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X-Men, Volume 1 (Marvel DVD Comic Book Collection)

2009-05-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

In a world that hates and fears them, several mutants (humans who are born with unique powers and abilities) have banded together to fight the hatred, and eventually fight for their very lives. Under the tutelage of Professor Xavier, the most powerful telepath on the planet, they learn to master their powers. Cyclops, the team leader, can shoot laser beams from his eyes. The rebellious and feral Wolverine can heal himself and has metal claws. Jean Grey is a telekinetic and telepath. Rogue has super-strength and the ability to fly, but can never touch another human being. The eloquent Storm can control the weather. The Cajun thief Gambit can charge any object with kinetic energy... making the smallest objects powerful bombs. The Beast has superhuman intelligence, agility, and has a body covered with blue fur. Jubilee is the new girl, a confused teenager with the ability to shoot plasma from her fingertips. Together they form the X-Men, fighting mutants like Magneto and Mystique, as well as stopping hate-mongers like Graydon Creed, Henry Guyrich, and Senator Kelley.

The Concerts (2009)

2009-05-17T19:06:00.001-07:00

Barbra Streisand is world renowned for thrilling audiences with her magical performances, her supreme vocal talent and setting box office records. Now fans can get front row seats to the best of Barbra Streisand captured in THE CONCERTS, a new 3-disc DVD showcasing some of her most memorable concerts, special exclusives including 17 songs never-before released on DVD and behind-the-scenes moments with one of the most beloved artists of all time.

The 3-Disc DVD set offers fans an all access pass to two of her most memorable concerts in their entirety. DISC ONE captures the record-breaking, 2006 North American tour from the sold-out Ft. Lauderdale show, with special guest multi-platinum recording artist, IL DIVO. Fans will get a chance to experience 10 songs never-before-seen on DVD, including "Unusual Way," "A Cockeyed Optimist" and "My Shining Hour," all of which are the first time Streisand has ever performed them either in the studio or live. Bonus features include five additional songs as well as interviews with the behind-the-scenes team who create and execute this musical and visually explosive experience.

DISC TWO allows fans to experience the unforgettable 1994 concert Live at Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, CA that documents the magic of her first concert tour in 27 years. For the first time on DVD, this special concert includes the first-ever live performance of "Lazy Afternoon" and the "Yentl Medley."

DISC THREE presents "Putting It Together: The Making of the Broadway Album." With video and vintage performance footage from the `60s and `70s never before seen on DVD as Bonus Features, the disc includes video performances from Streisand's Emmy award winning television specials including "People" from My Name Is Barbra 1965 , "Yesterdays" from Color Me Barbra 1966, "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" from The Belle of 14th Street 1967, "Silent Night (Sleep In Heavenly Peace) from A Happening In Central Park 1968 and "Cryin' Time (with Ray Charles)" from Barbra Streisand...And Other Musical Instruments 1973. Disc #3 is jam-packed with exclusive, behind-the-scenes footage including the making of the award winning, number #1 album The Broadway Album and video clips from her childhood, extensive one-on-one interviews and a montage of the numerous awards she's received throughout the years. Streisand The Concerts is an extraordinary collection of the very best moments and highlights from Barbra Streisand's legendary career and includes more than 60 songs spanning classics such as "Funny Girl," "The Way We Were," and "People," as well as never before performed "The Music of the Night," and "Somewhere" with Il Divo.

Barbra Streisand is the music industry's #1 best-selling female artist with 50 Gold, 30 Platinum and 13 Multi-Platinum albums to her credit. She is second in the all-time charts, ahead of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, exceeded only by Elvis. She continues to be the highest-selling female recording artist ever. Streisand remains the only artist to receive Oscar, Tony, Emmy, Grammy, Golden Globe, Cable Ace, and Peabody Awards, and the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award.

Star Trek: The Original Series - Season 1

2009-05-17T19:04:00.000-07:00

Space. The Final Frontier. The U.S.S. Enterprise embarks on a five year mission to explore the galaxy. The Enterprise is under the command of Captain James T. Kirk. The First Officer is Mr. Spock, from the planet Vulcan. The Chief Medical Officer is Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy. With a determined crew, the Enterprise encounters Klingons, Romulans, time paradoxes, tribbles and genetic supermen lead by Khan Noonian Singh. Their mission is to explore strange new worlds, to seek new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before.

Top DVD Releases in May/June 2007

2007-04-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

Top DVD Releases in May/June

1. Pan's Labyrinth (New Line Platinum Series) DVD ~ Ariadna Gil
2. Scrubs - The Complete Fifth Season DVD ~ Zach Braff
3. Dreamgirls (Two-Disc Showstopper Edition) DVD ~ Jamie Foxx
4. Deadwood - The Complete Third Season DVD ~ Michael Almereyda
5. Seinfeld - Season 8 DVD ~ Tom Cherones
6. Apocalypto (Widescreen Edition) DVD ~ Rudy Youngblood
7. Letters from Iwo Jima (Two-Disc Special Edition) DVD ~ Ken Watanabe
8. The 4400 - The Complete Third Season DVD ~ John Behring
9. Will & Grace - Season Six DVD ~ James Burrows (II)
10. Little Children DVD ~ Kate Winslet
11. Beauty and the Beast - The Second Season DVD ~ Roy Dotrice
12. The Fountain (Widescreen Edition) DVD ~ Hugh Jackman
13. The O.C. - The Complete Fourth Season DVD ~ Peter Gallagher
14. Melrose Place - The Second Season DVD ~ Gabrielle Beaumont
15. Beverly Hills, 90210 - The Second Season DVD ~ Jason Priestley
16. Roots (Four-Disc Collector's Edition) DVD ~ Maya Angelou
17. Becket DVD ~ Richard Burton
18. Catch & Release DVD ~ Jennifer Garn
19. The Painted Veil DVD ~ Naomi Watts
20. The Rockford Files: Season Four DVD ~ Noah Beery Jr.
21. The King of Queens - The Complete Eighth Season DVD ~ King of Queens
22. Because I Said So (Widescreen Edition) DVD ~ Diane Keaton
23. Venus DVD ~ Peter O'Toole
24. Rescue Me - The Complete Third Season DVD ~ Rescue Me
25. Ghost Rider - Extended Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition) DVD ~ Matt Long (II)
26. The Good German DVD ~ Jack Thompson
27. Alpha Dog (Widescreen Edition) DVD ~ Bruce Willis
28. Norbit (Widescreen Edition) DVD ~ Eddie Murphy
29. Bridge to Terabithia (Widescreen Edition) DVD ~ Josh Hutcherson
30. Breach DVD ~ Gary Cole
31. Seraphim Falls DVD ~ Liam Neeson
32. Shirley Valentine DVD ~ Pauline Collins
33. Happily N'ever After (Widescreen Edition) DVD ~ George Carlin
34. Fur - An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus DVD ~ Nicole Kidman
35. Epic Movie (Unrated Edition) DVD ~ Tony Cox
36. The Number 23 (Infinifilm Edition) DVD ~ Jim Carrey
37. Primeval DVD ~ Dominic Purcell
38. Music and Lyrics (Widescreen Edition) DVD ~ Hugh Grant

Technorati Tags: dvd released, dvd, new dvd, dvd, new movies,

DVD Releases on May 2007

2007-04-16T22:44:00.000-07:00

May 1, 2007

May 8, 2007

May 15, 2007 & Beyond

Technorati Tags: dvd released, dreamgirls dvd , little children dvd , shirley valentine dvd , the 4400 dvd , painted veil dvd

No stars, no ‘Spider-Man 4’ says Dunst

2007-04-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

Making the fourth film without Raimi, Maguire would be ‘disrespectful’

Sam Raimi, center, chats with Tobey Maguire, right, as actress Kirsten Dunst, left, smiles upon their arrival at the world premiere of "Spider-Man 3" in Tokyo Monday, April 16.

LOS ANGELES - Although a “Spider-Man 4” movie is not yet on Hollywood’s drawing board, series star Kirsten Dunst says a sequel without her, co-star Tobey Maguire and director Sam Raimi would be a box office flop.

Entertainment Weekly magazine on Monday cited Raimi as confirming a long-held Hollywood rumors that he might take the directing reins on a movie version of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” if Peter Jackson is not eventually hired.

Separately Dunst told Entertainment Weekly that if that happens, a “Spider-Man 4” without Raimi, her and Maguire — who plays the comic book superhero — would be “disrespectful to the whole team.”

“Audiences aren’t stupid. It’d be a big flop without me, Tobey or Sam,” Dunst said in a story posted on the celebrity magazine’s Web site, ew.com.

The interviews come as “Spider-Man 3,” which is distributed by Columbia Pictures, began a series of premieres starting in Tokyo on Monday and continuing around the world until the film’s global debut in theaters on May 4.

Entertainment Weekly asked Raimi if he might direct “The Hobbit” instead of Jackson, who won Oscars and scored huge box office hits with the trilogy of movies based on Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” fantasy novels.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen next for me right now,” Raimi said. “First and foremost, those are Peter Jackson and Bob Shaye’s films. If Peter didn’t want to do it, and Bob wanted me to do it — and they were both okay with me picking up the reins — that would be great.”

Shaye is co-chief executive of New Line Cinema, the studio that distributed the “Lord of the Rings” movies and owns rights to make a film based on fantasy “The Hobbit.”

Late in 2006, Jackson said New Line might make “The Hobbit” without him. He and his producing partners have refused to work on a “Hobbit” movie until the parties settle a lawsuit over 2001’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.”

Entertainment Weekly said if Raimi took “The Hobbit,” then a possible “Spider-Man 4” could be left without a director. The speculation prompted Dunst’s comments.

The actress, who portrays Spider-Man’s love interest in the movies, said she did not think Columbia would pursue “Spider-Man 4” without Raimi.

“That would really not be the smartest move. But they already know that. Amy Pascal would never do that,” Dunst said, referring to Sony Pictures Entertainment’s chairman.

Columbia Pictures is a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment, which is the film and television studio owned by Japanese electronics giant Sony Corp. New Line is part of Time Warner Inc.

----------------------------News from MSNBC

Technorati Tags: spider man3, spider-man3, spider-man4, spider man4

5 Tops Best Bond Girls

2007-04-13T08:47:00.000-07:00

Halle Berry as Jinx in “Die Another Day” (2002)
Bond women aren’t usually appreciated for their acting assets, but Halle Berry brings something to the role that no other Bond girl ever has — Oscar, acting Oscar. Like Michelle Yeoh in “Tomorrow Never Dies,” Jinx is Bond’s equal. Bond first glimpses Jinx, who is an agent for the NSA, emerging from the ocean, skimpy bathing suit and all. It’s an obvious homage to Ursula Andress in “Dr.No” that works. To whatever effect, Berry rises above what may be one of the worst Bond films ever made. C’mon, it has an invisible car. Fortunately, Berry is anything but invisible.

Famke Janssen as Xenia Onatopp in “Goldeneye” (1995)Perhaps her name should have been Xenia Overdatopp? What else can one say about a woman who gets aroused by murder, especially squeezing men to death between her vice-like thighs? Still, given Bond’s skill at seduction, driving a wedge in Xenia’s evil plan requires great care. They first meet on a mountain road with dueling cars, then in a casino with dueling wit, then in a sauna, with dueling libido. If anyone could get the best of James, it’s Xenia. With her, his manhood is at stake in more ways than one.

Michelle Yeoh as Wai Lin in “Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
A member of the Chinese People’s External Security Force, Wai Lin matches Bond tit for tat. Who else, faced with likely death would not only jump off a building with Bond, but suggest it? When the two make their escape on a motorcycle handcuffed together, each holds one handlebar and they steer as if one. When safe, they shower together after which Wai Lin locks Bond to a pipe and runs off because she works alone. She then beats up an entire gang before deciding to work with him. Wai Lin practically makes Bond look wimpy.

Diana Rigg as Tracy Di Vincenzo in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” (1969)
It’s not exactly clear what first attracts Bond to the headstrong Di Vincenzo, yet somehow their love, yes love, makes sense by the end of the film. Tracy captures Bond’s heart, which is something no other Bond girl has ever done. The audience doesn’t get a sense of what Bond truly sees in Tracy until the end of the film when she rescues him from Blofeld’s mountain lab. She can drive, she can ski, and she can fight. Sadly, Blofeld gets his revenge on Bond in what is easily the most tragic ending of the series, leaving the audience to wonder “what if?”

Ursula Andress as Honey Rider in “Dr. No” (1962)
Like George Washington is the first president by which all other presidents are measured, so Ursula Andress sets the standard for all other Bond girls. Honey Rider emerges as if literally out of a dream. Bond wakes up on the beach and sees her, rising up out of the water, shells in hand. He’s somewhat dumbstruck, but not for long. “What are you doing here? Looking for shells?” she asks. “No,” Bond tells her. “I’m just looking.” So was everyone else, who like Bond, was both shaken and stirred by Andress.

Who is your favorite Bond girl?
Vote at MSNBC

Technorati Tags: top bond girls, best bond girls, bond girls

Spider-Man 3 Picture

2007-04-13T08:23:00.000-07:00

Technorati Tags: spider man3, spider man 3, spider man3 picture

Jackie Chan and Jet Li to star together

2007-04-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

Two martial arts stars have never done a film together

HONG KONG - The first film pairing of kung fu stars Jackie Chan and Jet Li will tell the tale of an American teenager’s fantasy journey to ancient China to rescue a mythological monkey king, the film’s U.S. distributor said Wednesday.

“The Forbidden Kingdom” will start shooting May 2 in movie studios in Hengdian, located southwest of Shanghai, and neighboring locations, the movie’s producer, Casey Silver, said in a phone interview with The Associated Press.

The project has drawn attention because of the teaming of the two stars but plot details have been scarce.

The story line originates from the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West,” in which a monkey king helps guard a Buddhist monk who searches for religious texts.

In this new version, the teenager, a fan of kung fu movies, travels back in time after discovering the monkey king’s stick weapon in a Chinatown pawn shop, film distributor Lionsgate said in a news release.

While Chan’s and Li’s roles are still under wraps, the film could offer a sharp contrast of fighting styles. Chan is known for his improvisational, defensive moves while Li tends to dominate his on-screen opponents.

Famed kung fu choreographer Yuen Woo-ping, known for his work on the “Matrix” trilogy, will design the action sequences in “Forbidden Kingdom,” and Rob Minkoff, who made “Stuart Little” and “The Lion King,” will direct the movie. Cinematographer Peter Pau, who won an Oscar for his work on “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” will shoot the movie.

Both Chan and Li made their names in Hong Kong cinema before moving on to Hollywood.

Chan was recently filming the third installment of the “Rush Hour” series with Chris Tucker. Li’s recent Hollywood credits include “Cradle 2 the Grave” and “Kiss of the Dragon.”

Technorati Tags: Jackie Chan, Jet Li, kungfu movies

‘Spider-Man’ star unsure about fourth film

2007-04-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

But Tobey Maguire says third film offered ‘fresh story’ for character

NEW YORK - Tobey Maguire, star of “Spider-Man 3,” isn’t sure he’d play the superhero a fourth time.

“I appreciate movies from a standpoint of entertainment and distraction, and I also love when people make movies that help raise awareness,” says the 31-year-old actor, whose films also include “The Cider House Rules” and “Seabiscuit.”

“I don’t really have a lot of formed ideas. It’s more just thoughts,” he tells Men’s Journal in its May issue, on newsstands Tuesday. “I might do another ‘Spider-Man’ movie — I don’t know.”

Maguire says “Spider-Man 3” has a “fresh story” for his character.

“The public is adoring him, and it goes to his head. He’s behaving arrogantly and is self-involved, which changes the feeling of the character for me. And it just gets darker from there,” he says.

Maguire says he talks to the media to publicize his movies — “I don’t feel compelled to share anything.”

“I used to prepare to go to battle with journalists,” he tells the magazine. “Now I don’t have my feet planted. I won’t talk about what I won’t talk about, but I’m more relaxed about it.”
Maguire says he began attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at 19 because his life had become oddly predictable.

“I have an addictive nature,” he says, “an obsessive-compulsive nature — well, I don’t know that’s what it is clinically. But I go to addictive extremes, and before I got sober, that became routine.”

Maguire is engaged to Jennifer Meyer, a 29-year-old jewelry designer. They have a 5-month-old daughter, Ruby Sweetheart.

“When she smiles, it’s the most fantastic thing ever,” he says. “But it’s not like I didn’t expect that. I expected to fall completely in love with my child.”

Columbia Pictures’ “Spider-Man 3” opens May 4.

Technorati Tags: spider man, tobey maguire, movie news

“Grindhouse”

2007-04-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

“Grindhouse”

Starring: Kurt Russell, Zoe Bell, Rosario Dawson, Rose McGowan, Freddy Rodriguez, Jeff Fahey, Michael Parks, Josh Brolin, Michael Biehn, Marley Shelton, Jordan Ladd, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Vanessa Ferlito, Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Directors: Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez

Story: Rodriguez and Tarantino bring back the golden age of exploitation flicks with this pair of films. Rodriguez directs “Planet Terror,” which stars Brolin and Shelton as a pair of doctors who treat people with some fairly strange infections and sores. It’s up to a go-go dancer (McGowan), who has a machine gun for an artificial leg, and her martial arts wiz boyfriend (Rodriguez) to defeat the zombie army. Tarantino directs “Death Proof,” which tells the story of a group of women on a movie set (Dawson, Winstead, Bell) who are being stalked by a stunt man (Russell), who uses his “death proof” cars as the ultimate weapon.

Buzz: Remember those old movies that used to play after midnight on TV in the pre-cable days? Well, this is a throwback to that kind of fun. The directors have packaged the two films together and have even included some fake trailers for movies called, “They Call Him Machete,” “Werewolf Women of the S.S” (this trailer is directed by Rob Zombie), “Thanksgiving” (trailer by Eli Roth) and a yet unnamed trailer by “Shaun of the Dead” director Edgar Wright. These movies are popcorn films through and through — just two filmmakers who love movies having a great old time.

Technorati Tags: movies, grindhouse

Review: Exciting 'Grindhouse' a wild ride

2007-04-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

By Tom Charity

Special to CNN

(CNN) -- When filmmakers talk about how great the movies were back in the 1970s, they're usually thinking about "The Godfather," "Chinatown," or "Dog Day Afternoon."

But when Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez wax lyrical about that period, they have something else in mind: Filipino shoot-'em-ups, Italian slasher films, Mexican vigilante movies and Roger Corman girls-behind-bars flicks. This kind of exploitation cheapie would play on the drive-in circuit or in seedy inner-city theaters, promising sleazy thrills and no refunds.

Those days are gone, and "Grindhouse" -- the directors' supercharged attempt to resurrect the illicit B-movie double feature -- will have to play sterile, sanitary multiplexes alongside such respectable mainstream fare as "Wild Hogs," "TMNT" and "300," all of which wear the imprint of exploitation cinema with pride (the biker movie, kung fu picture and gorefest, respectively).

The truth is, the trash movies Tarantino champions have long since gone mainstream, albeit with bigger budgets and watered down for MPAA approval. That goes for "Grindhouse" too, which cost a reported $50 million to produce, and which anyone under the age of 17 can enjoy with an enabling adult in tow.

Still, the dynamic duo do their utmost to transport us back to the good old bad old days: the package includes irresistible faux trailers for Rob Zombie's "Werewolf Women of the SS" and Eli Roth's seasonal slasher movie "Thanksgiving," among others.

In the first feature, Rodriguez's "Planet Terror" -- a campy contribution to the zombie genre -- the director (who shot on digital) has gone to the trouble of defacing his print, adding the scratches, warp and weave you would expect from beaten-up second-run celluloid. (Tarantino very pointedly shot on film, but has a harder time replicating the effect.) At one key point he even cuts to a "Reel Missing" slide, making for one of the best jokes of the film.

Adolescents of all ages will get a kick out of Rose McGowan's voluptuous one-legged go-go dancer, Cherry, stomping around with a submachine gun stuck into her stump. Apparently she can fire at will, without the bother of manually pulling the trigger. (It's that kind of picture.)

She's the linchpin in an unlikely band of survivors battling it out with rampaging flesh-eating mutants in a Tex-Mex border town.

"Planet Terror" certainly gives the audience its money's worth. Unlike most genuine exploitation films, which couldn't afford to muster more than a couple of set-pieces amid wooden acting and long, dull expository stretches, "Planet Terror" is so jam-packed with lurid mayhem it scarcely leaves any breathing room. When the cast does get a chance to sit down and talk, the patter is always parody.

It's fun, for sure. But after 80-some minutes of nonstop carnage, cleavage and cool, the riff begins to ring a little hollow.

To say Tarantino's "Death Proof" represents a change of pace is like saying summer is hotter than winter. For 40 minutes four girls sit and gab: in a car, in a bar, and in another bar. Then something really terrible happens and the movie starts over again: four girls in a car.

If Tarantino wanted to concoct one of the more audacious false starts in the movies -- and we can be sure that he did -- he has succeeded in spades. Whether it had to be quite such an arid dry run is another question entirely -- and coming on the bottom half of the bill probably hasn't done "Death Proof" any favors in this regard.

But Tarantino is playing the long game. Yes, the director's distinctive pop talk frequently veers into self-parody, and a couple of wobbly performances (including the second egregious cameo of the night from the man himself) only make things worse.

But all this downtime finally pays off in an old-school car chase that will have you clinging on to whoever's sitting next to you for dear life -- not just because the stunt work is breathtaking (which it is) but because after hanging out with the protagonist, stuntwoman Zoe Bell, we actually care whether or not she breaks her neck. (And kudos to Kurt Russell for his reprisal of a classic B-movie wacko ... with a deliberate nod to "Escape from New York's" Snake Plissken.)

Caring about consequences make all the difference between empty pastiche and what we might call, for old time's sake, "a real movie." Rodriguez never stops with the action, but Tarantino delivers the goods. And so, finally, does "Grindhouse."

Technorati Tags: movie news, movie reviews, grindhouse

Man pleads not guilty in director crash

2007-04-06T18:07:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES - A driver arrested after the crash that killed "A Christmas Story" director Bob Clark and his son pleaded not guilty Friday to two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Prosecutors say Hector Velazquez-Nava, a 24-year-old Mexican national, was drunk when he steered his sport utility vehicle into the wrong lane of Pacific Coast Highway early Wednesday, and struck Clark's sedan. Clark, 67 and his son, Ariel Hanrath-Clark, 22, died at the scene.

Velazquez-Nava had a blood-alcohol level of 0.24 percent, three times the legal limit, authorities said. Both he and his passenger were treated for minor injuries.

"The family of Velazquez-Nava ... are very much hurt and they want to offer their deepest condolences to the family, to the Clark family," said defense attorney John Borges.

Velazquez-Nava was being held on $200,000 bail, although a federal immigration hold prevents him from posting bail. Immigration officials have said he is in the country illegally.

If convicted, he could face at least 10 years in state prison, prosecutors said.

Technorati Tags: movie news, director crash, Christmas Story, bob clark

EW review: 'Reaping' a bad movie

2007-04-05T22:42:00.000-07:00

By Owen Gleiberman
Entertainment Weekly

(Entertainment Weekly) -- Katherine Winter, played by Hilary Swank in her dutiful-yuppie-good-listener mode, is a former minister, and now a professor, who travels the world defusing the lustrous credibility of miracles. Swank must know the feeling: She has won two Academy Awards, and she's still doing movies like "The Reaping."

Katherine is summoned to the sleepy Bible Belt backwater of Haven, Louisiana, and the first thing she confronts is a river of blood -- a pretty cool image, to be sure, though Katherine is certain there's a rational explanation for it.
To her, science can explain everything, and she hews to that belief (which is really a lack of Belief, you see), at one point delineating how the 10 biblical plagues were all natural phenomena. This woman could witness the parting of the Red Sea and think, without hesitation, that it should be reported to the Weather Channel.

In "The Reaping," every one of those biblical plagues appears, but they can't be accounted for by science, only by studio executives who theorize that an apocalyptic "religious" horror movie is the perfect way to tap into the evangelical market. (It sure beats the PG-rated piffle released by FoxFaith films.)

Having seen the error of her ways (science = bad!), our heroine finds the reverence to battle frogs, dead cows, locusts, and -- just to hedge the movie's bets -- a spooky blond girl who could be Satan's messenger. But no belief on earth can rescue Swank from a film that's a chain of disaster chintz masquerading as a sermon.

--------------------------

News crom CNN.com

--------------------------

Technorati Tags: the reaping, bad movie, movie reviews, Hilary Swank

Hefner recalls Anna Nicole Playboy days

2007-04-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

Hefner recalls Anna Nicole Playboy days

By SANDY COHEN, AP Entertainment Writer

LOS ANGELES - Take Hugh Hefner out of the running.

"I can make clear at this time," he says, "that I am not the father of the child."

The Playboy magnate enjoys his laugh about the paternity uncertainties still swirling around Anna Nicole Smith but his feelings about the former Playmate turned pop icon are no joke. In serious fashion, his bunny empire will offer three upcoming Smith tributes: a 10-page pictorial in the magazine's May issue, an hourlong retrospective on Playboy TV and an online memorial on Playboy.com.

Smith, who first appeared on the magazine's cover in March 1992 and was named Playmate of the Year in 1993, was 39 when she died of an accidental drug overdose in February.

So what was it about the buxom blonde Texan that Hefner found so alluring?

"It was her presence in front of the camera," he told The Associated Press Thursday, chatting in the library of his famed Playboy Mansion. "She was one of those who loved being in front of the camera and came alive in front of the camera. There was very clearly a Marilyn Monroe quality about her and that aspiration was clear from the very beginning. She talked about Marilyn Monroe all the time."

Smith often posed like Monroe, he said. At a Halloween party in 2004, she came dressed in a "Marilyn Monroe-type outfit" accompanied by three men in tuxedos: her attorney Howard K. Stern, boyfriend Larry Birkhead and son Daniel.

"The irony in terms of Anna Nicole's fascination with Marilyn Monroe is how successful she was in building a similar kind of career, not through acting but simply through celebrity itself," said Hefner, in his usual silk pajamas and smoking jacket. "The tragedy is she lived large as Marilyn did and died in a very similar way."

She was still Vickie Smith' when she first caught the eye of Playboy editors, who argued over whether to include her in the magazine.

"She came here and she weighed about 160 pounds," Hefner recalled. "We like the voluptuous ladies but not that voluptuous. It was a wonderful statement for the simple fact that beauty has no limitation in terms of size. You can be a big lady and a beautiful lady, and she was."

With three tributes, might Playboy be opening itself to criticism for profiting from Smith's death? Not the case, Hefner quickly replied. "It's quite frankly celebrating her in a way that she would appreciate."

The publishing titan turns 81 on Monday, but makes little concession to the calendar. He just celebrated his birthday with a bash in Las Vegas, and recently started work on the third season of "The Girls Next Door," an E! reality show about life with his girlfriends Holly Madison, Bridget Marquardt and Kendra Wilkinson. Their upcoming adventures include an appearance at the Toyota Grand Prix, where Hefner will serve as grand marshal (and Wilkinson will drive a race car), and a trip to Monte Carlo at the invitation of Prince Albert, Hefner said.

And the chatter about Hef getting engaged? Just rumors, he said.

"I am in a very serious relationship with Holly," he explained. "I love all three of the girls, but the relationship with Holly will last, certainly, for the rest of my life. Whether it leads to marriage, we will see. I've tried marriage twice before without great success, and at this moment, I don't want to spoil the relationship."

Technorati Tags: Anna Nicole, Hefner, Playboy days, movie news

The Reaping (2007)

2007-04-05T18:16:00.000-07:00

The Reaping (2007)

Theatrical Release: 4/5/2007

Cast: Hilary Swank, AnnaSophia Robb, David Morrissey, Idris Elba, Stephen Rea

Director: Stephen Hopkins

The Reaping (2007)

Katherine Winter doesn’t believe in miracles--she believes in facts. A former minister, Katherine turned her back on the cloth after losing her young daughter and husband while doing missionary work in the Sudan, and now seeks answers through scientific investigation rather than prayer. As a university professor, she has become the foremost debunker of supposed miracles, called to sites all over the world to investigate weeping statues, wall stains resembling saints and palms that bleed. And so far, there is no divine mystery she hasn’t solved. But when small-town schoolteacher Doug Blackwell seeks her help with a series of bizarre occurrences the townspeople believe to be sent by God, Katherine and her partner Ben come to learn that sometimes miracles can be treacherous, and the line between faith and superstition is dangerously thin. Hidden among the woods and swamplands of Louisiana, Haven is a town where the rules of reason seem to have been rewritten. A child has died and the river has turned to blood, which is only the beginning of what appears to be a revisiting of the Biblical ten plagues upon the town. For the first time in her professional career, Katherine can’t explain these phenomena with science. The townspeople believe an enigmatic child named Loren McConnell has brought God’s wrath to their doorstep, but what they see as a harbinger of evil, Katherine sees as a lost child needing her help. The more she is drawn into the dark heart of the mystery, the more Katherine discovers her own role in a conspiracy that threatens to shroud the world in darkness.

Technorati Tags: movies, new movies, the reaping

Kevin Costner sues music promoter

2007-04-05T18:05:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES - Kevin Costner has sued a music promoter, claiming the company reneged on a contract to back the actor's fledgling music career.

Costner, 52, filed the lawsuit Tuesday in Superior Court. The suit accuses Mahee Worldwide Ventures Inc. of breach of contract and fraud. Costner is seeking damages in excess of $8.5 million.

Costner is the lead singer in the Kevin Costner Band, for which he also writes songs. He also has a company, Kevin's Music LLC, that manages his musical activities.

The lawsuit claims Costner's company and the promoter entered into a two-year agreement in January that would allow the actor's band to perform in as many as five concerts each year. Mahee also would create and maintain a Web site marketing Costner's band, the lawsuit said.

But Mahee has failed to hold up its end of the deal, according to the lawsuit.

"Defendants made numerous promises regarding their capabilities to promote Mr. Costner's music and (their) willingness to pay for the right to do so," the lawsuit stated. "Instead of following through on their promises, defendants continued to make false promises and ultimately disappeared ..."

An e-mail message left for Mahee was not immediately returned Thursday.

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Technorati Tags: kevin costner, costner company, costner music, kevin music llc,

Director Clark, son killed in L.A. crash

2007-04-04T19:06:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Bob Clark, best known as the director of the seasonal favorite "A Christmas Story," was killed along with his son Ariel early Wednesday, when their car was struck by a vehicle whose driver was suspected of being intoxicated.

In addition to his 1983 classic, Clark directed about two dozen movies, including the "Porky's" comedies.

The crash was reported at about 2:20 a.m. on southern California's Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades, authorities said. The road was closed for several hours afterward.

Clark, 67, lived in the Palisades, and his 22-year-old son resided in nearby Santa Monica. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Los Angeles police investigators said Clark was driving a 1997 Infiniti Q-30 sedan south on PCH when the driver of a GMC Yukon allegedly swerved and hit the Clark vehicle head-on.

The driver, Hector Velazquez-Nava, 24, of Los Angeles, remained hospitalized and will be booked for investigation of gross vehicular manslaughter after being treated, police Lt. Paul Vernon said. A female passenger in his car also was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, police said.

"Christmas Story" tells the tale of 9-year-old Ralphie Parker, who dreams of getting a Red Ryder air rifle from Santa Claus. He ignores, then nearly fulfills, warnings from a series of adults who tell him, "You'll shoot your eye out, kid." The sappily sweet comedy has become a Christmas staple on the order of "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Miracle on 34th Street."

Clark specialized in horror movies and thrillers early in his career, directing "Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things," "Murder by Decree," "Breaking Point" and "Black Christmas" in the 1970s.

He enjoyed major success with 1981's "Porky's," which spawned the sequel "Porky's II: The Next Day" two years later.

In recent years, Clark made such family comedies as "Karate Dog," "Baby Geniuses" and its sequel, "Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2."

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Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

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Technorati Tags: Bob Clark, Christmas Story, clark

`Spider-Man 3' premieres at Tribeca fest

2007-04-04T18:09:00.000-07:00

`Spider-Man 3' premieres at Tribeca fest

NEW YORK - "Spider-Man 3" will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 30, the New York festival announced Wednesday.

The third installment of the Sam Raimi directed franchise will debut in the New York City borough of Queens, the hometown of Peter Parker, Spider-Man's alter ego. The premiere will kick off a planned "Spider-Man Week in NYC," which will include events and promotions throughout the city.

"Tribeca is thrilled to be premiering `Spider-Man 3' and to be a part of `Spider-Man Week in NYC,'" Tribeca co-founder Jane Rosenthal said in a statement. "Bringing exciting and new events to NYC and its community is one of the major goals of the festival."

The U.S. premiere of the much anticipated Columbia Pictures release will be the last stop on an eight-city world tour to begin April 16 in Tokyo.

The film, starring Tobey Maguire' and Kirsten Dunst' opens worldwide May 4. This installment introduces two new villains to the series: Sandman Thomas Haden Church and Venom Topher Grace'

The Tribeca Film Festival was founded in 2002 by Robert De Niro' and Rosenthal to help revitalize Lower Manhattan after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

The sixth annual festival will run from April 25 through May 6

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Columbia Pictures is owned by Sony Corp (NYSE:SNE - news).
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Technorati Tags: spider man 3, spiderman 3, sam raimi, spider man, tribeca film festival

Black Book (2007)

2007-04-03T22:23:00.000-07:00

Black Book (2007)

Theatrical Release: 4/4/2007

Cast: Carice van Houten ,Halina Reijn ,Thom Hoffman ,Peter Blok

Set in the fall of 1944, a thriller about the Dutch underground based on true events that span nearly a year around Rachel Stein, a young, pretty German Jewish woman who falls for a high-ranking Gestapo officer while seeking revenge for her family's murders. Everyone involved soon finds themselves embroiled in a spider's web of intrigue, treachery and betrayal--to the point where friend and enemy blur together into an indistinguishable line.

Technorati Tags: black book, movie, review movie

3-D "Vincent" opens Burton's "Nightmare" reissue

2007-04-03T05:09:00.000-07:00

Tim Burton

3-D "Vincent" opens Burton's "Nightmare" reissue

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - One ofTim Burton's earliest animated shorts, "Vincent," will be converted to a stereoscopic 3-D form.

The film will play on 3-D-ready digital-cinema screens as the opening attraction to screenings of "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas 3-D," which will be re-released by the Walt Disney Co. in October.

Made in 1982, "Vincent" is a six-minute stop-motion film that tells the story of Vincent Malloy, a youth who imagines that he is like Vincent Price. The black-and-white short is based on a poem written by Burton, who was influenced by Price, who narrated the film.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

Technorati Tags: Vincent, Nightmare, Tim Burton,

Thai action hero Jaa kicks up storm at box office

2007-04-02T22:40:00.000-07:00

Thai action hero Jaa kicks up storm at box office

BANGKOK, Thailand (Hollywood Reporter) - He's played the lead role in just two movies so far in his young career, but Panom Yeerum -- or Tony Jaa' as international audiences know him -- has quickly become Thailand's biggest movie star and may be one of the world's biggest martial arts stars of his day.

While it would be premature to group Jaa in the same category as his idols Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan' Jet Li' at the rate he is going, some believe he could someday earn a place alongside these greats

Jean-Claude Van Damme's 1989 movie, "Kickboxer," was the first movie to bring muay thai (Thai kickboxing) to a global audience, but it has only been recently that Thai stars have started to break out and gain recognition on the silver screen for their proficiency in Thailand's national sport.

Jaa's deft fighting style and breathtaking stunts has helped establish the Thai action genre on the worldwide cinematic map. His first film, "Ong Bak," made in 2003 and distributed by Magnolia Pictures, exposed audiences to his natural charisma and gravity-defying leaps without the use of wires. The film also contrasts Thailand's countryside with the gritty streets of Bangkok, as Jaa's character seeks a Buddha statue that has been stolen from his village.

"I remember seeing ('Ong Bak') for the first time with (Magnolia) president Eamon Bowles and we literally stood up in the middle of the movie and high-fived each other," recalls Tom Quinn, head of acquisitions for Magnolia. "It brought out the 14-year-old in both of us."

"We walked out and immediately made an offer," he says. "I'm not comparing Tony to Bruce Lee, but if you had the opportunity to buy Bruce Lee's first movie, wouldn't you do everything in your power to do it?"

Quinn and Magnolia brought Jaa to the U.S. for a promotional tour where he charmed and wowed crowds with his live stunts at a variety of venues, including an NBA game during halftime. "Ong Bak" eventually grossed $4.5 million at the U.S. box office and, according to Box Office Mojo, more than $15 million worldwide -- before DVD sales.

Jaa's next movie, "Tom Yum Goong" (named after the red-hot Thai soup), caused a big stir in Thailand during its 2005 release, and it found Jaa again on a mission to reclaim something taken away from his home. This time it was a poached elephant, the beloved national symbol of Thailand.

"Thai action cinema has developed its own unique identity," says Bey Logan, vp Asian acquisitions and co-production for the Weinstein Co., the U.S. distributor for "Tom Yum Goong." "The films feature not only extravagant physical stunt sequences but also distinctive aspects of Thai culture"

Weinstein renamed the film "The Protector" when it came out in U.S. cinemas in September. To boost its appeal for the U.S. audience, the soundtrack was scored by RZA of the popular hip-hop group the Wu-Tang Clan, known for their love of martial arts movies. "The Protector" was also "presented" by Quentin Tarantino' as the first title on Weinstein's new Dragon Dynasty label, which showcases new and classic Asian action movies.

The Protector" grossed $12 million at the U.S. box office and has enjoyed strong DVD sales since its January 16 release. According to Weinstein, almost half a million units were sold during its first two weeks (137,421 of them on the first day).

Following Jaa's lead is Dan Chupong, whose first movie, "Born to Fight," made in 2004, will be released on DVD by Weinstein this spring. "Kon Fai Bin," Chupong's second movie -- and his first as the main star -- combines elements of horror, humor and sorcery. It was released in December in Thailand, and Magnolia will distribute it in the U.S. this summer as "Dynamite Warrior."

Quinn prebought "Dynamite Warrior" having only seen the trailer. But because Chupong's abilities made such a big impression on him in "Born to Fight," he jumped on "Dynamite," following the logic Quinn used when he bought the distribution rights to "Ong Bak," Jaa's first movie in a leading role.

Meanwhile, Jaa is working on "Ong Bak 2," in which he will star and make his directorial debut. Despite the title, it is not a sequel. Instead, it draws on themes found in the first movie, according to Gilbert Lim, executive vp of Sahamongkol Film, the Thai production house behind "Ong Bak" and "Ong Bak 2."

"There's so much interest in this next movie and it's not even half done," Lim says.

"When we used to think about action films from Asia, the first thing that came to mind was Hong Kong," he says. "Ever since 'Ong Bak,' people are looking toward the next place for good action films, and that's Thailand."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

Technorati Tags: tony jaa, jaa, ong bak, ong bak 2, thailand, Tom Yum Goong, The Protector,

3-D "Robinsons" pulls in $7.1 mln in first weekend

2007-04-02T18:30:00.000-07:00

3-D "Robinsons" pulls in $7.1 mln in first weekend

BURBANK, California (Reuters) - The Walt Disney Co.'s animated movie "Meet the Robinsons" raked in $7.1 million over the weekend in theaters screening a new three- dimensional version industry watchers are tracking closely.

Disney said the 3-D "Robinsons" played in 581 theaters equipped with digital projectors and it out-grossed the traditional, two-dimensional version by 2.6 times per theater.

The $7.1 million gives the 3-D film a $12,220 per theater average, which is a strong showing given the weekend's No. 1 film, "Blades of Glory," averaged $9,790 per location in more than 3,300 theaters.

Including both 3-D and 2-D versions, "Meet the Robinsons," which tells of the futuristic adventures of a young boy, took in $25 million in about 3,400 theaters and had a per screen average of around $7,300 to place No. 2 at box offices.

Hollywood and theater owners are closely following ticket sales of 3-D movies because many of them believe cutting-edge digital projectors now being installed in theaters could boost box office by offering alternatives to traditional 2-D movies

Disney is a major proponent of 3-D films having released computer animated "Chicken Little" in a 3-D version in 2005 that raked in $26,000 per theater in around 80 venues. The 2-D version averaged nearly $11,000 a theater in 3,600 locations.

Last summer, Sony Corp (NYSE:SNE - news).'s Columbia Pictures released a 3-D version of computer animated "Monster House" in 162 digitally-equipped theaters and averaged around $15,000 per venue, which was more than 2.5 times the 2-D version.

Other types of alternative content include music concerts and sports games held live in one location and broadcast via satellite to movie theaters around the world.

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Technorati Tags: Robinsons, Meet the Robinsons, 3d,

"Mr. Bean" drives overseas box office

2007-04-02T18:18:00.000-07:00

"Mr. Bean" drives overseas box office

By Frank Segers
News from yahoo news

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The epic violence of "300" ceded the lead at the foreign box office to the family-oriented "Mr. Bean's Holiday," which grossed an estimated $33.3 million from 26 territories.

The Rowan Atkinson' comedy finished a decisive first in 21 of its 24 new territories, having bowed in Singapore and Malaysia the previous weekend.

Defying exceptionally balmy weather in the U.K., "Holiday" finished first with an estimated $12.8 million, the biggest opening of the year in the market.

Other No. 1 debuts included Germany ($5.5 million) and Australia ($3.2 million) -- both also the markets' biggest bows of the year. In Spain, "Holiday" trailed "300" with $2.2 million.

"Holiday" continues its two-month international rollout this weekend with openings in 18 markets, including Italy, Brazil and Mexico; the film's U.S. bow is August 31. So far on the international circuit, it has accumulated $35.6 million. The first feature in the series, 1997's "Bean," finished with $205 million overseas.

Finishing a close No. 2 for the weekend was "300," which battled its way to $30 million from 52 markets -- exactly twice the number of territories played by "Holiday." The Zack Snyder-directed ancient Greek epic, which topped the international box office for the previous two stanzas, has an overseas total of $125.5 million.

There were two key No. 1 openings, in Brazil and Argentina.

It was key holdovers, however, that threw off the biggest grosses. The U.K. led the list with $4.4 million in the second weekend, for a market total of $17.6 million. In Spain, where it ranked No. 1 for the second weekend, "300" muscled its way to an estimated $3.6 million, for a total of $12.1 million.

In Italy, the title also held the No. 1 spot for the second consecutive weekend with $3.3 million, good for a market total of $10 million. In France, the second weekend's catch was $2.2 million, with a market total of $8.5 million.

In South Korea' a market where local-language films often dominate, "300" remained No. 1 for the third consecutive weekend with $2 million (market total: $15.2 million).

"Meet the Robinsons" opened overseas day-and-date with its domestic bow, grabbing $8.5 million from 22 territories, the weekend's No. 3 international title.

In the U.K., "Robinsons" bowed at No. 3 with $2 million. In Mexico, the film was No. 1 with $1.8 million. The opening in Spain provided a third-place finish with $1.6 million.

In the No. 4 spot overall was "Music and Lyrics," the romantic comedy starring
Hugh Grant' and Drew Barrymore' which warbled $4.2 million from 54 markets. Its international total stands at $73.5 million.

"Norbit" finished No. 5 with $4.1 million from 43 territories, lifting its overseas total to $49.3 million.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

Technorati Tags: Mr. Bean, mr bean, 300, bean, Robinsons,

Russia bans DVD, CD street sales

2007-04-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

Russia bans DVD, CD street sales

By Nick Holdsworth

News from yahoo news

LONDON (Hollywood Reporter) - Russia has issued a new law banning the sale of DVDs, videocassettes and music CDs from its street markets and kiosks, in a further sign that the Kremlin is getting serious about combating piracy as coveted membership in the
World Trade Organization' moves closer.

The new law, adopted late last week by the Russian government, replaces and updates a widely flouted measure introduced four years ago.

Industry observers in Moscow say the law should lead to a renewed crackdown on piracy through new police campaigns to stop the sale of optical discs at outdoor markets and street-corner kiosks -- the principal point-of-sale for pirated DVDs in Russia.

Issuing the new law also allows the Kremlin to demonstrate that it is getting tough with pirates ahead of WTO accession. Russia's lax record on stemming piracy has been among the key stumbling blocks to its membership in the world's top trade club.

Konstantin Zemchenko, head of the Moscow-based Russian Anti Piracy Organization, which is backed by the major Hollywood studios, applauded the decision to step up Russia's anti-piracy drive.

"Essentially this is not really a new law -- it simply adds computer software and databases to an existing list of banned products -- but at least the government is paying attention to piracy," Zemchenko said. "We can expect for a time to see the police pay a little more attention to street and kiosk sales."

He added that, in the longer term, addressing the lax attitude of police to the sale of pirate goods on Russia's streets is key, as the police often turn a blind eye to piracy in return for payment from vendors.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

Technorati Tags: Russia bans DVD, Russia, DVD,

Firehouse Dog (2007)

2007-04-02T04:21:00.000-07:00

Firehouse Dog (2007)

Starring : Josh Hutcherson, Bree Turner, Bruce Greenwood, Dash Mihok

Director: Todd Holland

Studio: 20th Century Fox Distribution

Theatrical Release: 4/4/2007

Firehouse Dog (2007)

Rex, Hollywood's top-grossing canine, is known for his extreme athletic abilities and diva-like demeanor. His perks package, rivaling that of any A-list celebrity, includes Kobe beef, a poodle harem, and a diamond collar. Rex’s luck--and Hollywood high life--runs out while shooting a commercial; an aerial stunt goes awry, leading Rex’s handlers to presume he’s dead. But Rex is merely lost--alone, filthy and unrecognizable in an unfamiliar city. Chased by animal control, he takes refuge in grubby abandoned lofts, a far cry from his former luxurious lifestyle. Shane Fahey, a bright but rebellious 12-year-old, has exasperated his father Connor for the umpteenth time. A single parent and captain of the rundown inner city fire station known as Dogpatch, Connor is charged with inspiring his sad-sack company, who are still coping with the recent loss of their former captain, Connor’s brother. Shane is also troubled by his uncle’s death, and he’s been acting out by ditching school. As Connor reprimands Shane for his unruly behavior, Dogpatch gets a call to put out a blaze tearing through the lofts where Rex has been hiding. Trapped on the loft’s burning roof, Rex makes a death-defying leap and is rescued by Connor. Once they are safe on the ground, Shane is tasked with finding the mutt’s owner. The pompous, fastidious Rex and the troubled, messy Shane immediately clash. Unaware of Rex’s true identity, Shane becomes his reluctant new master. But his attitude changes when he discovers Rex’s spectacular skills, which the firefighters put to use during rescue calls. Inspired by the dog’s talent and courage, Dogpatch makes Rex its mascot. It’s just the boost the company needs--and what Shane and Connor need to help bring them together. But Rex’s fame has drawn the attention of his Hollywood handlers who want him back--while father and son face a deadly challenge from an unexpected source.

Technorati Tags: Firehouse Dog, Firehouse,

Are We Done Yet? (2007)

2007-04-02T04:09:00.000-07:00

Are We Done Yet? (2007)

Starring : Ice Cube, Nia Long, Aleisha Allen, Philip Bolden

Director: Steve Carr

Studio : Sony Picture

Theatrical Release: 4/4/2007

Locations: Vancouver, CANADA

Are We Done Yet? (2007)

Now married to Suzanne, Nick Persons has bought a quiet suburban house to escape the rat race of the big city and to provide more space for his new wife and kids Lindsey and Kevin. But when his new home quickly becomes a costly "fixer upper" and he finds himself at the mercy of an eccentric contractor, Nick's suburban dream becomes a riotous nightmare.

Technorati Tags: Are We Done Yet,

Shooter (2007)

2007-04-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

"Shooter" (2007)

starring:Mark Wahlberg, Kate Mara, Michael Pena, Rhona Mitra

Director:Antoine Fuqua

"Shooter" (2007)

Bob Lee Swagger(Mark Wahlberg), a former Marine Corps sniper, leaves the military after a mission goes bad. After he is reluctantly pressed back into service, Swagger is double-crossed again. With two bullets in him and the subject of a nationwide manhunt, Swagger begins his revenge, which will take down the most powerful people in the country.

Technorati Tags: Shooter, >new movies, >Mark Wahlberg

Nickelodeon's 2007 Kids' Choice Awards

2007-04-01T18:20:00.000-07:00

Slime time for 'Pirates'

No time was wasted in getting the slime flowing Saturday at Nickelodeon's 2007 Kids' Choice Awards, where "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" was honored as favorite movie and Fox's "American Idol" as favorite TV show.

Orlando Bloom accepted the orange Blimp award for "Pirates," while Nicole Kidman accepted the trophy for favorite animated movie for "Happy Feet." Kidman, after gamely hugging slimy presenters Carell and Maguire, said she was going to deliver the award to director George Miller, who lives in Australia, so that he could place it next to the film's Oscar.

A complete list of winners follows

MOVIES:

Favorite Movie
The Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

Favorite Female Movie Star
Dakota Fanning

Favorite Male Movie Star
Adam Sandler

Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie
Queen Latifah/Ice Age: The Meltdown

Favorite Animated Movie
Happy Feet

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Technorati Tags: Nickelodeon's 2007, Orlando Bloom, Dead Man Chest, Pirates caribbean,

'Blades of Glory' wins box office gold

2007-04-01T18:07:00.000-07:00

'Blades of Glory' wins box office gold

By DAVID GERMAIN, AP Movie Writer

News from yahoo

LOS ANGELES - Stars-on-ice
Will Ferrell' and Jon Heder' took the box office gold for the weekend. Paramount and DreamWorks' "Blades of Glory," with Ferrell and Heder playing figure-skating rivals who become the sport's first men's pair, debuted as the No. 1 movie with $33 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday

Disney's animated adventure "Meet the Robinsons," about the time-traveling journey of a brilliant but lonely orphan, debuted in second place with $25.1 million.

The previous weekend's top movie — the Warner Bros. animated tale "TMNT," a revival of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle" franchise — slipped to fourth place with $9.2 million, down a steep 62 percent from its $24.3 million debut. "TMNT" raised its 10-day total to $38.4 million.

After a monthlong surge, the overall box office declined. The top 12 movies took in $115 million, down 13 percent from the same weekend last year, when "Ice Age: The Meltdown" opened with $68 million.

"This is still a good weekend, a pretty healthy one-two punch with `Blades of Glory' and `Meet the Robinsons' at the top," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Media By Numbers.

Movie attendance is up 4 percent so far this year, Dergarabedian said.

Teaming with "Napoleon Dynamite" star Heder on "Blades of Glory," Ferrell scored the second-best opening of his career, behind last summer's "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby," which took in $47 million in its first weekend.

"It starts with a great concept, and the whole picture was cast so well," said DreamWorks spokesman Marvin Levy. "Another part of the surprise was, we got a ton of very, very good reviews."

"Meet the Robinsons" played in about 3,400 theaters and did especially well in a 3-D version at 600 cinemas, said Chuck Viane, head of distribution for Disney. The studio did not have a precise breakdown, but cinemas reported that screens playing the 3-D version pulled in about double the grosses of theaters running the regular 2-D version, Viane said.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. Final figures will be released Monday.

1. "Blades of Glory," $33 million.
2. "Meet the Robinsons," $25.1 million.
3. "300," $11.2 million.
4. "TMNT," $9.2 million.
5. "Wild Hogs," $8.4 million.
6. "Shooter," $8 million.
7. "Premonition," $5.1 million.
8. "The Last Mimzy," $4 million.
9. "The Hills Have Eyes 2," $3.9 million.
10. "Reign Over Me," $3.7 million.

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Technorati Tags: blades of glory, box office, Will Ferrell

Spider Man 3 Clips With Venom

2007-03-31T12:08:00.001-07:00

Spider Man 3 Clips With Venom

Technorati Tags: Spider-Man 3, SpiderMan 3 clip, SpiderMan clip

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007) Starring

2007-03-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

Orlando Bloom as "Will Turner "

Keira Knightley ar "Elizabeth Swann"

Geoffrey Rush as "Captain Barbossa"

Johnny Depp as "Captain Jack Sparrow"

Chow Yun-Fat as "Captain Sao Feng"

Technorati Tags: Pirates of the Caribbean, Chow Yun Fat, Johnny Depp, geoffrey rush, keira knightley, orlando bloom,

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN AT WORLD'S END

2007-03-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

Spider-Man 3 (2007)

2007-03-30T18:20:00.000-07:00

Spider-Man 3 (2007)

Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace, James Franco
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Studios: Columbia Pictures
Genres: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Adaptation and Sequel
Release Date: May 4th, 2007 (wide)
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributors: Sony Pictures Releasing
Filming Locations: Los Angeles, California USA,New York, New York USA

Spider-Man 3 (2007)

Peter Parker has finally managed to strike a balance between his devotion to M.J. and his duties as a superhero. But there is a storm brewing on the horizon. When his suit suddenly changes, turning jet-black and enhancing his powers, it transforms Peter as well, bringing out the dark, vengeful side of his personality that he is struggling to control. Under the influence of the suit, Peter becomes overconfident and starts to neglect the people who care for him most. Forced to choose between the seductive power of the new suit and the compassionate hero he used to be, Peter must overcome his personal demons as two of the most-feared villains yet, Sandman and Venom, gather unparalleled power and a thirst for retribution to threaten Peter and everyone he loves.

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Technorati Tags: Spider-Man 3,Spider Man iii,Spider Man

Hollywood auction pits Superman against a Winkie

2007-03-30T18:12:00.000-07:00

Hollywood auction pits Superman against a Winkie

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - So he's faster than a speeding bullet and can leap tall buildings and all that, but there is one thing Superman cannot top -- a "Winkie."

At least, not according to Joe Maddalena.

The Hollywood memorabilia expert's Profiles in History auction house on April 5 is holding one of its widely followed sales of movie and television items that could fetch an estimated $2 million to $3 million.

Heading the list is a "Winkie" costume from the 1939 movie "The Wizard of Oz" that is expected to fetch between $100,000 and $120,000. That figure is roughly double the $50,000 to $70,000 estimated sales price for deceased actor Christopher Reeve's costume from his first "Superman" film.

For those who don't remember the Winkies, they were guards who protected the Wicked Witch of the West, and the costume up for sale is one the few that remain intact, Maddalena said.

"Occasionally, you'll see a piece of Munchkin costume or a monkey wing, but to have a complete costume of a character who is completely recognizable: that's rare," Maddalena said.

He said old Hollywood memorabilia is particularly sought after by baby boomers with money and feelings of nostalgia.

Prices, too, are rising, he said.

"Oz" props are particularly collectible because of the movie's longevity and status as a pop culture icon. Maddalena recently sold a "Cowardly Lion" costume for $805,000.

But there are many other pop culture items in the auction including a BatSuit from 1995's

And never fear "Superman" fans, the auction features many memorabilia items from the 1978 movie such as transcripts from "brainstorming" sessions by the film's participants, including Marlon Brando, that can be bought for less than the costumes, Maddalena said"Batman

Overall, more than 700 items will be up for sale at ebayliveauctions.com or profilesinhistory.comForever" and an alien creature costume from 1979's "Alien."

Technorati Tags: Superman,Winkie,Hollywood

New DVD Releases on April 3, 2007

2007-03-29T22:37:00.000-07:00

New DVD Releases on April 3, 2007

Technorati Tags: New DVD Releases,

'Casino Royale' Smashes U.K. DVD Record

2007-03-29T22:27:00.000-07:00

'Casino Royale' Smashes U.K. DVD Record

HOLLYWOOD - Daniel Craig's starring role in the latest 007 movie, Casino Royale, has broken the British record for first-week DVD sales, after selling over 1.5 million copies of the hit James Bond film.

Casino Royale was released on DVD across the UK last Monday, and sales of the new high-definition Blu-ray format has also been flying off the shelves with 9,456 discs sold in its first week.

Andy Armstrong, head of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, says, "We are delighted. Bond has been invigorated with Daniel as the new 007."

Craig was also voted Best Actor for his stint as James Bond at the 2007 Empire Film Awards in London on Tuesday.

Technorati Tags: Casino Royale, Daniel Craig

'Casino Royale' Triumphs at Empire Film Awards

2007-03-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

'Casino Royale' Triumphs at Empire Film Awards

HOLLYWOOD - Casino Royale has emerged the big winner at the Empire Film Awards in London, winning three trophies including Best Film and Best Actor for new 007 Daniel Craig.

Bond girl Eva Green completed the hat trick by taking home Best Female Newcomer.

Elsewhere, United 93 won Best British Film and Christopher Nolan was honored with the Best Director award for The Prestige.

Over 50,000 readers of British movie magazine Empire voted for the awards.

Empire assistant editor Ian Freer says, "I'm delighted that Empire readers have decided that Casino Royale is the best film of the year.

"We're proud that real cinemagoers have the good taste to do something neither the critics' awards or industry prizes managed to do--really get behind the reinvention of James Bond as a great British triumph."

The full list of winners is:

Best Film--Casino Royale
Best British Film--United 93
Best Director--Christopher Nolan for The Prestige
Best Actor--Daniel Craig in Casino Royale
Best Actress--Penelope Cruz in Volver
Best Comedy--Little Miss Sunshine
Best Thriller--The Departed
Best Science-Fiction/Fantasy--Pan's Labyrinth
Best Horror--Hostel
Best Male Newcomer--Brandon Routh in Superman Returns
Best Female Newcomer--Eva Green in Casino Royale
Scene of the Year--The Bridge Sequence in Mission: Impossible 3

Technorati Tags: Casino Royale

Wahlberg "Happening" in Shyamalan movie

2007-03-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

Wahlberg "Happening" in Shyamalan movie

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) -

"Mark Wahlberg" has signed on to star in "M. Night Shyamalan" thriller "The Happening" for 20th Century Fox. The studio has grabbed June 13, 2008, as its release date.

Wahlberg will play the father of a family on the run from an apocalyptic threat to humanity. Shyamalan wrote the original screenplay. Production is set to begin in August in Philadelphia.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

Technorati Tags: Mark Wahlberg

Charlotte's Web (2006)

2007-03-28T22:40:00.000-07:00

Charlotte's Web (2006)

Starring: Julia Roberts, Steve Buscemi

Director: Gary Winick

Studio: Paramount Home Video

DVD Release Date: April 3, 2007

Run Time: 96 minutes

USA Box Office: $83 Million

Worldwide Box Office: $142 Million

Filming Locations: Greendale, Victoria, Australia Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Pennsylvania, USA Williamstown, Victoria, Australia

Charlotte's Web (2006)

Wilbur the pig is scared of the end of the season, because he knows that come that time, he will end up on the dinner table. He hatches a plan with Charlotte, a spider that lives in his pen, to ensure that this will never happen.

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New Harry Potter book cover revealed

2007-03-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

New Harry Potter book cover revealed

NEW YORK - What picture shows a dramatic gold and orange sky and a teenage boy in glasses reaching upward?

It's the cover to the seventh and final
Harry Potter' book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," coming out July 21. As always, the cover was designed by illustrator Mary GrandPre, U.S. publisher Scholastic, Inc., announced Wednesday.

"The structures around Harry show evident destruction and in the shadows behind him, we see outlines of other people," David Saylor, Scholastic's art director, said in a statement.

"For the first time, the cover is a wraparound. On the back cover spidery hands are outstretched toward Harry. Only when the book is opened does one see a powerful image of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, his glowing red eyes peering out from his hood."

J.K. Rowling's fantasy series has sold more than 325 million copies worldwide. "Deathly Hallows" has an announced first printing of 12 million in the United States alone.

The cover for the children's edition released by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, Rowling's British publisher, shows an adult-looking Harry, Hermione and Ron. The adult edition has a photograph of a locket bearing a serpentine "S" — believed to be the "horcrux" in which Lord Voldemort keeps a fragment of his soul.

News form Yahoo news
Visit Harry Potter Store

Ninja Turtles top US box office

2007-03-26T20:23:00.000-07:00

Ninja Turtles top US box office

News from BBC

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have made their comeback in US cinemas, with the 1990s characters' latest film topping the box office chart.

Studio estimates show TMNT - a computer-animated update of the comic favourites - on course to take $25.4m (£13m) over the weekend.

Battle epic 300 fell to second place, taking $20.5m (£10.4m).

In third place was Shooter, starring Mark Wahlberg as an ex-US marine framed for a presidential assassination.

It was on course to take $14.5m ($7.4m) in cinemas in the US and Canada.

TMNT follows four turtles who become man-sized reptiles to fight evil. The characters first appeared in comic books in the mid-1980s, before spawning a TV series in 1987 and three films in the early 1990s.

"It's sequel time, dudes," said movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, whose Weinstein Company is distributing the film outside the US.

"We knew from the inception of this project that the TMNT characters would continue to resonate with audiences across the world."

Other new movies making their US debuts included family fantasy The Last Mimzy - about a brother and sister with superhuman powers - which made its debut in fifth place.

Horror sequel The Hills Have Eyes 2 opened in seventh, while post-11 September drama Reign Over Me, starring Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle, came in at number eight.

Pride - the story of a coach who started a swimming team for underprivileged black youths in the 1970s - took $4m (£2m) at number nine. It stars Terrence Howard and Bernie Mac.

Review: 'Shooter' loses its aim

2007-03-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

Review: 'Shooter' loses its aim

By Christy Lemire
Associated Press From CNN

(AP) -- The name of the movie is "Shooter," and for a while director Antoine Fuqua is right on target with this claustrophobic tale of conspiracies, lies and double-crosses.

Ultimately, though, it collapses -- as so many action films of lesser intelligence do -- into a seemingly eternal series of explosions and false endings.

Mark Wahlberg stars as Bob Lee Swagger (seriously, that's his name), the hero of Washington Post film critic Stephen Hunter's novel "Point of Impact," which provides the inspiration here.

Swagger is a reclusive former Marine sniper who's been hiding in the Wyoming mountains ever since a botched mission in Ethiopia that left his partner shot to death. Wearing a trucker hat and facial scruff that would have made him look just as much at home among Brooklyn hipsters, Swagger enjoys a quiet life with his loyal, beer-fetching dog. (Their friendship is actually surprisingly sweet.)

One day, government honchos pull up to the cabin (we know they must be bad guys because Elias Koteas is one of them) and ask him to take part in that tried-and-true one last job.

The government has learned of a planned assassination attempt on the president, retired Col. Isaac Johnson (Danny Glover) tells him, and Swagger must figure out how the shooter would do it in order to prevent it.

But then when the shooting happens anyway in Philadelphia, Swagger is framed for it and goes on the run. With the help of inexperienced FBI agent Nick Memphis (Michael Pena) and his partner's widow, Sara (Kate Mara), Swagger outwits, outplays and outlasts dozens of heavily armed adversaries from a variety of agencies, both official and unofficial.

Yes, he's a highly trained military stud in the classic cinematic tradition of Rambo, but eventually his ability to survive grows ridiculous. Fuqua ("Training Day") stages a car chase through the streets of Philly that can be thrilling, and for a while you feel like you're right there alongside Swagger as he figures out one move after the next.

Then come the plot holes, the cartoonish performances (especially from Ned Beatty as a crudely drawn, corrupt Montana senator) and -- oh, yes -- the stuff that gets blowed up real good, including a sport utility vehicle, several helicopters and an entire log cabin.

Did we mention? Swagger makes his own bombs from a few items he and Memphis picked up at the hardware store. Each blast feels more gratuitous than the last, as does the needless abuse of Sara in a particularly unseemly blend of sex and violence.

Fuqua's film, from a script by Jonathan Lemkin, is far more powerful in its small, quiet moments -- and indeed there are some. Mara ("We Are Marshall," "Brokeback Mountain") can be subtle and lovely as the lonely, young woman who's startled by Swagger but also strangely drawn to him. The tight, visceral cinematography from Peter Menzies Jr. adds to the tension.

And Wahlberg, all buffed and stoic, continues to solidify his screen presence as a believable action hero -- a working-class guy who believes in honor and loyalty, just like you and me, only with bigger biceps.

Unfortunately, no amount of physical strength could keep this movie from spinning out of control.

The Last King of Scotland (2006)

2007-03-25T22:49:00.000-07:00

The Last King of Scotland (2006)

Starring: Forest Whitaker, James McAvoy

Director: Kevin Macdonald

Studio: 20th Century Fox

DVD Release Date: April 17, 2007

Run Time: 121 minutes

USA Box Office: $17 Million

Worldwide Box Office: $38 Million

Filming Locations: UK Uganda

The Last King of Scotland (2006)

As the evil Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, Forest Whitaker gives an unforgettable performance in The Last King of Scotland. Powerfully illustrating the terrible truth that absolute power corrupts absolutely, this fictionalized chronicle of Amin's rise and fall is based on the acclaimed novel by Giles Foden, in which Amin's despotic reign of terror is viewed through the eyes of Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy), a Scottish doctor who arrives in Uganda in the early 1970s to serve as Amin's personal physician. His outsider's perspective causes him to be initially impressed by Amin's calculated rise to power, but as the story progresses--and as Whitaker's award-worthy performance grows increasingly monstrous--The Last King of Scotland turns into a pointed examination of how independent Uganda (a British colony until 1962) became a breeding ground for Amin's genocidal tyranny. As Whitaker plays him, Amin is both seductive and horribly destructive--sometimes in the same breath--and McAvoy effectively conveys the tragic cost of his character's naiveté, which grows increasingly prone to exploitation. As directed by Kevin Macdonald (who made the riveting semi-documentary Into the Void), this potent cautionary tale my prompt some viewers to check out Barbet Schroeder's equally revealing documentary General Idi Amin Dada, an essential source for much of this film's authentic detail.

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Blood Diamond (2006)

2007-03-25T22:38:00.000-07:00

Blood Diamond (2006)

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou
Director: Edward Zwick
Studio: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: March 20, 2007
Run Time: 138 minutes
USA Box Office: $57 Million
Worldwide Box Office: $156 Million

Blood Diamond (2006)

Synopsis

Leonardo DiCaprio puts a handsome face on an ugly industry: In parts of Africa, diamond mining fuels civil warfare, killing thousands of innocents and drafting preteen children as vicious soldiers. DiCaprio (The Departed) plays Danny Archer, a white African soldier-turned-diamond-smuggler who gets wind of a large raw jewel found by Solomon Vandy, a native fisherman (Djimon Hounsou, In America) recently escaped from enslavement by a brutal rebel leader. Archer offers a deal: He'll help Vandy find his war-scattered family if Vandy will share the diamond with him. Drawn into this web of exploitation is journalist Maddy Bowen (Jennifer Connelly, Little Children), who agrees to help if Archer will tell her the details of how conflict diamonds make their way into the hands of the corporations who sell them to the Western world. DiCaprio is compelling because he never flinches from Archer's utter ruthlessness; Archer ends up doing the morally justifiable thing, but only because his desperate greed has led him to it. Hounsou and Connelly, though saddled with all the moral and political speeches, rise above the cant and keep the movie's treacherously formulaic plot rooted in human characters. But in the end, the story won't stick with you as much as the dead stillness in the child soldiers' eyes; the horror of African civil strife refuses to be contained by Blood Diamond's uplifting message--and the movie is all the more potent as a result

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Box Office Charts

2007-03-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

Weekend Box Office Estimates (U.S.)Mar 23 - 25 weekend

Night at the Museum

2007-03-23T22:33:00.000-07:00

"Night at the Museum"

Starring: Ben Stiller
Directed : Shawn Levy
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: April 24, 2007
Run Time: 108 minutes
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC

Plot summary for "Night at the Museum"

When Larry Daley, a divorced father who can't seem to keep a job for more than a week, applies for a job at the Museum of Natural History, he is assigned as a night guard. However, a seemingly easy job turns out to be a wild ride when he finds that an ancient curse has caused the "inhabitants" of the museum to come to life

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"Night at the Museum"

DVD Release Date: April 24, 2007

Technorati Tags: Night at the Museum, Night at the Museum dvd, Night at the Museum dvd release

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in 'American Beauty' Redux

2007-03-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in 'American Beauty' Redux

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, who made history and chemistry together in "Titanic," are coming back to the silver screen.

The pair, sources say, have signed on for Winslet's husband Sam Mendes’ film version of Richard Yates’ classic novel of unhappy domesticity in the suburbs.

No, it’s not called "American Beauty." Mendes already made that movie, and it won the Oscar. It’s “Revolutionary Road,” the 1961 novel many people thought “American Beauty” was based on or borrowed from in the first place.

I do recall asking “American Beauty” screenwriter Alan Ball back when his movie was coming out if he’d been influenced by the Yates novel. He professed to not having read it.

News from foxnews

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Technorati Tags: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, 'American Beauty

Happy Feet

2007-03-23T01:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Feet

Actors: Carlos Alazraqui, Lombardo Boyar, Johnny A. Sanchez, Robin Williams, Elijah Wood
Directors: George Miller
Studio: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: March 27, 2007
Run Time: 109 minutes
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3 in DVD

Plot of Happy Feet

In the cold land of Antarctica, the Emperor Penguins each express their true love with a special heartsong of their own that expresses their very being. However, the misfit Mumble cannot sing, but instead has an extraordinary talent to tap dance with almost magical energy and expression. Nevertheless, the deeply conformist leadership of the colony fearfully blames the young penguin's unorthodox ways for the lean fishing that threatens them all. Defiant in the face of unjust rejection, Mumble and his true friends set out to find the true cause of the famine. Through the motley crew's trials and perils, Mumble learns many things about his frozen world, not the least of which being that his toe tapping talent may be what he needs to save his people.

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Happy Feet on DVD

Technorati Tags: Happy Feet, Happy Feet dvd

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'Borat' Fans Will Get 2nd Film

2007-03-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

'Borat' Fans Will Get 2nd Film

For those who didn't get enough of Sacha Baron Cohen's comedic interpretation of a Kazakh journalist named Borat, there will a second movie featuring the character, News Corp. chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch said.

News Corp., which owns both the 20th Century FOX film division and is the parent company of FOX News, has signed Cohen for a follow-up to the successful "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit of Glorious Kazakhstan," reports the Financial Times.

Read full story

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Technorati Tags: borat, borat dvd

"Spider-Man 3" Debuts in Japan May 1; Opens in U.S. May 4

2007-03-20T22:44:00.000-07:00

Spider-Man 3

"Spider-Man 3" will make its worldwide debut in Japan on May 1, three days before the action film opens in the United States, Sony Pictures Entertainment said.

A star-studded premiere will be held April 16 at a Tokyo cinema. Those expected to attend include director Sam Raimi, series creator Stan Lee, and stars Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst.

The film will be released in various parts of Africa, Europe and Asia before being shown in the United States on May 4, according to Sony's Web site.

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Spider-Man 3

TOP 10 Films based Estimates

2007-03-20T22:36:00.000-07:00

TOP 10 Films based Estimates

Here's a rundown of the top 10 films based on Friday-Sunday estimates compiled by Exhibitor Relations:

1. 300, $31.2 million
2. Wild Hogs, $18.8 million
3. Premonition, $18 million
4. Dead Silence, $7.8 million
5. I Think I Love My Wife, $5.7 million
6. Bridge to Terabithia, $5.1 million
7. Ghost Rider, $4 million
8. Zodiac, $3.1 million
9. Norbit, $2.7 million
10. Music and Lyrics, $2.2 million

Children of Men

2007-03-19T22:31:00.000-07:00

Children of Men

Starring: Clive Owen, Julianne Moore

Director: Alfonso Cuarón

Genres: Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Studio: Universal Studios

DVD Release Date: March 27, 2007

Run Time: 110 minutes

Plot of Children of Men

In 2027, humankind face the likelihood of it own extinction a disillusioned government agent agree to help transport and protect a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea where her child birth may help scientist to save the future of mankind.

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Children of Men on DVD

Release Date: March 27, 2007

Borat

2007-03-18T22:35:00.000-07:00

Borat

Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Ken Davitian
Director: Larry Charles
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Releases Date: March 6, 2007
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3 in DVD

Product Discriptions

Borat Sagdiyev, Kazakhstan's sixth most famous man and a leading journalist from the State run TV network, travels from his home in Kazakhstan to the U.S. to make a documentary. On his cross-country road-trip, Borat meets real people in real situations with hysterical consequences.

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Now! Borat Available on DVD

007 Casino Royale

2007-03-17T22:08:00.000-07:00

Casino Royale

Actores: Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Judi Dench, Jeffry Wright

Directors: Martin Campbell

Studio: Sony Pictures

DVD Releases Date: March 13, 2007

Amazon.com Sale Rank: #2 in DVD
U.S. Box Office: $167,007,184

Product Description

James Bond's first 007 mission takes him to Madagascar, where he is to spy on a terrorist Mollaka. Not everything goes as planned and Bond decides to investigate, independently of the MI6 agency, in order to track down the rest of the terrorist cell. Following a lead to the Bahamas, he encounters Dimitrios and his girlfriend, Solange. He learns that Dimitrios is involved with Le Chiffre, banker to the world's terrorist organizations. Secret Service intelligence reveals that Le Chiffre is planning to raise money in a high-stakes poker game in Montenegro at Le Casino Royale. MI6 assigns 007 to play against him, knowing that if Le Chiffre loses, it will destroy his organization. 'M' places Bond under the watchful eye of the beguiling Vesper Lynd. At first skeptical of what value Vesper can provide, Bond's interest in her deepens as they brave danger together--and even torture at the hands of Le Chiffre. In Montenegro, Bond allies himself with Matthis, MI6's local field agent, and Felix Leiter, who is representing the interests of the CIA. The marathon game proceeds with dirty tricks and violence, raising the stakes beyond blood money and reaching a terrifying climax.

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Now! Available on DVD

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