening the first Twilight film at number 1 on the way to a $392 million global take, director Catherine Hardwicke and Summit parted ways. Back then, the reason given was that Hardwicke’s desired amount of time to properly develop the sequel was longer than what the studio wanted to allot. “I am sorry that due to timing I will not have the opportunity to direct New Moon ,” Hardwicke said in December 2008 . “Directing Twilight has been one of the great experiences of my life, and I am grateful to the fans for their passionate support of the film. I wish everyone at Summit the best with the sequel — it is a great story. Compare that with Ross’s statement and let the wild speculation roll as to why Ross is truly out — and, more importantly, who’ll step in to fill his director’s chair on the rapidly approaching Catching Fire , said to be slated to begin filming as early as this August. Despite recent speculation in the media, and after difficult but sincere consideration, I have decided not to direct Catching Fire . As a writer and a director, I simply don’t have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make because of the fixed and tight production schedule. I loved making The Hunger Games – it was the happiest experience of my professional life. Lionsgate was supportive of me in a manner that few directors ever experience in a franchise: they empowered me to make the film I wanted to make and backed the movie in a way that requires no explanation beyond the remarkable results. And contrary to what has been reported, negotiations with Lionsgate have not been problematic. They have also been very understanding of me through this difficult decision. I also cannot say enough about the people I worked with: Producer Nina Jacobson, a great collaborator and a true friend; the brilliant Suzanne Collins, who entrusted us with her most amazing and important story; the gifted and remarkable Jennifer Lawrence whose performance exceeded my wildest expectations, and the rest of the incredible cast, whom I am proud to call my friends. To the fans I want to say thank you for your support your faith, your enthusiasm and your trust. Hard as this may be to understand I am trying to keep that trust with you. Thank you all. It’s been a wonderful experience. Statement from Lionsgate: We’re very sorry that Gary Ross has chosen not to direct Catching Fire . We were really looking forward to making the movie with him. He did an incredible job on the first film and we are grateful for his work. This will not be the end of our relationship, as we consider Ross to be part of the Lionsgate family and look forward to working with him in the future. [via Deadline ]
Pam Grier is more than just the proud owner of one of the finest lap-‘fros in skinema (Exhibit A: 1973’s The Arena ). She was also the first bona-fide female action star in movie history, one who inspired many similarly black and boobtiful babes to go into show business. Now Pam’s 2010 autobiography, Foxy, which tells the story of how she went from being a secretary at American International Pictures to one of its biggest stars, is being made into a movie. But who has the moxie to step into the platform shoes of the one and only Ms. Foxy Brown ? Pam reportedly wants Halle Berry to play her in the movie, but Skin Central thinks that Black Dynamite star Salli Richardson would be Dyn-o-mite in the role (Exhibit B: Salli with a ‘fro ). How about you, Skin fans? Are you looking forward to seeing Foxy on the big screen? Who do you think would be outta sight as Pam Grier ? Let us know in the comments!
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