New images released for your Amazing Spider-Guy

Much like you'll finally be recouping from your specific food comas, The brand new the new sony has given the chance to re-gorge her around the new batch of images within the Amazing Spider-Guy. And they're a mite juicer than your average chicken sandwich...The completely new pictures give to us a close look at Spidey's new schoolyard setting, with Andrew Garfield involved with a location of basketball although Emma Stone parks herself inside a desk.Elsewhere, there's a review of Dennis Leary as Stone's father, police chief George Stacey, additionally to some close-up shot of Garfield's physical web-dispensers. Quite great products of package, within the looks of those...The 2nd image marks a departure written by michael Raimi's adaptation, which referred to Spidey's web-slinging abilities becoming an organic development. Marc Webb has rather reverted for the mechanical system described with the original comics, which will score him several things while using more fastidious of Marvel fans. The Astounding Spider-Guy will probably be released inside the Uk on 4 This summer time 2012. Before another suited hero swoops into our screens, then. Shops could possibly get a sizable work on spandex come summer time season...

Why Is not Anybody Speaking About 'Win Win'?

"Is annoying? Are you certain you are not tired of speaking about movies?" I'd just met somebody that labored for any production company, somebody that saw from the indiest indie towards the greatest blockbuster, and that i all of a sudden recognized which i was maybe pestering him with movie questions. Possibly he did not wish to spend an hour or so speaking comparable factor he spoken about all day long. He assured me it was fine which he really did not become ill of those conversations. Therefore i proceeded. "What have you think about 'My Week With Marilyn'? Will I need to see 'The Tree of Life'? What exactly are your preferred movies of the season?Inch We started groing through our lists, and that i told him just how much I admired 'Beginners' and 'Midnight in Paris.' I'd need to consider the relaxation, I stated. I Quickly appreciated something: "Guess what happens else I loved? 'Win Win.' Really, that has to happen to be this past year ..." He informed me it wasn't. Actually, 'Win Win' -- the charming Tom McCarthy movie starring Paul Giamatti -- arrived on the scene early in the year of 2011. It simply has not been getting manual intervention. In the last couple of days, as I have scanned critics' year-finish lists and adopted the nominations and honours from the earlier events, 'Win Win' has become so very little buzz which i did not even understand it is at contention. So how exactly does this happen? So how exactly does a film having a 94 percent rating on Rotten Tomato plants get so egregiously overlooked? So how exactly does a film known as "near perfect," "nearly perfect" and "everything the film business should desire toInch simply drop from the conversation? 'Win Win' is most likely during my top three movies of the season, and contains barely made the cut for a lot of top-ten lists. 'Win Win' follows Mike Flaherty (Giamatti), an attorney battling to aid his wife (Amy Ryan) and youngsters along with a wrestling coach battling to behave together with his god-awful team. The guy needs a little of luck, and that he finds it as a Kyle (Alex Shaffer), a troubled teen who moves into his house and works out to become quite the athlete. The evaluations to 'The Blind Side' were inevitable, but 'Win Win' holds its very own and it is, for me, better still. Bobby Cannavale is amusing as Terry, Mike's closest friend who admires Kyle's "guy strength" and uses the wrestling team's potential success like a distraction from his unsuccessful marriage. Shaffer, a real teen wrestler McCarthy plucked from senior high school, provides a subtle performance that might be impressive for a skilled actor. And Ryan and Giamatti are, well, Ryan and Giamatti. My parents often e-mail or text my sister and me when they are seeing a movie therefore we don't call because my mother will worry and answer the telephone anyway. Once they did this for 'Win Win,' my response was this: "YES!!!! I approve." My sister went for additional of-the-moment language: "WINNING." The figures in 'Win Win' have eccentricities -- Alex wants a slap hard before each match -- but they are not too available they cease to feel real. Actually, this is the most endearing area of the movie. McCarthy has presented us by having an regular family in Nj, the type that should never be famous but is believe it or not interesting consequently, and despite their flaws, you root on their behalf. Now, The Nation's made the rather lengthy narrow your search for that Original Song Oscar for his or her 'Win Win' contribution, "Think You Are Able To Wait," and that is a start. But this movie, that was very well-received upon release, really warrants more recognition than that -- and, each year where the Oscar cognoscenti can't appear to agree with the nominees, it will acquire some. For the consideration, Academy. The Very Best Movies of 2011 The Very Best Movies of 201150. 'Breaking Beginning཭. 'Transformers: Dark from the Moonཬ. 'The Tripཫ. 'Warriorཪ. 'Cave of Forgotten Dreamsཀྵ. 'The Iron Ladyཨ. 'We Purchased a Zooཧ. 'Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocolས. 'Horrible Bossesཥ. 'Contagionཤ. 'Winnie the Poohལ. 'Win Winཡ. 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spyར. 'Hannaའ. 'Extremely Noisy and extremely Closeཟ. 'The Interruptersཞ. 'Crazy, Stupid, Loveཝ. 'The Guardཛྷ. 'Captain America: The Very First Avengerཛ. 'The Ides of Marchཚ. 'Beginnersཙ. 'Martha Marcy May Marlene''A Harmful Methodབྷ. 'The Adventures of Tintinབ. 'Bill Cunningham NYཕ. 'We Have to Discuss Kevinཔ. 'Young Adultན. 'My Week With Marilynདྷ. 'Margin Callད. 'X-Males: Top Classཐ. 'Attack the Blockཏ. 'Shameཎ. 'Super 8ཌྷ. 'Melancholiaཌ. 'The Muppetsཋ. 'Rise from the Planet from the Apesཊ. 'Tree of Existenceཉ. 'Rango཈. 'The Helpཇ. 'Moneyballཆ. ཮/50Ə. 'DriveƎ. 'The Girl Using the Dragon Tattooƍ. 'Harry Potter and also the Deathly Hallows, Part IIƌ. 'Midnight in ParisƋ. 'BridesmaidsƊ. 'The DescendantsƉ. 'War Equineƈ. 'The ArtistƇ. 'Hugo' See All Moviefone Art galleries » [Photo: Fox Searchlight] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Dexter Boss on the Finale Twist: It's Finally Time to Deal with [SPOILER!] Head-On

Dexter [Warning: This story contains spoilers from Sunday's season finale of Dexter. Read at your own risk.] For six seasons of Dexter, Michael C. Hall's titular serial killer has hidden his true nature from those closest to him. But on the Showtime series' Season 6 finale, Dexter's "Dark Passenger" was finally revealed to his sister Debra (Jennifer Carpenter), who walked in on him stabbing a knife through the chest of Colin Hanks' Travis. And to top it off, just moments before, Deb realized/admitted she was actually in love with her adopted brother. How will she feel now that she knows Dexter has a seriously killer hobby? TVGuide.com chatted with executive producer and showrunner Scott Buck to get the scoop on how the siblings will move forward from this discovery. Plus: Does Dexter need to die? Dexter Finale Scoop: Will Travis land on Dexter's table? Deb finally knows! This is six seasons in the making. How do you feel now that this particular secret is out? Scott Buck: I wouldn't say we dragged it out, but we played with it and toyed with it enough and now it's finally time to deal with it head-on. I feel very positive that we took this step. How will this affect their relationship and your storytelling? Buck: One of Dexter's hallmarks is that no one really knows who he is, and now Deb at least has a little peek behind the curtain. How much she actually knows and figures out will all be part of the drama of next season, but it's certainly going to affect our story in a very big way. Did knowing you had two seasons left help you decide to pull the trigger on this story now? Buck: We always imagined that Deb finding out would be part of the end game, so we always sort of delayed it. When we came in this year, David Nevins [said], "Let's shake things up. We don't have to play it safe. We can think a little bit differently this year." We decided it was finally time to deal with this head-on. There's still plenty of drama to come after this, but we know we have two seasons left to do and there's more than enough for us to deal with in the next two years just dealing with this one particular issue. We saw a lot of growth in Deb through therapy. Will you continue to use that device as Deb sorts out her feelings after what she witnessed? Buck: It's certainly possible. You don't go to six sessions of therapy and solve all your problems. It's an ongoing process. Typically, you may come to one discovery and have that lead to a completely different discovery about yourself. Whether we revisit the therapist or not is actually something we haven't even discussed. In the past, I've always been very reluctant to write therapy scenes because they often become so tedious, but this particular season, I was very pleasantly surprised to see how well they went. Because Deb is a character who's always been so un-self-aware so there was a lot that we could discover and there's probably a lot more to discover. Whether we do it through therapy or other means will remain to be seen. Deb only saw Dexter kill Travis. Will you toy with the audience on whether she finds out the whole secret? Buck: I don't think we'll toy with the audience. She sees what she sees and we all knows exactly what she's seeing, but how much does that really say about Dexter and what does Deb already know about him? This is her brother, who she's known her whole life. To walk into a situation like this, you're not going to immediately think, "Oh, my brother is a serial killer." You're going to think, "Oh, my brother is killing DDK. This is crazy and insane." She's taken the first peek behind the curtain, but it's not necessarily daylight just yet. Showtime renews Dexter for two more seasons Is it safe to say the next season will see Dexter trying to contain this secret? Buck: That will be his first instinct, yes. Dexter has learned to live a lie his whole life, and that's always his go-to response in any situation where he may potentially be discovered. It's just natural for him to spin a story. Do you think Dexter meant "I love you" to Debra, or was he just saying it in the necessity of the moment to calm her down? Buck: I think he meant it in a way that a brother would normally love his sister, but because Dexter had never even said so much as that before, for him, it was still a big moment that meant he could even be capable of loving his own sister. I don't think he meant it in any means beyond that or was aware of what Deb was telling him. What ran through the writers' minds when you decided to possibly put Dexter and Deb together? This TV season seems to be the year of incest! Buck: Somehow I missed it and was not aware that this is the big theme of the year. [Laughs] Honestly, it's something we've been talking about since Season 2 because it seemed to explain so much about the character of Debra Morgan, that she always seemed like she was so in love with her brother. It's something we always talked about [and] dismissed, and then this season we finally dealt with it. What is the drive for next season? Buck: We have the benefit of knowing that we have two seasons left, so we can start to really take the character of Dexter where we're going to want to end him in the finale. We no longer have to think of holding things in place and not giving things away because we can start to turn in some of those cards at this point. Obviously the biggest thing we set up is Deb has now seen him kill someone. What does this mean? How will it affect Dexter? What is he going to do with this? And she thinks she's in love with him? Is she going to tell Dexter? And if so, how is Dexter going to possibly respond to that? These are a number of things that will be set up for next season, but we'll deal with them as they come. Deb finding out is a big moment, but what else will Dexter need to come to terms with before the show ends? Buck: What we need to answer is: Where do we want to lead this character? Even now, in Season 6, he's not the same Dexter we met in Season 1. He's someone who has gradually evolved over the years. Where do we want to take him that will be a satisfying place? These are questions we ourselves have to answer before we can start writing in that direction. Do you think Dexter needs to die? Buck: I do not know. What I thought about Dexter when I came into this show has certainly changed from what I think of him now, because the character has changed. At one point I may have thought that, but I'm not sure now because there's so many different things you can do with this person. A lot of people would certainly think he needs to die. Check out our Best & Worst of the Year galleries Will Louis (Josh Cooke) be the big villain next season? Buck: No, I don't think he's next season's villain. Louis is something we don't quite know what to make of because he's something that has not appeared on Dexter before. It's a different kind of character and it will be fun to explore exactly who he is and what he's doing. I certainly like Louis, but he's obviously got some issues to deal with. He seems to be a troubled individual, and how that will work out in terms of Dexter will be part of the fun of next season, but he will not be our big bad. Do you feel like you have to top this season or distance yourself from it after viewers were more critical this year? Buck: We always want to top each season and do better and different things to surprise people, but not in terms of big plot twists. Mostly, in terms of character. I don't feel any need to try to distance myself from this season. I'm very happy with what we did this season. [We'll] just build upon that and hopefully give our audience a very satisfying Season 7. What lessons did you learn from this season? Buck: Oh boy, I'm still digesting all of that. Everything we come up with in our quiet little writers' room becomes something different. It's usually such an internal process, and then suddenly you expose it all to the world and you don't necessarily get the response you're expecting or hoping for. I don't want to suggest I'm at all disappointed because I'm very happy the way this season turned out, but I'm surprised by all the controversy and all the different ways have seen this. What did you think of the season finale? Hit the comments with your thoughts.

SAG Dues Should Be Compensated By Friday To Election For 18th Annual Screen Stars Guild Honours

The 18th Annual Screen Stars Guild Honours nominations is going to be introduced today. Like a indication: to become qualified to election, your November 2011 dues should be compensated with this Friday, December 16, 2011. Online final balloting is going to be open to all qualified people whose dues happen to be received by December 16. Any member who want to request a PAPER ballot may achieve this by calling toll-free (877) 610-8637. Please have your SAG ID number ready when calling. Final ballot information including asked for paper ballots is going to be mailed to any or all qualified people on December 30, 2011. For an entire calendar of dates and due dates, click the link. Once nominations are introduced on Wednesday, the SAG Honours office will start dealing with galleries to finalize their plans for that final voting phase. We'll inform people associated with a ‘for your consideration’ offers via email on The month of january 9, 2012. The SAG Honours has built an e-mail database for people who would like to be approached should seats for nominating committee tests become available. Although most tests have been in La and NY, please realize that other tests are happening in main urban centers. If you are looking at receiving email invites to those film tests, go to sagawardsRSVP.org and register. For those who have questions regarding member tests, nominations or final voting, please contact the Honours Office at awardsinfo@sagawards.org.

Clooney to star in '8' perf

ClooneyGeorge Clooney will star in the West Coast premiere of "8," Dustin Lance Black's play about the federal trial to overturn California's ban on same-sex marriage. Rob Reiner will direct the performance of "8," a one-night-only benefit for the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which is spearheading the challenge to Proposition 8. The event will be held March 3 at the Wilshire Ebell Theater, with additional cast members to be announced. "It is astonishing that gay and lesbian Americans are still treated as second-class citizens," Clooney said in a statement. "I am confident that, very soon, the laws of this nation will reflect the basic truth gay and lesbian people -- like all human beings -- are born equal in dignity and rights." The play is based on the actual words in the trial transcripts and interviews with the plaintiffs and their families. Black and Reiner, board members of the foundation, attended much of the trial as well as a recent hearing before the U.S. Court of Appeals. A decision is pending there on whether to uphold U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker's ruling that Prop 8 is unconstitutional. Chad Griffin, the president of the foundation's board, said the "play will continue to show Americans -- one by one -- that prejudice and fear cannot stand up to truth and justice." A goal of the play has not just been to raise legal funds but to dramatize the trial for a wider audience. Walker's efforts to televise the proceedings were rebuffed by the Supreme Court, although the Court of Appeals is weighing whether the tapes of the proceedings should be released. The debut performance of "8" in NY in September raised a reported $1 million for the foundation. The performance is being presented by the foundation as well as Broadway Impact. Contact Ted Johnson at ted.johnson@variety.com

'Saturday Night Live' With Katy Perry, Robyn Draws Highest Ratings in Five Weeks

Getty Images ABC News said Sunday that its live coverage of Saturday's Republican presidential debate in Des Moines, Iowa, was the most-watched GOP debate of the 2012 campaign so far.our editor recommendsDemocrats and Republicans' Favorite MoviesDonald Trump's GOP Debate: Rick Perry Becomes Fourth Candidate Who Won't Participate The Your Voice, Your Vote special, moderated by ABC News' Diane Sawyer and George Stephanopoulos, averaged 7.6 million total viewers from 9-11 p.m. ET, according toNielsen's true fast national ratings. That makes it the most-watched program of the night among viewers. PHOTOS: Best Presidents in Film and Television ABC News also touted the fact that it stands as the most-watched GOP presidential debate of the 2012 campaign so far, passing Fox News' Sept. 22 special (6.1 million viewers) and CBS News' Nov. 12 telecast (5.5 million). The debate, which was sponsored by ABC News and Yahoo, also gave the network its best performance in the time slot with nonsports programming in more than seven months. PHOTOS: Actors Who've Played Politicians Six candidates took part in the debate: Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, former House speaker Newt Gingrich, Texas Rep. Ron Paul, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum. ABC News hosts another debate from 9-11 p.m. ET on Jan. 7. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 10 Entertainers Democrats and Republicans Love to Hate ABC ABC News Politics Michele Bachmann Newt Gingrich Mitt Romney

ICM preps for post-Rizvi future

Modern Family is among the shows that have positioned ICM and Rizvi Traverse Management to earn stout TV packaging-fee coin. SilbermannBergChris Silbermann spent most of this year driving toward the handshake agreement reached Friday to transform ICM into a partner-owned percentery, six years after it became the guinea pig for private equity investments in Hollywood's rep business.The ICM prexy spent months persuading the agency's majority owner, Rizvi Traverse Management, that ICM's long-term viability hinged on its ability to keep top agents in the fold and motivated. In the percentery world, motivation is doled out to key players in the form of partner status, huge bonuses or an equity stake (even if only a sliver) in the agency.ICM hasn't been able to offer those perks because the ownership has been so closely held among Birmingham, Mich.-based Rizvi Traverse and the agency's top echelon, including Silbermann and ICM's longtime chairman-CEO, Jeff Berg. Once the restructuring deal is finalized, Silbermann's challenge will be to keep ICM competitive after making what amounts to a big bet on the agency as it stands today.Observers said ICM could become more attractive as a merger or acquisition target now that there's no longer an outside investor to contend with. However, industry sources said ICM quietly tested the waters for a possible deal with one of its larger rivals earlier this year and found no takers (this scenario has been denied by ICM insiders, however).The campaign for a restructuring began early this year, as Silbermann stressed the need for the agency to have more flexibility in compensating its biggest contributors and rewarding its up-and-comers.By multiple accounts, it was slow going for Silbermann with Rizvi Traverse prexy Suhail Rizvi and chief financial officer Ben Kohn, who runs the company's L.A. office and has minded its investment in ICM. (Rizvi Traverse also has investments in Summit Entertainment, Playboy magazine, Facebook and Twitter.)Berg was said to be less intent than Silbermann on getting a deal done quickly with Rizvi until recently, when ICM began to lose prominent agents, including four defections to UTA.The internal drama spurred endless industry chatter about a boardroom battle for control raging between Berg and Silbermann. Knowledgeable sources have consistently downplayed the talk of extreme discord between the two. Sources also emphasized that the pact disclosed to ICM staffers on Friday (without much detail) would not have happened had Berg not been onboard, given his ownership interest in the agency, where he has worked for more than 40 years.Berg orchestrated the 2005 deal with Rizvi Traverse that gave the agency an estimated $75 million in recapitalization coin. It was a first in the modern era for a Hollywood talent agency and a private equity concern. The Rizvi war chest allowed ICM to acquire Broder Webb Chervin Silbermann in 2006, bringing its powerhouse lit clients and its respected management team into ICM, which desperately needed the new blood on both fronts.The investment has by all accounts been a good one for Rizvi Traverse, as ICM has had a windfall of TV packaging-fee profits from the off-network success of shows including "Two and a Half Men," "The Big Bang Theory," "Modern Family," "House," "Criminal Minds" and "Grey's Anatomy."Details of the restructuring deal remain murky, but it appears that Rizvi Traverse will cede some of its equity interest in ICM in order to allow Silbermann and Berg to bring more of its top performers into equity-owner positions.The deal was characterized by those in the know as a "transfer of ownership" to the new partnership rather than a formal management buyout, and it was emphasized that no money will change hands in the transaction. Because of that, it's expected that Rizvi Traverse will hang on to a significant chunk of ICM's most lucrative receivables ("Big Bang Theory" alone will generate tens of millions of dollars for the agency in the coming years through its syndie licensing pacts).The number of agents in line for elevation to partner status is still unclear (one source said "more than two and less than 100"). It will encompass heavy hitters from across the agency's key divisions: TV, film, publishing, legit, marketing, concerts and touring. Berg's and Silbermann's titles are likely to change under the partnership structure.Silbermann is said to see the reorg as laying the groundwork for organic growth. The hope is that the partnership structure will bolster the agency at the top and give new incentive to its younger ranks. Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com

Cinemax Developing Marion Craig Biopic, Eddie Murphy Set To Star, Spike Lee To Direct

Within their latest collaboration, director Spike Lee and author John Ridley have teamed to have an Cinemax biopic of Marion Craig, with Eddie Murphy mounted on take part in the bigger-then-existence former Washington D.C. mayor. The Cinemax Films project, first reported through the Washington Publish, is presently in development. Ridley is writing the script according to several bits of source material, such as the 1994 book Dream City by D.C. journalists Harry Jaffe and Tom Sherwood who'll function as consultants. Lee aboard to direct. The 2 are executive creating with Murphy. Cinemax formerly created a Marion Craig biopic about ten years ago with Jamie Foxx mounted on star and Chris Rock to executive produce, however the project didn’t move forward. Craig, presently part of the Council from the District Of Columbia, did two terms like a mayor of D.C., from 1979-91 and 1995-99, separated with a six-month stint in federal prison on drug charges that comes from a relevant video of him smoking crack cocaine. Lee and Ridley, who've been creating a movie concerning the L.A. riots, lately joined on Cinemax’s drama pilot Da Brick, which Ridley authored an Lee is pointing. The pilot is within consideration for any series pickup.

Marisa Tomei and Joshua Jackson Join 'Inescapable'

Every three years, the U.S. Copyright Office hears petitions to exempt certain activities from being illegal under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act's anti-circumvention protections.our editor recommendsHow Controversial Antipiracy Laws Could Be Enacted Even Without Congress (Analysis) The triennial process has started anew, meaning that consumers will soon get some direction on whether it's proper to remove digital rights management software to make backup copies of music and movies, meaning that documentarians and educators will soon hear whether it's OK to break access controls on DVDs to get ahold of clips for their use. It also means that tinkerers will find out whether they can take iPhones and other mobile devices and "jailbreak" them for interoperability. In total, the Copyright Office will review 20 commentsfrom public advocates, libraries, documentary filmmakers, and individual consumers expressing various proposals. PHOTOS: Crazy Cases! 18 of Hollywood's Outrageous Entertainment Lawsuits Among the highlights: Public Knowledge is requesting the right to rip purchased DVDs so that consumers will have the right to transfer their lawfully acquired movies onto computer hard-drives and other digital devices. The group believes that the time has come for consumers to be able to make "personal place shifting," especially as DVDs go out of style, and says there will be no piracy repercussions. According to the group's comment, "The Register is in the enviable position of balancing a clear benefit to the public against no cognizable harm to rightsholders because the harm they fear already exists." The Electronic Frontier Foundation is proposing the right to "jailbreak" smartphones, electronic tablets and video game consoles. The group says that manufacturers impose technical restrictions that hamper the ability of independent applications to run on these devices. Allowing users to have work-arounds that achieve interoperability will allow "competition, consumer choice, and innovation," according to EFF. The International Documentary Association is requesting the ability to strip away the encryption on DVDs, Blu-Rays, and digitally transmitted video so that filmmakers can gain access to clips for their own works. The group says that filmmakers have long had fair use to copyrighted material, but they are increasingly stymied by new digital protection methods and a complicated clearance process, which has harmed their access and increased burdens when attaining insurance. The group points to several recent documentaries that wouldn't have happened had the Copyright Office not granted an exemption on DVDs the last rule-making go-around, and says it needs to broaden the exemption this time to Blu-Rays and digitally transmitted video. It's unlikely that all of the exemptions will be granted. At the last review, the office's rejections included such proposals as bypassing region codes on DVDs, unlocking DRM on audiobooks distributed by libraries, and stripping works protected by a broadcast flag. But the hearings can be entertaining. For instance, in 2009, Apple vigorously objected to requested exemptions on "jailbreaking" mobile phones. The company warned that if the Copyright Office permitted such a request, it would lead to chaos, including crashes and instability for iPhones, invasion of privacy, the exposure of children to age-inappropriate content, viruses and malware, the crashes of cellular towers, increased piracy, limitations on innovation, and real harm to the Apple/iPhone brand. The Copyright Office granted the "jailbreaking" exemption anyway. And Apple is doing fine. According to a report put out by UBS today, Apple is on pace to sell a record 30 million iPhones in the current quarter. E-mail: eriqgardner@yahoo.com Twitter: @eriqgardner PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Crazy Cases! 18 of Hollywood's Outrageous Entertainment Lawsuits Apple Piracy

Ice Cube To Star In And Convey Vigilante Drama Work With Foreign exchange

EXCLUSIVE: With what is his first TV starring vehicle, Ice Cube is positioned to topline and executive produce Eye With An Eye, a drama series project in development at Foreign exchange. The project arises from Ice Cube’s company Cube Vision and Rob Kwatinetz’s Prospect Park, which developed the idea together. Eye With An Eye concentrates on a complicated guy, carried out by Ice Cube, who's a skilled paramedic. After too lengthy of departing the moments of violent crimes getting a target fighting to reside in at the rear of his ambulance, he button button snaps and starts going eye a great eye. When his thirst for revenge proves addictive, his personal existence spirals uncontrollable while he tries to reconcile it along with his recently found existence just like a vigilante. Cube and also the Cube Vision partner Matt Alvarez are executive creating with Kwatinetz and Prospect Park’s TV partner Josh Craig. Searching is certainly going ahead for just about any author to pen the script. In TV, Ice Cube is executive creating the The very best spinner's sitcom Am I There Yet? based on his 2005 movie. UTA-repped Ice Cube recurs round the series, having a 100-episode order. Round the film side, he's coping with New Line around the new installment within the hit Friday franchise. He next stars in Rampart and 21 Jump Street. Both Ice Cube and Prospect Park link at Foreign exchange: Ice Cube executive produced the network’s docu series Black. White-colored., while Prospect Park produces Foreign exchange’s breakout comedy Wilfred. Prospect Park also provides comedy GILF, from Wilfred co-creator and star Jason Gann, inside the works at Foreign exchange, among eight series project the business provides on an outing.

Trio Of Actors Cast In Lifetime, USA Pilots

Matthew MacCaull (The Killing) and Ken Luckey (Mission Park) have been cast in Lifetime’s drama pilot American Housewife starring Melanie Griffith, who is executive producing with husband/producing partner Antonio Banderas. The Fox TV Studios-produced project centers on Leila (Griffith), a seemingly perfect housewife living the American Dream in an affluent neighborhood married to wealthy up-and-coming politician Stanford (Jeffrey Nordling) with whom she has three grown or almost-grown children. McCaull, repped by Pacific Artists Management, will play a quirky but brilliant campaign aide for Stanford, on whom Leila’s youngest daughter (Kacey Rohl) has a crush. Luckey, repped by Greene & Associates and Emerald Talent Group, will play the oldest son, a talented but somewhat unreliable artist and painter who is curious about his mother’s odd behavior. Brandon Jay McLaren has joined USA’s untitled drama pilot from White Collar creator Jeff Eastin. The project, also from Fox TV Studios, follows agents from various federal and local agencies (DEA, FBI, LAPD) who live at an undercover house in Southern California. McLaren, repped by Pakula/King & Associates and Hofflund/Polone, will play Dale Jakes, a quick-tempered U.S. Customs agent living at the house.

'Skyfall' Recruits Ben Whishaw As Bond's New Q

Thanks for visiting the in a major way, Ben Whishaw! The 31-year-old Brit continues to be cast as Q in "Skyfall," the 23rd Mission Impossible film. If youve only seen the text movies from the Difficulties era, you might not know about Q, so here's some background info: Q isn't a title, but employment description (like Judi Dench's M). Because the mind of MI6's Q division, Q provides our hero with all the devices he requires to obtain his missions done. Need a hidden vehicle? Underwater jet pack? Explosives disguised as tooth paste? Then Q's your guy! Though Q was MIA from Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace hed been a fixture in Bond movies because the Sean Connery days. Desmond Llewelyn performed Q in 17 from the movies, then John Cleese who handled the task two times (first as Qs assistant R) for Pierce Brosnans Bond. Ben Whishaw has behaved with Difficulties two times before, in Layer Cake and Long lasting Love, both from 2004. But his casting marks an intriguing alternation in the text world the very first time, Q is going to be more youthful than 007. It appears fitting: the youthful tech geek ushering the stodgy spy right into a new digital age. We cant wait to determine what super-awesome doodad Q will develop next. Inform us that which you think about the most recent "Skyfall" casting within the comments section as well as on Twitter!

HAMMOND: Composer Alexandre Desplat Is Music To Academy awards Ears Again This Year

Is Alexandre Desplat the brand new toughest working guy in show business? The prolific Frenchcomposer that has had four Oscar nominations within the last 5 years is simply coming off his most popular year since attaining worldwide prestige in 2003 with Girl Having A Gem Earring. Since that time he's been among, ifnotthe most in-demandcomposers in the industry having a amazing output that helped me tired just reading through all of the game titles. Individuals Oscar-nominated scores, The King’s Speech, The Great Mr. Fox, The Curious Situation of Benjamin Button and also the Full are only a small sample from the nearly 60 scores he's written within the last ten years, ten years of major achievement forthe now-50 years old Desplat who are able to most likely securely say existence does indeed start at 40. He's really been positively creating for films for any quarter century but only has become an internationalhousehold title in movie music circles since 2003. After I sitting downwith him in a small dinner a week ago he is at town only for 36hours and between back-to-back Q&Just like his The Ides of March director George Clooney. That morning he'd justcompleted the score for Stephen Daldry’s Christmas release, Very Noisy and extremely Close. It had been a hurry job to be certain because he was introduced in like a last second alternative for that film’s first composer, Nico Muhly (who despite getting composed Daldry’sThe Readers in addition to becoming a music coordinator on his The Hrs, didn't exercise about this film). Desplatcomposed and conductedan enormous quantity of music, an hour or so and twenty minutesworth in under per month and that he was certainly feeling the stress of no sleep whenever we met. “I were built with a gap where I possibly could have rested. I had been said to be focusing on a Stephen Frears movie then Stephen Daldry’s came around. It’s a brave score also it required me three days to compose. The storyline is all about sorrow and loss – a young child manages to lose his father. It’s a modern day tragedy similar to aGreek one that you could transpose into any period, a universal story,” he stated adding he used very fast piano, sometimes using 2 pianos on the top of one another to share our prime amount of emotion. He explained the film is really a amazing and highlights the wordless performance of Max Von Sydow among its highlights. “He has a larger role it appeared than Tom Hanks inside it,” he stated. Obviously Very Noisy is only the latest of his scores for 2011, because he had seven other films launched this season, with different challenges. A couple of them , Roman Polanski’s Carnage and My Week With Marilyn really needed hardly any music on his part. Within the situation from the former music can be used only at the start and ending credit sequences, outdoors from the apartment but it's crucial in adding the best tone the film must establish. “It’s a drama and comedy simultaneously. It provides extensive wit therefore the trick was looking for this balance between this nasty, angry energy along with a more witty color,” he stated. For that latter it required a vacation to Paris in the very persuasive producer (with David Parfitt)from the film, Harvey Weinstein to secure his limited participation. “Harvey needed me to complete the score, however i had eliminate last summer time. We agreed I'd just write the theme and that i passed the relaxation from the work to my pal Conrad Pope. Marilyn is really a lost soul, an mistreated child who matures to become this incredible, sensual, intelligent lady,” stated Desplat and the lilting, haunting theme conveys everything and much more. On dealing with George Clooney around the political drama, The Ides of March he states Clooney’s an aspiration to possess like a director. “It’s easy in the future onto a project once the director likes your music and knows your projects. Everything appears type of simpler. My exchange with George was fruitful. They know what he’s doing and it has a powerful perspective. Otherwise he wouldn’t be considered a great director. After I composed he'd be near me in the piano during my studio. He's passionate and try to positive,” he stated. Although he's qualified to carry on his Oscar nomination streak with Ides and Very Noisy in addition to his shared credit on Marilyn and the fine focus on the Mexican immigrant drama A Much Better Existence, there most likely isn’t enough music in Carnage to qualify and you will find questions regarding two other perfectly-known movies he did this season. He came back to complete the finale from the Harry Potter franchise, Harry Potter and also the Deathly Hallows Part 2,after doing part one this year. While he is obtaining on work established initially by John Williams in the last films the background music branch may deem it not original enough but Desplat thinks it's. “I had total freedom about this score and that we barely used the John Williams original theme. Merely a couple of bars in some places. As a whole , around an hour and 20 minutes of music. We stored the theme within the last final scene because i was interested in ending the series where we began, therefore it finishes with John Williams,” he stated. His focus on Part 1 didn't earn an Oscar nom this past year but Warner Bros does a significantly bigger campaign push about this finale. Then there’s Terrence Malick. The elusive , reclusive director is believe it or not secretive even if it involves his composers but for the Tree of Existence Desplat includes a real challenge . He couldn’t begin to see the movie. “The process with Terrence is the fact that he requested me to create music with no picture, and so i authored and recorded with no picture. It’s an uncommon and various experience. It required me 3 years of discussions before I recorded several segments. Some movies, like Harry Potter take three several weeks,” he stated. Malick however used that 3 years of labor very moderately within the film which is likely there just isn’t enough music to qualify under Academy rules. He’s happy with what he accomplished though. “Terrence was searching for some type of river flowing of music that will go through the film. It had been about how exactly love passes along. How can you show love and kids musically? The background music also were built with a hymn-like quality and Terrence did request me to create some hymns,” he remembered. For 2012 Desplat states he intends to dial it back a little although he is doing have a few french projects he'll be doing. Using the type of work he’s been doing he warrants just a little time off work , but Iimagine he'll be back around Oscar time. Theodds are certainly in the favor.

Five Good Reasons To See Martin Scorsese's 'Hugo'

Martin Scorsese's "Hugo" is much like nothing you have ever seen in the Oscar-winning filmmaker before and that is a really positive thing. Occur Paris within the nineteen thirties, Scorsese's 3-D adventure film focuses on Hugo Cabret, a youthful orphan living a secret existence within the walls of the stop where he steals croissants for food and devices for any mysterious project he's focusing on in the free time. However when Hugo encounters the enigmatic who owns the train station's toy shop, the youthful boy's purpose finally makes focus. A superbly shot coming-of-age tale that doubles like a love letter to cinema, "Hugo" is among the best movies from the holidays, and something of Scorsese's all-time finest efforts. Take a look at five reasons why you ought to check this out film following the jump. Beginning You know whether "Hugo" is perfect for you inside the first 10 mins from the movie. Scorsese transmits you soaring through his vision of Paris immediately, offering an attractive and breathtaking opening shot that sets a dark tone for the beauty that's yet in the future. The effective, wordless sequence that develops constitutes a bold statement: this really is Scorsese as is available never witnessed him before. Scorsese Changes Gears Most widely known for his brutal crime dramas that put his figures with the bloody wringer, Scorsese's "Hugo" is pretty lighter fare, but it is not without its very own group of emotional sucker punches. Scorsese's evolution with "Hugo" is jaw-shedding when thinking about his previous efforts, but this is not an entire face-lift for that Oscar champion: despite some phenomenal new window-dressing, the Scorsese you are aware of love is greatly present throughout "Hugo," even when you need to look a bit harder to determine everything. Asa Butterfield talks "Ender's Game" casting! Asa Butterfield Arrives Inside a ocean of strong supporting stars which includes Ben Kingsley and Congressman Christopher Lee, it's Asa Butterfield because the titular Hugo who sticks out probably the most. His childlike question, perfectly interspersed with a nearly unworldly ice-blue gaze, propels "Hugo" forward and cements this youthful actor like a future star. Thankfullyor hopefully, I ought to saywe'll see much more of him within the approaching "Ender's Game" adaptation. Support Team Asa sticks out because the most unique and attention-getting from the bunch, but he's encircled with a phenomenal cast. Kingsley is really a delight of course as Georges Mlis, a curmudgeonly toymaker having a damaged heart. Sacha Baron Cohen provides the majority of the movie's laughs because the un named Station Inspector, though he provides some emotional surprises too. And Chloe Moretz remains among the great youthful stars in our time, adding another memorable use her ever impressive listing of credits The Energy of Cinema "Hugo" is definitely an unabashed love letter to film. It's oddly appropriate that Scorsese's greatest dive in to the childhood of cinema (on the watch's screen a minimum of) comes outfitted using the industry's most widely used gimmick right now. Scorsese not just masters 3-D for that reasons of "Hugo" like a story, but additionally like a commentary around the evolution and energy from the movies. It is a glorious ride for fans from the medium, a complete can't miss for cinephiles everywhere. Martin Scorsese talks "Hugo" inspiration! Inform us that which you think about "Hugo" within the comments section as well as on Twitter!

Ricki Lake Reveals Dancing With The Stars Weight Loss

First Published: November 22, 2011 10:10 AM EST Credit: ABC Caption Ricki Lake has had an incredible Dancing transformationLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Ricki Lake has had a big story beyond getting to the finals with professional Derek Hough a weight loss of more than 20 pounds and several dress sizes. The actress and returning talk show host started the competition a size 8, vowing not to try on wedding dresses until the competition was over and she revealed to Access Hollywood she is now 15 inches smaller and just a size 4. If we dont win, I really will be OK. I feel like Ive won thus far. Ive come further than I thought I would, Ricki told Access guest correspondent Tim Vincent on Monday night. Ricki credits her weight loss transformation to eating right (she used a food preparation service many of the competitors also join to time save time) and the hours and hours of training she put in throughout Season 13 with Derek. Back in September, Ricki quickly learned that dancing could be a tough workout, as she felt the effects as she prepared for the weeks ahead of competition. You sweat so quickly when you do this, she told Access on September 12, just a few weeks into training. I could run three miles on a treadmill and not really sweat but yeah, we do [in rehearsals]. Im dropping weight like crazy, she added, then already five inches smaller than when she started the competition. My pants are falling off. Just two weeks later, on September 28, Ricki had dropped even more from her frame. Ive lost 12 inches in three weeks, she told Access. Every time I go for the costume fitting each week, its smaller and smaller. Im feeling great. Im putting in the work. Im getting a lot of sleep. Everything is on the backburner right now. Dancing is my priority. By midway through the competition, Ricki had noticed she couldnt fit into the clothes in her closet. I need to get new jeans, all my jeans are falling off, she laughed with Access on October 5, after a performance night. I was a size 8 when I started this thing, now my size 6s are big. Derek, who as her pro partner was instrumental in pushing Ricki all season long, also noticed his partners transformation, complimenting her in a rehearsal on November 14. This has been such a winning season for me and Ricki already. Shes gotten into fantastic shape, weve gotten some amazing scores, weve had some very memorable routines, he said. For me, being memorable is more important than winning. And now, with the Season 13 finals Night 1 over, and just one day of competition left, Ricki can look ahead to shopping for the dress in which shell wed fiance Christian Evans. I have a great career going next year, Im getting married. Life is good, but Im going to give it my all. These guys are incredible competitors, Ricki added. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

A Evening Time With Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin

A Staci Levine, Dodgers, Jon B. Platt, Jessica R. Jenen presentation from the concert by 50 percent functions. Directed by Mandy Patinkin. Produced by Patinkin and Paul Ford. Music direction, Ford. Sets, David Korins costumes, Jon Can Coskunses lights, Eric Cornwell appear, Daniel J. Gerhard dance consultant, Ann Reinking production stage manager, Matthew Aaron Stern. Opened up up November. 21, 2011, examined November. 20. Runs through Jan. 13, 2012. Running time: 2 Several hours.With: Patti LuPone, Mandy Patinkin, Paul Ford, John Beal."Old folks sit around with the tv, sighing one perpetual sigh," according to Kander and Ebb's song "Old Folks," which opens the second act of "A Evening Time With Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin." LuPone and Patinkin aren't old folks, except possibly to theatergoers very youthful or 20s, and they are still vibrant artists. Nevertheless the atmosphere of "old folks" -- together with a nostalgic, sit-around-with-pals-in-the-living-room feeling -- propagates through the affair. Enjoyable and sweet aren't words you might ordinarily connect using these two, however Broadway concert is both. The pair -- who first starred opposite each other in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Evita" in 1979 -- bring many of the old miracle for the Barrymore, most noticeably when he sings "Oh Just what a Circus" and he or she sings "Don't Cry personally Argentina," both from "Evita." Furthermore both reprise among their other signature amounts. Nevertheless the relaxation in the evening is showtunes, many of which appear sensible coming initially from from LuPone and Patinkin while others of that don't. The show is moored by extended servings of "South Off-shoreline" and "Slide slide carousel." They're kind of interesting, somewhat like watching two Broadway stars stretching themselves in scene class. (It's tough to convey what someone not familiar with these Rodgers and Hammerstein classics can make of individuals clips-with-song, but it's unlikely that a person not familiar with "South Off-shoreline" and "Slide slide carousel" would wander into "A Evening Time With Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin.") With all of this exercise, you don't anticipate seeing LuPone's Nellie Forbush or Patinkin's Billy Bigelow, although Patinkin gets the makings from the effective Emile p Becque in "South Off-shoreline." The pair grew to become part of together for just about any personal appearance 10 years ago and labored it into an action they've been touring between gigs since. Hence the simple setup: a black stage with Steinway together with a few chairs, a extended rectangular scrim for lighting and 28 ghost lights of various dimensions and colours for decoration. No orchestra, naturally because they often times play one-nighters. This is not a hindrance, as pianist Paul Ford and bassist John Beal, a few current day finest theater artists, are present in Mandy's living room. Or stage right, rather. NYers have formerly days seen concerts not only from Hugh Jackman within the Broadhurst, but Audra McDonald and Cheyenne Jackson on separate dates at Carnegie Hall. Many patrons continue being talking about these nights and would use a try for just about any repeat viewing. LuPone and Patinkin will be in the identical rarefied class of theater stars, however present vehicle is essentially likably friendly. Over time, have sometimes had well-marketed battles utilizing their collaborators. Here, together, they are in an appreciation fest and so are nothing otherwise very comfortable. And then we get LuPone and Patinkin without their edge, which can be considered an optimistic factor. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Changing studio system reduces minorities' Oscar hopes

'The Help'Focus will release 'Pariah,' featuring Adepero Oduye, in December. When Denzel Washington and Halle Berry made history by winning 2001's top two acting honors for particular turns in "Training Day" and "Monster's Ball," it came out the floodgates had opened up up for racial unprivileged within the Oscars.One year afterwards, only two minority thesps, Salma Hayek ("Frida") and Full Latifah ("Chicago"), were nominated, with neither winning. Still, every subsequent Academy awards featured one or more minority actor or actress inside the Oscar search, with several notable individuals who win including Jamie Foxx for "Ray" and Forest Whitaker for "The Ultimate King of Scotland."Then came the 2009 Oscar ceremony, which shipped not just a single Acad acting nominee of color.Were yesteryear Oscars an anomaly or perhaps an indication of products in the future? WME agent Charles King is anxious, stating the ever-diminishing studio slate since the finest reason for your dearth of meaty roles filled by thesps of color."The entire film information mill changing," states King, who reps Tyler Perry and "Pariah" author-director Dee Rees. "Art galleries are dedicated to content that foretells some large worldwide demographic and may have significant appeal because marketplace. With less greenlights, movies that have an even more multiethnic perspective are actually hit more adversely than these.InchWhilst there's been jobs in the general sense for unprivileged -- a 2008 SAG report states 27.5% of roles are filled by stars of color -- the Oscars underscore how rare it's for stars of color to acquire substantial roles.Wants Latin-American and Asian-American artists this kudo season are again bleak. There is a effective chance not under one African-American acting nom, particularly among "The AssistanceInch co-stars Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, while focusing Features thinks there's an outdoors shot at garnering some Oscar passion for its late-December bow "Pariah," a Sundance darling of a Brooklyn teen fighting to become launched just like a lesbian. But it's less than an overflow of competitors.Even though honours several weeks are early, few other films with prominent minority roles have yet emerged as you can competitors inside the acting warms up."It's a rarity," states Chris Columbus, producer on DreamWorks' Mississippi-set period drama "The Help,In . of weighty films toplined by non-white-colored thesps. "Sadly, we're in the world high aren't a whole lot roles for African-American stars."couple of years ago, some thesps -- Morgan Freeman ("Invictus") and Gabourey Sidibe ("Precious") -- played inside the lead actor and actress groups, while Mo'Nique showed up the supporting actress trophy on her behalf role becoming an abusive mother in "Precious." But possibly tellingly, of people two films, only the Clint Eastwood-helmed "Invictus" showed up in this area in the studio system. In comparison, "Precious" only handled to obtain for the bigscreen due to angel traders Sarah Siegel-Magness and Gary Magness as well as the backing of professional producers The famous host the famous host oprah Winfrey and Perry.No matter the $64 million worldwide haul for your low-budget "Precious," corporate-possessed art galleries are becoming progressively loath to purchase minority-designed dramas -- probably the most well-loved genre of Academy voters."You'd have thought that good success of 'Precious,' there might have been other films such as this,In . notes King. "But there were not many."Columbus and author-helmer Tate Taylor looked around a script for bestseller "The Help,In . which matches to the rarely seen arena of black service personnel inside the South through the civil- rights movement, to several art galleries and production companies, which passed."It needed the thought of Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider at DreamWorks who mentioned, 'Yeah, we'll support this picture,' " recalls Columbus. "They needed a substantial leap of belief."Even though film will be a bonafide box office hit in your area and to date worldwide, "The AssistanceInch courted critique a minimum of again relegating black stars to service personnel quarters. (Meanwhile, Sidibe supported her "Precious" turn by playing a maid inside the studio actioner "Tower Heist.")Winfrey, who nabbed an Oscar nomination on her behalf supporting submit Spielberg's "The Color Crimson," sees the glass as half-full if the involves minority representation in film."I not put on the negative I choose to put on what exactly could be,Inch states Winfrey, who's being honored with the Academy this year while using Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award."I'm really excited to find out what is going to happen with 'The Help.' Even if nothing happens with 'The Help' while using Academy, In my opinion that the fact 'The Help' can be obtained is fantastic. It discloses the options for many people that are like, 'Hey, people will have a look at films that have dramatic impact which entail black as well as black figures.' I choose to stay within the arena of what's possible as well as the entrance doors that have been opened up up and not lament what's not happening."Eye round the Oscars: Talent RaceStrength of comics in dramatic roles shouldn't surprise Changing studio system reduces minorities' Oscar hopes Chastain, Fassbender everywhere on bigscreen Top thesps take kudo sabbatical Grand globetrotters Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Occupy Wall Street Boosts 'Margin Call' in Oscar Race

The 84th Academy Awards are nearly four months away, but that hasn't stopped industrious handicappers from culling the herd, anointing early front-runners including The Descendants, The Artist and Midnight in Paris while reserving place holders for such big-ticket contenders as War Horse and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close that have not yet screened. Not so fast, though: Turns out there's still room for a surprise or two.our editor recommends'Margin Call' Trailer: Revisiting the Economic Collapse (Video)'Margin Call' Director: 'We as a Country Are All Acting Very Greedy Right Now' (Berlin)SUNDANCE REVIEW: 'Margin Call' Never Develops a Sense of Urgency Amid Financial Crisis Enter Margin Call. In terms of its awards potential, the movie, made for just $3.5 million, hadn't been on the radar. But that all changed once Roadside Attractions released it Oct. 21 -- in theaters and as a VOD offering on cable, Amazon and iTunes. Written and directed by first-timer J.C. Chandor, the son of a stockbroker, the film serves up a rigorous and bracing look at a major investment bank on the brink of collapse. Zachary Quinto, who helped develop and produce Margin Call, plays an analyst, who at first stares at his computer screen with the look of a disbelieving Titanic crewmember after spotting the iceberg. As his discovery -- that the firm could go under if it doesn't quickly sell off its toxic mortgage securities -- works its way up the chain of command, the movie introduces Paul Bettany as a cynical supervisor, Kevin Spacey as a conflicted manager, Demi Moore as a tense risk management exec, and, helicoptering in like a deus-ex-master-of-the-universe, company chief Jeremy Irons, who delivers juicy pronouncements like "The music is about to stop and we are holding the greatest pile of odiferous excrement in the history of capitalism." PHOTOS: Entertainers Who Visited Occupy Wall Street Top critics rushed to offer praise. "Margin Call is one of the strongest American films of the year and easily the best Wall Street movie ever made," David Denby of The NYer declared. On the eve of its release, the movie was nominated for a Gotham Award for best ensemble. It could now make a legitimate bid for the Screen Actors Guild's ensemble prize, should be a major player at the Spirit Awards, and Oscar-wise, might well figure in the original screenplay and supporting actor contests, since, as NY magazine's David Edelstein wrote, "Spacey gives a major performance, his best in many years." The irony is that Margin Call has been hiding in plain sight all along. In January, at its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, it received mixed reviews, but Lionsgate/Roadside quickly scooped it up for about $1 million. "It wasn't seen as a prestige release, but we really liked it," says Roadside co-president Howard Cohen. The first omen that others might agree came when the film was selected to open NY's New Directors/New Films in March, drawing an enthusiastic assessment from the NY Times' A.O. Scott. "And that's when everyone suddenly woke up and said, 'This is a major film,' " Cohen adds. PHOTOS: Scene at Occupy Los Angeles Roadside continued to play its cards close to the vest. Since it was planning a simultaneous VOD and theatrical release, which would have disqualified the movie for Oscar consideration because eligible films must first appear in theaters, the distributor quietly booked a qualifying run in the San Fernando Valley community of West Hills earlier this fall. Although no one could have predicted it, the zeitgeist then conspired to give Margin Call extra currency. With the Occupy Wall Street protests, which began in mid-September, targeting the banks behind the 2008 fiscal crisis, the film acquired real topicality. Additionally, while promoting the movie, Quinto seized the moment to come out publicly as gay with a simple, eloquent statement that he had been moved by the suicide of 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer, a victim of bullying, to live his own life more openly. That only served to underscore his growing seriousness and stature within the industry. Roadside didn't have an awards strategy in place for the film, but the company is now drawing up plans, deciding on such things as budgeting and bringing in a consultant. "We weren't using an awards strategy to help the movie do business, but now that we've seen the reception, we want to maximize its awards potential," says Cohen. In other words, don't sell Margin Call's awards stock short. UNEXPECTED ENTRIES CAN SHAKE UP OSCAR: Each year, a few films fly under the radar only to emerge to challenge the conventional wisdom Letters from Iwo Jima (2006): When Clint Eastwood's Flags of Our Fathers faltered, Warners shifted his companion film to December.It grabbed four nominations. The Blind Side (2009): Most pundits dismissed the movie's Oscar chances, leaving it off early lists. The November release scored a win for Sandra Bullock. Crazy Heart (2009): Fox Searchlight dropped the country-themed movie into the 2009 race at the last minute, and it brought Jeff Bridges a best actor statuette. Related Topics Sundance Film Festival Occupy

Emma Stone Compromising for Foul-Mouthed Spec Script

Emma Stone may want to clean her mouth by helping cover their cleaning cleaning soap. The ubiquitous leading lady is at predicts star in 'He's F-ckin' Perfect,' spec script that Fox 2000 recently bought which will unquestionably have its title changed before release. 'Perfect' focuses on a "social media savvy girl" who uses the net to evaluate her potential suitors. When she stumbles towards the "perfect guy," she creates a social media presence for herself being his "right gemstone necklace.Inch (Whether or not this appears like something Barney did around the recent episode of 'How I Met Your Mother,' it sorta is.) 29-year-old author Lauryn Kahn written the script for 'Perfect' as Deadline notes, she was Adam McKay's assistant for four years, and may leave the career on Friday to give consideration to writing full-time. Kahn has furthermore came out in volume of Funny or Die sketches. Not always a poor start to your work, Lauryn! [via Deadline] [Photo: BAUERGRIFFIN] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

25 Things You May Not Know About 'Carrie'

Sure, 'Carrie' is a modern horror classic, one whose bloodbath-at-the-prom sequence and final shock from beyond the grave have been referenced and parodied so many times that you may feel like you've seen the movie even if you haven't. But even die-hard fans of 'Carrie,' which was released exactly 35 years ago (on Nov. 3, 1976) may not know all about the film -- the movie's unlikely connections to 'Star Wars' and Redd Foxx, the creepy lengths Sissy Spacek was willing to go for the sake of gruesome realism, the many on-set romances, or the scrapped original ending. Read on because if you don't, they're all gonna laugh at you. 1. 'Carrie' was both Stephen King's first novel and his first to be filmed. At the time of the movie's release, King was still so little-known that the makers of the film's trailer misspelled his first name as "Steven." 'Carrie' - Original Trailer 2. Directors Brian De Palma and George Lucas staged open auditions together for both 'Carrie' and 'Star Wars.' Both initially wanted Amy Irving for their female lead, and William Katt almost ended up starring in Lucas' movie instead of De Palma's. Eventually, of course, Lucas cast Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia (after De Palma had rejected her as Carrie in favor of Sissy Spacek) and Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, while De Palma cast Irving and Katt in supporting roles in 'Carrie.' For her part, Irving had no hard feelings toward Fisher; in fact, they became close friends. 3. Before 'Carrie,' Piper Laurie hadn't made a film in 15 years, since her Oscar-nominated turn in 'The Hustler.' She had all but quit show business to raise a family and was reluctant to return to acting to play what could have been a two-dimensional role as Margaret White, Carrie's religious-fanatic mother. De Palma persuaded her that she could develop an element of black humor in the character beyond what was on the page. 4. Spacek was already 26 when she was cast as a teen at the onset of menstruation. (Her husband, Jack Fisk, was the movie's production designer.) In fact, all of the principal stars were well past high-school age. 5. De Palma certainly had an eye for young talent. 'Carrie' marked the big-screen debuts of Irving, P.J. Soles and Betty Buckley. It was also the first major film role for both Katt and John Travolta (already a rising star on TV's 'Welcome Back, Kotter'). 6. Irving and Katt had dated a year before they appeared together in the film. Their screen test included a makeout scene in the back of a car that was later cut from the movie. 7. Hitchock fan De Palma included multiple references to 'Psycho' in the film, from naming the high school after Norman Bates to commissioning composer Pino Donaggio to use shrieking, stabbing violins like those Bernard Herrmann featured to great effect in the 1960 shocker. In fact, De Palma had wanted to hire Herrmann to score 'Carrie,' but he died shortly before production began. De Palma speculated that Herrmann would have been none too pleased about the theft. 8. The incendiary prom sequence was filmed on a soundstage that had been the site of another famous movie fire, the burning of Atlanta in 'Gone With the Wind.' 9. The filming of the prom sequence took three days. To keep the blood stains on her prom dress and all over her body consistent, Spacek slept in the bloody gown. (OK, it wasn't really pig blood, just corn syrup and food coloring.) 'Carrie' - Prom Coronation Scene Movie Videos & Movie Scenes at MOVIECLIPS.com 10. In the prom sequence, Soles got hit so hard with the water jet from the fire hose that she burst an eardrum. It was six months before she regained her full hearing. 11. At the end of the movie, the Whites' house was supposed to be destroyed by a hail of boulders, but the conveyor belt moving the rocks jammed, so De Palma decided to just burn the house down. 12. Irving's dream sequence at the end was shot in reverse (with the actress walking backwards and cars driving in reverse gear), then played forward. (Years later, David Lynch used the same disorienting technique to create the dream sequences in 'Twin Peaks.') De Palma has said the hand-thrusting-from-the-grave shot at the end was inspired by the climax of 'Deliverance.' De Palma wanted to use a stunt woman, but Spacek insisted on doing the shot herself. She was in a pit under a board covered with rocks and received a signal to reach out and grab Irving's arm. 13. Nancy Allen, who played Carrie's chief tormentor, Chris, started dating De Palma during the shoot. They eventually married and made three more films together. But it was Irving who landed the lead in De Palma's next film, 'The Fury,' another chiller about a teenage girl with deadly telekinetic powers. 14. De Palma is also responsible for fixing up Steven Spielberg with future wife Irving. Soles has said De Palma invited the 'Jaws' director to the set because of all the cute girls, and that he asked several of them out, including her, but that Irving was the only one who said yes. 15. The way Irving recalled it, however, De Palma fixed them up by sending her to audition for Spielberg's 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' for a part she was clearly too young for. Either way, they were soon living together, though they didn't get married until 1985. They had one child together and divorced in 1989. 16. Three days before 'Carrie' opened, the movie had a sneak preview in a handful of theaters on Halloween. Stephen King attended one such preview, the second half of an unlikely double feature with the Redd Foxx comedy 'Norman, Is That You?' King recalled the event in a hilarious story he told Whoopi Goldberg on her talk show in 1992 (see video below; thanks to 'Carrie'... A Fan's Site). Stephen King, Talking to Whoopi Goldberg, About the 'Carrie' Sneak Preview (1992) 17. Soles and Travolta became friends; he got her cast in a small role in his TV movie 'The Boy in the Plastic Bubble' later that year. 18. The film made a strong splash. It earned $33.8 million at the box office (a lot of money in 1976), and it earned Oscar nods for Spacek and Laurie, making them two of a handful of performers who've ever been nominated for their roles in a horror film. 19. Buckley played Margaret White in Broadway's 'Carrie,' a 1988 musical with songs by 'Footloose' composer Dean Pitchford and a book by Lawrence Cohen, who'd written the screenplay to the 1976 film. The musical closed after five performances and became one of the most legendary flops in Broadway history. It's scheduled to be revived, however, in a 2012 Off-Broadway production. 20. In 1995, 19 years after they played mother and daughter in 'Carrie,' Laurie and Spacek played sisters in the indie dramedy 'The Grass Harp.' 21. In 'Halloween: H20' (1998), Janet Leigh's character is named Norma Watson. That was the name of the 'Carrie' character played by Soles, who also played an ill-fated teen in the original 1978 'Halloween.' 22. Soles and Katt reunited as the parents in another tale of rampaging teen girls, the 1999 black comedy 'Jawbreaker.' The casting was one of writer/director Darren Stein's homages to 'Carrie.' 23. A sequel set 22 years later, called 'The Rage: Carrie 2,' came out in 1999. No one involved in the original had anything to do with it except Irving, who reprised her role as the haunted Sue. There was also 2002 TV remake of 'Carrie,' starring Angela Bettis and Patricia Clarkson. 24. Irving and Spacek reunited in 2002 for the family film 'Tuck Everlasting.' 25. A 2013 big-screen remake of 'Carrie' is in the works, penned by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Broadway's 'Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark') and perhaps starring 'True Grit' killer teen Hailee Steinfeld. King is reportedly not thrilled. "The real question is why, when the original was so good?" King said. "I mean, [it's] not 'Casablanca' or anything, but a really good horror-suspense film, much better than the book." [Photos: United Artists] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook Follow Gary Susman on Twitter: @garysusman RELATED

VIDEO: Mike & Molly's Gardell on Melissa McCarthy's Emmy Win, What He Sees for Show's Future

Billy Gardell, Melissa McCarthy For Mike & Molly's Billy Gardell, seeing co-star Melissa McCarthy win an Emmy was sweet revenge for the show's naysayers in Season 1 "Melissa winning says a lot about our show and says a lot about her talent," he told TVGuide.com. "Not everyone is going to like you, and that's just life but there are 14 million people a week that do, so we'll take that." Watch full episodes of Mike & Molly in our Online Video Guide In the interview below, Gardell shares how his standup career has helped his sitcom skills and where hopes to see the show's title characters in 10 years. Mike & Molly airs Mondays at 9:30/8:30c on CBS.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Set For QED Action Film Black Sands

EXCLUSIVE: Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to star in Black Sands, an action film that will be directed by Scott Waugh and Mike McCoy. Financed by Bill Block’s QED, the film will begin production April 1, 2012. In the Skip Woods-scripted film, Schwarzenegger will play a loner who wages war against a ruthless weapons manufacturer and his private army in the Southwest. The tone is Man On Fire meets High Plains Drifter. Block will be selling worldwide territories starting today. Woods scripted A Good Day To Die Hard, which Fox is readying for production. Waugh and McCoy most recently directed Act Of Valor, an action adventure that features actual Navy SEALs. That film was acquired at an auction for distribution by Relativity Media, which paid a $13 million minimum guarantee and a $30 million P&A commitment, and scheduled the film for release on February 17, which is President’s Day Weekend. Al Ruddy will produce Black Sands with Block and Paul Hanson. Waugh, McCoy and Max Leitman are the executive producers through their Bandito Brothers banner. Schwarzenegger has squarely returned to his action wheelhouse since returning to acting after ending his run as California governor. He’s shooting the Kim Jee-woon-directed The Last Stand for Lionsgate, after completing The Expendables 2. QED just completed I, Alex Cross, the Rob Cohen-directed thriller based on the James Patterson novel, with Tyler Perry playing Cross and Matthew Fox his nemesis. QED is also producing the Neil Blomkamp-directed Elysium, which stars Matt Damon and Jodie Foster. That film is currently shooting. QED and Schwarzenegger hooked up earlier this year on Cry Macho, but that project is tabled for now. CAA reps Schwarzenegger and Woods, ICM reps the directors.

Eric Bana To See Elvis Round The Silver Screen

First Launched: October 24, 2011 5:39 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images La, Calif. -- Caption Eric Bana smiles within the La premiere of Funny People about this summer time 20, 2009Eric Bana is headed for your silver screen as American icon Elvis. According to Variety, the Australian actor may have the music activity great opposite actor Danny Huston, who's in final discussions to see the late Leader Richard Nixon in Elvis & Nixon. Cary Elwes, who infamously carried out Westley in 1987s The Princess Bride, could make his feature film directorial debut while using project. The film will target the bizarre meeting in the Leader as well as the celebrity, who Nixon developed a Federal Agent-at-Large. Cary is co-author in the script with Joey Sagal and Hanala Sagal. Meanwhile Bana themselves is executive creating the project. No start date was designed for the film. Eric was recently seen round the silver screen in Hanna with Saoirse Ronan and Cate Blanchett. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Its A Rainy Day For Simon Cowell As X Factor Bumped To Thursday & Sunday

First Published: October 12, 2011 8:33 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption X-Factor judge Simon Cowell appears on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno at NBC Studios in Burbank, Calif., on September 19, 2011 Wednesdays episode of The X Factor has been postponed due to a baseball-related rain delay. Simon Cowells reality singing competition will now air this weeks two episodes beginning on Thursday and then on Sunday. Wednesday was supposed to mark the start of the Judges homes round, but rain affected Game 4 of the American League Championship Series between the Texas Rangers and the Detroit Tigers, pushing it into The X Factors slated time slot. The X Factor will now air on Thursday from 8-10 ET/PT and again on Sunday, October 16 from 8-10 ET/PT. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Watercooler: Can Someone Please Help the Real Housewives' Kim?

Kim Richards Dear Bravo,You need to get one of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills some help.For the last two seasons, the antics and issues of Kim Richards have been the stuff of gossip, presumption and - in the case of last season's finale - confrontation. When Kyle called out her sister for being a drunk in that limo, things started to make sense. The rambling incoherency. The unreliability. The money problems. The Jekyll and Hyde mood swings. It was all there, and we hoped that the situation had reached a point where Kim might be ready to face whatever was going on with her. Then the ladies evaded the issue during the reunion special, and that was that.Now if Kyle wants to enable her admittedly "disheveled" sister by testing her drinks, rushing her off to fix her makeup and violently coming to her defense - as she did during last night's disastrous game night at name-dropping, price-tag brag Dana's place - fine. Denial runs deep, often tragically so. That doesn't mean the network should sit by and stay silent. The woman is a mess. Lisa saw it last season at the dinner party from Hell. Adrienne saw it a few weeks back on their trip to the Kings game. Brandi saw it last night. We all see it. And unless someone behind the scenes steps in and does right by Kim, we fear there might be another tragedy waiting in the wings for your 90210 franchise. And none of us wants to see that.Please think about it,The WatercoolerSubscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Film Elderly Care Gets near Cope With New Partner (Report)

Pixar has switched its home page right into a tribute to Apple co-founder Jobs, who died Wednesday at 56.our editor recommendsWhat Is Steve Jobs' Hollywood Legacy?Steve Jobs' Dying: Obama States 'World Has Lost a Visionary'Steve Jobs Dying: Tech and Entertainment Industry ReactsSteve Jobs' Dying: The way the Systems CoveredApple Boss Tim Prepare on Jobs: 'No Words Can Adequately Express Our Sadness'Steve Jobs 'Died Quietly,' His Family SaysRelated Subjects•Steve Jobs•Obituaries Similar to Apple did on its website, Pixar has devoted its entire home page to Jobs, former Boss of Pixar and Disney board member. PHOTOS: 10 Memorable Key events of Jobs' Career The home page features a picture of Jobs flanked by chief creative officer John Lasseter and leader Erectile dysfunction Catmull relaxing in a row of seats at seems to become a cinema. Below them is Lasseter and Catmull's joint statement on Jobs' dying which was launched Wednesday: VIDEOS: Recalling Jobs "Jobs was an remarkable visionary, our very dear friend and also the guiding light from the Pixar family. He saw the potential for what Pixar might be prior to the relaxation people, and beyond what anybody ever imagined. Steve required an opportunity upon us and supported our crazy imagine making computer-animated films the main one factor he always stated ended up being to simply 'make it great.' He's why Pixar switched view we did and the strength, integrity and passion for existence makes all of us better people," the statement ongoing. "He'll forever take part in Pixar's DNA. Our hearts go to his wife Laurene as well as their children throughout this incredibly hard time.Inch PHOTOS: Hollywood's Notable Deaths Jobs, the mastermind behind Apple's apple iphone, ipod device, iPad, iMac and iTunes, built the very first Apple computer systems in the Jobs family garage with fellow college dropout Steve Wozniak. He was identified using the pancreatic cancer in 2004, when he revealed that doctors had removed a cancerous tumor from his pancreas. Related Subjects John Lasseter Obituaries Jobs The Wally Disney Company Apple Pixar

'War Horse': Latest Trailer Heavy on Orchestration, Heartstring Yanking (Video)

Out Christmas Day, War Equine is Saving Private Ryan and Schindler's List director Steven Spielberg's latest undertake the tolls of war. The most recent trailer for your drama develops on earlier versions with elevated narrative and moments in the equine, Joey, round the front lines, and hooking up along with his owner Albert before England takes part the initial World War. A clip opens while using equine Joey running through battlefields and jumping over foxholes. Flashbacks cut to Joey's first encounter with Albert in addition to their romps using the lush British countryside. PHOTOS: Steven Spielberg on Set Following a equine is conscripted/offered, a soldier notifies Albert, "I'll promise that we'll take proper care of him so when I am in a position to, I'll return him for the care." Albert sparks to war themselves, moving a drawing of Joey anywhere he goes. One common thread between this extended trailer and earlier versions might be the inclusion from the older guy adoring the equine, "Is it possible to imagine flying around the war and you also know you may never look lower. You have to look forward otherwise you'll never return home.In . STORY: 'War Equine' Poster Revealed Dramatic orchestrations by John Williams and shots of stars, including Emily Watson, indicate that Spielberg will probably be yanking heartstrings along with his adaptation in the Michael Morpurgo novel. Steven Spielberg War Equine

Social Energy Ratings: Glee Makes People Cry!

Glee "Asian F," Tuesday's emotional ride of the episode of Glee, certainly got people speaking - and consequently, it's really no. one in Wednesday's Social Energy Ratings. The consensus? It made people literally be sad. "Last evening I had been a crying mess. Anybody who has been around a drama club or perhaps a glee club knows the feelings Mercedes has," states TVGuide.com commenter Giovanni Moretti. "When Will sang to Emma, which was it, throughout, the whole box of Puffs vanished.Inch Fans were also glad to determine Mike Chang and Brittany Pierce take center stage. "It's strange to consider that in Season 1 Brittany and Mike were just window dressing," states TVGuide.com commenter bobby-j. "Louise [Morris] and Harry [Shum] have proven that they'll dance, act, and sing. It had been nice seeing them benefiting from good screen time."Other hot subjects: Wednesday's premiere of yankee Horror Story, the potential finish from the Simpsons' 23-season run and also the cancellation from the Playboy Club. User @nevrothwen tweeted: "Am I the only person who really loved Playboy Club?" Answer: Yes. (Sorry.)Return anytime to determine the most recent Social Energy Ratings, that are up-to-date instantly through the week.

Will American Horror Story Be considered a Hit for Forex? Phone The Recent Past of Horror on television

The Walking Dead, True Bloodstream, Supernatural In the past, horror has not scared up an excellent history on television. Supernatural series? Yes. Terrifying ones? No. What's promising for Forex, which on Wednesday launches American Horror Story, is the fact that audiences appear to become growing braver. Millions have dared to look from behind their fingers, making hits from the Walking Dead and True Bloodstream. Even if Puppy nip/Tuck dipped its scalpels into overt horror -- terrorizing us with sadistic serial killer The Carver -- it came record amounts to Forex. But do audiences possess the stomach for any haunted house imagined up by Ryan Murphy and Kaira Falchuk, who gave us both Glee and Puppy nip/Tuck? American Horror Story's got veteran stars Connie Britton, Dylan McDermott and Jessica Lange, but additionally a homicidal basement-dwelling creature, angry twin redheads, an enigmatic, er, spirit inside a fetish suit, demonic wall art, a grotesque burn victim... and that is just within the first episode. To gauge the show's chances, we glance back in the last two decades of horror TV: Dark Shadows revival (1991, NBC), Nightmare Café (1992, NBC), American Medieval (1995-96, CBS): The best-time reboot of cult melodrama Dark Shadows elevated conflicted Barnabas Collins (whose friends incorporated a youthful Frederick Gordon-Levitt) like a more feral lovelorn vampire. Fans fell, and difficult, before start of the Gulf War and erratic arranging cooled rankings. Annually later, NBC used Wes Craven and Robert Englund's Nightmare Café, a weekly mix between Nightmare on Elm Street and also the Twilight Zone that survived just six episodes. Some thing sinister showed up in 1995, when CBS unleashed the bone-chilling, genre-bender American Medieval starring Gary Cole being an immoral sheriff - read: murderous maniac - of the creepy small town in Sc. Experts talked, but a too-small audience forced the network to decrease it following a season. Start Looking: Ryan Murphy's "psychosexual thriller" American Horror Story -- it's really no Glee! Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003, The WB and UPN) and Angel (1999-2004, The WB): Buffy funneled the majority of her teen angst into slaying vampires of the underworld, and in that way grew to become a genre success story, whilst the show combined the demonic and adult styles with many different snark and comedy. Buffy's most terrifying episode "Hush", a nearly dialogue-free hour where the ghastly Gentlemen take away the hearts of sufferers who cannot scream, gained the show an Emmy nomination for writing, and because of rabid fans and fawning experts, the show survived seven seasons. Its more dark, more grown-up spinoff, Angel, also trafficked in tangible frights, most memorably having a full-scale exorcism - and also the disturbing twist that adopted -- in "I have Got You Under My Skin." Kingdom Hospital (2004, ABC): Stephen King's adaptation of Lars von Trier's very frightening and uber-strange Danish series, The Dominion, starred Andrew McCarthy like a physician inside a haunted hospital lived on through the ghost of the Civil-War-era child laborer along with a giant anteater-like creature with jagged teeth, among other peculiar living types. (It's no surprise: A healthcare facility was built within the site of two terrible fires, the 2nd which destroyed a classic hospital where an evil physician carried out experiments on his patients.) A lot more than 14 million audiences examined the premiere, evidence of an appetite for horror. However, many updated out right after and it wasn't restored for any second season. Ryan Murphy and Kaira Falchuk: The 6 stuff that inspired American Horror Story Point Enjoyable (2005, Fox): When Satan's daughter Christina, who does not know she's the spawn of evil, washes ashore inside a quiet Nj beach town... well, yeah, bad stuff goes lower -- specifically for any selfish, self-centered citizens who deserve it. Despite an encouraging premise from Buffy vet Marti Noxon, Fox audiences did not look after the light scares - mean bugs! jealous teens! - triggered through the good-searching Child of Darkness (or her good-searching co-stars Grant Show and Mike Page). The show was drawn after just eight episodes broadcast. Supernatural (2005-ongoing, The WB and also the CW): What began out as two siblings on the highway within their Impala fighting devils looking for the reality is continuing to grow right into a fight of Scriptural proportions between good and evil. Mike and Dean have even visited hell and back. (Really, they have adopted Lucifer themself!) Supernatural has lengthy outlasted series creator Eric Kripke's original five-season plan, and won on the small but devoted crowd (as well as fans in high places). "How about we they simply leave?" Ryan Murphy promises solutions in Horror Story Masters of Horror (2005-07, Showtime): Showtime commissioned an anthology of films from respected horror maestros, including John Contractor, Joe Dante and John Landis, in addition to beginners, who have been given creative carte blanche to experience in pay cable's mostly uncensored space. Cause the sex and gore! The resulting two seasons' price of films were a mixed bag, based on reviews, but horror aficionados appeared pleased the project happened on tv whatsoever (save for Takashi Miike's "Imprint," that was launched only on DVD following the network considered it too disturbing to air.) Fear Itself (2008, NBC): Inspired by Masters, NBC attempted a horror anthology of their own, rounding up film veterinarians like Ronny Yu and Stuart Gordon to complete their worst (although for any general broadcast audience). The scares ranged from nasty (in "Eater," Mad Men's Elisabeth Moss performed a recently employed cop facing served by a Cajun serial-killing cannibal) to mundane (in "New Year's Day," Glee's Cory Monteith found themself encircled by zombies). Reviews were mixed and also the show survived two several weeks before low rankings (the premiere came a set-high 5.29 million audiences) and also the summer time Olympic games pressed them back the schedule permanently. Ryan Murphy talks new Forex show American Horror Story: Everybody was freaked by the creature! True Bloodstream (2008-ongoing, Cinemax): Perhaps probably the most effective horror show on television up to now, Alan Ball's adaptation of Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire Mysteries was frightening, sexed up, politically billed and plenty gory if this opened. It had been also polarizing - experts were dramatically divided and just 1.4 million audiences examined the very first airing. But over subsequent episodes, audiences soon found their distance to the cheesy, cleaning soap operatic shenanigans of Bon Temps' backwoods, where Sookie and her undead paramours braved supernatural - and very salty -- devils. Episode 9 from the recent 4th season came a set-high 5.5 million audiences (excluding individuals who DVR'd or viewed later airings around the network). Harper's Island (2009, CBS): Seven years after John Wakefield continued a murder spree on Harper's Island, the daughter of 1 of his sufferers returns to celebrate her best friend's wedding -- hey, why don't you? - and also the killing starts again. Unlike the unnerving American Medieval, CBS wished Harper's Island's was the type of slasher fest - dismemberments, burnings, a regrettable chandelier drop - loved by audiences who made Scream and that i Understand What You Probably Did Last Summer time box office hits. Experts appreciated the guilty-pleasure thrills and kills, but CBS wasn't within the mood to become patient. After three episodes, the show was knocked from the Thursday timeslot to Saturday nights, where it averaged just below 4 million audiences. Take a look at photos of yankee Horror Story The Walking Dead (2010-ongoing, AMC): Occur the aftermath of the zombie apocalypse, several Atlanta children band together to remain obvious from the "ramblers" looking forward to their brains. Not quite what audiences expected from AMC, a network which had just put itself into the spotlight rich in-brow period drama Mad Males and also the explosively gritty Breaking Bad. But Walking Dead, Frank Darabont's slow-moving, motion picture-in-scope adaptation of Robert Kirkman's graphic books, first showed on Halloween to almost universal acclaim and also the greatest rankings within the good reputation for the network. Which means a lot more than 5 million people viewed Ron and Glenn stomach a spook and smear themselves using its smelly insides. Nice. Browse the trailer for FX's American Horror Story, premiering Wednesday at 10/9c on Forex: Are you going to watch American Horror Story?

Chris Christie Press Conference: How the Networks Covered

None of the broadcast networks broke into regularly scheduled daytime programming Tuesday to cover Chris Christie's news conference, where the New Jersey governor formally announced he was not going to seek the GOP nomination for president. ABC did not carry Christie's announcement on the network but live streamed a special report on ABCNews.com and on Yahoo. STORY: Chris Christie Press Conference Sparks Media Frenzy of Fat Jokes (Video) It was a contrast to Monday's special reports on the trial of American exchange student Amanda Knox; when all three broadcast networks interrupted daytime lineups to deliver the verdict and many had correspondents on the scene in Italy. Diane Sawyer anchored a special report from ABC News headquarters in NY to cover the long-awaited Knox verdict that overturned her guilty ruling, while Elizabeth Vargas reported from Perugia, Italy. NBC and CBS also stuck with regularly scheduled programming and did not break in to cover the presser. STORY: Amanda Knox Verdict: How the Networks Covered For the Knox trial, NBC News' Lester Holt delivered the news outside the courthouse in Perugia. CBS, meanwhile, did not break in. The network on Monday interrupted regularly scheduled programming with Bob Scheiffer reporting the verdict. Fox doesn't typically cut into its regularly scheduled programming and did not cover Christie's announcement. CNN, which produced a segment last week asking point blank if Christie was too fat to be president, broadcast live from the CNN Newsroom and brought in Wolf Blitzer to anchor the broadcast, with the political reporter going in and out of the press conference. Blitzer was joined by John King and Gloria Borger. Coverage on CNN began at 1 p.m. and continued through until 1:48 p.m. EST, which included post-press conference coverage analysis with Blitzer, King and Borger. Related Topics

Exclusive: Can You Guess Samuel L. Jackson's Favorite Quentin Tarantino Film?

Samuel L. Jackson has contributed indelible performances to the oeuvre of Quentin Tarantino, most notably as the cool Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction, which nabbed him a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nod, and as the unhinged L.A. gun-runner Ordell Robbie (“O-R-D-E-L-L R-O-B-B-I-E”) in Tarantino’s follow-up, Jackie Brown, which garnered him a Golden Globes nomination. Jackson even lent his voice to 2009’s Inglourious Basterds and will appear in the upcoming Django Unchained. But which film does the frequent Tarantino player consider the director’s best, in which “the action plays out suddenly and completely for every character?” Watch Movieline’s exclusive clip, taken from an unreleased interview shot for the Pulp Fiction Blu-ray release: There you have it! I’ve got to agree with Jackson; his favorite Tarantino is also my favorite Tarantino. (If you missed it, read our interview with legendary actress and QT muse Pam Grier.) Meanwhile, catch more behind-the-scenes tidbits and nostalgic interviews on this week’s Blu-ray releases of Pulp Fiction and Jackie Brown, both out today.

Pam Grier on Jackie Brown, Quentin Tarantino, and Her Reign as the Queen of '70s Action Cinema

Grindhouse icon Pam Grier blazed a trail through the blaxploitation era, was dubbed “the baddest One-Chick Hit-Squad that ever hit town” (a title that remains uncontested four decades later, one might argue), and commanded the screen with a combination of ferocity, empathy, and a look so striking Roger Ebert once described her as an “actress of beautiful face and astonishing form.” Years later, in 1997, Quentin Tarantino paid homage to the work and the woman in Jackie Brown, adapted from Elmore Leonard’s Rum Punch, one of the filmmaker’s best and most underrated films and the spark that jump-started a career revival for its stars. Grier earned a Golden Globes nomination for her turn as Jackie Brown, a flight attendant who turns the tables on a local gun-runner (Samuel L. Jackson) and the feds with the help of a sympathetic bail bondsman (Robert Forster, who was Oscar-nominated for the role). In honor of the film’s Blu-ray debut this week, Movieline spoke with Grier about the legacy of Jackie Brown, Tarantino’s appreciation of a certain kind of woman, her legendary career as the queen of exploitation cinema, and her upcoming turn in rapper-turned-director RZA’s martial arts film The Man with the Iron Fists. How do you feel about Jackie Brown and its impact on your own career when you look back on it now? Pam Grier: Well, the fact that the film had legs because of the wonderful talent of Quentin Tarantino and his ensemble and the film that he invested two years of his life to write for me — and for me, I wrote a journal of how wonderful it was to work on the film. My experience was very emotional; I wouldn’t reveal it to other people. It’s very sentimental, on and off camera. Moments, Quentin’s direction, and how he worked with me and other actors, his belief in me… but I really believe that if I hadn’t done theater and that process of rehearsal, because when you’re on stage people are eating sandwiches, sneezing, there are noises and you can’t lose that focus. So that prepared me to work at his level of intensity. Jackie Brown meant a lot. I would always say, ‘If I never work again, I have been to the mountaintop.’ This was an extraordinary experience with someone who loves films. And he loves your films in particular, as well. Do you remember the first time you met Quentin? Grier: Yes, it was frightening! I thought he was a stalker. It was for Pulp Fiction, I’m going in and all my posters are on his wall. I said, ‘Did you put this up for me?’ He said, ‘No, but I would have.’ I realized he was a real, true filmmaker. And the nuances of the films that we made, not only with Roger Corman but with AIP [American International Pictures] in the ’70s, the women’s movement and sexual revolution, political liberation movement, he knew what they meant and what they meant to me. He embraced it, and it wasn’t something where he felt challenged, or intimidated. A lot of conservative men were upset that I had taken their roles, or they were objecting to me being so progressive and thought I should be in the kitchen barefoot and pregnant. That was a conservative movement toward the films, where the ‘blaxploitation’ term was made up to divide and ‘let’s dismantle this women’s [movement].’ But they forgot that pioneer women such as my mother and my aunt, who were in Wyoming huntin’ and shootin’ and fishin’ and riding horses and doing things to survive, but not emasculating men or taking away their jobs. Just being the best women that they could be. That frightened a lot of men. But Quentin’s generation, the younger generation, were saying ‘Yeah, that’s what our single moms have to do! They have to do that.’ So there was a different mindset. I could see that he was open — a-ga-pe — to not only my work, but other work of women. He really likes what women do, and you can really see that in his films after Jackie Brown but he really embraced that character. Quentin is known for his fondness for grindhouse cinema, including the films you become known for which were termed “exploitation” movies. How do you view that label? Grier: Well, what is it? Look at martial arts. I saw martial arts films with my ex, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, he was studying with Bruce Lee and we used to go see martial arts films. And later, The Bride with White Hair and Seven Samurai. Those are exploitation films — the first two seconds, decapitations, stabbing, children being burnt! But that’s action film. Is it exploitation or action? So it evolved into action, because a lot of films are very exploitative today. When you look at how the female action star has evolved from your time to now, it seems that the sexualized component that largely made it exploitative is no longer on the table anymore. Why do you think that is? Just a product of the time in which these films were made? Grier: I don’t know, you’ll have to ask men and ask other women. But I think it’s been played out because I established it in the ’70s. Forty years later now women are just coming into a story and it’s not about sex, it’s about survival and being stealth and powerful. Then, we could play at sexuality just to show them we could play at this, it’s really silly and it’s not that important. But we had to play that out then. A lot of films then would not work today, because it’s already been established — the sexual mores, how people have relationships and open marriages, it’s so different today. It’s just a different social and cultural difference, sexual difference. It’s completely different today. People couldn’t even say certain words. You would never hear the word ‘vagina’ then, even though it’s exploitation, it’s hard core, it’s this and that. Today, you’re gonna hear everything. So it’s different, but I’m glad I was a part of that. It was tongue in cheek, we were making fun of men making fun of us and saying, back atcha! “Fearless” and “confident” are adjectives that have been applied to you and your film roles over the years, qualities that really shine through onscreen. What would you attribute that to? Grier: It comes from my personal life. It comes from me experiencing very tragic circumstances when I was six and again at 19, and again at 21, where I finally felt I had to survive, I had to live through these circumstances. That gave me confidence. I fight a little harder, I challenge people… there are things that happened to me personally that I bring to the screen. But also, I wanted to show other women that they, too, won’t lose their femininity or castrate their men by being assertive. It’s okay to be confident… if you’re right. But it’s subjective, like art. Because of what’s happened to me personally in my life, I bring that to the screen. Handling guns, if you will, the action, there’s not really any hesitation. Just make sure I’m not on fire at the end of the stunt! But there weren’t stunt women for me, or at least black stunt women. Only when I did Coffy was that invented. I was a scuba diver, I water skied, and in Sheba, Baby when they had the jet ski, the personal watercraft, Kawasaki wanted to show that — the first time it was in a movie — with me in Sheba, Baby. I got on that thing and I didn’t even get wet. I came back dry. They said, ‘Oh, this is going to be fun.’ But they had the confidence, this major brand, to show this in my film. So I felt I was doing something right, for other women. You know, you don’t have to be pregnant to have fun, just get out of the house! Speaking of fun, part of your legend has it that you once punched a journalist in the junk during an interview. True or false? Grier: Well actually, he wrote that but he exaggerated. I did not. Because if I had really punched him, he wouldn’t be walking. He wouldn’t be able to finish the article. So he basically made it seem like I was kind of tough, but I didn’t really. I wanted a correction but he says, ‘No, I want you to look strong!’ I said, ‘I can do that without this.’ But I really didn’t punch him in the family jewels. I think he would have sued me if I had! There’s one thing I learned in martial arts, we would never joke around with our form, with our art. We’re always very respectful. So I would never hurt someone or punch someone outside of a dojo. I’m curious to hear about your very first screen credit, which was in Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. Grier: It’s Beyond the Valley of the Dolls! I went to the set to visit a friend; I was a starving student working six jobs, and I just kind of went with him and the next thing I know they say, ‘Hey, we need more extras!’ They said, ‘We’ll put you in a dress, and you’ll say something.’ That was my first credit. It was Russ Meyer and Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, and I wasn’t even union. I was like, ‘Well, okay.’ I had no intention of being an actor. Really? What convinced you to become one? Grier: I still haven’t been convinced. [Pauses] Just kidding! At the time I wanted to be a camera person. I didn’t feel like I was attractive enough, with the glamour you see on television and the images that were portrayed. And I was a revolutionary, I was into the Black Panthers, being independent, feeding your own, give them a pole they’ll learn how to feed themselves, and all of that. The womanly stuff was foreign to me. I came to Hollywood in a flannel shirt, Timberland boots, and Levis, with a big ‘fro in my family’s hunting jeep with no roof, no doors, no windows. They’d see me hiking up Sunset Plaza Boulevard, it’s a long winding road, because I was used to hiking in Colorado. They said, ‘No one in Los Angeles hikes! What are you, nuts?’ No, it’s just what I do. So I brought all of those differences, a different type of woman. They could dress me up, I clean up well. But that was my first credit. And I didn’t know what I was saying. I didn’t know anything of what to do. Are you glad you did it? Grier: Um… It was tuition money! Anything for school. I was saving every dime. What was your recent work with RZA like? Grier: Yes! The Man with the Iron Fists, I play his mother. We shot it in Shanghai. He’s going to be an extraordinary director as well. He’s excellent. And of course I loved Wu-Tang Clan, I loved his art form there, but this is a film where I play his film in the mid-1800s. It was a great experience.