MAMMA MIA! Manila Meets the Press!

Manila, Philippines, August 28, 2011 -- Mamma Mia!, Broadway's 11th longest-running musical, is set to premiere in the Philippines early next year through Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkin Enterprises, Hi Definition Radio Inc. and Concertus Inc.'s international touring production of the Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Catherine Johnson hit musical. 

James Cundall, Lunchbox Theatrical Productions chief executive, recently presented British actors Sara Poyzer (Donna Sheridan), Charlotte Wakefield (Sophie Sheridan), Rosie Heath (Ali), Tasha Taylor Johnson (Lisa) and Kelly Edwards to the local media. These lead actors, together with some 30 cast members, will headline Mamma Mia! at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Main Theatre starting January 24, 2012. 

Mamma Mia!, which is widely regarded as the mother ship of jukebox musicals, contains 22 of the best radio hits of ABBA, a Swedish pop music group formed by Andersson and Ulvaeus in the '70s. "Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia," "Take a Chance on Me" and "The Winner Takes it All," are some of show-stopping musical numbers from the show.

Johnson's script, which is set on a Greek island where a wedding is about to take place, adds a dramatic structure that melds together ABBA's hit songs in a very pleasant way. 

"...the score consists entirely of songs made famous in the disco era by the Swedish pop group ABBA, music that people seldom admit to having danced to, much less sung in their showers. Yet these elements have been combined, with alchemical magic, into the theatrical equivalent of comfort food," said Ben Brantley of the New York Times.

Moreover, Anthony Van Laast's choreography is an excellent aspect of the show. "Its ensemble dancing explodes on stage, especially during "Voulez-Vous" by the end of Act One," according to BroadwayWorld.com Philippines.

The international touring production of Mamma Mia! that will play the CCP has been seen by over 4 million theatregoers in China, Lithuania, Greece, Taiwan, Hungary, New Zealand, Serbia, Austria, among others, since its debut seven years ago. 

Tickets are available at TicketWorld outlets at selected National Bookstore branches, Robinsons Department Store (Galleria, Malate, Metro East, Festival Mall & Starmill Pampanga) and Ayala Center (Greenbelt 1, Glorietta 4, and Trinoma Mall Cinema Booths) and at the TicketWorld Office at 6793 Ayala Avenue, Suite 701 V. Madrigal Building, Makati City. Call (632) 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. Ticket Prices: P750, P1000, P1500, P2000, P2500, P3000, P3500, P4000, P4500, P5000, P5500, and P7000. Senior citizens enjoy a 20% discount.

Source: Broadway World | Oliver Oliveros

Sex & The City Prequel | Who should play the teen version of Carrie Bradshaw?

HBO

When you think of a teenage Sarah Jessica Parker, images of Square Pegs and the original Footloose immediately come to mind But, now that The Carrie Diaries, the prequel to Sex and the City, is officially in the works, we’ll have to try and re-think how we see young SJP.

As EW reported earlier today, HBO is currently shopping around (so Carrie of them) to find a home for the small screen adaptation of Candace Bushnell’s best-seller that follows Miss Bradshaw through her senior year of high school, a time long before Manolo and Mr. Big came into the picture.

While the series could end up over at The CW, with Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage (Gossip Girl) as potential producers, the bigger looming question mark is: Who would play the iconic Carrie? While the idea of filling Parker’s sky-high shoes seems like a nearly impossibly feat (she is Carrie Bradshaw), unless they can get the actress to pull some sort of Benjamin Button and return to looking like an 18-year-old, a casting decision must be made.

Since talk of a Carrie Diaries series began floating around a few months now, the rumor mill has continually brought up one name: Gossip Girl star Blake Lively. Lively certainly has the pedigree to play Carrie after years of playing a blond, fashionable Manhattanite on GG. (Not to mention the fact that it would team up Lively with Schwartz and Savage.) Lively, however, is one of the most sought-after actresses in the biz, thanks to her turn in The Town, so it’s not guaranteed she’d even be available — or willing — to play Carrie.

So we can’t help but wonder what other actresses would be well-suited to play Carrie in the ’80s. Emma Roberts? Dakota Fanning? My personal vote goes to Lea Michele (as she may or may not be out of a job, anyway) who has proved time and time again on Glee that she can play both funny and dramatic, and much like young SJP in real life, was a New York-bound Broadway baby. And, yes, I realize she’s a brunette.

But, I’m curious PopWatchers, who do you think could/should play the young Bradshaw in The Carrie Diaries? Which actress can match the mannerisms and wit of Sarah Jessica Parker for the part? Share in the comments section below!

Source: Entertainment Weekly | Aly Semigran

Beyoncé is preggers!!!

Jason Meritt/Getty

Leave it to Beyoncé to steal the spotlight at Sunday's Video Music Awards. 

But it wasn't one of the pop diva's signature show-stopping performances that had people talking. Instead, it was Beyoncé's burgeoning belly bump, swathed in an orange gown. 

Beyoncé, 29, posed for photos with her hands cradling her belly, teasing, "I have a surprise!" 

"I'm happy to say it's true," her rep confirms to PEOPLE. 

"They told friends in the last month," a source tells PEOPLE. "She's never been happier. Seriously it's all she's been waiting for. And Jay is like an excited kid. They're adorable." 

This will be the first child for Beyoncé and her husband of three years, 41-year-old Jay-Z, who performed "Otis" at the VMAs with Kanye West. 

Just in June, Knowles, who turns 30 on Sept. 4, and told Piers Morgan, "I always said I would have a baby at 30." 

Looks like the talented singer is true to her word!

Source: People Magazine

Warner Bros. surpasses $2 billion at the international box office!

Burbank, CA, August 18, 2011—Warner Bros. Pictures International has crossed the $2 billion threshold at the international box office, as it gears up for a fourth quarter that includes such highly anticipated releases as Steven Soderbergh’s Contagion, Clint Eastwood’s J. Edgar, George Miller’s Happy Feet Two, Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows, and Garry Marshall’s New Year’s Eve, among others. The Division hits this benchmark for the fourth time. The announcement was made today by Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

 

This achievement follows the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, the final adventure in the blockbuster film series, which smashed international records to become not only the biggest Harry Potterfilm but the highest grossing film of the year and the third-highest international release of all time, with an astounding $857 million and counting. The Studio kicked off the summer with Todd Phillips’ The Hangover Part II, which beat its predecessor to gross $327 million internationally and become the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time; followed by the surprise comedy hit Horrible Bosses, which to date has grossed over $35 million internationally, with many markets still to open. 

“Even beyond the amazing performance of our final Harry Potter film, this has been a spectacular year forthe Studio,” Kwan-Rubinek said. “These incredible numbers are a testament to the diverse and powerful mix of films that our studio releases, along with the hard work and insight of our international distribution teams around the world. We’re tremendously gratified to reach this benchmark with so many exciting films yet to come.”

“Reaching this number so early in the year is an incredible achievement for our Studio,” said Sue Kroll, Warner Bros. Pictures’ President, Worldwide Marketing. “We could not have done it without the care and ingenuity of our marketing teams around the world, who have delivered inspired campaigns for every release, from staging a global event for Harry Potter to making each of our wide variety of films into hits. We’re thrilled with these results and look forward to the rest of our 2011 slate.” 

Warner Bros Pictures International has been the market leader in six of the last 10 years. The Division has surpassed $1 billion in grosses a total of 14 years, 11 of which were consecutive years, and crossed $2 billion four times, including 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2011. At $2.93 billion, last year’s record remains the highest ever international gross for a single studio. This year, the Division crossed the $2 billion threshold two months ahead of its record for last year.

The Walking Dead Season 2 | Set photos

The Walking Dead: Season 2, Episode 1: Miles Behind Us photos show the surviving cast from The Walking Dead: Season 1, Episode 6: TS-19, which includes characters portrayed by Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal, Sarah Wayne Callies, Laurie Holden, Jeffrey DeMunn, Steven Yeun, Chandler Riggs, IronE Singleton, Melissa Suzanne McBride, Madison Lintz, and Norman Reedus. Supposedly, Miles Behind Us picks up right where TS-19 left off.

The Walking Dead: Season 2, Episode 1: Miles Behind Us photos (click to enlarge):

Andrew Lincoln, Melissa Suzanne McBride, Laurie Holden, Steven Yeun, Sarah Wayne Callies, Chandler Riggs, Laurie Holden, Norman Reedus, Jeffrey DeMunnm, The Walking Dead, Miles Behind Us

Laurie Holden, Norman Reedus, Jon Bernthal, Melissa Suzanne McBride, Sarah Wayne Callies, Chandler Riggs, The Walking Dead, Miles Behind Us

Sarah Wayne Callies, Melissa Suzanne McBride, The Walking Dead, Miles Behind Us

Jeffrey DeMunn, Laurie Holden, The Walking Dead, Miles Behind Us

Iron E Singleton, The Walking Dead, Miles Behind Us

The Walking Dead: Season 2 will also star Scott Wilson, Lauren Cohan, and Pruitt Taylor Vince. Executive producers are Frank Darabont (formerly), Gale Anne Hurd, Robert Kirkman, David Alpert, and Charles “Chic” Eglee. Jack LoGiudice serves as co-executive producer with Denise Huth as producer. Written by Darabont, Eglee, LoGiudice, Kirkman, Glen Mazzara and Adam E. Fierro.

Leave your thoughts on The Walking Dead: season 2, episode 1: Miles Behind Us photos below. For more The Walking Dead photos, videos, and information, check out our The Walking Dead Page. The Walking Dead: Season 2 will premiere in October 2011.

Source: Genreaddict

'THE OFFICE' scoop! | James Spader, showrunner reveal season 8 details

To get an idea of how James Spader will impact NBC’s The Office, here’s the simple, brilliant pitch behind the show’s eighth season premiere: Spader’s persuasive and mysterious character Robert California is appointed CEO of Dunder Mifflin and, during a visit to the Scranton branch, accidentally leaves behind a piece of paper. There’s a line down the middle of it, with the names of every Scranton staffer either on one side of the line or the other. Employees go into a frenzy trying to figure out: What does this mean?

The episode, titled “The List,” will showcase California’s inscrutable oddness and his impact on the rest of the team as they struggle to figure him out. The Emmy-winning Spader, it seems, is just as much in the dark as everybody else about his character, and that’s the way he likes it.

“He’s a sort of strange guy, and his enigmatic qualities are a good thing,” Spader says. “Everybody is trying to get to know who he is and what his juxtaposition is to the rest of the office. The characters are and the writers and cast members as well. And I’m hoping that’s going to be the fun of the season.”

The actor is expected to appear in 15 episodes this season — about double the amount of Kathy Bates, who played the CEO last season. “Robert California is there much more,” Spader says. “He doesn’t have an office, really. He catches a desk where he can. Already we’ve also gone out on locations … This is entirely different from [The Practice and its spin-off, Boston Legal]. That was a hour-long show that when I joined, it was a tiny office with four people. This is an office with 18 people and is a half-hour show. I’m really learning who this character is in snippets.”

To help aide Spader’s entry into the series, showrunner and co-star Paul Lieberstein and his team of writers have concocted several intriguing story ideas lined up for season eight in addition to “The List” [SPOILER ALERT]: California challenges the office manager to double sales. Dwight builds a productivity machine that becomes a sort of Doomsday device when it threatens to shut down the company if people make too many mistakes. The entire warehouse staff wins the Lotto and quits. And, of course, there’s Jim and Pam’s second baby.

“We’re not doing what we did last time; we’re not doing any weird rush to the hospital,” Lieberstein said. “We’re doing something fun with her hormones, [which] are in a state where she doesn’t know who to trust. After a scene of everybody being very polite to her, saying she’s more beautiful than ever, and ‘the old and the pregnant are the most beautiful,’ Dwight is the only one honest with her. She starts to think Dwight is the only one she can trust.”

And as for who’s playing the new manager now that Steve Carell and Will Ferrell have departed? That remains a mystery. The show isn’t bringing another actor in for the gig and all parties are staying mum on who will land the title — if anyone. “They didn’t just want to bring in a new Michael Scott. There’s not an attempt to fill those shoes,” Spader said. “That is something that I think they’re allowing a certain amount of flexibility on, not unlike the end of last season. The show is very balanced right now and they want to utilize the ensemble cast.”

Spader joined the show after his well-received guest spot in the show’s seventh season finale, which then turned into a semi-full-time offer. “I thought it would be great fun to do it for the hell of it,” Spader recalled. “I had a ball. All of a sudden [producers] called again. I probably should have seen it coming.”

“He killed it,” added Lieberstein. “He lit it up and brought out a really fun part of our other cast we hadn’t seen before. We watched the scene over and over again and really liked it and wanted to do more.”

The Office makes its return to NBC on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 9 p.m. 

Source: Entertainmetn Weekly | James Hibberd

Psychological thriller “TRUST” explores "online danger"

Oscar-nominated actors Clive Owen (“Closer”), Catherine Keener (“Capote”) and Viola Davis (“Doubt”) star in Millenium Films' new psychological thriller “Trust,” a controversial film about the perils of online relationships. 

Safe and sound in their suburban home, Will and Lynn Cameron (Owen and Keener) used to sleep well at night, trusting their children were protected. Will, in particular, was comforted by the fact that he and Lynn raised their three bright children, and that once the doors were locked, and the alarm was set, nothing – absolutely nothing – was going to harm his family. 

When his 14-year-old daughter, Annie (Liana Liberato), made a new friend online – a 16-year-old boy named Charlie whom she met in a volleyball chat room – Will and Lynn didn’t much think of it. They discussed her friendship with her, assuming this is normal with teenagers who connect through the Internet. 

After weeks of communicating online, Annie becomes enraptured by Charlie and finds herself drawn to him more and more. Slowly, she learns he is not who he claims to be; yet, Annie remains intrigued by Charlie, even if the truth behind him is uncovered. Shocked into disbelief, her parents are shattered by their daughter’s actions and struggle to support her as she comes to terms with what has happened to her once innocent life. 

“Trust” producer and director David Schwimmer passionately supports the Rape Foundation of Santa Monica through serving on their Board of Directors and through various fundraising and awareness projects. Through his work, he has met many victims and their families, and has heard many stories, but a few years ago one particular father’s account stood out for him and inspired the actor/director to create a film about online predators in today’s internet age. 

He explains, “One of our invited speakers was a father from the community who spoke about the process of coming to terms with his daughter being groomed, and subsequently raped, by an internet predator. He described his conflicting feelings of guilt, rage, pain, impotence and responsibility and how it nearly destroyed him and his family. His incredibly frank and revealing story profoundly affected me, and I realized then that I had found an unusual path into dramatizing this delicate and difficult subject matter in a way that everyone can relate to.” 

Katy Perry Makes Hot 100 History: Ties Michael Jackson's Record

Katy Perry becomes the first woman, and second artist overall following Michael Jackson, in the 53-year history of the Billboard Hot 100 to send five songs from an album to No. 1, as "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" becomes the fifth chart leader from her Capitol Records set "Teenage Dream."

The historic Hot 100 coronation follows the album's prior No. 1s "California Gurls" (featuring Snoop Dogg), the lead single from "Teenage Dream,"; the title cut; "Firework"; and, "E.T." (featuring Kanye West). The set bowed atop the Billboard 200 album chart dated Sept. 11, 2010, and has sold 1.7 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

While Perry is the first woman to achieve the honor, she is the second artist to manage the feat after Jackson. The late King of Pop sent five songs to No. 1 on the Hot 100 from "Bad" in 1987-88: "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" (with Siedah Garrett); the title track; "The Way You Make Me Feel"; "Man in the Mirror"; and, "Dirty Diana."

Jackson notched his quintet of No. 1s from "Bad" over nine months and two weeks. Perry's five toppers from "Dream" spans one year, two months and one week, dating to the first week at No. 1 for "Gurls" on the Hot 100 dated June 19, 2010. (The newest Hot 100 is dated Aug. 27, 2011).

While Jackson earned the achievement more quickly, Perry has spent more time atop the Hot 100 in each artist's respective commanding stretch: Jackson's five No. 1s from "Bad" totaled a combined seven weeks in charge. With the first week on top for "Friday," Perry is up to 18 total weeks at No. 1 with her No. 1s from "Dream."

Following "Gurls," which reigned atop the Hot 100 for six weeks, the title song from "Dream" began a two-week command on the chart dated Sept. 18, 2010. "Firework" spent four weeks at No. 1 beginning Dec. 18, 2010, and "E.T." landed at the apex for five weeks starting April 9, 2011.

Perry's streak of five Hot 100 No. 1 singles promoted to radio is the most by a lead artist since Mariah Carey scored a similar run in 1990-91. Whitney Houston holds the chart record with seven consecutive leaders in 1985-88.

Additionally highlighting Perry's stretch of dominance, she has inhabited the Hot 100's top 10 for an unprecedented 66 consecutive weeks, dating to the arrival of "Gurls." Perry shattered the prior mark of 48 straight frames in the top 10, set by Ace of Base in 1993-94.

"Friday" takes over the Hot 100 summit by spending a second week atop Radio Songs, registering 148 million in all-format audience (up 1%), according to Nielsen BDS. The song rebounds 5-4 on Digital Songs with 156,000 downloads sold (up 14%), according to SoundScan.

Capitol last week released a remix of "Friday" featuring Missy Elliott. The remix accounted for 25% of the song's overall digital sales in the Aug. 8-14 sales tracking week; it was discounted to 69 cents at the iTunes and Amazon mp3 stores in that span.

"Friday" spent two weeks at No. 1 on Digital Songs in early July following the premiere of its eight-minute-plus video which features cameos from the likes of musicians Rebecca Black, Kenny G, Debbie Gibson and Hanson and actors Corey Feldman, Darren Criss and Kevin McHale, the latter two of whom star in Fox's "Glee." The clip has registered 80 million views on YouTube.

Perry ascends to Hot 100 history by displacing LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem," featuring Lauren Bennett and GoonRock, after the song spent six weeks at No. 1. The track dips to No. 2, slipping 1-2 on Digital Songs (160,000, down 13%) and holding at No. 2 on Radio Songs (142 million, down 3%).

At No. 3 on the Hot 100, Maroon 5's "Moves Like Jagger," featuring Christina Aguilera, bounds up five places with dual Digital and Airplay Gainer awards. "Jagger" swaggers 2-1 on Digital Songs (219,000, up 38%) and 32-18 on Radio Songs (47 million, 37%) following the premiere of its video Aug. 8.

Rounding out the Hot 100's top 10 are Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass" (3-4); Bad Meets Evil's "Lighters," featuring Bruno Mars (5-5); Lil Wayne's "How to Love" (6-6); Pitbull's "Give Me Everything," featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack and Nayer (4-7); Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks" (13-8) (the chart's sole title making its first top 10 appearance; it led Alternative Songs for five weeks beginning in June); Britney Spears' "I Wanna Go" (7-9); and, OneRepublic's former No. 8-peaking "Good Life" (11-10).

All charts, including the Hot 100, Digital Songs and Radio Songs will be refreshed tomorrow (Aug. 18) on Billboard.com.

Source: Billboard | by Gary Trust | August 17, 2011 10:55 EDT

Daniel Radcliffe's "The Woman in Black" Movie Trailer

While taking care of a deceased client's estate, a young lawyer encounters a mysterious woman dressed in black and uncovers a tragic secret. 

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Ciaran Hinds, Janet McTeer, Liz White, Alisa Khazanova

Directed by: James Watkins

Release Date: February 3rd, 2012

A global pandemic explodes in new thriller “CONTAGION”

An international traveler reaches into the snack bowl at an airport bar before passing her credit card to a waiter. A business meeting begins with a round of handshakes. A man coughs on a crowded bus… 

One contact. One instant. And a lethal virus is transmitted, in Warner Bros.’ new global thriller “Contagion.” 

When Beth Emhoff (Gwyneth Paltrow) returns to Minneapolis from business in Hong Kong, what she thought was jet lag takes a virulent turn. Two days later, she’s dead in the ER and the doctors tell her shocked and grieving husband (Matt Damon) they have no idea why. 

Soon, others exhibit the same mysterious symptoms: hacking coughs and fever, followed by seizure, brain hemorrhage…and ultimately, death. In Minneapolis, Chicago, London, Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong, the numbers quickly multiply: one case becomes four, then sixteen, then hundreds, thousands, as the contagion sweeps across all borders, fueled by the countless human interactions that make up the course of an average day. 

A global pandemic explodes. 

At the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers mobilize to break the code of a unique biological pathogen as it continues to mutate. Deputy Director Cheever (Laurence Fishburne) tries to allay the growing panic despite his own personal concerns, and must send a brave young doctor (Kate Winslet) into harm’s way. At the same time, amid a rising tide of suspicion over a potential vaccine—and who gets it first—Dr. Leonora Orantes (Marion Cotillard) of the World Health Organization works through the network of connections that could lead back to the source of what they’re dealing with. 

As the death toll escalates and people struggle to protect themselves and their loved ones in a society breaking down, one activist blogger (Jude Law) claims the public isn’t getting the truth about what’s really going on, and sets off an epidemic of paranoia and fear as infectious as the virus itself. 

“I think it’s always compelling to watch people struggling with a real-world problem, especially one with a ticking clock, where the stakes couldn’t be any higher,” states director Seven Soderbergh. 

The inspiration for “Contagion” was sparked by a conversation, he believes, “anyone can relate to.” While working together on their previous project, “The Informant!,” Soderbergh and screenwriter Scott Z. Burns did a fair amount of traveling. Burns recalls, “Steven and I talked about how often it seems people get sick when they travel. So the idea began as an exploration of the vulnerability of human beings in public places. I think all of us, when we come down with something, tend to think back over the past few days and who we spoke to, sat next to, or touched. It’s human nature.” 

Sharing airspace with a contagious passenger or handling objects that harbor bacteria and then unconsciously rubbing our eyes can result in an annoying cold, but, the two began to speculate, what if these common, innocent interactions were circulating something much worse? And what if it rapidly expanded to worldwide proportions? 

People could be dead before they knew what hit them. 

Even more insidious, in the hours between contact and the onset of symptoms, it would be impossible to tell who had it…or who would get it next. 

Opening across the Philippines in September, “Contagion” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company.

JENNIFER ANISTON | Honored at Hollywood 'Walk of Fame'

A day before the recent U.S. opening of her new comedy, "Horrible Bosses," Jennifer Aniston's hands and feet were immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

"All actors who want to do this, it's really, really fun, but you really, really have to want to do it, (because) there's all sorts of stuff that comes along with it," Aniston told the crowd outside Grauman's Chinese Theater. "But man, I have to tell you, I never in my wildest dreams though that I'd be sticking my body in cement." 

Aniston, 42, rose to fame as the sweet and slightly naive Rachel on "Friends," but "Horrible Bosses" finds the actress going in a very different direction, playing a dentist and sexual predator. In fact, she so mercilessly pursues one of her hygienists, played by Charlie Day, that he and his two friends, played by Jason Bateman and Jason Sudeikis, make a pact to kill each others' bosses. 

Bateman was on hand to sing her praises. "I don't feel nearly as lucky as the sidewalk, because the sidewalk -- for years long after we're all gone -- gets to now include, poured into its rigid cement, a woman whose spirit is every bit as solid, whose integrity is every bit as unbreakable and whose body is every bit as hard," Bateman said. 

(Opening across the Philippines in September, “Horrible Bosses” is a New Line Cinema film, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.)

ADAM LEVINE | OUT cover for September 2011 and talks about having a gay brother

Adam Levine is smokin’ hot on the cover of Out magazine’s September 2011 issue.

Here’s what the 32-year-old singer and coach on The Voice had to share:

On growing up with a gay brother: “I can single-handedly dispel any ideas that sexuality is acquired. Trust me, you’re born with it. My brother is gay, and we knew when he was two. We all really wanted to provide some cushion for him and constantly let him know that it’s OK.”

On families who try to change gay kids: “A lot of people don’t want their kid to be gay and will fight it all costs, but I’ve got news for you - it’s a losing f—ing battle. You’ve got to embrace it from the beginning. That’s the only way to deal with it as a family. Otherwise you’re just screwing yourself over, and you’re going to make your kid miserable.”

On competition shows discouraging contestants from being out and proud: “What’s always pissed me off about Idol is wanting to mask that, for that to go unspoken…C’mon. You can’t be publicly gay? At this point? On a singing competition? Give me a break. You can’t hide basic components of these people’s lives. The fact that The Voice didn’t have any qualms about being completely about it is a great thing.”

Source: Just Jared

From Baywatch to buff! JASON MOMOA is the new CONAN!

Jason Momoa is the New Conan the Barbarian or the new Conan the Cimmerian, if we are being technical. Conan (2011) is the upcoming Marcus Nispel directed rebirth of the original Robert E. Howard character. Mickey Rourke has also been announced to play Conan’s father Corin. 

The Conan the Barbarian Movie Trailer has premiered. Marcus Nispel‘s Conan the Barbarian(2011) stars Jason Momoa, Rachel Nichols, Rose McGowan, Ron Perlman, and Stephen Lang. Conan the Barbarian (2011)’s plot synopsis: “After his father is murdered and village destroyed, Conan (Jason Momoa) ventures into an unforgiving world where he survives as a thief, pirate, and warrior. On his path of wanton adventure and women, Conan chances upon the warlord responsible his tribe’s destruction. As he tracks Khalar Zym (Stephen Lang), Conan battles monsters, Zym’s henchmen, and Marique (Rose McGowan), a powerful witch.”

The look of the film is certainly good. If I am not mistaken, I saw homage to Conan the Barbarian (1982) during a few of the snow battle clips. The battles look good, great cinematography, but can the intensity of the Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s 1982 film really be recreated? It doesn’t look like they are trying but instead setting out on a new path, a different path. Stephen Lang certainly looks into his role.

Conan the Barbarian also stars Bob Sapp, Raad Rawi, Leo Howard, Milton Welsh, Bashar Rahal, Raw Leiba, Shelly Varod, Katarzyna Wolejnio, Alina Puscau, Nonso Anozie. Watch Conan the Barbarian movie trailer below and leave your thoughts on it. Conan the Barbarian will be released in US theaters on August 19, 2011. What do you think of the new Conan the Barbarian now?

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

[ CONAN ]

He’s in his 20s to early 30s, Caucasian, powerfully built, broad-shouldered, sun browned skin lined with scars. Piercing blue eyes and square-cut black mane, tall. He is a savage killer that has matured into the refinement his father tried to teach him when he was young. Conan is very smart, almost inhumanly strong, and very cunning. His entire life, from the moment of his birth, has been shaped by violence. Being the last of his tribe and having to watch his father die a cruel death, he is determined avenge his peoples’ slaughter by killing all those who led the attack on the Cimmerians, including the all-powerful Khalar Singh. He is prepared to die in order to accomplish his goal. What Conan did not expect, was to find a reason to live… LEAD

“The Walking Dead's” EMMA BELL stars in “FINAL DESTINATION 5”

 Best known for Frank Darabont’s hit drama series “The Walking Dead,” and on the big screen in the chilling thriller “Frozen,” young actress Emma Bell now stars in New Line Cinema's “Final Destination 5” -- the fifth installment of the successful horror franchise. 

Bell has an ethereal look, a vulnerable beauty that helped to make the death of her character in the television series “The Walking Dead” one of the show's most memorable and agonizing moments, when she is killed by her own sister to prevent her from joining the zombie army. As soon as the filmmakers read her for the role in “Final Destination 5,” they knew she was perfect for the character of Molly, the romantic interest to Nicholas D'Agosto's Sam. “She’s fantastic,” says producer Craig Perry. “When we were going through the casting process and her name came up, we jumped at it. Emma has incredible eyes—she can sell a whole scene without saying a word.” 

In the film, Death is just as omnipresent as ever, first revealing its menacing reality to a group of coworkers headed for a corporate retreat. During the bus ride, Sam (D’Agosto) has a premonition in which he and most of his friends, as well as numerous others, die in a horrific bridge collapse. When his vision ends, events begin to mirror what he had seen, and he frantically ushers as many of his colleagues—including his friend, Peter (Miles Fisher), and girlfriend, Molly (Bell)—away from the disaster before Death can claim them. But these unsuspecting souls were never supposed to survive and, in a terrifying race against time, the ill-fated group tries to discover a way to escape Death’s sinister agenda. 

As Death casts its net around Sam’s nearest and dearest, no one is excused from its macabre plan—except maybe the love of his life. Molly is a sweet girl who’s deeply in love with her boyfriend but feeling that their life paths are moving in two different directions. 

Weighing in on Molly, Bell offers, “She lives in a small town and she’s very comfortable with that. I don’t think she ever really dreamed of moving to a city, or wanted to be part of something more. She’s in love with Sam – who dreams of moving to Paris to become a chef -- but she knows that he dreams bigger than she ever could, and isn’t sure how to balance her love for him without holding him back from pursuing his goals. Molly knows that, given the choice, Sam would pick her over going to Paris. But she doesn’t want to put him in that situation, so she makes that choice for him.” 

Bell also notes that with this installment, the story holds genuine emotional weight. “What makes the `Final Destination' movies great is that they are not your usual stalker film,” she says. “Yes, the characters are certainly being stalked, but there’s no physical killer, no man chasing you with a knife. The killer is Death itself—it’s an abstraction—and that's what makes it impossible to escape. In our movie, the characters are also really engaged in a moral struggle, as well as fighting to stay alive, and that gives the story greater substance.” 

Opening across the Philippines on Aug. 24 in 3D and regular format, “Final Destination 5” is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

JASON SEGEL pursues CAMERON DIAZ in “BAD TEACHER”

Comic actor Jason Segel plays the irreverent gym coach Russell Gettis whose romantic advances to teacher Elizabeth Halsey (Cameron Diaz) fall on deaf ears, in Columbia Pictures’ raunchy comedy “Bad Teacher.” 

In the film, Elizabeth Halsey is a teacher who just doesn’t give an F. She’s foul-mouthed, ruthless, and wildly inappropriate. She drinks, she gets high, and she can’t wait to marry her meal ticket and walk away from her day job teaching middle school. When she’s dumped by her fiancé, she sets her plan in motion to win over a rich, handsome substitute (Justin Timberlake). Elizabeth’s outrageous schemes and their wild consequences will shock her students, her coworkers, and even herself. 

“Russell is just a happy-go-lucky guy,” says Segel of his character. “He’s just enjoying life and looking for other people who can hang. I think that’s why he gets along with Elizabeth – if she’d just let her guard down.” 

How can he keep getting turned down by Elizabeth but keep coming back for more? “He’s just not fazed by rejection,” says Segel. “In fact, there’s something safe about flirting with a girl who tells you right from the beginning that it is never going to happen: there’s no risk. Women can keep saying no – all he needs is one to say yes.” 

“Jason is hilarious, but he plays the only normal person in the entire movie,” says co-screenwriter Lee Eisenberg. “He can call out Elizabeth on her stuff, he can react when she says something ridiculous. He grounds the movie.” 

Jason Segel landed his first major picture starring role as Peter in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” which he also wrote. Released in 2008, the film went to make over $100 million worldwide. With Segel’s writing skills now in demand by many studios, he was inspired to fulfill a personal idea and passion by pitching his concept for a Muppet movie. He and Nicholas Stoller would co-write the screenplay for the upcoming film “The Muppets,” in which Segel also stars. The film will be released by Disney this Thanksgiving. 

In June 2007, Segel was summoned by Judd Apatow to share the great success of the comedy “Knocked Up” with stars Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl, Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann. The film grossed over $140 million dollars domestically and won the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Movie Comedy. 

In 2009, Segel rejoined Rudd in the hit comedy “I Love You, Man.” 

Opening across the Philippines August 31, “Bad Teacher” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.sonypictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games. 

“THE SMURFS” opens at No. 1 in the Philippines! Sequel in the works!

I saw Smurfs and I cannot tell you enough how wonderful this film is! I made me and my entire family laugh out loud the whole time and I haven't had such a great laugh which lasted from start to finish of a film in a long time. I highly recommend this film and can truly say this is one of the best films I have seen for 2011.

MANILA, Aug. 15 -- True-blue cuteness prevailed over apes, cowboys and aliens at the Philippine box office as Columbia Pictures’ live action and animated comedy “The Smurfs” opened at No.1 nationwide, hauling P29.25-M for the Aug. 10 to 14 opening weekend frame. This was announced today by Victor R. Cabrera, managing director of Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc., the film’s local distributor. 

“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” came in at second place (P22.41-M), followed by “Cowboys & Aliens” at third (P18.14-M), and “Captain America: The First Avenger” at No. 4 (P9.14-M). 

Delighted by the over-achieving success of “The Smurfs” both in the U.S. and overseas, studio Sony Pictures has already green-lighted a sequel, due in theatres in 2013. 

Rolling out in 115 screens (including 63 digital 3D cinemas) in the country, “The Smurfs” posted its biggest gross at SM Mall of Asia with P1.67-M, followed by SM North EDSA (P1.59-M), Trinoma (P1.50-M), Power Plant (P1.24-M), SM Megamall (P 932,939), Greenhills (P 841,418), Newport (P 829,703), Alabang Town Center (P 775,042), Glorietta 4 (P 727,033) and Greenbelt 3 (P 722,255). 

Also generating huge receipts were Robinsons Ermita (P 581,256), Eastwood (P 550,222), SM Cebu (P 513,924), Robinsons Galleria (P 493,299), SM San Lazaro (P 480,978), Shangri-la (P 475,721), SM Clark (P 470,900), SM Dasmarinas (P 455,950), Festival Mall (P 414,053) and Marquee Mall (P 393,150). 

In the film, when the evil wizard Gargamel chases the Smurfs out of their village, through a magical portal, and into our world, they land in the middle of New York’s Central Park. Just three apples high and stuck in the Big Apple, the Smurfs must find a way to get back to their village before Gargamel tracks them down. 

The film stars Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Sofia Vergara, and Hank Azaria as Gargamel, with voices provided by Katy Perry and Anton Yelchin, among others. 

Still playing across the Philippines, “The Smurfs” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.sonypictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games. 

Evil moves in next door in new horror-thriller “FRIGHT NIGHT”

What happens when evil moves in next door and no one believes you? 

When teenager Charley Brewster can’t get anyone to listen to him—not even his mom or his girlfriend—he takes it upon himself to get rid of the menace that is terrorizing his peaceful, suburban neighborhood in DreamWorks Pictures’ horror-filled, fun ride “Fright Night,” screaming into theaters this September. 

Charley (Anton Yelchin) is a high school senior who’s on top of the world—he’s running with the popular crowd and dating Amy (Imogen Poots), the most coveted girl in school. In fact, he’s so cool he’s even dissing his best friend, Ed (Christopher Mintz-Plasse). But trouble arrives when Jerry (Colin Farrell) moves in next door. He seems like a nice guy––at first. But there’s something not quite right, and no one else, including Charley’s mom (Toni Collette) seems to notice! 

After observing some very strange activity, Charley comes to an unmistakable conclusion: Jerry is a vampire preying on the neighborhood. Unable to convince anyone of this, Charley looks to popular Las Vegas illusionist and self-proclaimed vampire expert Peter Vincent (David Tennant) for help and advice before taking matters into his own hands to get rid of the monster. 

Given our current cultural fascination with vampires, the timing was perfect for a reimagining of “Fright Night,” the beloved 1985 horror-film classic. As Producer Alison Rosenzweig and Executive Producer Michael Gaeta, who are big fans of genre films, vampire movies, and this one in particular, said, “We had been tracking the rights to the property for a couple of years, and when we realized that they were going to become available, we pounced.” 

An aspect of the story that also appealed to the producing team is that “Fright Night” is a tale of a young man’s coming-of-age. “There’s a life-cycle issue here that everyone can universally identify with,” Gaeta says. “Charley’s journey from adolescence to becoming a full man and a hero is something that resonates with people because I think everyone has been through that process. It’s an examination of watching a boy not only turn into a man but discovering who he is and who he wants to be.” 

“Charley is a former geek who’s in denial that he ever was a geek,” Rosenzweig concurs. “He’s shunning his old friends and trying to incorporate himself into the hip crowd. He becomes a man when he confronts the vampire and has to try to defeat him.” 

Adolescence is a crossroads for everyone. It is a time when one begins to define who they are. “Charley is in turmoil about the choices he’s making about his friends and his relationship with his mother, and he’s trying to figure it all out,” Director Craig Gillespie says. “Oddly enough, the vampire helps focus Charley and makes him aware of what’s important in life.” 

The filmmakers knew from the start that they wanted to maintain the basic story and the delicate balance of comedy and horror of the original film. That was one of the important aspects of the project that Gillespie loved about the screenplay. “There are really horrific moments that are very scary, and also very human moments,” Gillespie says. “It wasn’t just a straight genre film. The script managed to balance thriller, humor and horror.” 

But humor and emotional moments aside, the horror-thriller element in “Fright Night” is certainly not to be denied. This vampire is not a lovesick, conflicted being—he is an insatiable, unstoppable predator, like the shark in “Jaws.” 

Concludes star Colin Farrell, “There are none of those romantic leanings. This vampire is just a killer. He’s over four hundred years old. He’s probably a little bit bored when we find him, but he feeds. He just feeds to exist!” 

Opening soon across the Philippines, “Fright Night is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures. 

“CARS 2” | Adds new dimension in racing excitement with 3D

One of the technical advances that has emerged and been embraced in the world of entertainment since the release of the original “Cars” film in 2006 is 3D digital exhibition, and “Cars 2” is the third Pixar feature to utilize this popular format. This latest release from DisneyPixar (following “Up” and “Toy Story 3”) allows audiences to experience the fun and excitement of being at the races, immersing themselves in the film’s beautifully designed and meticulously rendered environments. 

“I love 3D probably more than any other director,” says director John Lasseter. “I took my wedding pictures in 3D! Our short film ‘Knick Knack’ that we made in 1989 was made in 3D before there were any 3D theaters out there. And I always felt our medium of computer animation is perfectly matched to it. 

“‘Cars 2’ — it’s really made with 3D in mind,” continues Lasseter. “And 3D for a Pixar film is not about all the coming-at-you stuff; it’s just about making the world that much more believable and immersive, like a window into that world. You get invested in it. And I think that when you see ‘Cars 2’ in 3D, there is so much thought put into the elements: Things are very reflective to make it very glitzy and glamorous and sexy and cool. But it’s also thought out, because the lighting adds a tremendous amount of depth in 3D. Wet streets, shiny cars, shiny buildings. It’s like, wow!” 

Adds co-director Brad Lewis, “We’re really crafting the film to take advantage of the 3D medium. John has been so taken by the way 3D can enhance different types of films. On ‘Cars 2,’ our 3D stereoscopic supervisor Bob Whitehill has been working on a parallel track as the movie was being laid out, and everybody is ultimately thinking about what it could be in 3D. It used to be that 3D was something that happened at the end of our process, but it has become integrated. When we see something that we think would look phenomenal in 3D, we start exploring ways to move the camera to make it even better. It’s definitely in our eyepiece as we approach these films—3D can add depth and dimension and give the story a greater sense of drama.” 

“Cars 2” will also be presented in IMAX® 3D in select theaters, providing a unique, larger-than-life moviegoing experience. 

In “Cars 2,” star racecar Lightning McQueen and his best friend, the incomparable tow truck Mater jump-start a new adventure to exotic new lands stretching across the globe. 

The duo are joined by a hometown pit crew from Radiator Springs when they head overseas to support Lightning as he competes in the first-ever World Grand Prix, a race created to determine the world’s fastest car. But the road to the finish line is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and bombshells when Mater is mistakenly ensnared in an intriguing escapade of his own: international espionage. 

Opening across the Philippines on August 24, “Cars 2” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.