It’s a battle of the comedies on NextMovie’s new MovieTracker. By Eric Ditzian Ben Stiller and Gabourey Sidibe in “Tower Heist” Photo: Universal Pictures For the past few days, following an early Times Square screening, the MTV Newsroom has been buzzing about “A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas.” “Can you believe it was actually damn funny?” one movie nerd would say to another. “I mean, the last one stunk.” That’s the buzz in here. And out there too, a fact that our friends at NextMovie have made abundantly clear with their new MovieTracker , a cool application boasting a fancy-schmancy algorithm that measures what people are saying on Twitter and Facebook and lets us know which movies people are psyched about. Think of it like a Billboard music chart, but instead of tracking album sales, it tracks Internet movie buzz in real time. As of this writing, “Harold & Kumar” has risen to the #2 slot, with loads of positive tweets coming in. The public seems to be in agreement with star John Cho, who told MTV News recently of his onscreen partnership with Kal Penn, “We are without a doubt the best Korean-Indian stoner comedy duo in cinematic history.” It’s going to be a very comedy-centric weekend at the multiplex, which is honestly a bit confounding from a programming standpoint. Yes, the hard-R “Harold & Kumar” and the PG-13 “Tower Heist” are targeting different moviegoers, but there’s undoubtedly some overlap between those two audiences. And “Tower Heist” is going to come out on top, even if it’s currently trending one notch below “Harold & Kumar” on the MovieTracker. (Last week’s big winner, “Paranormal Activity 3,” was planted at #1 at press time.) Expect “Tower Heist,” starring Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy, to reel in around $30 million this weekend. “Harold & Kumar” will probably fall shy of the $20 million mark. Will the MovieTracker adjust to reflect these box-office predictions? Keep checking back to see what’s up and what’s down, what’s buzzing and what’s bombing all weekend long. Check out everything we’ve got on “A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas” and “Tower Heist.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos NextMovie’s ‘Movie Tracker’ Brings You Real-Time Buzz MTV Rough Cut: Tower Heist Related Photos ‘A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas’ Key Scenes From The Trailer
Two lawyers watching the case weigh in on who presented strongest argument in Conrad Murray trial. By Gil Kaufman Dr. Conrad Murray (file) Photo: Getty Images It’s up to the jury now. After six weeks of testimony , the seven-man, five-woman jury in the involuntary manslaughter case of former Michael Jackson doctor Conrad Murray began their deliberations Friday morning (November 4). They’ve heard from 49 witnesses, including some of Jackson’s former employees, a number of Murray’s girlfriends and patients, medical experts, police investigators and ER workers. In closing arguments on Thursday, prosecutor David Walgren told them the evidence the state presented was “overwhelming” and showed that it was “abundantly clear” that Murray caused Jackson’s death by acting in a negligent manner in providing the singer with the surgical anesthetic propofol in a non-hospital setting. It capped weeks of prosecution testimony that pointed to the many alleged breaches of professional conduct by Murray, who Walgren painted as an opportunist lured by a big payday into providing medical services that were out of the norm, dangerous and, ultimately, deadly. Defense attorney Ed Chernoff countered with arguments that investigators were sloppy in collecting evidence and that it was Jackson, not Murray who was to blame because, according to the defense, the 50-year-old singer self-administered the fatal propofol dose that took his life on June 25, 2009. As we await the jury’s verdict, we asked a pair of lawyers not affiliated with the case to break down both sides’ arguments and weigh in on how each did in presenting their cases. “If he’s convicted, I’m not sure it will be due to any tactical errors on the part of his defense team,” said Robert Weisberg, a law professor at Stanford University and faculty co-director of the school’s criminal justice center. “This case does not jump out at me as one where there was any alternative strategy. If he’s convicted, it’s because he’s guilty, and based on the evidence it’s not looking good for him.” Weisberg praised the prosecution’s case, pointing out the strength of the rebuttal testimony of prosecution anesthesia expert Dr. Steven Shafer, who was recalled to the stand to poke holes in the alternate death scenario laid out by defense witness Dr. Paul White . Los Angeles-based criminal defense attorney Mike Cavalluzzi said he thought the prosecution told a “great and very tight” story over the course of the trial, beginning with Jackson’s longtime confidant and director/choreographer Kenny Ortega . It was the “This Is It” director who opened testimony in late September by telling the jury “my friend wasn’t right,” setting the chaotic scene at the rehearsals for the show. As for the investigative mistakes that Murray’s lawyers pointed out during their cross-examination of prosecution witnesses, Cavalluzzi said he felt those arguments were “grasping at straws” by the defense and had no real relevance to the negligence accusations against Murray. “Those felt like red herrings,” said Cavalluzzi, who has worked a range of criminal matters in L.A. courts from misdemeanor battery to homicide. “There was very compelling evidence from doctors about the extreme deviations from standard care by Murray even before June 25, by administering propofol in a residential setting and then laying out, piece-by-piece, how many deviations there were.” He also said that the testimony of nurse practitioner Cherilyn Lee , who was called by the defense, was very compelling. “I’m not sure it helped the defense,” Cavalluzzi said. “She said Jackson was begging for propofol and she knew never to accede to that request. It made the defense position so difficult when every objective medical professional said the conduct Murray engaged in was extremely dangerous.” What could the defense have done differently? Weisberg said he wouldn’t fault them for the case they put up, aside from what he called the very unusual tactic of voluntarily having Murray speak to police in a taped interview two days after Jackson’s death. The jury has to bring back a unanimous verdict on the single felony count, and Cavalluzzi said what they most likely took away from the testimony of the doctor and nurses who took the stand for the defense is that Murray should not have been administering propofol to any patient, let alone someone who clearly had substance abuse issues like Michael Jackson. “The character witnesses were brought up to make you think that Dr. Murray is a nice person, but involuntary manslaughter is not a crime of moral turpitude,” Cavalluzzi explained. “It is not a crime which bad people engage in bad behavior. Nobody is accusing Dr. Murray of stealing or intentionally harming anyone. What they’re saying is that he may have been a good man who made a horrible mistake and that the mistake that he made rises to criminal negligence, which makes him guilty of involuntary manslaughter.” If Murray gets off, though, Cavalluzzi predicted it would be because of his generous reputation as laid out by former patients , which could cause some doubt as to whether Murray did something that killed Michael Jackson or if Jackson administered the fatal dose himself. “It’s a very, very tough case,” he said. “I think it’s compelling in so many ways, as an insight into the genius of Michael Jackson and the price he paid … he wanted to deliver such an extraordinary concert and that, it killed him.” MTV News will be covering the Conrad Murray verdict live. Go to MTVNews.com for breaking news, reactions and analysis from Los Angeles or tune to MTV for the latest updates. Related Videos Remembering Michael Jackson – One Year Later Related Photos Michael Jackson: A Life In Photos Related Artists Michael Jackson
Jury is dismissed after first day of deliberations in Conrad Murray trial, which continues Monday morning. By Kara Warner Dr. Conrad Murray Photo: Pool/ Getty Images After nearly six hours of deliberation, the jury in the involuntary manslaughter trial against former Michael Jackson doctor Conrad Murray was unable to reach a verdict Friday (November 4). Judge Michael Pastor dismissed the five-man, seven-woman jury in the late afternoon, with deliberations scheduled to resume Monday at 11:30 a.m. ET. The only news to come out of Friday’s deliberation was that at one point, the jury requested to see evidence, which was brought to them in a box just before their lunch break. With regard to where the case stands now, and whether the prosecution fared better than the defense , it’s anyone’s guess as to whether the verdict will be guilty or not guilty. The jury must now sift through 22 days of testimony from 49 witnesses, including some of Jackson’s former employees, a number of Murray’s girlfriends and patients, medical experts, police investigators and ER workers, to come up with their ruling. In closing arguments Thursday, prosecutor David Walgren told the jury the evidence the state presented was “overwhelming” and showed that it was “abundantly clear” that Murray caused Jackson’s death by acting in a negligent manner in providing the singer with the surgical anesthetic propofol in a non-hospital setting. Defense attorney Ed Chernoff countered with arguments that investigators were sloppy in collecting evidence and that it was Jackson, not Murray who was to blame because, according to the defense, the 50-year-old singer self-administered the fatal propofol dose that took his life on June 25, 2009. Murray, who was being paid $150,000 a month to care for Jackson, had pleaded not guilty to the felony charge of involuntary manslaughter and is now facing four years in prison. But new sentencing laws in California aimed at mandatorily reducing state prison overcrowding mean that, as a nonviolent offender with no prior record, he could be sentenced to county jail instead. If that is the case, his sentence could be reduced to two years and, because of overcrowding in the Los Angeles County jail, he may be allowed to serve the majority of his time under supervised house arrest. MTV News will be covering the Conrad Murray verdict live. Go to MTVNews.com for breaking news, reactions and analysis from Los Angeles or tune to MTV for the latest updates. Related Artists Michael Jackson
Jackson’s dermatologist, director and children have moved on as Dr. Conrad Murray is tried for involuntary manslaughter. By Gil Kaufman Michael Jackson with his kids and friends Photo: Handout/ Getty Images For months after Michael Jackson ‘s death, his inner circle became headline news. From his dermatologist and his assistant to the heads of the concert promotions firm that was mounting the This Is It Tour, his estate executors and Jackson’s mother, even casual Jackson fans knew more about those in his orbit than ever before. Many of those names were front and center during the six-week involuntary manslaughter trial of Jackson’s doctor, Conrad Murray. With closing arguments completed Thursday and the verdict looming, we take a look at where those players are now: Arnold Klein MJ’s longtime dermatologist was the subject of endless rumors in the wake of his most famous patient’s death, including allegations that he might have been the sperm donor for one or more of the singer’s children. His name was back in headlines during the second week of the prosecution’s case, when it emerged that in a June 27, 2009, interview with police, Murray told investigators Klein was one of the doctors who regularly prescribed drugs to the pop icon behind the cardiologist’s back. TMZ reported that MJ’s production team often complained about the star’s visits to Klein’s office, saying his worst days on set were often after those trips. Klein, whose client list has included Elizabeth Taylor and Dolly Parton, continues to practice, but the dermatologist said the constant negative online chatter has hurt his feelings and reputation. “I don’t like to be called a bad doctor,” he said in early October. Kenny Ortega The longtime Jackson friend and choreographer has moved on from his role as director and choreographer for This Is It (and the blockbuster posthumous documentary) and is now working on a big-screen adaptation of the Broadway hit musical “In the Heights” and a remake of “Dirty Dancing,” both of which he will direct. AEG Live The mega-promoter has barely been a story in the Murray trial after making lots of headlines in the wake of Jackson’s death. It has marched forward with some of the biggest tours of the past two years by the likes of Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Justin Bieber, Paul McCartney and Carrie Underwood. Katherine Jackson MJ’s 81-year-old mother was living her quiet life when she was suddenly thrust into the spotlight in the wake of the custody battle over Jackson’s three young children. She reached a custody agreement with the mother of the two eldest children (Prince Michael and Paris Michael) and has been raising them ever since. And, unlike their sheltered (literally shrouded) lives under their father’s care, Katherine Jackson has allowed the children to be a bit more public, helping them celebrate their father’s legacy with fans. John Branca and John McClain Jackson’s two confidants, attorney Branca and music exec McClain , were named executors of the icon’s estate in the months after his death. In their role, the two men have deftly turned around the Jackson estate’s foundering fortunes, helping to wipe out much of the hundreds of millions in debts that Jackson owed at the time of his death and raking in more than $300 million to date. Prince Michael, Paris and “Blanket” During his lifetime, Jackson’s three children were fiercely kept from the spotlight by their doting dad, who would often put masks or scarves on their faces to avoid having them in tabloid reports. Paris famously eulogized her father at his funeral, and since his death, all three have been pictured in the press attending public events, conducted interviews and appeared at the recent tribute concert to their pop in Wales. Stick with MTV News for full coverage of the Michael Jackson involuntary manslaughter trial, through the verdict and beyond.
Lawyers reiterate their cases in closing arguments before jury deliberations begin Friday. By Gil Kaufman and Kara Warner Dr. Conrad Murray Photo: Pool/ Getty Images Following 22 days of testimony from 49 witnesses, the closing arguments were presented Thursday (November 3) in the involuntary manslaughter trial of former Michael Jackson doctor Conrad Murray. Nearly six weeks after he kicked off the trial with a headline-grabbing image of an emaciated Jackson on a gurney following his death in June 2009, Deputy District Attorney David Walgren was first up with his closing argument. Walgren told jurors the evidence in the case was overwhelming and Murray’s actions directly led to Jackson’s death from an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol. “The evidence in this case is abundantly clear … that Conrad Murray caused the death of Michael Jackson, that Conrad Murray left Prince, Paris and Blanket without a father,” Walgren said of the late pop singer’s three children. The DA reminded jurors that a number of medical experts called to the stand by both prosecutors and the defense said physicians had a legal and ethical obligation to deny a patient’s request to provide medical treatment that could end up harming them. Returning to an argument the prosecution had made all along about Murray’s alleged motives for giving chronic insomniac the anesthetic, Walgren said, “Conrad Murray sought payment for services rendered, the services rendered being the provision of propofol. … Michael Jackson trusted Conrad Murray. But Conrad Murray corrupted that relationship, and for that, Michael Jackson paid with his life.” Walgren said the evidence against Murray was “overwhelming,” stating that his guilt in the matter is “abundantly clear” and that testimony from defense anesthesiology expert Dr. Paul White that blamed Jackson for giving himself fatal doses of several drugs was “junk science.” The prosecutor also reminded jurors about how they heard that Murray was speaking to one of his ex-girlfriends , cocktail waitress Sade Anding, when he realized Jackson had stopped breathing, proof that the physician was not properly monitoring the singer’s health. “Was Conrad Murray in another room? Did Michael Jackson yell out for help? Did he gasp?” Walgren asked. “Did he choke? Were there sounds? We don’t know, and we’ll never know because of the neglect and negligence of Conrad Murray.” Then it was defense attorney Ed Chernoff’s turn to present his closing argument, which included a detailed breakdown of the prosecution’s key witnesses and why their collective testimony “can’t prove [Murray committed] a crime, and they really need to prove a crime,” Chernoff told the jury. Chernoff first attempted to discredit the testimony of Michael Jackson’s bodyguard Alberto Alvarez . He said it didn’t make sense that Murray would ask Alvarez to hide evidence since the two barely knew each other and that none of his fingerprints were found on the allegedly hidden evidence. The defense then went after the L.A. County coroner’s investigator for not taking proper notes and photos, as well as not providing a proper chronology. Chernoff emphasized that out of the evidence discovered in Jackson’s bedroom, none of the tubing found had propofol in it. Chernoff also accused prosecution expert Dr. Shafer of having a biased agenda and that his simulations had nothing to do with the case. Chernoff told the jury there are two reasonable scenarios for Jackson’s death and that is the reason they should acquit. “What the [prosecution] is really asking you to do is convict Dr. Murray for the actions of Michael Jackson. Somebody has got to tell the truth. If it were anyone else other than Michael Jackson, would the doctor be here today?” he asked, reminding them that Murray’s other patients valued and appreciated the doctor’s care. Chernoff claimed Murray only wanted to help Jackson. “He was a little fish in a big dirty pond,” he said. Furthermore, Chernoff defended Murray not immediately calling 911 because he was trying to save Jackson’s life and that his attempts at CPR did not work. Chernoff cautioned the jury that there is a tremendous desire to paint Murray as the perfect villain, but that there is “no perfect villain or perfect victim.” Chernoff agreed that administering propofol in a home setting may be inappropriate but emphasized the fact that Murray never gave Jackson any illegal drugs or substances. He also asked that the jury not hold Murray responsible just because the victim was Michael Jackson. Prosecutor Walgren then took over to present the final closing arguments in the case. He reiterated that if Murray had used the proper monitoring devices or administered proper resuscitation or had not left the room, Jackson’s death “wouldn’t have happened.” “We cannot prove exactly what happened behind closed doors,” Walgren said. “Michael Jackson could give answers, but he’s dead.” Walgren reminded the jury that they know Jackson died from acute propofol intoxication and that Murray had plenty of opportunities to prevent it. “Actions speak far louder than words,” he said. “At the end of the day, the issue is not that complicated. Murray was conducting a pharmaceutical experiment in a bedroom. I ask you return with a verdict of guilty on the count of involuntary manslaughter based on his actions alone.” Judge Michael Pastor earlier instructed jurors that they had two theories they could rely on to find Murray guilty: If they believe he committed an illegal act by providing the propofol to Jackson in a negligent way, or if they believe he failed to perform his legal duty as a doctor by acting in a reckless manner that created a high risk of death. The seven-man, five-woman jury has to unanimously agree on one or the other theory. In addition to considering the testimony of medical experts who have divergent opinions on the level of care provided by Murray, Pastor asked the jury to weigh the testimony of character witnesses who attested to the physician’s generosity when weighing the verdict. The judge’s instructions were given in a standing-room-only courtroom that included several members of Jackson’s family, including his parents and siblings LaToya and Randy. Jury deliberation will begin Friday and, if convicted, Murray could face four years in prison and the loss of his medical license. Related Artists Michael Jackson
Just hours before closing arguments in Dr. Conrad Murray’s involuntary manslaughter trial, a documentary about the embattled physician is being shopped to networks . Murray, who faces up to four years in prison in the death of Michael Jackson, has been a part of filming the documentary since being charged earlier this year. Dr. Murray, as we know, has decided not to take the stand at his trial, but has given long in depth interviews to the film crew … for whatever that’s worth. “This project has been in the works since Murray’s arrest,” says a source. “It was originally conceived to help him get his reputation back following the case.” “However, another primary driving force of it is to generate money so that Murray can pay his lawyers and experts,” the source close to Murray confided. The N.Y. Post broke the story and says Dr. Conrad Murray is hoping the documentary will earn at least a million dollars. That may be wishful thinking. Our source says, “Dr. Murray and his lawyers were hoping it would sell for a million, but it looks like the max a network would pay is around $250K.” If Dr. Murray is convicted, that price could go up … or down. Closing arguments are set to begin tomorrow morning at 9.
We’re on the verge of a star-studded Oscar season, but before we dig into the potentially embarrassing J. Edgar , the probably overblown War Horse , or the already-cloying Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close , let’s take a second look at five great films from fall and remember that they weren’t so flawless either. In fact, these films all possessed one ridiculous moment that completely took me out of the otherwise believable drama. Did you have the same problems with Moneyball , Martha Marcy May Marlene , and Drive ? Click through for our rundown.
Yesterday it was announced that Bill Murray had signed on to star in Roman Coppola’s upcoming film, A Glimpse Into the Mind of Charles Swan III alongside — drum roll please — Charlie Sheen. In honor of this out-of-left-field pairing, let’s recall some of Murray’s best onscreen partners in film and consider who has been the best.
SMH: Pop star Michael Jackson caused his own death, a defense witness argued on Saturday. Dr. Paul White said, based on the coroners’ report, that Jackson gave himself the fatal dose of propofol and also gave himself an sedative orally after an original propofol infusion by Dr. Conrad Murray failed to put him to sleep, the Associated Press reported. Murray, Jackson’s personal doctor, is on trial for involuntary manslaughter in the singer’s death. White said that Murray’s original dose would have taken 10-15 minutes to work, giving Jackson ample time to inject himself with more once Murray left the room. That, combined with additional drugs in his body, is what killed him, according to the witness. “It potentially could have lethal consequences,” said White. “… I think the combination effect would be very, very profound.” The prosecution argued last week that Murray gave Jackson as much propofol as he requested, no matter the consequences. Dr. Steven Shafer testified that Jackson would have been groggy from the medicine Murray had already administered – and could not have given himself the drug, according to the AP. He can’t give himself an injection if he’s asleep,” Shafer reportedly said. What do y’all think?? I this a valid argument? Source
Judge suspends trial of Dr. Conrad Murray due to a death in key witness’ family. By Gil Kaufman Conrad Murray Photo: Pool/ Getty Images After taking the day off Friday just as the prosecution was preparing to wrap up its case, the involuntary manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson’s physician, Dr. Conrad Murray , is on hold due to the death of the father of the prosecution’s final witness. According to , the Los Angeles Court public information office sent out a notice Sunday explaining that details on the resumption of the trial will be sent out “when further information is available.” After two weeks of evidence attempting to portray Murray as negligent and reckless in his care for Jackson, the prosecution was close to wrapping up its part of the case when testimony was suspended Friday to allow final witness Dr. Steven Shafer to travel to a previously scheduled anesthesiology conference in Chicago. But, en route to the conference, Shafter learned that his father had died, and he never made it to the event. Shafer, described as a highly respected anesthesiologist and pharmacologist, was expected to testify about the effects of the surgical anesthetic propofol on the human body. Jackson died as a result of propofol intoxication, and the case against Murray hinges on the prosecution’s theory that the cardiologist gave the pop icon a lethal dose of the drug and then provided substandard care when Jackson went into cardiac arrest as a result. The Associated Press reported that the trial will resume Wednesday, after the judge in the case agreed to give the defense more time to prepare their response to tests the coroner’s office conducted last week on the level of the sedative lorazepam in Jackson’s system. Shafer is also expected to give a key piece of evidence to counter the defense’s claim that Jackson self-administered the fatal 25mg dose of propofol through an IV catheter in his leg. After pursuing a strategy in which the defense intended to portray Jackson as having taken the deadly dose of propofol by himself when Murray was out of the room, the doctor’s legal team pivoted last week and appeared set on focusing on an allegedly self-administered overdose of lorazepam instead. Once Shafer gives his testimony, the defense will present its case and call an estimated 15 witnesses, which could take the testimony through Friday or next Monday. Related Artists Michael Jackson
