Thursday, June 30, 2011
Amber Rose isn?t taking any chances with current flame Wiz Khalifa after losing Kanye West last year
Spies at the Mirage’s club Jet said that Rose — sporting a form-fitting, orange leopard-print jumpsuit — got tetchy when female fans paid the “Black and Yellow” rapper attention at a party after his concert. “She was hanging right over Wiz’s shoulder to deter other women,” a source said. When he played a set, Rose [...]
Hulk Hogan insists he ?never laid a hand? on his ex-wife
The wrestling legend’s former spouse Linda Hogan – who he divorced in 2008 after 25 years of marriage – has claimed in her new autobiography, ‘Wrestling the Hulk: My Life Against the Ropes’, that he had a violent temper that would manifest itself physically when they argued. But the 57-year-old TNA grappler has branded Linda’s [...]
Britney Spears' 'I Wanna Go' Director Breaks Down Cheeky Clip
Chris Marrs Piliero explains the video's 'Half Baked' and 'Terminator' homages, but what about those elusive seashells?
By Kara Warner
Britney Spears in her "I Wanna Go" music video
Photo: Jive
Britney Spears' video for "I Wanna Go" — a dream-sequence-y, pop-culture-reference-packed tongue-in-cheek attack on the paparazzi — is so fun, it's quickly becoming one of our favorites. And because we can't get enough of it, MTV News sought out the vid's creative mastermind, director Chris Marrs Piliero (who also directed Ke$ha's "Blow"), to explain it to us, frame by frame.
"This opening scene poked fun at the ridiculous rumors that surround Britney," Piliero said of the clip's opening press conference, during which Britney tells off a room of reporters. "That is our homage to 'Half Baked.' I was really stoked that we were able to include that little parody homage in the video and that Guillermo Diaz, who is the guy [in the scene] giving the thumbs up, is from the movie."
After strutting out of the press conference and squeezing the butt of an autograph-seeking fan (played by one of her dancers), Spears strolls down the street, passing by a baby in a stroller who whistles at her.
"We were actually going to have three babies," Piliero revealed. "But the other two were just crying and crying. and I was like, 'F--- it, get 'em outta there.' And the one baby, he ruled and was supercute, so we went with him."
Spears' next saucy move is to flash a bunch of guys on the street: a young boy, his dad, a male driver getting a ticket and the cop writing it.
"That little kid was awesome," Piliero said of the young redheaded boy. "If you look closely, he's actually squeezing his juice box all over this shirt. The cop is another one of Britney's dancers. You might recognize him from the 'Hold It Against Me' video, he had blue hair."
Next up, Spears encounters a paparazzo on the street and grabs his camera and throws it to the ground.
"That was a very genuine performance from Britney," Piliero said of the scene. "I felt like she was letting out her inner emotion toward paparazzi. It was also really cold. I think she just went for it."
Cut to Spears on top of a taxi, microphone in hand with a long cord, which she uses to take out the various photographers who have surrounded her.
"A lot of people think this was inspired by 'Kill Bill,' because I'm a huge Quentin Tarantino fan. I would totally own up to that if it was true," he admitted. "But I actually intended for her to always having her performance with the microphone [throughout the video] for her performance setup, so I thought that was a good way to tie it all together and I didn't want to give her a real weapon."
But Piliero was making an intentional pop-culture reference with the wording on the movie theater marquee in the background of the scene that reads "Crossroads 2: Cross Harder." "I've always thought that 'Die Hard 2: Die Harder' is one of the most ridiculously awesome titles for a sequel," he said. "And I needed to put something in the marquee, and I thought it would be a really fun Easter egg for fans."
Now something odd happens with the paparazzi who've been hit by Spears' microphone weapon — they are revealed to be robots or androids. "I love pop culture and this whole video is kind of a dream sequence," Piliero said. "I think it's natural to have fantasies and dreams with stuff inspired by pop culture, so that's why the robot guys kind of have a 'Terminator'-ish feel."
Before the "Terminator" 'bots can move in on Spears, Diaz drives up in a sports car and whisks her away, where he celebrates by pouring a carton of milk all over himself.
"Guillermo kills it in the scene with the milk, he's hilarious," Piliero enthused. "And I love Britney's reaction there; both her reactions where she's laughing are so good. A lot of people ask about the milk and what the deal with it is, a lot of people have theories too. I don't need to say what the point is, because I love hearing what people say, so I'll leave it at that. Same goes with the seashells too."
Cut to the final scene, where we realize that it was all a dream. Spears is at the press conference, shaken out of a daze when Guillermo steps in and tells the reporters, "No more questions," then hands Spears a handful of those seashells that Piliero won't explain. He looks back at the camera at the last moment and we see his eyes are robot red, an obvious nod to Michael Jackson's zombie-green eyes in the last shot of "Thriller."
" 'Thriller' is one of my favorite music videos ever," Piliero said. "I remember watching it when I was 5, that was what inspired me to become a music video director so I wanted to pay homage to it."
What do you think the milk and the seashells signify in "I Wanna Go"? Share your theories in the comments below.
Related Videos Related Photos Related ArtistsWhat's Your Number? Website
The website for WHAT'S YOUR NUMBER? is finally up!
http://www.whatsyournumbermovie.com/
And the official Facebook page!
http://www.facebook.com/whatsyournumbermovie
And the official YouTube channel!
http://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialNumberMovie
Also, here's the trailer!
'Harry Potter' World Cup: Muggles Target Robert Pattinson
Keep voting over on the MTV Movies Blog to determine the best 'Potter' character of all time.
By Eric Ditzian
Robert Pattinson as Cedric Diggory in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"
Photo: Warner Bros.
The second round of MTV News' "Harry Potter" World Cup — the fan-voted tournament to pick the greatest character in the fantasy franchise — is already under way, but we'd like to pause for a minute to say how damn impressed we are. We offered up this momentous task to you, and you came through in a big way over the first round, voting more than 1.2 million times to make sure your favorite wizards and witches, heroes and villains, owls, elves and werewolves made it through to the next round.
Magical stuff! And it's only just beginning. Round two is shaping up to deliver us some blowouts, some neck-and-neck competitions and one upset that could have fans of another supernatural series up in arms.
On that last point, we're talking about Mr. Robert Pattinson. Before RPattz got mixed up in the "Twilight" madness, he took on the role of Cedric Diggory, a wizard who was only featured in "Goblet of Fire" but whose death changed the course of Hogwarts history and earned the character a #3 seed in our tournament. Cedric coasted through the first round and seemed to have a path cleared for him in future rounds by "Twilight" fans, who knocked Luna Lovegood out in a shocking round-one defeat.
Yet "Potter" fans seem to be fighting back in round two. Cedric now finds himself in a fierce battle with Narcissa Malfoy, the Dark Lord ally who squeaked by Lovegood in round one and could make it two upsets in a row. As of this writing, Narcissa leads the voting 53 percent to Cedric's 47 percent. All this makes for one of round two's most exciting matchups.
And a lot can happen before voting ends July 1 at 12:01 p.m. ET. Will the throw-down between brother/sister tandem George and Ginny Weasley, for example, go down to the wire? Right now, they're locked in a virtual tie. And can Professor Minerva McGonagall, the head honcho of Gryffindor, maintain a razor-thin margin of victory over timid-yet-ultimately heroic Neville Longbottom? Don't count that dude out yet.
Other matches seem already decided. Ron Weasley holds a commanding lead over Quidditch top dog Oliver Wood. Ron's gal pal Hermione and best friend Harry Potter, meanwhile, have each also raced out to nearly impossible-to-overcome leads. Big shock there, right? The big three are going to coast safely into the Sweet 16.
There they'll no doubt greet Severus Snape, the is-he-really-bad-or-maybe-kinda-good wizard who is deservedly a fan favorite. He's far ahead in his face-off with itty-bitty Professor Flitwick. We'll go ahead now and call it: Snape for the win! And let's cross our fingers that Dobby the House Elf, he of the adorable voice and self-sacrificing worldview, maintains his hefty lead over Kingsley Shacklebolt, who honestly is on borrowed time after a round-one upset of Mad-Eye Moody.
So that's where we stand about halfway through the second round. Don't let your personal fave pull a Mad-Eye Moody. Make sure he, she or it gets your support. With millions of votes coming through, it's up to you to vote and vote and vote. And then vote some more before we anoint the greatest character of all time in MTV News' Harry Potter World Cup.
Who is the best "Harry Potter" character of all time? The "Harry Potter" World Cup will find out! Voting is going on now over on the MTV Movies Blog, and you can also get the debate going on Twitter with the hashtag #mtvpottercup.
Related Videos Related PhotosWednesday, June 29, 2011
Watch: Author Neil Gaiman Does ?The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson?
Earlier this month we learned that Tom Hanks has teamed up with HBO to produce a 6-season TV series based on the amazing Neil Gaiman novel American Gods and last night, to promote the 10th anniversary of the American Gods novel, Gaiman was a guest on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Click below [...]
Gina Philips Gisele Bündchen Giuliana DePandi Giulianna Ramirez
Lindsay Lohan Off House Arrest, For Now!
Watch out world Lindsay Lohan is officially off house arrest, for now anyway. Her ankle monitor was taken off earlier today leaving her free to roam wild. After 35 days of house arrest, which did involve a little partying on Lohan?s part, she is free to be back out into the world like a normal person. The oh so troubled starlet isn?t completely done with her sentence though she must still serve 480 hours of community service, as well as attend a shoplifters alternative class and undergo some psychological counseling. I tell you what that girl needs some serious counseling or therapy or something because she is one hot mess. So here is the million dollar question now that she has been let loose in a free society, if you will, what the heck with Lilo do next? Well some media outlets are saying she is heading to the Hamptons for the upcoming holiday weekend. Beyond that your guess is as good as mine. If she was smart she would stop partying and try to rebuild her very dead career. However we all know she isn?t really that smart of a girl. I would like to give her the benefit [...]
So a Lady and Her Monkey Walk Into a Petsmart...
I went to Petsmart yesterday to get some things for little Mary Margaret, and while I was pulling into the parking lot, I passed a lady getting out of her car with a monkey on her shoulders.
Of course I came to a screeching halt because there was a lady getting our of her car WITH A MONKEY ON HER SHOULDERS, and that's just something you don't see every day.
I proceeded to take a photo...
...but then thought it would be better to capture the craziness on video, so here it is:
Lady and Her Monkey Go to Petsmart from Karyn Bosnak on Vimeo.
When I told Mark about the lady and her monkey and showed him my movie, he said, "You really are crazy." I was like, "I'm crazy? THE MONKEY WAS WEARING A DIAPER AND PEARLS."
I mean, for real, let's put this into perspective.
Anywho, here's another photo of the lady and her monkey at the checkout counter:
I realize I now have one cat and two dogs, but at least I don't walk around with a monkey on my shoulders. (Yet.)
Newsweek Cover Shows What Princess Diana Would Look Like Today
The latest Newsweek cover contains a ghostly sight: a computer-generated image of a stylish Princess Diana, as she might look now, walking with Kate Middleton. The article inside was written by Diana biographer and longtime provocateur Tina Brown. She’s also Newsweek’s editor-in-chief, having taken over after her online publication, the Daily Beast, merged late last [...]
Beyonce Talks Career, Motherhood With Piers Morgan
'I always said I'd have a baby at 30,' singer says in new interview.
By Jocelyn Vena
Beyoncé on "Piers Morgan Tonight"
Photo: CNN
It's B Day. Today is the day that Beyoncé finally drops her new album, 4. And on Monday night, with less than a day until her album's release, the singer sat down with CNN's Piers Morgan to open up about this latest installment in her life.
The pair kicked off the conversation by talking about Beyoncé's Glastonbury Festival set just a day before. "Well, you know, I'm still walking on the clouds, I'm still kind of shocked. I think it's because I've seen Glastonbury ... and only amazing rock stars perform and it's the coolest festival," she gushed. "[To] be the first woman and first African-American woman ... It's a little strange when you think about it, but I'm just happy I was the first woman. Everybody was just united."
She said she was a bit nervous when she took the stage but explained that she found strength by embracing her diva status. "I do [like being a diva]! Because I've met what a diva is supposed to be, and I've met Patti LaBelle and I've met Tina Turner and I've met these incredible woman.
"[They're] graceful and talented and strong and fearless and brave and someone with humility," she continued. "And I think it's an appropriate time to be a diva."
Before Beyoncé began work on 4, she took some time off for some self-exploration. She admitted that her life had been such a whirlwind that she didn't even realize what it meant to have so many Grammys on her mantle. "I learned a lot about myself, the biggest thing is, I love to perform," she said. "I love music. I love what I do. I love singing in the studio and writing songs and coming up with video treatments. I learned balance. I learned the importance of taking time for myself."
This year Beyoncé turns 30 and she said that she's had some lofty personal goals for herself. She also addressed those ever-recurring rumors that she's pregnant. "I feel like a woman. I feel like I'm very aware of who I am. I feel great and I feel like 30 is the ideal age [to start a family], because you're mature enough to know who you are and to have your boundaries and your standards, and not be afraid, too polite — but you're young enough to be a young woman," she explained. "I'm so looking forward to it."
The singer added, "I always said I'd have a baby at 30. But I also said I'm going to retire at 30 ... Only God knows." Regardless of when she and husband Jay-Z decide to start a family, they are each other's support system, and that love is evident in her music. "Jay and I have kind of made a decision that we want to be known for our music and not our relationships or scandals. But he is amazing," she said. "I definitely had a very natural friendship and connection with him. We've been together for a very long time and I'm very happy. Love is the foundation of everything, everything I do. My music is inspired by love — from my family, my husband, my sister."
Related Photos Related ArtistsTuesday, June 28, 2011
America Ferrera Weds Ryan Piers Williams (Photos)
America Ferrera Weds Ryan Piers Williams (Photos)
Former “Ugly Betty” actress America Ferrera has married director Ryan Piers Williams. The actress and her long-time boyfriend tied the knot Monday night in a [...]
America Ferrera Weds Ryan Piers Williams (Photos) Stupid Celebrities Gossip Stupid Celebrities Gossip News
Beyonc� Headlines The Glastonbury Festival 2011
For the first time in its 20 year history, a female performer headlined The Glastonbury Festival this year … and that woman was Beyonc�. Closing out the final night of the 3 day music festival, Beyonc� performed a set of her hit songs, a few select cover songs and a couple of her new songs [...]
Cee Lo Green is homeless
The ‘Forget You’ hitmaker – who was born in Atlanta, Georgia – has no permanent base at the moment because of his busy working schedule so currently lives out of a designer Louis Vuitton suitcase, although he would love to put down roots in Switzerland in the future. When asked where he would most like [...]
'Brave' Trailer Shows Pixar's New Princess In Action
Pixar took a brave step in diving into Disney's princess territory, and now we're getting our first peek at whether the attempt has paid off.
It's a pretty tiny peek -- only a minute, to be exact -- but the teaser trailer for "Brave" that ran before "Cars 2" this weekend certainly looks like it has [...]
It's a pretty tiny peek -- only a minute, to be exact -- but the teaser trailer for "Brave" that ran before "Cars 2" this weekend certainly looks like it has [...]
Johnny Depp Rocks Out with Alice Cooper: Video
Johnny Depp may be one of the most beloved movie stars of our day, but he hasn't forgotten his childhood dreams of rock 'n' roll stardom (he even started his record label last year). Depp joined hard-rocking music legend Alice Cooper, on stage during a small show at London's intimate 100 Club. Watch Depp rock out on the guitar below!
Earlier on Sunday, Cooper had Tweeted that there would be a "Special Guest" at that night's show, which was promoting the release of his new album Welcome 2 My Nightmare. The 63-year-old musician teased his followers: "You'll never guess don't even bother..."
Fans came with cellphone cameras at the ready. And when Depp, 48, took the stage after being introduced by Cooper as "the blues master, Mr Johnny D. from Kentucky," it appeared that every single person in the audience was filming the moment.
Depp, wearing a cap, sunglasses and a sleeveless vest to display his various tattoos, looked every bit the rock star as he accompanied the wild-haired, mascara-wearing Cooper on such classics as "I'm Eighteen" and "School's Out." And the small audience surely seemed to approve. Former X Factor contestant Katie Waissel was there, tweeting, "Oh my god johnny depp just got on stage with Alice cooper wtf omg I love this right now I'm speechless!!!!!"
Depp, former owner of the famous Los Angeles nightclub the Viper Room, has performed with numerous bands in his day, and Cooper jokingly offered Depp a place in the band after the performance. "I think we could use another guitar player," he said. "If this whole movie thing doesn't work out, call us."
The "movie thing" is going pretty well for Depp, however. His latest film Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Depp just became one of the top 10 highest grossing films of all time at the international box office (the fourth Depp movie to make that list), and he's currently in London working with frequent collaborator Tim Burton on Dark Shadows -- a film in which Mr. Cooper is rumored to have a cameo.
So it looks like Cooper and Depp's collaboration will continue!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Taylor Swift Covers Teen Vogue August 2011
She's one of the most sought after faces in show business, and Taylor Swift was nabbed to cover the August 2011 issue of Teen Vogue.
Posing for a colorful pictorial spread, the country singing cutie chatted with teh magazine about a range of topics including performing, her friends, and favorite songs
Highlights from Miss Swift's interview with Teen Vogue's August 2011 issue are as follows:
On which character she'd choose to have dinner with: "Detective Olivia Benson from Law & Order S.V.U. I sit in my apartment and watch hours of that show. So I sort of feel like me and Olivia are BFFs."
On the top three songs inspiring her now: "'She's So High' by Tal Bachman (the sweetest song !!), 'You Learn' by Alanis Morissette, 'Shot in the Dark' by Augustana."
On getting nervous prior to performing: ?I do [get nervous]. But only if I?m not sure what the audience thinks of me, like at award shows. I never look down at the front row! My heroes watching = nerves!?
On her closest friends: ?My friends all have different jobs ? some I get to see at award shows, some I see when they?re home from college, some are in my band! I?m so lucky to have so many people I love and trust.?
On the one frock which she fancies the most: ?I get to wear it every night on tour at the end of the show when I?m singing ?Love Story.? It?s long and sparkly (big surprise, right?) and a total princess dress.?
On what she'd be if she weren't a singer/songwriter: "I'd be doing something creative and idea-related?like coming up with ad campaigns or writing novels. Or I'd work with kids!"
Charlie Sheen Dumped by Goddess Natalie Kenly
Apparently even goddesses have their limits, and raging warlocks have romantic problems. According to TMZ, Charlie Sheen suddenly found himself the most eligible Vatican warlock assassin on Earth when his last remaining live-in "goddess," Natalie Kenly, moved out of his "Sober Valley Ranch" bachelor pad late last week.
Kenly, 24, accompanied Sheen, 45, on his Torpedo of Truth live tour, and had been dating him for about six months. She also helped care for Sheen's 2-year-old twin sons, Bob and Max. Sheen didn't appear too fazed by this latest development -- although he did admit, speaking of himself in the third person, that breakups are "not a common thing for the Masheen."
Cavalier though the "Masheen" may seem, he did demand that Kenly return the Mercedes he bought her.
Sources tell TMZ that Sheen celebrated Kenly's departure by taking home three women from three different countries -- Mexico, Australia and Colombia -- just hours after Kenly slammed the door. Perhaps he's looking for a new harem of goddesses now that the old crew has abandoned him.
Though Sheen says it's "not a common thing" for a woman to leave him, his recent history tells a different story. In April, another goddess, adult film actress Bree Olsen, tried to break up with Sheen -- but briefly reprised her goddess role before breaking up with him for good via text message. Sheen also has a couple of recent ex-wives in Denise Richards and Brooke Mueller.
One can't imagine that Sheen, a man who is full of "tiger blood," will be single for long. After all, it's ever so convenient to have a goddess on hand who can double as a live-in babysitter.
Ne-Yo admits he has cheated on his girlfriends
The 31-year-old singer – who has eight-month-old daughter Madilyn Grace with on/off girlfriend Monyetta Shaw – knows he hasn’t always behaved in the right way and is sometimes upset by his conduct, but doesn’t think men who cheat are necessarily bad people. He said: “Talking about men cheating, I have to say, each to their [...]
'Cars 2' Movie Preview, 'Bad Teacher' Movie Preview
Which movies are fun for the whole family and which ones are treats just for you? Find out!
In theaters now:
Cars 2
Short Story:
Get ready to put the pedal to the metal! Pixar is back with Cars 2, a sequel to the 2006 animated hit. This time around, champion racecar Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and redneck tow truck Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) venture overseas for the first World Grand Prix. But things take a wrong -- and funny -- turn when clueless Mater accidentally gets tangled in a dangerous web of international espionage.
What They're Saying:
"This is Mater's movie. It's a Materthon. I would call it Materific if he didn't leave me longing for WALLE's robot to crush him into a silent cube." -- TIME Magazine
"The Cars characters will never be in danger of melting my heart, but the spy antics in this film are enough of a rip-roaring distraction to carry me through the almost two-hour running time." -- IGN Movies
Good for the Kids?
This may be the first Pixar film to recieve not-so-steller reviews, but you'll probably still want to race over to your nearest theater! With familiar characters and amazing animation, young kids will love the action and adventure.
Bad Teacher
Short Story:
Don't expect to get an education from Elizabeth (Cameron Diaz), a wildly inappropriate, foul-mouthed, gold-digging middle school teacher. When she unexpectedly gets dumped by her fiancé, she sets her sights on a rich substitute teacher (Justin Timberlake), while fighting off the affections of a sarcastic gym teacher (Jason Segel).
What They're Saying:
"Bad Teacher is a pulled punch, a pot-smoking/kid cussing/teacher copulating farce that is less than the sum of its parts." -- Orlando Sentinel
"A refreshingly raucous comedy that comes surprisingly close to completely living up to its lack of conviction..." -- MSN Movies
Good for the Kids?
It's probably better to leave the kids at home for this raunchy comedy. Rated R for drug use, nudity and language, this flick is good for adults needing a few laughs!
Conan O'Brien Can't Stop
Short Story:
After being very publicly ousted from NBC's Tonight Show, Conan O'Brien hits the road for a 32-city music and comedy tour. Appropriately titled the Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television Tour, this documentary follows Conan's journey when he is contractually banned from appearing on television, radio and the Internet for six months after his last show.
What They're Saying:
"It's an equally insightful and excruciating journey, with our quip-ready protagonist perpetually caught between two modes: eager-to-please caffeinated and near-breakdown frustrated." -- Time Out New York
"The biggest laughs and most intriguing revelations are provided offstage in this slickly produced documentary." -- Variety
Good For the Kids?
Rated R for language, this documentary is perfect for both adults and fans of Conan, but probably not kids. The movie gives a revealing backstage look at Conan's vulnerabilities and frustration after he's forced to leave the Tonight Show. Don't fear, the comedian's humor shines though as he demonstrates his mastery in the art of improvisation.
In Case You Missed:
Green Lantern
Short Story:
Ryan Reynolds plays cocky test pilot Hal Jordan, whose life is turned upside down when a dying alien bequeaths a mystical green ring unto him. The ring gives Hal otherworldly powers, which is always nice, but also makes him part of a super-powered squadron of intergalactic peace keepers known as the Green Lantern Corps -- something he's less psyched about. But when an fierce enemy theatens the fate of Earth, Hal must put his misgivings aside to save mankind and -- of course -- win the girl (Blake Lively).
What They're Saying:
"Even in the brainless world of cinematic comic books gone bad, it's as bad as it gets -- a dumb, pointless, ugly, moronic and incomprehensible jumble of botched effects, technical blunders, and cluttered chaos." -- New York Observer
"Serves up all the requisite elements with enough self-deprecating humor to suggest it doesn't take itself too seriously." -- Hollywood Reporter
Good for the Kids?
Though reviews have been mediocre at best, this PG-13-rated flick is a good one for teens, as well as sci-fi and comic book junkies.
Mr. Popper's Penguins
Short Story:
Based on the best-selling children's book, this family comedy stars Jim Carrey as Mr. Popper, a workaholic businessman who surprisingly inherits six penguins from his explorer father. Forced to convert his luxury New York apartment into a winter wonderland to care for the penguins, Popper's professional life begins to sink -- just as his family life begins to swim.
What They're Saying:
"Although the mix of real gentoo penguins and CGI tricksters will keep youngsters entertained, we spend a lot of time waiting for the movie to shake a tail feather." -- Toronto Star
"With, say, Eddie Murphy as the star, Mr. Popper's Penguins might have been a glorified paycheck contrivance. But Carrey is so naturally stylized that he coaxes the film's gentle, creature-feature insanity to life." -- Entertainment Weekly
Good for the Kids?
With manic, putty-faced Jim Carrey taking center stage, this is comedy magic for young kids. Although the movie has received mixed reviews, most of the critics agree on one fact: Carrey's ridiculous facial expressions -- and the adorable penguins -- will you keep kids laughing the whole way through!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Michael Jackson's Legacy, Two Years Later, By the Numbers
Legendary singer's impact continues to blossom in the two years since his death; MTV News breaks down the figures.
By Gil Kaufman
Michael Jackson
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
Like Elvis, Bob Marley, Notorious B.I.G. and Frank Sinatra before him, Michael Jackson's influence has continued, and grown, since his untimely death on June 25, 2009.
On the second anniversary of the King of Pop's passing, MTV News took a look at the enduring appeal of MJ's music, videos and imagery, which continue to fascinate and attract fans across the globe thanks to a series of posthumous albums, a movie, video games and two upcoming Cirque du Soleil live shows.
Where Were You Two Years Ago When You Heard the News? Tell Us on Facebook
$72 million: According to Box Office Mojo, Jackson's posthumous concert film, "This Is It," has grossed more than $72 million to date domestically and $189 million in foreign markets for a worldwide take over more than $261 million. It ranks as the #2 music documentary of all-time behind Justin Bieber's "Never Say Never." The film has also generated nearly $45 million in DVD sales in the U.S.
16: In May, Jackson lodged his first #1 on the Billboard magazine Dance/ Club Play Songs chart in 16 years with the latest single from his posthumous Michael album, "Hollywood Tonight."
2: Number of posthumous albums that have been released since Michael's death in June 2009. Last year's Michael has sold just over 510,000 copies to date, while the This Is It collection has moved nearly 1 million copies to date in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.
15,000: The number of videos submitted by fans since March for the crowdsourced video for "Behind the Mask." After they were edited down by a five-person team over two months, the resulting clip used submissions from more than 1,600 participants from 103 countries.
3 million: The amount of copies sold of the Ubisoft "Michael Jackson: The Experience" video game worldwide.
$57 million: The reported cost of Cirque du Soleil's traveling MJ show, "The Immortal World Tour, which is slated to kick off on October 2.
$1 billion: That gaudy figure is the reported amount the Jackson estate had generated by last June on the first anniversary of the singer's death. According to Billboard, the revenue was generated by a combination of music sales ($429 million), film/TV revenue ($392 million), music publishing ($130 million), licensing ($35 million) and a $31 million recording contract. (A spokesperson for Jackson's estate declined to provide updated figures for this story.)
$310 million: The amount of gross earnings reported by the executors of the estate in a December 2010 court filing detailing the progress made in paying off the $400 million in debt run up by the spendthrift singer during his lifetime.
16.1 million: MJ was always a big singles artist. Yes, Thriller is one of the best-selling albums of all time, but even in death, fans can't resist cherry-picking some of Michael's best songs. That explains why he's sold more than 16 million digital tracks since June 28, 2009, the first sales week following his passing, according to Nielsen SoundScan. To put that in perspective, from the time Nielsen began counting digital tracks in 2004 until the week before Jackson's death, the singer had sold just over 8.1 million digital tracks, a figure that has doubled in just the past two years.
2013: The projected launch for a second, non-touring Cirque show celebrating Jackson. The yet-untitled show is slated to open in the spring of 2013 at a new theater being built at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
$25 million to $50 million: That's how much Jackson's estate takes in on an annual basis thanks to his stake in the half-million-song Sony/ATV catalog, which includes titles by Elvis, Lady Gaga, Eminem, Beyoncé and Bob Dylan.
Share your memories of Michael Jackson in the comments.
Related Photos Related ArtistsThe Avatars of Second Life The Pussycat Dolls Thora Birch Tila Tequila
'SYTYCD' Recap: Season 8, Episode 9
Previously: Nigel played fast and loose with the rules and eliminated no one last week, bumping this week's odds of elimination from 1 in 9 to 1 in 5. Pity those poor fools who had to dance out of their genre last night.
The opening group dance involves a lot of contrasting iconography. Everybody's dressed in suits above the waist, madras shorts below the waist, and bowler hats on top. Lots of slow-motion running combined with intricate hand movements and synchronization. Tough call as to who choreographed this.
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- Lindsay Lohan and Calum Best sex tape scandal
Lindsay Lohan has done it again! There is now a picture of her giving oral sex to Calum Best. Be sure to take a look at the picture. The image is safe to view but we do have the link to the image that is NSFW.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Thought She Bombed 'Transformers' Audition
'Dark of the Moon' director Michael Bay called and said, 'You're the girl,' the first-time actress tells MTV News.
By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"
Photo: Paramount Pictures
One of the many intriguing stories to emerge from the production and release of "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" is the casting of new leading lady and first-time actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. In addition to making headlines for replacing Megan Fox as the new "Transformers" "It" girl, the fact that Whiteley comes to Hollywood from the equally glamorous world of modeling has only added to her appeal.
The Victoria's Secret model's acting abilities have already been touted and praised by her co-stars, Shia LaBeouf and Tyrese Gibson, but when MTV News caught up with the newbie, we asked her about the intensity of the audition process.
"I went to the audition and really I knew nothing about the role," Whiteley said. "No one had said anything; it was just a role in 'Transformers,' so I kind of thought it would be an extra part or a cameo or something. I went in a bit blind and also, it was my first-ever audition. I went in completely not knowing what I was doing. I left feeling not confident."
Whiteley didn't have long to wallow in her uncertainty, because a couple days after that audition, director Michael Bay phoned her directly. "He was like, 'Yeah, you're the girl,' " she recalled.
Before landing the big-screen role, Whiteley had dabbled in some amateur acting via school plays and a short film for lingerie company Agent Provocateur, but "Dark of the Moon" was definitely her first real gig.
So has she been bitten by the acting bug?
"Yeah, I've been so lucky because doing this film, I got to try a little bit of everything," she said. "There's something for everyone in it: There's the romance, the comedy, the drama, the action, there's the special effects."
But as to whether we'll see her back on the big screen soon, Whiteley wasn't so sure. "I'm really hoping to do another movie," she said. "I'm working toward that, although I very much hope to stay in the fashion industry; it's my first love. We'll see what happens. I've got no idea."
Check out everything we've got on "Transformers: Dark of the Moon."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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Penn Badgley Lands Jeff Buckley Biopic Role
'I'm going to give all I can to this project,' 'Gossip Girl' star says about role in 'Greetings From Tim Buckley.'
By Jocelyn Vena
Penn Badgley
Photo: Eugene Gologursky/ Getty Images
The rumors are true. Penn Badgley has won the role of Jeff Buckley in a biopic about the singer's life.
The "Gossip Girl" star will play the beloved singer/songwriter in "Greetings From Tim Buckley," which is set to begin filming in New York City later this summer. The film will tell the story of the young singer as he prepares to play at Brooklyn's St. Ann's Church in 1991 during a tribute concert to his father, fellow musician Tim Buckley.
"To play a man who was singularly gifted as an artist, greatly misunderstood and mythologized as a human being ... It's something very special and sacred," Badgley said in a statement about nabbing the part. "I'm going to give all I can to this project."
Though it was originally thought that Badgley was competing with Robert Pattinson for the role, according to The Los Angeles Times, Pattinson was in the running for a completely different biopic about the singer, who drowned at the age of 30 in 1997. While the search for that movie's Buckley is still under way, the makers of "Greetings From Tim Buckley" are sure about their choice.
"We had been searching well over a year for an actor that can come close to Jeff's spirit while also having the serious musical chops required to authentically tell this story," Patrick Milling Smith of Smuggler Films, the production company behind the film, said. "Penn's audition blew us away and we knew we found our star."
The film will be directed by Dan Algrant ("People I Know," "Naked in New York"). Smith added that the film's story will show another side of the singer's life. "In its purest form, this is a father and son story, a rite of passage that is made possible by a romantic journey Jeff finds himself on," he explained. "We see Jeff accepting who he is to become and laying to rest the ghost of his father while ultimately finding his voice."
A California native, Jeff Buckley rose to fame in the '90s in New York City and recorded only one studio album, Grace, before his untimely death. During his lifetime, his moody, romantic tracks paired with his signature voice established him as on the of the go-to singer/songwriters of his generation. His trademark songs include "Last Goodbye" and a cover of the Leonard Cohan classic, "Hallelujah."
Related ArtistsSaturday, June 25, 2011
New Yorkers Celebrate 'Groundbreaking' Gay Marriage Passage
'This couldn't have come at a better time,' says Gay Pride Week participant outside the Stonewall Inn.
By Vaughn Trudeau Schoonmaker
Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
NEW YORK — With the historic passing of the same marriage equality bill in New York State on Friday night, the streets of the city have since been flooded with excited members of the LGBT community and other supporters on what just happens to be Gay Pride Week.
Crowds of people have continued to drop by the Stonewall Inn, the famous site that has come to be known as the birthplace of the world's gay rights movement following the infamous "Stonewall riots" that followed a police raid on the bar in 1969.
Erin Healy of Albany, New York, recalled the groundbreaking moment. "I was with my friends last night and everyone was like, 'The bill's going to get passed!' So we were like, 'Turn on the news!' and then all of a sudden it was like, '29 to 33, it's passed!' "
"I just think this is such a groundbreaking moment in gay history," expressed 21-year-old Brianna McDonald. "This vote was so important to the young crowd because it actually gives us something to look forward to, to get married if we want to."
"We are in the gayest part of town!" laughed Tony Benninelli of Queens, who was out with his friends in the West Village celebrating Gay Pride. "This couldn't have come at a better time."
Jesse Kissel was especially keen on noting the part that both the Stonewall Inn and New York City played when it came to this epic moment. "This is where it all started," he smiled. "This was where the revolution began, where people started realizing that we need rights and privileges."
The passing of the act gave Miami resident Jorge Orobitg a new hope for his own state. "New York is a big state," he said, "so that means we're heading in the right direction."
(Read how California residents reacted to the news.)
"Hopefully, this will sprout a nationwide thing," Erin Healy said. "It's just something ridiculous to me that it's taken even this long to happen."
Share your reactions to New York's same-sex marriage bill on Facebook.
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'Bad Teacher': The Reviews Are In!
Critics grade Cameron Diaz's irreverent flick as it enters a mixed bag of summer comedies.
By Eric Ditzian
Cameron Diaz in "Bad Teacher"
Photo: Gemma LaMana
As "Bad Teacher" opens this weekend, it joins a mixed bag of summer comedies. While we're still giggling over certain "Bridesmaids" moments and can't wait to take in a second viewing on DVD, "The Hangover Part II" left us reaching for a copy of the original film to remind us why we were so taken with that boozy cinematic bunch. But hey, the second "Hangover" has grossed almost $500 million worldwide, so what the heck do we know?
The Cameron Diaz-starring laugher, according to the critics, falls closer to the letdown that was the second "Hangover" than the revelatory "Bridesmaids." Reviewers have criticized the film for plot holes galore and poor character development, even as most have admitted it delivers a hefty helping of laughs. Read on for a deeper dive into the critics' take on "Bad Teacher."
The Story
"Director Jake Kasdan coaxes some laughs out of the film, but only Jason Segel, as a cynical gym teacher, seems like a real person instead of a caricature. Everyone else seems like they're trying just a touch too hard. Elizabeth Halsey (Diaz) gets dumped by the rich guy she was going to marry for money, forcing her to come back for another year of teaching junior-high English. But she is not without goals; her immediate one is to figure out how to get enough money to pay for breast implants, which she thinks will help her more easily land a replacement sugar daddy. The operation is tough to afford on a teacher's salary, of course. But one day handsome Scott Delacorte (Timberlake), the heir to a watch-making fortune, shows up as a substitute teacher, giving Elizabeth a suitable target." — Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic
The Performances
"The movie, of course, belongs to Diaz. She's always projected a sort of girlfriend-gone-wild sass that suggested she's a hell of a lot of fun after a couple of mango margaritas; 'Bad Teacher' is one of the few films that's allowed her to show that. And not only does she show it, she flaunts it, from a wardrobe that's tighter than next year's school budget to a vocabulary that's definitely not on any standardized test. But she's not alone. The wonderful Lucy Punch — the gold digger from 'You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger' — is a nagging toothache as a too-perfect teacher. Comic actors such as Thomas Lennon drop by for brief but marvelous scenes, and Jason Segal is a menschy gym teacher. Justin Timberlake, however, remains too cool to really commit to his oddball character, a substitute teacher that the man-hungry Diaz fixates on." — Stephen Whitty, New Jersey Star-Ledger
The 'Bad' Comparisons
" 'Bad Teacher' wants to be 'Bad Santa' but it's afraid to go as far as Billy Bob Thornton's gleeful middle finger to holidays and proper treatment of children. So it ends up trapped in a nowhere middle-ground, somewhere between 'Bad Santa' and the equally hilarious but family friendly Jack Black movie 'School of Rock.' Both of those movies had somewhere to go and a way to get there, but 'Bad Teacher' just goes and doesn't really seem to know where it's going. The script has its moments and the cast has a few too." — Josh Tyler, Cinema Blend
The Missteps
"The main problem with 'Bad Teacher' is that it's really just one joke, which is stretched further than the uneven script by Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg (vets of TV's 'The Office') will permit. Jake Kasdan's flat direction doesn't help. ... 'Bad Teacher' has its amusing moments, but also many where you can't help wondering about the comedic choices. If you're going to have the hung-over instructor getting her young charges to watch movies all day, aren't there funnier picks than just a succession of teacher-themed movies? And if you've already decided your film is going to get an American 'R' rating — the profanity alone guarantees that — then why not take a few more risks with your comedy?" — Peter Howell, Toronto Star
The Final Word
" 'Bad Teacher' does not always connect with every joke, and there's one character in particular that seems to have been abandoned by the screenwriters midstream, but when the film works, it contains some wicked belly laughs, and I'll give Cameron Diaz credit for this: she seems delighted to play a total a--hole." — Drew McWeeny, HitFix
Check out everything we've got on "Bad Teacher."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
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- Kim Kardashian playboy nude photo leaked
BREAKING NEWS!
A photo of Kim Kardashian?s playboy photoshoot has been leaked. The photoshoot wasn?t supposed to appear to viewers until December. It is rumored that this will be the biggest playboy spread ever?..
Tori Amos Unveils The Album Artwork For ?Night Of Hunters?
Early last month, singer/songwriter Tori Amos announced the forthcoming release of a new album titled Night of Hunters. Along with the album announcement, Tori also unveiled the first batch of tour dates for the Night of Hunters Tour (which kicks off in Europe in September). Today, ToriAmos.com has been updated with the unveiling of the [...]
Gwen Stefani: Why I Needed to Hit the Road to Relax
"I came off [my solo] tour, got pregnant that month with Zuma, and then we started writing as a band and nothing was happening," the songstress, 41, tells Stylist.
Melissa Joan Hart Melissa Rycroft Melissa Sagemiller Mena Suvari
Friday, June 24, 2011
Brooklyn Decker Can't Help Andy Roddick at Wimbledon
Unable to do anything for her man as he struggled on the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club court, Brooklyn Decker sadly watched on as Andy Roddick was ousted from the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships in London on Friday (June 24).
The "Just Go With It" hottie donned a white jacket as she sat in the player's box while her pro athlete hubby was sent packing in straight sets 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 by Feliciano Lopez.
Speaking with press after the match, Roddick said, ?He served about as well as someone has. You know the stuff that?s enabled me to beat him seven times, making passing shots under duress, making him play defense on his forehand, he did well today. Mixed up his serve. There weren?t a whole lot of patterns. So he played an outstanding match.?
And though his fortunes haven't been all that great as of late, Andy plans to push forward with his dream of winning another Grand Slam title, as he told press, ?What do you do? You keep moving forward until you decide to stop. At this point I?ve not decided to stop, so I?ll keep moving forward.?
Missy Elliott Reveals Battle With Graves' Disease
Rapper has been undergoing radiation to treat the thyroid condition.
By Gil Kaufman
Missy Elliott
Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/ Getty Images
For a while, Missy Elliott was everywhere you looked. The rapper/producer released a string of offbeat smash hits and landmark music videos in the late 1990s and early 2000s that stretched from her breakthrough single "The Rain" in 1997 to 2001's "Get Ur Freak On" and 2002's "Work It." But after a couple of softer-selling efforts in the mid 2000s, Elliott seemed to fall off the radar.
Now the increasingly reclusive MC has explained why her long-promised comeback album, Block Party, has been so long in coming and where she's been for the past three years. The 39-year-old Grammy winner told People magazine that she's battling the autoimmune disorder Graves' disease. "You live with it for the rest of your life," Elliott said.
Elliott was diagnosed with the disease in 2008, and she's suffered from a litany of effects, including a loss of some motor skills, dizzy spells, lumps in her throat, mood swings, hair loss, a fast heart rate and bulging eyes. She underwent radiation treatment, has been taking medication and said she's now feeling better.
The disease affects the thyroid gland, whose hormones regulate the body's metabolism and affect mood, weight and energy. It causes hyperthyroidism, which produces an excess of the thyroid hormone, causing the symptoms Elliott discussed, as well as anxiety, double vision and muscle weakness. Though the symptoms are uncomfortable, when caught early and treated, long-term health effects can be avoided.
The weakness was so bad, Elliott said, that she nearly crashed her car because she couldn't press down on the brake, and she could hardly even hold a pen in her hand.
"I'm 30 pounds lighter because I've been exercising," said Elliott, who will be the first subject of the upcoming season of VH1's "Behind the Music" biography series on June 29. "My thyroid is functioning, so I haven't had to take medication in about nine months."
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Last month we got our first look at promo photos from the upcoming remake film Footloose. As you may recall, this new version of Footloose is based on the film of the same name from 1984 which starred Kevin Bacon … this new version, stars Kenny Wormald. While I’m not a huge fan of remakes, [...]
Harry Potter World Cup: Voldemort Vs. Moaning Myrtle, James Vs. Kreacher
Welcome to MTV's Harry Potter World Cup! We've selected 64 of the best "Harry Potter" characters and matched them up in a series of duels for a chance at magical glory, but it's up to YOU to decide who the greatest "Potter" character of all time is in this pool of wizards and witches. Will [...]
Mary Margaret
Please help welcome Mary Margaret, the new addition to the family!
She is a rescue. I'll tell you her whole story tomorrow!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
George Clooney's Next Girlfriend Should Be...
Now that Hollywood's hottest bachelor has split from girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis, see our picks for a new love connection
Tom Cruise Is 'Astonishing' In 'Rock Of Ages,' Julianne Hough Says
'I'm not kidding, the guy can sing,' the 'Dancing With the Stars' alum tells MTV News.
By Christina Garibaldi
Tom Cruise in "Rock of Ages"
Photo: Courtesy Tom Cruise
On Friday, Tom Cruise posted a photo of himself on his website as '80s rocker Stacee Jaxx, for his role in the big-screen adaptation of the Broadway musical "Rock of Ages." Cruise, who is shirtless in the photo, is sporting long hair and tattoos for his character, who will belt out '80s classics such as Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive," Scorpions' "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and a group performance of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'."
Yet, the question on everyone's mind is: Can he sing? Well, according to co-star Julianne Hough, the answer is yes.
"I'm not kidding, the guy can sing," Hough told MTV News on Monday (June 20) at the CESAR Canine Cuisine and American Humane Association's voting kickoff for the Hero Dog Awards. "The guy can dance, the guy obviously can act. I mean, he can do it all, and he does it all very well."
Yet, unfortunately for Hough, she wasn't on set the first day Cruise transformed into character, but that doesn't mean she didn't hear all about it.
"I wasn't there for the first day of shooting for his stuff, but I just got people emailing me, like, 'Oh my gosh,' chills, standing ovation, holy crap, the crew was blown away," Hough gushed. "And I'm like, 'I missed it! What the heck?' So, he's astonishing."
However, the "Dancing With the Stars" alum did get to hear Cruise's singing voice, and she had to agree with the rest of the crew: He is the real deal.
"Yeah, oh yeah, it's ridiculous." Hough said. "There are no words to describe how amazing Tom is. I mean, he's so in it."
Hough, who wraps shooting on "Rock of Ages" in August, plays lead character Sherrie Christian alongside an all-star cast, including Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand and Mary J. Blige.
"It's hilarious. None of us take each other seriously, because we are all decked out, '80s-style." Hough said of being on set. "Alec Baldwin is wearing a blond wig. I mean, having Russell Brand on set is a hoot in itself. We are literally having the time of our lives."
Yet, it hasn't all been fun on set: Hough had to get down and dirty for a love scene with co-star Diego Boneta, but it's not what you think.
"We did a shoot, a very, very romantic scene between Diego, who is my co-star, on top of a landfill," Hough revealed. "So we had to be very romantic and make out, and all we could smell is nastiness and garbage. Nothing says romance like garbage."
Check out everything we've got on "Rock of Ages."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
iVoices: Trading the Conference Room for the Carpool Lane!
One of our newest iVoices, cancer survivor Jim Higley, talks about his decision to become a stay-at-home dad and reaches out to a working mom, a therapist and another cancer survivor to learn about how they found clarity in their lives. Wouldn't you love to find clarity in yours?
Alexander Skarsgard Talks "True Blood" Character
He attended the Los Angeles premiere of his hit HBO show on Tuesday night (June 21), and Alexander Skarsgard revealed some juicy details about the upcoming season of ?True Blood.?
Of his vampire sheriff character on the show, the Swedish actor dished, ?It?s a completely different side of Eric. He doesn?t know who he is so all that baggage is gone ? 1,000 years of resentment and bitterness, the whole loathing humanity kind of stuff is gone.?
?But there has to be an element of danger there still. I didn?t want him to become too much of a little puppy?. I don?t think it would be fun to watch him for very long if he was completely emasculated.?
In other career news for Skarsgard, he is set to star in Peter Berg?s ?Battleship and Meloncholia? alongside Kirsten Dunst.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Scott Foley Is The Newest Member Of The ?True Blood? Cast
Bon Temps is getting a new resident. Scott Foley has joined the cast of “True Blood” for its upcoming fourth season, reports TV Line. The TV veteran, best known for Felicity” and “The Unit,” will have a “major recurring role” on the vampire drama as Patrick, a “tough and ruggedly attractive old army buddy” of [...]
New 'Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes' Trailer And Photos
The apes might not be rising for another month and a half, but today we have a new trailer and a whole slew of new photos for you from the upcoming summer blockbuster.
"Rise of the Planet of the Apes" has already proved to have beyond stellar CGI in the trailers that have been released, but [...]
"Rise of the Planet of the Apes" has already proved to have beyond stellar CGI in the trailers that have been released, but [...]
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