Kate Middleton and Prince William will spend the Christmas holiday with the pregnant Duchess’ family in a major break from tradition, according to reports. After suffering from acute morning sickness in the first weeks of her pregnancy, they opted for the comfort of Kate’s family, a St. James Palace spokesman said. Queen Elizabeth II, William’s grandmother, approved of the idea. Kate Middleton and her husband will visit her hometown , Bucklebury to celebrate the holiday “privately with the Middleton family,” according to the Palace. Since his marriage to Kate in April 2011 and even prior to that, William has made no secret of the fact that things will not always be done in traditional fashion. In some ways they are acting like any other young, married couple, alternating between both sets of families during the holiday season. Hard to argue with that. Moreover, William is also particularly close to his in-laws, and this is a signal he wants to involve them as much as possible in his married life with Kate Middleton. In another break with age-old custom, the couple’s first-born child will be the heir(ess) to the throne behind Princes Charles and William, regardless of gender. A Palace source says the couple will visit Sandringham, Norfolk, where the Queen, husband Prince Philip and the rest of the royals are gathering later next week.
Get out your passports, kids, because we’re seeing the world. Director Godfrey Reggio’s epic Qatsi Trilogy, filmed around the world, will kick your home theater to the next level with its stunning visuals and complex soundtracks. Then it’s off to the Caribbean, where Michael Caine embarrassed himself in a Peter Benchley adaptation several years before starring in that really terrible Jaws sequel. Some people never learn. HIGH: The Qatsi Trilogy (The Criterion Collection; DVD or Blu-Ray, $79.95) WHO’S RESPONSIBLE: Three films from screen artist and environmental activist Godfrey Reggio: The legendary Koyaanisqatsi (1983), and its equally impressive follow-ups Powaqqatsi (1988) and Naqoyqatsi (2002). (All three titles are words from the Hopi language; respectively, they mean “life out of balance,” “life in transformation,” and “life as war,” so basically this set is “The Life Trilogy.”) WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT: All three of these films defy easy synopsis, but here goes: Reggio uses compelling imagery and the music of Philip Glass to portray the stark contrast between the natural order and man’s inflicting of industry upon the planet (and upon his fellow men). A slow pan across a desert plain or along the face of a cliff might be contrasted with sped-up footage of cars driving through cities or hot dogs and Twinkies being processed in factories. One of the signature moments of Powaqqatsi shows a small child walking along the road, only to be engulfed in the sand cloud kicked up by a passing 18-wheeler. There’s no narration or dialogue, so what you take from these film is purely up to you. WHY IT’S SCHMANCY: This sort of non-verbal, non-narrative film generally gets relegated to museums and art installations, so for Reggio to have gotten mainstream theatrical (and DVD) distribution is something of a miracle. But even if you shy away from anything that even smacks of experimental, these movies are hypnotic and thought-provoking. (They may also play well in Washington and Colorado, if you get my drift.) WHY YOU SHOULD BUY IT (AGAIN): Just the fact that these films are being made available in Blu-Ray for the first time would be reason enough to plunk down for this set, but it’s a Criterion Collection release, which means it comes loaded with oodles of great extras. There are new and vintage interviews, TV spots, Reggio’s short film Anima Mundi , a demo version of Koyaanisqatsi with a scratch soundtrack featuring Allen Ginsberg , a chat with musicians Glass and Yo-Yo Ma, and a booklet featuring essays by film scholar Scott MacDonald, music critic John Rockwell and environmentalist Bill McKibben of 350.org. LOW: The Island (Scream Factory; $26.99 DVD+Blu-Ray Combo) WHO’S RESPONSIBLE: Written by Peter Benchley, based on his novel; directed by Michael Ritchie; starring Michael Caine and David Warner. WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT: Caine stars as a journalist investigating the disappearance of ships in the Bermuda Triangle. Traveling to the Caribbean with his estranged son (Jeffrey Frank), Caine discovers a hidden colony of pirates, descended from French marauders of centuries ago, raiding pleasure boats to stay alive. Caine gets raped by one of the lady pirates (they’re excited to get some non-inbred DNA into the pool) while Caine’s son is won over by the scalawags (led by Warner). Can our hero escape — and will he be able to convince his son to go with him? WHY IT’S FUN: Something of a legendary dud upon its original release (particularly since this marked a reunion of Benchley with Jaws producers Richard D. Zanuck and David Brown), The Island has become a cult fave in the ensuing decades among Benchley fans and bad-movie lovers alike. I think the film’s strengths lie with director Ritchie, one of the more underrated American auteurs of the 1970s and ’80s. (His films include Fletch , Smile , The Candidate and The Bad News Bears .) While this isn’t anywhere near his best work, Ritchie does what he can with the often risible source material — don’t ask too many questions about how this cabal of hidden pirates has survived for three centuries — and keeps things moving at a brisk clip. WHY YOU SHOULD BUY IT (AGAIN): Previously available only via Universal’s movies-on-demand label, this marks the first Blu-Ray release of the film. There’s not a single extra to be found, alas, and you you just know Caine would have some hilarious things to say about the experience if Scream Factory could have convinced him to do a commentary. Alonso Duralde has written about film for The Wrap, Salon and MSNBC.com . He also co-hosts the Linoleum Knife podcast and regularly appears on What the Flick?! (The Young Turks Network) . He is a senior programmer for the Outfest Film Festival in Los Angeles and a pre-screener for the Sundance Film Festival. He also the author of two books: Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas (Limelight Editions) and 101 Must-See Movies for Gay Men (Advocate Books). Follow Alonso Duralde on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.
Hugh Jackman , Anne Hathaway , and even rock hobbyist Russell Crowe are known double threats when it comes to acting and singing, but Tom Hooper’s big screen Les Miserables offers its biggest surprise by introducing the musical talents of Brit actor Eddie Redmayne . Trained as a chorister at Eton College (where he went to school with, yes, Prince William — more on that in a moment), the longtime Les Mis fan knew the musical so well he filmed his audition via iPhone while shooting another film. When he got to preparing for the film, however, his Les Mis fanaticism didn’t quite help. “What was tricky was that growing up listening to Michael Ball who played the part originally, and you’ve heard his versions of the songs which are the versions, the iconic ones that are brilliant, coming to the movie I had to sort of unlearn everything that I loved about it,” Redmayne told Movieline . Stage veteran Ball originated the Marius role in London (watch him perform below), but a standout moment in the new film comes when Redmayne performs his version of “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables,” filmed in long takes. Hooper’s cast underwent intense training to build up the strength required to sing entire songs at a time, live, as the cameras rolled. “We did months of vocal training to literally change the muscles in the back of your throat, and the tongue muscles, to allow for the stamina to shoot 25 takes at a time,” Redmayne explained. “By the time it came to filming, I wanted to not be thinking about that at all and just be playing the thought, basically.” Having grown up a Les Mis fan, Redmayne leaped at the chance to pursue the role. He recorded himself singing “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” while filming Hick with Chloe Moretz: “I still have the audition tape of me dressed as a cowboy, wailing away.” As for the actor’s famous royal classmate, Prince William? “I don’t think singing was his thing,” Redmayne laughed. Stay tuned for our full interview with Redmayne for Les Miserables, in theaters December 25. READ MORE ON LES MISERABLES: REVIEW: ‘Les Misérables’ Hits High Notes, But Also Skitters Handicapping The Performances Of ‘Les Misérables’ — Who Will Dazzle In the Movie Musical? Early Reaction: Oscar Race Heats Up As NYC Screening Of ‘Les Miserables’ Prompts Cheers & Tears Follow Jen Yamato on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .
Emblem3 is no longer in the running for a $5 million grand prize, following last night’s X Factor elimination . But you wouldn’t know it talking to group members Wesley Stromberg, Keaton Stromberg and Drew Chadwick. “Honestly, I only feel happy right now,” Wesley told reporters after the show. “We get to go and make some badass music right now and not be under any restrictions.” Chadwick was equally enthused: “Bottom line is we had the dopest experience. We got everything we really wanted out of this competition, which was a solid international fan base, we expanded our comfort zone by stepping out of it, we learned how to do interviews. It was like training, like music industry on Miracle-Gro. “We just learned a lot and now it’s over and we’re about to go do it for real. We built the foundation we entered the competition to build.” He also chimed in on L.A. Reid leaving the show: “I think L.A. Reid is more of a creative, behind the scenes production type of dude. Reality TV is more about the TV show and producing the television show more than the music. Me and him have a lot in common that sense.” As for who Chadwick thinks should take home the title? “Carly is 13 years old, she’s an amazing singer, she’s going to be doing great things with the talent she’s been given. [ Tate Stevens ] is a little bit older. “He’s amazing, he’s been playing music for a long time, he’s a family man, he has a great heart, he has pure intentions, he’s a good guy. I feel like he really deserves this. He needs a break. I love Tate. I love Carly and I love Fifth harmony too, but I think he’s the most deserving.” Very kind words all around. What do you think of Emblem3’s elimination? Was it deserved? Yes, but what a season! No, it should have been Carly Rose! No, it should have been Tate! No, it should have been Fifth Harmony! View Poll »
The nurse in the Kate Middleton hoax may have hanged herself in part because the hospital came down on her very hard after falling for the infamous prank call. TMZ, via the Daily Mail, claims that in one of her three suicide notes , Jacintha Saldanha was critical of the London hospital for the treatment she received. The story does not explicitly state that this treatment is connected to the hoax. It appears to be the case, however, given one of the other suicide notes, which describes how she tried to cope with the fallout due to the Kate Middleton prank call . The story has raised a new round of questions surrounding the tragic case, which unraveled last week after Kate was hospitalized with acute morning sickness. The parties responsible for the prank played a role in the nurse’s death – and are keenly aware of and devastated by that fact – but there are other factors to consider. Did her superiors come down on her hard after the hoax, in which two Sydney DJs impersonated the Queen and Prince Charles, inquiring about Kate’s health? Could their reaction have impacted or changed the events that followed? A hospital spokesperson claims hospital management was supportive of Saldanha, but they are not privy to what Jacintha Saldanha wrote in the notes. As for the third note, the report claims the nurse, a married mother of two, laid out plans for her funeral. She then killes herself, reportedly via hanging. She was 46.
Angelina Jolie is one step closer to another helping of Salt as Columbia Pictures hits the negotiating table with Seven Years in Tibet writer Becky Johnston. Naturally with the 2010 original grossing $293.5 million, including $118,311,368 in the U.S., the studio has incentive to get a Salt 2 underway, especially with its irreplaceable star, Angelina Jolie, threatening retirement in the not-too-distant future . Columbia hired the first Salt ‘s writer Krut Wimmer to write the sequel, but Jolie had apparently scoffed at the script and had not committed to a re-do, according to THR . The studio searched for a replacement who could re-style the story that will satisfy all involved. Johnston’s other credits include The Prince of Tides (1991) as well as Wonder Woman and Brad Bird’s San Francisco earthquake story, 1906 . Johnston’s participation will be a departure from her previous work, though there’s at least one connection. Seven Years in Tibet , released 15 years ago, starred Jolie’s future partner, Brad Pitt. [Source: THR ]
The first photo of Jacintha Saldanha, the nurse who committed suicide after falling for a prank call involving Kate Middleton, has been released by Scotland Yard. Saldanha passed away hours after being duped by the Kate Middleton prank call , in which two Australian DJ’s pretended to be Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles. Scotland Yard sent out the haunting snap-shot of Saldanha, the nurse on-call at King Edward VII Hospital in London, and whose demise is now under investigation. The 46-year-old’s death is currently listed as “unexplained.” An autopsy will be held next week, according to authorities. Saldanha’s family said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Jacintha. We would ask that the media respect out privacy at this difficult time.” The Australian radio station behind the call also issued a statement Saturday, stating it did nothing wrong and there was no way to have foreseen the tragic outcome. The two DJ’s have suspended themselves from the air. Police in London have contacted their Australian counterparts about speaking with the two radio personalities, Mel Greig and Michael Christian, about the case. While the station claims it did nothing wrong, Greig and Christian’s call, which helped reveal details about the Duchess of Cambridge’s health, was certainly marginal. Nick Kaldas, deputy commissioner for New South Wales Police said: “It hasn’t been indicated to us that an offense has occurred and they have not actually asked for anything yet. “They’ve simply touched base, let us know of their interest and they will get back to us if they actually want something done. Nothing has been requested of us yet.” Kate Middleton Prank Call “As our colleagues in London continue to examine events leading up to the death of Jacintha Saldanha, we will be providing them with whatever assistance is required.” For what it’s worth, the DJs have so far remained tight-lipped after the incident, but are receiving “intensive psychological counseling” to deal with the tragedy. A spokeswoman said that Australian the pair would be speaking with the media, but when would depend on their state of mind, which was described as “fragile.”
Hey! What about me! Nearly seven months pregnant with her first child, Holly Madison has been hospitalized due to severe morning sickness, the Playboy model confirmed via Twitter: “Almost seven months and morning sickness took hold! Glad to be otherwise OK, though.” Holly’s Tweet comes just after the British royal family confirmed that the pregnant Kate Middleton is suffering from similar complications, albeit much earlier in pregnancy. Middleton, 30, was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London to receive treatment for Hyperemesis Gravidarium, or HG, which occurs in 1 percent of pregnancies. HG is not threatening to the unborn child, but is not fun; it’s characterized by nausea, vomiting, weight loss, dehydration, lightheadedness and fainting. It may be linked to women carrying multiple children, leading to immediate speculation that Prince William and Kate are expecting twins in the new year. As for Madison, her health is improving, she says, adding “Thank you for all the get well wishes! Keeping me entertained – forgot to bring a book with me.” Here’s wishing her nothing but the best – and rest – going forward. Follow the link for more pregnant Holly Madison photos !
Christmas came early! The ” Kate Middleton pregnant !” gossip was actually true … or at least lucky. She’s officially expecting, the palace announced Monday. With speculation regarding when Prince William and his wife would start a family building from the instant they got married (April 2011), Twitter predictably went nuts. Read some of the best celebrity reactions to the official announcement below: President Barack Obama: We extend our congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the welcome news out of London that they are having their first child. Prime Minister David Cameron: I’m delighted by the news that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting a baby. They will make wonderful parents. Kim Kardashian: Aww so cute! Congrats!!! Khloe Kardashian Odom: Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge!! A royal baby!!! 🙂 awwww so sweet Maria Shriver: Wonderful news for Prince William & Kate Middleton. Kate has Hyperemesis. Had that with my last child. Not fun at all. Hang in there, Kate. Richard Branson: Congrats to Kate & Will on expecting your first child. The happiest day of your life to look forward to! Chrissy Teigen: AWWWW DUCHESS KATE AWWWWWWW SERIOUS AWWWWWWWW I’m not joking I’m seriously happy ew wtf Katherine Jenkins: What lovely news!! Congratulations to the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge!! #PitterPatter Brooklyn Decker: A ROYAL BABY…I hope Royal Baby and Blue Ivy Carter become best friends. Ivanka Trump: A royal baby is on the way for #KateMiddleton and Prince William! lovely! #royalbaby Damon Lindelof: “KATE MIDDLETON’S UNBORN CHILD SHALL SAVE US FROM THE FISCAL CLIFF!!!” – My Cardboard Sign Today Piers Morgan: Congratulations to every magazine editor for calling Kate Middleton’s pregnancy – especially those who did covers on it 11 months ago. Josh Malina: I hope it gets Kate’s hair. Estelle: Beautiful. Congrats will and Kate. Cheryl Cole: I’m sooooooo excited that we’re having a royal baby!!!! Congratulations to Kate and Wills!!!!!! Ryan Seacrest: Will and Kate +1.
