Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson and Jessica Chastain among the front-runners to play Hillary Clinton in Rodham

Scarlett Johansson and Reese Witherspoon are among actresses being considered to portray the former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Rodham - about the younger years of the former First Lady and senator - is due out some time around the 2016 presidential election, in which Clinton might be a candidate. It will focus on 1974, when she was a Washington lawyer. According the The Sunday Times, the frontrunners include 26-year-old Clinton are Amanda Seyfried, who starred in Les Misérables, Zero Dark Thirty's Jessica Chastain, Reese Witherspoon, and Scarlett Johansson, most recently seen playing Janet Leigh in Hitchcock. Rodham director James Ponsoldt said: “They’re all wonderful actresses. We’re very fortunate that a lot of really great actors are interested in playing these roles. We’re in an enviable position.” “Regardless of people’s political affiliation or how they feel about Hillary Clinton, you don’t find people who question the quality of her intelligence or her drive. I want a wonderful actress who could embody that.” Witherspoon hit the news only last month, when she was arrested in Atlanta, Georgia, for disorderly conduct. She later admitted she "had one drink too many," and said she was “deeply embarrassed” by the incident, which was caught on video. The film's script, written by Young il-Kim, made last year's “Black List”, which highlights Hollywood's best unrealised scripts. Having been leaked by The Daily Beast earlier this month, it attracted attention for its racier scenes. But Kim told The Daily Telegraph: "I didn't write 50 Shades of Rodham, as some news outlets are suggesting. I am a boring prude with little imagination.
 News source: www.independent.co.uk

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Keith Urban to Release New Album 'Fuse' on September 10

New Zealand-born Australian country music singer Keith Urban has just announced the September 10 release date of his forthcoming eighth studio album "Fuse", channeling the attention he's been getting lately to good use, focusing it more on his music and less on his stint as a judge on "American Idol". The 45-year-old musician only has a few months to go to make it in time for his new album's due date and he's wasting no time to get it out in the press and to his eagerly-awaiting fans. For his much-anticipated follow-up album to "Get Closer" released back in 2010, Urban enlists anew his longtime producer Dann Huff and kick starts new partnerships with Eric Church and Little Big Town record producer Jay Joyce. He also signs up Taylor Swift collaborator Nathan Chapman and rocker Butch Walker for the new project. "It's just been really creatively liberating to me," Urban said about his newfound opportunity to work with such remarkable musicians. "I love collaborating. It's the thing I've always loved doing, whether it's writing or performing or being in the studio, I love the collaborative process. I think finding people's strengths is the thing I love the most." But an interview with Keith Urban will not be complete without asking him whether he will be back to judge another season of "Idol", and so the season twelve judge with the sunny disposition obliged with an honest "I have no official information of anything." He reassured "Idol" followers that the producers would eventually figure it out what they want to do with the show next year, confidently saying, "They always pull it together.
 News source: www.aceshowbiz.com

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Hulk Hogan apologizes for gory photos

Hulk Hogan is apologizing for grossing out Twitter followers with a series of graphic photos he shared this past weekend. Hogan, 59, made a trip to the emergency room Sunday in Tampa, after he severely burned his hand in an accident. "Just had a radiator explode on my hand, OUCH," he tweeted on Sunday afternoon with a picture of his swollen and blistered hand. In a particularly gruesome, raw shot, he wrote: "Would you like it rare?" And finally, "I apologize for posting my burned hand photos,with all the feedback I now realize I really should take a moment before I make a decision
 News source: www.usatoday.com

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Stars of Tyler Perry's New OWN Sitcoms Detail 'Love Thy Neighbor' and 'Haves and Have Nots

The wait is just about over for the debut of the two scripted television shows Tyler Perry developed exclusively for the OWN network. Executive produced, directed and written by Perry, "The Haves and the Have Nots" and "Love Thy Neighbor" will debut tonight with the expectations of boosting the network's underwhelming ratings, while bringing two scripted shows to the OWN network with its audience as the target. Both shows are the result of a partnership between the two entertainment moguls, Oprah and Perry, who announced their merger last October. "We had Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey for bosses," said Palmer Williams, Jr. who plays Uncle Floyd on "Love Thy Neighbor." "This is bringing back a scripted show with all this reality madness that is going on. But for us to be able to do this is developing a part of history," he added. In the show, "Love Thy Neighbor" Perry brings some familiarity to the thirty-minute sitcom with his Hattie Mae Love character from "A Madea Christmas" and Uncle Floyd from "House of Payne." The comedy, which is formatted similarly to Perry's "House of Payne" and "Meet the Browns," is set at the Love Train diner owned by Hattie Mae, who is played by Patrice Lovely. Hattie Mae has her hands full as the matriarch of her family and tries to hold everybody together, from her family to her customers. However, in "The Haves and the Have Nots" Perry must have taken some notes from Shonda Rhimes. The hour-long show is reminiscent to the show "Scandal" featuring an interracial love component, sex, lies and deceit. Crystal Fox who stars in "The Haves and the Have Nots" described the show by saying, "It's scripted television that I like to call 'delectably dysfunctional.' And when you finish watching it you have to check yourself, and I like that," she noted. "The Haves and the Have Nots," set in Savannah, Ga., is based on the matriarchs of two different families: the Cryer family and the Young family The Cryer family is rich and powerful with about as much drama and dysfunction as they have wealth and success. The Young family, who may not be rich with money, is wealthy in their religion and virtues. The show is set around Candace Young, played by Tika Sumpter of "Gossip Girl" and "Sparkle." Candace is the sexy vixen who befriends Amanda Cryer, played by Jacyln Betham, the daughter of John Cryer, who has been paying her for sex. "It's gonna be one of those moments when people are like, I love you Tika, but I hate you and I'm excited to be able to get some emotion from people," said Tika Sumpter about her new role as a sexy vixen on the show. "It's fun to play sexy and sultry and not give a damn what people think and say yeah, here it is, here you go." Kendra C. Johnson, who plays the role of Hattie Mae Love's daughter Linda, hopes that viewers, "will spend their Tuesday night and Wednesday night with us." The Haves and the Have Nots" will premiere on Tue May 28 at 9:00 p.m. and "Love Thy Neighbor" will premiere Wed May 29 at 9 p.m. with two back-to-back thirty minute episodes on the OWN network.
  News source:www.atlantadailyworld.com

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Scarlett Johansson, Amanda Seyfried, Jessica Chastain, Reese Witherspoon up for Hillary Clinton lead

Former first lady Hillary Clinton is to have her early years turned into a biopic… and actresses are lining up to take on the role. Among those apparently eager to star as Mrs Clinton are Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Amanda Seyfried and Jessica Chastain. Director James Ponsoldt told The Sunday Times: “They’re all wonderful actresses. We’re very fortunate that a lot of really great actors are interested in playing these roles. We’re in an enviable position.” Apparently entitled Rodham, the film is due to be released in 2016 – around the time of the presidential election which, according to reports, Clinton may be a candidate in. Ponsoldt added: “Regardless of people’s political affiliation or how they feel about Hillary Clinton, you don’t find people who question the quality of her intelligence or her drive. I want a wonderful actress who could embody that.” There are already rumblings of Rodham popping up at the Oscars. No pressure or anything. The script has already attracted some attention around its "racier" scenes, too. After making the “Black List” (Hollywood’s collection of best unrealised scripts), a few scenes were leaked. But scriptwriter Young-Il Kim has defended his work, saying: “I didn’t write 50 Shades of Rodham, as some news outlets are suggesting. I am a boring prude with little imagination.” Will the film include a few naughty sex scenes, then? Kim isn’t sure: “It’s an evolving process, so I don’t know. She was an attractive 26-year-old with an amazing future. And that’s our thematic focus.” We’ll get the popcorn.
 News source: www.radiotimes.com

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Chris Brown Investigated For Hit & Run Accident

Chris Brown reportedly avoided sharing his driver's license and proper insurance card information after his Range Rover was involved in a fender-bender. If convicted, he could face jail-time. Just days after Soulja Boy's Bentley was impounded for what is believed to be his second Southern California hit-and-run accident in 12 months, another music star is in trouble for a similar offense. According to TMZ.com, singer Chris Brown is currently under investigation for an accident last week. The Sony Records multi-platinum singer reportedly refuses to provide his license after his Range Rover SUV collided with a Mercedes Benz. Additionally, TMZ has reports that Brown provided false insurance information. The exchange was captured on video, exclusively at TMZ—apparently with Brown's consent, though the exchange cannot be heard. Following an accident, both parties are required to exchange insurance and identification, especially if a police officer is not present. Because Brown remains on probation for his February, 2009 assault on then-girlfriend Rihanna. If Brown is charged for any offense, he could face jail-time. Brown and his label have yet to release a statement on the incident.
  News source: www.hiphopdx

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Best Wedding Ever? Aaron Paul and Lauren Parsekian Hire John Mayer, David Blaine

Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul has married his long-time girlfriend Lauren Parsekian at a ceremony at Cottage Pavilion at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu on Sunday (May 26, 2013), according to Us Weekly. The couple were photographed embracing under a pretty swish looking ivy-draped archway, over at People.com. Parsekian, the co-CEO of Finding Kind Productions, wore a strapless corseted Armsale gown with pearls, while husband Aaron wore a Burberry tuxedo and custom bow tie. The wedding was a 1920s carnival inspired affair, with a Ferris wheel, swing ride and photo booth, while blues musician John Mayer played live. Renowned magician David Blaine performed tricks for guests under a traditional red-and-white striped tent. "Well that was the most magical night of my life," said Parsekian in an Instagram post from the evening. "A day will never go by without me reminding you how special you are. Thanks for last night my pretty little bird," Paul captioned a picture on the photo-sharing site.
     News source: www.contactmusic.com

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Justin Bieber accused of reckless driving, reports say

Justin Bieber is once again being accused of dangerously speeding through his gated community in Los Angeles. According to E! News, authorities stopped by the young singer’s home last night in response to “numerous” calls complaining about the Biebs’ alleged reckless driving. Additionally, LA County Sheriff spokesman Steve Whitmore told TMZ callers reported Bieber driving his Ferrari at a "startling high rate of speed” around an area where at least one child was playing. Cops responded and went to the crooner's home but he reportedly refused to speak with them.

 News source:www.foxnews.com

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Angelina Jolie's Aunt Dies After Battle With Breast Cancer

Two weeks after Angelina Jolie revealed that she underwent a double mastectomy to reduce her risk of breast cancer her aunt has died from the disease after two battles with it. Debbie Martin, the sister of Jolie's late mother Marcheline Bertrand, died on Sunday at Palomar Hospital in Escondido, Calif., just days after being hospitalized, according to her husband Ronald Martin. She was 61. Last week it was revealed that she developed the disease for the second time after undergoing a lumpectomy in 2004 when she was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. The cancer returned last year. Jolie was unable to be with her aunt at the time of her death, but her uncle said she's been in touch often, according to E! News. "Angelina has been in touch throughout the week and her brother Jamie has been with us, giving his support day by day," Martin said. "They both loved Debbie very much and although Angie is not able to come right now she has sent her love and support which was very nice. "We have seen Angelina a number of times since Debbie was diagnosed with breast cancer and Debbie and I were both very proud of her recent decision to have the double mastectomy and to do everything she can to keep her family from having to go through what we've been through. Angelina's father Jon Voight has also been tremendously supportive - he came down to see Debbie last Sunday and spent the whole day, talking with her and sharing his love and I know Debbie really enjoyed seeing him and talking with him." Jolie's mother died of ovarian cancer in 2007 at the age of 56. The actress is planning to undergo surgery to have her ovaries removed also, as the "faulty" BRCA1 gene she carries not only put her at risk of developing breast cancer -- which she greatly reduced her risk of getting by having the mastectomy -- but it also increases her risk of developing the same disease that took her mother. "Because of the BRCA gene in the maternal side of the family, Angelina did the smartest thing on earth," Martin told the National Enquirer last week. "It takes a lot of courage to have your breasts removed."

 News source: www.starpulse.com

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Selena Gomez Dines Out With Jaden Smith

Selena Gomez looked to be camera shy while leaving dinner at Hakkasan in London together with Jaden Smith, who wasn’t camera shy at all. 20-year old Selena Gomez wore a sheer black dress under a black sweater coat and tried to hide herself from paparazzi behind 14-year old Jaden Smith. Earlier in the week, Selena Gomez looked to be under the weather but we are glad to see her healthy while out with Jaden. Jaden Smith happens to be best friends with Justin Bieber, who also happens to be on-and-off again boyfriend of Selena Gomez. We all know how Selena’s best friend Taylor Swift feels about the situation between Justin and Selena. Maybe the dinner between Selena and Jaden involved a lot of discussion about the Billboard Milestone Award winner.

 News source:popstoptv.com

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Ben Affleck gets honorary doctorate from Brown University

Academy Award-winning actor and director Ben Affleck has received one of six honorary doctorate degrees from Brown University. Affleck was among artists, writers, scientists and educators to receive the degrees from the Ivy League school at commencement exercises Sunday. He received a doctor of fine arts degree. The Massachusetts native directed, produced and starred in "Argo," which won this year's Oscar for Best Picture. Others getting honorary doctorates were author and MIT Professor Junot Diaz; retired Stanford University bacteriologist Stanley Falkow; Tougaloo College President Beverly Wade Hogan; medical doctor and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation President Risa Lavizzo-Mourey; and Miami Dade College President Eduardo Padron. The university conferred more than 2,400 degrees Sunday. Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2013/05/27/ben-affleck-gets-honorary-doctorate-from-brown-university

News sourse:/www.foxnews.com

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Chris Brown Parties in Vegas With Karrueche Tran By His Side

There's nothing quite like Memorial Day weekend in Las Vegas... Chris Brown spent Sunday surrounded by bikini-clad women at the Palms Pool & Bungalows at the Palms Casino Resort. The "Fine China" singer soaked up the sun by the pool with an entourage of friends and possibly on-again girlfriend Karruche Tran and later performed on stage in front of a massive crowd. Brown kept cool in the desert heat in khaki shorts, a white shirt and a black baseball cap. NEWS: Chris Brown spends birthday with Karruche Tran A source told E! News that Tran helped rub suntan lotion on Brown's chest and danced along while he gave his impromptu performance. Sounds like these two are getting super close again! Brown and Tran also hung out with Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose, who were also enjoying the beginning of summer in Sin City. It appears that Rihanna may be completely out of the picture. Brown's been spotted hanging out with his ex-girlfriend for the last month and even spent his birthday with her in Los Angeles.

News source:www.eonline.com

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Stone Temple Pilots sue ex-frontman Scott Weiland

Stone Temple Pilots are said to be in a legal dispute with ex-frontman Scott Weiland over misuse of the band's name. The singer, who was fired from the group earlier this year following a 27-year career, is being sued by the band for using their name in order to advance his own solo work, reports The Associated Press. Tension rose between the band members when Weiland was warned against playing a solo tour, during which he would perform the band's early album 'Core', but continued to play the gigs. The frontman was then officially fired in February and released a statement declaring, "I learned of my supposed 'termination' from Stone Temple Pilots this morning by reading about it in the press. Not sure how I can be 'terminated' from a band that I founded, fronted and co-wrote many of its biggest hits, but that's something for the lawyers to figure out." The lawsuit, which was filed on Friday, is intended to stop Weiland from using the band's name or performing their songs. Stating addiction and tardiness as reasons for Weiland's dismissal and claiming that the singer has gone out of his way to stop Stone Temple Pilots' new single 'Out Of Time' from gaining radio airplay, the band also claim that an agreement from 1996 states that no former members can use the group's name. Further disagreement has also been raised with the appointment of Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington as Stone Temple Pilots' new frontman. Posting on his website, Weiland stated that "...the band that played last weekend was not Stone Temple Pilots and it was wrong of them to present themselves as that. First of all they don't have the legal right to call themselves STP because I'm still a member of the band. And more importantly, they don't have the ethical right to call themselves Stone Temple Pilots because it's misleading and dishonest to the millions of fans that have followed us for so many years."

 News source: www.nme.com

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Arrested Development'- It's Back and as Great as Ever

Arrested Development" is back after a hiatus that lasted too long for anyone who loves great television. And with the premiere of its fourth season Sunday on Netflix, it proves that there is still hope for sitcom genius from the TV industry, especially if it's created by Mitchell Hurwitz, narrated by Ron Howard and features one of the greatest ensemble casts of all time. With expectations as high as they are among "AD" fans, do the new episodes live up to those of the first three seasons which ended in 2006? Yes, and then some: The new season is not only as smart and absurdly funny as ever, but also reflects the rapid changes in how we watch television. Netflix and other new content providers get that people want to watch an episode of a show when they want to watch it. And if they want to watch two, give them two to watch. Three? Why not? For that matter, why not the entire "season." Yes, you can do this with any television show, including those in a traditional weekly format whose full seasons are now available on platforms like Netflix and Hulu. But the fact that the new "AD" episodes are even more self-contained than those of the first three seasons makes them an even better fit for new content providers. Hurwitz gives each each character his or her own episode in the early part of the new season. I don't mean that "Michael's 'Arrested Development'" only features Jason Bateman, but that the episode catches us up on how the character got from where he was in the third season to becoming a producer on a Ron Howard film about the Bluth family. When the show ended in 2006 with the episode titled "Development Arrested," it seemed at first as though Michael Bluth (Bateman) had finally succeeded in making his self-indulgent family's crooked business enterprise at least profitable enough to offer some hope for the future. But the episode ended when matriarch Lucille (Jessica Walter) commandeering the long-docked Queen Mary to escape the police boats, and Michael's alleged twin Lindsay (Portia de Rossi) learning she was actually adopted, which meant that Michael's son George Michael (Michael Cera) wasn't committing incest when he made out with his supposed cousin Maeby (Alia Shawkat). The eternally terrified Buster Bluth (Tony Hale) tumbled overboard and was confronted immediately by his greatest fear in life- a live seal- as Michael and George Michael happily sailed away into the sunset, leaving the rest of the clan to their own devices. The fourth season begins with an episode called "Flight of the Phoenix," which refers in the show's context to both the city of Phoenix and the online University of Phoenix. However, the myth of the phoenix is that it was a bird that rose from the ashes, and that pretty much describes the history of "Arrested Development" too. I don't want to spoil too much for anyone who didn't stay up all night binge watching the 15 new episodes, but they quickly establish that while some things have changed, the Bluth family's craziness is as rampant as ever and Michael has little hope of escaping them. The umbrella story arc has to do with getting the family together to testify on Lucille's behalf at her upcoming trial for stealing the Queen Mary. Meanwhile, George senior's twin, Oscar (both played by Jeffrey Tambor), has set up a sweat lodge on the US-Mexican border that George commandeers and turns into something he calls "Sweat 'n Squeeze"-- a way to con money out of rich guys. The compound includes "visitor yurts." Lindsay goes off to India to find personal awakening, but comes back with fake designer bags and a willingness to work on her marriage to Tobias, but instead falls for another guy whose girlfriend, DeBrie (Maria Bamford) had a brief role in a quickie film version of "The Fantastic Four." For his part, Tobias wants to make a new start. In fact, he orders specialized license plates announcing his new start. Except that the guy who once thought he could find success by combining being a therapist and an analyst, and advertised his trade as "Analrapist," comes up with a similar new word for his license plate, "Anustart." Among the many pleasures of watching the new episodes is spotting cameos. Between the guest stars in recurring roles and the cameos, it's as though everyone in Hollywood wanted to get in on the "Arrested Development" action. Guest stars include Kristen Wiig Seth Rogen as younger versions of George and Lucille, as well as Christine Taylor, Liza Minnelli, Amanda de Cadenet, John Krasinski, James Lipton, Andy Richter, Isla Fisher, Ed Helms, Bernie Kopell, Max Winkler playing a young version of his dad Henry's role as Barry Zuckerhorn, Scott Baio as Bob Loblaw, John Slattery, Debra Mooney, Conan O'Brien, Brian Grazer, John Beard, Ron Howard(in addition to narrating) and the three guys from Comedy Central's "Workaholics," Adam DeVine, Blake Anderson and Anders Holm, as three extremely passive aggressive airline ticket agents.

 News source: www.sfgate.com

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Does Brad Pitt suffer from face blindness

(CNN) -- It seems that anytime Brad Pitt speaks, the world stops to listen, and his latest interview with Esquire has been no exception. The 49-year-old star, who'll next appear in June's "World War Z," covers the magazine's June/July issue. As you've probably noticed, bits and pieces of the profile have been floating around the Web all week. Some of it isn't all that new: We've heard him talk previously about how he was stagnant 10 to 15 years ago but made a conscious decision "not to squander my opportunities," as he reiterated to Esquire in the interview. He also reminds us of how super-content he is in his new life, raising six kids with fianceé Angelina Jolie. But there were a few revelations including a potentially startling medical one. Here, we recount the top five things we've learned so far from the interview: 1. Pitt won't recognize you 2007: Forgotten faces Pitt told Esquire that he has such a hard time remembering the faces of those he meets, he thinks he might suffer from prosopagnosia, or face blindness, though he has not been tested or diagnosed with the disorder. We're not sure whether the actor was being facetious or not, but he said even having a "real conversation" doesn't help. "So many people hate me because they think I'm disrespecting them," Pitt told the magazine. "I took one year where I just said, This year, I'm just going to cop to it and say to people, 'Okay, where did we meet?' But it just got worse. People were more offended. ...You get this thing, like, 'You're being egotistical. You're being conceited.' But it's a mystery to me, man. I can't grasp a face, and yet I come from such a design/aesthetic point of view. I am going to get it tested." (For more on face blindness, check out this 2011 video of CNN's Sanjay Gupta speaking with Dr. Oliver Sacks, a famed neurologist who has face blindness. Occasionally, Sacks said he had trouble recognizing his own face.) 2. Pitt's daughter Zahara doesn't appreciate her parents' PDA Pitt's relationship with Jolie is one of constant speculation, but those hungry for intimate details aren't often satisfied. This month, however, they have been, thanks to Pitt's friend Frank Pollaro. After getting permission from the actor to speak openly, Pollaro told Esquire that he once walked into the Pitt-Jolie home just in time to hear the couple's adopted daughter, Zahara, protesting her parents' apparently frequent displays of affection. "I walked in and Angie was standing there and Zahara walked up and said, 'Daddy, you're not going to start making out with Mommy again, are you?' And it's like that," Pollaro said. 3. He tries to avoid on-screen sex scenes now that he's with Angelina That wasn't the only reveal Pollaro offered. The chatty friend said that Pitt tries to avoid "sexy scenes with other women since he's met Angelina," whom he's been with for years and became engaged to in April 2012. "He's crazy about her, and she's the same way about him," Pollaro continued. "No matter how hard he's working, if one of those kids runs by the window he'll get out of his chair and give them a kiss. And I don't think I've ever seen Angie without one of those children in her arms." 4. He doesn't have a ton of friends We've seen Pitt pal around with the likes of George Clooney and we now know of Pollaro, but it seems Pitt's buddy list might not extend far beyond that. "I have a handful of close friends and I have my family, and I haven't known life to be any happier," the actor said. "I'm making things. I just haven't known life to be any happier." 5. His home life sounds about as chaotic as you think it is "I always thought that if I wanted to do a family, I wanted to do it big," he says. "There's constant chatter in our house, whether it's giggling or screaming or crying or banging. I love it. I love it. I love it. I hate it when they're gone. I hate it. Maybe it's nice to be in a hotel room for a day -- 'Oh, nice, I can finally read a paper.' But then, by the next day, I miss that cacophony, all that life."

 News source: htedition.cnn.com

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The Hangover Part III' a forgettable finale, critics

True to its title, "The Hangover Part III" has left many film critics wishing they'd abstained from the R-rated comedy's destructive misadventures. Those keeping score will recall that the first "Hangover" was an unexpected hit in 2009, while the Bangkok-set second installment was derided as a tired retread. "Part III" tweaks the premise of its predecessors: This time, the trio played by Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis don't black out during a drug-fueled pre-wedding mishap, but rather are forced by a gangster to commit their infamous hijinks. According to reviewers, however, it just makes for another headache. The Times' Betsy Sharkey scolds that whoever is responsible for the film "should be made to pay. Or forced to suffer the fate of the giraffe in the ubiquitous trailers — the one whose long, lovely neck won't clear the low clearance bridge." The first mistake, Sharkey says, was getting rid of the original writers, Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. Craig Mazin and director Todd Phillips wrote this one, and it features too much of Ken Jeong's character, Chow (he's "much better in very small doses"), and a meaner, less enjoyable Wolfpack (as the central trio has come to be known). In the end, Chow and the film itself are both "indescribably irritating and only in it for the money." Claudia Puig of USA Today agrees that "this sequel makes a major tactical error by focusing excessively on the most outlandish — and least comical — character from the previous films" (the aforementioned Chow). She continues: "It's more a road movie with action elements than a comedy, and the debauchery of the first two films is missing." Those changes notwithstanding, "Nothing about this rote exercise feels remotely fresh. It's a re-tread of the 2009 original, sans the inspired lunacy." Ty Burr of the Boston Globe acknowledges that this third installment "doesn’t bother to Xerox the original 2009 hit comedy.… Instead, the new movie heads in different, if utterly formulaic, directions. So it’s not terrible. It’s just bad." Though there are a few cameos by folks from the previous films (Heather Graham, for one), Burr says, "in all other respects, 'Hangover Part III' is dully straightforward stuff, with none of the jack-in-the-trunk surprises and little of the inspired crassness of the original 'Hangover.'" The New York Times' Stephen Holden also finds the Wolfpack in rough shape: "Defanged, with glazed eyes and creaking joints, these superannuated party animals try vainly to stir up some enthusiasm during a return visit to Las Vegas, the site of the first 'Hangover' movie. But their heart isn't in it." Later, he adds, "Only in a sight gag during the final credits is there a momentary flare-up of the old antic spirit. Otherwise, 'The Hangover Part III' is dead. Goodbye and good riddance." The Hollywood Reporter's Stephen Farber calls "Part III" a "tame and pallid climax to the 'Hangover' trilogy. Young viewers looking for unbridled raunch will be sadly disappointed, and so will other moviegoers expecting more than a few wan chuckles. This picture is like a brightly colored balloon with all the comic air seeping out." Farber also notes that "although a bizarre end-credit sequence seems to be opening the door for another chapter, the filmmakers have promised that this will be the end of 'The Hangover.' We can only hope." Not every critic is panning "Part III," however. The AP's Christy Lemire awards some points for moxie, at least, writing that the film "runs a different sort of risk by going to darker and more dangerous places than its predecessors, both artistically and emotionally. It dares to alienate the very audience that made 'The Hangover' the highest-grossing R-rated comedy of all time because, well, it isn't exactly a comedy." She adds that Phillips and Mazin "have placed the unusual challenge on themselves of trying to create something bold and new while simultaneously remaining true to the trilogy and wrapping it all up in a satisfying way. They succeed somewhat; simply trying to be creative marks a huge improvement from part two." Ultimately, she says, "Your expectations — and keeping them in check — are a crucial factor here." Perhaps "The Hangover Part III" should come with a warning: Enjoy responsibly.

 News source: www.latimes.com

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Watch the New The World’s End Trailer Here

We don’t know about you, but here at The Guardian Express we got pretty excited when we heard about the existence of a new trailer for the last of the Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Edgar Wright “Shaun of the Dead” Trilogy. You can watch the new The World’s End trailer below and hopefully feel the same rush of adrenalin and increased heart rate that we did. While Pegg is joined by his fellow Shaun of the Dead and the Hot Fuzz film’s creator pal who between them both have made movies that have taken the public by storm. He and his fellow player Nick Frost aren’t playing the same characters; Simon was Shaun in the first film of Shaun of the Dead and he played Nicolas Angel in Hot Fuzz. Frost played the eternal loser Ed in Shaun and the police chief’s son in Fuzz. Different they may be, but they are playing the same type of characters and Paddy Considine from Hot Fuzz and Martin Freeman from Shaun and Fuzz are back as well. The Pegg, Frost and Wright trilogy started with the monster hit, Shaun of the Dead which introduced the style of the three men and their collaborative efforts that shows signature film themes that are present in all their films. Wright uses themes from other iconic film genres and parodies them in his own. The loud sounds that come before any action scene are just one examle. For instance, the overly loud sounds of Shaun’s zipper and movements while he is in the bathroom; the sounds of the pints of beer being poured in the pub. These are just two signature themes that Wright and Pegg have used in their films. Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg write the films and they first started their collaborative efforts when they worked on their first project together, the television show Spaced. The two work well together and almost all of their films have resulted in comedy gold, if not platinum. Now with The World’s End we can see the pairs own signature themes that were started in the first film and are now present in all their films. The jumping scenario, whether it be over a hedge or a fence; the car scenario, first introduced in Hot Fuzz, and most importantly the Pub scenario, which was the main theme of the first film (apart from the zombies) and a recurring one in Hot Fuzz. The plot of The World’s End has a group of friends who are trying to recreate an epic pub crawl on the anniversary of the original journey years before. They didn’t finish the first one and so missed the last pub on their list, The World’s End. Now while they attempt to recreate and finish the tour, they find out that the citizen’s of the village that houses the pub have undergone a disturbing change. It is a film that could be described as George Romero’s zombies meets Don Siegel’s Invasion of the Body Snatchers. It looks to the the gleaming jewell in the crown of the trio’s trilogy of films. Familiar scenes, characters, and a continuation of what made the first two films so great will guarantee that this finale of the trilogy will go out with a bang.

 News source: guardianlv.com

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Amazon’s Launching A Program To Sell Fanfic. Yeah, You Read That Right.

Not just any old fanfic. Your Star Trek/Supernatural crossover high school AU won’t earn you any dough quite yet. But with a new program called Kindle Worlds writers in certain fandoms, with more to come, will be able to publish their fic on Amazon. And earn royalties. Completely legally. There is no gif that can express what my brain is doing right now. In text form, it’s ” Kindle Worlds, when it launches next month, will be teen-heavy, as Amazon has so far only secured the licenses to the Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, and Vampire Diaries book series. For fics over 10,000 words the author will receive the standard royalty rate of 35%, with the rights holder getting a cut as well. But don’t rush to submit your E-rated Vampire Diaries omegaverse epic quite yet; via the official press release, “Amazon Publishing will work with [the rights holders] to establish content guidelines that balance flexibility and openness for writers with what’s reasonable for the franchise.” Which is only to be expected, of course. If not official, Amazon-published fanfic will at least be official-ish in that they’ll sort of have the stamp of approval of The Powers That Be on them. And, to put it lightly, characters get up to some crazy, non-family friendly stuff in fanfic. There have to be some guidelines. (Please let proper grammar be another one, please please please…) Writes Philip Patrick, director of business development and publisher of Kindle Worlds: “At Kindle, we’re not only inventing on the hardware and software side of the business, we’re inventing new ways to create books. Our goal with Kindle Worlds is to create a home for authors to build on the Worlds we license, and give readers more stories from the Worlds they enjoy. We look forward to announcing additional World licensing deals in the coming weeks.” This whole thing raises a slew of questions, among them how transparent the guidelines to determine what’s “reasonable” will be, whether Kindle Worlds will accept fics already published, how many people will be willing to pay for something that’s always been free, how much Amazon will charge, and if/how the availability of free fanfic will be affected. I’d also be curious to know how much the rights owners get compared to the writers’ 35%. I can see being cynical when it comes to the money aspect of this; giant corporations (the publisher of Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, and Vampire Diaries is owned by Warner Bros.) will be making money off of the labor of their fans. That’s not a viewpoint I share, though, because that’s what happens anyway: Fans put thousands of hours of effort into creating fic, graphics, crafts, etc., expecting nothing in return other than the object of their fandom being good. The fact that some of those fans will now be able to get paid for their efforts if they so choose is amazing. Some already are: Authors stripping fic of its fannish elements and republishing it as original fiction is becoming a more and more common practice. But there is some truly amazing fic out there, and I for one want to see more authors earn money off of it, even if it’s just enough to buy them a photo op at a con. If one of my favorite authors shows up on Kindle Worlds, you can be darn sure I’ll support them by purchasing their stories there. Granted, though in theory this program sounds great, in practice there are sure to be bumps once it launches. If successful the pay-for-fanfic model will affect fannish culture as a whole, and probably not all in positive ways. One of the best things about fannish works is that they’re free and easily accessible to anyone, after all, which in turn feeds a vibrant fan culture. But I for one am really excited to see where this is going. Please don’t crash and burn before you can license one of my fandoms, Kindle Words.
 News source: www.themarysue.com

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Jennifer Aniston spoofs ‘Friends’ reunion on ‘Ellen’: Courtney Cox, Matthew Perry back together

Jennifer Aniston shows Ellen and her audience what happened when she stopped by Matthew Perry's house for some advice on co-hosting. Portia de Rossi, Courteney Cox and Perry look on. Sure, it wasn't the "Friends" reunion many have hoped for, but on Wednesday fans of the show got to see Rachel, Monica and Chandler back together - with a little help from Ellen. To kick off her co-hosting gig alongside Ellen DeGeneres on her show, Jennifer Aniston visited her former "Friends" co-star Matthew Perry at his home for some advice, only to find out things have changed since the days of the hit show. Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/jennifer-aniston-spoofs-friends-reunion-ellen-article-

 News source:www.nydailynews.com

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New 'Man of Steel' Trailer: Watch Now

The newest trailer for Zack Snyder's Superman reboot, "Man of Steel," which just premiered online, leaves behind the austere and hopeful mood of the previous previews and focuses on the incredibly high stakes of the superhero adventure. A good portion of the trailer focuses squarely on Michael Shannon's villainous General Zod, who has a message and a warning for the people of Earth and Superman. "My name is General Zod. I have journeyed across an ocean of stars to reach you. Your world has sheltered one of my citizens. He will look like you, but he is not one of you," he says. "To those of you who know of his location, the fate of your planet rests in your hands. To Kal-El, I say this: Surrender within 24 hours or watch this world suffer the consequences." For the first time in the months of high anticipation, fans are getting a glimpse of the action, apart from quick looks at an in-flight punch from Superman, which the last trailer featured. The assault from Zod appears to be much larger in scale than we were led to believe before, and the showdowns between the two Kryptonians should be of epic proportions. The trailer also features the first look at another one of Superman's powers. Of course Superman can fly and possesses super strength, but he has also shoot lasers from his eyes. In a blink-and-you-missed it moment from the trailer, Clark Kent goes full Cyclops, with red light bursting from his eyes.

 News source:www.mtv.com

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Zach Galifianakis reacts to Oklahoma tragedy

LOS ANGELES — The red carpet was spotless. Bradley Cooper wore burnt orange Gucci. Hundreds of carats hung from Heather Graham's neck. Fans hollered their approval. But news of the devastating tornado that hit the Oklahoma City area cast a shadow over the premiere of The Hangover Part 3 on Monday night, as reports poured in of heartache and loss. Zach Galifianakis said the tragedy and those affected were on his mind as he walked the red carpet with his co-stars. "You just have them in your thoughts. Just like with any disasters, you feel silly doing a red carpet thing," he said. In fact, "all of this is very bizarre to me and silly," he continued. "The worship of celebrity culture is bad for our culture, to be honest. And I think this is bizarre, all of it is bizarre," he said, gesturing at the surrounding hoopla. "But as far as Oklahoma, obviously, you just hope and pray that things will turn up."

 News source: www.usatoday.com

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Jennifer Lawrence Naked Body Paint Costume

Jennifer Lawrence is all over the internet with the news of her reprising her role as Mystique in the new X-Men movie. But does anyone remember that whoever plays Mystique is actually naked with body paint comprising their costume? That’s right. At the Oscars this year Seth MacFarlane sang his boob song and one of the lyrics went, Jennifer Lawrence we haven’t seen your boobs. But he obviously didn’t catch Jennifer’s first portrayal as the blue coloured villain who has a “thing” for Wolverine. If he did, he would have realised that you can see a lot of Ms Lawrence’s “bare” body parts; not just her boobs! Way back in the first live action X-Men to hit our big screens in 2000, Rebecca Romijn played the “I’m blue” super mutant villain, right-hand wo-man to Magneto and the producers made a real big thing out of the fact that her outfit was actually body paint on her birthday suit. It seems a little less publicised now that Jennifer Lawrence is donning the paint, but the fact remains, she has been working out obviously. Because the young lady knows that she’s “buff enough” to pull off this naked painted look with out any sags or droops in sight. Of course being young helps, but in a day and age when too many young women don’t look as wonderfully fit as Lawrence it’s refreshing to see. Again, we have that confidence factor. As Mystique ,Jennifer does not just stand there and look devastatingly beautiful and threatening, she has to move around a lot! Of course she has done this before and knows what to expect so we are pretty sure that she’s been spending a little extra time in the gym during her already hectic schedule. But to divert a little from Ms Lawrence’s “lack of costume” let us look at what director Bryan Singer is up to in terms of publicising his new film. This savvy director is using social media to sate fan’s curiosity about his his next film in the comic book franchise, due in theaters July 18, 2014. He’s already showcased a few of the other mutants, for instance Halle Berry as the weather-manipulating Storm and he’s shared some teaser photos and videos of Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan on the set. But now he is zooming in on Mystique for the legion of fans who no doubt remember that under that body paint is the delectable birthday suit, albeit body painted, but still Ms Lawrence’s birthday suit for all of that. It seems like he’s aiming to drive the fans a little crazy. Jennifer may look sexy as the scaly character, but, she obviously doesn’t smell very sexy. According to her, the six-hour makeup session is referred to as “Mystink.” A little hint as to the pong this painted costume must exude.

 News source: guardianlv.com

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Tracy Morgan’s Fiancée Shows Off Bump At Billboard Music Awards

Tracy Morgan was all smiles posing with his pregnant fiancée Megan Wollover, 26, on the blue carpet at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday (May 19). At one point the 44-year-old comedian – who hosted the show – bent down to kiss her bump. The SNL and 30 Rock alum has three grown sons. One of them is a producer who goes by Young Morgan. Tracy told Billboard at rehearsals, “He wants to do something for Taylor (Swift) if she has the time. I think he’s not scared, he’ll approach her.” He also shared that his father was a musician. “That’s where I got my musical background from. He taught his kids how to sing. He told us about music and what it does to you… music is a powerful thing.”


 News source:www.celebritybabyscoop.com

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Denmark wins Eurovision on ABBA's turf with folksy ballad

 Denmark's Emmelie de Forest won Eurovision on Saturday before an international TV audience of around 125 million, clinching the coveted crown of euro-pop with a folksy ballad backed by a wall of fire, flutes and drums. The barefoot 20-year-old blonde stole the show as predicted by bookmakers with "Only Teardrops" in a final that saw 26 countries battle it out in the southern Swedish city of Malmo for the top prize in glitzy European pop music. "I could feel the fans and all the energy in the arena," de Forest said after the event, adding that she was particularly proud to win in Sweden as her late father was Swedish and a Eurovision fan. "It's a once in a lifetime experience. I'm just the happiest girl in the world," she said. Denmark, which has won the contest twice before - most recently in 2000 with the Olsen Brothers' "Fly on the Wings of Love" - was clearly in the lead even after just half of the votes were cast. The show's host, Swedish comedian Petra Mede, went ahead and announced the country's win before the final votes were read out, with the red and white Danish flag flashing on her gown in a classic over-the-top Eurovision moment. Azerbaijan took second place in the competition with "Hold Me", followed by third place for Ukraine with "Gravity". "How many times can we win and lose? How many times can we break the rules between us? Only teardrops," the Danish performer sang, beaming ear-to-ear as she repeated her winning song to the audience against a fiery backdrop. Her victory means the contest will move just across the bridge to Denmark next year, keeping the contest in the Nordics for a second year running after Sweden's Loreen won last year's contest in Azerbaijan with her dance track "Euphoria". "It's nice to give the prize to someone else. I have had such a fantastic year," Loreen told Reuters. Singers from Russia to Romania competed as Eurovision returned to the homeland of ABBA, the Swedish band it propelled to global superstardom. There was no shortage of ABBA nostalgia Saturday night. Former ABBA members Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus composed the opening act together with Swedish DJ Avicii, and the Swedish singer Sarah Dawn Finer belted out the ABBA classic "The Winner Takes It All" before votes were revealed. Though Sweden opted to tighten the budget for this year's show after oil-rich Azerbaijan spent lavishly in 2012, pop fans around the world still got their usual three-hour dose of heavy-duty kitsch. Famed as much for the costumes and characters on stage as its - sometimes - catchy tunes, Eurovision's line-up included a 2.4-metre (7-foot-10-inch) tall Ukrainian who carried singer Zlata Ognevich, and a girl-on-girl kiss in Finland's "Marry Me", which drew media controversy. SPIRIT OF UNITY Thousands of Danes gathered in front of city hall in downtown Copenhagen, waving flags, drinking beer and forming a conga line that snaked throughout the square. "Tonight we won the Eurovision Song Contest. Amazing. It's amazing!" said Emil Espersen, wearing a red-sequined jacket. Eurovision, one of the world's longest-running television programs, was started in the 1950s to help foster a spirit of unity after World War Two. In an attempt to ensure that musical quality takes precedence over geographically motivated bloc voting from television viewers, professional judges now account for 50 percent of a performer's score. The other half comes from the number of telephone and SMS votes each contestant receives, with fans unable to vote for their own country's entry. Earlier on Saturday, Eurovision fans packed into downtown Malmo's squares and parks on an unusually hot, sunny day, with music blaring and boats cruising the canals. "It's the festival feel, the fun, the unity - everyone's out to have a bit of fun," said Eurovision fan David Sherrit, who flew in from Britain. "The music is quite awful, but we really come here because it's great fun and you can have a laugh at yourself and each other." In its nearly six-decade history, Eurovision has been a launching pad for the likes of Celine Dion, Julio Iglesias and Olivia Newton-John. ABBA won the contest with "Waterloo" in 1974. (Additional reporting by Ilze Filks and Mette Fraende in Copenhagen; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Jackie Frank)

 News source: www.reuters.com

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Mariah Carey or Jennifer Lopez: Whose American Idol Finale Performance Was Better

There were plenty of divas on the stage at the American Idol finale Thursday night. But two of them had the distinction of being – at one time or another – judges on the show. (They're also both moms to twins!) Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez took the stage during the two-hour musical extravaganza, which crowned Candice Glover the winner of season 12. Mariah, dressed in a glittering, feathered gown and gobs of jewels, performed a medley of her hits, including "Vision of Love," "Make It Happen," "My All," "Hero" and "We Belong Together," as well as her new song, "#Beautiful." It was a fluttering – and, yes, pre-recorded – performance of vocal acrobatics from the singer and current judge. Later, Lopez, who sat on the panel on seasons 10 and 11, performed her bumping dance tune, "Live It Up," while showing off some intense cardio dance moves in a short white dress and gold boots. Flanked by backup dancers and rapper Pit Bull, Lopez broke it down (and broke a sweat) to her high-energy hit.

News source:www.people.com

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North Korea fires short range missiles for two days in a row

Reuters North Korea fired a short-range missile from its east coast on Sunday, a day after launching three of these missiles, a South Korean news agency said, ignoring calls for restraint from Western powers. Launches by the North of short-range missiles are not uncommon but, after recent warnings from the communist state of impending nuclear war, such actions have raised concerns about the region's security. "North Korea fired a short-range missile as it did yesterday into its east sea in the afternoon, " South Korea's news agency Yonhap reported, citing a military official. A South Korean defense ministry official confirmed the Yonhap report, but did not provide any details. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said he was concerned about North Korea's launch of short-range missiles, urging Pyonyang to refrain from further launches and return to stalled nuclear talks with world powers. Ban, who spoke to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti during a visit to Moscow, called Saturday's launch a "provocative action". Tension on the Korean peninsula has subsided in the past month, having run high for several weeks after the United Nations Security Council imposed tougher sanctions against Pyongyang following its third nuclear test in February. The North had for weeks issued nearly daily warnings of impending nuclear war with the South and the United States. South Korea's Unification Ministry criticized the missile tests as deplorable and urged the North to lower tensions and hold talks over a suspended inter-Korean industrial park in the North's border city of Kaesong. South Korea pulled out all of its workers from the industrial zone early this month after North Korea withdrew its 53,000 workers as tensions mounted. Additional reporting by Alissa de Carbonnel in MOSCOW; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani

 News source: www.reuters.com

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Kanye West names new album 'Yeezus

Hip-hop website Rap-Up has reported that the rapper's follow-up to 2010's 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' will be called 'Yeezus', and will be released on June 18. The title has yet to be confirmed by the rapper, but West hinted at the release date last month when he posted a mysterious tweet which read: "June Eighteen". The new record will be his sixth solo studio album. Meanwhile, Kanye West performed two tracks from his upcoming new album on Saturday Night Live last night (May 18). The rapper played 'New Slaves' and the previously unheard 'Black Skinhead'. You can watch Yeezy perform both tracks below. On Friday night (May 17), West premiered 'New Slaves' by projecting the video on buildings across the world. The promo was screened in 10 cities including Sydney, London, Paris, Berlin and numerous locations in North America. The rapper previously played a brand new song called 'I Am A God' at the Met Gala in New York on May 6. Odd Future and Skrillex are both rumoured to feature on the forthcoming new Kanye West album with members of Odd Future and producer Skrillex having recently joined West in the studio alongside MC Chief Keef and John Legend. It was also previously revealed that Daft Punk have also worked on tracks on the new album.
 News source:www.nme.com

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Marvel's Phase 3: Hulk, Ant-Man, Doctor Strange, 'Iron Man 4' More On Tap

Recaps Celebs Photos Videos Box Office Showtimes 20 Hottest Celebrity Bikini Bodies What 46 tv child stars look like now 10 Surprising 'star trek' guest stars Movie News May 17 2013 Marvel's Phase 3: Hulk, Ant-Man, Doctor Strange, 'Iron Man 4' & More On Tap By: Christian Blauvelt 5:02pm EDT The Avengers, The Hulk Marvel Iron Man 3 kicked off Marvel Studios' Phase 2 with a billion-dollar bang. Literally, it just surpassed $1 billion in worldwide grosses. That means anticipation couldn't be higher for the rest of the comic book house's Phase 2 films: November's Thor: The Dark World, 2013's Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and finally The Avengers 2 in 2015. But what can we expect after that? What's on tap for Phase 3? Well, EW's Anthony Breznican just posted an in-depth round-up of titles that could be simmering at Marvel for possible film adaptations, based on his discussions with Marvel Studios' head Kevin Feige and just some good old-fashioned common sense. It got us thinking. What do we here at Hollywood.com think are likely contenders to be future Marvel movies? Let's run them down. 1. Ant-Man — So this one's a given. In fact, it's going to be to Phase 3 when it debuts in November 2015 what Iron Man 3 was to Phase 2, the kick-off to a whole new slate of storytelling possibilities building toward...who knows? Avengers 3? Possibly. To start Phase 3 with an unproven commodity like Ant-Man will be risky, though. I mean, let's face it, Ant-Man isn't exactly a household name. In fact, that's one of the reasons Feige tells EW they decided to make their own movies rather than license out their brands to other studios like they did for Spider-Man (Sony) and X-Men (Fox). He and his colleagues got so fed up with studio bosses asking if Ant-Man is half-man, half-ant that they just decided to make their own movies. But will audiences be asking that very same question? 2. Iron Man 4 — Feige is playing coy about whether Robert Downey Jr. will be back as Tony Stark, but he is positive that Iron Man is a franchise durable enough to transcend Downey if necessary. “I believe there will be a fourth Iron Man film and a fifth and a sixth and a 10th and a 20th,” the producer tells EW. “I see no reason why Tony Stark can’t be as evergreen as James Bond. Or Batman for that matter. Or Spider-Man. I think Iron Man is a character just like that.” Downey will assuredly return for Avengers 2, but after that, it sounds like he may want to start another franchise. “My intent is to launch another franchise, independent of any that I can even imagine right now,” Downey said. “My intent is to dominate the playing field for as long as I can, with my own challenges, with myself.” 3. Doctor Strange — Well, Marvel's decided to dive deep into the interstellar world of aliens and space battles with The Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy, so why not go a step further and embrace its characters who have magical powers? Strange is a surgeon who turns to sorcery after he loses his ability to heal people conventionally. It could be a powerful one-off story or standalone franchise, as he masters magic in an attempt to help people from a whole range of threats. 4. Hulk — Well, there've already been two modest-grossing, critically-panned Hulk movies. But audiences so adored Mark Ruffalo's Hulk (voiced by Lou Ferrigno!) in The Avengers that they may want the Ruffalized version to anchor his own movie. In fact, rumors swirled last year that Marvel might be adapting a live-action version of the Planet Hulk comic, in which the not-so jolly green giant finds himself on an alien world. Feige says that's definitely not happening, though. And it doesn't appear there's even a concept for a Hulk movie yet, let alone a script. Maybe for Phase 4! 5. Black Panther — Marvel's first black superhero, really the first black superhero period, is a major fan favorite. But his obscure background as king of the fictional African nation Wakanda may be tough to crack. Much more likely is that he could join the team for The Avengers 2. 6. Inhumans and Runaways — Joss Whedon used to write for Runaways, about a group of mutant kids who find out their parents are supervillains. And Inhumans, about the descendents of humans abducted by aliens and given superpowers and living on another world, could fit into the broader cosmology of Guardians of the Galaxy. But if Phase 3 will build to The Avengers 3, it seems unlikely Marvel will want to have competing ensemble films — especially since Guardians of the Galaxy is already in the mix. 7. Daredevil, Blade, Ghost Rider, The Punisher — Marvel Studios has the rights to all of these again, but don't expect to see them anytime soon. Consider the soup peed in as far as these properties are concerned.

 News source: www.hollywood.com

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American Idol' Runner-Up Kree Harrison Tells Fans To 'Stay Tuned'

Kree Harrison isn't letting her "American Idol"loss to Candice Glover get her down. In fact, she's got some big plans for the future — plans that might even involve departing judge and "Idol" vet Randy Jackson. "It was sad. We'll see each other. I know we will," the 22-year-old Texas native told MTV News after Thursday night's "Idol" season finale. "I love him and apparently we have a mutual friend, which I didn't even know until the other day. And, so I would love to work with him in the future. I adore him."

She added that her song, "All Cried Out," which she performed during the season, is a pretty good indicator of what's next for her. She explained, "I would want that to be my single, either way. I hope [to debut new music on the road]. Stay tuned." The 40-date "Idol" tour will kick off in St. Louis at the end of June, and Harrison is looking forward to performing for the fans who helped her get all the way to the finale. "I get to travel the country and thank each and every one of them for voting for me and getting me this far," she said. "As many hugs as I can possible give, I will." This year's "Idol" finale was characteristically action-packed and drama-filled. Before Candice was crowned the winner, there was one show-stopping performance after another, including a team-up between the two finalists to perform the 5th Dimension's "One Less Bell to Answer." Before host Ryan Seacrest called out Candice's name, the two women stood together, holding one another as they waited to hear who would go home a winner. And, if Kree's big smile when Candice's name was called is any indication, she's pretty happy for her former competitor. So for fans wondering what they may have talked about before the life-changing moment, Kree offered up some insight, saying that they chatted about "just how proud we were of each other; just whatever happens that we already feel like we've won." And, she sees big things for Glover. She said, "Stardom! Stardom!" Well, if stardom is on the horizon for Glover, she certainly has put in the time. In another backstage interview, the 23-year-old vocalist recalled auditioning twice before before cracking the show's code and going to victory this season. The "I Am Beautiful" singer is the first female winner since Jordin Sparks in 2007. "I went through the first two years and getting eliminated and coming back," she told MTV News. "[I'd be] telling my parents, 'If I could just get to top 20, if I could just get to top 10, if I could just get my voice out there and get some voters and get a fanbase, then I'll be fine. I don't have to win.' And then I came and I won. I can't even tell you how I feel to say that. I don't know. I'm losing it."

 News source: www.mtv.com

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Christina Aguilera Returning To 'The Voice,' Cee Lo Green Near Deal

It looks like Shakira's stint in the spinning chair will be a short one. According to Deadline Hollywood, original judge Christina Aguilera is close to wrapping a deal that would have her return to "The Voice" for season five. Aguilera, who took a hiatus
 for the current season in order to promote her Lotus album, was replaced by Shakira on the show, which has just gone into its live rounds. Fellow judge Cee Lo Green also skipped the current season in order to work on his Loberace Las Vegas show and other projects,
 is also in talks to make his return to the show; he was replaced by Usher. The Hollywood Reporter claimed that Aguilera's salary for season five could be in the vicinity of $12 million, though other reports peg her salary as high as $17 million, which is just a shade under the $18 million Mariah Carey reportedly earned for her one season of "American Idol." When Aguilera and Green announced their plans to take a powder last summer, show producer Mark Burnett said it was not unexpected for stars of their stature to have other commitments that might take them away from the program from time to time. Fellow judges Adam Levine and Blake Shelton are expected to be back for season five as well. A spokesperson for NBC could not be reached for comment at press time and network representatives did not discuss the judges during their upfront presentation to advertisers on the 2014 season on Monday in New York.

 News source: www.mtv.com

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Talk back: Did you see 'How I Met Your Mother

Note: This post discusses last night's season finale of How I Met Your Mother. If you haven't seen it, you may wanna skip it to avoid any spoilers! I don't usually do a "Talk Back" for How I Met Your Mother, but last night the show delivered something we never thought we'd see: The Mother. Yes, in the final scene of an otherwise average episode, things started to come together. After Ted revealed he was planning a move to Chicago, viewers saw that yellow umbrella and bass we've heard so much about. Then, for the first time, the camera panned to her face. For years fans (and the cast and crew) have been debating whether HIMYM should reveal its most important character. What do you think about the decision to show her before the final season? Was it a smart move, or does it ruin the mystery element of the series? The actress playing the mother has been identified as Cristin Milioti, best known for her Tony-nominated performance in Broadway's Once. (Here's the scoop on how she was cast.) Although she's only had seconds of screen time, do you approve of the casting choice? Personally, I think it was a smart idea to reveal the mother, particularly since this has been the show's most lackluster season. I think her presence will not only give viewers the satisfaction they've been craving, it could inject some much-needed energy into the sitcom and help give it the must-watch final season it deserves. Feel free to leave your comments. If you want to watch it again, the whole episode is streaming at CBS.com.

 News source:www.usatoday.com

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Selena Gomez And Justin Bieber Broken Up

Selena Gomez just wants someone to grab some ice cream with someone. That's what the "Come & Get It" singer shared on the radio when asked about her current relationship status. When she stopped by Kiss 108 FM in Boston to promote her current single, as well as her upcoming summer Stars Dance World Tour, the singer was asked about her life these days. And, she confirmed that she's not with Justin Bieber in a series of "yes" and "no" answers. When asked how she's doing these days, she said, "I've got nothing to complain about."

 News source: www.mtv.com

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Cannes film festival opens with fittingly lavish 'Great Gatsby'

(Reuters) - The 2013 Cannes film festival opens on Wednesday with Baz Luhrmann's 3D version of "The Great Gatsby", a lavish throwback to the "Roaring Twenties" that befits the glamour and excess of the world's biggest cinema showcase. The Australian director's adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel starring Leonardo DiCaprio surprised some Hollywood insiders, because Cannes traditionally launches on the palm-lined French Riviera with a splashy world premiere. But "The Great Gatsby" has already opened in the United States to mixed reviews and solid box office, potentially dampening buzz surrounding the start of 12 days of screenings, champagne-fuelled parties and dealmaking. Stars expected to face a phalanx of flash bulbs along the red carpet include Michael Douglas, Matt Damon, Ryan Gosling, Emma Watson and Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan. Their pictures will undergo one of the most grueling tests in movie making - pleasing Cannes' notoriously picky critics who regularly boo as the credits roll if they are unhappy. And behind the scenes at the event, up to 40,000 film professionals will be seeking to buy and sell the next box office hit at the most important movie market of the year. "This is the hardest 10 days of the year for me. There are always three or four movies that are exceptional and you have to find them so it is a detective job," said Tom Bernard, co-president and co-founder of Sony Pictures Classics. Critics have praised the selection of films being screened at the 66th Cannes festival, saying it is a strong, well-curated list ranging from hotly-anticipated potential crowd pleasers to beautifully-crafted, artistic cinema. STRONG U.S. SHOWING American directors have their biggest showing in six years in the main competition at Cannes, making up five of 20 films vying for the coveted Palme D'Or for best picture awarded by a jury headed by Steven Spielberg on the final day, May 26. Steven Soderbergh's "Behind The Candelabra", starring Douglas as the gay pianist Liberace and Damon as his young lover, is already generating huge interest, particularly as Soderbergh has hinted that this could be his last movie. Also in focus is Joel and Ethan Coen's "Inside Llewyn Davis" about New York's gritty 1960s folk music scene, James Gray's "The Immigrant", Jim Jarmusch's vampire movie "Only Lovers Left Alive", and Alexander Payne's "Nebraska". French filmmakers are also well represented with five films in the main competition, including Roman Polanski's French-language "La Venus a la Fourrure" (Venus in Fur), a backstage drama starring his wife Emmanuelle Seigner. Two Japanese movies are in the running and one each from China, Chad, Mexico, Iran, Tunisia, Italy and the Netherlands while Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn's "Only God Forgives" with Ryan Gosling in a Thai gangland thriller is creating buzz. Critics have earmarked "Le Passe" by Iran's Asghar Farhadi and "Like Father, Like Son" by leading Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda as strong domestic dramas. Farhadi won an Oscar for best foreign language film in 2012 for "A Separation". Despite criticism of an all-male lineup last year, only one woman director has made the 2013 competition. Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, sister of former French first lady Carla Bruni, is in the field with "Un Chateau en Italie". The sidebar section, Un Certain Regard, set up to recognize young filmmakers, will feature 19 films including "The Bling Ring" by Sofia Coppola starring Harry Potter actress Emma Watson about a real-life gang stealing from celebrities' homes. "It is a strong line-up this year looking at the names of the directors, especially those in competition," said Wendy Mitchell, editor of the magazine Screen International. "There are some very sellable films this year and the fact that business was down at the Berlin festival (in February) usually means that there will be keen buyers at Cannes." Out of competition, hundreds of films will be shown in special sessions while 4,000 or so films, many yet to be made, will be haggled over in meetings along the Croisette, the resort's chic promenade, or on extravagant yachts moored nearby. Patrick Wachsberger, co-chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said he never had time to go to screenings but used Cannes to build buzz for new films including the second and third Hunger Games movies that start shooting later this year. "You meet with distributors every 30 minutes and it really like going to the dentist," said Wachsberger. "The business seems more complicated than it used to be and a bit more frantic but the money at stake is higher and it's a bigger gamble."

 News source: www.reuters.com

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Star Trek’s History of Progressive Values — And Why It Faltered on LGBT Crew Members

In 2009, director J.J. Abrams transformed Star Trek into a true mainstream hit with his blockbuster movie reboot, earning $385 in worldwide box office and shattered the opening weekend IMAX record; with Star Trek Into Darkness about to hit theaters this Friday, he seems poised to do it again. But long before the 47-year-old franchise was breaking box office records, it was breaking ground as one of the most forward-thinking franchises in television and film history. Thanks largely to the (at the time) radical philosophy of creator Gene Roddenberry, the show attracted audiences with its adventure stories, but it kept them with its utopian optimism: the idea that the raging intolerance of the day would someday become a thing of the past, and anyone could explore the stars if they wanted. In the future, Roddenberry envisioned race and gender as non-issues. He put Japanese-American George Takei, as Lt. Hikaru Sulu, at the helm; African-American Nichelle Nichols, as Lt. Nyota Uhura, in the communications chair; and even attempted to make the Enterprise’s first officer a woman (studio executives rejected that unsavory idea, so the alien Spock took the job). The equality on the U.S.S. Enterprise’s bridge was a watershed moment, both in television history and in Americans’ understanding of social equality. “Most television shows, at best, follow cultural trends. Star Trek had clear-cut ideals of its own,” wrote Joan Winston, Jacqueline Lichtenberg and Sondra Marshak in their 1975 book Star Trek Lives!, the first and most definitive chronicle of the early years of Trek fandom. “No one would claim that Star Trek was the cause of all the improvement [we've made with problems like racism and sexism]. But it is still harder to believe that it had no effect, when twenty million people tuned in to Star Trek and saw Mr. Spock being treated as friend and brother by Captain Kirk, saw the black and the Russian and the Oriental [sic] and the Southerner and the others treating each other with respect and love.” This heritage makes it all the more unfortunate that the progressive values of the original series seem to have faltered—and even begun trailing the mainstream—with the increasingly pointed absence of LGBT members in later iterations of the franchise, and their failure to treat sexual orientation like the same sort of non-issue that Roddenberry once envisioned for race and gender on the bridge of the Enterprise. Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations Star Trek‘s passionate fan community has kept it afloat for nearly half a century, contrary to the stereotypical nerdy white dude image many associate with the Star Trek fandom, some of the most instrumental Trek fans have belonged to marginalized groups who found empowerment and possibility in a futuristic utopian television show when they could not find it in the real world. “[Star Trek's inclusivity] is the only thing that kept it alive,” Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, CEO of Roddenberry Entertainment and son of Star Trek‘s late creator Gene Roddenberry, told Wired. In 2010, Rod released Trek Nation, a documentary that explored his father’s egalitarian vision and the power it gave the Trek fan community. “It appealed to people who were thinking differently, whether it was college students who were protesting the war, or mixed-race couples, or just people with different ideas. The whole geek/nerd/dork fan movement was a bunch of people who look at life differently. They’re the ones who are leading the charge today, not just with Star Trek, but also, frankly, the world.” Though the show’s philosophy no doubt encouraged white audiences’ capacity for understanding and tolerance in the ’60s and ’70s, it was doing something vastly more concrete for people of color who were seeing faces like their own on television, in un-caricatured roles, for the first time. Nichols’ role as Uhura, in particular, was revolutionary: “As most Americans’ first encounter with a nuanced, authoritative character played by an actor who was not only African-American but also a woman, her impact was even more extraordinary considering Nichols almost didn’t return after the show’s first season.” As she explained to the Wall Street Journal in 2011, she’d decided to leave the show and return to Broadway, but a chance introduction at a fundraiser to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – the self-proclaimed “biggest Trekkie on the planet” – made her reconsider. “He took my hand and thanked me for meeting him,” she remembered, “He then said, ‘I am your greatest fan.’ All I remember is my mouth opening and shutting. I thanked him so much and told him how I’d miss it all. He asked what I was talking about, and told me that I [couldn't] leave the show.” “You are changing the minds of people across the world, because for the first time, through you, we see ourselves and what can be,” he told her. Nichols stayed with the show. In the third and final season, Uhura and Captain Kirk shared one of the first interracial kisses ever broadcast on American television. And though it wasn’t the very first (Nancy Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. had kissed on-air during a special a year earlier), it became another watershed event in television history. Nichols’ continued presence on the bridge had a profound effect on the show’s viewers, and was later cited by NASA astronaut Mae C. Jemison, the first black woman to travel into space in 1992, as an inspiration. The progressive attitude towards race and gender in the original series also set a precedent for later Trek series and films: The Next Generation featured African-American actors in senior engineering and security roles; Deep Space Nine starred Avery Brooks as Benjamin Sisko, the franchise’s first black commanding officer; Voyager featured a female captain, Kathryn Janeway. Whoopi Goldberg, who played the oracular bartender Guinan on TNG, told Nichelle Nichols many years later that watching Uhura, “a black lady on TV who ain’t no maid,” inspired her to become an actress in the first place. Today, people of all colors and backgrounds working in the sciences (or any field, really) will point to Star Trek as their early – and often only – inspiration. (Don’t believe me? Show up at any Trek convention and ask around.) “Images show us possibilities,” Dr. Jemison explained simply in 1996. “A lot of times, fant

 News source: www.wired.com

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