Fireworks – the one that didn’t fail miserably at least – weren’t the only things that exploded on July 4. The Amazing Spider-Man spun out $23.4 million yesterday alone, combing with Tuesday’s total for an overall box office haul so far of $59.3 million. It’s on track to gross over $125 million in its first six days of release. The Amazing Spider-Man Trailer Where does this figure rank in history? Yesterday’s tally goes down as the second-best showing ever on the Fourth of July, trailing only the original Transformers , which banked $29.1 million on the same Wednesday in 2007. With mostly positive reviews and a very favorable CineScore from fans, it’s pretty clear that The Amazing Spider-Man will turn Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone into official Hollywood A-listers.
Kate Upton has gained a massive following due to her sexy curves, but surprisingly, her famous figure has landed her a number of harsh critics as well. Modeling’s newest “it” girl is a frequent punching bag of the website SkinnyGossip (dot) com, which has been linked to promoting anorexia in the past. We thought people liked curvy models in general, but this worthless site features a list of “Starving Tip[s] of the Day” aimed at impressionable girls. No wonder Kate Upton has become its mortal enemy. SkinnyGossip refers to Kate with terms such as “thick,” “lardy,” “squishy brick,” “pregnant,” “well-marbled” and even “cannibal” (for her Carl’s Jr. ad). An anti-Upton post on the site reads: “Is this what American women are ‘striving’ for? The lazy, lardy look? Have we really gotten so fat in this country that Kate is the best we can aim for?” Victoria’s Secret casting director Sophia Neophitou also had some harsh words for the model and her voluptuousness, telling the New York Times: “We would never use her. She’s like a Page 3 girl . She’s like a footballer’s wife, with the too-blond hair and that kind of face that anyone with enough money can buy.” Fortunately, this awfulness hasn’t seemed to faze the 20-year-old … or millions of male admirers salivating over Kate Upton photos of her Cat Daddy video . What do you think of Kate Upton’s body?
As the temperatures climb around the United States, Nina Dobrev and Nick Braun have a very important message for Internet users: don’t forget about suntan lotion. Yo. Indeed, The Vampire Diaries star and The Perks of Being a Wallflower actor are featured in a new Funny or Die video, rapping about the positives of SPF and reminding viewers to smear as much on as possible before soaking up any rays. It’s both a funny and a pertinent point. Watch now: Nina Dobrev for Funny or Die Rap: SPF Rules! The Vampire Diaries Season 4 kicks off in October, while The Perks of Being a Wallflower opens on September 21.
The votes were in. The eliminations were announced. The tension was palpable on America’s Got Talent last night. Read on for a rundown of who advanced and who is going home… Elimination 1 – Music When Nick Cannon called the first three acts, it was clear who was safe. In comparison to the other two, Shanice & Maurice were the only ones that the judges even gave positive feedback to with their live performance. Harkening back to how good one was in Vegas won’t help a public that may have only tuned in this week. The obvious point is that all these acts can’t have an off week like American Idol contestants can because we see them once in the quarterfinals. Michael Nejad was compared to the vacuum cleaner he played. Nikki chose a very sleepy song. While Shanice & Maurice picked a song that was from Pearl Harbor, the message worked perfectly for a father/daughter team. Out: Michael Nejad, Nikki Jensen In: Shanice & Maurice Elimination 2 – Dancers The biggest issue I have with 787 Crew was that it is repetitive. If you ever watched ABDC, it used that breaking circle choreography then as well. It doesn’t help that Puerto Rico has such a small voting block that they couldn’t really support him. For me child acts tend to be wild cards. In Vegas, all the young singers trumped the Female Vocalist category including Nikki Jensen. Lil Starr could have made it through on another week with a song that wasn’t LMFAO but it also didn’t help that she went fourth. If she went tenth, she could have been clumped with the talented end acts. That being said, The Scott Brothers are great at what they do and floating hat trick, while kind of easy (you twirl your fingers around a hat), showed the variety that they needed to advance. Out: 787 Crew, Lil Starr In: The Scott Brothers Elimination 3 – Novelty This one was a landslide for David Garibaldi & his CMYK’s which gives me hope for an artist. I thought that Season 5’s Maricar was innovative as she tried to paint underwater (or sexily paint Catwoman), but she lacked the dynamic of the stage that the CMYK’s provide. There was nothing wrong necessarily about the Stunt Team, but the production camera shots didn’t do them justice at all. If The Scott Brothers chose only a background video (no fog, lasers, shooting smoke), then the stunt team should have focused on stunts.
The United States of America turns 236 years old today. That’s quite the milestone. But a couple other big names also celebrate birthdays, and each also represents the greatness of the country in which we all reside. First, there’s Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, a man solely famous for his abdominal muscles, tolerance for alcohol ( rehab stint not withstanding) and unusual vocabulary. He turns 30 today and we’d have to imagine there’s a lot of gym, some tanning and also a bit of laundry in his future. Where else would someone like this become a millionaire? Take that, France! Then there’s Malia Obama, newly 14 and the daughter of the first African-American President in our history. Her father is biracial and was raised in a poor household in Hawaii. Love him or think he’s the second coming of Karl Marx, Barack Obama represents the American dream. So put down that firework, raise your Budweiser and toast the United States, The Situation and Malia today. Here’s to hoping the Mayans were wrong and we’re all around to honor year number 237.
Happy Fourth of July, everyone! In honor of America’s birthday, we’re paying tribute to the stars and stripes via a series of celebrity salutes, Star Spangled Banner style! Sit back, light up some fireworks (safely!) and click through the following celebrity versions of our National Anthem, starting with the undeniably best of all-time… Whitney Houston National Anthem: The Best Ever The Fray National Anthem Kelly Clarkson National Anthem (Super Bowl) Kristin Chenoweth Sings National Anthem Steven Tyler National Anthem Performance: Yay or Nay? Demi Lovato Sings the National Anthem Zooey Deschanel Sings National Anthem Scotty McCreery National Anthem Performance NBA Finals Anthem Keri Hilson Sings National Anthem Kris Allen, National Anthem
It’s safe to assume Tom Cruise’s 50th birthday was not what he’d hoped for. According to Us’ cover story (below), he traveled from Iceland, where he’s been shooting the new film Oblivion , to the United States early July 3. If things had gone according to plan for Cruise, he’d have celebrated hitting the half-century mark in Iceland with wife Katie Holmes by his side. But since Katie filed for divorce out of nowhere last week, he was forced to make a last-ditch effort to save the relationship, only to be rebuffed. While Holmes, 33, was MIA from Rock of Ages premieres and other events, “he begged her to come to Iceland for one last try at reconciliation,” the insider says. Holmes, motivated by fears of Scientology corrupting their daughter Suri, had been secretly plotting to file for divorce and move into her own NYC apartment. She refused to go, and the pair had a “huge fight,” the source explains. Although Cruise was aware that things were tense and severely estranged with Holmes, “he was confident he could talk her out of it and keep her with him.” Holmes seeks sole legal custody of Suri, 6, and clearly filed in N.Y. State as a means of achieving that goal, as its courts are more likely to award sole custody. There’s a prenup in place, but regarding custody, it looks like a nasty split is on the horizon. Here’s hoping they can work it out quietly and under the radar. In other Cruise news, you can see him in the new Jack Reacher trailer .
International B.I.C. Blue Ivy Carter Named Honrary Citizen Of Croation Island Looks like Momma Bey and Hubby Hov have a new accolade to add to their 5-moth old daughter’s resume. Baby baller Blue Ivy was recently named an honorary citizen of the Croation Island of Hvar. The baby of the superstar couple has been granted the status after the region’s officials heard that the inspiration for her name came from a tree wrapped in blue ivy on the island. Interest in the tourist hotspot has dramatically increased since the birth of the baby and the area was named as Lonely Planet’s number 5 destination in 2012. “The story of the origin of the name of your daughter has brought enormous media attention and therefore tourist promotion to the town and island of Hvar,” Contactmusic quoted Major Pjerino Bebic’s letter as saying. “Because of this, I have decided to confer on your daughter the status of honourary citizen of the town of Hvar,” the letter said. Source
Is there a crime that this ninja HASN’T committed??? James “Jimmy Henchmen” Rosemond Indicted For Murder They called him Jimmy Henchman — the man with the Teflon reputation, tied for years to the feud that led to the murders of two legends of the hip-hop world. But on Friday, officials in Manhattan said the man, James Rosemond, was being charged with arranging the murder of an associate of the rapper 50 Cent. The news came less than three weeks after Mr. Rosemond was convicted of running a multimillion-dollar cocaine ring. In an indictment announced on Friday, Mr. Rosemond, 47, was charged with conspiring with five other men to kill the associate, Lowell Fletcher, in 2009. “This has not been a good month for Jimmy the Henchman,” Raymond W. Kelly, the New York police commissioner, said in a statement. He said the murder of Mr. Fletcher had been retaliation for an assault on Mr. Rosemond’s son. Messages left for Mr. Rosemond’s lawyer were not returned. Mr. Rosemond, who ran a management company, Czar Entertainment, is perhaps best known for accusations that have trailed him since the killings of the rap music luminaries Tupac Shakur and Christopher Wallace, better known as the Notorious B.I.G., in the mid-1990s. Mr. Rosemond has denied involvement in the bitter feud that led to their shootings. Preet Bharara, the United States attorney in Manhattan, said Mr. Rosemond and the five other defendants had “operated like a mini-gang, allegedly committing a revenge killing, and a host of drug and firearms offenses.” A seventh man was also charged with firearms and narcotics offenses but not murder. For those that are unaware of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Fletcher’s death… Mr. Fletcher was shot to death on the evening of Sept. 27, 2009, near Jerome and Mount Eden Avenues in the Mount Eden neighborhood of the Bronx. Mr. Rosemond and another man hired at least two of the defendants to kill Mr. Fletcher in exchange for drugs, according to the indictment in United States District Court in Manhattan. Jimmy, you’re down for the count. We’re sure that 50 is somewhere poppin’ bottles to your demise. Source
Penélope Cruz, Woody Allen and Geta Gerwig at the NYC premiere of To Rome with Love this week hosted by the Cinema Society. Photo by Nick Hunt/Patrick McMullan Co. This weekend’s new theatrical offerings include a massive array for any taste. In the studio realm, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter marks the 16th Prez as a savior from Vampires, Pixar’s Brave centers on a Princess who must save her kingdom. Focus’ Seeking a Friend for the End of the World pits a mismatched man and woman on an unlikely road trip, while doc The Invisible War is a fascinating but sad exposé on the sad truth about sexual assault in the U.S. military. Fellow doc Kumaré , meanwhile follows a man posing as an Eastern guru who builds his own following in Arizona. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter Director: Timur Bekmambetov Writers: Seth Grahame-Smith Cast: Benjamin Walker, Rufus Sewell, Dominic Cooper, Anthony Mackie Distributor: Fox Just the title itself makes it a worthy consideration. In this fantasy/horror pic, America’s 16th President adds another credit to his stellar historical legacy. Vampires are planning to take over the United States and of course he is the man who takes it upon himself to eliminate them… Brave (Animation) Directors: Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, Steve Purcell Writers: Mark Andrews, Steve Purcell, Brenda Chapman, Irene Mecchi Cast: Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson Distributor: Buena Vista Paramount/Dreamworks Animation has been bringing in lots of cash with their big summer animated feature Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted and it looks like Disney/Pixar will be reaping some box office gold themselves with Brave . So, for the plot… Princess Merida is a determined gal, who wants to follow her own destiny. She breaks with tradition and unfortunately it brings chaos to her kingdom. But, she is granted one wish and Merida must rely on her bravery and even her archery prowess to end the curse. Seeking a Friend for the End of the World Director: Lorene Scafaria Writer: Lorene Scafaria Cast: Steve Carell, Keira Knightley, Melanie Lynskey, Adam Brody Distributor: Focus Features The directorial debut of screenwriter Lorene Scafaria, this pic explores what people will do when faced with the end of the world. In the feature, an asteroid is speeding toward Earth and one attempt to avoid calamity has failed. Dodge (Steve Carell), a man who plays by the rules, is facing a failed marriage. His wife leaves him on the spot. Meanwhile, his neighbor Penny (Keira Knightley) is an extroverted woman who does not play by the rules. Dodge decides to seek out a long lost love, while Penny makes her way back to her family and the two unlikely travel companions set out on the road together. The Invisible War (Documentary) Director: Kirby Dick Subjects: Helen Benedict, Anu Bhagwati, Susan Burke Distributor: Cinedigm Digital Cinema, Docurama This could very well get an Oscar nomination, so check it out before the hype begins. Kirby Dick and producing partner Amy Ziering delve into the mostly unknown scourge of rape and sexual assault that runs rampant in the U.S. military. Don’t let the subject matter scare you off. Sure it’s tough, but this is a great movie and – what the hell – why not educate yourself? Said Kirby Dick about making the film : “Each one of these interviews were equally stunning. Amy did each interview and she did a phenomenal job and she’d be emotionally drained and devastated and be incredibly angry afterward. It was a good combination.” Kumaré (Documentary) Director: Vikram Gandhi Subjects: Vikram Gandhi, Purva Bedi, Kristen Calgaro Distributor: Kino Lorber Films Ever wondered how gurus and other spirituals manage to find their, well… following? If so, then so has filmmaker Vikram Gandhi and his crew. Gandhi, who grew up in New Jersey and is skeptical of religion decides to don a beard, long hair and some made-up Eastern Mysticism jargon and heads West to Arizona where sure enough, he finds his followers. His message is quite benign, “the answers are within yourself,” he tells his sheep. “It’s a place where nobody really knew us and a place that represented America, but at the same time open to new ideas,” producer Brendan Colthurst shared about Arizona. Most of the country may have to wait a bit though, the film is only in New York this weekend. To Rome with Love Director: Woody Allen Writer: Woody Allen Cast: Woody Allen, Penélope Cruz, Jesse Eisenberg, Alec Baldwin, Ellen Page, Roberto Benigni, Judy Davis Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics Last year Woody Allen made the City of Lights a character in one of his most successful films to date, Midnight in Paris and this year, the New York director made the Eternal City a star in To Rome with Love . The film, a story about a number of people in the Italian capital, follows Americans and Italians in various romances and adventures throughout Rome. The film already opened overseas and opened the Los Angeles Film Festival last week. It had its own glittering premiere in New York earlier this week, courtesy of the Cinema Society and sponsor Piaget at Casa Lever. Fittingly, Italian beverage Disaronno was being served. Along with cast members, the celeb quotient was through the roof.
