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Green Lantern: Get To Know DC Comics’ New Gay Icon

‘Earth 2’ writer James Robinson tells MTV that Alan Scott, returning to DC Universe as a gay man, is ‘proud of who he is on every level.’ By Josh Wigler Green Lantern Photo: DC Comics The original Green Lantern, Alan Scott , is back in the DC Universe for the first time since last year’s companywide reboot. He’s courageous, charismatic and powerful, the same hero fans have loved and adored for decades, with just a few notable modifications — the most controversial of which involves his sexuality. DC Comics announced Friday (June 1) that Scott has been reimagined as a gay man, marking a significant change to the hero who has been around since the 1940s. His sexuality will be revealed in the pages of writer James Robinson’s “Earth 2” #2, and ahead of that, the scribe has been making the rounds, speaking with outlets all about the new Green Lantern. For those of you just tuning in, here are five things you need to know about DC’s newest gay icon: Like Son, Like Father Robinson revealed to MTV Geek that Scott’s new sexuality was partly inspired by the character’s gay son, Obsidian, who no longer exists in the rebooted DCU. “The only thing that bothered me about rebooting the character and making him younger again was that we lost his son Obsidian, who was gay — the original version, obviously, when he was an older man, with a son,” Robinson said about creating the new Green Lantern. “And then, with that in mind, I thought, ‘Well, why not make Alan Scott gay. Why not make the leader of the Justice Society gay?’ It worked on every level. I suggested it to [DC Comics co-publisher] Dan DiDio, and to be fair to Dan, there wasn’t a moment’s hesitation. He said, ‘Yeah, great, great idea.’ ” Original Green Lantern Is Gay, DC Announces Fighting for Acceptance Scott is certainly one of the more prominent gay characters in the DC Comics catalog, and even though many fans are accepting him with open arms, he’ll have his fair share of social hurtles to overcome. “One of the unfortunate things about the United States is that some states are less willing to [let] people have their personal freedoms,” Robinson told Geek. “So, in ‘Earth 2,’ some of those things are obstacles a gay person might face. But Alan Scott is a force of nature, so he would never let that stand in his way. He’s proud of who he is on every level.” Alan Scott, Media Mogul Speaking of every level, there are many layers to the new Alan Scott beyond his sexuality. One of the most important elements to the rejiggered character is that he’s in charge of a major media empire, for instance. “He’s a giant of the media industry,” the writer said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly . “By getting involved in communication, the news, and the Internet, he’s become a billionaire. He’s kind of a cross between Mark Zuckerberg and David Geffen. The original Alan Scott owned a radio station in the ’40s and ’50s, so he was a media giant then. He was this bold, heroic, brave man who took control, who would risk his life for you and be this emerald knight that was always there to protect the world.” James Robinson Speaks With MTV Geek About Green Lantern’s Sexuality An A-List Superhero Scott isn’t just a media mogul or a solo-operating superhero, either: The Green Lantern of “Earth 2” is a leader of men — specifically, the Justice Society. “He will be very much the leader of the Justice Society and a figurehead,” Robinson said in an interview with the Huffington Post . “Often, I think, gay characters, with the exception of Batwoman, are part of a team but are often aside, somewhat. Alan’s going to be at the forefront of this team, leading it, being someone that is loved and admired by the people of Earth 2. So that’s a subtle difference that I will be adding: trying to not just present a positive gay role model but someone that is a type-A superhero.” He’s Not Alone One of Robinson’s major goals for “Earth 2” is to present a cast that’s as diverse as humanly possible. To that end, the writer promised that Scott isn’t the only homosexual character in the comic. “There is another character down the line, but that character won’t be appearing for some time, so it’s probably a bit too early to talk about that,” he told the Advocate . “But this book will definitely have a diverse cast. Alan Scott won’t be the only gay character in ‘Earth 2’ — I promise you that.” Tell us what you think of the new Green Lantern in the comments section!

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Green Lantern: Get To Know DC Comics’ New Gay Icon

‘Twilight’: Are There More Vampires In Stephenie Meyer’s Future?

‘Things change so much from week to week,’ the author tells MTV News of returning to the vampire franchise in the future. By Fallon Prinzivalli, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Stephenie Meyer Photo: MTV News The final installment of Stephenie Meyer’s vampire saga, “Breaking Dawn – Part 2,” hits theaters this fall, showing newlywed Bella Cullen in all her red-eyed, ice-cold-skin glory. It’s been a long journey since “Twilight” released in 2008 and many fans are sad to say goodbye to their beloved franchise. But when the credits roll on November 16, it may not be the end of Edward and Bella’s story. When MTV News flew out to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to visit Meyer on the set of “The Host,” the author revealed she has a few more story lines in mind for the couple. “Things change so much from week to week, let alone year to year. I mean, there are other stories, obviously,” she said. “I have a really hard time putting down characters and so I know what would happen. It’s just a matter of, ‘Are we tired of vampires?’ I kind of feel like maybe we are as a general group.” Us, tired of vampires? Never! But Meyer did admit — even if we’re still up for more bloodsucking tales — she’s a little worn out on the creatures. “It might take some time to want to go back there. And of course, for me it’s easier ’cause I know exactly what happens so there’s not as much suspense and stress for myself.” Fans of the “Twilight” series may recall Meyer’s venture back to Forks when she wrote the first novel from Edward Cullen’s perspective, “Midnight Sun.” The story was leaked online, causing the writer to put its release on hold. For those of us who are itching to get our hands on a copy, we may have to wait a few years. “You know, I’m trying to stay away from the vampire stuff because I do think if I can focus on other things, I’ll recharge a little bit there. I haven’t really looked at anything vampirish for a little while,” she said. “Someday, like on my deathbed or whatever, if I never get around to writing it, I’ll tell everyone what happens. I’ll just narrate for a little bit.” “Breaking Dawn – Part 1” is up for two MTV Movie Awards this year under the categories Best Kiss and Movie of the Year. Voting is still open, so make your voice heard! Then, this Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET you can catch the results on MTV, along with appearances by your favorite castmembers — including Kristen Stewart. Head over to MovieAwards.MTV.com to vote for your favorite flicks now! The 21st annual MTV Movie Awards air live this Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET. Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘The Host’

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‘Twilight’: Are There More Vampires In Stephenie Meyer’s Future?

Bill Murray Crashes Wes Anderson Cannes Interview

And this writer couldn’t be happier to sit back and let the ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ duo share a moment. By Adam Murphy Bill Murray and Wes Anderson Photo: MTV News CANNES, France — Sitting across from “Moonrise Kingdom” filmmaker Wes Anderson, decked out in a corduroy suit on the beaches of the French Riviera during the Cannes Film Festival, I can’t help but ask about his relationship with his muse (and my personal hero), Bill Murray. Anderson feels around for the words to adequately characterize their connection, which has developed over the course of six films. “Bill is the kind of guy,” he begins, “There aren’t that many people you could turn to if there was a mob and say, ‘Please, guide them this way or that way.’ ” Just then, a voice off camera distracts Anderson. The voice remarks how great the “Moonrise Kingdom” premiere party was the previous night. “Yes it was, it was,” Anderson responds. “We were literally in the middle of me speculating about what you get out of this experience of working together.” At this point, I realize Bill Murray is standing just over my left shoulder. “I was going to go on,” Anderson says to Murray, “but then I thought maybe it’s better if you just say.” It occurs to me that this is actually happening: Bill Murray is crashing my interview with Wes Anderson. Looking more like he’s on vacation than promoting a film, Murray joins Anderson on camera. I take my cue to sit back and watch. “It’s really fun, and I do feel that I am sort of in the center, because I’ve been in [Anderson’s films] a long time,” Murray says. “And I welcome others to come in, and I try to inform them of the rules of the place and how they have to behave. And the great thing is that the kid [Anderson] keeps getting better and better. … I’m so proud of what he does now and how much fun he’s having doing it. Because that’s the reason I do it, ’cause I have fun doing it. And he’s really done an excellent job of instructing others how to have fun and make it a real adventure to play.” “Pretty good, pretty good!” Anderson says. “Yeah, for just waking up!” Murray replies. After this moment of sincere, shared admiration, Anderson asks, “Can I hug him on MTV News?” Who am I to stop them? I look back to the camera to make sure this is real. After their embrace, Anderson compliments the longhorn skull on the sleeve of Murray’s polo shirt. There’s some discussion of meeting on a boat later. I immediately get the impression that these two are as close as we all like to think they are. I imagine the two of them taking turns playing old 45s for each other by lantern light in a tent in the living room. And then he was gone. Anderson acknowledges that his moment with Murray ate up a bunch of my interview time, a point so ludicrous it actually proves what an earnest guy he is. Someone tells me I’ve still got a couple of minutes left with him. How do I possibly follow that? Check out everything we’ve got on “Moonrise Kingdom.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com .

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Bill Murray Crashes Wes Anderson Cannes Interview

‘Glee’ Creator Confirms: Everyone Is Coming Back

‘I wanted to do the right thing by all of them,’ Ryan Murphy tells Vulture. By Fallon Prinzivalli, with additional reporting by Christina Garibaldi “Glee” Photo: Adam Rose/ FOX Twitter is a blessing that affords celebrities the ability to communicate with fans and update on their projects. But it can also be a curse when it sparks unwanted rumors — as “Glee” star Amber Riley found out the hard way. Gleeks thought the actress wasn’t returning to the show next fall when Riley tweeted , “Just closed a chapter in my life, the only thing I’ve known day in and day out for three years. I’m going to miss the whole Glee family, seeing them everyday!” When the show’s creator Ryan Murphy spoke to Vulture , he dispelled the gossip. “A lot of people have been writing Dianna [Agron] off the show, Amber’s off the show — they’re not off the show,” he said. “I think Amber was talking about that bittersweet feeling of, ‘I’ll never be in the choir room with that exact group of people.’ … She’s excited about where her character is going. They all are. I wanted to do the right thing by all of them.” MTV News caught up with Agron before the news broke that her character was returning. The actress told us that while she’s interested in the future of Quinn, she likes the story line to be a surprise. “It’s so funny, because I do write, and there was part of me that was like, ‘Oh, I know these characters inside and out. What if they gave me a shot to sit in the writer’s room and toy away with that?’ But at the same time, it’s like, ‘I don’t want to have any say in that.’ I love the surprise element of it.” While fans need not worry about the fate of Lea Michele, Cory Monteith or Chris Colfer following reports that the show will track Rachel, Finn and Kurt’s New York adventures , it’s hard not to wonder what’s in store for the glee-club seniors as they graduate on the season finale. With Quinn (Agron) off to Yale and Puck (Mark Salling) headed to California to expand his pool-cleaning business, some characters could get tossed to the side. But Murphy said that he told the actors if they wanted to stay on the show, he had a place for them — including Matthew Morrison’s Will Schuester and Jane Lynch’s Coach Sue Sylvester. “They’re all coming back,” he said. “Anyone who is a regular is coming back. Everyone said yes.” But he does clarify that they may not come back for the long haul. “It doesn’t mean everyone will be doing 22 episodes, but everyone wants to stay in our family and our world,'” he revealed. “I wanted to make sure those actors know that if they want to have a home, they have a home. If they want to explore new and different things while also having a home, that is also an option.” “Glee” returns to Fox this fall, moving from Tuesday to Thursday nights, and is set to begin season four with a second Britney Spears tribute episode .

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‘Glee’ Creator Confirms: Everyone Is Coming Back

Women Still Getting the Shaft in Hollywood: Report

Shocker, I know : “Females were ‘dramatically under-represented’ in the United States’ top 100 grossing films last year, accounting for 33% of all characters at a time when they made up nearly 51% of the U.S. population, according to a study being released Tuesday. The report mirrored a study of women’s behind-the-scenes participation that the center released in January, which found that women made up 18% of all directors, producers, writers, cinematographers and editors working on the 250 highest-grossing movies last year. That was only one percentage point higher than when the center began studying employment figures in 1998.” [ LAT ]

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Women Still Getting the Shaft in Hollywood: Report

Watch Casablanca On Facebook, Just Like You Were Intended To

In this 70th anniversary year of Casablanca , it only seems fitting that Michael Curtiz’s classic should emerge this week in the medium where its indelible romantic splendor finally can take root and thrive: on Facebook. At last! The wait is over, per a press release just over the wires at ML HQ. The best part, without question: “On Wednesday, May 16 movie fans across the United States are invited to microwave some popcorn and gather by the warm glow of the computer monitor to enjoy a complimentary showing this timeless love story at 7 pm ET and 7 pm PT.” Totes McGotes, Wizzarners! ROMANTIC CLASSIC “CASABLANCA” TO BE SCREENED FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY ON FACEBOOK MOVIE FANS CAN WATCH A COMPLIMENTARY SCREENING AND COMMENT IN REAL-TIME DIRECTLY ON FILM’S FACEBOOK PAGE SCREENING TO TAKE PLACE THIS WEDNESDAY AT 7 PM ET/PT BURBANK, CALIF., May 15, 2012 – Here’s looking at you kid! Warner Bros. Digital Distribution today announced the legendary film Casablanca – which critic Leonard Maltin calls “the best Hollywood movie of all time,” starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman and winner of three Academy Awards®, including Best Picture (1944), can be viewed directly on the “Casablanca” movie Facebook Page ( http://www.facebook.com/CasablancaTheMovie ). On Wednesday, May 16 movie fans across the United States are invited to microwave some popcorn and gather by the warm glow of the computer monitor to enjoy a complimentary showing this timeless love story at 7 pm ET and 7 pm PT. This complimentary screening of Casablanca celebrates the recent launch of the “ Casablanca 70th Anniversary Three-disc Blu-ray + DVD Combo Edition” from Warner Home Video. This limited and numbered gift set edition will introduce two never-before-seen documentaries – “ Casablanca : An Unlikely Classic,” and “Michael Curtiz: The Greatest Director You Never Heard Of.” The new documentaries will complete the most extensive collection of content in one gift set — more than 14 hours of bonus material that also includes a compilation of three comprehensive feature length documentaries: “The Brothers Warner, You Must Remember This: The Warner Bros. Story” and “Jack L. Warner: The Last Mogul.” The “ Casablanca 70th Anniversary 3-Disc Blu ray + DVD Combo Edition” is now available for $64.99 SRP. This special screening event also celebrates “Inside the Script,” a new digital publishing initiative that gives movie fans an innovative new way to go deep inside their favorite films. “Inside the Script” is a series of highly illustrated eBooks that contain the film’s actual shooting script, rare materials from the Warner Bros. Corporate Archive and much more. The first series of “Inside the Script” titles are based on cinematic treasures including, Casablanca, Ben-Hur, An American in Paris and North by Northwest , and are currently available via iBookstore, Kindle and NOOK by Barnes & Noble. “Inside the Script” offers movie fans an all-access pass to go behind-the-scenes of the films they know and love. Every “Inside the Script” title includes the film’s complete shooting script in a customizable eBook format; dozens of chapters about the script and the film that detail the movie’s development; rare historical documents such as production notes, storyboards and candid photos; and an interactive image gallery of costumes, on-set stills, movie posters, set designs and behind-the-scenes photos. Highlighted elements from “ Casablanca : Inside the Script” include: – Jack Warner’s telegrams and memos – Producer Hal Wallis’ script and production notes – Production Code Administration letters, notes and seal of approval – Telegram from producer Hal Wallis refuting his fight with Jack Warner Note: Movie fans must begin watching Casablanca prior to 9 pm PT through the film’s Facebook Page. Only one screening per Facebook account is permitted. Got it? Only one screening per Facebook account , all right? Don’t get greedy! And keep the Kleenex handy! The heart-shattering collapse of film culture really sneaks up on you in the end. Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .

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Watch Casablanca On Facebook, Just Like You Were Intended To

Cannes: Where Are All the Tacky Movie Ads?

Long queues formed outside the Palais des Festivals this afternoon in Cannes as attendees mobbed the building waiting to pick up their credentials. Marilyn Monroe presided over the scene; the now familiar image of the legendary actress blowing out a candle is this year’s official image/poster of the 65th Festival de Cannes, which kicks off tomorrow evening with the debut of Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom , the first of 12 nights of red carpet premieres. While Marilyn adorned the facade of the Palais, the hive of festival activity, a quick stroll down the seaside Blvd de la Croisette revealed a tiny surprise at least perhaps for those who return year after year. There are surprisingly little in the way of gaudy movie ads covering some of Cannes’ beachfront hotels, usually a festival staple. Even the historic Carlton Hotel at the center of the Croisette, which is usually peddling any and all so-called movies from anything playing in the Official Selection to the Cannes Market or — hey, even if it’s not in Cannes, who cares — would cover its ornate facade. But unless crews are simply behind in their schedule, the hotel was surprisingly free of its usual tacky ads. What happened? True, the economy is flat in France and with today’s inauguration of the country’s first socialist president this century, speculation has arisen in Europe whether Germany and their Gaullist partners will be able to maintain a united front for austerity. And of course, the political crisis in Greece has meant a steady decline in the Euro. Perhaps not great for Europe, but a small windfall for hordes of Americans attending the festival. But this is Cannes and the marina is still packed with zillion dollar yachts and the cafés are still jammed with people buying over-priced fare. But perhaps there has been some shift. Deadline reported that studios are cutting back on galas, preferring cheaper regional fetes to the estimated $1.5M to $3M price tags that Cannes can command. So, maybe those normally ubiquitous treats featuring the latest project starring Paris Hilton or Jean-Claude Van Damme or whoever will be less of a visual assault this year. Still, the Carlton is not ads-free. The ever-ubiquitous dictator himself, Sacha Baron Cohen , greets guests with his military finest. Tom Cruise ‘s mug adorns the hotel’s outdoor café for his December thriller One Shot , directed by Christopher McQuarrie (incidentally, he is also the writer for Top Gun 2 ) and Spidey, as in The Amazing Spider-Man , sits squarely near the hotel’s roof. Of course, it’s not just the Carlton that cashes in on their prime location blaring out their sponsors’ wares for top doll– err, euro. Brian De Palma’s Passion received some recent press after an image of stars Rachel McAdams and Noomi Rapace moving in for a smooch hit the internet. Their sexy rendezvous covers two floors of a nondescript Croisette building, while Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained reigns over a prominent spot very close to the Palais in front of the chic Majestic Hotel. A quick scan at the credits confirms that Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio and Samuel L. Jackson are in fact still starring in the film… Stay tuned for more reports from the Cannes Film Festival. Follow Brian Brooks on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .

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Cannes: Where Are All the Tacky Movie Ads?

Cannes: Where Are All the Tacky Movie Ads?

Long queues formed outside the Palais des Festivals this afternoon in Cannes as attendees mobbed the building waiting to pick up their credentials. Marilyn Monroe presided over the scene; the now familiar image of the legendary actress blowing out a candle is this year’s official image/poster of the 65th Festival de Cannes, which kicks off tomorrow evening with the debut of Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom , the first of 12 nights of red carpet premieres. While Marilyn adorned the facade of the Palais, the hive of festival activity, a quick stroll down the seaside Blvd de la Croisette revealed a tiny surprise at least perhaps for those who return year after year. There are surprisingly little in the way of gaudy movie ads covering some of Cannes’ beachfront hotels, usually a festival staple. Even the historic Carlton Hotel at the center of the Croisette, which is usually peddling any and all so-called movies from anything playing in the Official Selection to the Cannes Market or — hey, even if it’s not in Cannes, who cares — would cover its ornate facade. But unless crews are simply behind in their schedule, the hotel was surprisingly free of its usual tacky ads. What happened? True, the economy is flat in France and with today’s inauguration of the country’s first socialist president this century, speculation has arisen in Europe whether Germany and their Gaullist partners will be able to maintain a united front for austerity. And of course, the political crisis in Greece has meant a steady decline in the Euro. Perhaps not great for Europe, but a small windfall for hordes of Americans attending the festival. But this is Cannes and the marina is still packed with zillion dollar yachts and the cafés are still jammed with people buying over-priced fare. But perhaps there has been some shift. Deadline reported that studios are cutting back on galas, preferring cheaper regional fetes to the estimated $1.5M to $3M price tags that Cannes can command. So, maybe those normally ubiquitous treats featuring the latest project starring Paris Hilton or Jean-Claude Van Damme or whoever will be less of a visual assault this year. Still, the Carlton is not ads-free. The ever-ubiquitous dictator himself, Sacha Baron Cohen , greets guests with his military finest. Tom Cruise ‘s mug adorns the hotel’s outdoor café for his December thriller One Shot , directed by Christopher McQuarrie (incidentally, he is also the writer for Top Gun 2 ) and Spidey, as in The Amazing Spider-Man , sits squarely near the hotel’s roof. Of course, it’s not just the Carlton that cashes in on their prime location blaring out their sponsors’ wares for top doll– err, euro. Brian De Palma’s Passion received some recent press after an image of stars Rachel McAdams and Noomi Rapace moving in for a smooch hit the internet. Their sexy rendezvous covers two floors of a nondescript Croisette building, while Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained reigns over a prominent spot very close to the Palais in front of the chic Majestic Hotel. A quick scan at the credits confirms that Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio and Samuel L. Jackson are in fact still starring in the film… Stay tuned for more reports from the Cannes Film Festival. Follow Brian Brooks on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .

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Cannes: Where Are All the Tacky Movie Ads?

Weekend Release Roundup: Crowded Indie Field Competes With Dark Shadows

Johnny Depp likely has a lock on the weekend’s new releases with Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows . The movie is set for 3,700 screens. No other new release comes close, but there are nevertheless plenty of other limited roll-outs that may make their way in a theater near you. Check a few of them out in this weekend’s new-release roundup. Dark Shadows (Opening Wide) Director Tim Burton Writers: Seth Grahame-Smith (screenplay), John August & Seth Grahame-Smith (story), Dan Curtis (television series) Cast: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Eva Green, Helena Bonham Carter, Chloe Grace Moretz, Bella Heathcote Comedy/Fantasy/Thriller Distributor: Warner Bros In 1750 parents Joshua and Naomi Collins set sail to start a new life in America from England with their young son Barnabas. There they build a fishing empire in coastal Maine. Two decades later, Barnabas (Johnny Depp) is a rich, powerful playboy with the world at his feet. But things unravel when he falls for Josette DuPress (Bella Heathcote) and breaks the heart of Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green) – a witch who dooms him to become a vampire and then buries him alive. Two centuries later, Barnabas is freed from his tomb and emerges in 1972 to meet his descendants. The Cup (Limited Release) Director: Simon Wincer Writers: Simon Wincer, Eric O’Keefe Cast: Bryan Martin, Stephen Curry, Jodi Gordon Drama Distributor: Myriad Pictures The film centers on horse race, the Melbourne Cup, described as a “race that stops a nation.” Held the first Tuesday in November, no other Melbourne Cup had as much significance as the 2002 edition. Australians sought refuge in the race held three weeks after terrorist bombings in Bali killed scores of their countrymen. And a grieving jockey’s courage in the face of his own loss gave Australians a lot more than a race. (Based on a true story). Girl in Progress (Limited Release) Director: Patricia Riggen Writer: Hiram Martinez Cast: Eva Mendes, Cierra Ramirez Comedy/Drama Distributor: Lionsgate, Pantelion Films A single mom, Grace is busy juggling work, bills and a certain Dr. Hartford to give her daughter Ansiedad enough attention. The young girl gets introduced to classic coming-of-age stories by her English teacher and she decides to forget adolescence and get on with life without her mother. While mom is consumed by the affections of her co-worker, Ansiedad gets help from her friend to segue her to ‘adulthood.’ God Bless America (Limited Release) Director: Bobcat Goldthwait Writer: Bobcat Goldthwait Cast: Joel Murray, Tara Lynne Barr, Mackenzie Brooke Smith Comedy/Thriller Distributor: Magnolia Pictures/Magnet On a mission to rid society of its most repellent citizens, terminally ill Frank makes an unlikely accomplice in 16-year-old Roxy. ” It’s wild and over the top but has a big heart as well,” Magnet releasing exec Matt Cowal commented about the film. “There’s a lot of viewers that are going to have a really good time indulging in their own pet peeves which [director] Bobcat revels in.” Viewers will get a better look at actor Joel Murray said Cowell who noted, “One of the strong aspects of the movie is Joel Murray. He’s a strong actor and I think he’s under-utilized. He’s what gives the film grounded. He gives it heart as he’s on a killing spree.” In Alison Wilmore’s Movieline review of the film , however, she notes: “Goldthwait’s latest effort, an overly bleak film ready to write off the world and go down in a blaze of gunfire, both middle fingers raised.” Nobody Else But You (Limited Release) Director: Gérald Hustache-Mathieu Writers: Gérald Hustache-Mathieu, Juliette Sales Cast: Jean-Paul Rouve, Sophie Quinton, Guillaume Gouix Foreign Distributor: First Run Features The film centers on a crime novelist who travels to the countryside to investigate the mysterious “suicide” of a woman who thought she was the reincarnation of Marilyn Monroe. “It’s not a thriller, but I would describe in in the vein of a Coen Bros. film in that it’s offbeat and clever,” said First Run exec Marc Mauceri. “It’s not rocket science. [The film] harkens back to Marilyn Monroe and [its promotional material] is reminiscent of Marilyn calendars of the ’50s.” Portrait of Wally (Limited Release) Director: Andrew Shea Documentary Distributor: Seventh Art Releasing Director Andrew Shea relays the tortured history of Egon Schiele’s celebrated painting (pictured at top), which was stolen by the Nazis in 1939 and spent more than a decade in legal limbo after it turned up “on loan” to the Museum of Modern Art in 1997. ” Portrait of Wally isn’t just about stolen art,” wrote critic John Anderson in Variety . “It’s about cultural skulduggery, political sleaze, institutional hypocrisy and the virtues of persistence.” Wally recently premiered to a sold-out crowd as a special presentation at the Tribeca Film Festival . The Road (Limited Release) Director: Yam Laranas Writers: Aloy Adlawan, Yam Laranas Foreign/Horror Distributor: Freestyle Releasing A 12 year-old case is re-opened when three teens become missing somewhere on an abandoned road. During the course of the investigation, more and more gruesome stories of abduction and murder are unearthed. And after 20 years, the secret of the haunted road may finally be revealed. Tonight You’re Mine (Limited Release) Tonight You’re Mine Director: David Mackenzie Writers: Thomas Leveritt Cast: Luke Treadaway, Natalia Tena, Mathew Baynton Comedy Distributor: Roadside Attractions (theatrical) Set at Scotland’s music festival “T in the Park,” two feuding rock stars get handcuffed together for 24 hours where they’re supposed to perform. Originally titled You Instead , U.S. distributor Roadside Attractions head Howard Cohen called the film actually a “love story set against the Coachella of Scotland.” Cohen said the film is ripe for both cinephile and music fans in the 20s to 30s range. The film opens in New York and Los Angeles. Where Do We Go Now? (Limited Release) Director: Nadine Labaki Writers: Thomas Bidegain, Nadine Labaki, Jihad Hojeily, Sam Mounier Cast: Claude Baz Moussawbaa, Leyla Hakim, Nadine Labaki Foreign Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics The feature revolves around a group of Lebanese women determined to protect their isolated mine-encircled community from outside forces that threaten to destroy it from within. United by a common cause, the women unite across religious lines against the religious fault lines that have torn apart their society and hatch some inventive and even comical plans to keep the men in their village from tearing along religious lines. “Nadine Labaki is a force of nature,” Sony Classics head Michael Barker said about the film’s director and star. “Women of all ages will adore this film. It’s one of those well-made films that’s also so vastly entertaining.” In her Movieline review , Stephanie Zacherek notes: “…its occasional entertainment value aside, the picture is also blithe to the point of being flimsy.” [Comments and other portions of this article were previously published in Brian Brooks’ weekly specialty preview article on Deadline .]

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Weekend Release Roundup: Crowded Indie Field Competes With Dark Shadows

Chained to NC-17: Watch the Trailer for the Latest Movie to Earn the MPAA Kiss of Death

Filmmaker Jennifer Lynch knows a thing or two about battling the MPAA — her 1993 debut Boxing Helena earned the ratings board’s dreaded NC-17 for its sexualized violence and general depravity — and so it seems just like old times that her latest effort, Chained , faces the same fate for “some explicit violence.” But wait: Isn’t violence supposed to fly with the ratings board while sex gets the adults-only rating? What gives? Actually, look no further than the film’s NSFW trailer for your answer. On the one hand, I wouldn’t put it past distributor Anchor Bay to pull a Harvey special and exploit Chained ‘s Vincent D’Onofrio serial-killing kidnapper menace for maximum ratings “controversy.” On the other, publicity stunts aside, this just looks… heinous : Anyway, no release date has been set, and Anchor Bay can always turn around and release the film unrated, which is basically regarded the same as an NC-17 by skittish mainstream theaters, so for now it’s just a conversation piece with straight-to-video written all over it. Interested? [ LAT ]

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Chained to NC-17: Watch the Trailer for the Latest Movie to Earn the MPAA Kiss of Death