Sean McNamara is bringing to screen the inspirational story of surf icon Bethany Hamilton in "Soul Surfer" which first teaser trailer has hit the web. It follows AnnaSophia Robb's Hamilton who defies all odds to compete and win professional championships after losing her arm in a shark attack at age 13.
The biopic will also become a movie debut for country music singer Carrie Underwood. She takes the role of a church youth leader who is seen being supportive to Hamilton. Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt additionally join the cast as Hamilton's parents.
Beside serving as a helmer, Sean McNamara teams up with Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz and Michael Berk to write the script for "Soul Surfer". The sport drama will make its way out on theaters across the nation on April 8.
'Soul Surfer' teaser trailer
Saturday, January 15, 2011
'Soul Surfer's Teaser Trailer
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
'Saturday Night Live'Brought in One of The Highest Viewing Figures
"Saturday Night Live" brought in one of the highest viewing figures for over two years last weekend, thanks to Jim Carrey. The first episode of 2011 delivered a 7.8 in the metered-market household Nielsens, making it the show's biggest overnight rating since last May when Betty White was the host and Jay-Z was the musical performer.
Among the skits that lured the biggest audience is the "Black Swan" spoof where Carrey is dressed up in a black tutu and leotard to channel Mila Kunis' Lily. Carrey's 'swan' doesn't only have tattoo of buffalo wings on her back but also an odd interpretation of ballet which is more like an interpretation of a headless chicken.
"Sorry I'm late. I had to go numbers 3 and 4," says Carrey's black swan upon arrival at the ballet studio. When told to warm up, she says, "I'm already warm. I'll all... swampy in my pants". She seduces the director by putting the whole fist into her mouth and sticks gum into his ear. Nevertheless, she is not picked and bids her goodbye. "Once you go Black... Swan, you never go back... Swan."
In other skits, Carrey appeared as one third of a band called A Taste of New York. He was also a psychic medium who did celebrity impressions, mechanical man of an amusement park and a lost R&B singer as part of the "Worst of Soul Train" DVD collection.
'Pretty Little Liars' Gasp When Watching A Footage
"Pretty Little Liars" gasp when watching a footage that reveals who the guy last seen with Alison is. In "Know Your Frenemies", Spencer must now handle the return of happy newlyweds Melissa and Ian, even though her suspicions of Ian's ties to Alison grow.
Meanwhile, relationships are in flux in Rosewood, PA as the Liars face many obstacles. As Noel steps up his pursuit of Ezra and what he can gain from his knowledge, Aria and Ezra start to feel like there may be no way out. Emily must also deal with opposition to her love life, as her mother Pam's perceived tolerance of Maya comes to a screeching halt.
But with the other girls' support and unexpected help form an unlikely source, the future for the Liars doesn't look so hopeless. Meanwhile, "A" has Hanna jumping through old habit hoops with regard to the stolen money. Will Hanna fall back into her old ways, or does she have the will power to stand up to "A" and her games?
The episode airs Monday, January 17 on ABC Family. During TCA Press Tour, the network announced that the show is coming back for season 2.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Trailer Number 2 for 'Spartacus: Gods of the Arena'
"There is only one way to become a champion ... don't lose," Dustin Clare's Gannicus says in the second and final trailer of "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena". The new video contains more words from the perspective of the gladiators, the ludus owner and the powerful woman behind the bloody business.
A prequel to "Spartacus: Blood and Sand", "Gods of the Arena" tells the story of the original Champion of the House of Batiatus: Gannicus in a more ruthless time before Spartacus' arrival where honor was just finding it's way into the arena. The six-episode prequel will begin January 21 on Starz with the episode "Past Transgressions".
"Gods of the Arena" was made when "Blood and Sand" star Andy Whitfield was battling Hodgkin lymphoma. At the Friday, January 7 TCA press tour, "Spartacus" producer Steven DeKnight said, "If there us any upside to Andy's illness, it is that we are better equipped to support the the new Spartacus."
New Video and Images for 'Cars 2'
Walt Disney Pictures has released a new video and images for "Cars 2" to tease fans before the film's release in June. Debuted via Yahoo! Movies, the video sees Lightning McQueen from 360 degree view. At some points, the red racecar shows off its roar.
The new promo images, meanwhile, feature the familiar characters, including Luigi, Guido, Sarge, and Mack. They, along with several other cars, are seen slightly gussied up for their next outing in second "Cars" film.
"Cars 2" will follow Lightning McQueen and tow truck Mater as they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world's fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage.
Torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret spy mission, Mater's action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world. Adding to the fast-paced fun is a colorful new all-car cast that includes secret agents, menacing villains and international racing competitors.
Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy still voice McQueen and Mater respectively, with the likes of Tony Shalhoub, John Ratzenberger, Cheech Marin and Bonnie Hunt returning to voice other characters. "Cars" helmer John Lasseter teams up with "Ratatouille" producer Brad Lewis to direct the upcoming animated film, which is set to open wide in the U.S. on June 24.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom Would Star in Their Own Reality Show
It is now confirmed that Khloe Kardashian and husband Lamar Odom would star in their own reality show. E! execs confirmed on Wednesday, January 5 that the third spin-off to "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" is in development under the tentative title "Khloe and Lamar".
Production of the eight-episode series will begin in early 2011 and would include as well Khloe's brother Rob Kardashian trying his hands on music career. It will also follow Lamar both in Los Angeles and on the road with the Lakers which is competing for the NBA championship.
"Khloe and Lamar are such a dynamic couple that we just knew we had to give them their own series," executive vice president Lisa Berger said in a statement. "They are fascinating individuals in their own right, and together the duo are a powerhouse. They are funny, dramatic, opinionated, and we intend to capture all this, along with the unvarnished reality of their lives together and apart, since each is constantly followed by their own celebrity spotlight."
Khloe's mom Kris Jenner is none other than the executive producer.
New Action-Packed Clips of 'The Green Hornet'
Columbia Pictures is gearing up to the U.S. release of "The Green Hornet" on January 14 and is teasing people with some sneak peeks. Four new clips have emerged online with two of them seeing Britt Reid and Kato in action.
The two buddies are additionally seen admiring themselves who become a newspaper's headline. Meanwhile, the other snippet highlights villainous Benjamin Chudnofsky who is upset when a man says masked Green Hornet is scarier than a guy in a suit.
"The Green Hornet" is based on a WXYZ's radio show created by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker. The story follows rich guy Britt Reid who spends his life partying and hooking up with girls. He takes a 180 degree-turn when his father dies mysteriously, playing hero to save his city.
An impressive and resourceful company employee, Kato, builds the ultimate weapon, The Black Beauty, an indestructible car with every weapon imaginable. Together, they pose as villains in order to get close with the real bad guys.
Seth Rogen stars as Britt, playing opposite Jay Chou who takes the role of Kato. Christoph Waltz is the bad guy, Benjamin, while Cameron Diaz portrays Britt's new secretary Lenore Case. Michel Gondry serves as a helmer for the action adventure film.
'The Green Hornet' clip 'Greatest Moment of My Entire Life':
'The Green Hornet' clip 'Kato Vision':
'The Green Hornet' clip 'I Like Your Suit':
'The Green Hornet' clip 'Who Is The Green Hornet?':
Monday, January 3, 2011
'Little Fockers' Has Flown Straight to The Top of The British Box Office
Ben Stiller's new comedy "Little Fockers" has flown straight to the top of the British box office after dominating the holiday season. The latest installment in the hugely successful "Meet the Parents" franchise toppled the third "Chronicles of Narnia" film from the top of the sequel-heavy chart this week.
"Little Fockers" took $4.5 million ahead of "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" with $1.39 million. Britain's festive box office chart was dominated by follow-ups, with "Tron Legacy" ($729,975) in third place, followed by "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I" ($624,834).
Bollywood action film "Tees Maar Khan" rounded out the top five, with $479,805.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
'Green Lantern's NewImage
The #61 issue of "Green Lantern" comic book hitting book stores this week is provided with a preview to "Green Lantern" movie. It has a picture that gives a clearer look at Tomar-Re which could be seen briefly in the first trailer. The scan version has now hit the web.
Tomar-Re is a scientist from the planet Xudar before joining Green Lantern. In the accompanying text to the image, DC writer and Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns explains, "His nature to examine everything has led the Guardians of the Universe to appoint him the archivist and protector of the sacred Book of Oa."
"When not studying the nature of the Corps, Tomar-Re patrols the sector of 2813 where he developed a close friendship with neighboring sector 2814's Green Lantern, Abin Sur. Tomar has taken an interest in Abin's replacement, Hal Jordan. Though Hal is not one for details, Tomar hopes to teach Hal what it means to be a Green Lantern."
Ryan Reynolds takes the lead role of Hal Jordan, while Mark Strong and Peter Sarsgaard star as villainous characters Sinestro and Hector Hammond respectively. Blake Lively also lands a role in the action superhero film as Hal's love interest, Carol Ferris.
Directed by Martin Campbell, "Green Lantern" is due June 17, 2011 for U.S. release.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
'The Princess Diaries' Stars Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews Are in Negotiations
"The Princess Diaries" stars Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews are in negotiations to reteam for an upcoming episode of "Glee", according to U.K. reports. Dame Julie is in talks to play the grandmother of Chris Colfer's gay character Kurt Hummel, while 2011 Oscars co-host Hathaway is reportedly close to signing on to play his aunt, according to the Daily Express.
It's a dream come true for Hathaway, who recently revealed she's desperate to land a guest role on the show. Devil Wears star had even worked out the whole storyline and the song she'd love to sing.
Hathaway said, "In my head, I've cast myself in Glee and I know what song I'm going to sing! I would wanna play Kurt's long-lost aunt's mother's sister who is also gay, (who) comes back to help him deal with his sexuality, and I would sing 'You Are Not Alone' from Steven Sondheim's epic show 'Into the Woods'."
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Mickey Rourke Has Confirmed He's Tackling A New Movie Role
Mickey Rourke has confirmed he's tackling a new movie role based on the true story of a gay rugby player. The actor met up with Welsh sports ace Gareth Thomas over the summer, prompting rumors the pair was set to bring the athlete's tale to the big screen - and the gossip is true.
Rourke says, "I read the story, it's one of the toughest, hardest sports... and to be a man that plays rugby that is gay, to live with that secret for the amount of years Gareth had, to perform at the high level he performed at, it takes a lot of courage."
And "The Wrestler" star admits he's already in training to master Thomas' Welsh accent. Thomas hit headlines in 2009 when he became the first rugby union player to 'come out' as a gay man.
'Toy Story 3' Has Oscar Campaign
The Academy has not announced the nominees for 2011 Oscars yet, but "Toy Story 3" has started campaigning to win Best Picture award. In a campaign site launched by Disney, there are fifteen posters which feature a line started with "Not since...", and highlights the animation as the best reviewed film of the year.
These posters capture scenes from the animation and associate them to those from previous winners such as "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of The King", "Titanic" and "The Godfather Part II". Some of them look funny like the one which compares a destroyed Mr. Potato Head to the crime scene in "The Silence of the Lambs".
In a message posted on the site, Walt Disney Studios Chairman Rich Ross states, "Calling out these fun-loving comparisons to Best Picture winners from Oscar's past matched with specific images from the film, we feel, reminds us of the many unforgettable moments from TOY STORY 3, and what we love about it in the first place." The complete statement and other pictures in a series of "Not since..." can be seen here.
In Oscars history, only two animated films have ever been nominated in the Best Picture category. They are 1991 "Beauty and the Beast" and 2009 "Up". However, none of them won the top prize.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
'Little Fockers' Topped North American Box Office During Christmas Weekend
"Little Fockers" has topped North American Box Office during Christmas weekend. Despite some people's hesitance about this follow-up to "Meet the Fockers", the PG-13 comedy still becomes number one choice for family entertainment on this holiday with an estimated $34 million opening cume.
"These characters are well-loved by audiences," Eddie Egan, president of marketing at Universal, explains on the movie's charm. "It's a very positive result and hopefully a blueprint for success over the next few weeks when the larger moviegoing pool is available."
But it is "True Grit" which deserves the praise. Made with only $38 million budget, Ethan and Joel Coen's remake of the 1969 Western movie debuts at number two with an approximately $25.6 million, which is beyond expectation.
"We've got an out-and-out success," says Don Harris, executive vice president of distribution for Paramount which distributes "True Grit". He goes on explaining their successful strategy, "From the beginning, the plan was to make a movie that could play in 3,000 theaters and play in Texas and play in Kansas City, and places the Coen Brothers don't normally open well or open at all."
Meanwhile, another newcomer "Gulliver's Travels" does not perform as well as "Little Fockers" and "True Brit". Supported by Jack Black and Emily Blunt on the main cast ensemble, the PG comedy adventure movie only lands on number seven on its opening weekend with an estimated $7.2 million.
Back at the top five, at number three there is "Tron Legacy" which won last week. The sci-fi adds an estimated $20.1 million to its domestic gross. "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" drops one place from third to fourth with an estimated $10.8 million, followed by "Yogi Bear" which jumps down from second to fifth with an approximately $8.8 million.
Top Ten Movies at Box Office for December 24-26:
- "Little Fockers" - $34 million
- "True Grit" - $25.6 million
- "Tron Legacy" - $20.1 million
- "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" - $10.8 million
- "Yogi Bear" - $8.8 million
- "The Fighter" - $8.5 million
- "Gulliver's Travels" - $7.2 million
- "Black Swan" - $6.6 million
- "Tangled" - $6.5 million
- "The Tourist" - $5.7 million
Monday, December 27, 2010
Demi Lovato Will Cast in 'The Avengers'
Demi Lovato might be out of rehab and back at work soon. The Disney songstress is allegedly up for a role in star-studded movie "The Avengers" which will start shooting on April 1, 2011. The news was first brought to public by RadarOnline.
The publication also reported that Lovato who stayed in rehab during Thanksgiving is going to spend Christmas with her family outside the facility. "She will return to the treatment center that night," a source revealed further about the break arrangement.
Demi Lovato is well known for her roles as Mitchie Torres in the "Camp Rock" TV movies and Sonny Munroe in "Sonny with a Chance". She contributes to theme songs in the small screen projects, and went on tour with Jonas Brothers before leaving for rehab.
"The Avengers" itself is plotted to come out in the United States on May 4, 2012. The film will bring together the super hero team of Marvel Comics characters for the first time ever as they are forced to band together to battle the biggest foe they've ever faced.
The cast ensemble include Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo and Clark Gregg.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Adam Pascal Has Called for The Director of 'Spider-Man'
Broadway star Adam Pascal has called for the director of troubled musical "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" to be prosecuted after another actor was injured on-stage during a preview performance. The beleaguered show, which features a soundtrack by U2 stars Bono and The Edge, has been blighted by delays amid rigorous safety checks for the production's aerial stunts.
The musical has also been dogged by injuries - actress Natalie Mendoza suffered concussion on the first night of previews when a rope broke and hit her on the head, and Spider-Man stuntman Kevin Aubin broke both wrists during rehearsals in October. Another preview ended in disaster on Monday, December 20 when the show was cut short following a horrific accident, which saw stunt double Christopher Tierney tumble from a platform above the stage. He was hospitalized and diagnosed with several broken ribs.
Director Julie Taymor branded the accident "heartbreaking" but was "thankful" Tierney wasn't more seriously hurt, and an investigation has subsequently blamed the incident on "human error". But "Rent" star Pascal is fuming over the latest injuries, and has called for Taymor to face legal action, according to the New York Post.
In a series of posts on Facebook.com, he writes, "They should be put Julie Taymor in jail for assault! I hope (Tierney) is ok and sues the s**t out of Julie, Bono, Edge and every other a**hole who invested in that steaming pile of actor crippling s**t!"
Tony Award-winning actress Alice Ripley also took to her Twitter.com page to air her views about the show's injury problems: "Does someone have to die? Where is the line for the decision makers, I am curious. Spider-Man should be ashamed of itself. This is completely unacceptable and embarrassing to working actors everywhere."
The musical's official opening is currently scheduled for February. The show has canceled its two Wednesday performances to test a new safety plan. This cost roughly $400,000 in ticket sales. The state officials said the plan could be tested successfully by Thursday night.
Production on An Upcoming Biopic of Judy Garland
Production on an upcoming biopic of Judy Garland, starring Anne Hathaway, has been pushed back to allow the actress and movie executives extra time to deal with the "sensitive project". "The Devil Wears Prada" star last year signed on to play the "Wizard of Oz" legend in a big screen adaptation of biographer Gerald Clarke's 2001 book "Get Happy: The Life of Judy Garland".
Work on the movie has yet to begin and Hathaway reveals production may not start until late 2012 - to make sure the film correctly portrays Garland's life story. Speaking on BBC Radio Four's Front Row radio show, the actress says, "It's a very sensitive project and there have been so many stories told about her life that we're really trying to get it right."
"So we're taking our time with it. I know it seems like it's sort of an endless process but it's very, very slow incremental steps. I had a meeting about it a couple of weeks ago and we're all very motivated."
Hathaway also opened up about the struggles of playing Garland on the big screen, adding, "I certainly don't sing like Judy Garland... But I think people might cry murder if they don't get to hear Judy's beloved voice so the talk is for me to sing but I don't know if that's exactly what will happen."
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Emma Watson Re-Shot 'Deathly Hallows II'
Emma Watson has temporarily left her days at Brown University to go home to her native U.K., not only for the holidays but also for a re-shoot of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II". The actress posted a message on her Facebook page to update the filming status of the last "Harry Potter" installment.
"Hi guys, are you all ready for Christmas? Not long to go now... Exams all done and I'm back in the UK in 6 inches of snow! Currently at Leavesden filming reshoots with Dan and Rupert. Feels strange to be back! X" Watson wrote.
Re-shoot is done for an epilogue scene which would wrap up the second part. The Sun also reported that there had been a costly make-up blunder. In one scene, they suppose to look only 19 years older but the first shot had them looking quite old. Involved in this re-shoot are Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Tom Felton in addition to Watson.
The filming was actually wrapped last summer and some of the properties had been auctioned. "It was really emotional," Grint said. "We all cried. The realization that we weren't going to be doing this anymore hit me quite hard." Watson has since cut short her hair and took a role in "My Week with Marilyn".
Meanwhile, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II" will be released in theaters on July 15, 2011. The battle between the good and evil forces of the Wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
'The Deep Blue Sea's First Still
The first still from "The Deep Blue Sea" has landed online, highlighting Rachel Weisz and Tom Hiddleston's on-screen chemistry. The actress has her hand on his shoulder while the actor puts his hand on her waist, presumably while doing a dancing scene.
In the movie, the two are indeed playing a couple. Weisz is "dazzling socialite Hester Collyer" while Hiddleston is "a dashing ex-RAF pilot". But their love affair does not go smoothly as she is already married to a high court judge, portrayed by Simon Russell Beale.
Set in the '50s in Merseyside and London, "The Deep Blue Sea" will see a forbidden love that leaves Hester with an impossible choice. The story is based on a play of the same name by Terence Rattigan.
Production was kicked off in mid November and is planned to be wrapped this month. Terence Davies serves behind the lens of the drama in addition to teaming up with Terence Rattigan to write the script. No release date has been set for the drama yet.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
'Tron Legacy'Enters North American Box Office with A Blast
"Tron Legacy" enters North American Box Office with a blast. It rakes in an estimated $43.6 million on its first weekend and snatches the top spot from "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" which could only secure the champ title for a week. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the movie owes it to nation's movie critics who recommended it.
The movie, which lures fans of 1982 "Tron", has 55% of the audience consisting of couples. "All the fans of the first movie are bringing a girlfriend or wife to share the experience with. But the blend of the audience will get younger," Disney worldwide president of marketing Chuck Viane says.
"Yogi Bear", which also made its debut late last week, opens to an estimated $16.7 million, which is below the expected $20 million cume. Still, the family animation could hope for strong midweek traffic as the Christmas session gets into full swing.
Meanwhile, there is little hope for "How Do You Know" to gain advantage from the holiday season. The romantic comedy which stars Reese Witherspoon and Owen Wilson debuts on number eight with an approximately $7.6 million.
The third position of the chart now belongs to "The Chronicles of Narnia 3" with an estimated $12.4 million. "The Fighter" jumps from the nineteenth to the fourth with an additional $12.2 million after it opened wider in U.S. theaters. "The Tourist" drops from the second to the fifth with an estimated $8.7 million.
Top Ten Movies at Box Office for December 17-19:
- "Tron Legacy" - $43.6 million
- "Yogi Bear" - $16.7 million
- "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" - $12.4 million
- "The Fighter" - $12.2 million
- "The Tourist" - $8.7 million
- "Tangled" - $8.6 million
- "Black Swan" - $8.3 million
- "How Do You Know" - $7.6 million
- "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I" - $4.8 million
- "Unstoppable" - $1.8 million
The First Image from 'Ice Age: Continental Drift' Has Landed Online
The first image from "Ice Age: Continental Drift" has landed online while the movie itself will only come in one and a half year. Obtained by Blogmatic3000, the photo gives a look at Scrat the sabretooth squirrel standing on a sea ice and eying a nut across him.
Scrat will still be voiced by Chris Wedge. Other original voice cast such as Ray Romano, Queen Latifah, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Seann William Scott and Josh Peck will also return to voice Manny, Ellie, Sid, Diego, Crash and Eddie respectively.
Plot details of the fourth "Ice Age" film have not been provided yet. Made in 3-D, "Ice Age: Continental Drift" is lined up by 20th Century Fox for July 13, 2012 release in the U.S.