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Taylor Swift Calls Work On ‘Lorax’ ‘Completely Different’

Doing voice-over ‘very different from when you’re singing songs that you wrote,’ Swift tells MTV News. By Matt Goodhue, with reporting by Kara Warner Taylor Swift Photo: MTV News From the recording studio to the stage, it’s certainly clear that Taylor Swift has a knack for expressing her emotions and skills. While the singer/songwriter has graced the silver screen only once, she’s taken her talents to the sound booth for her portrayal of Audrey, a tree-loving daydreamer in the upcoming film ” Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax .” MTV News sat down with Swift recently as she prepared for Friday’s release of the famous Dr. Seuss tale, which follows the journey of a young boy who must save endangered trees in hopes of winning a girl’s heart. While making music and characterizing an animated girl are two quite-different tasks, if anyone can do it, and do it well, there’s no doubt it is Taylor Swift. “It’s a completely different space that you go to in your head,” Swift explained about voice-over work. “It’s very different from when you’re singing songs that you wrote. …With this, you’re sitting there in a booth by yourself having conversations with no one.” Having scripted conversations by yourself and answering questions to a voice you can’t even see might seem like a lonely gig, but, as with any of her work, the Grammy-winner found meaning and excitement in her role. Even though Audrey and Swift might not exactly resemble one another physically (Audrey has red hair), the blonde singer/songwriter connected with the character on a deeper level. “She’s heavenly. She’s such a day dreamer, and she cares so much about the past,” Taylor said. “To some degree, you have to have a priority based on the past and the future as well as the present.” As seen in the trailer, the character of Audrey is fun, bubbly, curious and a big fan of trees. Swift certainly fits all of these traits, and we’re looking forward to seeing what she does with the character when “The Lorax” is released Friday. Oh, and does Taylor dig trees as much as her animated counterpart? “I grew up on a Christmas tree farm, and she’s obsessed with trees,” she shared. Do you think Taylor’s voice will work well onscreen? Share your thoughts in the comments! Check out everything we’ve got on “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘The Lorax’

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Taylor Swift Calls Work On ‘Lorax’ ‘Completely Different’

‘Dark Shadows’ Trailer: Where Is It, Tim Burton?

With just 77 days until the film’s release, we’re still waiting for even a taste of the campy Johnny Depp feature. By John Mitchell Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer in “Dark Shadows” Photo: Warner Bros. Today is February 24. Tim Burton’s anticipated summer blockbuster adaptation of the vampire soap opera “Dark Shadows” is set to hit theaters on May 11. There are 77 days between now and the release of the film. And we still don’t have a trailer — not even a teaser. Special-effects-heavy blockbusters opening much later in the summer, including July’s “The Amazing Spider-Man” and “The Dark Knight Rises,” have already debuted multiple trailers to satisfy the bloodlust of fans hungry for just a taste of the movies they are counting down the days for. But we “Shadows” devotees have been kept waiting in the dark too long, not unlike Barnabas (Johnny Depp) locked up in a coffin and hidden away in the Collins family mausoleum. But lo, what’s that in the distance I hear? Buzz that consumer surveying of two potential trailers, a shorter teaser and longer full trailer, took place earlier this week. To be fair to all involved, by “buzz” we really mean “Internet gossip,” but it’s pretty much in line with what we’ve been able to pull together about the film from interviews with Burton and Helena Bonham Carter from late last year — namely that the director is injecting the film with an undercurrent of dark comedy. The GIF warriors over at Oh No They Didn’t got word on Tuesday from a variety of tipsters that testing on varied trailers was underway. And the buzz is … good? We’ve long been hopeful that the film would be “vintage Burton.” By that we mean dark, weird and kind of funny, and from what the ONTD tipsters are saying, that’s exactly what we may be getting. At his best, the director was capable of a balancing act few others would dare attempt. He made us care about a very odd man who had scissors for hands, after all, and laugh at the strange and colorful suburban world around him. Much of the comedy in the film appears to stem from Barnabas’ trouble acclimating to the modern world (well, 1972) when he is aroused from his centuries-long slumber by Willie Loomis (Jackie Earle Haley). According to tipster Ross2287, Depp’s delivery is spot on when he hears a car for the first time and calls out, “Show yourself Satan!” Later, during a fight with Eva Green’s evil witch Angelique, Depp earned laughs from the audience when he requested she “strategically place your wonderful lips upon my posterior and kiss it repeatedly.” More choice one-liners arise when Barnabas is introduced to his descendants. Based on these accounts of the alleged in-the-works trailers, it’s looking like the always lovable Chloe Moretz (who plays Caroline Collins) may well be a scene stealer. When Depp’s Barnabas is introduced to her and finds out she is 15, he can’t help but warn, “And no husband? You must put those birthing hips to good use at once lest your womb shrivel up and die.” Later, in what is said to be the full-length trailer, Depp sees television for the first time and is astounded, asking, “What sorcery is this?” before he rips the back panel off and yells, “Reveal yourself, tiny songstress!” Moretz then looks to her 200-year-old vampire cousin and says, “Are you stoned or something?” Is any of this even true? Looks like we’ll have to wait and see, though we decided to run with it because it’s all we have. Do you hear that, Tim Burton? It’s all we have. When it comes to this trailer, we can’t help but repeat one of Depp’s lines from the alleged mystery trailer: “Show yourself!” Do you think the ONTD tipsters have it right? Is Tim Burton readying a dark comedy with his “Dark Shadows” adaptation? Sound off in the comments below and tweet me @JohnMitchell83 with your thoughts and suggestions for future columns! Check out everything we’ve got on “Dark Shadows.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com .

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‘Dark Shadows’ Trailer: Where Is It, Tim Burton?

Paris Hilton Reveals ‘Drunk Text’ Dangers In New Video

Manufactured Superstars single features the heiress’ spoken word over an electro-house beat. By Elizabeth Lancaster Paris Hilton Photo: Getty Images Staying true to her roots, Paris Hilton is speaking to party girls everywhere in the new Manufactured Superstars single “Drunk Text.” “Drunk Text” dropped with an accompanying video Thursday (February 23), featuring an electro-house beat under the socialite’s spoken word. As for the lyrics, Paris narrates a modern clubgoer’s inner-monologue, highlighting key partying moments like dancing, taking shots and, you guessed it, drunk texting. The most attention-grabbing element of the video is Hilton herself. Focusing mostly on her red-lipstick-stained mouth speaking the words to the song, the camera also occasionally pans to the songstress relaxing in various locations throughout the club in a stunning-yet-suggestive black dress. This is a major transition from her bikini-clad “Stars Are Blind” music video , channeling a chic and erotic energy for the more risqu

‘Hunger Games’ Oscars Party: A How-To

In this week’s Hobnobbing, we plan your Panem-themed Academy Awards fete. By Amy Wilkinson Jennifer Lawrence in “The Hunger Games” Photo: Lionsgate Well, the 84th annual Academy Awards are right around the corner, and though ” Hunger Games ” fans have another year to wait until the big-screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ teen novel is awards-eligible (we’ve got you in our crosshairs, Best Picture nomination !), that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate in revolutionary style. And we’re making it super easy for you hungry film buffs out there. We’ve carefully composed a step-by-step guide to throwing your very own “Hunger Games”-themed Oscars party. Dig in! Reap Your Attendees Just like Panem’s most prestigious event, you can’t let the entire dystopian nation into your Oscars get-together. Write each of your friends’ names down on a slip of paper, drop them into a bowl and select only 24 pals to enjoy your bean dip and Billy Crystal-shaped Jell-O mold. They’ll thank you for it in the end. Set Up a Groom Room Tributes — I mean, guests — can’t even think of setting foot into the arena of your living room without first dividing their unibrows and conquering their hairy gams. Clear a common space (who needs privacy?) for your pals to primp and polish (sans Cinna and company, unfortunately) before the opening ceremonies. Stock generously with Capitol Colours nail polish . Let the Games Begin! OK, full disclosure: This isn’t so much a party as it is a cinephilic death match — only one guest can survive. Print Oscar ballots for each attendee (our friends at NextMovie have a handy, downloadable version) and be sure they fill out every category. Eliminate each incorrect guest, ushering them out of your home one by one (anthem optional) until you’re left with a single, exhausted winner. Cue the Parade Six months later (August 26, to be exact), you’ll want to invite the winner back to your house or apartment for their victory tour. Knock on each of your neighbors’ doors (starting with the highest number) and request they throw you a huge celebratory feast. Gratis. Your Hobnobbing Gamemakers guarantee this will be one party Panem will be talking about for years to come! May the Oscars be ever in your favor! Will you be throwing a “Hunger Games”-themed Oscars party? Sound off in the comments below and tweet me @amymwilk with your thoughts and suggestions for future columns! Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘Hunger Games’ Related Photos The Hunger Games

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‘Hunger Games’ Oscars Party: A How-To

‘Glee’ Episode On Gay Teen Suicide: Experts Weigh In

‘We just wanted to make sure that they had … resources to tell that story properly,’ Trevor Project interim CEO tells MTV News. By John Mitchell Daniel Roebuck and Max Adler in the “On My Way” episode of “Glee” Photo: FOX Tuesday night’s winter finale of “Glee” tackled the difficult topic of teen bullying and suicide. David Karofsky (Max Adler) — who bullied Kurt (Chris Colfer) because of his sexuality only to be revealed later as gay himself — tried to kill himself after teammates at his new school discovered the football player was gay and viciously harassed him verbally and online. Karofsky’s attempt was unsuccessful but it brought the subject to the forefront for all of the characters. And while the show’s decision to take on the topic was bold, the portrayal has inspired a mixed reaction. Among the viewers who felt the topic was handled deftly and with great care is David McFarland, the interim executive director and CEO of the Trevor Project , a national organization that provides crisis and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. The group aired a much-discussed PSA featuring “Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe during the episode. “It’s clear after last night’s episode that Ryan Murphy and his team did an excellent job of doing their research to tell a tough story and we were very proud to be involved and have the opportunity to air Trevor’s PSA with Daniel Radcliffe,” McFarland told MTV News on Wednesday (February 22). Others, however, complained that the episode had too many additional story lines — a teen wedding, the Regionals’ singing competition and a major incident for one of the principal characters that we won’t spoil here — which ultimately served to oversimplify and trivialize an important topic. MTV News’ own “Glee” re-capper, Kevin Sullivan, took particular offense to a comment made by Mr. Schuester, who revealed that his own suicide attempt was prompted by being caught cheating on a math test. “Suicide has so many aspects to consider that it cannot be glossed over in the same hour that features a regional show choir competition and a fictional wedding,” Sullivan said. McFarland disagreed, however, saying he thought the episode was an example of responsible storytelling. “[The Trevor Project wasn’t] told in advance … what the episode was going to be, we weren’t on-set advisors to the episode,” McFarland added. “We’ve been involved to the extent that if they were going to tell the story about suicide, we just wanted to make sure that they had access to resources to tell that story properly.” What seemed to be sloppy product placement also raised some eyebrows given the subject matter. After a member of McKinley’s Christian student club (a.k.a. the “God Squad”) mentions that they’re sending Karofsky an Edible Arrangement, we later spot the fruit bouquet when Kurt visits the hospital. And when Warbler Sebastian announces that his team will be taking donations for Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation at Regionals, some couldn’t help but cringe. While the Born This Way Foundation’s anti-bullying mission aligns well with the episode’s message, some fans questioned the wisdom of plugging the yet-to-launch organization of a major pop star when other, less-visible organizations have demonstrated their work on the matter. Still, McFarland thinks the show did a great service by putting the topic of LGBT teen suicide on a large national platform; he’s happy the subject is getting the national attention it deserves. “It’s being discussed on many platforms and levels throughout this country, including on the radar screen of the president and first lady of the United States,” McFarland said. “And a story like this reinforces the important attention that this country needs to give to what is truly a health crisis in America. “We really need to provide safe spaces and environments for our youth and that episode told that story beautifully,” he continued. “More of these stories need to be told, more work needs to be done. Overall, we need to do a much better job for our young people in providing safe environments and they need to feel socially, emotionally and physically safe and supported at home, in their communities and their schools.” Share your thoughts on Tuesday’s episode of “Glee” in the comments below.

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‘Glee’ Episode On Gay Teen Suicide: Experts Weigh In

‘John Carter’ Director Initially ‘Bristled’ At Title Change

‘If you like a movie, heck, you can call it ‘Dirt,’ ‘ Andrew Stanton says of dropping ‘of Mars’ from the title. By Kevin P. Sullivan, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Taylor Kitsch in “John Carter” Photo: Disney After decades in development limbo, the hero of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ novel, “John Carter of Mars,” will finally find his way onto the big screen with the guidance of director Andrew Stanton . But when he gets there, he’ll have dropped the “of Mars.” After a rather controversial title change, the classic title “John Carter of Mars” became the shortened and genre-neutral “John Carter.” For fans of the original Burroughs novels, this came as a move away from the beloved source materials, and Stanton admitted to MTV News’ Josh Horowitz that the change concerned him initially as well. “At first, I bristled, to be really honest. You can’t control people’s first impressions as much as you’d like,” he said. “There are just a lot of people that assume that it’s this weird astronaut/ space thing when you have ‘Mars’ in the title.” The change took time to accept, but with it, Stanton found a new angle of the story to explore. “Even then, I wasn’t going to be swayed, but then I realized, ‘Wow, the movie’s really about a guy that becomes John Carter of Mars,'” Stanton said. “I don’t want to reveal any spoilers, but then I sort of thought, ‘All right, so now that actually makes sense. Maybe I can pull something that I haven’t seen people do in a movie before.’ ” But what’s in a name? Stanton said that if he made a movie people can love, then not much. “My feeling is, if you like a movie, heck, you can call it ‘Dirt,’ and they’ll call it whatever for the rest of the time it exists,” Stanton said. The title change was among Disney’s several marketing choices that took heat from fans. But Stanton said he understands the challenge of marketing one of his unorthodox films, like his last movie, “WALL-E.” “Disney’s been changing hands, so it’s been a little bit of all hands on deck, but I feel we’re finally in good hands and we’re settling in,” Stanton said. “It’s not like anything else exactly. I’m used to giving Disney movies that they’re not used to selling, so I knew it would be a bumpy road, to be fair to them.” What do you think of Disney’s decision to drop “of Mars” from the title? Leave your comment below!

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‘John Carter’ Director Initially ‘Bristled’ At Title Change

Oscars 2012 Red Carpet: MTV News Goes Live Sunday!

Join Josh Horowitz and Christina Garibaldi with your favorite celebs, starting 5 p.m. Sunday on MTV.com. By Kevin P. Sullivan Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images MTV News has been your go-to source for everything Oscars leading up to the big night, and when it comes time to hand out the Academy Awards, we’ll be right in the center of the action to bring you what you need. MTV News’ Josh Horowitz and Christina Garibaldi will come to you live from the red carpet outside the Kodak Theater this Sunday, February 26, talking to the stars, bringing you the fashion and celebrating all things Oscars. The live stream from the red carpet will begin on MTV.com at 5 p.m. ET/ 2 p.m. PT and run right up until the beginning of the ceremony at 7:30 p.m. ET. To join the live conversation, tweet @MTVNews with the hashtag #Oscars to share your thoughts and ask questions of your favorite celebs. During the two and a half hours of coverage, you’ll be sure to hear from not only the nominees, but the rest of Hollywood’s biggest stars. MTV News will be your one-stop shop for the biggest stars on Hollywood’s biggest night. In the weeks leading up to the Academy Awards, MTV News has had everything you need to know heading into Oscar night. Every day, we will be bringing you new predictions and analysis of the awards show and giving you all the inside info to take home the pot in your Oscar pool. It all starts live on MTV.com at 5 p.m. ET/ 2 p.m. PT. The MTV Movies team has the 2012 Oscars covered! Stick with us for everything you need to know leading up to the awards show, and on Sunday, February 26, tune into MTV.com at 5 p.m. ET for our two-and-a-half-hour red-carpet live stream and updates on the night’s big winners. To join the live conversation, tweet @MTVNews with the hashtag #Oscars. Related Videos 2011 Oscars Red Carpet Interviews Related Photos 2011 Academy Awards Red Carpet

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Oscars 2012 Red Carpet: MTV News Goes Live Sunday!

‘Hunger Games’ Books ‘Inspiring’ For Wes Bentley

‘I found the character of Katniss to be so intriguing,’ the actor playing Seneca Crane tells MTV News. By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Wes Bentley Photo: MTV News We’ve already heard “Hunger Games” star Wes Bentley address the fan fervor surrounding his role as Seneca Crane — or, more specifically, the beard that was specially crafted for his character. Now it’s time to get into his thoughts on the impact of Suzanne Collins’ best-selling trilogy as a whole and what he thought about reading them for the first time knowing he might be bringing Crane to life on the big screen. “I think they’re fantastic novels. She’s a great writer, very poetic at times, and I love that,” Bentley told MTV News. “What struck me first was that it was politically sophisticated, a level at which you don’t see in adult novels. I also found it very exciting, and I found the character of Katniss to be so intriguing and so inspiring and very clever. I love to see that in a book.” Speaking to getting into the character of Seneca Crane , Bentley didn’t want to give away too much but did reveal that he felt that he had a lot to work with, thanks to director Gary Ross. “Gary created a great version of the character from the script, and I had a lot of fun with it,” Bentley said. “We had a blast.” The “American Beauty” actor also said he tried to maintain “tunnel vision” with regard to the constant online chatter and debates over the film’s casting, but his wife thwarted those efforts. “I was sort of aware of that excitement about the book,” he said. “My wife was trying to tell me how people felt about me being cast, which seemed positive, but I didn’t want to hear much about it; I just wanted to focus on the work.” Bentley said if he could play any other role in the film, it would be Katniss, because she is such a strong character. He also deftly avoided the Team Peeta or Team Gale question by emphasizing the fact that the story is about survival, not romance. “I don’t even think it plays like that,” he said. “[Katniss] is a strong individual character who is having to do something much bigger. It’s about survival.” Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘Hunger Games’

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‘Hunger Games’ Books ‘Inspiring’ For Wes Bentley

Kendall Jenner Pretends to Go Blonde

Yup, Kendall Jenner is officially on her way to becoming as useless as her sisters. The reality star pulled a page out of her sibling’s attention-starved playbook this week, posting a photo of herself as a blonde on Instagram and asking fans for their thoughts. But – SURPRISE!!! – it was really just one big joke, as Kendall followed up the picture with a Tweet that reads: Don’t worry! Still a brunette! #fooledyou #sillyme . Man, she totally fooled us! Silly, silly Kendall… Kongratulations, Kim Kardashian , you have taught your sister very well. We shudder to think what lessons you’ll pass along next – and we pray they don’t include a video camera.

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Kendall Jenner Pretends to Go Blonde

‘Hunger Games’: The Memes That Caught Fire

This week’s Hobnobbing celebrates Seneca Crane’s beard, Peeta’s advice and more Web wonders. By Amy Wilkinson Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane in “The Hunger Games” Photo: Lionsgate Three years can feel like an eternity. That’s how long ” The Hunger Games ” fans will have sat around sharpening their arrows between Lionsgate purchasing the film rights to Suzanne Collins’ novel and the movie ultimately swooping into theaters March 23. But it’s also been a productive 36 or so months for the series’ acolytes, evidenced by the plethora of Panem-centric memes that have cropped up online to amuse, inform and enthrall. From Seneca Crane’s beard to Katniss’ orange backpack, let’s celebrate the things that have made this infernal wait a little less painful. (Special thanks to Twitter friends who sent in their recommendations.) Seneca Crane’s beard Wes Bentley’s flame-shaped fuzz was destined for Internet infamy. Following the debut of “The Hunger Games” full-length trailer, the stylized scruff seemed to be one of the hottest topics of conversation. A Facebook page (and insightful interview with Hollywood Crush ) followed, proving the beard had staying power — even if it didn’t stay on Bentley’s face forever. “I would have loved to have kept the beard, but that beard took two hours to groom every day,” he told MTV News. “It’s such a cool look. Ve Neill, the makeup designer, did such an amazing job. It’s exciting that it’s getting that kind of attention.” Advice Peeta Peeta is the wisest baker’s son we know. Need proof? Take a gander at Advice Peeta , recommended by @TheHobOrg, where the disembodied head of Josh Hutcherson dispenses pithy platitudes and nuggets of wisdom. “Remember who the real enemy is: Panera,” one reads, while another declares, “I set fireeeeeee to the bread.” Aw, Peeta’s an Adele fan! We knew it. Lord Buttercup District 12’s male tribute isn’t the only character pontificating online. Even Prim’s mangy tomcat is getting in on the action. Similarly styled to Advice Peeta, Lord Buttercup , recommended by @mirandahakim, has plenty to say too, like “I am the Mockingjay. LOL JK I’m a cat.” The busy feline also manages his own Twitter account, @LordButtercup. Because the revolution needs social-media-minded mongrels. Effie’s shoes One of the newer (and perhaps less prevalent) memes, recommended by @HGgirlonfire, is a foot fetishist’s best friend. Effie Trinket’s gold booties (supposedly fashioned after an Alexander McQueen design ) made their debut on the recently launched Capitol Couture . And our shoe envy will never be the same. Katniss’ orange backpack Clearly, “Hunger Games” fans are a fashion-conscious bunch, because when the first “Hunger Games” teaser debuted, and it appeared Katniss’ bright backpack had been replaced by a duller version, die-hards were not pleased. Thankfully, further peeks have confirmed that the fiery bag, which Katniss grabs at the beginning of the Games, is indeed a player. And, as recommended by @pikko, it continues to be celebrated on Facebook . What’s your favorite “Hunger Games” meme? Sound off in the comments below and tweet me @amymwilk with your thoughts and suggestions for future columns! Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘Hunger Games’ Related Photos The Hunger Games

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‘Hunger Games’: The Memes That Caught Fire