Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Pink is the New Blog | Everybody's Business Is My Business

Pink is the New Blog | Everybody's Business Is My Business

Disney’s ‘Beauty And The Beast’ Comes to Blu-Ray

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 02:43 PM PDT

Back in July we learned that Walt Disney Animation is planning to release a 3D version of their classic animated film Beauty and the Beast in theaters here in the US next year but tomorrow the film is being released for the first time ever in high definition on Blu-Ray. Considering that Disney‘s Beauty was the first animated film to ever be nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award, I think this is good news for movie fans:

On Tuesday, "Beauty and the Beast" makes its Blu-ray premiere in a three-disc set with several new documentaries. Despite its tremendous success, bringing "Beauty and the Beast" to the screen was a rocky road. Originally, British animation director Richard Purdum was hired to make a darker, non-musical version. Disney Chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg scrapped the footage after seeing the initial story reels in 1989 and summoned the team back to Los Angeles. Purdum resigned, and first-time feature directors Wise and Trousdale were brought in. Far more wrenching was the less-public challenge facing the production: Ashman, also a producer on the film, was dying of complications from AIDS but was able to keep his illness a secret for several months. He died at age 40 in March 1991, eight months before the film opened to global acclaim … "Beauty and the Beast" was the first animated film nominated for an Academy Award in the best picture category. The grand animation was paired with a Broadway-musical sensibility, thanks to the memorable, Oscar-winning music by lyricist Howard Ashman and composer Alan Menken (who had collaborated on "The Little Mermaid"), and the cast had some magical vocal performances from Paige O'Hara as Belle, Robby Benson as the Beast, Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Potts and Jerry Orbach as Lumiere. 'Beauty and the Beast" grossed $403 million internationally at theaters and spawned two made-for-DVD sequels, a television spinoff and a long-running Broadway musical.

IMHO, Beauty and the Beast is not only the best animated film that Disney ever made but is arguably the best animated film ever made by anyone. I was lucky enough to see the film in theaters back in the early 90′s and I remember fondly how my friend Sherri and I would see it over and over again in the years that followed. There is something magical about the film … it is a tale as old as time, yes, but the music, animation and inventive characters really set the film apart from all other animated films. For me, it’s like the Gone with the Wind of animated films. It’s been many years since I’ve watched the film but the release of this new high def version sounds like the perfect time to revisit Belle, the Beast and the rest of the gang. I’m not a big purchaser of physical DVDs anymore but this Blu-Ray is one I deff plan to add to my collection.

[Source]

TNT Is Bringing ‘Dallas’ Back To TV

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 02:25 PM PDT

On Friday we learned that plans are in the works to bring Wonder Woman back to TV, on Saturday we learned that another plan is in the works to bring The Munsters back to TV … today we learn that the TNT cable network is working bringing the classic 80′s drama Dallas back to TV … but this project would be more of a sequel rather than a remake:

On the front burner at Warner is a "Dallas" remake for its sister cable network TNT, according to a producer and an agent with knowledge of the project. The show would focus on the next generation of Ewings, namely John Ross (the offspring of J. R. and Sue Ellen for those of you who are "Dallas" neophytes) and Christopher (the adopted son of Bobby and Pam who, devotees will remember, is the progeny of Sue Ellen's sister, Kristin, the famed shooter of J. R.). As always with gestating creative projects, it's no guarantee that TNT will pull the trigger on a full-blown series once the pilot is made. But members of the original cast — including Larry Hagman, Linda Gray and Patrick Duffy — have been contacted for their participation. Some, if not all, are on board — at least with their blessing. (The last thing Warner wants is an original cast member bad-mouthing the idea of a remake.) Warner and TNT spokeswomen declined to comment. Like their counterparts in movies, television executives are struggling more than ever to break through the entertainment clutter, and remaking old shows gives them a marketing head start. The recent track record has been mixed, however. A revived version of "90210″ is chugging along in its second season on CW, but the network's reboot of "Melrose Place" has struggled in its first few episodes.

What is most interesting about this new version of Dallas is that rumor has it that 24 star Kiefer Sutherland and Lost star Josh Holloway have been approached to star in this project:

Former 24 star Kiefer Sutherland is being touted to appear in the new version which will once again revolve around the family scandals and betrayals at Southfork Ranch. This time, however, it will focus on JR’s son, John Ross and Bobby and Pam Ewing’s adopted son, Christopher … Ghost Whisperer actress Jennifer Love Hewitt and Lost actor Josh Holloway have all been linked to inject fresh blood into the dysfunctional Ewing clan.

OMG … this is hilarious. I’m not sure what to think. To be honest, I remember watching Dallas back in the 80′s but it was a show that was a bit too boring for me (tho, not as boring as Knots Landing and Falcon’s Crest). While I would love to see Kiefer back on TV, I’m not sure that a Dallas sequel will really work. Do people really want to see a prime time soap opera about a big oil family? The concept is so 80′s. I’m not quite convinced that this remake will be all that successful … but I am curious to see what they come up with. Any Dallas fans out there? Does this remake/sequel sound appealing to you?

[Source, Source]

Watch: Brittani Senser & Levi Johnston, ‘After Love’

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 01:56 PM PDT

I’m really sorry to do this to y’all but … duty calls. Popstar wannabe Brittani Senser has finally released her much ballyhooed music video which features Levi Johnston — former Playgirl model and current candidate for mayor of Wasilla, AK. As you might imagine, the music video is pretty terrible … but if you can believe it, the song is even worse:


There is some semblance of a storyline in this music video … but it’s not a very good one. It has been suggested that it was the steamy scenes in this video that led to the most recent break-up of Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston … tho Brittani herself denies it. Whether or not the video led to the break-up is irrelevant because after one viewing, I’m the one that wants to do the breaking up … with my eyes! You don’t want me to suffer alone, do you? Check out the video for yourselves, after the jump …


As I said … the only reason I felt compelled to share this video with all y’all is because doodie calls … and it don’t get much crappier than this. UGH.

[Source]

Filming Production Begins On The Set Of ‘X-Men: First Class’

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 01:32 PM PDT

Back in May we learned that James McAvoy has been cast to play the young Charles Xavier in the upcoming prequel film X-Men: First Class. As you may know, First Class will tell the tale of how the X-Men came to be by exploring the beginnings of the superhero/villain mutants. Today we get to check out a couple photos of McAvoy and actress Jennifer Lawrence (who plays Mystique) on the set of X-Men: First Class> filming the first scenes for the movie:

The X-Men movies have been amongst some of the most successful comic book action movies ever made. And it looks like the fifth film in the franchise will be one of the best yet. X-Men: First Class will be a prequel to the other movies, taking place in the 1960′s, and new actors have been brought in to play the characters when they were young. This includes James McAvoy as Professor Charles Xavier and Michael Fassbender as Erik Lensherr [Magneto]. Kevin Bacon will play Sebastian Shaw, and Mad Men star January Jones will play Emma Frost/White Queen. Rose Byrne will play the part of Moira MacTaggert. It has not yet been confirmed if Hugh Jackman will be appearing to play his Wolverine role … Director Matthew Vaughn says, ‘The story that Bryan Singer came up with is very, very smart. It’s very clever when you see how he has integrated the characters into the time period where the film is set. ‘I’ll put it that way. I just don’t want to give it away. It’s a very clever way of getting these characters involved in recent history, in recent world events.’ X-Men: First Class will be released in 2011.

While I’m bummed that Bryan Singer isn’t directing First Class, his involvement will hopefully help the film turn out alright. The X-Men films got progressively worse the less Singer was involved so hopefully this prequel will undo those failings. I’m quite pleased with the casting … but it all really comes down to the story and the execution. I can’t wait to see how this film turns out … even if it’s terrible, I really want to see James McAvoy as Charles Xavier. I hope we get to see more from the set in the coming weeks and months.

[Source]

Kindle: The Next Generation

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 12:37 PM PDT

I’ve mentioned over the past week or so that I’ve been reading again after putting my reading list on hold over the Summer. Now that the weather is cooling down and it’s easier to stay indoors, I decided it was time to get back to my ever-growing book pile. I also mentioned that I decided to upgrade to the Amazon Kindle 3 for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the smaller size and cool black matte color:


A few readers have asked me to comment on what I think of the latest generation Kindle so here goes … firstly, the Kindle continues to be the best e-book reader available. While other e-book readers have some cool features, none of them really touch the Kindle when it comes to book content, ease of use and readability. The new Kindle is super thin, super light and has a storage capacity for 3,5000 books. If you consider that the Kindle 3 starts at a price of $139 for Wifi-only and $189 for the Wifi-3G model, it really is a great bargain (the first 2 Kindle models cost well over $300). Because David and I share tech, it’s easy for him to just co-opt my Kindle 2 … and everybody’s happy. Since I got back into reading, I managed to get thru 2 1/2 books … tho, I also added to my reading list as well. Since the Kindle 3 is so small, I keep it in my bag so it’s always with me if I ever have some extra time to read. The Kindle just keeps getting better IMHO. I’m loving the hell out of mine.

No plans for tonight … so I guess I’ll be reading. Happy Monday!

Les News, 100410

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 12:12 PM PDT

‘The Social Network’ Premieres In Paris

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 11:34 AM PDT

The #1 movie in the US this weekend was the fantastic David Fincher film The Social Network … but many of the film’s principal stars weren’t here in the US over the weekend, they were in Paris doing a bit of promo work at the French premiere of their film. Here are a few photos from the red carpet arrivals at Cinema Gaumont Marignan yesterday for the Parisian premiere of Le Social Network:


In addition to the film’s actors Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake, the French premiere of The Social Network also included director David Fincher, screenwriter Aaron Sorkin and real life twins Cameron and Tyler Winkelvoss (who are played in the film by a singular actor and a body double). I have to say … I am not surprised in the least to see the Winkelvoss twins hopping on board The Social Network fame train because, as I understand it, they have been lookin’ for fame for a very long time. As I said in my review of the film, I foresee big things for this film come Awards Season next year … but I am curious to hear how the film will play in other countries. Did any of y’all see the film after I did on Friday night? What do YOU think of The Social Network?

[Photo credit: Wireimage]

Guillermo Del Toro Brings His Book Tour To LA

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 11:12 AM PDT

Film director, new TV producer and author Guillermo Del Toro — who released his second novel The Fall: Book Two of The Strain Trilogy last week — made an in-person appearance at the Barnes & Noble store at The Grove here in LA last night to discuss and then sign copies of his book. In his discussion of the second book of his trilogy with co-author Chuck Hogan, Del Toro maintained that he is focusing on completing the book trilogy before he starts thinking about the film adaptations:

Guillermo del Toro [was] at The Grove in Los Angeles [last night] for a few hours that began at 7 PM to sign copies of The Fall, the second installment of The Strain vampire trilogy novel that he wrote with Chuck Hogan (whose book Prince of Thieves was turned into The Town by Ben Affleck). Published last week, the book has already hit No. 8 on The New York Times bestseller list. That’s a slot higher on the list than his first book, The Strain … He said that while fans are most curious about his plans to direct an adaptation of HP Lovecraft's At the Mountains of Madness with James Cameron for Universal, many implore him to make one more installment of Hellboy. "I tell them that convincing Ron Perlman is the difficult first step, because he just doesn't have the same patience as he did when he was younger to sit through 7 hours of makeup, and to pump up like crazy and sprout horns." … The question Hollywood is asking is when del Toro and Hogan will take their vampire series out for a film or miniseries deal. Del Toro said they are sticking to their plan of completing the final book before entertaining offers. "If I made a deal, I'd be thinking about an ending that would be a cinematic climax, one that adhered to MPAA standards and practices. And the most enjoyable part of writing this with Chuck has been not having any form of self-censorship, or any cap that you have when you're writing a script." When will they be done? "We finished the big outline six months ago. “We are both writing chapters. Chuck has 100 pages so far. I've done 70. But I'm not halfway through my process and I won't be done with my side until the week before we start At the Mountains of Madness. I'm still hoping to shoot in June. We still have a big budget presentation for Universal, but I'm really hopeful. The stuff looks just great."

Usually when one person takes on so many projects (especially of such diverse types), one or more of those projects end up sucking (as in the old adage, Jack of all trades – Master of none) … but that is SO not the case where Del Toro is concerned. His films are consistently stunning and his storytelling is really unmatched. I’m almost finished reading The Fall (I should have it read by tonight) and I can’t get enough. I was so impressed with the first book, The Strain, and this second book has just taken things further and into more exciting territory. To be honest, I had planned on attending last night’s booksigning but — and I’m not even kidding — I lost track of time because I was bizzy reading the book. If you are looking for a fantastic new spin on the vampire myth that is actually an excellent and quick read, you MUST read The Strain (book one) and The Fall (book two). I promise, you will love them!

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]

Sarah Jessica Parker & Her Twins ‘Fall’ Into Autumn

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 10:43 AM PDT

It looks like Alyson Hannigan and her family here on the West Coast aren’t the only ones gettin’ in the Autumn spirit these days … Sarah Jessica Parker and her family are also gettin’ ready to embrace Fall on the East Coast. Here are photos of SJP making an exit from her Carrie Bradshaw-like townhouse in NYC this weekend with twin daughters Marion Loretta and Tabitha Hodge all bundled up for the brisk Fall weather:


I’m guessing there are 3 pumpkins on SJP‘s doorstep to represent her 3 children … the twins and older son James Wilkie. Even tho this Hallowe’en won’t be the the twins’ first, it may likely be the one they remember first … I can’t even believe they’re so big already. I hope we’ll get to see the Parker-Broderick kids all dressed up in their Hallowe’en costumes at some point … I can’t wait to see what they’ll dress up as this year.

[Photo credit: Splash News]

David Beckham Buys Himself A New Toy

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 09:37 AM PDT

Yesterday we saw cute photos of David Beckham enjoying some playtime with his sons but it looks like Becks is up for some playtime of his own. In the wake of new cheating allegations, what’s a millionaire soccer star to do? Why, run out and buy a new car of course. Here is our first look at Becks‘s newest toy … a fully loaded and customized Camaro SS:


As soon as the new cheating allegations came out, David Beckham sued for defamation and allegedly defamed his accuser in the process. As a result, Becks himself got counter-sued by his accuser and now faces a long road ahead of legal wrangling. So, yeah, it makes sense that Becks would want to alleviate his stress by going out and buying something … and a pimped out new ride sounds like the perfect new acquisition. I suspect it’s kinda hard to worry about cheating allegations when you’re riding around town in your pimped out ride.

[Photo credit: INFdaily]

‘Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter’ Is Headed For The Big Screen

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 09:10 AM PDT

Back in March we learned that author Seth Grahame-Smith, who previously authored the fantasticly amazing mash-up book Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (with a little help from Jane Austen) released his second novel Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. A month later, we learned that Grahame-Smith was already working on a film screenplay for his second book after it was reported that his Jane Austen Zombie Book was optioned to be made into a movie by Natalie Portman with director David O. Russell. Today we learn that Fox Studios won the bidding war to bring Abe the Vampire Slayer to the big screen in 2012:

Twentieth Century Fox has come out as a winner in an auction to get the rights to “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter”, a live-action adaptation of Seth Grahame-Smith’s novel of the same title. The project is apparently the most sought one as other studios which bid for it included Sony Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures and Summit Entertainment. Variety reports that pre-production for the movie is already underway with Fox planning to drop it in theaters across the nation in 2012. The studio reportedly invests a lot in the film as it is made with a big budget of $69 million and is planned to be a 3-D movie. Timur Bekmambetov is attached to direct the thriller and produce it alongside Tim Burton and Jim Lemley. Seth Grahame-Smith is hired to adapt his book into a screenplay. “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” will see Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the U.S., who learns that his mother was killed by a supernatural predator. Taking revenge, Lincoln becomes an axe-throwing, highly accomplished killer of vampires and their slave-owning allies. Fox reportedly fought hard to nab the movie. On Saturday, October 2, they gave a detailed pitch for the film’s production, marketing and release during the presentation. Moreover, they welcomed the filmmakers with bloody footprints which led them to the meeting while silver bullets and bloody axes were placed around the offices.

This is absolutely fantastic news. I’m actually quite ashamed to admit that I’ve yet to read Vampire Hunter but I do have in on my Kindle, lined up in my reading pile (which I’m working on how since I sadly neglected it over the Summer). I loved Grahame-Smith‘s Zombie book so I’m certain I will love his Vampire book as well. With Timur Bekmambetov directing (the amazing Russian director who made the films Night Watch and Day Watch) and Tim Burton producing, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter has a great shot at turning out pretty effing cool. As soon as I get finished with The Fall: Book 2 of The Strain Trilogy, I’m gonna delve in and read Vampire Hunter … I swear. But this movie news sounds awesome all around. I can’t wait to hear and see more.

[Source]

Miranda Kerr Struts Her Baby Bump On The Runway

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 08:17 AM PDT

When last we saw photos of pregs Miranda Kerr and her hubby Orlando Bloom they were in Italy for Milan Fashion Week. This weekend, the couple made their way to France for Paris Fashion Week … and for work. Miranda, who is 5 months pregs, actually walked the runway as a model for the Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2011 show … and she looked pretty fab doing so:

Having a few extra pounds on you may be cause for rejection among most models, but when you're Miranda Kerr, it lands you a lead role in the hottest fashion show in town. The five-month pregnant Victoria's Secret supermodel took to the catwalk with fellow glamazon and new mom Gisele Bündchen today during Paris Fashion Week to model in the Balenciaga spring/summer 2011 show … for stylish mom-to-be Miranda, it was business as usual, according to Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquière, who has consistently cast the sexy star in his shows. "Victoria's Secret are using the sexy, cute side of Miranda Kerr," he told Australian Vogue back in April. "I wanted to show she could have a more experimental, edgy side." And that she did! While the soon-to-be-mom held up the beginning of the show, modeling a houndstooth caplet with a tight ponytail, minimal makeup and loafers.

I love this so much. Now, we shouldn’t go expecting a rash of pregnant women to be showing up on the runways at Fashion Weeks around the globe but I love that Balenciaga decided to feature one of their fave models despite her growing pregnant belly. IMHO, Miranda Kerr only gets more beautiful the more rotund she gets so it makes perfect sense to me that any design house would want to feature that beauty in their fashion shows. I don’t expect Miranda will be working as a model for much longer, that is until she gives birth, but it is very cool to see her take a stroll down the runway as a growing mommy-to-be.

[Photo credit: Wireimage; Source]

Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg Does ‘The Simpsons’

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 07:42 AM PDT

While pretty much everyone here in the US spent the weekend at the movies seeing and RAVING about the new film The Social Network (which tells the tale of the founding of Facebook), Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg was bizzy appearing on television … in animated form … on The Simpsons. Zuckerberg made an animated cameo on The Simpsons last night, which is rare for a guy who is usually very media shy (which is ironic considering he’s the founder of Facebook). Here are a few screencaps and some deets about his appearance:

Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg has been transformed into an animated character for the latest episode of The Simpsons. The billionaire lent his voice and animated face to the popular TV series. The episode is based around money and status in today's society and as fictional character Nelson Muntz sets up his own successful business, he's starts contemplating abandoning the rest of his education and live off his riches. Lisa Simpson starts investing in the business but in an attempt to convince her friend to stay in school, she takes Nelson along to an Entrepreneur Show. In comes Mark Zuckerberg, 26, who informs the school children at his Facebook stand that neither him, Bill Gates nor Richard Branson actually finished university. He also pointed out that people who don't graduate from university make only three per cent less on the whole than people who do. Although his point might not have been so valid to Nelson's predicament, as Zuckerberg actually attended Harvard, but just didn't end up completing his degree, as did Gates. Bill Gates and Richard Branson also made appearances in the episode, with stands for Microsoft and Virgin Airlines at the Entrepreneur Show. Meanwhile, as Zuckerberg was busy in Springfield, The Social Network film, which tells the story of the founding of Facebook, found millions of friends in theatres during the weekend. It took in $23 million and earned the No. 1 spot at box offices, according to studio estimates on Sunday after playing in just under 2,800 U.S. and Canadian cinemas.

You gotta love the perfect timing of The Simpsons … they featured no better guest star this weekend, opening weekend for The Social Network, than the founder of Facebook himself. In all honesty, Zuckerberg‘s cameo could’ve been a bit funnier but in fine Simpsons fashion the cameo was smart and ironic. Missed seeing the ep last night? You can check out a clip of Mark Zuckerberg‘s cameo on The Simpsons after the jump …


And, just in case you want to watch the ep in its entirety, you can do so HERE:


You gotta admit, the timing of this cameo is pretty brilliant … Zuckerberg, whether fictionalized or not, doesn’t come off too well in The Social Network … this cameo on The Simpsons is cute and kinda funny — and is the perfect way to humanize the guy, well, by animating him. I guess when you’re a 26 year old billionaire, these are the things you have to make happen.

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