Your Best Guide towards the Negative Side of 'The Avengers' Cast

Because it works out, even superheroes possess a negative side. In 'Puncture,' in limited release on Friday, Chris Evans shows a crusading personal injuries lawyer... who also is actually hooked on various drugs. You heard right: Captain America is really a smack mind. What's going to the small Jimmys and Johnnys around the globe think about him?! Fortunately -- or regrettably, based on your view -- Evans is not alone one of the cast of 'The Avengers' if this involves representing figures of questionable conduct in other projects. Ahead, a closer inspection in the all-star cast from the approaching Marvel super hero flick, with particular attention compensated for their more dark roles. The Negative Side of 'The Avengers' Cast Robert Downey Junior, 'Less Than Zero'Chris Evans, 'Puncture'Chris Hemsworth, 'Ollie Klublershturf Versus. the Nazis'Samuel L. Jackson, 'Jungle Fever'Jeremy Renner, 'Dahmer'Mark Ruffalo, 'Reservation Road'Scarlett Johansson, 'The Last Score' See All Moviefone Art galleries » All gallery images thanks to Everett

'Playboy Club' Showrunner: 'There's a concept of the Show That's False'

NBC's newcomer drama "The Playboy Club" has already established a bumpy road in dealing with the screen.The project has already established the mother and father Television Council up in arms two times before the very first episode unspooled. First, the PTC required problem with nudity clauses incorporated in the actors' contracts and, more lately, over co-star Laura Benanti occupying a retro cover of "Playboy" magazine they stated "mainstreamed pornography."Additionally, women's privileges activist Gloria Steinem, who went undercover that the gym has the series is dependant on, stated the series "normalizes a passive dominant concept of gender" and known as for any boycott."The Hollywood Reporter" swept up with showrunner Chad Hodge to go over set up series really enables women, just how much Hugh Hefner is going to be involved and set up debate all around the series which was NBC's first drama pilot order from the 2011-12 season can help or hurt the show. THR: The large story being released from the Television Critics' Association's press tour was that "The Playboy Club" is strengthening for ladies. Could it be a reveal that enables women? How? Hodge: (Laughs.) I believe that story would be a little overblown. Everything I meant after i stated that could be that the Rabbits in those days were not the same as nearly all women for the reason that they provided more income, which if you have more income, you are able to perform more things particularly if it is your own money. Exactly what the show is really, is really a sexy, fun cleaning soap that's really shimmering and fabulous and it has a tone into it a small small pop tone, that is very intentional.After I set to create this show, the very first word from my mouth was "entertaining." I would like it to be entertaining, I wish to function as the first demonstrate watch when you are getting home and switch on your Digital recording device since it is that fun demonstrate search for. What arrived on the scene of TCA, because of the character from the questions that people were getting and also the debate which was swirling in those days, people believed that the show had high intellectual ambitions in some manner. Yes, the figures are deep and also the tales are intricate and it is about real people, however the goals of the show aren't political by any means. It isn't said to be a brief history lesson.After I spoken about this being strengthening to women, it's strengthening to women who wish to apply it themselves, in the event that's the things they choose. Since the type of questioning got so serious, I believe there is a notion that people were trying to behave politically ambitious or create a statement or get this to a show about strengthening women, which sounds super boring in my experience. That seems like a documentary, which this is really not. This really is a lot more like "Chicago," "Moulin Rouge" and "Everything Jazz," "Desperate Average women." This can be a fun, sexy cleaning soap.THR: Gloria Steinem has known as for any boycott, calling the show a "passive, dominant concept of gender." Thinking about her experience working in the Playboy Club does press like this help or hurt a newcomer show? Hodge: I suppose we'll see. I believe there's a concept of the show that's false. The debate that's originate from both Left and also the Right is originating from those who have accepted they haven't seen the show. They are leaving comments on "Playboy" [playboy] instead of us. It may only help whenever your show is spoken about. What's great is the fact that individuals have each one of these varying opinions and perspectives on "Playboy" and when it is a good or bad factor, that's naturally dramatized within our show. They discuss these things, these figures. And they've lives outdoors the club. The show isn't nearly them as Rabbits, though I'd reason that there is nothing wrong having a lady using her sexuality to obtain what she would like if she would like to. That's her choice. You will find different brands of feminism and that i don't believe it ought to be boxed into anyone version. They, particularly when I spoke to former Rabbits, most of them say, "I've all of the respect on the planet for Gloria Steinem and she's among my heroes and did more for ladies than anybody else, but she got this wrong." I heard that from the 3 former Rabbits.THR: Perhaps you have had any connection with Steinem? Hodge: No. I'd love to speak to her once she's seen the show. I have read her account to be a Playboy Bunny, it had been among the first a few things i read [after signing onto perform the show]. Oddly enough enough, it's pretty tame. It's known as "I Had Been a Playboy Bunny" and from what I'd learned about her experience and take, I had been ready for something so scathing so when I just read it so their ft hurt, large deal.THR: There is a nudity clause within the agreement for the cast. Is the fact that rare for any network show? Hodge: I'm not sure the other shows have and do not have if this involves nudity clauses. It had been something which was definitely not asked for through the network. The show completely adheres to any or all FCC broadcast standards and that we certainly do not have time for you to shoot two versions from the show: one with breasts and something without, and so i don't believe you will be seeing any nudity on the program.THR: So speculation the DVD includes nudity is incorrect? Hodge: Tonally, it isn't really on the planet from the show. If the would be a show about "Playboy" magazine -- and also the tales were driven with that -- you'd have moments at centerfold shoots. If the happened in the "Playboy" magazine offices, for instance, that might be an entire different show that needs to be on cable there would need to be nudity or else you would not be telling the best story. This is one of the Playboy Rabbits in the club, that was associated with "Playboy" magazine since it ended underneath the umbrella of the identical company, but apart from that the guidelines that been around and exactly how of live like a Playboy Bunny had really nothing related to nudity actually it clearly did not have anything related to nudity. THR: The Mother And Father Television Council's complaints and NBC's Salt Lake City affiliate declining to air the series Hodge: I am sure they are likely to beg to air it soon (laughs). I believe after they begin to see the show and where future episodes will go, there's really absolutely nothing to stress about.THR: Hugh Hefner's voice was featured within the pilot, the way he be engaged moving forward? Hodge: His voice won't continue being area of the show, it's only within the pilot introducing and kick-off the world. He's area of the show moving forward, we do not use his voice but we still might find him every occasionally in the manner that you simply do in the finish from the pilot: the thing is his back in the desk.THR: He's Charlie from "Charlie's Angels." Hodge: Basically, yes. But he isn't always at this desk like Charlie is he moves around. Sometimes we'll see him that the gym has in the back and he's spoken about. You may never tell the storyline of anything related to Playboy without acknowledging Hef in some manner. He's a name within the show, largely off-screen. When he's on-screen, it's in the back, side, a silhouette, since it does not tell his specific story. He isn't a personality together with his own narrative.THR: Will that ever change? Called the decision not have Hef be considered a regular character intentional? Hodge: Your decision was intentional for the time being. I'm able to never say never. You never know in which the series may go, particularly if it continues for any very long time. For the time being, the tales are centered on the Rabbits and Nick Dalton (Eddie Cibrian). If the involved playboy, Hef could be your No. 1 character.THR: The amount of a job is he going to have using the series? Hodge: He's certainly involved. Alta Loma Entertainment is Playboy's production arm and they are executive producers around. We visit them for production design questions, precision and historic questions. They get all of our outlines and scripts, however i can't recall the last time they gave an email. They are very hands-off they are not attempting to steer story or make Playboy look great. It isn't handled for the reason that way by "Playboy."THR: Did Alta Loma possess a submit your decision to not feature Hef like a character? Hodge: He did not need to make it his story. There wasn't any argument against not getting him and i believe he was happy about this. He really loves how he's utilized in the series and explained that. He likes the total amount he's inside and exactly how he's portrayed.THR: You've already drawn on "Voice" champion Javier Colon, Colbie Caillat and Raphael Saadiq to guest star. Any extra musical entertainers you have your skills on? Hodge: Moving forward, we'll be representing differing people: Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Junior., Dusty Springfield. They are not occur stone however i anticipate getting more and more people like Raphael, Colbie and Javier on the program. We now have differing people in your mind but we actually want to get Bruno Mars on the program and that he desires to get it done.THR: With "Playboy Club" and ABC's "Pan Am" both occur the sixties, any possibility of a crossover? Hodge: I wouldn't be in opposition to it. That might be amusing, however i doubt our galleries would agree. (Laughing) That might be so funny: the Rabbits all board the Pan Am flight or even the stewardesses all arrived at the "Playboy Club." That's advisable and that i love The new sony. I ought to contact them!InchThe Playboy Club" premieres Monday on NBC. The Hollywood Reporter

Matt's Self-help guide to Monday Evening TV: New and Returning Shows

two and a half Males This being this type of epic week inside the TV business, with almost all new and returning shows premiering inside the kickoff for the official TV season, I'm modifying my "self-help guide to a couple of daysInch format all week to target individually on each evening generally: analyzing the programming techniques and showdowns while previewing the aircraft aircraft pilots and season openers I've observed ahead of time.Monday the end result is: ABC and CBS should still dominate. Dwts has once again cast a buzz-worthy group - though some are pondering should they have overstepped and alienated their more mainstream fans with lightning-fly fishing rod participants like Chaz Bono and Nancy Sophistication. (Overcome it, folks. It's a dancing show, all for entertainment.) And Castle produces a great nightcap. CBS' popular comedy selection includes one new champion (Two Broke Women) then one show in transition (two and a half Males) that's more discussed than nearly any new fall series, while Hawaii Five- greater than holds its own. Fox is shaking some misunderstanding having its large-budget fantasy spectacular Terra Nova (which bows inside a couple of days), which will open large at least. We'll discover if it is family-friendly tone allures a bigger-than-recognition. A Cuddy-free House (premiering March. 3) may be on its last legs, though. NBC will most likely struggle again, beginning while using odd decision to pair The Sing-Off against Dancing. It completed well throughout holiday days, but will vid cappella competition be described as a match for ballroom shenanigans? As Well As The Playboy Club hasn't created as much debate as NBC probably wanted, and could are afflicted by the established procedurals - in addition to a large amount of the presumed male audience being distracted by Monday Evening Football inside the fall. The CW barely registers having its extended-in-the-tooth Gossip Girl as well as the insufferably precious Hart of Dixie (premiering inside a couple of days).Want more fall TV news? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!To the shows, beginning while using new:2 Broke Women (CBS, special amount of 9:30/8:30c will regularly air at 8:30/7:30c) After I written inside the Fall Preview problem: "This is a tip: Don't wager against these hands on funny Women. What this odd couple is serving - a tasty if frequently crude confection of barbed one-card inserts, while using tart Kat Dennings slinging a side of attitude - is unquestionably worth ordering seconds." To elaborate: Dennings can be a riot just like a brash Brooklyn waitress, yoked by sitcom fate with a spoiled Barbie dolls dolls toy (bubbly Jesse Behrs), a dethroned society heiress whose family went belly-up. From Sex as well as the City's Michael Patrick King by getting an assist from comedian-author Whitney Cummings (who is cheaper well in their eponymous NBC sitcom), this show is applicable to Broke having its snappy dialogue, every once in awhile crossing the flavors barrier having its grotesque ethnic caricatures (the girls' Asian boss particularly). Nevertheless the for women who live great chemistry, and we'll be rooting on the account simply because they to enhance one 4th-million making it on their own inside the cupcake business. The completely new Laverne & Shirley? We could hope.The Playboy Club (NBC, 10/9c) After I written for Fall Preview: "More tepid than titillating, which probably isn't what Hef been in mind. So dark and claustrophobic you may need a torch along with your Club membership, this dreary '60s pastiche of empty suits, mob clichés and pre-feminist posturing is a lot more from the bunny shrug when compared to a hug." To elaborate: That is much the lesser in the fall's two '60s shows (these guys ABC's peppier Pan Am), an insipid and unconvincing try to put bunnies the primary factor on the social and sexual revolution. Besides, charge character can be a guy: awesome mob lawyer Nick Dalton, carried out by pretty boy Eddie Cibrian in the callow try to emulate Mad Men's Don Draper (no such luck). He's an ordinary that the gym has, and also the pre-credits encounter having a completely new cigarette bunny who clashes bloodily getting a mob thug is simply laughable. Come in the event you must for your music, as well as the stunning Laura Benanti (a Tony champion who warrants better) since the "bunny mother." This is an indication from the show's cluelessness that people are asked for to consider this knockout is in some manner inside the hill. My hope happens when Playboy can be a fast fade, NBC will hustle to put Benanti to use on its midseason musical series Smash, where she'd be smashing. Here, she's just wasted.Moving to the night's primary occasions, and you'll find several to choose from. Beginning while using opener of ABC's Dwts (8/7c), having its crazy new cast (and the way do they really reference Ron "Metta World Peace" Artest?). An hour or so approximately later, rubber-neckers might wish to make use of the ninth-season opener of two and a half Males (9/8c) to cover their respects for the late and possibly unlamented Charlie Harper, while welcoming Ashton Kutcher aboard as broken-hearted billionaire Walden Schmidt. An hour or so approximately next, Comedy Central seeks to upstage everyone while using Roast of Charlie Sheen (10/9c), the excerpts from which have been correctly filthy. Sheen remains producing points throughout the final week by turning up sane and relatively contrite within the mea-culpa publicity tour. This, however, can be a evening where everyone, like the target, is applicable towards the jugular. Among the roastees: Seth MacFarlane as emcee, plus Mike Tyson, William Shatner, Jon Lovitz, Jeffrey Ross, Anthony Jeselnik as well as the inexplicable Kate Walsh.Wonderful this chaos, it's almost refreshing to find out a show just get lower to business and supply the products. Therefore it is while using fourth-season premiere of ABC's Castle (10/9c), a effective episode for Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic as Castle and Beckett exercise their issues inside the wake of her shooting, his commitment of love (did she hear him?) plus much more turmoil inside the workplace, elevated with a brand new dragon-lady boss (Cent Manley Jerald) which has no tolerance for Castle's antics and demands being referred to as "mister."The tease proceeds the seventh-season opener of CBS' Generate An Earnings Met Your Mother (8/7c), after we stay at night time over who Barney will marry - there's a "did I choose the very best tie" metaphor for your Suited One - ultimately costly to Punchy's wedding, where Marshall and Lily continue being trying to have their pregnancy a secret, that's nothing compared to Robin's denial that she's still moving a torch for Barney. Numerous that is sweet, though just as much is irritating. And so are we stated to become amused by narrator Bob Saget's voice-over, ensuring his captive kids that "I swear we're totally almost not always everything near the finish?" Because I'm virtually regarding this. (Another episode, featuring Martin Short as Marshall's new boss, airs at 8:30/7:30c.)Just what else is on? ... Turner Classic Movies salutes the late High high cliff Robertson by getting an eclectic daylong marathon beginning at 6 a.m/5c, along with his first speaking role inside the romantic Possess a have a picnic, peaking at 3:30 pm/2:30c while using political drama The Most Effective Guy, co-starring Henry Fonda. ... 30 Rock begins a syndicated work on Comedy Central, with back-to-back episodes beginning at 7/6c. ... Syfy's enjoyable Eureka (8/7c) airs its season 4.5 finale, with Sheriff Carter and Jo fighting black holes while final formulations get started ahead for your Astraeus pursuit to Titan. Expect something existence-altering to happen, because that's the actual way it is available in Eureka. ... Fox's Hell's Kitchen christens its top chef in the two-hour finale (8/7c), the champion moving onto a mind chef position at NY's BLT Steak. ... Terry O'Quinn cheers prospects for your Hawaii Five- crew, in the recurring role as McGarrett's former SEAL instructor. McGarrett begins the second season (10/9c) in jail, billed using the governor's murder, while Kono finds herself suspended. ... Cinemax recounts The Strange Good status for Don't Request, Don't Tell in the documentary that tracks the questionable anti-gay military policy in the implementation to its repeal. The special premieres within the stroke of evening time ET, when the repeal switches into effect. It'll be repeated Tuesday at 8/7c.Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Saiorse Ronan and Alexis Bledel Are Just As Confused by Their New Film as You Are

The synopsis of Precious screenwriter Geoffrey Fletcher’s feature directing debut Violet and Daisy sounds straightforward enough: “A brutal fable about a pair of teenage assassins, played by Saoirse Ronan and Alexis Bledel, who believe they’ve landed a straightforward assignment but soon find themselves thrown off their game when their latest target isn’t who they expected.” Evidently, however, that’s not quite what its audience — or even its stars themselves, for that matter — seemed to take away from its Toronto Film Festival premiere. According to the LAT’s Steve Zeitchik, who caught the confounding screening, it went a little like this: Overflowing with whimsical dream sequences, cryptic symbolism and surrealist touches (the main characters tool around on a tricycle), Violet & Daisy features flavors that won’t be to everyone’s taste, and it’s hard to imagine a major distributor taking a flier on it. But even its detractors will concede the film has a degree of style and ambition. […] So bizarre are some of the scenes in Violet & Daisy that at the post-screening Q&A Thursday night, even the actors there to support the film said they found themselves experiencing moments of confusion. “I came in with lots of questions,” Bledel said, “and I still haven’t gotten any answers.” To a query from one member in the audience, Ronan jumped in with: “There are so many bizarre things in this film, so many things left open, it might be better off not to ask questions.” (Her remark prompted Cameron Bailey, the festival co-director who was moderating the session, to quip, “That kind of ruins the Q&A.”) Don’t feel bad, ladies! That’s TIFF for you. I’m still waiting for people to come around on What’s Wrong With Virginia? Give it a couple years, something will work out. · Toronto 2011: An Oscar winner takes an un-Precious turn [LAT] [Photo: Getty Images]

Wade Mainer dies at 104

Banjoist Wade Mainer, a rustic music pioneer who got his begin in North Carolina's mountain tops and discovered music among Michigan's industry died Monday at his home in Genesee County's Flint Township, about 60 miles northwest of Detroit. He was 104. Mainer is credited with inventing the 2-finger banjo picking style that paved the way in which for that bluegrass era. Mainer recorded for many labels and together with through the South within the nineteen thirties. Within the nineteen fifties he gone to live in the Flint area, where he place the banjo under his mattress. He labored for Vehicle in the region for 18 years. Mainer came back to music to another music performer convinced the born-again Christian he can use his talents to recognition God. A memorial is placed for Friday in Michigan. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Cliff Robertson RIP

Oscar-winning actor dead at 88With sad news comes great responsibility: Oscar-winning actor Cliff Robertson died on Saturday, one day after turning 88, in Long Island New York. While he might be best known to today's audiences as Uncle Ben Parker in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy, he enjoyed a long, successful career capped by several notable roles and an Academy Award for 1968's Charly. Born in California in 1923, Robertson flirted with acting early on, joining the La Jolla High School Dramatic Club, while also harbouring dreams of becoming a pilot (he'd go on to indulge that ambition, earning his private flying licence and owning several classic aircraft). While he appeared on stage in San Diego in 1940, World War Two interrupted his thespian ambitions and he served his country in the Merchant Navy. After the war, he worked several odd jobs before returning to acting, appearing in touring and stock productions. More solid stage work soon came his way and he ended up on New York's Broadway, appearing in The Wisteria Trees among many other plays. Spotted while performing, he scored his first credited film role in 1956's Picnic alongside Kim Nova, though he'd already begun to forge a successful career in TV, with work on shows such as The Twilight Zone and Playhouse 90. During the 1950s, he became a contract player for Columbia Studios, largely preferring character work because of its variety. Among his films were The Naked and the Dead, Gidget, 633 Squadron, Three Days of the Condor and Midway. He became famous for playing a young John F Kennedy in 1963's PT 109, winning praise from the President himself, who had suggested Robertson's name to the filmmakers when Warren Beatty turned the role down. But he scored the most acclaim for Charly, adapted from Daniel Keyes' sci-fi novel Flowers for Algernon. Robertson took the title role of the mentally handicapped janitor who is treated with a revolutionary new drug that boosts his brain power - if only for a tragically short time. When asked about winning his Oscar, his reply was typically pragmatic and funny: "The year you win an Oscar is the fastest year in a Hollywood actor's life. Twelve months later they ask, 'Who won the Oscar last year?'"In addition to acting, Robertson also bought the rights to rodeo radio drama JW Coop, and wrote, directed and produced the film version in 1971. His career was also touched by scandal - albeit one that saw him emerge a hero for going up against Columbia studio boss David Begelman, who had been misappropriating company funds and had forged a hefty cheque in Robertson's name. Though some tried to blacklist him for helping to expose the fraud, Robertson's career continued on a strong footing. Playing Uncle Ben to Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man was his final role, appearing in all three movies, ending with a flashback in Spider-Man 3. He's survived by one daughter.

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Toronto: Fox Searchlight Acquires Shame

UPDATE: Fox Searchlight toppers Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula have confirmed the acquisition ofShame at Toronto. Searchlight’s official release is after the jump. EXCLUSIVE: In the first major deal of the Toronto Film Festival, Fox Searchlight has acquiredShame, the Steve McQueen-directed NC-17 drama that was the talk of Telluride. Bidding came down to Searchlight and The Weinstein Company. The film is said to showcase a tour de force performance by Michael Fassbender, who plays a New Yorker unable to manage his sex life when his wayward younger sister (Carey Mulligan) moves into his apartment, and his world spirals out of control. Searchlight had been the frontrunner in the bidding. The film is a provocative purchase for a number of reasons: It is unabashedly NC-17, features graphic sex scenes and nudity — one source said “think dungeon sex” — and McQueen has final cut and will not change a frame. It will be a controversial release for Searchlight, whose parent company has already weathered plenty of scandal lately. Also, the deal calls for a late-year release and Best Actor campaign for Fassbender; Searchlight will already be waging a campaign in the same category for George Clooney in the Alexander Payne-directed The Descendants. Hanway brokered the Shame deal. Here’s Searchlight’s release: TORONTO, Ontario, Canada September 9, 2011 Fox Searchlight Pictures Presidents Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula announced today that the company has acquired U. S. rights to the intimate and provocative drama SHAME. The film is directed by Steve McQueen, written by McQueen and Abi Morgan and stars Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan. SHAME is a See-Saw Films production for Film4 and U.K. Film Council and produced by Iain Canning and Emile Sherman. Tessa Ross, Robert Walak, Peter Hampden and Tim Haslam are executive producers with Bergen Swanson as co-producer. HanWay Films is handling international sales. The film is scheduled to be released in 2011. Steve McQueens courageous exploration of modern lifes extremes is breathtaking. He has crafted an extraordinary film that probes some of the deepest and darkest issues ever portrayed on screen with amazingly gifted performances by Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan, said Gilula and Utley. Fox Searchlight contacted us immediately after the screening in Telluride to tell us how much they loved the film. Their approach to marketing and distributing the film this year was incredibly detailed and impressive. We are excited to be working with them on a film that is sparking debate and a strong emotional reaction from audiences, said Canning and Sherman. This is a brave statement and an important move by Fox Searchlight. I am very happy they came on board to release Shame in the U.S. It’s great to be working with a team that is so passionate about cinema, said McQueen. Brandon (Michael Fassbender) is a New Yorker who shuns intimacy with women but feeds his desires with a compulsive addiction to sex. When his wayward younger sister (Carey Mulligan) moves into his apartment stirring memories of their shared painful past, Brandons insular life spirals out of control. The deal was brokered by Fox Searchlights Executive Vice President of Worldwide Acquisitions Tony Safford, Senior Vice President of Business Affairs Megan OBrien, Vice President of Acquisitions Ray Strache with Thorsten Schumacher and Claire Taylor of HanWay Films on behalf of the filmmakers. Fox Searchlight Pictures is a specialty film company that both finances and acquires motion pictures. It has its own marketing and distribution operations, and its films are distributed internationally by Twentieth Century Fox. Fox Searchlight Pictures is a unit of Fox Filmed Entertainment, a unit of Fox Entertainment Group.