2011 brings 'Life' for the film world

'The Tree of Life''Bridesmaids''Shame''Higher Ground'Emerging from "The Tree of Existence" at Cannes last May, I written that Terrence Malick's extended-anticipated fifth feature "towers inside the area." Seven several days later, throughout my estimation, which has not changed. Malick's movie will possibly always receive greater than its great deal of catcalls and walkouts, nonetheless its divisiveness can be a method of calculating its amazing ambition. Handful of films have labored so mightily and effectively to usher an audience in to a sustained contemplation in the divine, while recognizing that divinity is not just an entity that looms over us but something we go through daily, inside a molecular level -- or could, once we could behold the earth constantly through Malick's eyes."The Tree of Existence" was among numerous 2011 releases that endowed a relatively simple story with otherworldly dimensions, from Apichatpong Weerasethakul's "Uncle Boonmee Who Is Able To Recall His Past Lives" to Lars von Trier's "Melancholia." Indeed, one of the emergent tales of Cannes, as well as the year generally, was individuals of "Tree of Existence" versus. "Melancholia," an auteur slugfest positioning Malick's glory-of-creation spirituality against von Trier's finish-of-the-world nihilism. (Kudos-giving physiques have preferred "Tree," which trumped "Melancholia" not only for your Palme d'Or but furthermore around-finish critics' polls, with von Trier's film usually finishing a couple of spots behind.) Wherever one falls on these two movies -- personally, I have found "Melancholia" gorgeous and visionary in outline, if your little slipshod and Dogmatic in execution -- it absolutely was tough to 't be attracted by their grandeur and audacity.Tellingly, both of these epic achievements may also be intimate human dramas centered on souls in extremis. "Melancholia" conflates the apocalypse getting a ladies profoundly debilitating depression, passed with courageous commitment by Kirsten Dunst. "Tree of Existence" provides not only one of the cinema's great domineering fathers, as carried out by Kaira Pitt, but an really intelligent vision of just one boy's childhood. However outlandish or overweening their cosmic ambitions, these films create an immersive, entirely persuasive mental reality that won't cleave with a straightforward narrative template.The identical may be mentioned of numerous other notable and exceedingly well-socialized pictures this year, for instance "Take Shelter," a pitch-perfect evocation of contempo blue-collar America centered by Michael Shannon's under-the-skin turn just like a loving husband and father who might be venturing out of his mind. Surprisingly than "Melancholia," Rob Nichols' sophomore feature taps into easily identifiable feelings of dread and uncertainty, clouding the street between incipient madness as well as the ever-encroaching endtimes.A calmer, more measured yet surprisingly heartrending character study emerged in "Poetry," Korean author-director Lee Chang-dong's wise and moving tale from the lady planning her way unsteadily through her twilight years. In the film with equal persistence and insight, actress and first-time director Vera Farmiga navigates a devout Christian woman's existence story in "Greater Ground," the rare movie that actually works in spinning a fundamental, decades-spanning internal drama -- a loss of profits of belief -- in to a riveting and enormously relevant one.And lest you think intelligent, fully fleshed-out female figures were strictly the domain in the arthouse, let's participate in it for Paul Feig's "Bridesmaids," which not only put an finish for the moribund debate over whether women might be funny but, with almost casual profundity, offered up an unflinching, warts hpv warts-and-all portrait of middle age despair. Producer Judd Apatow's comedies are notable for running extended, but that certain fully makes its deep-dish approach, thanks in no small part to Kristen Wiig's hilariously spiky performance.A very different distaff tale is cult-designed drama "Martha Marcy May Marlene," which examines psychic rupture and identity loss. Rather than essentially falling back on lead thesp Elizabeth Olsen (she plays Martha, Marcy May, Marlene and everyone among), author-director Sean Durkin layers shards of memory and chronology inside an ingenious structural gambit that forces us to determine the character's paranoia and self-confusion mind-on. Not everyone has recognized Durkin's sleight-of-hands after premiering to much acclaim at Sundance, "Martha Marcy" opened up up inside the fall to reluctant praise from testers who found the film crafty indeed, but too opaque and ambiguous due to its very own good.The same publish-festival backlash befell Steve McQueen's sex-addiction drama "Shame," which left several critic astonished and indignant this NC-17-rated outing -- having its much-over-blown, full-frontal performance by Michael Fassbender -- should use be this kind of cold, unerotic experience. Discuss missing the reason: The particular shame might be the cavalier dismissal of one of the handful of recent movies that treats sex seriously rather than frivolously, which dares to indicate that moralism and empathy will go hands-in-hands. McQueen might be clinical, even sticky within the techniques, but his underlying empathy is unshakable, his formal intelligence exhilarating. Like "Martha Marcy May Marlene," "Shame" assembles apparently random slivers every single day banality in to a challenging, troubling portrait from the wounded psyche.I'm usually disinclined to choose a particular studio or niche division for praise, but it's worth watching that "The Tree of Existence," "Martha Marcy May Marlene" and "Shame" counseled me acquired and released this year by Fox Searchlight. An outfit-up costume whose brand was once according to everybody else-pleasing likes of "Little Miss Sunshine" and "Juno," Searchlight is evolving its persistence for edgy, aesthetically adventurous dramatic fare.Compared to that finish, no assessment of year in cinema might be complete and never mention one of the distrib's less-loved stepchildren, "Margaret."As someone who found Kenneth Lonergan's film maudit impossible to exhibit from, if finally too problematic, too ravaged, to recommend unreservedly, I am in a position to only watch from an admiring distance the ongoing efforts of Team Margaret, the astounding Twitter-based grassroots movement that has singlehandedly switched the look in to a critical cause celebre. Their persistence seems to own paid out off: Rallying back in the release that "limited" happens to be an overstatement, "Margaret" has acquired numerous unforeseen coups around-finish critics' derbies, and Searchlight has sent Academy screeners for just about any film it had quietly released with little fanfare.So when the season in cinema was largely according to close-up studies of souls in anguish, "Margaret" may be its most inspiring emblem -- an anguished raw wound from the movie whose messily frazzled edges and verbal sparks fully express the inchoate feelings and inner turmoil of the teenage protagonist (carried out with utter abandon by Anna Paquin). Divorce attorney atlanta, we'll begin to see the more, Martin Scorsese-supervised version that Lonergan has mentioned most completely reflects his intentions with this particular too-extended-gestating passion project between might Malick's rumored six-hour cut of "The Tree of Existence," moviegoers certainly cash you may anticipate. Contact Justin Chang at justin.chang@variety.com

Jessica Chastain, Howard Shore Among Honorees at Palm Springs Film Festival

Jessica Chastain and compower Howard Shore have been added to the talent lineup that will be honored at the 23rd Palm Springs International Film Festivals Awards Gala on Jan. 7 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.Chastain will receive the Spotlight Award, recognizing her performances this year in The Help, The Tree of Life, Take Shelter, The Debt and Coriolanus.Through a series of virtuoso performances, Jessica Chastain has established herself as one of the cinemas most versatile and most sought after young actresses, festival chairman Harold Matzner said.Shore will be given the Frederick Loewe Music Award for his work on Martin Scorseses Hugo. He previously received the same award in 2005s for composing the score for The Aviator. Howard Shore is a master composer who has consistently delighted audiences of the more than 80 films that he has scored, Matzner said. In Hugo, the labyrinthine setting of a Paris railway station, where a young boy lives alone, doing what he must to survive, and the discovery of an aging filmmaker gifted with a second chance provide the perfect inspiration for Shores haunting score.The festival itself will run from Jan. 5-16. The Hollywood Reporter

The famous host oprah: Haitian Leader Helped Me Promise To Come Back

First Released: December 13, 2011 4:32 PM EST Credit: AP Caption The famous host oprah Winfrey stands with Sean Penn in a camping for individuals displaced through the devastating 2010 earthquake at that which was once a golf iron in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on December 12, 2011PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- The famous host oprah Winfreys visit to Haiti incorporated dinner using the countrys leader. Winfrey informs reporters she dined with Leader Michel Martelly and the wife Sophia. The leader formerly stated he wished the tv personality will be a goodwill ambassador for Haiti. Winfrey states no formal role was talked about but he earned her promise revisit Haiti and she or he did. She spoke Tuesday as she visited Caribbean Craft, a properly-known business that creates circus masks, sculptures and works of art for export. The company received financing via a program released captured by former U.S. Leader Bill Clinton, and it has had success reaching high-finish clients. Winfrey states she'll be featuring the venture inside a program about Haiti on her behalf The famous host oprah Winfrey Network. Copyright 2011 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Scarlett Johansson Talks Personal Ups & Downs Of 2011

First Launched: December 12, 2011 3:57 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Scarlett Johansson chats with Access Hollywood in NY City on December 11, 2011LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Along with her divorce from Ryan Reynolds completed, nude photos leaked on the web and her sex existence within microscope in addition to filming a slew of great importance and spoken about projects Scarlett Johansson stood a rollercoaster year this season. Ive had pros and cons. Certainly, last year is a lot of unforeseen things in several beautiful ways, many challenging ways, the 27-year-old actress told Access Hollywood in the last weekend, while marketing her latest movie, We Bought a Zoo. You need to simply kind of embrace it. Personally, the key factor is it doesn't affect my work also it doesn't affect my private existence whenever you can, she ongoing. Essentially will keep that bubble around myself throughout my work, that's really what's most critical personally. The actress, who shot The Avengers which is presently shooting Beneath the Skin along with being the subject of dating gossips that incorporated the type of Sean Penn, Justin Bartha and Ernest Gordon-Levitt told Access sherrrd like an even more relaxing 2012. Im just searching toward sleeping after five every morning. The most effective to experience a little vacation before I go back to finishing this, after which it just keep on, she added. We Bought a Zoo, which co-stars Matt Damon, opens in theaters on December 23. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Top Chef's Whitney: My Thought Process Was Off

Whitney Otawka Steak-gate hit Top Chef when Lindsay fired Ty-Lor's meat too early, nevertheless it was Whitney Otawka's undercooked potato gratin that sent her packing and bought Ty-Lor in the future. Not she's any issue with this particular. "Ty should not go back home for your meat," Whitney notifies TVGuide.com. "Many people were concentrating on them and there's bad communication, plus it wasn't his fault that they're fired early. I deserved to go to.In . The Georgia-based chef understood the writing was round the wall as soon as Tom Colicchio mentioned his taters were raw. Just what went wrong? And the way was she not aware they were undercooked? Continue reading through.Best Chef's Chuy: I understood I used to be screwedTom mentioned it had been one of the easiest eliminations they've done. Was tough to pay attention to?Whitney: No, I used to be fine with this particular. It absolutely was among people things in which the moment he described just what the problem was, I understood I'd return home. I undercooked the potato. This can be a pretty fundamental ingredient that people all use every day. Therefore I was like, "Oh, garbage! I'm departing." He's a chef, I'm a chef, therefore i get it. It's disappointing, clearly, because If only to become there prior to the finish. However know the show. I've come across it over nine seasons. I understood what can happen to me plus it happened! You didn't think they might pursue Ty for your meat?Whitney: I didn't think so because I understood that that needed a business effort. It was not just him. People were, like, 300 meat. He grilled them, nonetheless they went into lots of hands, whereas with my dish, it absolutely was my dish. That was one of the problems too. I needed possession in the dish because I understood that it can be an optimistic factor ultimately or possibly a very bad factor. It absolutely was solely my responsibility, therefore it must be me to go to home. Lots of people were recommending to organize the gratin yesterday. Why didn't you?Whitney: It absolutely was a period of time constraint. We'd three several hours ahead of time so when you're planning it for the many individuals - just configuring it sliced willing and able - there's no chance to organize it ahead of time. After which it I put it all-in-one convection microwave. You understand when you're in people situations within lot pressure the brain doesn't think linearly? [Laughs] My thought process was off. I put everything inside the convection microwave and if you accomplish this, it won't prepare the identical it will prepare longer. There is lots in [the dish], it is therefore working harder. To ensure that all individuals inside the center, I'm supposing, just weren't too done since the ones in the base or perhaps the top. All kitchen products are various and all sorts of ovens work in different ways. It had been brand-new equipment which i simply shoved everything inside! Once I first first got it out, I thought that we required to awesome them because cutting a hot gratin is totally impossible. I understood immediately like, "What have I implemented to myself?"Top Chef's Richie: I wasn't thinking clearlyHow perhaps you have not tell that many it had been undercooked? Whitney: It's funny because we cooled it so quick since you aren't effective when it's hot, and that means you wouldn't be capable of differentiate. They were quizzing me within the Judges' Table, like, "Couldn't you realize along with your knife?" It's like, "No, because each time a potato is chilled, it's basically cream and cheese with this particular dish and hen cream and cheese are cold, it's harder to reduce, so that it appears hot." Individuals that I did so try, I believed were overcooked, so that it just proves the oven doesn't necessarily get everything ready evenly. This is why I used to be like, "What?! It's undercooked?!" You're saying you're low on a while and also the idol idol judges mentioned six several hours was considerable time. Whitney: It is not enough! [Laughs] Consider arranging a supper party for, like, 40 people. Consider time it could take that you ought to plan it, prepare it after which it prepare it. But you are capable of being inside your space. You have to suppose you aren't inside your kitchen, which means you are totally not acclimated to everything surrounding you. After which you'll find 13 people getting each other. There is lots stress it carries over into the way you are cooking which i go back to that non-linear thought process. The mind is just bouncing around in the million directions. You gaze back and you're simply like, "Oh my gosh gosh! The thing that was I doing?"The whole steak problem was strange. Why did Lindsay fire them so early? Simply how much did inside your dish?Whitney: The whole factor was this kind of strange mess. I'm not really sure the actual way it all went lower. It affected a lot of us because many of us are trying to create the foods hot, so that it could've chilled more. That was one of the hard things, too, because we made really the only hot plate. I had been very easily the mark. Carrying out 300 hot plates is not the easiest factor in the world.Greatest Chef's Keith: I understood Sarah and Lindsay would throw me beneath the busHugh may be the mentor. Did he say everything to you when you were removed?Whitney: He didn't say everything to me directly. They are fully aware me just like a chef which i understand him. I've labored for him for this type of very long time. He's trained me all I realize, it is therefore kind of good he wasn't like, "You suck! Whomever else done?" In my opinion they are fully aware me a lot better than that. In my opinion also because he's been on top Chef Masters, he realizes the stress level we're under, so possibly he didn't wish to use. Maybe there's a soft devote Hugh Acheson's heart we haven’t heard about! [Laughs]Exactly what are you to date?Whitney: I'm in Athens, Ga. I'm back where Hugh's original restaurant is and i'm inside a restaurant referred to as Farm 255. I needed over this kitchen three days ago, it is therefore been crazy busy. It's amazing. We've our personal farm and process our personal meat. It's just a really great space. I'm off [Cumberland Island, where she familiar with work], that's sad, however thought I will be accessible because people assist you to on tv and so they should be capable of no less than come and eat my food!

David Ayer To Script Up-to-date Scarface

EXCLUSIVE: Training Day scribe David Ayer continues to be hired to create the brand new version of Scarface for Universal Pictures. The film will put a modern day spin around the outlaw tale first launched in 1932 with Paul Muni playing an Italian who required over Chicago, after which converted into the spectacularly violent 1983 film that starred Al Pacino as Tony Montana, a Cuban who required within the cocaine trade in eighties Miami. The brand new film has been created by Marc Shmuger and the Global Produce banner together with Martin Bregman, who created the John P Palma-directed version. Once the studio setup the project at the end of September, the intention wasn’t to perform a remake around to marry the most popular elements of these two films having a contemporary crime context. Essentially, the main focus is with an outsider, an immigrant who barges his distance to the criminal establishment in pursuit of the twisted version from the American dream, being a kingpin via a campaign of ruthlessness and violent ambition. Ayer informs me that he's not whatsoever cowed by walking into an legendary title. “This is really a fantasy for me personally, I'm able to still remember after i saw the film at 13 also it blew my thoughts,” he stated. “I searched for it I attacked it tough. I view it because the story from the American dream, having a character whose moral compass points inside a different direction. That puts it in my wheelhouse. I analyzed both original Ben Hecht-Howard Hawks movie and also the DePalma-Pacino version and located some universal styles. I’m still underneath the hood determining the wiring which will translate, but both films were built with a specificity of place, there is unapologetic violence, along with a primary character who socially scared the shit from people, but who had their own moral code. Each was faithful towards the underworld of their time. You will find enough possibilities within the real life today that offer an chance to get this done right. Whether it only agreed to be an effort to remake the 1983 film, that will never work.” Ayer assumes the task after finishing Finish Of Watch, the Exclusive Media Group-funded drama that Ayer authored, directed and created. Mike Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena star as LAPD partners and close friends who navigate their work and private lives. It began out like a found footage-style film, using the POV originating from everything from you installed on every cop vehicle to video security cameras along with other surveillance products. Ayer stated it developed into something not too rigid, that they known as a mixture of “unconventional storytelling intertwined with conventional photography that produces a portrait of the lives. It’s a mix between Cops and Mean Roads.” It's Ayer’s third pointing effort after Harsh Occasions and Street Nobleman, and that he’s got a cut he’ll test by having an audience before finishing and showing it to potential domestic marketers before year’s finish. The film, that was funded by Exclusive Media, you will need to be viewed by domestic marketers before year’s finish. Ayer’s repped by CAA and attorney David Weber.

Exclusive Sneak Look: William Shatner Cashes In on Psych

Psych Getting a disadvantage guy for any father has its own inevitable downside: skipped birthday celebrations, damaged promises ... But a criminal father may also have its advantages, particularly when you are a cop and want to consider just like a theif. Exclusive: Psych books William Shatner to experience Juliet's father On Wednesday's episode of Psych (10/9c, USA), Juliet (Maggie Lawson) is going to do exactly that when she earns her estranged father, Frank (performed by William Shatner), to assist avoid the thievery of the 1943 bronze cent worth $two million. Father and daughter share the instinct to search for an internal guy. But could they find mutual understanding to place their many years of alienation in it? Watch this exclusive clip and discover: Are you currently excited to determine Shatner on Psych?

NBA Lockout Ends: Tentative Deal Sees a Christmas Day Start

E! Entertainment The backlash against the Kardashian suite of reality shows may have picked up a lot of steam over the past few weeks, but sorry Kardashian critics, reports that the increasing controversy helped to kill a proposed Christmas special aren't true according to the network.our editor recommendsKim Kardashian Wedding Performer Dave Koz Expresses Doubt Over Event's 'Authenticity'Kim Kardashian vs. 'Jersey Shore': The Frivolous Lawsuit Face-OffKim Kardashian's Fur Use Targeted With PETA Billboard (Photo) PHOTOS: 19 of Hollywood's All-Time Shortest Marriages An E! spokesperson tells The Hollywood Reporter that the news is "completely false." In fact, it's impossible to put the kibosh on something that apparently never existed as the spokesperson adds, "This special was never on the schedule." On Friday, the NY Post's reportedthat its sources say that the family was in talks with the entertainment cable channel for a televised special with the reality clan ringing in the holidays with its viewers. PHOTOS: Inside Kardashian Inc. According to the newspaper, plans for the special fell apart because the family members had "too many commitments," which made it hard to schedule the program's shooting. Though, the fallout from Kim Kardashian's quickie divorce from Kris Humphries was supposedly the nail in the coffin. A Kardashian rep had also told the newspaper, "I haven't heard anything about [it]." A special such as this would probably net plenty of viewers amid all the divorce controversy. The two part Kardashian/Humphries wedding special attracted more than eight million viewers over its two nights. VIDEO:Kim Kardashian Paints Picture of Happy Marriage in Marie Claire Interview Nevertheless, fans will get a dose of Kardashian very soon. Kourtney & Kim Take NY returns on Sunday at 10 p.m. Email: Jethro.Nededog@thr.com; Twitter:@TheRealJethro PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 8 Possible Hollywood Targets for Ricky Gervais at the Golden Globes E! Entertainment Khloe Kardashian Kim Kardashian Kourtney Kardashian Kris Jenner

Why Hollywood Is Praising Eames

Thinking about the divorce filing just 72 days after you have married to Kris Humphries, Kim Kardashian's wedding has certainly fit in with scrutiny. However, one of the artists in case states he felt something was certainly wrong within the wedding.our editor recommendsKim Kardashian versus. 'Jersey Shore': The Frivolous Suit Face-OffKim Kardashian's Fur Use Specific With PETA Billboard (Photo)Tyler Perry Defends Kim Kardashian's 'The Marriage Counselor' Casting: She's employment Model PHOTOS: 19 of Hollywood's All-Time Least Close ties "Honestly, searching back, I've arrived at be truthful didn't feel right," Grammy nominated saxaphone player, Dork Koz, notifies the Corpus Christi Caller Occasions. Koz is at the highly marketed Santa Barbara event in August, which eventually broadcast around the two-part special on E! noisy .-October. He completed his song, "Know You Off Off By Heart" and "Here Comes The Bride To Be To BeInch since the marriage ceremony walked lower the aisle. PHOTOS: Inside Kardashian Corporation. "I've carried out plenty of wedding events," he recalls. "Clearly, this is often a tv series. Nevertheless it felt appreciate it was scene in the wedding, as being a movie and not a genuine wedding, in case that's sensible. Who knows whether they were for one another or else, nevertheless it just didn't seem to possess authenticity because moment personally.In . Funk group Earth, Wind and Fire and singer Robin Thicke also completed in case. The E! two-part special attracted greater than eight million audiences combined inside the two nights. VIDEO:Kim Kardashian Offers Picture of Happy Marriage in Marie Claire Interview Kardashian's quickie divorce triggered many to rehash accusations the marriage will be a hoax and placed the entire Kardashian family the primary attraction simply because they defended the earnestness in the relationship. Kim couldn't escape the scrutiny throughout an sadly timed business visit Australia the identical week she declared divorce and cut the trip short. She soon traveled to Atlanta to shoot her moments for your Tyler Perry movie, The Marriage Counselor. Email: Jethro.Nededog@thr.com Twitter:@TheRealJethro Related Subjects E! Entertainment Kim Kardashian E! Maintaining While using Kardashians Kris Humphries

Disney Jump-Begins Reese Witherspoon Comedy With 'Kung Fu Panda 2' Authors (Exclusive)

Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger, the authors behind the worldwide animation smash Kung Fu Panda 2, happen to be drawn on to create Wish List, a Disney comedy fantasy which has Reese Witherspoon mounted on star. Mark Ciardi and Gordon Grey of Mayhem Pictures are creating.our editor recommends'Kung Fu Panda 2' Crosses $300 Million Offshore'Kung Fu Panda' Scribes to Pen 'Candyland' for Universal The brand new authors will kick-start the project, that was first setup in the studio in 2001 like a vehicle for any male comedy star. Witherspoon came aboard throughout the summer time, leading to searching for scribes to re-engineer the script. The storyline focuses on work-oriented adult whose perfectly customized existence is tossed for any loop when all of the wishes she made growing up are all of a sudden granted. PHOTOS: 10 Wrongly Sexy Cartoon Figures Aibel and Berger, repped by WME and attorney Ken Richman, have secured out athriving career in animation and also the family comedy arena. On the top of writing the $663 million-grossing Panda 2, the duo done the very first Kung Fu Panda and Monsters versus Aliens,in addition to TV's King from the Hill. Additionally they done Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel and also the latest Chipmunks installment, Nick-Wrecked, which opens December 16. The scribes will tackle Wish List once they finish writing a large-screen take from the Hasbro game Candyland. Email: Borys.Package@thr.com Twitter: @Borys_Package Related Subjects Reese Witherspoon Kung Fu Panda 2

REVIEW: Arthur Christmas Overrides Ugly Digital Animation with Charm, Wit and Verve

To dispatch with the pleasantries and get straight to the but: Arthur Christmas favors the late-century style of computer animation that turns characters into smooth, plasticky dirigibles, adding a Made-in-China cello-skin to faces and scenery alike and vacuum-sealing the works for maximum digital freshness. I’ve never cared for the look — if cartoons could be embalmed, that’s how I imagine they’d be — and in sharing a release weekend with a Muppets revival, the limits of Arthur’s CGI puppeteering seem even more stark. That is of course, until you consider almost everything outside of my but — which may well not be yours — which is to say the near-total mitigation of aesthetic bummers with an avalanche of charm, wit, and enlivening, highly oxygenated performances. A collaboration between Sony animation and Britain’s Aardman productions (of Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run, and Flushed Away fame), Arthur Christmas is a Grinch-style story of rekindled Christmas spirit told from inside Santa’s compound at the North Pole. At one end of the investment spectrum are Santa’s ebullient but highly errant progeny Arthur (James McAvoy) and a million or so obsessive elves, and at the other are Santa himself (Jim Broadbent), a glory hound who’s been phoning it in for years, and Santa’s number one son, Steve (Hugh Laurie), a technocrat who has “festivized” the entire world and broken toy delivery down into a joyless martial art. In the middle is Mrs. Claus (Imelda Staunton), the stealthy home executive who just wants everybody to get along, and out back in the polar pasture rocks 136-year-old patriarch Grandsanta (Bill Nighy), perpetually cheesed about his own irrelevance and sure it all meant more back when Santas traveled by sleigh and not a candy-apple Millennium Falcon. That’s right, it’s a family business, and there is little question about which brother will inherit the ermine-trimmed suit once the current Santa is finally coaxed out of it. But when a mishap causes the wished-for present of a Cornwall girl to go astray, Arthur and the elves are scandalized while Santa and Steve shrug it off, and the question of whether one child matters expands to pit tech innovation against personal consistency, and ego against selflessness. Arthur and Grandsanta commandeer a retired sleigh and some old-fashioned magic to get the little girl her pink bicycle before the night is over, with an eager elf named Bryony (Ashley Jensen of Extras and Ugly Betty) along to literally wrap up problems with festive paper and industrial-strength glitter tape. First-time director Sarah Smith co-wrote the screenplay with frequent Sasha Baron Cohen and Steve Coogan collaborator Peter Baynham, and the writing is brisk and snappy, warm and engaging, and unabashedly littered with Britishisms. It’s a balanced efficiency of tone established in service of the core characters and reinforced by their precision casting and committed performances (McAvoy and Jensen especially blast verve and personality into their roles), so that halfway through a Christmas Eve picaresque we are fully involved in not just a witty lark but a resonant family drama. Which is not to say there isn’t plenty of mischief to grease the way, including cheap shots at Canada (everybody’s favorite), the unlikely triumph of Arthur’s neuroses, and darker riffs involving elves so tightly programmed they go kamikaze at the first (false) sign of abandonment and the sacrifice of “charming relics” to the future. The velocity of the visuals matches the almost vaudevillian pace of the script — no detail is unturned or punchline passed by — and the 3D offers mild, if somewhat superfluous, enhancement to an already engrossing trip. There’s a tepid lesson embedded into the haggling over the true meaning of Christmas and the real Santa Claus: Arthur’s insistence that the means of gift delivery don’t matter (only the spirit of giving and gratitude does) is gentle preparation for that ultimate, beard-yanking disillusionment. I’d be satisfied if Arthur Christmas primed kids for nothing more than expecting nothing less from holiday entertainment than this fleet, sweet-natured film. Follow Michelle Orange on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

Sacha Baron Cohen Freddie Mercury Film on Track for 2012

That biopic with 'Borat' star Sacha Baron Cohen as Queen frontman Freddie Mercury? Still on, according to producer Graham King. While promoting Martin Scorsese's 'Hugo,' (which King co-produced and which features Cohen in a supporting role), King told CinemaBlend that he expects the project will get underway next year. "Who better to play Freddie Mercury than Sacha Baron Cohen? He's so talented, and you see a side to him in 'Hugo' that no one had ever seen before. Very emotional, and very heartfelt." Peter Morgan ('Frost/Nixon,' 'The Queen') was writing the script, but King didn't comment whether his script will be used. As Morgan told CinemaBlend last year, Baron is also the one to thank for the project's existence: "Sacha was the one who asked me to write it. He was the guy who rang me up." [via CinemaBlend] [Photo: Getty] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Natalie Wood Death: Owner of Boat Knew for Weeks Police Would Reopen Case

It will be 30 years next weekend since Natalie Wood died while boating off Catalina Island on Thanksgiving weekend off the Southern California coast, but one person wasn't surprised by police reopening the investigation into the actress' death.our editor recommendsRobert Wagner Blamed Self For Natalie Wood's Death in MemoirNatalie Wood Mystery: File Sent to Sheriff Revealed Telling Clues (PDF Document)Natalie Wood's Sister Makes First TV Appearance on 'Piers Morgan Tonight' (Video)Natalie Wood, Christopher Walken's 'Brainstorm': How the Actress' Death Derailed Her Final Film (Video)Christopher Walken Offered Natalie Wood Death Theory in Past InterviewChristopher Walken Hires Lawyer to Handle Natalie Wood Investigation (Exclusive) The owner of the Splendour, the boat Wood was on with husband Robert Wagner and Brainstorm co-star Christopher Walken, revealed that he was aware for weeks that police were looking into the case, the Los Angeles Times reports. PHOTOS: Best Pictures of Natalie Wood "I have known for a few weeks that there was going to be a police investigation," says Ron Nelson in an interview with Honolulu's KHON-TV. "But I didn't know it was going to explode like it did overnight." Nelson purchased the Splendour -- a 60-foot yacht now used for charter cruises -- back in 1986, five years after Wood died at the age of 43. He said that police had contacted him several weeks ago, but did not reveal any details of their conversation. PHOTOS: 12 of Hollywood's Most Mysterious Deaths Police announced on Friday morning at a press conference that investigators would be traveling to Hawaii in order to examine the boat as part of their investigation, reaffirming news from the night before that the case would be reopened. On Thursday evening, Wagner said through his rep that he supported the police's decision. "Although no one in the Wagner family has heard from the LA County Sheriff's department about this matter, they fully support the efforts of the L.A. County Sheriff's Department and trust they will evaluate whether any new information relating to the death of Natalie Wood Wagner is valid and that it comes from a credible source or sources other than those simply trying to profit from the 30-year anniversary of her tragic death," his rep said. VIDEO: 5 of Natalie Wood's Most Memorable Roles The Hollywood Reporter broke the news Friday that Walken, who is not considered a suspect, has hired a lawyer to handle the Wood investigation. Officials also noted that Wagner is not a person of interest. At the time, Wood's death was ruled an accident, though there has been speculation that there were more details to the story. Author Marti Rulli teamed up with Dennis Davern, who at the time was the captain of the Splendour, more than two decades ago to investigate and research that fateful November evening, publishing the book Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour two years ago. Davern made the media rounds on Friday, making the bold claim that Wagner had something to do with Wood's death. In his 2008 memoir Pieces of My Heart, Wagner blamed himself for Wood's passing. "Yes, I blamed myself. Natalie would have felt the same way had it happened to me. Why wasn't I there? Why wasn't I watching? I would have done anything in the world to make her life better or protect her. Anything," he wrote. "I would have given my life for hers, because that's the way we were." CBS News' Wood special, originally set to air next weekend for the 30th anniversary of her death, moved up the investigative report to this weekend. Wood's sister Lana also made an appearance on CNN's Piers Morgan Tonight. Related Topics Natalie Wood

Mattel, Disney team on 'Cars' display

Mattel exec Jean Gomez shows the companys rare die-cast Cars collection to kids at the Petersen Automotive Museum in L.A.After parking its Hot Wheels cars at Los Angeles' Petersen Automotive Museum for years, toymaker Mattel has teamed with Disney and Pixar to create a new long-term display at the venue, this time revolving around the "Cars" franchise. With more than 250 million "Cars"-themed diecast cars sold since the first film rolled into theaters in 2006, Mattel will now display many of the newest and rarest of the toys through its "From Silver Screen to Die-cast: Disney-Pixar Cars Imagined by Mattel" exhibit until April. Over the years, Mattel has produced more than 500 unique designs of the "Cars" character toys. Exhibit features dioramas of "Cars" scenes featuring hundreds of diecast "Cars" vehicles, rare, never-released and collectible vehicles and the history of the film franchise's diecast packaging designs. Also on display is the new Lightning McQueen Alive toy, which features a lifelike mouth, moving eyes and shrugging shoulders. Mattel spent a year and a half developing the vehicle, project designer Scott Derman said. One of the rare cars on display is the "Apple Car," a white car with a silver Mac apple on its hood, which was sold exclusively in one online-only package. It has since become one of the most sought after "Cars" toys, with an asking price of almost $700 on eBay. The exhibit also displays cars that were available only on special occasions or at events, including the "John Lasseter" truck, named for Pixar's topper, which was only given to Pixar employees who worked on the "Cars" movies. The "Cars" toys are 1/55 scale, larger than most diecast cars, which are 1/46 in scale, to more accurately capture the facial expressions, personality and character details, said Chris Down, Mattel's VP of design. "That was to capture the essence of what makes them unique, which is their character -- their smile, their eyes and all of that," Down added. A set of plastic prototypes of never-released cars including Albert "Buffet Master" Hinkey, also known as McQueen's biggest fan, was auctioned off by Bonhams to benefit the Robert E. Petersen Free School Bus Program, which provides free transportation to the museum for schools in underserved communities. Bonhams is also auctioning off the 1994 Toyota Supra Custom featured in "The Fast and the Furious" and the 2004 Lexus Concept Car from "Minority Report." In 2003, Mattel opened its Hot Wheels Hall of Fame at the Petersen to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the toy line. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

'Final Destination' Star Charged with Drunk driving

Based on E! News, actor Ryan Merriman was arrested last evening in Newport Beach on Drunk driving charges. Shop dead that Merriman was initially stopped for groing through the road in a red-colored light. However, when cops reached his vehicle, the actor started showing signs and symptoms of consuming. After failing a area sobriety test, he was reserved on charges of driving while impaired. Most widely known for his role in 'Final Destination 3,' Merriman has additionally starred in 'The Ring Two' and 'Halloween: Resurrection.' [via E! News] [Photo: Getty] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Kim Kardashian Keeping The Ring?

First Released: November 2, 2011 7:04 PM EDT Credit: WireImage La, Calif. -- Caption Kim Kardashian in Hollywood (inset a detailed-from her gemstone), August, 17, 2011Kim Kardashians marriage to National basketball association star Kris Humphries might be over but shes apparently keeping her 20-carat gemstone. She'll keep your ring, Peoples Assistant Editor Jen Garcia, a guest at Kims August wedding, told Access Hollywood on Wednesday, estimating sources that spoke towards the mag. Since Kardashian was the one that broke them back, etiquette dictates that they should take it back, but based on Garcia, the truth star is connected to the rock. Its something thats debatable, clearly, with etiquette, however it would be a gift to her, it had been something special and it is something very sentimental to her, Garcia told Access Hollywood. Based on estimations, the ring is really worth about $two million, that is nearly $a million shy of Humphries reported 2011 $3.two million salary using the Nj Nets. Humphries yearly salary, however, is dwarfed by his estranged wifes substantial salary. Forbes has reported she made about $12 million this past year. With an National basketball association lockout still essentially, Humphries is not generating anything from playing basketball. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Celebrities React to Kim Kardashian's Divorce

Kris Humphries, Kim Kardashian It didn't take long before the news of Kim Kardashian's impending divorce led to a flurry of celebrities weighing in on Twitter. Some of our favorites: Ice-T (@finallevel): "Wow! I just heard Kim Kardashian is getting a divorce after only 72 days of marriage???..... I bet she keeps that ring." Photo timeline: Kim Kardashian's boyfriends Andy Cohen (@BravoAndy): "thanks for the entertainment, Kim Kardashian." Look back at Kim's most memorable birthday suit photo shoots Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH): "I hope the best for my friend Kim Kardashian and wish she finds peace and happiness ... " Check out more failed reality TV marriages Bill Bush (@BillyBush): "Can't say @kimkardashian and the hump didn't have a love WORTH anything ... wow, quick but lucrative." Piers Morgan (@PiersMorgan): "Need @kimkardashian to name @THEHermanCain as the 'other man' and we're in business here, folks. #ThreeParty"

Steve Stark Joins MGM Television As Leader of Production (Exclusive)

our editor recommendsTV producer Steve Stark has full plate'When Harry Met Sally ...' Actress Dies After 10-Year Fight With CancerQ&A: Roma Khanna Steve Starkhas been named leader of television production at MGM, the organization introduced Monday. Yesterday,The Hollywood Reporterreported that Stark was putting the ultimate touches on the contract to mind up TV development at MGM. The well-loved television executive brings with him work of expertise as both a TV producer as well as an professional. He'll join former NBC Universal worldwide TV executive Roma Khanna, who had been hired last June after MGM emerged from personal bankruptcy. She can serve as MGM's leader from the television group and digital, managing production, sales purchases, certification, article marketing and digital initiatives for MGM worldwide. Stark will are accountable to Khanna. Inside a statement, Khanna referred to Stark as "an remarkable talent having a tremendous history and deep associations within the television industry." As mind of television production, Stark will oversee every aspect of television and content development for network, cable and digital shops. In This summer, Khanna completed her senior vice president ranks, employing Vicky Gregorian from Litton Entertainment as senior vice president of domestic television distribution, and Vinicio Espinosa as vice president of Latin American television distribution. She also upped Susan Hummel to senior vice president U.S. fundamental cable and Canada television Damien Marin to senior vice president pay tv and digital media. Recently, Steve Hendry was hired senior executive vice president of television procedures. TV REVIEW: The Big Event Stark, who has a lengthy listing of credits including NBC's The Big Event, Medium and USA's Fairly Legal, signed a 2-year overall cope with Universal Television last The month of january. Additionally to his stint being an independent producer, he offered time like a development professional at Vital TV, Columbia TriStar TV and also at the helm of Kelsey Grammer's production company. Email: Marisa.Guthrie@thr.com, Lacey.Rose@thr.com Related Subjects

Director Bill Condon Promises 'Breaking Dawn Part 1' is a 'Complete Meal'

An Oscar winner for 'Gods and Monsters,' the screenwriter behind 'Chicago' and the director of 'Dreamgirls' and 'Kinsey,' Bill Condon might not immediately spring to mind when thinking of 'Twilight.' Yet here he is, responsible for bringing the final chapters of 'The Twilight Saga' to the big screen. Condon directed both parts of 'Breaking Dawn' -- "He is one incredible director," said Taylor Lautner to Moviefone earlier this year -- and part of the reason he signed on was because of the rabid fan base. "There is something really appealing about knowing you have a very committed audience." Condon rang up Moviefone on Friday to discuss 'Breaking Dawn,' his lengthy hiatus from the big screen after 'Dreamgirls' and when you can expect to see his Richard Pryor biopic. This will be your first feature film since 'Dreamgirls' in 2006. I know you did a lot of television since then, but what made you step away from filmmaking for the last few years? It's the same reason that anyone does, I suspect. I had a couple of movies that I was passionately involved with that I could never get made. Richard Pryor, I wrote for -- gosh -- over a year. That was close to getting made for two-and-a-half years after that. We're still pushing it, you know. It is weird. Suddenly you wake up and it's like, "God, five years have gone by." It's really a scary thing. Is that what led to 'Breaking Dawn' or did Summit come to you? They came to me. I was getting ready to do another movie -- and I worked on that for about a year, and some casting and a bit of financing fell out. Suddenly, there was this thing. The one thing I knew about 'Twilight' was that it would actually get made. [Laughs] But more than that, I was actually interested in it; they had come my way once before. So, I read it and thought about it and met with them, got excited about the possibilities and jumped right in. That was like March and we were shooting by November. There was only an outline for a script at that point. Were you familiar with the books and movies, or did you have to do a crash course before shooting? The movies -- the movies, then the books. But the movies I knew. So, during that time when your were reading the books and watching films, did you stumble onto anything in particular that you thought you could bring to the franchise that wasn't done before? I don't think it was about what hadn't been done before. What I did think was interesting is that these movies are really different, one from the other. Based on the director. And that excited me. It didn't feel as though you were fitting into any template, which would have been as interesting. For me, I was really turned on by the first movie, and how the first half is a real classic Hollywood romantic melodrama -- a kind that doesn't really get made anymore. Soulful and about a women's concerns, which are more interesting to me maybe than a teenage boy's concerns. Then it turned into a flat-out horror movie in the second half. I have a background of that and a love of that. Then the second movie is this epic story that was interesting in another way. It was on a canvas I had never been involved with before. A lot of things added up to make it appealing. Franchise films have really become appealing to some pretty major filmmakers -- you, Christopher Nolan, Marc Webb, Sam Mendes. Why do you think these big blockbusters, which in the past might have seemed like a producer's medium, attract such talent nowadays? It's interesting. I don't know. Part of it for me -- and I got a taste of this for 'Dreamgirls' -- is that there is something really appealing about knowing you have a very committed audience. It sort of feels like, right from the beginning, you're in a dialogue with them. I was, literally, on Facebook, but more than that, you kinda know how much people care. There's something exciting on the other end of that. With 'Dreamgirls,' you'd see that kind of buzz in the audience, and a visceral reaction in a theater. That is really thrilling. I've only seen this with a tiny little friends and family group of Twi-hards, and we kind had the same reaction and that was really exciting. That intense fan interest can be a double-edged sword: I know you guys had some pretty serious security breaches this year that were very unfortunate. How do you deal with that? I don't think the people who did that seemed to be fans at all; they just seemed to want to cause trouble. I think there's that typical, sort of 'Oh my God, there are people hanging around the set!'-thing, but that's built-in to the production of these movies. There was nothing new there. The idea of hackers working together, though -- and I think they figured out who they are -- and my computer was one of the computers that got hacked. Suddenly, the insides of making a movie get exposed. It's just terrible. It's terrible on so many levels, not least of which -- you know, they had their hands on dailies, and actors can get exposed trying things. Just really, really low, I thought. You mention the performers experimenting in the dailies. I think it would be fair to call you an actor's director -- the films you've directed have gotten stars Oscar nominations five times, and Jennifer Hudson won -- but Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner grew up on these movies; they're maybe set in their ways and what they think the characters are. How do you come in and direct them for this last run? I did not find any of them set in their ways. It felt like they were eager to explore. Part of the advantage I had was that after a lot of anticipation in three movies, now a huge number of things happen. These characters change so dramatically. When you think of where Bella stars, which is where she's been for all three movies, and by the end she's this fierce warrior-hunter-maternal-goddess. All the steps that get her there -- it's a huge amount of change. The same for Jacob and Edward. They grow up more than anything. Catherine Hardwicke [who directed 'Twilight'] has a genius for getting inside the brain and is so in touch with what it's like to be a teenage girl. I couldn't imagine doing that first 'Twilight.' But I can imagine doing this one because it's more adult concerns happening in this story. Bella has that big transformation, of course, but Jacob has to go through a lot of heady emotional stuff as well. Taylor is the least experienced and youngest actor of the main trio -- did you have to do any additional work with him to get him to where Jacob needed to go? He is as serious an actor as anybody I've ever worked with. He worked really, really hard and wanted to get deeper inside the emotions of this character. Because, again, this character goes through things way beyond mooning over the girl he can't have. He was up to it, and really, really serious. He didn't walk through anything. Like any good actor it was a lot of talk, questions and trying things. The final 'Harry Potter' films were split in two like 'Breaking Dawn,' and some criticized them for feeling like incomplete films. How do you guard against that? It's a good question. I do feel like the first movie here is such a full -- how do I say it? You get a complete meal, plus dessert. It's so full emotionally. There's so much stuff that's happening, that I think you'll be kind of relieved that you get a break for the second part. It's a different structure to Harry Potter, which has been so intricate and so brilliant -- going along episode by episode. This has been a lot of second act, I would say. A lot of setting things up, setting things up, and finally everything explodes here. You're obviously a successful writer -- did you sit down with Melissa Rosenberg to figure out where you were going to split it? Oh, yeah. When I got in there, they were splitting it somewhere else. Melissa and I worked closely for six months; it was a great experience with her. She knows this stuff so well and she's so talented and just very clever. It was really, really good. We kept at it -- we sort of did it on our own for a long time. I know you can't say where you split 'Breaking Dawn,' but what was it that made you decide to change where they were splitting it? Well, it's a little hard to say without spoiling it. We'll talk about it after, right? [Laughs] Gave it a shot! Before I let you go, you mentioned the Richard Pryor movie. What's the status on that? We're going out, full steam ahead, trying to get it set up so I can do it this year. Marlon Wayans had a killer screen test. He's remained attached. He's doing stand-up all across the country, getting ready. We're all of us -- Jennifer Pryor, Richard's widow -- really hellbent on getting that movie made. Did you get any pushback from casting Marlon? No, no. I think once he sort of showed what he had, it became pretty clear. [Photo: Getty Images] 'The Twilght Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1' Image Gallery From weddings to werewolves, Moviefone has the complete collection of images from the upcoming romance saga. See All Moviefone Galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

'Life' of the Party

New to DVD and Blu-Ray today is the fantastic drama "A Better Life." When it opened earlier this year, I had high praise for director Chris Weitz and star Demian Bichir, who I think delivers one of the finest performances of the year as an illegal immigrant looking to provide a positive future for his 14-year-old son. In an interview with Weitz, I praised the film and the director's steady hand with material that could have easily gone maudlin or condescending.Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the DVD release party for the film, hosted by Mary-Louise Parker at Culina. It took me a second to make the connection, but of course, Bichir played Parker's lover on the Showtime series "Weeds." Like anyone who loves great actors, I've long held Parker in high regard. But until I saw her in person that night, I had no idea how unbelievably stunning she is in person. She was also very gracious and affable, and went out of her way to thank us for coming. "I so appreciate your support of this movie," she told me. "It means so much that people get the word out about it. It's very special."So if you won't take my word for it, listen to Parker, and check out one of the best films--and performances--of the year.READ MORE ON BEHIND THE SCENES

Ben Affleck, Matt Damon Developing Whitey Bulger Movie

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are keeping their Warners-based Pearl Street Films banner busier than a crab shack in lobster season.our editor recommendsProducer Graham King Fast-tracking Crime Movie Featuring Whitey BulgerWhitey Bulger Arrest: FBI Pays $2.1 Million Reward in Case of Martin Scorsese's 'Departed' InspirationWhitney Bulger Tipster: Former Miss Iceland to Receive $2 Million Reward Matt Damon to Direct Warner Bros. Drama He Co-Wrote With John Krasinski With Affleck directing Argo and a week after setting up an untitled small-town drama for Damon to direct, the duo are tackling the story of Whitey Bulger, a notorious Boston-based gangster who was caught earlier this year in California at the age of 81 after 16 years on the run. Affleck would direct the project, still in development, with Damon portraying the man through several decades, including his rise and local Robin Hood-style infamy, his alleged 19 murders and racketeering, his acting as an FBI informant, and his years on the run. Affleck would also co-star as would brother Casey Affleck. Terence Winter, who worked on The Sopranos and created Boardwalk Empire, is penning the script. Sarach Schachter is overseeing for the studio. Pearl Street's Chay Carter is overseeing for the banner. Related Topics Ben Affleck Casey Affleck Matt Damon

Catherine Tate Reprising Her Role on The Office

Catherine Tate, The Office Catherine Tate is returning to The Office, NBC announced Friday. The British actress, whose credits include Doctor Who and Gulliver's Travels, will reprise her role as Nellie Bertram, one of the candidates who interviewed to replace Michael Scott (Steve Carell) at Dunder Mifflin last season. Tate will appear through the second half of the season when Chairman of the Board Jo Bennett (Kathy Bates, who will not appear) hires Nellie as a special projects manager working for the corporate office. Check out the rest of today's news "Catherine is hysterical. We introduced her briefly in last season's finale and knew she had to be a part of the show somehow," executive producer Paul Lieberstein said in a statement. "Her relationship with Robert California (James Spader) will be far from professional. We're thrilled that she's joining the cast." The Office airs Thursdays at 9/8c on NBC.

Top Ten Digital recording device Shows of year (To Date)

ABC The autumn TV months are just preparing, however with Modern Family getting an earlier win because the most DVRed show within the last handful of days, you're ready to take a look at what shows will also be feeling just a little video recording love.our editor recommends'Modern Family' Rankings Climb 4.5 Million with Digital recording device Audience, Tops Other Series PHOTOS: 10 Television Shows Canceled Faster Than 'The Playboy Club' Nielsen stated typically 4.5 million audiences viewed a recording of contemporary Family after it first made an appearance around the air, which makes it the primetime reveal that got the greatest lift when Nielsen's Digital recording device rankings were include. The show's viewership knocked from nearly 14 million individuals who viewed it live to 18.5 million. STORY: 'Modern Family' Rankings Climb 4.5 Million with Digital recording device Audience, Tops Other Series A number of other shows this year saw a bump in excess of 3 million, such as the Ashton Kutcher-starring CBS comedy Two and Half Males and ABC's Grey's Anatomy. The bump from Nielsen's measurement of who watches on Digital recording device can produce a factor within the show's viewership, and may may play a role in whether a show returns for an additional season. PHOTOS: Fall TV's 12 Most Anticipated Shows By now, the television series using the top Digital recording device shows of year are: 1. 2 . 5 Males 2. Modern Family 3. New Girl 4. 2 Broke Women 5. The Large Bang Theory 6. Generate An Income Met Your Mother 7. NCIS 8. Family Guy 9. Grey's Anatomy 10. X-Factor (Wednesday) Modern Family 2 . 5 Males

Cinemax Hungary counters production drought

BUDAPEST -- Despite a ongoing condition budget crisis together with a flagging economy that has ground plenty of film and TV productions with a halt, the Cinemax Hungary pay TV network is beginning two homegrown series, a slate of documentaries and may soon have a very new mind of regional production.Cinemax Hungary, part of the Cinemax Central Europe (Cinemax CE) network, introduced the local version in the Israeli drama "Be Tipul" (broadcast as "In Treatment" inside the U.S.) will begin shooting in Budapest on November. 22 before an fall 2012 premier.Cinemax Hungary has greenlighted a 40-episode first season, the network is wanting is really a hit good strong reception in the format in Romania, where the series is becoming entering its second season.Local versions in the "Be Tipul" format are likely to premier on Cinemax Czech and Belgium.Furthermore, the network will premiere a Hungarian version from the second Israeli format, "When Shall We Hug" on March. 23. A cult hit if the broadcast on Israel's Funnel 10 in the finish of 2007, the "When Shall We Hug" format (initially produced by Abot Barkai Productions) can also be considered for other areas in Cinemax CE, mentioned Katalin Schulteisz, Original Production Executive for Cinemax Hungary.In line with the series' Israeli creator Dalit Kahan, this format can also be produced in Russia as well as the Ukraine by another broadcaster, and Kahan credits the simplicity of access in the series' figures due to its adaptability. "It is a human story everyone can interact with,In . Kahan told Variety.But future Cinemax productions will not be restricted to formats. Furthermore to on-going documentary production (Cinemax Hungary alone produces around three or four new documents yearly), Cinemax CE is becoming considering original scripted productions."You need to re-locate of employing formats and start creating our personal material," mentioned Schulteisz. "We're now searching at lots of scripts and concepts.InchManufacturing is predicted to accelerate after March. 17 when Antony Root, former senior V . p . European Production for that new the new sony Pictures Television, begins his first work day as executive v . p . of regional production for Cinemax CE. Root is predicted to supervise and coordinate production in many Cinemax CE's systems.HBO's production blitz has come about as recession, budget cuts and industry restructuring has created a historic recession in Hungarian domestic film-making. "I appear like I'm by having an island," recognized production executive Schulteisz. "It is really an exciting time to be [at Cinemax]. Not too everybody is doing that which you do available on the market place. Avoid this quality." Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Cinemax Hungary counters production drought

BUDAPEST -- Despite a continuing condition budget crisis along with a flagging economy which has ground lots of film and TV productions to some halt, the Cinemax Hungary pay TV network is starting two homegrown series, a slate of documentaries and can soon possess a new mind of regional production.Cinemax Hungary, area of the Cinemax Central Europe (Cinemax CE) network, introduced that the local version from the Israeli drama "Be Tipul" (broadcast as "In Treatment" within the U.S.) will start shooting in Budapest on November. 22 in front of an fall 2012 premier.Cinemax Hungary has greenlighted a 40-episode first season, that the network is wishing is a hit in line with the strong reception from the format in Romania, in which the series has become entering its second season.Local versions from the "Be Tipul" format are going to premier on Cinemax Czech and Belgium.Additionally, the network will premiere a Hungarian version of the second Israeli format, "When Shall We Hug" on March. 23. A cult hit if this broadcast on Israel's Funnel 10 at the end of 2007, the "When Shall We Hug" format (initially created by Abot Barkai Productions) may also be considered for other marketplaces in Cinemax CE, stated Katalin Schulteisz, Original Production Executive for Cinemax Hungary.Based on the series' Israeli creator Dalit Kahan, this format may also be created in Russia and also the Ukraine by another broadcaster, and Kahan credits the ease of access from the series' figures because of its adaptability. "It's a human story everybody can connect with,Inch Kahan told Variety.But future Cinemax productions won't be limited to formats. Additionally to on-going documentary production (Cinemax Hungary alone produces as much as 3 to 4 new paperwork annually), Cinemax CE has become thinking about original scripted productions."You want to re-locate of utilizing formats and begin creating our very own material," stated Schulteisz. "We are now searching at plenty of scripts and ideas.InchManufacturing is anticipated to accelerate after March. 17 when Antony Root, former senior Vice president European Production for The new sony Pictures Television, starts his first day at work as executive v . p . of regional production for Cinemax CE. Root is anticipated to supervise and coordinate production in most Cinemax CE's systems.HBO's production blitz may come as recession, budget cuts and industry restructuring has produced a historic downturn in Hungarian domestic film-making. "I seem like I am with an island," accepted production executive Schulteisz. "This is an exciting time for you to be [at Cinemax]. Not so so many people are doing what we should do on the market place. Avoid this quality." Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Private Practice Exclusive: A.J. Langer, Paul Adelstein Dish around the Surprise Ending

AJ Langer, Paul Adelstein [Warning: This story consists of spoilers from Thursday's episode of non-public Practice] Private Practice's Cooper is really a dad! In his wild days, the doc were built with a one evening stand with Rayanne Erica (My So Known as Life's A.J. Langer), that has arrived at introduce her 8-year-old boy Mason to his father. Lest we forget, Cooper (Paul Adelstein) is actually married to Charlotte now (KaDee Strickland), who may never have been interested in getting children. It's both a nightmare along with a dream become a reality for Cooper! Private Practice Exclusive Start Looking: Addison enlists Mike to create a baby "He's somebody who's always wanted children and it is with someone who's ambivalent about this,Inch Adelstein informs TVGuide.com. "So, he sees an chance to become a father and he's immediately smitten with that idea." So who's the brand new lady in Cooper's existence? "Erica is really a 'pull yourself up through the bootstraps' type of woman who's comfortable in their skin though she's in uncomfortable situations," Langer states. Though Langer is reluctant to check Erica to her well-known My So Known as Existence character, she states, "You type of hope this is who Rayanne would become, something similar to this where she'd set off the rails drastically and finally get herself on the right track and pull all of the crazy together. Erica is the fact that type of girl where she most likely was a little wild, but she's really, really vibrant and incredibly sensitive and capable because she managed to get through." Climax been eight years since Cooper and Erica did the deed, Langer demands Erica did not bare this a secret for selfish reasons. She's only coming forward now purely on her son's benefit. "Mason is older and it has been fantasizing of his father for age range and asking them questions,Inch Langer states. "A switch turned, and she or he was ready and understood it had been right." Obviously, the main one person what is the news does not sit well with is Charlotte now, whose trust issues after last season's attack only have grown with Cooper's recent medical misdeed. "Charlotte now is much like every other wife could be, she's damn suspicious," Strickland states. "She takes problem using the situation." Fall Preview: Get scoop in your favorite coming back shows While Cooper is extremely forthcoming about everything, Charlotte now remains careful, Adelstein states. "She thinks that Erica has ulterior motives and she or he desires to safeguard Cooper. Charlotte now is out of her method of doing that, which produces much more of the problem." With valid reason, obviously, since there is no telling whether Mason, whom Adelstein loves to call his "small-Cooper," is really Cooper's child. "Everyone will have doubts and Erica recognizes that moving in,Inch Langer states. 'She's prepared to put herself through it because her kid really wants to meet his father." There'll eventually become Paternity testing, but Adelstein states that does not really matter to Cooper. "Cooper's resistant against that," he states. "He does not feel it's necessary. He's adopted, so he does not think that biology always means family. This kid can also be, in Cooper's eyes, remarkably much like him. He loves children and that he would not wish to shirk from that type of responsibility." Obviously, turning up after eight many years of keeping this secret boosts the question of whether Erica has ulterior motives in coming forward. "At this time, I do not think she does," Langer demands. "Everybody has motives and things, and lots of occasions, they are not necessarily conscious of them, however i feel her intention is pure." Private Practice: Where were we and what's next? Her finish game might be another story. After a lot of years alone, Erica could see an chance to possess a group of her very own. "I see her like a pretty sincere person, but I'm not sure if she will help it to,Inch Langer states. "She's done all of this by herself and she or he most likely has not many associations, and he's type of an ideal guy. Each one of these many years of imagining if he's a nightmare or perhaps a nice person, and she or he meets somebody that is fairly ideal for her and her boy. It opens her mind to a myriad of options." Whether which means she'll attempt to rekindle their one-evening flame remains to appear, but Adelstein states, "I've no indication that that will happen." Langer, however, really hopes her character "will get some." She describes, "Everyone appears to on Shonda shows. Maybe her and Charlotte now will elope. There is a great [suggestion] online about her possibly being Amelia's love interest. I am wishing. We'll see." Private Practice airs Thursdays at 10/9c on ABC.

Beware of Spoilers, Inspirational Storylines in Latest Non-Parody Muppets Trailer

It has been a long, wonderful, trailer-laden lead-up to The Muppets big screen comeback. We’ve enjoyed clever promos of the Green Lantern parody, Girl With the Dragon Tattoo send-up and straight-forward varieties. And now, for the final hurrah before Kermit, Miss Piggy, Jason Segel and the gang storm theaters November 27, here’s the latest (straightforward) preview. Beware! Uplifting spoilers ahead. Fart shoes! The Swedish chef! A… new Muppet? Hey, why not. The Muppets — including their human friends Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Rashida Jones and Zach Galifianakis — will keep us all company this Thanksgiving. Verdict: Still seeing this before Hugo. [via Yahoo!]

A Good Day to Die Hard, and 5 Other Stories You'll Be Talking About Today

Happy Thursday! Also in today’s edition of The Broadsheet: Drive influences another jackass… But is the original Drive jackass really a jackass?… Ben Stiller inherits a Russell Brand gig… blockbuster Hong Kong smut reaches another milestone… and more. · Fox announced Wednesday that Die Hard 5 has officially been christened A Good Day to Die Hard and will open Feb. 14, 2013. Sounds less like a action-franchise release strategy than a romantic send-off for Hugh Hefner, but whatever. Don’t pretend that you didn’t give up on this years ago. [THR] · More genius word-of-mouth for Drive: The clown who threw a hot dog at Tiger Woods last weekend claims he was inspired by Nicolas Winding Refn’s moody thriller to “do something courageous and epic. I have to throw a hot dog on the green in front of Tiger.” Of course, there are no hot dogs in Drive; nothing is even thrown, as far as I can remember. But, uh, there you have it. [Santa Rosa Press-Democrat via THR] · Speaking of idiots, what if the Detroit woman suing FilmDistrict for issuing a misleading trailer has an actual point? Not a case, necessarily, but still: “[I]sn’t there something to be said for calling out studios and marketing departments that pull this sort of stuff? Shouldn’t we be discussing a multi-billion dollar company deliberately trying to trick movie goers out of their money? Shouldn’t we ridicule and verbally chastise a studio that engages in this type of behavior? In my opinion, hell yes we should.” For the record, FilmDistrict is not even close to a billion-dollar company, but the point stands. And it’s a fair one, no? [Movie Reviews to Go] · Ben Stiller is taking over for Russell Brand in RentaGhost, the supernatural family yarn about a recently deceased man who launches a specter-lending enterprise for the living. The change follows Fox’s acquisition of the BBC series adaptation from Warner Bros. [Variety] · Congrats are once again in order for the trailblazing, blockbuster Hong Kong smut 3-D Sex and Zen: Extreme Ecstasy, which was announced as the first 3-D VOD offering of the pay-cable broadcaster Celestial Movies. Huzzah! [Variety] · Hilary Swank would like to apologize for hanging out at the birthday concert of a Chechen leader accused of torture, kidnapping and murder. Apology accepted! Now, about The Resident… [AP]

'Rentaghost' Back In the Dead, Ben Stiller Set to Star

Appears like Ben Stiller continues to be cast like a dead guy. Based on Variety, Fox just acquired the privileges to 'Rentaghost,' a well known British comedy show in the late '70s, with Stiller attached because the lead. (Warner Bros. initially had privileges towards the series, with Russell Brand set to star.) The actor will reunite with authors Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant, they behind the most popular 'Night in the Museum' franchise. 'Rentaghost,' which went from 1976-84, informs the storyline from the lately deceased Fred Mumford, who begins a strong to assist rent ghosts out for various tasks. Stiller is visible next in Brett Ratner's Wall Street revenge flick, 'Tower Heist,' on November. 4. [via Variety] [Photo: FilmMagic] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

At NYFF: Martin Scorsese Gives Home town Crowd an idea of three-D Hugo

Following a weekend of speculation, guesses and 2nd-guesses about which top-secret “work happening with a master filmmaker” would actually screen tonight like a last-minute addition towards the NY Film Festival, Martin Scorsese confirmed today’s reviews if you take happens at Avery Fisher Hall in Manhattan and presenting his family-friendly 3-D opus Hugo to some loving home town crowd. Not everyone attending had supervised the excitement around tonight’s event. A couple of wizened audiences who most likely couldn’t distinguish the creation of a stereoscope from what stereophone looked baffled as brings released fistfuls of plastic-wrapped glasses using their seating directions. (“What are these? “They’re for that 3-D.” “Row 3-D?”, etc. etc.) But the majority of the house settled along with the kind of anticipation suitable for any never-before-seen Scorsese film, not to mention an audience-pleasing gambit using the premiere moviegoing gimmick in our day to some creation that the filmmaker accepted in advance wasn’t quite finished yet. “So this can be a work happening,” Scorsese stated in the stage, his right hands raising a slip of paper that contains Hugo’s inventory of incomplete elements — that they commenced to see. Like, everything. “Which means it’s not color-remedied. We’re beginning that at this time. At the outset of the film and elsewhere you will find things known as pre-visualizations, meaning they’re little, crude, computer-produced people, that they promise me 're going become human soon. The visual effects are temporary. The Three-D continues to be done, and also the seem mixes are temporary. The background music typically continues to be temporary. Which means it’s a real score however it’s on temporary instruments. He’s recording it now working in london — Howard Shoreline. The credits are 2-D, there aren’t that lots of on the website at this time. And you'll visit a couple of wonderful eco-friendly screens. You are able to place in anything you like. “So look!” he came to the conclusion. “I we do hope you appreciate it, and Hopefully individuals individuals that do enjoy it visit the ultimate film.” Which’s essentially to express the story is not going anywhere soon, for better or worse. That is fine by me I quite loved Hugo typically, if perhaps because of its singular status because the world’s first activist miracle-realist holiday family blockbuster-hopeful. (I believe? Was there some ice-cap upkeep position towards the Polar Express? I never first viewed it.) Scorsese and the Aviator film writer John Logan have modified John Selznick’s acclaimed novel-comic hybrid_The Invention of Hugo Cabret_ like a pure tribute not only to cinema, but the endangered legacies of their earliest professionals. As Selznick did, Scorsese lathers the pill in generous jackets of aesthetic sugar and bottles it within the story of Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield), a youthful orphan whose primary, basically accidental purpose in existence is becoming to wind the clocks inside a huge Paris stop circa 1930. Chased forever with a war-veteran station inspector (Sacha Baron Cohen) and eyed with suspicion with a tired old toy-booth owner (Ben Kingsley), Hugo scurries and sulks round the premises during the day while trying to repair a wind-up automaton discovered by his late watch manufacturing company father (Jude Law). Its Hireling Shepherd smile teases Hugo and it is even from time to time reflected when confronted with Isabelle (Chlo Sophistication Moretz), a far more fortunate orphan cared for through the toy-booth owner and the wife, Isabelle’s godparents. The children make fast-ant buddies whose bond over Hugo’s confiscated automaton notebook takes much deeper root within the lure of cinema and also the mission for belonging. A regular festival review from here would certainly be inappropriate you will find presently eco-friendly-screen skills visible in several shots and entire sequences of train individuals that wouldn’t be too unnatural inside a Taiwanese news animation, and anyway, Stephanie Zacharek is going to do the honors once the completed Hugo reaches theaters this Thanksgiving. Allow it to suffice to express that Scorsese, mining the improvements of his filmmaking forebears and contemporaries alike, runs his typically adventurous camera with the 3-D ringer with aplomb. His introduction — composed of a whooshing tour from the station, a hungry pursuit by the overall game, gimpy Baron Cohen and the equally game Doberman, and lastly an attractive perspective on winter lowering over Paris — is really a factor of nearly wordless beauty. A sturdy first act gives method to the marshmallow center from the story, stalling out like Hugo’s persistent automaton yet never swinging its sentimental hammer with lethal, Spielberg-grade pressure. Stray diversions appear and disappear, some within the types of plot points (wait, Hugo’s father died how?), others within the types of such humanizing products as Emily Mortimer, showing up because the flower girl whose heart may be the inspector’s only objective searched for more frantically than Hugo themself. Congressman Christopher Lee, Richard Griffiths and Frances p la Tour orbit the scene in a variety of other permutations of gravitas. However Scorsese will get serious. Individuals acquainted with Selznick’s source material will comprehend the allure of Hugo Cabret for that filmmaker, using their mutual passions for cinema as both mass entertainment and cultural heritage. Individuals unfamiliar shouldn’t possess the specifics spoiled on their behalf, save to express the final half an hour really are a captivating tightrope walk that evince both passions in without guile or reservation. It’s so over-the-top that lots of exiting theatergoers broke their smiles simply to either admire or rue Scorsese’s fanciful evangelism. “It am preachy!” I told one peer, simply to realize before adding, “But I type of loved being preached to!” A minimum of I preferred it in comparison towards the well-made, well-behaved but relatively bloodless conviction from the film’s first half. Regardless, I’m nothing otherwise wanting to follow directions, especially individuals in the evening’s master filmmaker. Surprises are exciting, however the jury has gone out. Second viewing, here' come. [Top photo: Getty Images]

Amy Winehouses Father Has Deal For Book In 2012

First Released: October 10, 2011 1:32 PM EDT Credit: Getty Premium Caption Amy Winehouse carrying out on stage in 2007NY, N.Y. -- Amy Winehouses father includes a book deal. HarperCollins introduced Monday that Mitch Winehouse has decided to terms using the writer within the U.S. and Britain for that discharge of Amy, My Daughter. HarperCollins states it can come in summer time 2012. The writer states Mitch Winehouse will talk about from his kids childhood to her singing career to her well-promoted struggles with drug abuse. Amy Winehouse died in This summer at 27. Financial terms weren't revealed. Arises from it is going to be contributed towards the Amy Winehouse Foundation, that was founded by her father helping troubled children and teenagers. (Copyright 2011 by Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed) Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Box Office Report: Hugh Jackman starrer 'Real Steel' Wins Weekend with $27.3 Mil

Shawn Levy's Real Steel--starring Hugh Jackman and occur the area of robot boxing--easily assigned the domestic box office chart getting a $27.3 million opening. Overseas, the DreamWorks movie made $22.millions of from 19 areas for just about any worldwide debut of $49.4 million.our editor recommends'Real Steel': Hugh Jackman Aided Evangeline Lilly Enjoy Set (Video)'Real Steel's' Hugh Jackman Will be a Prankster on Set States Co-Star (Video)'The Ides of March': George Clooney, Ryan Gosling Play Politics in New Trailer (Video)Related Subjects•Box Office Within The U . s . States, Real Steel been effective in tempting youthful moviegoers, who had been noticeably absent within the multiplex in recent several days. Thirty-six percent in the audience was more youthful than 18, and 51 percent more youthful than 25. The film be a huge hit especially to males, who composed 59 percent of people buying tickets. Furthermore, it carried out as being a family pic, up 27 percent from Friday to Saturday. PHOTOS: 'Real Steel' Premiere Real Steel, compiled by Disney, came a b - CinemaScore, plus an A+ from both males and people more youthful than 18. The most effective scores should help fuel good word-of-mouth. Costing $110 million to produce after Michigan tax savings, Real Steel will need strong legs together with a great showing overseas to have the ability to recoup its production and marketing costs. Novelty helmet Eye, opening in the finish of September 2008 to roughly $29 million, ongoing to cume $101.4 million in your area. PHOTOS: 'Real Steel' Start Searching The George Clooney-directed The Ides of March placed No. 2 within the debut, grossing $10.4 million. Clooney also stars inside the political drama opposite Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Evan Rachel Wood. Ides of March, costing a modest $12.5 million to produce, came a b - - CinemaScore. Cold Creek Pictures fully funded Ides of March, using the new the new sony disseminating. The film narrowly bested Clooney's Michael Clayton, which made $10.3 million within the first weekend in country wide release. STORY: Box Office Report Card: The Finest Flops lately Summer season Ides of March be a huge hit heavily to grownups, with 86 percent in the audience over the age of 25, even though new the new sony noted that forty percent was more youthful than 35. Women composed 58 percent in the audience. Full weekend answers are outlined below. Domestic Box Office 10/7-10/9 Title/Days in Release/Studio/Theater Count/Weekend Total/Cume 1. Real Steel (1), DreamWorks/Disney/3,440, $27.3 million 2. The Ides of March (1) The brand new the new sony/Cold Creek/2,199, $10.4 million 3. Dolphin Tale (3) Warner Bros./Alcon/3,478, $9.2 million, $49.millions of 4. Moneyball (3), The brand new the new sony/3,018, $7.5 million, $49.3 million 5. 50/50 (2), Summit/Mandate/2,479, $5.5 million, $17.3 million 6. Courageous (2), TriStar/Sherwood/1,161, $4.6 000 0000, $15.9 million 7. The Lion King in 3d (4), Disney/2,267, $4.55 million, $86 million 8. Dream House (2), Morgan Creek/Universal, $4.5 million, $14.5 million 9. What's Your Number? (2), New Regency/Fox, $3.millions of, $10.3 million 10. Abduction (3), Lionsgate/2,591, $2.9 million, $23.4 million Related Subjects Hugh Jackman Box Office Real Steel The Ides of March

Start to see the First Three 'Twilight' Movies In Theaters

It seems like 'Twilight' requires a web page in the 'Harry Potter' playbook. Twi-hards might have the opportunity to determine the initial three sections in the series in theaters before 'Breaking Beginning, Part One' premieres on November. 18. 'Twilight' will screen November. 1, 'New Moon' on November. 8 and 'Eclipse' on November. 15. Yes, everyone knows you've frequently seen every one of these an incredible number of occasions, but here is your chance to see it again round the silver screen. To uncover which theaters in your neighborhood will probably be participating, mind here. [via CinemaBlend] [Photo: Summit] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Paul W.S. Anderson talks Resident Evil 5

Director Paul W.S. Anderson begins shooting Resident Evil: Retribution inside a week's time so he'd plenty to say of the project throughout a job interview with Collider. "We are getting within the Las Plagas parasite, that we love since it enables the undead to essentially play, ride motorbikes and shoot machine guns, which no a person's done before," he stated.Anderson also described how one action sequence could be lifted from the overall game, although having a change of vehicle."There is a great action sequence which we have been inspired by in the fifth game, that is in which the figures are driving inside a Hummer with the desert and they are being chased by zombies shooting machine guns on motorbikes. We have taken might we have type of gone with it. We are not gonna make use of a Hummer this time around we are gonna make use of a Comes Royce Phantom, cause no a person's ever done a vehicle chase having a Comes Royce Phantom before. And I have discovered why, since it is really, really costly."Younger crowd described the thinking behind the development of new figures in the games in to the film."[The brand new figures] is one thing that's type of emerge from Milla [Jovovich] and that i speaking to fans, feeling the figures that individuals desired to are available in. [We chose] three of individuals that appear to become the fan-favourites that we'd never discussed: Leon Kennedy, Ada Wong, and Craig Burton," Anderson stated."We actually went in our method of getting individuals who looked just as much similar to their figures as you possibly can from the overall game. This actor Johann Urb, who I am very excited to become dealing with, not just is he an excellent actor but he appears like Leon Kennedy. I am talking about you place photographs of these side-by-side, it's similar to he was manufactured by Capcom."Browse the full interview below...

Halle Berry To Enter The Hive?

Playing a heroic call-centre operatorOut doing the rounds for home-invasion thriler Trespass, directorJoel Schumacher has revealed that his next project may well be The Hive, and that he wants Halle Berry for his queen bee.Not to be confused with the 2008 TV-movie about killer ants (although Schumacher says he might change the title anyway, because it makes him feel "itchy"), this one's about an emergency phone line operator who runs across "a killer from her own past" during a call with an imperilled young girl.No documents have been signed yet, but Schumacher says that Berry is keen to man his phone lines, and that the film's producers are all in favour. The screenplay is by Richard D'Ovidio, who wrote Thirteen Ghosts and Steven Seagal's Exit Wounds, and the plan is to start shooting The HIve in February.In the meantime however, Schumacher says he may squeeze in an indie. "There are two very small movies that are tempting me," he says. "That's where the really interesting material is right now: you can do things that you can't do in a much larger budget movie, much more risky material..."Trespass, starring Nicolas Cage and Nicole Kidman, doesn't have a UK release date yet, but is out in the US next week.

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Touscoprod grows scope

Film crowdfunding website Touscoprod is broadening its scope having a completely new format open to all content, different from TV series to musicvids, figures and shorts. Paris-based Touscoprod was launched this past year by Nicolas Bailly and Barbara Tonelli just like a full-service co-production and distribution Web platform. It can help to invest in two projects monthly. The site will welcome all type of programs from cybernauts seeking financing. "The idea is always to give filmmakers the opportunity to obtain their very own web site situated on Touscoprod and it under control themselves," mentioned Tonelli, who required part inside a panel on crowdfunding at Mipcom. "By doing this, they'll make the most of our traffic an online-based community to create a buzz around their films and lift funds." The concept will stay: Web clients can check Touscoprod's online catalog and invest $10 or maybe more being co-producers. Touscoprod keeps 10% in the project's profits for that organization and offers adding factors coming back of investment or possibly reimbursement in case your project isn't made. Touscoprod may also be beginning a free of charge VOD platform. Tonelli mentioned the business has signed handles Univercine and KMBO, among other catalog rights-holders.Filmmakers who placed their projects on Touscoprod will have a way to purchase game game titles round the company's VOD site and supply these to cybernauts who lead for his or her projects' financing, referred to Tonelli. Touscoprod has co-funded 19 projects and elevated greater than 600,000 ($800,000).Among its current films is "Confessions d'un enfant du siecle," toplining Pete Doherty and Charlotte now now Gainsbourg, good autobiography of 1800s French author, poet and dramatist Alfred p Musset. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Demons Never Die Music Video

Chloe Moretz & some film clipsWe don't usually do this sort of thing, but hey!It's Friday, it's freakishly hot and it's the last chance we have to enjoy anything approaching summer, so here is a music video from Dionne Bromfield for her song Ouch, which features in - and features footage from - Demons Never Die. You may remember that Idris Elba, who's a producer on the film, came along to ourBig Screen event to present the film in August. He pitched it as a sort of "UKslasher", so it's a twist on the usual American flavour. Especially since, here, the victims had already made a suicide pact with one another - but find life worth living when a slasher killer appears to hurry them along.This video features ChloeMoretz, who isn't in the film but who is a big fan of Bromfield. The film stars Robert Sheehan, AshleyWalters, Emma Rigby and Tulisa Contostavlos (yes, her fromThe X-Factor. And N-Dubz) and is directed by Arjun Rose.Demons Never Die is out on October 28. Ouch is released onOctober 17.

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Lifetime Will Update Its Amanda Knox Movie, Which Airs Tuesday

Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy Now that Amanda Knox's Italian murder conviction has been overturned, Lifetime is racing to update its TV movie, Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy. As a stroke of luck for Lifetime, the cable network had already scheduled a re-airing of the film on Tuesday, October 4. Now Lifetime is planning to quickly add a new brief opening to the movie, an "epilogue" of sorts detailing Monday's news, as well as a new coda on how the new trial ends. Amanda Knox Freed, Murder Conviction Overturned Lifetime originally premiered the controversial movie, which stars Hayden Panettiere as Knox (an American who was originally convicted of killing her roommate in Italy), on February 21. The channel and the movie's producers were criticized by both Knox's lawyers and the family of victim Meredith Kercher after promos included scenes of Kercher being assaulted. Amanda Knox did not air in Italy due to legal reasons, as Knox's case was ongoing at the time. Presumably, now that the case is closed, the movie might finally be shown there. (Insiders say there's no plans to screen the movie in Italy just yet, however, as some legal loose ends remain.) Last winter Amanda Knox executive producer Craig Piligian told TV Guide Magazine that the producers made sure not to take sides in the debate over Knox's guilt or innocence. "Everyone's divided, and the viewing public will likely be divided as well," Piligian said at the time. "That's what makes this such a great story." Viewers will have several chances to catch Amanda Knox: Murder On Trial in Italy over the next few days. Besides Tuesday's airing on Lifetime, sister channel Lifetime Movie Network will screen it on Thursday. Next up, speculation has already begun on which news organization might land the exclusive first interview with Knox. ABC and NBC are considered the early frontrunners, as both news divisions have been on top of the Knox story for some time. Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

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National Theater tallies record aud

London's National Theater generated a total income of 70.6 million ($110 million) and produced fare seen by a record-breaking 1.6 million people in 2010-11, according to the theater's annual report. With an average 90% attendance across the three venues at the NT's South Bank address and 97% for "War Horse," playing the on the West End, the total also includes tours to 11 U.K. cities and cinema screenings of productions worldwide in the theater's NTLive program. The screenings of eight productions reached audiences of 145,000 in the U.K. and 215,000 overseas Of the overall revenue, 48% came from box office at the National, on tour and from the West End version of "War Horse." Subsidy from the U.K. government's Arts Council represented 28% of income, with the rest accounted for by donations, corporate giving, sponsorship, catering and sales other than tickets (books, DVDs, etc). The National's top tickets prices are kept low to increase accessibility, with the highest pricetag currently set at 45 ($70). Half of tickets for productions in the sponsored Travelex season cost 12 ($18.50) with a 30 ($46) top. The figures do not include receipts from the Gotham incarnation of "War Horse," because the strong-selling Lincoln Center Theater production opened after the end of the U.K. financial year. Annum ended with a surplus of 387,000 ($600,000) after designating the surplus from the West End "War Horse" to NT Future, the building redevelopment project, and increasing regular contributions to essential capital and maintenance works. The NT staged 25 productions, nine of which were world preems of new plays, and gave 1,503 performances in London. Danny Boyle's production of "Frankenstein" and the U.K. transfer of Bill T. Jones's "Fela!" attracted first-time bookers of 36% and 49% respectively. The NT's 14-week, free outdoor "Watch This Space" festival, which features 14 exhibitions and 336 concerts, was attended by 53,000 people. Over 5000 young people participated in NT Learning's Connections, the nationwide youth festival of ten specially commissioned new plays. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

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German voters boost Pirates

BERLIN -- Germany's Pirate Party is flying its flag high. A week and a half after winning an eye-opening 9% in Berlin's state elections, the party is making waves across the land, and a new poll indicates the Pirates would easily be seated in German parliament if federal elections were held today.Founded in 2006 and inspired by the Swedish Pirate Party, Germany's Pirates advocate shortening the duration of copyright protection, allowing noncommercial file sharing of digital works, strengthening privacy protection, drastically limiting the patent system, abolishing data retention laws and rolling back government surveillance legislation as well as legalizing marijuana and making city metros and buses free.While the party's platform is vague on what exactly constitutes a digital work, such language is enough to set alarms off in the entertainment industry.Granted, a minority party in a state legislature can't do much to affect federal laws, but Berlin is seen as a trendsetter in Germany, and according to a recent poll by RTL and news magazine Stern, 7% of people surveyed would vote for the Pirates if federal elections were held today, putting them on par with the socialist Left party.While modeled on the Swedish party -- which has inspired a global movement -- Germany's Pirates appear far less antagonistic toward the entertainment industry than their Scandinavian brethren, who last year went so far as to host Pirate Bay on its own server after the notorious file-sharing site was forced offline by its previous Internet service provider.That's not something the German Pirates would do, says Pirate Party spokesman Ben de Biel. "The dumbest thing you could do is make a legally questionable decision that could lead to a very negative result." A Berlin club owner and photographer, de Biel says the party is more concerned with what it perceives as monopolistic tendencies in the entertainment industry, whether it's Hollywood squeezing out small independent films from local theaters or music labels signing acts and controlling music rights for decades. He stresses that the German party is not focusing on entertainment or advocating the illegal downloading of films and music.De Biel explains that the party's stance on issues of copying, file sharing and noncommercial use of digital works is related to its goal of free transfer of information from scientific research and technology that has been funded by taxpayers, adding that government funding in science and medicine often ends up benefiting private companies more than society at large. That's something the party hopes to change.The entertainment industry has nothing to fear, de Biel says. "We are not a leftist party. We think pragmatically. We have companies of our own and, like filmmakers, we create content that we also want to sell and make a living from."Reactions from local industry reps in Germany have so far been sanguine."I have not really heard any representative of the Pirate Party condone illegal piracy of copyrighted material," says Martin Moszkowicz, head of film and TV at Constantin Film. "Part of the party's program is to change copyright and intellectual property laws into a so-called 'modern knowledge society.' I am personally curious how that (would) actually work and what business models the party has in mind -- but so far I have not heard anything constructive."Likewise, Senator Entertainment CEO Helge Sasse says it's not explicit in the party's platform whether its position on intellectual property really refers to film. "I'm not of the opinion that the Pirate Party people really want films to be illegally copied under the current law," Sasse says. "If that were the case, our view would be that that is simply not possible, and we would take action against it."Nevertheless, de Biel does take the entertainment industry to task for its refusal or inability to evolve with changing markets and embrace new technologies, which he argues has only encouraged the spread of piracy."It's a situation that has developed because the music and film industries were not quick enough to understand where the market was going. We don't want people not earning money for their work. We want to make things more transparent. We may end up destroying some business models when people realize that there are other ways of doing business. Ultimately the customer will decide." Contact Ed Meza at staff@variety.com

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