Benicio Del Toro, Others Linked to Outcry Over Academy's 'Discriminatory' Puerto Rico Ban

Benicio Del Toro, Jimmy Smits and Esai Morales are among the stars named in a protest of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ new rule to block Puerto Rico from competing in the Foreign-Language Oscar race. Their concerns were made public this morning in a press release distributed by Puerto Rican producer Frances Lausell, who said that the Academy rejected her film America from submission after last year’s decision to exclude the U.S. territory from the running. At the time, AMPAS executive director Bruce Davis explained the rationale in a letter to the Puerto Rico Film Commission [PDF here]: We are aware of course that few issues present as much complexity as the determination of Puerto Rico’s political status. Past Academy committees have tended to sidestep the issue, or to conclude that Puerto Rico was near enough to being a sovereign nation to warrant inclusion in the Foreign Language competition. That view has now been abandoned. The current committee, working from the fact that Puerto Rican artists are U.S. citizens, has ruled that in allowing them to compete in this particular category, the Academy would open itself to the same suspicion of favoritism that we have been at pains to avoid with respect to filmmakers based in the fifty states. On the one hand, the committee is consistent: Just a few weeks ago it ruled Albania’s entry, The Forgiveness of Blood, ineligible because of “crew composition” that included American director Joshua Marston (who’d been through this previously with his acclaimed Maria Full of Grace). This came despite Blood’s Albanian language dialogue, co-written by native scribe Andamion Murataj. On the other hand, as Marston alluded when the decision came down, the committee is vague and more than a little myopic. Citing Rule 14 of the Oscars (“A foreign-language film is defined as a feature-length motion picture produced outside the United States of America with a predominantly non-English dialogue track”), Puerto Rico Film Commissioner Mariella Perez Serrano argued further this month in a letter to AMPAS [PDF here]: This provision does not require that the producers, the director, or any member of the cast or crew must be a non-US citizen. In order [sic] words, the criterion for this category is not who makes the film, but where it is produced and the language of the dialogue track. Therefore, the films made in Puerto Rico can be eligible under the regulations for the Foreign Language Film category because they are produced outside the United States and provided they have a predominantly non-English dialogue track. Only 11 Puerto Rican films have ever been submitted to the Academy for consideration, with just one — the 1990 effort Lo que le pas a Santiago — earning a Best Foreign Language Film nomination. (It lost to Cinema Paradiso.) Nevertheless, Lausell has a petition up and running at RecognizePuertoRico.com, invoking various screen imprimaturs of Puerto Rican heritage in a campaign to reverse the Academy’s “offensive” ruling: The decision is incorrect on many levels, as even our production company is considered a foreign corporation for tax and legal purposes, because it’s registered to do business in Puerto Rico. […] I understand the Academy was lead to make an uninformed decision that could wrongly portray it as a discriminatory entity against Latinos and Puerto Ricans. I just want to help them make the right decision based on all the facts. Fair enough. That said, A Separation is going to run the table in February, and the way overdue Michael Haneke has his Isabelle Huppert stroke-victim heart-wrencher on the way for 2012, so maybe just give it a couple years? Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

Variety Film Technology Summit sound system set

LevyEmmerich"Real Steel" producer-director Shawn Levy and Roland Emmerich, whose "Anonymous" premieres Friday, are actually set as keynote sound system at Variety's Film Technology Summit on November. 7 at Hollywood and Highland. Furthermore, Variety's Way ahead for Film Summit, being held November. 8, will feature keynote speaker Ryan Kavanaugh additionally to Alcon Entertainment co-CEOs Broderick Manley and Andrew Kosove."From top professionals at major art galleries to producers of independent films, this summit allows everyone out to get yourself a sneak take a look at what's coming,Inch John Gott, author of Variety, mentioned for future years of Film event.The November. 7 Film Technology summit, presented through the new the new sony and co-produced by Digital Media Wire, will explore how production and exhibition are altering inside the digital age, with sound system exploring 4K projection, greater frame rates and 3d. Panelists include professionals in the new the new sony ImageWorks, Cinedigm, Warner Bros., AMC Theaters, Vital and ILM. A Masters of Technology panel features the f/x-savvy helmers Raja Gosnell, Chris Burns and Steven Quale. The November. 8 Way ahead for Film Summit, produced with Digital Media Wire, will dive into such subjects as film financing, crowdsourcing, digital film distribution across multiple platforms, and online marketing. The Problem in the Film Industry panel features the Weinstein Co.'s David Glasser, Endgame's Jim Stern and Morgan Creek's Ron Nicita.To learn more about either event, visit lafilmconference.com. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Thanks for visiting Bullpenfone? ESPN Offers One Reason behind Tony LaRussa's World Series Mistakes

Since he required on Chekov's accent in 'Star Trek,' Anton Yelchin's stock continues to be continuously rising. He's everywhere you appear recently: playing a dysfunctional teen in 'The Beaver' alongside Mel Gibson, fighting vampires of the underworld as Colin Farrell in 'Fright Night' and, most lately, using the lead role in indie romantic drama 'Like Crazy.' Directed by Drake Doremus ('Douchebag,' 'Spooner'), 'Like Crazy' features performances which are almost 100 % improvised -- there's no script. Yelchin's passion for movies introduced him aboard, to the stage where he sacrificed a genuine-existence relationship to accomplish the film. He sitting lower with Moviefone captured in the Toronto Worldwide Film Festival to discuss lengthy-distance love, getting ingested up within the role and also the torture of co-starring having a very sexy Jennifer Lawrence. This movie is dead-on in the depiction of lengthy-distance associations. Perhaps you have had encounters of your? Yeah, inevitably with this particular job, every relationship turns into a lengthy-distance relationship. I have only had two serious associations during my existence, plus they both survived a few years. And from individuals few years, I'd go away for 9 several weeks. Eventually it puts an enormous stress on it, particularly if you will find trust issues. Individuals trust issues often consume and destroy the connection. It's difficult. Did individuals women help you on the red-colored carpet with another lady or something like that? No, not quite. However in every movie, there is a female lead too. Say I am inside a film and I am not charge, almost always there is some attractive girl inside it. That's Hollywood. Even when you are not drawn to that individual, and you are not planning on being disloyal, you are drawn to them meaning that you want them, they are great, which makes your lover uncomfortable. I spend every f-cking day with this particular person, they are awesome! You will find a lot of awesome shots within this movie, designed to illustrate your separation. Almost always there is something between you and also Felicity Johnson [his co-star] -- glass, walls, the sea... Particularly the first date. I stated this to Drake once i saw the film. I stated that that shot told the storyline immediately, there would continually be something between them. On the first date, you won't ever discover their whereabouts together. They are consistently stored apart with this space. Just how much of the effect did this role dress in you personally, especially because it was mostly improvisation? You lose your existence whenever you enter our planet. It had been like I didn't remember what my existence was. At that time -- my girlfriend and that i are no more together -- she and that i saw one another once throughout that whole month. Still it makes me sad, however, you either invest in one factor or any other, and that i always pick movies. It's my existence I'm not sure what that states about me, but movies are things i love. And So I saw her once, and that i remember going "Whoa..." It is a strange f-cking factor whenever you think inside your mind "That's what you are. You are my girlfriend. I really like you. You are funny, wise, awesome, and sexy." I didn't remember all individuals things. I did not even remember what it really was prefer to sleep together with her because I had been nowadays the entire time. I had been Jacob. You can observe it within the movie. When you are aside from Felicity's character, you appear miserable and all sorts of-consumed. The truth is, it is a really magical and insane experience. You lose sight of anything else with the exception that person. Jacob is much more quiet and contained than I'm. That isn't generate an income am in associations. Contrary I ruin associations when you are so aggressive and angry. He's passive and things are internalized, and that's why he's tired constantly, so f-cking tired. He really wants to text her, but does not text her. After we wrapped, I had been like -- we are completed with this factor. We shot for any month, tops, however it felt like years. They age, and obtain a lot more damaged with this factor. I felt drained, like I labored six several weeks. Lots of this movie is dependant on looks, meaning a glance offerring everything instead of speech. Was that something everyone were advised to complete? No, we were not told anything. The takes would last 12-fifteen minutes, frequently before the camera's sensor burned out. There have been many occasions after i didn't remember that they are even filming. Also interesting: we never saw you have sexual intercourse with Felicity's character, that is odd thinking about the film is all about your relationship. We all do help you have sexual intercourse with Jennifer Lawrence's character, though. I believe it is good. I have never spoken to Drake directly relating to this, but I have heard him discuss it. We shot a sex scene, maybe a couple of, between Felicity's character and that i. I figured they were not necessary. Their relationship is not about sexual tension you realize they are likely to be connected when they are making love. But I believed it was necessary to achieve the sex moments with Jen's character, to exhibit the length from each other. I additionally think no-sex factor makes Jacob's relationship even more poignant on-screen. You simply see their moments of affection with each other. Additionally you had Jennifer Lawrence as the love curiosity about 'The Beaver' -- maybe everyone are intended to be enthusiasts on-screen? I am very grateful for your, for a lot of different reasons. Well, she's pretty hideous. Yeah, she certainly can be more appealing. It's difficult. No, however ,, she's super-gifted. Best girl. She's badass, from Kentucky, and was raised with a lot of siblings. She does not take sh-t from people. She's so not the same as Mike [her character], who's so gentle and fragile. I really like dealing with Jen. She's my pal... and that i hope I make a start together with her again. You need to get her to enable you to get into 'The Hunger Games.' I ought to be! I'll you need to be within the shrubbery: "Jen! Katniss! Hey! Right here!" 'Like Crazy' has gone out in choose metropolitan areas on Friday. Stars at Sundance See All Moviefone Art galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Bang partners with digital outfit Vuguru

Stan Lee's Bang Entertainment is joining track of digital studio Vuguru to produce content across a number of platforms. Vuguru, that's possessed by Michael Eisner's Tornante and backed by Canada's Rogers Media, will finance and distribute choose programming developed together with Bang. No specific projects you will need to be introduced. "Stan is not just a plentiful creator but a magnet for talent," mentioned Ray Tanz, prexy of Vuguru. "He's a unique sensibility for telling tales that have quite the hero essentially together with a significant but fun style on their behalf.In . It's the first such partnership with Vuguru, which has built a standing for buying and selling more in digital productions regularly than almost every other company. Vuguru also provides multiple-project distribution deals in place with America on the internet and Content Media. "It is the start of a fantastic new chapter that will enable us to develop our storytelling into the digital realm plus much more quickly and effectively achieve our global audience," mentioned Gill Champion, leader of Bang. "Stan as well as the creative team are delighted to begin developing new cell phone industry's and amazing figures and should not consider a far greater partner than Vuguru to help realize this ambition." There will not be anyone distribution strategy employed by the partnership. Vuguru remains proven to introduce programming the bottom line is-form episodes online before reassembling them for extended-form consumption in worldwide distribution together with other platforms. Deal was brokered by Scott Nocas, formerly from the new the new sony Network Entertainment. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

Which Old Movie Stars Ranked on Forbes' List of 2011's Top-Grossing Dead Celebrities?

Dead people are arguably less productive than you are, but a bunch of them earned between seven and nine figures for doing nothing this year, according to Forbes. Insulted? I understand. But you may be surprised by which screen stars are still banking well after they’ve left the big screen and the planet. I’ve highlighted the movie stars for you. 1. Michael Jackson: $170 million 2. Elvis Presley: $55 million 3. Marilyn Monroe: $27 million 4. Charles Schulz: $25 million 5. John Lennon: $12 million 5. Elizabeth Taylor: $12 million 7. Albert Einstein: $10 million 8. Dr. Seuss: $9 million 9. Jimi Hendrix: $7 million 9. Stieg Larsson: $7 million 9. Steve McQueen: $7 million 9. Richard Rodgers: $7 million 13. George Harrison: $6 million 13. Bettie Page: $6 million 13. Andy Warhol: $6 million Let’s put aside Elvis Presley, since I doubt that much of his fortune is coming from Viva Las Vegas and Change of Habit. Marilyn Monroe’s iconic pucker is always worth a bunch, so that’s no surprise, and Elizabeth Taylor’s White Diamonds perfume provides an everlasting splash of income. It’s Steve McQueen and Bettie Page who deserve a second look here: McQueen’s image has been licensed for high-end brands like Dolce & Gabbana, and Bettie Page’s estate is scoring off her Bettie Page Clothing stores in Hollywood and Las Vegas. Is it weird that I had no idea McQueen’s appeal is recognizable to a high-end consumer? Or most consumers in 2011? I never hear his films discussed — not even the awesome ones like The Getaway. I’m glad that he’s a bankable persona, but I’m puzzled. He was last namedropped in a Sheryl Crow single about nine years ago, you know what I mean? (On an unrelated note: All hail Charles Schulz forever.) Forbes’ Top Earning Dead Celebrities [Forbes]

Taylor Remedy Talks Dating Gossips & Real Average women Future

First Released: October 21, 2011 4:46 PM EDT Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Taylor Remedy talks with Access Hollywood, March. 28, 2011 La, Calif. -- The Actual Average women of Beverly Hillsides star Taylor Remedy and fellow Bravo star Matt Nordgren from Most Qualified Dallas happen to be the topic of romance gossips and Taylor set the record straight with Access Hollywoods Rob Robinson. There is a rumor that youve already began dating, which youre new love is Bravo star Matt Nordgren is the fact that true? Rob requested Taylor throughout a current trip to the group of Ciroc and Bravos New Years Eve commercial, marketing an approaching December 31 event including various Real Average women franchise stars in Houston, Miami, NY, La and Chicago. That's not the case, Taylor stated. He isn't [my boyfriend.] He's very sweet, and merely as handsome as possible. Hes this type of great guy, and were buddies, we now have mutual buddies in Dallas. We finish up running within the same circle once we see each other, but younger crowd includes a wonderful foundation, known as The Leadership Foundation, and that i use domestic violence. Were attempting to partner on some charitable efforts, she ongoing. Hes cute like a button, but no. Taylor and Matt were captured pics of getting lunch together on Friday in La. However, Taylor was quick to deflect the romance gossips with Matt or with other people. Any guy inside your existence at this time? Rob requested. No. Its too early, Taylor, who's still coping with the suicide of estranged husband Russell Remedy, stated. I want more time. With Season 2 of her hit Bravo series presently airing, so how exactly does Taylor experience the potential of coming back towards the small screen another time? I really like my cast and Bravo continues to be amazing in my experience. Im absolutely available to it, she told Rob. Again, it is dependent probably the most for me personally on be it the best choice for [my daughter] Kennedy. I need to observe how shes doing and make certain its the best choice on her. Adding, At this time, I have to do things i can to obtain my existence together again and my young girl happy. For additional around the condition of Taylor finances following a dying of Russell, Click The Link. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

James Cameron Talks about Avatar 2

To The planet pandora... and beyond!The kind of Christopher Nolan and Ridley Scott like to have their works happening key, but James Cameron has to date always appeared prepared to drop information of information about his Avatar sequels. We already understood he was writingAvatars 2 and three together for any back-to-back shoot, which we'd be going to Pandora's oceans plus some other moons from the Polyphemus system, but Cameron just gone into a bit more detail concerning the intendedAvatar future.From the oceans, Cameron told ABC News "That's an ecosystem that I am dying to begin creating because it is going to look spectacular. Avatar 2narrows the spotlight to concentrate a bit more on sea issues rather than just character generally or even the jungle. You will find there's planet this is a blue planet. From the distance, when your perception, our planet is much more blue than land mass. We are making the oceans unsurvivable for a number of the species at this time, making this a method to focus just a little energy for the reason that direction."It isn't about hands-wringing though. "Still it needs to be entertainment first of all," states Cameron. "I am not likely to double the amount environment content in ths second film simply because we've got away with a few the very first time.I believe it is simply a continuation of the identical factor. I would like individuals to believe same feeling of excitement and discovery of the " new world "."Talking about new mobile phone industry's, Cameron reiterates that, "You will see other planets too, besides The planet pandora. It will likely be a cornucopia, a goody for that eyes!" Credit where credit's due though: "I recieve to assume things in a type of fuzzy level after which I bring in many great artists plus they develop all of the amazing animals and plants which kind of factor."The Avatar sequels are presently looking for Christmas releases in 2014 and 2015. And meanwhile, almost always there is the amusement park.

Singleton sues Componen over 'Flow' deal

SingletonIt was among Sundance 2005's most widely used characteristics. Amy Pascal needed a print from La, and John Singleton's reps prepared memos to produce a double-digit deal. Discussions moved on late into the evening in the screening, by 5 a.m., Vital had beaten out Miramax, New Line while focusing to nab its prize: the urban crime drama "Hustle & Flow." Six years later, Vital finds itself the mark from the $20 million suit over its hard-fought against against deal. In the suit filed Wednesday in La Superior Court, Singleton, who produced "Hustle & Flow," claims the studio reneged on its promise to "put" two lower-budget projects incorporated in the distribution pact. "The gist in the 'puts,'?" in line with the suit, was that Vital would finance and distribute the pictures as lengthy his or her budgets didn't exceed $3.5 million each, that Singleton couldn't take more than a 7.5% fee per picture. Vital responded by saying Singleton not successful maintain their very own finish in the bargain. "Vital was wanting that John Singleton would produce two more pictures before his agreement with this particular studio brought to 2010, but that did not happen," a studio representative told Variety. "Rather, he ongoing to direct 'Abduction' for Lionsgate. Vital satisfied its obligations and also the claims have virtually no merit." Singleton's suit states he switched lower offers off their suitors -- one or more which offered more up-front gold gold coin -- but ultimately pacted with Vital and MTV Films through his Crunk Pictures shingle because the studio offered both a $9 million advance in the post sales furthermore for the two other films next five years. "Hustle" ongoing to gross $23 million worldwide. Court documents explain that about 18 several days later, Singleton triggered the studio's acquisition of "Black Lizard Moan," composed by "Flow" scribe Craig Maker. "Sadly, when Crunk attempted to exercise its to 'put' the two pictures to Vital, Vital began saying self-enforced, non-existent conditions round the 'puts' that prevented Singleton from making the pictures and frustrated his enjoyment from the very contractual right which in fact had convinced him to reject another bidders on 'Hustle and Flow,'" the suit alleges. "Really the only reason Singleton granted Vital the distribution rights to 'Black Lizard Moan' was because Singleton believed that Vital would recognition the puts and Singleton might be in operation with Vital for quite some time.In . "Hustle" follows a Memphis pimp facing a middle age crisis who's going to become rapper. Maker also directed "Hustle," which stars Terrence Howard, Taryn Manning, Anthony Anderson, DJ Qualls and rapper Ludacris. Singleton's 2005 deal was seen as boon to him, and suggestive from the recognition for sophisticated dealmakers to help keep onto lots of post sales. "Filmmakers are becoming a lot more savvy about possessing the upside," UTA agent Jeremy Barber, who was simply part of the team that repped Craig Brewer's "Hustle and Flow," mentioned in those days. Just like a director, Singleton is much better recognized for "Boyz N the Hood," "2 Fast 2 Furious" and "Four Brothers and sisters." Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com

'Zombieland' TV Series Inside The Works

Very good news and not so great for "Zombieland" fans, beginning while using bad: it's searching much more likely and much more likely that individuals won't get yourself a follow-up for the 2009 zombie action-comedy ultimately. The primary reason? Well, that's what's promising seems like we're acquiring a TV series rather! NY Magazine reviews that "Zombieland" screenwriting duo Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick works with Fox to develop half-hour TV version in the publish-apocalyptic comedy. The show looks like it's being eyed for your 2012-13 season, so more zombie-smashing action might well be headed towards the televisions sooner than later. Adding further fuel for the rumor from the TV series is comment from "Zombieland" producer Gavin Polone, who told NY Mag: "Once the Tv program goes, your follow-up won't happen." Clearly, this isn't the first time we now have discovered the "Zombieland" authors handling a little-screen version from the story. Reese and Wernick spoke with MTV News concerning the subject noisy . 2010, saying they always thought "Zombieland" needs to be a TV series. "In the event you watch the film understanding that, you will observe some remains in the tv series,In . mentioned Reese. "We've the Zombie Kill every week, which was always designed to happen every week. The film finishes around the cliffhanger it doesn't have a very real resolution. [The flicks ending] is just our males driving off into the sunset for a lot of new adventures. Thats because, thats how a television pilot ended." Reese added in those days they would definitely recast 4 leads and introduce new figures regularly. That's all good, but how would you possibly recast Woodsy Harrelson's Tallahassee unless of course obviously, clearly, someone really wants to determine if Josh Holloway comes with an interest? (Hey, just saying!) In other Reese and Wernick news, the "Zombieland" duo are simply brought to evolve a "Micronauts" movie for Hasbro, Vital and Bad Robot. Deadline gets the particulars. Reveal everything you consider what is the news inside the comments section and also on Twitter!

TVs Biggest Flops Of The Last Five Years

First Published: October 15, 2011 1:25 PM EDT Credit: ABC LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption The cast of ABCs Charlies AngelsOn Friday, Drew Barrymores Charlies Angels became the latest television tragedy as ABC canceled the heavily promoted, but not-very-well-received drama. Despite a slew of hot, nubile young actresses (like Minka Kelly) and a Miami twist, the show a reboot of the 1970s classic didnt get the pulses of America racing. Charlies Angels has joined a rapidly growing list of Fall 2011 shows which were canned by their networks, including CBS comedy How To Be A Gentleman (with Kevin Dillon), The CW reality show H8R, NBCs remake of the British comedy of the same name, Free Agents (the original is airing on BBC America on Saturday nights), and one of the most talked about programs of the season, The Playboy Club. With shows dropping like flies, AccessHollywood.com takes a look back at 10 of the biggest flops of the last five years that failed to last for a full season. AH Nation Poll: Which canceled fall TV show are you saddest to see go? Click HERE to vote! 10. Kings, 2009 (NBC) Brit Ian McShane brought his icy stares and weighty presence as King Silas Benjamin to NBC in the big budget series Kings in 2009. Also starring newcomer Aussie Christopher Egan, and eventual Gossip Girl guy Sebastian Stan, the high-on-effects drama about loyalty, politics and betrayal went from hot to just plain lukewarm with the viewers who dipped off as the weeks rolled on between March and April. NBC took a break from the show after its first five outings, running seven more in the summer of 2009 before saying goodbye for good. 9. Day Break, 2006 (ABC) Day Break made its premiere outing on ABCs primetime schedule in 2006. Like a serious Groundhog Day, the series followed the story of Detective Brett Hopper (Taye Diggs), who was trapped repeating the same 24-hour cycle, as he attempted to figure out who set him up for murder. The supporting cast included Moon Bloodgood as Rita Shelten Hoppers girlfriend and The X Files star Mitch Pileggi as a fellow detective, but audiences decided not to revisit the past, and changed the channel. Ramon Rodriguez, of the newly canceled Charlies Angels, was also a part of the cast. 8. New Amsterdam, 2008 (FOX) Danish actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau rode a wave of hype stateside as John Amsterdam, a NYPD homicide detective stuck living an immortal life, following a brave act in the 1600s. A cancellation meant fans never got to see John find true love the one thing that would break the spell, but these days the actor has found life again as Jamie Lannister on HBOs Game of Thrones. 7. The Bionic Woman, 2007 (NBC) Sci-fi American drama The Bionic Woman crashed into NBCs primetime lineup in 2007, propelled by some super-powered hype. Brit Michelle Ryan played Jamie Sommers, who was saved from death after surgically receiving bionics bionics she was asked to use by those who brought her back from the brink. The reboots premiere in September 2007 packed a punch, beating the Season 3 premiere of Greys Anatomy. But, ratings plummeted by November, just as the Writers Guild of America strike began, putting the show on hiatus. While the strike ended, The Bionic Woman stayed permanently on ice. 6. Six Degrees, 2006 (ABC) An American drama series, Six Degrees had a nice lead in, following Greys Anatomy in 2006. Starring Erika Christensen, a post-Hostel Jay Hernandez and Sex and The Citys Bridget Moynahan, the plots were various, but connections between the characters worked in. It exited screens in November 2006 after low ratings, but came back for one more (dismal) try in March 2007 before it was canceled for good. 5. Lone Star, 2010 (FOX) It seemed like a Texas-sized treat with lots of big oil drama when Lone Star made its debut on FOX in 2010. The show centered around a handsome conman who led a secret double life, pulling jobs in two different towns and on two different women. Unfortunately, while series star James Wolk was being touted as a young George Clooney, it ran out gas with TV watchers after two low-rated episodes. 4. The Beautiful Life: TBL, 2009 (The CW) The O.C.s Mischa Barton retuned to The CW as messed up supermodel Sonja Stone on The Beautiful Life: TBL. Aside from Mischas character, the project from executive producer Ashton Kutcher also focused on a group of male and female models sharing a residence in NY City as they tried to make it. The show itself didnt, drawing just 1.38 million viewers before it got a designer boot after just two episodes. 3. Viva Laughlin, 2007 (CBS) They double downed combing a storyline about a guy trying to jump start a casino in a locale that isnt Las Vegas with pre-Glee musical numbers, but Viva Laughlin even with Hugh Jackman on board as an executive producer and guest star bombed, and CBS yanked the series after just two episodes. 2. Emilys Reasons Why Not, 2006 (ABC) After a charming run as Dr. Molly Clock on NBCs Scrubs, Heather Graham got her own comedy in 2006 with the Sex and The City-styled Emilys Reasons Why Not. Focusing on Emily (Graham), a successful author of self-help books who was less successful at dating, ERWN was heavily promoted by ABC, but yanked after its premiere. We felt like, unfortunately, it was not going to get better, ABCs then-network president, Stephen McPherson, told reporters at the time. 1. Cavemen, 2007 (ABC) Inspired by a popular series of GEICO insurance ads, Cavemen rode a prehistoric wave to ABC in 2007. The show, centered around three Cro-Magnon men who were trying to make their way through dating in the modern world without their trusty clubs piqued the interest of more than 9 million viewers in its premiere outing. Viewers, however, went the way of the dinosaurs, and ABC axed the show after six episodes. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Big Year: Film Review

Any movie through which among the primary males would rather race on some far-flung spot to visit a snowy owl than impregnate an anxiously waiting Rosamund Pike instantly has something going against it but, then, The Big Year is about uncommon obsession. That the reason behind the males's mania is watching birds -- the right term, we learn, for watching wild birds -- makes this an unlikely prospect for mass audience interest. Nevertheless the evenly winning cast, introduced by Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson, as well as the ultra-accessible touch provided by director David Frankel provide a ongoing steam of gentle mirth, otherwise huge laughs. This film may not do for wild wild birds what Frankel's last film, Marley & Me, did for dogs, but there's the same current of warmth and appreciation for your effect of animals on people to become felt.our editor recommendsSteve Martin, Owen Wilson and Jack Black Star in 'The Large Year' Trailer (Video) The gentlemen in mind have been in different stages of existence and crisis. Martin's Stu Preissler can be a corporate giant, a wealthy guy ready to quit the organization jungle who thinks he's not entitled to get yearly chasing after after through the U . s . States to have the ability to place as much indigenous wild wild birds inside the wild as you can, no matter how hard his underlings at headquarters make an effort to lure him back. In comparison, Black's Kaira Harris is certainly an under-achieving, overweight computer nerd who in some manner thinks that winning the "large year" competition for bird realizing will justify him inside the eyes of his disapproving father. Achieving this can be a tall order, however, as Wilson's Kenny Bostwick, a building contractor, set the bar high by winning the this past year's event with 732 species sightings, accurate documentation he'll likely not under your own accord relinquish. Everything seems quite silly, clearly, investing an entire year to racing around from locations as distant as Florida and Alaska also to a lot of points between around the mad pursuit to place more diverse fowl than others, especially while based on crowds of like-minded fans. As well as the couch taters acceptance in addition to passionate support in the women for males's aberrant preoccupation seems like sheerest fantasy this isn't Friday evening while using boys within the corner bar or perhaps a couple of days likely to spring training camping in Arizona, it's greater than 10 several days abroad. As well as the dollars needed for that continual travel arrangements, hotels and restaurants are scarcely stated. But hard since it is with an outsider to know the fixation at the center of everything, it'll be the highly scenic alternative for each other enthusiasm you can imagine. Hapily, the genial competition among the trio evolves nicely which is, fortunately, not pressed into archly idiotic area. When pressed, Kenny puns that watching birds is his "calling," which he means it, insisting that, rather than his normal work, "This is just what I'll be appreciated for." At first, the three ponder over it vital that you not demonstrate they're plotting a "large year," for nervous about pushing your competitors to more aggressive measures. In an attractive dinner scene Stu relaxes the talkative Kaira into acknowledging it and, before extended, the two competitors enter a pact to overcome Kenny. The 2nd sights his mission as seriously just like a professional athlete takes his sport, much for the distress of his beautiful wife (Pike), whom he forces to get altogether considerable time alone. Working from Mark Obmascik's 2004 non-fiction tome The Big Year: A Merchant Account of Guy, Character, and Fowl Obsession, film author Howard Franklin doesn't delve too deeply into realistic existence issues, that's probably as well, as Frankel has little trouble finishing the episodic tale with amiable human comedy and designs worth a preliminary-rate travelogue. Using locations mostly contained in Bc as well as the Yukon to represent myriad U.S. sites, the film can be a constant eyeful, not only for your background objects along with the numerous winged ones caught inside their natural configurations the prettiest shot is of relationship bald eagles hooking up talons and swirling together in to a ritual free-fall. The second most astonishing sight is of Kenny, getting pledged to his wife he'll make his absence around her, running from his conjugal promises the moment he finds out he might be capable of put the bird that's extended evaded him. It's one factor when obsessions are impelled with a creative or productive urge, but watching birds? Almost equally incredible is always that a birder as fetching as Rashida Manley typically takes an costly to Black's unprepossessing nice guy, a match much like a scarlet tanager pairing tabs on a penguin. The Three leads aren't pressed to stretch whatsoever but nor do they must be. Their pleasing affability is elevated with the satisfaction from the supporting cast surprising deep in welcome familiar faces, beginning with Pike, Manley and John Dennehy, as Kaira's father, but furthermore including Anjelica Huston, Dianne Wiest, JoBeth Williams, Tim Blake Nelson and Kevin Pollak, among others. Opens: October 14 (Fox) Production: Fox 2000 Pictures, Red-colored-colored Hour Films, Deuce Three, Sunswept Entertainment Cast: Steve Martin, Jack Black, Owen Wilson, John Dennehy, Anjelica Huston, Rashida Manley, Rosamund Pike, Dianne Wiest, JoBeth Williams, Anthony Anderson, Corbin Bernsen, Craig Shabaka Henley, Joel McHale, Tim Blake Nelson, Jim Parsons, Kevin Pollak, Nate Torrence, Steven R. Weber Director: David Frankel Film author: Howard Franklin, inspired with the book by Mark Obmascik Producers: Karen Rosenfelt, Stuart Cornfeld, Curtis Hanson Executive producers: Carol Fenelon, Ben Stiller, Jeremy Kramer Director of photography: Lawrence Sher Production designer: Brent Thomas Costume designer: Monique Prudhomme Editor: Mark Livolsi Music: Theodore Shapiro PG rating, 111 minutes Jack Black Steve Martin The Big Year

NBC Orders Six More Scripts of Harrys Law

Harrry's Law NBC has purchased six more Harry's Law scripts, Deadline reviews.The legal drama airs within the competitive Wednesday 9/8c time slot - facing Modern Family on ABC and also the X Factor on Fox. However the David E. Kelley series, starring Kathy Bates as lawyer Harriet Korn, still handled to drag in 8.two million audiences for that show's third episode.Take a look at photos from Harry's LawThe second-season order for that show is presently at 13 episodes.It had been lately reported that Seinfeld alum Jason Alexander will debut his $3,000 condition-of-the-art toupee when he guest stars in a few days like a senior high school biology teacher.

Pippa, Kate Middleton E! True Hollywood Story Airs This Week

Indigo/Getty Images Kate Middleton and her younger sister, Pippa, will get the E! True Hollywood Story treatment this week.our editor recommends'Entertainment Tonight' Has 70 Staffers Covering Royal Wedding'South Park' to Spoof Royal Wedding (Video) PHOTOS: Royal Wedding Style Their one-hour special will "tell the tale of the commoner sisters who were launched into the international spotlight after Kate fell in love with a royal." PHOTOS: Royal Wedding Photos It will air on Oct. 12 at 10 p.m. PHOTOS: Famous Royal Weddings Middleton wed Prince William in April, becoming the Duchess of Cambridge. STORY: Princess Beatrice's Royal Wedding Hat Gets Attacked on Facebook Pippa gained fame after serving as the maid of honor at the nuptials. Kate Middleton

Thor's Jaimie Alexander joins Schwarzenegger's Last Stand

Jaimie Alexander has became a member of the cast of Last Stand, working alongside former action icon Arnold Schwarzenegger.Alexander only performed a supporting role because the warrior Sif in Thor but she was more memorable than being the attention-chocolate within the Norse god's entourage.In Last Stay at home seems like she's a beefier role to complement her similarly beefy co-star, playing the feminine lead as small-town cop Sarah Torrance.The plot sees sheriff Ray Owens (Schwarzenegger), Torrance (Alexander), plus cops performed by Rodrigo Santoro and Zach Gilford instructed to defend their border town when an steered clear of drug dealer constitutes a bid for freedom into Mexico.Be prepared to see much more of Alexander as her star keeps rising. And that we don't mean when somebody hacks her phone. Last Stand shoots on location in New Mexico in 2 weeks' some time and opens at the start of 2013.

Young Adult Trailer Arrives

Everyone gets old. Not everyone grows upThe last time writer Diablo Cody and director Jason Reitman got together it was moider! Okay, not so much... But it did bring us the superb Juno. Now the team has reunited for something altogether darker, but still clearly with a rich vein of comedy running through its core. Yes, the trailer for Young Adult has arrived and can be watched over at Apple.Young Adult finds Charlize Theron as Mavis Gary, a successful writer of teen lit books who finds that her life is really not what she wants it to be. So Mavis' big idea is to head back to her small Minnesota hometown in a distinctly misguided attempt to reclaim high school sweetheart Buddy Slade (Patrick Wilson). There's just one teensy, tiny flaw in her plan: Buddy's now a happily married husband and father and he's none too thrilled to find Mavis back in his world.With her big scheme seemingly unravelling, Mavis finds solace in old classmate, drinking buddy and consummate realist Patton Oswalt, even as she plots to make Buddy love her once again.From the looks of this, Theron is going successfully against type, Wilson's giving it his frustrated all and Oswalt's ready to steal any scene he's in. Given the pedigree, we've got high hopes for this one.The film arrives on our screens on February 10.

Clint Eastwood Stars In Trouble With The Curve; Malpasos Robert Lorenz Directing

BREAKING: While Clint Eastwood was expected to follow directing J Edgar by directing A Star Is Born with Beyonce, her pregnancy has put that project off. Instead, I hear he’s seriously looking at starring in Trouble With The Curve, a project at Warner Bros that will mark the feature directorial debut of his Malpaso partner Robert Lorenz. The Randy Brown-scripted film is about an aging baseball scout, who’s losing his sight, and heads on a last road trip to Atlanta with his daughter to scout a hotshot prospect. They will lock Eastwood and Lorenz’s deals before setting an actress to play the daughter. Malpaso will produce. Aside from being Eastwood’s longtime business partner, Lorenz has been assistant director on many of Eastwood’s films, including Million Dollar Baby, Mystic River and Blood Work.

'30 Rock': James Marsden Lands Multiepisode Arc

Carlos Alvarez/Getty ImagesJames Marsden James Marsden is making his way with the Emmy-nominated comedy series. The actor, who guest starred last season on Emmy champion Modern Family, has reserved a multiepisode role on NBC's 30 Rock, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Particulars on Marsden's role are now being stored under systems but he'll hang in there for six instances of the Tina Fey comedy. The X-Males and Hairspray star most lately made an appearance in Screen Gems' Hay Dogs and it has numerous film projects within the pipeline, including Robot and Frank so that as Awesome like me. Up Through The Night star Will Arnett can also be set to reprise his role as gay shark Devon Banks when 30 Rock's sixth season returns the coming year. The series includes a lengthy roster of notable guest stars, including Tom Hanks, Conan O'Brien, Matt Damon, Elizabeth Banks, Michael Sheen, James Franco and can 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

Mega Buzz: Who's the Boss on House, Damon-Elena on Diaries and New Girl's Party

Olivia Wilde, Nina Dobrev, Zooey Deschanel Every week, editors Adam Bryant and Natalie Abrams satisfy your need for TV scoop. Please send all questionsto mega_scoop@tvguide.com.Now that Cuddy is gone, who is going to be the new dean of medicine on House? - MelissaADAM: Like I'd tell you! I've been sworn to secrecy, but check back here after Monday's episode for a Q&A with the actor in question. In the meantime, I can tell you for sure it won't be Thirteen, who's only slated to appear in one episode this fall. "She may be back again later in the year. It all depends on a number of things," creator David Shore tells us. "But it is a goodbye."Will Elena ever admit to the chemistry she and Damon share on The Vampire Diaries? - Laura NATALIE: She may not, but her friends will certainly catch on to their budding passions. In fact, executive producer Julie Plec says that the big "elephant in the room" hasn't gone unnoticed and soon enough, "her friends and loved ones are going to be like, 'What's going on there?'"I am in love with New Girl. Got any scoop on upcoming episodes? - AlexisADAM: Jess (Zooey Deschanel) will throw the most memorable birthday party ever! (Notice we didn't say "best.") Among the calamities that will befall the festivities: the odd presence of a school bus, the even odder presence of Jess' vice principal... getting really high and perhaps the oddest of oddities: a catfight between Nick's date and a stripper who's not so physically fit. Plus: There will be cupcakes! Adorable!I love Benjamin Bratt on Private Practice now, but will this new gig prevent him from returning to Modern Family? - Rachel NATALIE: Nope. Bratt, who plays Manny's dad and Gloria's ex, will be back! In an upcoming episode, his reappearance will ignite Jay's competitive streak, says executive producer Christopher Lloyd. "Jay is surprised to learn how possessive he's become of Manny, and he's almost jealous of Javier and his influence on Manny," he says. "He always looked at Manny as a price he paid to get Gloria, but now he's finding himself the actual father to him and wanting to shape his life."When is the new captain going to ease up on Beckett on Castle? - CarrieADAM: I wouldn't expect it to be anytime soon. Nor would Penny Johnson Jerald, who insists her character isn't being grumpy, but rather teaching Beckett how to excel in the male-dominated NYPD. "I think you could really put that into a category of tough love," she tells us. "You have to better than the best because you're a woman. I think she sees a little bit of herself in Beckett. So she wants Beckett to do it by the book so that Beckett isn't the reason for her own demise."What else can you tell me about Jamie Lee Curtis' guest spot on NCIS? - JeffADAM: Sadly, I can only tell you that her two-episode arc as a single mom working for the DoD's Office of the Inspector General, originally slated to air in November, has been punted to February. "We did a little juggling of some of the storytelling," executive producer Gary Glasberg tells us. But he promises it will be worth the wait. "We are looking forward to seeing the chemistry that [Curtis and Mark Harmon's Gibbs] have together, not just from the standpoint of any kind of relationship that might happen, but just in terms of the fun that can be had," he says. "You've got two actors that absolutely know how to play off each other and I think that it's going to be pretty special."Will Deb and Quinn actually last this season on Dexter? - Mitchell NATALIE: There's a long road ahead for them, but this week's episode will definitely mark a turning point in their relationship. "They make a lot of sense together," Jennifer Carpenter tells us. "I don't think she's reluctant to commit. With Quinn, she is ready to move on with him as long as it's not going to be set in a container that couldn't hold them. She's still evolving and she knows that." When will we learn more about the new detectives on SVU? - WillyADAM: Now that we've finally met Danny Pino's character, look for the spotlight to turn back onto Kelli Giddish's Amanda Rollins when a serial rapist (T.R. Knight) she once tracked in Georgia (on Chase?) begins attacking again in NY. But her knowledge of the predator's past isn't nearly as important as the fact she's exactly his type. Blonde bait, anyone?The Walking Dead is back soon. Got any scoop? - Sarah NATALIE: Soon after the show's Oct. 16 premiere (9/8c on AMC), we'll see a flashback to the very beginning of the series, aka the day Rick got shot. In addition to getting a glimpse at the root of Lori and Rick's marital problems, we'll also witness the first spark of attraction between Lori and Shane.How long will Percy actually be behind bars on Nikita? - Jake NATALIE: Percy is already working on his escape plan, but he's going for a long con, by slowly acquiring menial luxury items - his favorite suit, a decent breakfast - that will eventually add up to a big pay day. So keep an eye on his next request.Anything you can tell me about The Closer? - ThomasADAM: Remember Phillip Stroh, the rapist/murderer/attorney played by Billy Burke that Brenda has never been able to convict? He'll cross paths with Brenda again when he defends one of her latest suspects. That same episode will introduce a new recurring Deputy D.A. who will clobber anyone who gets in her way - including Brenda. I also hear the character might be moving on to join the cast of the Closer spin-off Major Crimes.Huge Happy Endings fan here. What's coming up? ­- Derek NATALIE: Get ready for some serious jealousy issues when Max's high school girlfriend moves to Chicago. While Penny is suddenly feeling left out, Dave decides he wants to break the bro code and date her. Meanwhile, Jane and Brad have issues of their own when they take their "work spouses" out on a disastrous double date.Natalie's Mega Rave: The women have stolen the spotlight on The Big Bang Theory -and we like it! Between Amy's awkward, yet endearing friendship with Leonard - and her offhanded sexual comments toward Penny - to Bernadette's perfect impersonation of Mrs. Wolowitz this week, we almost forgot the show was about a group of geeky guys.Adam's Mini Rant: I really wanted to like American Horror Story, but it's just horrifying. And I'm not talking about how scary it is.(Additional reporting by Robyn Ross and Kate Stanhope)Crave scoop on your favorite TV shows?E-mail Adam and Natalie at mega_scoop@tvguide.comor drop us a line atTwitter.com/TVGuide

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