Only in Hollywood: “In the commentary on the Gremlins 2 DVD, which has been ported over to its Blu-ray (out this week), [director Joe] Dante calls Gremlins 2 ‘one of the more unconventional studio pictures ever. And if it weren’t for the fact that the studio was in dire need of another one of these movies to put into the cans and send to the theaters, I can’t conceive of us getting away with this.’ He took advantage of that dire need by taking the piss. On that same commentary, [producer Michael] Finnell recalls Warner Bros. head Terry Semel telling them, ‘Just come up with something. Whatever you want. It doesn’t matter. Between 90 minutes and two hours, call it Gremlins 2 , and we’ll make it.'” [ Gawker ]
It’s one thing for distribution deals to precede the Cannes Film Festival. It’s another thing altogether for the actual absurdity of the annual event to commence before anyone even sets foot on a red carpet. To wit, get a load of this Canadian company trying to sell press access to their stars Kristen Stewart and Brad Pitt. Tacky! Deadline relays the tale of Alliance Films’ junkets for On the Road and Killing Them Softly , where Canadian journalists are welcome to catch up with Stewart and Pitt one-on-one — for the low, low prices of $1,293 and $3,232 (respectively). Junketing on the Croisette is expensive, you see, and since Alliance says it intends to bring both actors to North America for, er, complimentary press days later this year, the film journalists of Canada can either wait or have the first crack by helping foot the bill to welcome the more crucial international crowd. On the one hand it makes sense: These films are likely Toronto Film Festival-bound in September, where many more local and American press will flock for coverage anyway. There’s no reason to squander your talent’s precious, limited time on press they’ll likely get in four months. It’s also not unprecedented; Harvey Weinstein famously tried to usurp $1,500 from journalists wanting to cover Death Proof at Cannes in 2007. On the other hand, come on , Alliance. There are classier ways to handle this dilemma: “Alliance decided not to partake in the Cannes junkets for Killing Them Softly and On the Road , however we wanted to provide Canadian journalists the opportunity to participate directly if they so choose,” a company spokesperson told Deadline . As an insider told Deadline: “Of course it looks bad. But with the company possibly for sale, there’s a lot of pressure to keep as many costs down as possible. A pricey Cannes junket for two American movies that are already coming here later seemed an obvious place to save money.” Totally agreed! But to turn around and offer the interviews anyway for a price? Who approved that ? Velvet Jones? Oh , Canada. Stay tuned to Movieline for more from the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, which commences May 16. Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .
Also in Friday morning’s Biz Break, the Weinsteins go for a sneak of their latest French release paired with Oscar-winner The Artist, the Time Warner chief’s recipe for how to combat movie piracy, and more. Robert De Niro and Michael Douglas Team for CBS Films’ Vegas Last Vegas is a comedy about four old friends who decide to throw a Las Vegas bachelor party for the only one of them who has remained single. De Niro will play the party-averse Paddy Connelly, who reluctantly agrees to fly to Vegas at the request of his friends. Douglas will play Billy Gerson, a lifelong bachelor, who has finally decided to take the plunge. Good Universe, which launches its global sales operation in Cannes this month led by principal Joe Drake, is handling international sales. Around the ‘net… Rachel McAdams to Star in About Time McAdams is in negotiations to star in the latest romantic comedy from British filmmaker Richard Curtis. McAdams would play the dream girl, a role Zooey Deschanel had once been attached to play, THR reports . Zooey Deschanel to Play Loretta Lynn on Broadway Lynn introduced Deschanel on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville Thursday night. Back in 1979, Lynn introduced Sissy Spacek on stage at the Grando Ole Opry in the movie Coal Miner’s Daughter , which would eventually win Spacek an Academy Award. THR reports . Weinsteins Sneak Intouchables with The Artist Six theaters in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles will host a sneak of French-language hit The Intouchables tied to The Weinstein Company’s re-release of The Artist on Saturday. Intouchables opens May 25th in the U.S., Variety reports . Movie Windows Must Collapse to Combat Piracy Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes told Charlie Rose on PBS that the days of having releases appear in theaters a few months before they’re available on home video are numbered, Deadline reports .
Given the kind of vampire that’s dominated pop culture in recent years – hunky, as down in Bon Temps, or sparkly, like the eternal teens of Twilight — it’s no surprise that some folks may long for the bloodsucker of olde. Well, count Johnny Depp among the ranks of the traditionalists. His latest collaboration with director Tim Burton, an adaptation of the 1970s supernatural soap Dark Shadows , sees Depp in ghostly make-up and fangs as undead hero Barnabas Collins in what he describes as a counterpoint to movies about “vampires that look like underwear models.” And underwear models are the last things Depp brings to mind as Collins: Freed after centuries of imprisonment, the 18th century New England vampire returns to his ancestral home only to find himself — pasty white (via theatrical make-up), with long pointy vampire fingers, chompers, and a wardrobe like a Goth Liberace’s – a fish out of water in the groovy ’70s. So why the reactionary vampirism? Depp and Burton were both fans of the original Dark Shadows series as kids, as they told press last week in Los Angeles. (Co-star Michelle Pfeiffer, who plays Collins family descendant and matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, was the only other cast member who was also a previous fan of the show — so much so that she called her Batman Returns director Burton to lobby for a part.) But the idea to make a film adaptation from the cult series didn’t strike until the two were on the set of another film. “I think it was during Sweeney Todd where I just blurted out in mid conversation, ‘God, we should do a vampire movie together,’” Depp recalled, “’where you actually have a vampire that looks like a vampire.’” Depp says he’s always been fascinated by monsters, and the erotic nature of bloodsuckers adds “a darkness, this mystery, this intrigue.” But of course, Dark Shadows is a family-friendly comedy-actioner to boot. “It was a real challenge, more for Tim than me, to make that guy, that vampire, fit back into this odd society and this dysfunctional family,” he said. “I think he did it seamlessly.” In addition to wearing finger-extending vampire nails that required delicate treatment between scenes, Depp donned other vampire accoutrements. “When I had the fangs, you had to be careful that you didn’t actually pierce the jugular,” he explained. “Kind of like my experience shaving Alan Rickman — which, by the way, neither of us wants to do again.” As for Barnabas Collins’s stilted, out-of-the-past mannerisms, Depp and Burton agreed: They had to include some measure of original series actor Jonathan Frid in the performance. “It just had to be this sort of classic monster, like Fangoria Magazine or that kind of thing,” Depp said. “In terms of that Jonathan did have a rigidity to him, this elegance. It was always there.” “Tim and I talked early on,” he continued. “I did believe that a vampire should look like a vampire.” He paused. “It was a kind of rebellion against vampires that look like underwear models.” Follow Jen Yamato on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .
Will Ian Somerhalder star in the wildly-anticipated Fifty Shades of Grey movie ? That question was posed to The Vampire Diaries star during his Chelsea Lately appearance on Wednesday. And the talented actor certainly sounds up for it, acknowledging the possibility and joking that – based on his 175-year old blood sucker falling for an 18-year old on this CW hit – he’s clearly into younger women. Other topics broached in the video below: Somerhalder accent, filming his show at night and, of course, Chelsea Handler’s overt, unfunny attempts to make EVERYthing about sex. Watch now: Ian Somerhalder on Chelsea Lately Meanwhile, did you catch last night’s Vampire Diaries season finale ? If so, please remember to breathe again now. Holy everything.
(CNN) – The Obama re-election campaign released a video Thursday to contrast the president’s view on same-sex marriage with that of presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney. The web video plays President Barack Obama’s comments from Wednesday’s ABC interview in which he expressed support for same-sex marriage, followed by Romney’s statements on the issue throughout Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : Political Ticker Discovery Date : 10/05/2012 05:38 Number of articles : 4
Big win for Team Coco! Nina Dobrev was on Conan O’Brien‘s show last night, to build up today’s finale of The Vampire Diaries. We were wondering why she chose to wear a pair of formal shorts for the interview, but as the episode unfolded, we figured out just why. It’s also directly related to why Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : TheFABlife Discovery Date : 10/05/2012 05:45 Number of articles : 2
MTV News takes a look back at Yauch’s music, spirituality and impact during hour-long special. By Kara Warner Beastie Boys’ Adam Yauch Photo: Fred Duval/ Getty Images With the world still reeling from the news of Adam Yauch’s death on Friday (May 4), MTV News took to the airwaves with the one-hour special “Adam Yauch: Remembering a Beastie Boy” to honor the life and impact of the influential artist, one of the founding members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted rap trio. MTV’s own Sway Calloway began the tribute by reading celebrity reactions to Yauch’s death from artists including Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Travis Barker, Weezer and Jack Black, all of whom expressed feelings of sadness and respect for the influential MC. “Adam Yauch brought a lot of positivity into the world, and I think it’s obvious to anyone how big of an influence the Beastie Boys were on me and so many others,” Em said in a statement to MTV News. “They are trailblazers and pioneers, and Adam will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, Mike D., and Ad-Rock.” The tribute then turned toward Yauch’s indelible impact on the music industry, beginning with a look at one of the Beastie Boys’ most famous and critically acclaimed music videos, “Sabotage,” directed by Spike Jonze, followed by the group’s festive performance of “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party)” on MTV’s New Year’s Eve show in 1986. Other clips featured in the 60-minute special included their 1998 VMA performance of “Intergalactic,” the year the group took home the Video Vanguard award, as well as more of their iconic music videos, including “Hey Ladies.” Sway touched on the evolution of Yauch’s spirituality throughout his career, which led to his founding of the Tibetan Freedom Concert, the first of which drew influential acts like the Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Rage Against the Machine. We dug through our archives to find the Beastie Boys’ performance of “Root Down” at the 1996 concert in San Francisco, followed by their star-studded, 2011 VMA-nominated music video “Make Some Noise,” which earned Yauch an award for Best Director. The tribute closed with a few more celeb tribute tweets and the Boys’ 2004 MTV Movie Awards performance of “Ch-Check It Out.” Share your memories of Adam on Twitter using the hashtag #RIPMCA. Related Videos Beastie Boys’ Adam Yauch: 1964-2012 Adam Yauch: Remembering A Beastie Boy Related Artists Beastie Boys
Robert Pattinson, Ian Somerhalder, Ryan Gosling are fan favorites to play the dark and mysterious character in E L James’ novel. By Christina Garibaldi Robert Pattinson Photo: MTV News People just can’t stop talking about “Fifty Shades of Grey.” E L James has set the literary world on fire with as erotic novel that explores the relationship between a dark and mysterious guy named Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele, an innocent college graduate. The guilty-pleasure book features characters that James created in her “Twilight” fan fiction, and it’s now being made into a feature film . That, of course, has had Hollywood buzzing with casting rumors about who could play the role of Christian Grey. Fans of the trilogy already have strong opinions about the part, so MTV News caught up with some experts for their take. “Christian definitely needs to be clean-cut, but extremely sexy when disheveled,” Alison Genet of Twifans.com told MTV News. “I wouldn’t choose a man that is overly chiseled. No juicehead gorillas need apply. Hair that can be neatly brushed, but when playing, it’s loose and wild like Johnny Depp hair. Not super short.” Of course, the physical look of the actor has to fit, but Christian is also a complex individual, and most fans want an actor who can pull off all his many dimensions. “I just think that the actor needs to be able to portray being so intense,” Mags Vazquez from , “But also showing that vulnerability that he has in reality.” Casting rumors for the part of Christian have been heating up as of late, with names like “Twilight’s” own Robert Pattinson coming up. So, do fans want to see Pattinson make the transition from Edward Cullen to Christian Grey? “There’s the side that first fell in love with the characters as part of ‘Twilight’ fan fiction and can only see Robert Pattinson as Christian and/or Kristen Stewart as Ana,” Lisa Parker from FiftyShadesFilm.com explained. “Would we be disappointed if he/she/they were cast? Absolutely not.” Others disagree, however. “In regards to Robert Pattinson, I would like to see them move away from ‘Twilight’ so it can get its own identity,” Crissy Maier of Laters, Baby! said. Well, if Pattinson doesn’t land the role, there’s a chance another vampire could step in: “Vampire Diaries” star Ian Somerhalder. “I think Ian seems like a good fit visually, I haven’t watched ‘Vampire Diaries,’ but what I hear about his acting skills there, I’m hearing good things,” Maier said. Parker agreed, revealing that her readers have been backing Somerhalder since he expressed interest in the role during an interview with Ryan Seacrest. “We’re excited to see actors step up and say they would be interested in playing the leading man,” Parker said, adding, “With Ian Somerhalder being the first and a popular candidate judging from our Twitter timeline.” These super fans have suggestions of their own though, ranging from Matt Bomer to “Man of Steel” star Henry Cavill . Not surprisingly, Ryan Gosling is also a favorite. “We are fans of the love story too, so we know exactly what qualities ‘FSOG’ fans see in different actors and actresses that make them appealing for the roles,” Parker said. “Have you seen the Dunhill London ads featuring Henry Cavill? Do they not scream ‘Fifty’? Have you seen Ryan Gosling’s GQ photo shoot? Grey silk tie anyone?” Genet of Twifanscom agreed, saying Gosling’s undeniable charm could make him the perfect Christian Grey: “Ryan Gosling, Ryan Gosling, and Ryan Gosling. Imaging him in jeans hung low on the hip.” “The one thing we know for sure is that with E L James as a collaborative partner in the casting process, we are confident that she will do what’s in the best interest of her famously loved characters.” Parker said. Who do you think should play Christian Grey in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: Robert Pattinson Related Photos ‘Fifty Shades Of Grey’ Rumored Cast
Reviews are glowing for director Joss Whedon’s star-studded superhero epic. By Josh Wigler Scarlett Johansson in “The Avengers” Photo: Marvel Impossibly high expectations, assemble! The moment that Marvel fans far and wide have been waiting years for has arrived at last: “The Avengers,” directed by Joss Whedon and featuring a star-studded cast including Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans, has finally landed in theaters nationwide. Anyone worried that Marvel couldn’t live up to its own hype with “Avengers” need only look at the reviews to see that Earth’s Mightiest Heroes have indeed performed to the best of their ability. Not only is “Avengers” an international box-office success and a soon-to-be domestic hit, the film is also adored by critics, geeks and moviegoers of all other assorted shapes and sizes. Keep reading for a selection of the glowing “Avengers” reviews! The Man Behind The Curtain “As screenwriter, sharer of story credit with Zak Penn and director, Whedon is the key reason why this $220-million behemoth of a movie is smartly thought out and executed with verve and precision. It may be overly long at two hours, 23 minutes, but so much is going on you might not even notice. Whedon’s biggest success, creating TV’s ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer,’ was nowhere near this scale. But he is a third-generation television writer who was nominated for an Oscar for co-writing ‘Toy Story,’ and he’s got an innate gift for bringing stories like this to life with the energy and intelligence that should be popular entertainment’s birthright but rarely is.” — Kenneth Turan, The Los Angeles Times Earth’s Mightiest Heroes “Downey’s Tony Stark remains driven by ego and genius, always on the verge of overreaching, while Hemsworth continues to navigate between two worlds. As a man out of time, unsure of how he fits into the modern world, or if he even wants to, Evans shoulders even more of the drama, becoming the heart of a film that’s filled with heroics, but also, if sometimes too fleetingly, concerned with the meaning of heroism. Fitting right in: Ruffalo’s laidback Banner, a characterization with echoes of the easy-living California dude he played in ‘The Kids Are All Right,’ Johansson’s haunted superspy, and Renner, whose steely intensity alone makes it easy to forget the unlikelihood of an archer, no matter how good, being able to hold his own among superhumans.” — Keith Phipps, The A.V. Club The Laugh Factor ” ‘The Avengers’ may be one of the funniest movies of the year. Whereas ‘Iron Man 2’ was overdose, having other leads to dilute Downey Jr.’s manic mouth helps Tony Stark finally land his punchlines. Evans is another standout, his fish-out-of-water predicament lending itself to comedy that clicks (‘I got that reference,’ Captain Steve Rogers timidly points out). But Hulk takes the cake, Whedon mining the towering green monster for all-out destruction and physical comedy. When Hulk smashes, he smashes big and Whedon’s clever timing is reminiscent of old Warner Bros. cartoons.” — Matt Patches, Hollywood.com The Big Fight “Much of this battle takes place in midtown Manhattan, where the neatest sequences involve Loki’s ginormous slithering, undulating snake-lizard-dragon machine, which seems almost to have a mind of its own and is backed up by countless snakelings. At one point, an Avenger flies into the mouth of this leviathan and penetrates its entire length, emerging at the business end. You won’t see that in ‘The Human Centipede.’ ” — Roger Ebert, The Chicago Sun-Times The Final Word “It’s essentially six movies in one, which might account for the nearly 2 1/2 hour length. While it’s slow getting started, ‘The Avengers’ is a splashy superhero mash-up that should please breathless fanboys. It also has a broader appeal for mass audiences with its fast-paced comic banter and exhilarating action sequences under the capable helm of director/co-writer/unabashed fan Joss Whedon. Whedon weaves a story that allows each of the heroes to do what they do best. And while they may not have exactly equal time, audiences get enough of each to feel satisfied, but not sated. Clever work, indeed.” — Claudia Puig, USA Today Are you seeing “The Avengers” this weekend? Let us know in the comments section below or on Twitter ! Check out everything we’ve got on “The Avengers.” For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com . Related Videos Get Psyched For ‘Avengers’ MTV Rough Cut: ‘The Avengers’ ‘The Avengers’ Take On Tribeca Film Festival
