Fashion Slam: Best Fitted Of 2011

First Launched: December 29, 2011 12:47 PM EST Credit: WireImage La, Calif. -- Caption Beyonce hosts the screening of Live at Roseland: Sun And Rain of 4 within the Paris Theatre, NY City, on November 20, 2011There was Plenty of awesome fashion this year. Lots of red-colored-colored carpets, lots of moments. (Rhianna coming for the Grammys inside an egg? Pippas scene-stealing backside?) Heres how a the very best reduces. BEST AGE Repel STYLE WHO: Jennifer Lopez WHY: One hot mama! Super short minis and gravity repel plunging cleavage lines at 42 years old. She's rewritten the recommendations and transformed what sort of lady in their forties dresses. Really, she looks a lot better than half the women her age. I obtained razzed in the office because I'd tune into Idol only to see what she'd placed on, however love her style. She keeps things interesting. BEST CASUAL STYLE WHO: Jennifer Aniston WHY: She doesn't stray very definately not her go-to staples like tank tops, cargo pants, leather jackets and motorcycle boots. You know what happens? It truely does work. Why wreak havoc on perfection? BEST SEXY STYLE WHO: Sofia Vergara WHY: Getting an appearance like hers, she cant help but be sexy. However the one factor I like about Sofia is always that she's never vulgar. She plays up her assets, but doesn't expose a lot of. Thats an authentic lady. BEST CLASSIC STYLE WHO: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge WHY: Even under enormous pressure to look perfect, Kate helps it be all look super easy. Trendy and elegant whether shes wearing designer or clothes within the traditional, she got with an elegant start. Yes, her wedding dress was gorgeous. BEST Mother-TO-BE STYLE WHO: Beyonce WHY: She still rocks 5-inch heels additionally to top finish designers like Lanvin, Dolce & Gabbana and Roberto Cavalli. If perhaps I'd her maternity style once i was pregnant! BEST Stylish Mother STYLE WHO: Gwen Stefani WHY: Ive seen her to use it within the playground myselfwearing fierce riding boots and jacketwith her signature red-colored-colored lipstick and not a hair abnormal. I like her leather jackets and edgy shoes too. BEST Crazy STYLE WHO: Gaga, clearly WHY: Nobody analyzes for the over-the-top ensembles she appears with. I leave her with lots of credit to be really creative. BEST NEWCOMER STYLE WHO: Hailee Steinfeld WHY: The Actual Grit star and Oscar nominee impressed on red-colored-colored carpet after red-colored-colored carpet along with her place-on and age-appropriate style. Just 14, she even increased being the facial skin of Miu Miu. BEST GUY STYLE WHO: David Beckham WHY: Whether casual awesome or red-colored-colored carpet handsome, hes hands lower most likely probably the most suave dresser around. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

AFTRA, record labels to resume talks

Discussions between your record labels and also the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists are going to resume in a few days -- a lot more than two several weeks after individuals talks stopped working.AFTRA made the disclosure Friday evening included in its announcement it had arrived at a tentative deal on its network code contract using the four systems. AFTRA stated it would hold talks using the labels on Wednesday and Thursday in NY City. Current contract expires 12 ,. 31. The union's national board had chosen all at the end of September to provide the seem tracks settling committee a strike authorization, then introduced on March. 7 that talks had flattened."Despite greater than a month . 5 of excellent belief negotiating using the record labels, the AFTRA Seem Tracks Settling Committee is not in a position to achieve a reasonable agreement using the record labels that addresses key issues for recording artists, including healthcare and pension security and transparency of accounting," AFTRA spokesperson Christopher p Haan had stated on March. 7. The union had also stated in October it was prepared to resume talks when the companies enhanced their offer.Discussions between AFTRA and reps from The new sony, UMG, Warner, EMI, Disney and many of the subsidiary labels for any successor agreement happened in NY on August. 15, by having an additional round of negotiating locked in La a few days of Sept. 12-16.The Seem Tracks Code creates a lot more than $140 million in annual earnings for AFTRA people. It covers performers, royalty and non-royalty artists, in addition to announcers, stars, comics, narrators and seem effects artists who focus on tracks in most new and traditional media and all sorts of music formats, additionally to audio books, comedy albums and cast albums.The present contract was discussed in 2007 having a June 2010 expiration however the pact was subsequently extended by 18 several weeks towards the 12 ,. 31 expiration. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

'Saw 8' Can Happen 'Someday,' States Lionsgate

Horror franchises never really die, will they? Based on Lionsgate Vice Chairman Michael Burns, the torture porn franchise 'Saw' might be creating a return -- for that eighth time. Within an interview with CNBC, Burns -- who had been there to go over the possibility merger between Lionsgate and rival studio Summit -- revealed Lionsgate's approaching slate of films, which might eventually include 'Saw.' "I am sure, at some point, you will see 'Saw' in the image,Inch stated Burns. The 'Saw' franchise has made almost one half-billion dollars locally, so no real surprise the studio would want to consider a different one. The final film, 'Saw three dimensional,' made $136 million worldwide. [via CNBC and Bloody Disgusting] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Katy Perry Photos at Center of $3 Million Paparazzi Showdown

Valerie Macon/Getty Images The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo director David Fincher agrees with producer Scott Rudin, who said NYer critic David Denby was "lousy and immoral" to break an embargo and review the film early, on Dec. 5, and banned Denby from future screenings.our editor recommendsDavid Denby Vs. Scott Rudin: Film Critics Take Sides'Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' Producer Bans NYer Critic From Future Screenings for Breaking Review Embargo PHOTOS: 10 Biggest Book-to-Big Screen Adaptations of the Last 25 Years But Fincher fought with Rudin over the very idea of early screenings and advocates banning everyone. "Embargoes ... look, if it were up to me, I wouldn't show movies to anybody before they were released," Fincher told Miami Herald critic Rene Rodriguez. "I wouldn't give clips to talk shows. I would do one trailer and three television spots and let the chips fall where they may....If I had my way, the NY Film Critics Circle would not have seen this movie and then we would not be in this situation. I would be opening this movie on Wednesday Dec. 21, and I would have three screenings on Tuesday Dec. 20 and that would be it." "That's where [Rudin] and I get into some of our biggest fights," he continued. "My whole thing is 'If people want to come, they'll come.'" STORY: Scott Rudin Bans NYer Critic From Future Screenings for Breaking Review Embargo Fincher thinks word of mouth sells movies, not critics: "The most valuable film critics are usually those people who come see a movie with their Blackberry and then text their friends 'It sucked,' or 'It's awesome -- You should see it.'" PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 10 Biggest Book-to-Big Screen Adaptations of the Last 25 Years David Fincher Scott Rudin Oscars 2012 The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

Katy Perry Photos at Center of $3 Million Paparazzi Showdown

Valerie Macon/Getty Images The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo director David Fincher agrees with producer Scott Rudin, who said NYer critic David Denby was "lousy and immoral" to break an embargo and review the film early, on Dec. 5, and banned Denby from future screenings.our editor recommendsDavid Denby Vs. Scott Rudin: Film Critics Take Sides'Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' Producer Bans NYer Critic From Future Screenings for Breaking Review Embargo PHOTOS: 10 Biggest Book-to-Big Screen Adaptations of the Last 25 Years But Fincher fought with Rudin over the very idea of early screenings and advocates banning everyone. "Embargoes ... look, if it were up to me, I wouldn't show movies to anybody before they were released," Fincher told Miami Herald critic Rene Rodriguez. "I wouldn't give clips to talk shows. I would do one trailer and three television spots and let the chips fall where they may....If I had my way, the NY Film Critics Circle would not have seen this movie and then we would not be in this situation. I would be opening this movie on Wednesday Dec. 21, and I would have three screenings on Tuesday Dec. 20 and that would be it." "That's where [Rudin] and I get into some of our biggest fights," he continued. "My whole thing is 'If people want to come, they'll come.'" STORY: Scott Rudin Bans NYer Critic From Future Screenings for Breaking Review Embargo Fincher thinks word of mouth sells movies, not critics: "The most valuable film critics are usually those people who come see a movie with their Blackberry and then text their friends 'It sucked,' or 'It's awesome -- You should see it.'" PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 10 Biggest Book-to-Big Screen Adaptations of the Last 25 Years David Fincher Scott Rudin Oscars 2012 The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

Melancholia Tops European Film Awards, Susanne Bier Named Best Director, Tilda Swinton & Colin Firth Get Acting Honors

The European Film Awards just wrapped in Berlin where Lars von Triers Melancholia was honored with the top prize. However, it was Susanne Bier who took the best director honors for her Oscar-winning In A Better World. Cannes-watchers may recall that during von Triers press conference at the festival last May, the Danish bad-boy not so kindly singled out his compatriot during the now-infamous rant that made him persona non grata on the Riviera. For a long time I was a Jew and I was happy to be a Jew, then I metSusanne Bier and I wasnt so happy,” von Trier said back then. “But then I found out I was actually a Nazi. My family was German. That also gave me pleasure. What can I say? I understand Hitler. I sympathize with him a bit.” Melancholia tonight also took prizes for cinematography and production design. Other winners include Tilda Swinton, best actress for We Need To Talk About Kevin, Oscar winner Colin Firth, best actor for The Kings Speech, the Dardenne brothers for writing The Kid With A Bike, Wim Wenders’ Pina for best documentary and Ludovic Bource for his score of Oscar hopeful The Artist. A full list of winners can be found here.

Anderson Cooper's Talk Show Is really a News Program, FCC Rules

National basketball association hall of famer and La businessman Earvin "Miracle" Manley is telling fans exactly what they need to listen to following a news he'll put an offer directly into become part-who owns the L.A. Dodgers.our editor recommendsMagic Manley to Bid to purchase La DodgersWhat Fox's Lawsuit With Frank McCourt Method for the Dodgers along with other Teams (Analysis)La Dodgers Accuse Fox Sports of attempting to Hinder Team SaleWhy Hollywood Should Purchase the Dodgers (Analysis) The first kind Opposing team all-star tweeted Friday, "I'm excited to achieve the chance to participate the Dodgers legacy & bring a global Series championship to LA." Manley, businessman Mark Walter and former Washington Excellent and Atlanta Braves executive Stan Kasten confirmed Friday they'll submit an offer to buy they underneath the Guggenheim Baseball Management moniker. Many experts believe this type of grouping is required as a direct consequence of Frank McCourt's rocky tenure as who owns the franchise and also the team's lackluster performance in the last couple of seasons. STORY: Miracle Manley in Bid to purchase La Dodgers The announcement was mainly met with support in the media, fans as well as, the Opposing team organization, which Manley were built with a stake in until selling his shares from the team in October. Opposing team Gm Mitch Kupchak told the L.A. Occasions Friday that Manley, "will be a great owner." Sportswriters and writers were also behind the move. USA Today's Peter Barzilai authored, "Manley might be just what the wounded Dodgers franchise needs -- a beloved figurehead joining track of a potent investment team, Guggenheim Baseball Management." The Wall Street Journal noted, "Mr. Manley, that has made a lot of money in urban property and development, is among the most widely used figures in La, while Mr. Kasten assisted build the Atlanta Braves into among baseball's leading franchises. PHOTOS: 9 Greatest Compensated Entertainment CEOs Yahoo's Large League Stew blog known as the potential deal a 'godsend,': "A Miracle-brought possession group will be a blessing for that Dodgers. It'd be considered a blessing for baseball. They could be passing from among the least-loved males in Los Angeles to maybe the only real person that every Los Angeleno can agree with and baseball would get its first black owner along the way.Inch An passionate publish entitled "Dodgers Got Possessed by Miracle Manley" around the ...ology blog observed, "Miracle Manley & the Guggenheimers couldn't inflict worse compared to previous Dodgers management under Frank McCourt. Things I'm wondering now's this: I understand Guggenheim is a nice large deal. Guggenheim draws lots of water within this country. But larger than Miracle Manley? Within the sports world? I am talking about, Miracle F*cking Manley! Personally, I'd have known as it Miracle Baseball Management." The truth that Manley could be baseball's first black owner seemed to be noted by NPR producer Ben Bergman, who tweeted, "Miracle Manley would become first black person to possess Major league baseball team Dodgers were first to interrupt color barrier on area in ཫ." The African-American news blog the main also stated, "Manley's stature as L.A.'s most widely used athlete ever, plus his mixture of charm, business acumen and political skill, would do miracles for baseball. And Major league baseball needs every boost it may get, particularly among African People in america who've drifted from the overall game. From baseball's perspective, it's easier to possess some Miracle than none whatsoever." Finally, fan reaction was summarized with this Tweet by @LASports, who cheered, "#Dodgers - Miracle Manley and the team of deep pocket traders possess a solid chance being qualified by Major league baseball to purchase the Dodgers. LA Loves Miracle!" Related Subjects Sports

John Lithgow Joins Dog Fight

He's on for the comedy...Though he's already busy cranking the cameras* on his new comedy Dog Fight, Dinner For Schmucks director Jay Roach has still found time to add one more actor to the movie's roster: John Lithgow.Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis are starring as two less than adequate politicians engaged in a dirty tricks squabble over a congressional seat in North Carolina.There's no word on who Lithgow will be playing, but we do know he's joining fellow Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes cast member Brian Cox in the film, which also features Jason Sudeikis, Dylan McDermott, Sarah Baker and Katherine LaNasa.With a script by Chris Henchy and Shawn Harwell, Dog Fight will be out some time next year.Aside from Apes, Lithgow was most recently seen in Leap Year alongside Amy Adams and has New Year's Eve arriving on December 8.*We'd guess he'll take the Thanksgiving holiday off, unless he's a dictator who forces his cast and crew to spend time away from their families...

Kristin Cavallari Shoots Lower Report She'd An Affair With Scott Disick

First Launched: November 16, 2011 6:32 PM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption Kristin Cavallari, Scott DisickLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Kristin Cavallari is fighting back, shooting lower a completely new cover story from Existence & Style, which claims she'd an affair with Kourtney Kardashians baby father, Scott Disick, previously. To start with, its one hundred percent not the situation, Kristin told Access Hollywoods Billy Rose rose bush inside an interview for Access and Wednesdays The Billy Rose rose bush Show. I merely think, what convenient timing on the account utilizing their show premiering inside a couple of days with everything else thats happening for Kim [Kardashian], I appear like theyre attempting to accept warmth off her. Around & Styles new problem, the mag claims Kristin and Scott connected previously, before Kourtney Kardashian increased being pregnant with Mason, her boy with Scott. Kristin suggested to Billy the timing in the story was too close for comfort, apparently putting the reason for your story round the Kardshian clan. When there's a sizable story such as this, they always contact you and ask for if you want to comment and clearly undertake and don't declined it, so its very its really disrespectful in my opinion and Im in the committed relationship. Its disrespectful in my opinion and Jay [Cutler] but it really states a good deal regarding character, Kristin told Billy. While there's no reference from the comment around & Styles cover story from either Kristin or perhaps the Kardashians, a repetition for Existence & Style told Access Hollywood each side inside the story were contacted for your report. The repetition added the mag stands one hundred percent behind the verifying on its story. An origin near the Kardashians referred to as Kristins suggestions absurd. Like they might require publicity? the foundation added. For Jay, Kristin mentioned her on-again love, Chicago Bears quarterback Jay, didnt believe [the report] for starters second. People know anything they need, its crazy, it blows my ideas, Kristin added. Everyone states do not concern yourself relating to this, something such as this, it can make me mad. Season 2 of Kourtney & Kim Take NY premieres on E! on November 27. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Anna Kournikova to Exit Biggest Loser After This Season

Anna Kournikova Anna Kournikova will not be returning to The Biggest Loser next season, TVGuide.com has confirmed. "I enjoyed my time on the Biggest Loser ranch," Kournikova said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, who was first to report the exit. "Although I will not be returning as a full-time trainer on Season 13, I will always be a part of The Biggest Loser family and my commitment to bettering lives through health and fitness will continue." Read Dolvett Quince's Biggest Loser blogs for TVGuide.com NBC didn't immediately respond to TVGuide.com's request for comment. The 30-year-old tennis pro joined the NBC weight-loss show along with Dolvett Quince to fill the void when trainer Jillian Michaels exited after Season 11. Before the full-time gig, she visited the ranch to lead a tennis-themed challenge in Season 10.

Bruno Rubeo dies at 65

Italian-born production designer and art director Bruno Rubeo, a 1990 Oscar nominee for top art decoration-set decoration for his use Crispian Sallis on "Driving Miss Daisy," died of complications from pneumonia November. 2 in Foligno, Italia. He was 65. Rubeo had ongoing to use until recently, producing his last credit as production designer on Taylor Hackford's 2010 release "Love Ranch," starring Helen Mirren and Joe Pesci. Rubeo also labored with Hackford round the films "Blood stream In, Blood stream Out," "Dolores Claiborne," "The Devil's Advocate" and "Proof of Existence." He brought to several films directed by Oliver Stone too: "Salvador," "Platoon," "Talk Radio" and "Born round the fourth of the summer time," even coping with small roles in "Salvador" and "Talk Radio." Rubeo labored along with other top company company directors, including Ivan Reitman, Joel Schumacher, Mike Newell, John McTiernan, Michael Radford and John Dahl. Other high-profile feature projects incorporated "Old Gringo," occur old Mexico Arnold Schwarzenegger starrer "Kindergarten Cop" Civil War period piece "Sommersby" World war ii actioner "The Fantastic Raid" and photos in contemporary designs for instance John Grisham adaptation "The Client,In . airport terminal terminal dramedy "Pushing Container" and chic remake "The Thomas Crown Affair." In 2004 Rubeo was famous for his production design on Radford's bigscreen "The Merchant of Venice," starring Al Pacino. Rubeo was produced in Rome and acquired his first production designer credit round the 1982 comedy "Spring Fever." He's managed to get by his wife, costume designer Mayes Rubeo a boy, Marco, additionally a skill director together with a daughter. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Ratner comments stir ire, apologies

RatnerBefore he became producer of the Oscars, Brett Ratner's use of a homophobic slur might not have reverberated as much as it did.Ratner, after all, has cultivated a bad-boy reputation -- making buddy-based actioners, spending time on the party circuit and bragging about his actress conquests (and naming names). Good manners were never his calling card.But Ratner's comments came not just from a brash and polarizing Hollywood producer-director. They came from the guy recently put in charge of the 84th Academy Awards.According to entertainment blog Vulture, Ratner was asked by the moderator at an Arclight screening of "Tower Heist" on Friday whether he has his actors rehearse scenes. Ratner dismissed the notion, saying: "Rehearsing is for fags."The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences tried to maintain its usual prim control, issuing a no comment Monday. However, Academy prez Tom Sherak went rogue, talking to one website in which he excused Ratner by assuring that some of his best friends are gay, and clarifying that Ratner would not be relieved of Oscarcast duties. After the comment hit the web on Monday, Ratner was suddenly remorseful. In a statement issued to TheWrap.com, he said: "I apologize for any offense my remarks caused. It was a dumb way of expressing myself. Everyone who knows me knows that I don't have a prejudiced bone in my body. But as a storyteller I should have been much more thoughtful about the power of language and my choice of words."The Academy declined to address the matter formally, but the blogosphere weighed in Monday.Mark Harris, Oscar writer for the blog Grantland, was among the first to call for Ratner's head, saying: "There's not really a long, nuanced debate to be had about this. If he had used an equivalent racial or religious slur, the discussion would go something like, 'You're fired.' ... You don't get a mulligan on homophobia. Not in 2011."GLAAD, which decried Ratner's comments over the weekend, issued a response to his apology: "This apology is a good start, but we're working with Ratner's people for more action, to clearly send a message to Hollywood that the anti-gay slurs used by bullies and bigots have no place in the world of entertainment, or anywhere else."In recent weeks, Ratner has been touting his radical approach to the Oscars, saying he was shaking things up behind the scenes, and ruffling feathers in the process. He told Daily Variety's Peter Bart in Monday's column that he has brought in new writers, including Jeff Nathanson, and told the Los Angeles Times this week that the writing team would also include Ted Griffin (from "Tower Heist"), Alec Berg and David Mandel.Whether the Academy told Oscar-ceremony stalwart Bruce Vilanch -- who is openly gay -- that his services would not be required this season is a little less clear. Contact Christy Grosz at christy.grosz@variety.com

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory's Leonard Stone Dies at 87

Leonard Stone Character actor Leonard Stone, who is best known for portraying Violet Beauregarde's dad in the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, has died, according to TMZ. He was 87.The actor, who died one day shy of his 88th birthday, had been battling cancer. See the other stars we've lost this yearStone's character in Willy Wonka famously uttered the line, "Violet, you're turning violet!" after his gum-smacking daughter ballooned into a human blueberry because she broke one of Wonka's rules.Stone earned a Tony nomination in 1959 for his role in Redhead. His TV credits include L.A. Law, Gunsmoke, M*A*S*H, General Hospital, Hill Street Blues and Mission: Impossible.

Lindsay Lohan Returns To Court

First Published: November 2, 2011 1:31 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images Caption Lindsay Lohan arrives for her probation violation hearing at the Airport Courthouse in Los Angeles on November 2, 2011 LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Lindsay Lohan has arrived at a Los Angeles courthouse for a probation violation hearing that could end with the actress being sent to jail. The 25-year-old actress arrived about 10 minutes early on Wednesday. A judge revoked Lohans probation two weeks ago after the actress was terminated from a community service assignment at a womens shelter. The Mean Girls star has since been performing community service at the county morgue. A city prosecutor is advocating the starlet be sent back to jail for her latest violation of a court order. She remains on probation for a 2007 drunken driving case and a misdemeanor theft case. Superior Court Judge Stephanie Sautner has expressed exasperation with Lohans behavior and has asked prosecutors to figure out how much jail time Lohan could receive. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Hi-Def Consumer Spending Up 58 Percent Over Same Quarter Last Year

Blu-ray-enabled households now total 33.5 million, with consumer spending on the high-definition packaged-media format up 58 percent in the quarter, compared with the same period last year. The surge is due in part to a 60 percent jump in sales of catalog Blu-ray releases, led by Star Wars, Citizen Kane, Scarface and The Big Lebowski, among others. Electronic sellthrough of new-release movies increased 13 percent in the quarter. Overall, sellthrough for DVD and Blu-ray movies declined 4 percent to more than $1.7 billion, compared with $1.8 billion last year. When combined with electronic sellthough, sales of movies dropped less than 3 percent from the same period last year. PHOTOS: Netflix's 10 Most Rented Movies of All Time In addition to electronic sellthrough, transactional video-on-demand increased nearly 5 percent to $419 million, compared with $400 million last year. Subscription streaming revenue topped $255 million. Traditional brick-and-mortar video store rental revenue dropped more than 28 percent to $353 million from $495 million last year. It marks the first time that transactional VOD revenue surpassed traditional video store rental revenue. At the same time, subscription rental of DVD/Blu-ray increased nearly 5 percent to $607 million from $579 million. Kiosk revenue, which includes Redbox and Blockbuster Express, surged 23.3 percent to $414 million, compared with $335 million last year. Total rental revenue, excluding VOD, declined 2.4 percent to $1.37 billion from $1.4 billion. With VOD, total rental revenue declined less than 1 percent to $1.79 billion from $1.8 billion. Heading into the all-important fourth quarter, the DEG is confident that theatrical blockbusters entering the retail channel, including Captain America: The First Avenger, Cars 2, Cowboys & Aliens, The Hangover Part II, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2, The Help, Kung Fu Panda 2, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, The Smurfs and Water for Elephants, will continue the positive trend into 2012. Related Topics Star Wars

Blockbuster drops prices in U.K.

Don't count out Blockbuster's brick-and-mortar stores just yet -- at least not in the U.K. The rental chain has announced a new initiative in its high street stores that will lower the rental price of many recent pics to 99p. ''Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 1,'' ''Tron: Legacy'' and ''Meet the Fockers'' are among the titles the store will be renting for less; Blockbuster is also lowering the price of its video game rentals to 5 pounds for five nights. The price change also encompasses Blu-Ray. The store is trying to make renting physical copies of films, games and TV show more tech-friendly with a smartphone app that helps customers to reserve movies. The company also didn't miss the opportunity to take a shot at rival Netflix. ''(A)t a time when rivals are dealing with plunging share prices or over-extending themselves to deliver, it gives me and the rest of the Blockbuster team a huge sense of pride that we are in a position to be able to make this radical change,'' said commercial director Gerry Butler in a release. Contact Sam Thielman at sam.thielman@variety.com

P Niro, Travolta looking for 'Killing Season'

P NiroTravoltaMillennium Films and Corsan Pictures have set Robert P Niro and Travolta Qantas Video to star within the actioner "Killing Season."Mark Steven Manley ("Ghost Driver") will direct from the script by Evan Daugherty ("Snow Whitened and also the Huntsman").Occur the Appalachian Mountain tops, pic will begin production Jan. 16De Niro will have a united states military veteran that has retreated to some remote cabin within the forest, where he strikes up an unlikely friendship having a rare customer. Travolta plays the second character, a European tourist who's really an old Serbian soldier bent on revenge.Nu Image/Millennium takes charge on worldwide sales in the American Film Market now, in consultation with Corsan."I have loved this project as soon as I just read Evan Daughterty's amazing script," stated Corsan Boss Paul Breuls. "It's thrilling, imaginative, unpredicted and centered by two remarkable figures on the collision course. I am happy this film is getting into production and also to be joined with Avi Lerner and the team at Millennium.""We are excited to become co-financing and co-creating this film with Corsan, and also to work again with Robert P Niro and Travolta Qantas Video,Inch stated Nu Image/Millennium topper Avi Lerner. "We have never witnessed both of these great stars on the watch's screen together before, and we are excited to determine what comes from the combination."Belgium-based Corsan, which lately created and funded "The Devil's Double," is presently in pre-production on Roland Emmerich's "Singularity."P Niro and Manley are repped by CAA, while WME reps Travolta. UTA and FilmEngine repetition Daugherty. Contact Shaun Sneider at shaun.sneider@variety.com

IDA sets documentary nominees

By Dork McNARY The Worldwide Documentary Assn. has drawn on a quintet of game titles because of its feature award: "Better Our Planet,Inch "How you can Die in Or," "Nostalgia for that Light," "The Redemption of General Butt Naked" and "The Littlest Place." The IDA introduced the noms Thursday. Those who win is going to be introduced 12 ,. 2 in the DGA in Hollywood. "Better Our PlanetInch is Katie Galloway and Kelly Duane p la Vega's account of two boyhood buddies from Midland, Texas, who find yourself arrested on terrorism charges in the 2008 Republican National Convention "How you can Die in Or" is Peter Richardson's portrait of the items this means to die with dignity "Nostalgia" is really a personal journey from Chilean director Patricio Guzman Daniele Anastasion and Eric Strauss' "Butt Naked" confronts hard questions regarding both energy and limits of forgiveness and "The Littlest Place" is Tatiana Huezo's story of the annihilated Salvadorian town. 5 nominated films within the short category are "Damaged Doorways," Goro Toshima's take a look at a youthful, destitute couple, battling to outlive around the roads of Hollywood Barbara Hammer's "Maya Deren's Sink," a tribute towards the mother of avant-garde American film "Minka," Davina Pardo's story about architecture, memory and also the concept of home Sara Nesson's "Poster Girl," a portrait of the all-American high-school cheerleader switched poster girl for ladies in combat battling using the debilitating results of publish-distressing stress order and "The Players of Quigang," Ruby Yang and Thomas Lennon's take a look at villagers inside a remote district of China who fight a chemical company. IDA also introduced the best feature and short award those who win would again be selected by IDA's people with an innovative online viewing and voting process. 5 nominees for that Ongoing Series Award are "30 for 30" (ESPN Films), "American Experience" (WGBH), "The Passionate Eye" (CBC), "POV" (American Documentary Corporation. and POV) and "Vanguard" (Current). Limited Series nominees are "Boomtown" (Planet Eco-friendly), "If God Would Like and also the Creek Don't Rise" (Cinemax Documentary Films), "On Series" (Current), "Michael Feinstein's American Songbook" (PBS) and "The Nation's Parks Project" (Discovery World HD). Nominees for that IDA Humanitas Award are "The Company" (Maggie Betts, director), "How you can Die in Or" (Peter Richardson), "The TrainingInch (Ramona Diaz), "Position One of the Stars" (Leonard Retel Helmrich) and "The Littlest Place" (Tatiana Huezo). Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Lionsgate buys Mark Heyman's Facebook pic

HeymanAronofskyFollowing months of negotiations, Lionsgate has closed a deal to acquire "Black Swan" scribe Mark Heyman's spec script "XOXO," an elevated genre tale set in the world of Facebook, where things aren't always as they seem.Darren Aronofsky and Michael London ("Sideways") will produce through their respective shingles Protozoa Pictures and Groundswell Prods., whose Kelly Mullen brought in the project and will also be involved in a producing capacity.Described as "Fatal Attraction" for the digital age, story follows an on-the-rise executive who despite being engaged, enjoys flirting online, where he meets an alluring woman on Facebook. The two begin a virtual relationship, but as the line between online temptations and real-life possibilities begins to blur, the protag soon discovers that his Internet relationship is seeping into his actual life ... in a deadly way.Like Lionsgate's own 2005 thriller "Hard Candy," "XOXO" explores misleading digital identities, as the film also makes use of streaming video and other social-media platforms. These online interactions will be made more cinematic by employing stylized visual sequences, though no director has been brought on board yet.Alli Shearmur and Mike Paseornek, Lionsgate's heads of production, will spearhead the upscale thriller together for the studio.Heyman is Aronofsky's producing partner who was nominated for a WGA award for co-writing Aronofsky's Fox Searchlight pic "Black Swan" with Andres Heinz and John J. McLaughlin. Pic grossed $329 million worldwide en route to five Oscar nominations. Heyman and Aronofsky are currently developing sci-fi tale "Machine Man" for Mandalay Pictures, and he has also written "Age of Rage" for Fox Searchlight and director Marc Webb.CAA reps both Aronofsky and Heyman, who is also repped by Management 360. Contact Jeff Sneider at jeff.sneider@variety.com

More Particulars Emerge About Joss Whedon's 'Much Ado About Nothing'

The Web did a collective backflip within the news that Joss Whedon had apparently shot an adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing' secretly with his usual repertory gamers (Nathan Fillion, Alexis Denisof and Clark Gregg). Well, it's correct, along with a new pr release offers up more particulars in the film. Whedon's 'Much Ado About Nothing' shot in 12 days "positioned on location in exotic Santa Monica" states a pr release from Bellwether Films (through the NY Occasions), a business founded by Whedon and the wife, Kai Cole. For the film itself, Denisof and Amy Acker will have Benedick and Beatrice Fillion and Gregg are Dogberry and Leonato and Fran Kranz and Jillian Morgese will have Claudio and Hero. Not sure yet on the release date, but expect it between 2012. 'Much Ado About Nothing' "ought to be performed by springtime and headed for that festival circuit, since it is fancy," stated the discharge. [via NYT/ArtsBeat] [Photo: Getty] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Durand lines up 'Evil,' 'Truth'

DurandKevin Durand is stay busy both in the indie and commercial area, booking roles within the next installment from the "Resident Evil" franchise, "Resident Evil: Retribution" and also the indie film "The Reality.InchIn "Resident Evil: Retribution," Durand will join Milla Jovovich and Michelle Rodriguez with Paul W.S. Anderson pointing and scripting.With "The Reality,Inch Damian Lee will direct stars Andy Garcia, Avoi Longoria and Forest Whitaker.Within the pic an old CIA operative-switched-political talkshow host, performed by Garcia, is hired with a corporate whistleblower to reveal her company's coverup of the massacre in South American village."Resident Evil" is presently in production and Durand is anticipated to leap into "The RealityInch after.Durand was most lately observed in DreamWorks' "Real Steel" and "I'm # 4.InchHe's repped by WME and Alchemy Entertainment. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

Bethenny Frankel Addresses Skinnygirl, Lost at Sea Controversies on 'Today' (Video)

Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images Real Housewives of NY City star Bethenny Frankel joined Matt Lauer on Today Monday morning to address the attacks that been made against her in the media over the amount of money she had received for the sale of her Skinnygirl line of cocktails to liquor distributor Beam Global. "I'm thinking about my fans who I love and who created my success and who I have a responsibility to, and the reason that I've spent the last couple of weeks simply defending myself from lies is to speak to them," she told Lauer. "We're in a world where people believe the last thing they see on the computer." The Hollywood Reporter had previously reported that Frankel received $120 million. But a blogger on Huffington Post reported she only received $8.1 million. Frankel has called that report "completely inaccurate." PHOTOS: Hollywood's Twitter Feuds "The number is irrelevant to me," she told Lauer. "The least interesting thing about me is how much money I have." When Lauer pointed out that the Huffington Post had issued a correction on their story, Frankel responded, "The bottom line is that the public believes these irresponsible bloggers who just write anything they want. You have to trust your news sources." She also addressed the controversy surrounding her supposed "lost at sea" incident. Lauer asked about the veracity of that episode. "My sound guy doesn't know how to swim," she responded. "They lost a lot of the tapes because of salt damage. The towboat man who accused me of lying has been put on a gag order. What he's effectively saying is that we called the coast guard. It's like calling 911 without an emergency. I'd be in jail probably." Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy Bethenny Frankel The Real Housewives of NY City

Val Kilmer Sells Nearly All NM Ranch For $18.5M

First Launched: October 14, 2011 11:26 AM EDT Credit: Getty Images SANTA Further erectile dysfunction, N.M. -- Caption Val Kilmer attends Twixt Press Line throughout Comic-Disadvantage 2011 in Hillcrest, Calif., about this summer time 23, 2011 Val Kilmer has offered nearly all his 5,300-acre ranch in northwest New Mexico with a Texas coal and oil executive and also the wife for $18.5 million. The Santa Further erectile dysfunction New Mexican looks at the deed transfer filed Sept. 30 while using San Miguel County Clerks Office signifies Kilmer offered essentially 141 acres to Benjamin A. Strickling III and also the wife, Roxann. Santa Further erectile dysfunction attorney Take advantage of H. Scheuer handled the agreement for Kilmer and declined to go over when the star whose movies include Tombstone, 'Top Gun as well as the Entrance doors would live in northern New Mexico. The ranch initially was put in the marketplace this past year for $33 million. Copyright 2011 with the Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

NBC Orders Six More Prime Suspect Scripts

Prime Suspect, Maria Bello NBC is remaining around the beat with Det. Jane Timoney. The network has purchased six more scripts of Prime Suspect, a show repetition verifies. NBC orders six more scripts of Harry's Law This news, first reported by Deadline, follows an identical script order for sophomore drama Harry's Law previously Wednesday. The Maria Bello-headlined remake from the BBC series first showed soft, only drawing in six million audiences along with a 1.8 rating within the grown ups age range 18-49 demo. However, the show has held steady and it is taking pleasure in elevated exposure after overtaking the Mondays at 10/9c time slot formerly held through the Playboy Club. To date this year, NBC has canceled Playboy Club and Free Agents, and purchased full seasons of Up Through The Night and Whitney. Are you currently excited for additional Prime Suspect?

Bad Movies We Love: Father of the Bride Part II

A friend of mine once explained to me her chief problem with movies: “I don’t like when movies have conflicts. Can’t we just hang out with the characters and make jokes and have fun? It’s nicer that way.” This week’s Bad Movie We Love answers that harebrained prayer with a conflict-free plot, a smiley disposition from beginning to end, and a huge helping of total irrelevance. It’s the 1995 sequel Father of the Bride Part II starring The Big Year’s lead amigo Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, and a company of stress-free actors. Father of the Bride Part II is the cinematic equivalent of vanilla ice cream with butterscotch syrup: old-fashioned, tasty, and fit for consumption on a Sunday afternoon with your grandparents. Put in your dentures and watch the sedatest version of a “wild and crazy guy” you’ll ever see. Though it’s a remake of the Spencer Tracy/Elizabeth Taylor sequel Father’s Little Dividend, Father of the Bride Part II kicks off where the 1991 “original remake” left off: Steve Martin and Diane Keaton remain an upper-middle class, beige-loving couple with a married daughter. Awww. Happy! Clappy! But when their daughter declares she’s pregnant, Martin and Keaton don’t realize they have a surprise of their own: Keaton is pregnant too! Ohhhhhh. This will lead to all sorts of confusion, such as… nothing. There is no confusion. There is no conflict. This is a movie about a pregnant middle-aged woman, her pregnant daughter, their husbands, quaint narration, and spurts of infomercial-grade zaniness from wedding planners Martin Short and B.D. Wong. It is chronically pleasant. You may wonder why you should see such an inconsequential piece of Sunday schmaltz, and the stork has some shocking news for you: You will watch this movie 50 fucking times. You will watch it in the mornings. During summer. On weekday evenings. In winter. On TBS. On Demand. On Netflix Instant. You will love it. It will mean nothing. It will be your everything. It will help you live. With its barrels of zilch. And aisles of smiles. Smile! Smile. Sleepy now. Go to sleep. Steve Martin loves you. Diane Keaton whisks you into the arms of Morpheus. La-la. Thank you. More formally, there are five reasons to pick up Father of the Bride Part II for repeat viewings. Essentially, screenwriter Nancy Meyers should’ve called it It’s Even Less Complicated. Enticed yet? 5. You say, “Prostate,” I say “HAHA-state!” It’s a case of mistaken identity in the hospital when a sleep-deprived George (Steve Martin) is confused for a patient who needs a prostate exam. Do you like butt-tickle humor? Welcome to paradise. In a classic moment of “AH! Let me get to know you first!” snap reaction, Steve Martin flies out of the exam room with a frightened zeal that recalls his ’70s SNL heyday. 4. A nursery that Anne Geddes might call “a little overdone” Martin Short reprises his role from the first film as Franck Eggelhoffer, the wedding planner who decides to decorate the nursery for George’s new baby. George is unconvinced that Franck will deliver a decent room, but he’s astonished to find that Franck has crafted a beautiful space with just the right accoutrement. Meanwhile, we’re astonished to find that Franck has crafted a scary menagerie of stuffed animals, insane furniture, and Hallmark Channel lighting. It frightens me. It looks like a cemetery for A.A. Milne characters. I’m traumatized and can’t look away. 3. Speaking of horrifying menageries, here are two storks that showed up at the baby shower. Not kidding. 2. Diane Keaton rehearses for The First Wives Club in front of you. We can argue about Diane Keaton’s best work, but no one can deny that her most important role was that of Annie MacDuggan Paradis in The First Wives Club. Deal? Shut up. Strapped to a prosthetic belly in Father of the Bride Part II, we watch as Keaton lunges and squats to prepare for the difficult choreography of her future work with Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler. She’s even wearing unflattering, tight whites. If you can keep your eyes off of flailing Ed Grimley for three seconds, you’ll sigh in adoration at Keaton’s seminal training. 1. A horrifying glimpse of Steve Martin without silver hair Remember what I said about this movie being vanilla ice cream with butterscotch syrup? That still applies, but now there’s a razor blade in the second scoop, and Steve Martin put it there. Try not to impale your gums on this photo of the banjo man, who spends the first 15 minutes of the movie enjoying a midlife crisis, with mousey brown hair. You’ll notice that he looks like Ray Combs now, and the survey says, “I can’t handle this.” He has no character with brown hair! It’s like Jennifer Hudson in a size-4 wrap dress or January Jones when she wears a real emotion: The essence is gone! Diane Keaton, your exasperation hits the mark, as usual. Read more of Movieline’s Bad Movies We Love.

Sony Grapples With PlayStation Attacks And Faulty TV Parts

It’s a lousy morning for Sony. The company has locked 93,000 PlayStation Network user accounts — including 35,000 in the U.S. — following yet another round of cyberattacks on Friday and Monday, Bloomberg reports. The company says that hackers gained data elsewhere on the Web to access the Sony customers’ accounts –but they didn’t get anything serious like credit card data.Still, some users may be concerned considering that the system had to be temporarily closed in April following similar attacks. Chairman Howard Stringer apologized for that breech. Meanwhile Sony is offering to provide free repairs for nearly 1.6M Bravia TV sets sold since 2007. The company has discovered thata defective part involved in the LCD screen backlights could cause them to melt.

Charter Looks For CEO After Michael Lovett Says Hell Leave By Early 2012

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) (“Charter” or the “Company”) today announced that it is implementing a CEO succession plan following President and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Lovett advising the Board of Directors of his personal decision to step down as President and CEO on April 30, 2012 or earlier if a successor is appointed before that time. Charter’s Board of Directors will begin the process of evaluating candidates, and Mr. Lovett will remain in his present positions during this transition period. Mr. Lovett joined Charter in August 2003 and was named President and Chief Executive Officer in April 2010. Prior to that, he served as Charter’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Ali Landry Welcomes Son

First Published: October 11, 2011 10:04 AM EDT Credit: Getty Images LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Ali Landry attends the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundations A Time For Heroes Event at Wadsworth Theater on the Veterans Administration Lawn in Los Angeles on June 12, 2011Its a boy for Ali Landry! The star, 38, and director husband Alejandro Monteverde welcomed their second child to the family on Sunday, Access Hollywood has confirmed. The baby boy, named Marcelo Alejandro, was born in Los Angeles. Little Marcelo weighed in at 8 lbs. and measured 21 inches long. The former Miss USA and former Doritos girl previously told People that she was really nervous about the possibility of having a boy and was using grilled cheese sandwiches to cure her morning sickness during her pregnancy. Ali and Alejandro, 34, are also parents to 4-year-old daughter Estela. The couple married in April 2006. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Why Tom Cruise Still Matters inside the Film Industry

By Borys Package and Jay A. Fernandez October 10, 2011 Tom Cruise can make a great Survivor contestant. Despite his peculiar public image and less-than-stellar domestic box office lately, the 49-year-old has four large studio movies striking theaters over the following 18 several days: "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" in December, the now-filming "One Shot" for Vital, June's "Rock old range" for completely new Line as well as the untitled Ernest Kosinski sci-fi epic for Warner Bros. And "THR" finds that Warners is again speaking for the actor for your lead within the large-budget sci-fi war pic "We Mortals Are" (also called "You Simply Need Kill"), being directed by Doug Liman."The art galleries are interested in him again," states one producer.This type of turnaround. When "Mission: Impossible III" opened up up in May 2006, the actor happen to be under siege for his over-excited The famous host the famous host oprah appearance, his public stumping for Scientology and also the anti- psychiatry rant on Today. "MI-3's" $398 million worldwide gross was nearly thirty percent underneath the prior film's global take.Vital soon cut ties with Cruise/Wagner Prods., then "Lions for Lamb" bombed in 2007 for MGM, where Cruise had absorbed as mind of the United states . Artists label, a gig which introduced nowhere. Meanwhile, his November 2006 marriage to Katie Holmes made an appearance only to provoke mass eye-moving.An apology-laden PR offensive removed a couple of from the injury to Cruise's status. But while his funny cameo in "Tropic Thunder" came praise, "Valkyrie" and "Dark day and night" were considered under- artists, no less than inside the U.S. "War in the Cell phone industry's" was his last unqualified success, with $591 million in worldwide grosses throughout summer season 2005 -- a very long time ago in Hollywood terms. So what's behind his sudden revival?One: Need. Celebs are an progressively rare breed, and completely new ones aren't strengthening. Cruise still provides worldwide, as evidenced with the $186 million foreign gross for "Dark day and night," which he gets the benefit of searching (and playing) youthful than his years. He's also hands on, reliable and invested. "For those who have somebody with this particular good a brief history, more often than not there's the chance from the crowd to assist that each they've stood a extended relationship with," states Paramount's Make the most of Moore, who sees the completely new Jack Reacher character in "One Shot" because the second Cruise franchise.Two: Goodwill. "He's effective in wooing people," states one studio professional. "He helps it be vital that you satisfy generation x of professionals and is probably the handful of stars who has run out of his approach to shake people hands to acquire within their good books." According to affiliates, one person Cruise is becoming close to is Skydance Productions leader David Ellison, who's co-financing both "Protocol" and "One Shot" and shares Cruise's adoration for planes and flying.Three: Adaptability. Cruise and also the CAA agents have shown being flexible on dealmaking, meaning he's working cheaper sometimes -- sources say he's getting just $5 million for "Age groupsInch -- and creating deals to lessen upfront costs in exchange for post sales participation that has greater upside in success.Four: Commitment. Cruise has always understood this type of celebrity is and the way he's made to behave, and he's been tireless in playing that role. Excepting the chaotic problems of 2005-06, he's been a smart public figure "willing to do the job to become a celebrity," while you producer puts it. Unlike Russell Crowe or Jim Carrey, who rarely try to fix breaks utilizing their fans, Cruise, like friend Will Cruz, can be a constant, passionate campaigner for his or her own fame. That convenience for the wider world means 100s of millions in ticket sales.Cruise is not as large a star while he was formerly. But his approval ratings among filmgoers seem to possess switched most, even if he's much much softer- than-preferred traction while using under- 25 demo and several area of the feminine audience. "Anecdotally, the polarization you once heard isn't here any more,Inch states a Hollywood marketing consultant. And also the overseas prowess remains strong -- the comfort around the world still loves Maverick.Cruise Pros And Cons - Oprah's Couch (May 2005): His public image takes a hit when, professing the love for Katie Holmes, he jumps the couch.- "War in the Cell phone industry's" (June 2005) Rebounds by utilizing Steven Spielberg as alien invasion movie grosses $592 million worldwide.- "South Park" Parody (November. 2005): The "Locked in the Closet" episode mocks him, and Comedy Central cancels a rerun.- "Mission: Impossible III" (May 2006) His third outing as agent Ethan Search disappoints, stalling at $398 worldwide.- Exit Vital (August. 2006): Viacom chairman Sumner Redstone sours on him, ending his 14-year relationship while using studio.- Enter United states . Artists (November. 2006): He and creating partner Paula Wagner customize the mission resurrecting UA.- "Dark day and night" (2010): American audiences aren't impressed, nevertheless the movie greater than doubles its domestic gross of $76 million overseas.

'30 Rock': James Marsden Lands Multiepisode Arc

Carlos Alvarez/Getty ImagesJames Marsden James Marsden is making his way through the Emmy-nominated comedy series. The actor, who guest starred last season on Emmy winner Modern Family, has booked a multiepisode role on NBC's 30 Rock, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Details on Marsden's role are being kept under wraps but he'll stick around for six episodes of the Tina Fey comedy. The X-Men and Hairspray star most recently appeared in Screen Gems' Straw Dogs and has a number of film projects in the pipeline, including Robot and Frank and As Cool as I Am. Up All Night star Will Arnett is also set to reprise his role as gay shark Devon Banks when 30 Rock's sixth season returns next year. The series has a long roster of notable guest stars, including Tom Hanks, Conan O'Brien, Matt Damon, Elizabeth Banks, Michael Sheen, James Franco and Will Ferrell. Marsden is repped by WME and Brillstein Entertainment Partners. Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit James Marsden Tina Fey 30 Rock Fall TV Preview

Werner Herzog Is Tom Cruise's 'One Shot' Nemesis

In what's probably the most surprising casting news in a while, it appears that famous documentarian Werner Herzog has been cast in the upcoming Tom Cruise vehicle, "One Shot," based on the Lee Child novel of the same name. Herzog will play The Zec, a former prisoner of war and the head of the conspiracy behind the murders Cruise will investigate, reports Variety. Since the casting of Tom Cruise as Child's iconic character, Jack Reacher, in the adaptation of "One Shot," many people have questioned the casting choice and the integrity of the film as a whole. Lee describes Reacher as a hulking presence, a far cry from the much shorter Cruise. For a movie that's faced little else besides negative press, news of Herzog joining the cast should inject much needed life into the hype machine. Those who are familiar with the German auteur know the kind of strangeness Herzog can bring to the table. Famous for the documentaries he narrates himself—like the great "Grizzly Man"—Herzog with his oddly beautiful German accent (think of a cross between Schwarzenegger and Morgan Freeman; indeed, it inspired Hugo Weaving's "Captain America" voice!) is the most inspired choice to play a movie villain in quite some time. If people won't fill the theater to see a shorter Jack Reacher, a great baddie could definitely get more people interested. Herzog joins a cast that already includes Robert Duvall, Rosamund Pike and Richard Jenkins. This is all welcome news, but for my money, I'd pay to see Tom Cruise face off with just the disembodied voice of Werner Herzog. Tell us what you think of the Herzog news in the comments section and on Twitter!

Thanks to Lion King 3D, Disney Will Re-release Beauty & the Beast, Little Mermaid, and More in 3-D

“Look at this stuff, isn’t it neat? Wouldn’t you think my collection’s complete?” Insert “piles of The Lion King 3D cash” for “stuff” and you’ll see why Disney’s planning to roll out even more retro hits in similar fashion in the next few years. Why leave those catalogue classics in the vault when they can bring in as much as $80 million more a pop? Having proven that giving older films a shiny new 3-D facelift can bring in the dough, and how, Disney announced that they’ll give four additional films the Lion King 3D treatment in 2012 and 2013: Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Monsters, Inc., and Finding Nemo. Each of the four films selected for re-release were critical and commercial successes upon initial release; Finding Nemo in particular counts among the highest-grossing films of all time just beneath The Lion King, having brought in $867.8 million during its 2-D theatrical run. The line-up: Beauty and the Beast - January 13, 2012 DisneyPixar’s Finding Nemo - September 14, 2012 DisneyPixar’s Monsters, Inc. - January 18, 2013 (Monsters University, a prequel to the original film, arrives in theaters in Disney Digital 3D on June 21, 2013) The Little Mermaid - September 13, 2013 It’s easy to criticize the move as a blatant cash-grab, but really; audiences made The Lion King 3D number one at the box office for two weeks, so it clearly fulfilled a demand among the family demographic. The next four Disney re-releases aren’t quite as universal in appeal if you ask me (excluding The Little Mermaid, which is one of my childhood favorites and the sole offering of the bunch I’d pay to see in theaters again). And if Disney makes a killing bringing great films to a new generation of tykes, then more power to them. My only quibble: Why do I have to wait two more years to see Ariel flippin’ around on the big screen?? [Press release]

Dancing's Maks: I Was just a little Frustrated Through the Judges' Comments

Maksim Chmerkovskiy Hey everybody!We do hope you were built with a great week! Thank you for voting for all of us!I'm really annoyed Val and Elisabetta left. I had been concerned about him - we be worried about one another constantly - so when he got removed, I felt bad because I wish to see him win and prosper. We are competitive by character and it is tough to accept that in the beginning, but you will and move ahead. It isn't ideal, but he'll be back. I figured they did a fantastic job using their quickstep, but regrettably, nobody understood her. They depended on obtaining a good score, that they got, but many of others got good scores too, also it would be a close spread, so this is where the fan bases result in the difference.For our scores, it's what it's. I'm more worried about the judges' comments. I figured these were discouraging, not only for all of us, but other celebs and pros. I realize when harsh critique is deserved, however with Hope, I do not think it had been deserved. I had been really more Comfortable with them on Monday, however when I saw video in our jive after, I believed it was good. It had been fast and fast and looked much better than a couple of others. Maybe it was a situation of high anticipation on her, however i thought she did well. We've got just a little frustrated. It's difficult carrying this out week in and week out - we must get the pieces attempt to move ahead, and that is on the top of choreographing a brand new dance, teaching the brand new dance, learning the brand new dance and anything else. It's psychologically difficult. Their comments tied to Hope. She felt just a little insecure in regards to a couple of things. Exactly what she does around the soccer area feels in direct contrast of the items I am attempting to make her do here. I am not attempting to change her body drastically - I'm not going her to possess a difficult time returning towards the Olympic camping. I'd rather not change that in her own, therefore it is an account balance of discovering that mix on her to feel at ease. I am just happy we've got through which a few days has transpired.We now have the cha-cha. It's coming along great. It is also celebrity story week plus they reach select the song too. It will likely be quite a dramatic week and that i seem like the majority of the tunes individuals have selected might be more lyrical or serious, but Hope went within the opposite direction. But it is nothing like you may be completely serious having a cha-cha anyway! She selected an audio lesson the women's team performed within their locker room throughout the planet Cup to obtain pumped up. It is a really awesome, energetic song, and we are just likely to get out there and perform a fun cha-cha. I believe everyone was great now. Many people had comebacks and many people had dips, but overall, I believe everybody did well. It had been an extremely hard week, however i think this third week would be the true test. Now we simply have four days to organize a dance, so we'll observe how everybody does. The good thing relating to this week though? Sleep has become in La! It had been his first plane ride! He's getting a great time out here at this time. He's an extremely happy dog. They have buddies and it is the middle of attention everywhere he goes. I required him to create yesterday, but I am unsure he's ready for his Dancing debut yet.I additionally have very good news about my jewellery line. The following month, JC Penney's will sell them in shops in NY, L.A., Miami, Houston, Dallas and Chicago. It will likely be an effort run, but we are very hopeful. They have been succeeding on the internet and I have been hearing great feedback to date. You'll also have new pieces within the collection that aren't being offered online. I'll also tweet out a listing of independent jewellery stores round the country which will carry them, so make sure to follow me at @MaksimC. I am just excited to roll them out across the nation now. We did not wish to accomplish it all at one time - we would like durability and i believe this is an excellent pace. I am happy everyone loves it. I gave pieces towards the cast and they have been putting on it. J.R. used it now when he carried out. Chynna used something. Billy Baldwin is completely into them! Conducting business is excellent, but in addition to that, I am thrilled to become obtaining the reaction from people. It causes it to be all very rewarding.That's all for the time being!Maks

Media Development Authority revamps media funds

Singapore's Media Development Authority has revamped its palette of media funds to streamline the number of programs on offer to better reflect the development of the industry.Singapore's lavish film funds have become the stuff of Asian biz legend, and the MDA has earmarked serious coin for making movies since it started in 2003. A total of S$230 million ($179 million) was set under the outgoing funding system. But the take-up on the funds has been more steady than spectacular, and often there was confusion about the 46 funds on offer.From now on, Singapore will no longer seek a stake in whatever projects it invests in, but will work on a grant-only basis, instead of co-investment, local media in the city-state reported.The number of funds on offer will fall to just five, covering development assistance, production, marketing, talent support and enterprise development. The funds will apply to broadcast, film, animation, publishing, interactive media, games and music.The aim of the streamlining is to provide a more systematic approach to support an increasingly sophisticated media industry, after consultation with the biz, recently appointed MDA CEO Aubeck Kam told local media."They're telling us they need more content development, they need to start moving away from mere production, to actually creating their own intellectual property. And that by doing so, the chances of succeeding and growing sustainably are much better," he said.Singapore has done very well on establishing itself in areas such as post-production, on visual effects and animation, and was recognized internationally as a place with technological depth and the skillsets needed.It has already wooed and won the affections of biz leaders such as the Jim Henson Company and LucasFilm Animation, which set up LucasFilm Animation Singapore in 2004. All existing funding will be guaranteed. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Watch X-Men: First Class For Free

NBC Accumulates 2 More Being a parent Episodes

Great news for Being a parent — NBC just acquired 2 more instances of the household dramedy, that ought to bring an order with this season to 18. This news occurs the heels of Being a parent‘s newest episode posting the only real rankings increase on Tuesday evening. Airing within the 10 PM hour, Being a parent drenched a couple.2 rating in grown ups 18-49, up a tenth from a week ago.

Telemundo to Broadcast Disney/Pixar Films

Telemundo has licensed the privileges to broadcast several animated features from Disney/Pixar, such as the Incredibles, Toy Story and Finding Nemo.our editor recommendsDisney Announces Two New Pixar Projects The brand new deal brings 10 from the studio's films to Telemundo from October. This marks the very first time Disney/Pixar films happen to be provided on the The spanish language-language television network within the U.S. Included in the agreement, The Incredibles would be the first Disney/Pixar film to become broadcast on Sunday, March. 2. Other animated films besides Toy Story and Finding Nemothat will air on Telemundo include Toy Story 2, A Bug's Existence, Cars, Up, Wall*E, Ratatouille and Monsters, Corporation. "Hispanics constitute one-quarter from the audiences that attend animatedfilms," stated Joshua Mintz, senior executive v . p ., TelemundoEntertainment."We're proud to have the ability to bring the most effective inanimation to the audience. This new and exciting deal allows ouraudiences to look at a few of their favorite Disney/Pixar productions inthe convenience of their houses, additionally towards the high-quality originalproductions they have started to love and expect from Telemundo." Telemundo, a part of NBCUniversal, reaches 94 percent of U.S. Hispanic audiences. Related Subjects Worldwide

Is Daniel Craig the New Harrison Ford?

I don’t mean to scare you with so much of the Cowboys and Aliens cast in one headline, but I’m sure the thought has crossed your mind: Is Daniel Craig, the rugged movie adventurer with the cobalt glow in his eye, the proper successor to his alien-thrashing co-star Harrison Ford? With the release of this week’s Dream House, we’re investigating both actors’ pasts to discover whether they’re cinematically related. Heroes hot and cool For years, Pierce Brosnan played James Bond as tight-lipped extension of Remington Steele. Fun but chilly. When Craig assumed the role of Ian Fleming’s hero in 2006, his characterization emphasized intellect, endurance, and true pheromonal charm. That’s easily more of an homage to Indiana Jones than any previous Bond, as Craig’s performance truly eschews camp of any kind. Hint: That makes him the best James Bond ever (and Eva Green the best Bond girl). Domestic intrigue Dream House may seem like a retread of The Others from its trailer, but its intense focus on spousal distrust and creepy domesticity smacks of Ford’s 2000 thriller What Lies Beneath. Both Craig and Ford bring the same harried self-examination to these parts, and they do “confounded” better than any other leading actor in the game. Hitchcock would’ve scooped both of them.

Watch Transformers 3 Dark Of The Moon

Emmy Guest Actor Champion Paul McCrane Signs with UTA

Veteran character actor Paul McCrane, fresh off an Emmy win for his guest-star role around the NBC legal drama"Harry's Law," has signed with UTA.McCrane includes a recurring roleas eccentric attorney Josh "Puck" Peyton around the Kathy Bates-starring "Law." McCrane, the initial nominee, outperform Love Bridges, Jeremy Davies, Bruce Dern, Michael J. Fox and Robert Morse to get the Emmy.McCrane's other credits incorporate a lengthy stint on "ER," in addition to "24," "Ugly Betty" and "The X-Files," amongst others. He's also directed instances of "CSI," "Detroit 1-8-7" and"Law & Order: SVU." McCrane is also symbolized by manager Steve Himber of Himber Entertainment. The Hollywood Reporter

EMMYS: Producers Pressurized To Chop Charlie Sheen From Broadcast

Charlie Sheen To Create Surprise Appearance On Sunday EXCLUSIVE: I hear that there's been some pressure placed on the television Academy and also the producers of tonight’s Primetime Emmy Honours telecast not have former 2 . 5 Males star Charlie Sheen like a presenter. Here's what I’ve learned has happened: 2 . 5 Males creator Chuck Lorre, who had been the topic of a lot of Sheen’s public insults last spring and it is presently being prosecuted through the actor over his termination in the show, faced TV Academy chairman John Shaffner, who's the development designer of a couple of Lorre’s comedy series, 2 . 5 Males and also the Large Bang Theory. I hear that Lorre required that Sheen’s planned appearance be slashed in the broadcast. Meanwhile, Warner Bros Television Group leader Bruce Rosenblum — who runs the studio creating Males, Warner Bros TV, that also has been prosecuted by Sheen — designed a call to Fox chairman Peter Grain asking whether it might be feasible for Sheen to become dropped. After Grain couldn’t invest in doing this, Rosenblum requested him to a minimum of not give Sheen a wide open mike the actor could use to humiliate Lorre or even the other Emmy nominees from his shows, all created by WBTV. Making things much more sensitive is always that I’ve learned Sheen continues to be eyed to provide the Outstanding Actor inside a Comedy Series category, featuring two nominees from the Lorre series, Large Bang‘s Jim Parsons and Johnny Galecki. Ironically, this is actually the category Sheen was qualified for but elected to not submit themself this season. By now, I hear the Emmy producers are adhering for their plan to choose the Sheen appearance, however the ultimate decision will come lower towards the last minutes before showtime. He might not be within the clip packages incorporated within the broadcast, though, when i hear that in the last second WBTV requested that Sheen be slashed from the Males footage used on the program. Lorre is slated to go to the Emmys because he is nominated for Large Bang, which is incorporated in the running for the best comedy series.

Snoop Dogg To Topline Fillmore Slim Biopic

EXCLUSIVE: Rapper Snoop Dogg will star in biopic The Legend of Fillmore Slim, introduced today by Ames Universal and SRI Entertainment. Fillmore Slim –real title Clarence Sim cards– is really a bluessinger and guitarist. Throughout the sixties and seventies, he seemed to be a highly-known pimp in Bay Area, known to as “The West Coast Godfather of the overall game” and “The Pope of Pimping.” Shelly Liebowitz is executive creating.Alan Ames, who's co-creating with Wayne Anderson and writing the script with Carole Parker,producesthe syndicated TV series Texas Roadhouse Live. He was contacted by Sim cards’ daughter Rebecca, who assisted place the project together. “This film will span decades,” stated Ames, “from Slim’s emergence like a music performer, to his passion for the short existence, through his many years of incarceration and the redemption.” Sim cards, now 77 years of age,is presently touring.Hawthorne James will direct the film. Pre-production would be to come from December, having a March start date specific.

Okiura's 'Momo' to open wide

"A Letter to Momo"TOKYO -- Kadokawa Pictures will release the Hiroyuki Okiura toon "A Letter to Momo" on 300 screens in next year's spring Golden Week holiday period, the company has revealed. Seven years in the making, the toon is screening at Toronto in the TIFF Kids section. The story, about a girl who, soon after the death of her father, moves to a remote island with her mother, where she encounters supernatural goings-on, was also scripted by Okiura. Three hundred is a big number of screens for a local toon made from an original story, not a comic or TV toon franchise. Two years ago Toei toon "One Piece Film: Strong World" bowed on only 188 screens, but finished north of $50 million.Okiura last directed the fantasy-thriller toon "Jin-roh" in 1999. Other credits include stints as an animator on Satoshi Kon's "Paprika" (2006) and Mamoru Oshii's "Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence" (2004). The production company is Production I.G. In addition to Toronto, the toon is skedded to screen at the Sitges and Busan fests. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Transformers 3 Watch Online Free

Marvel cuts marketing positions

With Marvel Studios' future slate of superhero titles now unspooling through Disney, the comicbook company has eliminated several key marketing roles. Among them, Dana Precious, executive VP of worldwide marketing, Jeffrey Stewart, VP of worldwide marketing and Jodi Miller, manager of worldwide marketing, will soon ankle their posts. The jobs had been key for Marvel in the past, given that the company needed execs to help shepherd campaigns for its pics that were being distributed by Paramount. But this summer's "Thor" and "Captain America: The First Avenger" were the last to be released through Paramount's distribution deal. Disney's marketing department will handle Marvel's projects moving forward, starting with next summer's "The Avengers." They will work closely with Marvel chief Kevin Feige. Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com

Kim Kardshian & Kris Humphries Take Flight For European Honeymoon

FIRST PUBLISHED: August 22, 2011 7:36 PM EDT LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Despite reports that their busy schedules would keep the couple from getting away for several months, it appears newlyweds Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries have found the time to embark on a honeymoon. Paparazzi captured the pair as they headed through Los Angeles International Airport on Monday, two days after they tied the knot in front of more than 400 friends and family in Montecito, Calif. People reported Kim and Kris were bound for Europe, but their exact destination was unknown. The couples honeymoon is expected to be brief as Kim has her second season of Kim & Kourtney Take New York to film for E! starting next week, People reported. Kim noted on Twitter that she actually has a big party to look forward to in New York City in the coming days, but it wont be a second wedding. There are rumors of a 2nd wedding in NY. This is NOT true!! Our friends Jason Binn & Colin Cowie are throwing us a welcome to NY party! she Tweeted on Monday. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

In Honor of Her Birthday, Let's Discuss Kristen Wiig's Most Underrated Role

The glamorously screwball Kristen Wiig, who celebrates her 38th birthday today, is now a burgeoning screen star who is successfully elevating the zany and/or downtrodden aspects of her SNL characters into full-fledged performances. What’s her most underrated moment on the screen so far? Plenty of Wiig’s pre-Bridesmaids roles qualify as fun, quiet performances, but I have a special affinity for her work in Adventureland because I have a special affinity for that movie. Not only are its two stars Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart fantastic, but everyone from Ryan Reynolds to Wendie Malick give sweet, believable performances. As Bill Hader’s meekly wacky wife Paulette, Wiig distills the unfiltered essence of her Knocked Up role into a distinctly small-town mold. Just lovely, especially when she offset’s Hader’s more traditional SNL hysteria. What’s your choice?

Jennifer Love Hewitt Declines Relationship Using The Bacherlorettes Ben Flajnick

La, Calif. -- Jennifer Love Hewitt triggered a significant stir on Twitter recently when she authored, Watching The Bachelorette! I really like u Ben!! Take this rose I've for u! Choose me!!!!:). However, the first kind Ghost Whisperer star states she didnt mean anything by her passionate Tweet, which ensuing gossips of the romance using the Bachelorette cast-off are simply that gossips. I had been searching for something popular culture to kind of tweet about Im a new comer to the Twitter situation. I needed to enjoy the tweeters available on the planet, Jennifer told Ryan Seacrest within an interview on his KIIS Radio show on Wednesday, when requested if she and Ben Flajnik are dating. So, I sent funny tweets about Ben F., after which it got all kind of like, blown from proportion or whatever, and today its like the rumor mill is crazy. I've absolutely nothing to say except Im totally single, she ongoing. I have no idea why individuals are making this type of large deal. You realize, it had been timely. Despite her denial, Jennifer was lately spotted in Bay Area with Ben themself, however the actress lined their meeting as much as chance. We did meet, but totally by coincidence, she told Ryan. Have you write out with him? Ellen K, Ryans radio co-host, requested the actress. Gossips are gossips, Jennifer clarified having a laugh, staying away from the question. One question Jennifer didnt hesitate to reply to was whether producers have requested her to become the following Bachelorette. No, they didnt, she stated. As formerly reported on AccessHollywood.com, Jennifer split from actor/director Alex Beh in May. Reviews of the romance first appeared in This summer 2010. Past beaus of J.Loves include Jamie Kennedy, Carson Daly, John Mayer, John Asher and Ross McCall, to whom she was engaged. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved.These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Poch pockets three pix

BARCELONA -- New Barcelona-based distribution house Paco Poch Cinema has closed The spanish language privileges to Bela Tarr's Berlin Jury Grand Prix champion ''The Turin Equine,'' Mia Hansen-Love's ''Goodbye First Love'' and Andreas Dresen's ''Stopped on the right track.''''Love'' received a unique mention in the Locarno fest a few days ago ''Track'' shared Cannes' Not Certain Regard Prize this might.Paco Poch -- whose production credits include Pedro Almodovar's 1979 debut ''Pepi, Luci, Bom y otras chicas del monton'' and Jose Luis Guerin's ''Innisfree'' -- has acquired The spanish language privileges to Pedro Costa's ''Ne change rien,'' Hansen-Love's ''Father of My Children'' and Lluis Galter's Venice Horizons title ''Caracremada,'' that they also created.The transfer to distribution arrives of frustration at the inability to co-produce such game titles as ''Rien'' and ''Horse,'' Poch told Variety. Poch's next release, bowing early September, is going to be Anne Linsel's docu ''Dancing Dreams,'' about teens in Germany's Wuppertal being trained by choreographer Pina Bausch.On ''Dreams,'' Poch partners with The spanish language production-distribution house Avalon to produce the pic.''Horse'' opens in The country this fall after screening from competish at October's Sitges Festival.Poch intends to attend the Berlin, Cannes, Locarno, Karlovy Vary and Rotterdam's marketplaces, and also to release about 2 to 5 films annually, all subtitled -- an progressively rare phenom in The country.''I'm basically a producer however i cannot accept there is no place looking for auteur and problem films,'' Poch stated.Future Poch Cinema releases include Ounie Lecomte's ''A Completely New Life'' and Goran Olsson's ''The Black Energy Mixtape 1967-1975.'' ''Life'' is going to be launched with Luis Angel Bellaba's Aquelarre Films.Exercising of Mallerich Films, that they founded in 1994, Poch's is creating ''Genet en el Raval,'' with different book by The spanish language author Juan Goytisolo on Jean Genet's existence in Barcelona.(Emiliano p Pablos led for this report.) Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

New media can't yet carry the day

For all the brave talk about saving money by emphasizing low-cost digital media, online is still a long way from being able to take the lead in launching wide-release movies.A common tactic is to use traditional media to drive audiences to online media, such as TV commercials or magazine ads offering a website address that directs viewers to an online movie trailer. It's a case of "off-line" media driving moviegoer traffic to websites loaded with content designed go be seductive and immersive.Still, film marketing campaigns spend anywhere from 5% to 20% of their budgets on digital media -- mainly online -- according to various sources. The actual percentage depends on whether or not the target audiences are big users of new media.For a horror film aimed at the tech-savvy youth demographic, 10% to 20% of the movie's marketing might be allocated to digital. However, a romantic comedy appealing to women 40-plus, who as a group aren't known to be digital divas, will spend far less, perhaps 5%.New media is slippery to quantify on a dollar basis, because film marketers treat it as three separate pieces: "Paid" media for purchased placements of display ads, promoted Tweets and Web pages that get peppered with movie messages; "Earned" media, such as publicity with film trailers placed free as editorial, and social media messages that are not paid; and "Owned" media, which utilizes pre-existing audience connections such as studio-assembled email mailing lists, Facebook friends and Twitter followers."The landscape has shifted in the past three years to a broader digital marketing strategy," says Gordon Paddison, CEO of Stradella Road, a Los Angeles-based marketing consultancy. "Paid media budgets compete with social initiatives, apps and organic search that drive more consumer engagement."Official film websites have diminished in importance. The 1999 sensation caused by the mysterious episodic footage of "The Blair Witch Project" has never been duplicated, and these days film marketers opt to place their juiciest movie content on third-party platforms that already have big Web traffic. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Hathaway As Catwoman: Kate Middleton Is My Style Icon

La, Calif. -- Hathaway As Catwoman once performed a princess about the giant screen, but she provides extensive popularity of a duchess Duchess of Cambridge Kate who she credits for getting ladylike style back to fashion. Can I say to you how grateful I'm to Kate Middleton? Anne told USA Today. Because she's this kind of advocate for dressing just like a lady. Anne credits Kate for cleaning the stylebook in Hollywood. I believe for any couple of years that type of slightly dirty look was utilized by Hollywood - you realize, the stringy hair, destitute factor. And That I really attempted, Anne chuckled. I had been like, OK, Im likely to give that the go. [But] it does not suit me, I dont suit it. I usually looked type of chubby. Kate continues to be recognized within the fashion press for returning tights she frequently skips the bare-legged look and she or he is constantly on the influence Anne with every single change. At this time my fashion options are only for Kate Middleton, Anne stated. Anne really plays a Brit in a single Day, her new indie drama opposite Jim Sturgess. The film arrives on August 19. Spend follow that up within an outfit Kate is not likely to put on skin-tight leather as Catwoman within the new Batman film The Dark Dark night Increases, that will hit theaters on May 2, 2011. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved.These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Mega Buzz: A Cuddy Return on House? Plus: Glee Lovers and a CSI Exit

Lisa Edeslstein, Lea Michele, Marg Helgenberger Every week, editors Adam Bryant and Natalie Abrams satisfy your need for TV scoop. Please send all questionsto mega_scoop@tvguide.com.How will House deal with Cuddy's absence? Is there any chance Lisa Edelstein will come back to shoot a proper ending for her character? - BethADAM: Though the show's one-year time jump will skip Cuddy's exit from Princeton-Plainsboro, creator David Shore says the show won't overlook it altogether. "There's going to be an acknowledgement, but it's not going to be a big story about her because unfortunately we don't have [Lisa]," he says. Does Shore think he will ever get to write Cuddy a proper send-off? "Down the road, that might be more appropriate. It didn't seem right now," he says. "Given that she was gone, we decided it was better to not just have her come back to leave again."Will Finn and Rachel be happy when Glee returns? - Joshua NATALIE: Yes! "You pick up with them as a couple," Lea Michele tells us. "I have a feeling that they're just going to be settled this year. They did talk a lot about Rachel in the final episode of last season, of her wanting to go to New York and not knowing where he's going to go, so I think that's going to be a lot of the issues between them this year, and not so much of the Rachel/Puck and Finn/Quinn stuff." Gearing up for a possible career on New York City's Great White Way, Rachel will join the school musical this season.I know people are excited about Ted Danson joining CSI, but nobody's talking about Marg Helgenberger's exit. What do you know? - TammyADAM: Executive producers Carol Mendelsohn and Don McGill tell us that, although they're still hoping that Helgenberger will stay, they have been working on her character's swan song since the end of last season. "The final case that Catherine will be involved in will actually put her and her family and the people that she cares about in jeopardy," Mendelsohn says. "Catherine won't just take it lying down, for sure. She'll take matters into her own hands and get to the truth. It will be Catherine, action hero."Since the Grey's Anatomy residents are now taking on solo surgeries, how will Alex handle that? - Pearl NATALIE: Alex was never great with solo surgeries (see: the elevator power outage of Season 2), but his status as a social pariah may actually work in his favor. "I think he's going to apply himself a lot more this year because he's not going to have a personal life," Justin Chambers says. "He's done with the relationship thing for a while, with what happened with Lucy. No one wants to talk to him because he's a rat, so he's going to concentrate on being a better doctor."Got any good scoop about Ziva on NCIS? - RodneyADAM: Cote de Pablo tells us that she wants to move away from the stories about Ziva's father and introduce some motherly love to her backstory. Executive producer Gary Glasberg does too. "Ziva will be dealing with a Middle Eastern family and the matriarch of the family connects with her in a really interesting, personal way," Glasberg says. "Sounds like Ziva will need the support based on Glasberg's other plans. "Someone from her past who we haven't met before is coming forward," he says. "[In addition,] Ray will probably come back halfway through the season, and they will intersect."Thanks for the scoop on How I Met Your Mother. Got anything more on Barney and Robin? - Harold NATALIE: If you liked this, then you'll really love the Barney and Robin dance number! "The premiere is very much about Barney possibly pursuing Nora and Robin wondering how to deal with these feelings she has that are resurfacing for him," executive producer Craig Thomas tells us. "Ultimately, it explodes into this dance number at [Punchy's] wedding that clears the entire dance floor, and they have this big, epic Dancing with the Stars kind of moment, that we're hoping America will want to watch more than DWTS and tune into our show instead." Count us in!What's the latest on Sweets and Daisy on Bones? - MeganADAM: "Daisy is definitely a part of Sweets' life," John Francis Daley tells us, and we can confirm Daisy will appear early in Season 7. But Sweets may have bigger fish to fry. "He is more active in the investigations because Brennan is slightly less able to go on the scene and get herself into dangerous situations," Daley says. "So, you're going to see more of Booth and Sweets working together as FBI agents." Even better, creator Hart Hanson tells me that for the first time ever, Sweets will be packing heat! [Cue the Aerosmith song.]How is Fringe going to handle Peter never existing? - Amanda NATALIE: Au contraire, Amanda! Peter did exist, according to the man who plays his father, John Noble. He says the final scene of the season finale, in which the Observers appear to negate Peter's existence "was a slight teaser in the wrong direction, because Peter did exist, but Peter died as a child; both Peters died as a child." As a result, the Season 4 premiere might remind you of It's a Wonderful Life, as we'll find Walter in a familiar predicament. "When we meet him in Season 4, he's still insane, locked into the lab with guards, and mad because he's never had Peter to bring him out of it," Noble says. "He won't have had that motivation to repair himself, so he's quite mad and neurotic and obsessive-compulsive. He's agoraphobic, so he won't go out of the lab."I'm really hoping you have some NCIS: Los Angeles scoop? - ThomasADAM: How's this? In an early Season 3 episode, all the agents will be forced to swap partners! "Hunter puts us in this situation... and it screws up the whole dynamic," Eric Christian Olsen tells us of the super-covert mission. "Deeks ends up with Sam... and [he's] really trying to jostle for position, because Sam's the man. He's the Navy Seal, but Deeks is like, 'No, I got this!'" Anyone care to take a guess who wins that battle?Will Damon and Elena go on the hunt to find Stefan on Vampire Diaries? -Sarah NATALIE: They will both attempt to find him, but one is certainly trying harder than the other. "Damon loves his brother, he can't deny that anymore, but at the same time, his relationship is building with Elena in a very nice way, so that maybe he's not trying as hard as he should to find Stefan," executive producer Kevin Williamson tells us, adding that Damon will feel guilt over that. As for Stefan, the ripper lifestyle will lend for some serious life contemplation on his part. "Will he ever be able to come back and how will Stefan and Elena save him if they do? It's really going to be about the journey for Stefan: What's Klaus up to? What's Klaus' use for him? It twists and turns in a bunch of different ways that are surprising."What can you tell me about Jax and Tara in the new season of Sons of Anarchy? - DanielleADAM: The couple seems happier than ever when reunited after Jax's 14-month prison stay. Perhaps that's why Jax feels the need to make Tara a promise that we're almost certain he'll be unable to keep.The fall TV scoop is great! But what's this about Modern Family going to a dude ranch? - TimNATALIE: It's another family vacation... and another family competition! Phil tries to one-up Jay in the quest to be the best darned cowboy in the whole Pritchett-Dunphy clan. To ensure victory, Phil practices before they leave for vacation. Can we all just hope his practice outfit includes chaps?Natalie's Mega Rave: After Tara's girlfriend left Bon Temps, we thought True Blood's resident weepy victim would regress into her default behavior: self-sabotage. Instead, she joins forces with the witches to take down the vampires. While we love the vampires, a vengeful Tara is good television.Adam's Mini Rant: FX president John Landgraf recently told critics that if he hadn't canceled Terriers and Lights Out, he wouldn't have been able to make American Horror Story. I think he made a bad trade.Crave scoop on your favorite TV shows?E-mail Adam and Natalie at mega_scoop@tvguide.comor drop us a line atTwitter.com/TVGuide

'Hangover' Authors Missing Threequel, Thinking of getting 4th And Fifth Films?!

Regardless of the box office-melting success of "The Hangover" and "The Hangover Part II" the initial film's authors, Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, is going to be sitting the third installment. "I believe we are likely to be active in the 4th and also the fifth [films]," Moore joked to MTV News in the premiere of the latest raunchy comedy, "The Modification-Up." "But we are likely to sit the 3rd out." "We would like it to reach 'Police Academy' levels," Lucas added. "Like 'The Hangover: Operation Miami Beach,' " he stated having a smile. "If Bubba Cruz might be inside it, that would be amazing.Inch (Lucas, it ought to be noted, wasn't making light from the lately deceased. We spoke using the authors before Cruz, who performed gentle giant Moses Hightower within the "Police Academy" films, died a week ago at age 66). The effective screenwriting duo has made the decision to head to new filmmaking territory by turning their talents toward the director's chair. "We are pointing the very first time,Inch Lucas revealed. "It is extremely exciting. We are co-pointing, so that's great, nothing will go wrong there," he joked. "It causes it to be better, it's two times as funny. It's known as '21 And Over' and it is going to emerge next springbreak." "We are broadening our material, it is a college-consuming movie rather than a grownup-consuming movie," Moore described, adding their primary figures (performed by the kind of Sarah Wright and Jonathan Keltz) are mere hrs into being of legal-consuming age. Also, the cast is going to be equal parts men and women. "We now have everything,Inch Moore stated. "Something for everybody." "We all do write lots of dudes," Lucas added. "But we are both married, we all know women, we have met them, we have just met you, you are the 3rd lady we have met, we actually like them." Exactly what do you think about Lucas and Moore pointing? Inform us within the comments or on Twitter!

'Police Academy' star Bubba Cruz dies

Bubba Cruz, an exciting-Professional defensive finish who performed the majority of his nine-year National football league career using the Baltimore Colts, winning an excellent Bowl championship together before switching jobs being an actress, most particularly like a mainstay from the "Police Academy" film comedies, was discovered accurate Wednesday at his home in La. He was 66. The reason for dying was unknown, but natural causes are suspected.After retiring from professional football in 1976, Cruz started work in TV, including like a pitchman for Burns Lite in a number of noted advertisements, and then film. He guested on "The Brand New Adventures of Question Lady," "Charlie's Angels" and "The Whitened Shadow," and that he were built with a recurring role on CBS sitcom "Good Occasions."He would be a series regular on three brief ABC series: 1980's "Semi-Tough," an adaptation from the film sitcom "Open Through The Night" almost 30 years ago-82 as well as an adaptation of action film "Blue Thunder" back in 1984. On NBC, he starred with Dick Butkus within the brief comedy "Half Nelson" in 1985.Throughout the eighties, the "Police Academy" films, by which he described the strong but soft-spoken Moses Hightower, provided Cruz with steadier employment. Cruz ongoing guesting on television series throughout the the nineteen nineties and made an appearance inside a couple of films throughout the 2000s: "Lower 'n Dirty," "The Coach,""Full Clip" and 2010's "Bloodstream River."Born in Beaumont, Texas, Charles Aaron Cruz would be a three-time NCAA All-American at Michigan Condition (he was awarded with a Nfl And College Football Hall of Fame in 1988), and that he was selected through the Baltimore Colts because the No. 1 pick within the NFL's 1967 college draft. He also performed appropriately for that Concord Raiders and Houston Oilers. Contact Carmel Dagan at carmel.dagan@variety.com