Michael Jackson's sister, LaToya, told a British tabloid she believes the singer was "murdered." "I believe Michael was murdered, I felt that from the start. Not just one person was involved, rather it was a conspiracy of people," the 53-year-old told the U.K.'s Daily Mail. She accused them of cutting him off from his family and friends and forcing him, largely against his will, to sign up for the gruelling commitment of 50 concerts at London’s O2 arena. The entourage also gave Michael drugs that led to his death, she said.Monday, July 13, 2009
LaToya claims Michael was murdered!
Michael Jackson's sister, LaToya, told a British tabloid she believes the singer was "murdered." "I believe Michael was murdered, I felt that from the start. Not just one person was involved, rather it was a conspiracy of people," the 53-year-old told the U.K.'s Daily Mail. She accused them of cutting him off from his family and friends and forcing him, largely against his will, to sign up for the gruelling commitment of 50 concerts at London’s O2 arena. The entourage also gave Michael drugs that led to his death, she said.
Michael Jackson's sister, LaToya, told a British tabloid she believes the singer was "murdered." "I believe Michael was murdered, I felt that from the start. Not just one person was involved, rather it was a conspiracy of people," the 53-year-old told the U.K.'s Daily Mail. She accused them of cutting him off from his family and friends and forcing him, largely against his will, to sign up for the gruelling commitment of 50 concerts at London’s O2 arena. The entourage also gave Michael drugs that led to his death, she said.Sunday, July 12, 2009
Box Office Report: "Bruno" comes out on top...barely
Bruno did a killing at the box office this weeeknd, which started strongly on Friday but it slowly started to decline as Saturday and Sunday approached. The film, which pushes its R-rating to places never before thought possible, grossed an estimated $30.4 million over the weekend, according to early estimates. Second place went to Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, which consumed $28.5 million in its second weekend in heavy release while evolving past the $120 million mark at the same time. The many theaters holding 3D showings of the animated film are helping keep it strong. I bet the folks behind "Bruno" were sweating it for a bit there, since the film came really close to stealing the top spot after its inital weekend at No. 1. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen dropped 43% in its third weekened for a still strong gross of $24.2 million. While that steep of a drop would spell trouble for most movies, "Transformers" has already tallied $339 million in the U.S. (not to mention more than $333 million overseas), so we doubt Paramount is shedding any tears. In fourth and fifth place were Public Enemies and The Proposal, which picked up $14.1 million and $10.5 million, respectively. Also opening wide this weekend was the teen comedy I Love You, Beth Cooper, which clearly could have used more love -- it registered a dweebish $5 million in seventh place. The complete Top 10 appears below.-
1. Bruno -- $30.4 million
2. Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs -- $28.5 million
3. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen -- $24.2 million
4. Public Enemies -- $14.1 million
5. The Proposal -- $10.5 million
6. The Hangover -- $9.9 million
7. I Love You, Beth Cooper -- $5.0 million
8. Up -- $4.7 million
9. My Sister's Keeper -- $4.2 million
10. The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 -- $1.6 million
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Ryan Reynolds reportedly cast as Green Lantern
Warner Bros. has tapped Ryan Reynolds--most recently seen opposite Sandra Bullock in The Proposal --to bring the DC Comics' superhero Green Lantern to life. Reynolds is said to have beaten out Bradley Cooper (The Hangover) and Justin Timberlake for the hotly sought role. Don't know your comic books? Green Lantern is part of an intergalactic police force who fights baddies using a magic ring that can conjure almost anything its wearer can imagine. Martin Campbell (Casino Royale) will direct the film. Shooting is reportedly slated to begin in January.
Warner Bros. has tapped Ryan Reynolds--most recently seen opposite Sandra Bullock in The Proposal --to bring the DC Comics' superhero Green Lantern to life. Reynolds is said to have beaten out Bradley Cooper (The Hangover) and Justin Timberlake for the hotly sought role. Don't know your comic books? Green Lantern is part of an intergalactic police force who fights baddies using a magic ring that can conjure almost anything its wearer can imagine. Martin Campbell (Casino Royale) will direct the film. Shooting is reportedly slated to begin in January. Friday, July 10, 2009
Box Office Preview: "Bruno" is dre$$ed for succe$$
Bruno, the latest fiasco from Sacha Baron Cohen, is opening this weekend, so I suggest that you head for the hills and run for cover, because whever Sacha Baron Cohen goes, controversy is never far behind. In 2006, Borat opened in only 837 theaters to $26.4 million, a stunning debut at the time. "Bruno" is sure to gross more than that this weekend, continuing this summer's trend of successful R-rated comedies. In contrast, "Bruno" is opening in 2,757 theaters, the one question is how well Baron Cohen's flamboyant character will play in more conservative parts of the U.S. Early tracking is positive for the film, and the reviews are pretty fair thus far. I think the college kids will be going bananas this weekend, so look for the comedy to earn close to $35 million in its opening weekend. Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs will slide in its second weekend, but still maintain its second place standing that it got stuck in last weekend after that brutal tie. With nothing in its way, expect the animated tale's sophomore session to drop in the 45 percent range with help from all those 3-D showings, resulting in a $23 million take. Some news on the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen front: It has become the second fastest film to reach $300 million. What does that say about our moviegoing habits? At any rate, the film will stop dropping significantly this weekend, as it lands in thrid place with an additional $19 million in ticket sales. Public Enemies is another film that will lose tracking this weekend, since most fans of the genre probably saw it already during its debut weekend. That being said, the film will drop close to 50% this week, so I fear the film may never reach the $100 million the studio desperately wants it to earn. I figure a fourth place finish and $13 million haul is looking more and more likely. This Sandra Bullock romantic comedy The Proposal has performed remarkably well, grossing $100 million in three weeks and never dropping more than 45%. Even if this weekend's fall puts it off by 50 percent, The Proposal will still earn close to $7 million. Which means bad news for I Love You, Beth Cooper, which has the unfortunate luck of hardly getting a lick of a promotional push. Plus, the reviews are harsh thus far, and...is anyone even talking about this movie? I fear a seventh place finish with close to $6 million. The complete Top 10 will be posted on Sunday.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Michael Jackson's Q Magazine cover story: Unfortunate timing
Michael Jackson appears on the cover of the newest issue of the British music magazine Q, just like so many other publications in recent weeks, including our own. The difference: This magazine was written, edited, designed, and sent to the printers before Michael Jackson's death on June 25. "When news of Michael Jackson's death broke in the early hours of Friday morning, it was already being distributed. As such, we have had no opportunity to change any of the editorial content within the issue…If you do take offence to any part of the issue in light of Michael Jackson's tragic passing, I can only apologise on behalf of Q. Hopefully, you will understand that no offence was intended or meant," read a statement from the magazine.
Michael Jackson to be buried with glove
Michael Jackson will be laid to rest wearing one — and only one — of his trademark white gloves. Dorothy Gaspar -- who owns Gaspar Gloves in L.A. and designed gloves for the "This Is It" tour -- claims that La Toya Jackson wanted Michael to wear a glove inside the casket. Turns out La Toya chose a white leather glove Dorothy made for Michael 10-12 years ago -- a glove covered in Swarovski crystals. There are also new reports emerging as to why Jackson first started wearing the famed glove in the first place. According to sources, "the glove was to cover the vitiligo; that's how that glove came into being." Jackson's dermatologist, Dr. Arnie Klein, told CNN that Jackson suffered from vitiligo, a disease that causes blotches of lightening skin, as well as a form of lupus that led to rashes and flaking of skin on his scalp. "His was bad because he began to get a speckled look over his body," Klein said. "All over his body -- but on his face and hands, which is hard to treat."
Michael Jackson will be laid to rest wearing one — and only one — of his trademark white gloves. Dorothy Gaspar -- who owns Gaspar Gloves in L.A. and designed gloves for the "This Is It" tour -- claims that La Toya Jackson wanted Michael to wear a glove inside the casket. Turns out La Toya chose a white leather glove Dorothy made for Michael 10-12 years ago -- a glove covered in Swarovski crystals. There are also new reports emerging as to why Jackson first started wearing the famed glove in the first place. According to sources, "the glove was to cover the vitiligo; that's how that glove came into being." Jackson's dermatologist, Dr. Arnie Klein, told CNN that Jackson suffered from vitiligo, a disease that causes blotches of lightening skin, as well as a form of lupus that led to rashes and flaking of skin on his scalp. "His was bad because he began to get a speckled look over his body," Klein said. "All over his body -- but on his face and hands, which is hard to treat."
Michael Moore's next film will be about "Capitalism"
Documentary maker Michael Moore revealed yesterday that his new movie is to be titled Capitalism: A Love Story, according to sources. The film will focus on "the disastrous impact that corporate dominance and out-of-control profit motives have on the lives of Americans and citizens of the world" and will be released on October 2.
Documentary maker Michael Moore revealed yesterday that his new movie is to be titled Capitalism: A Love Story, according to sources. The film will focus on "the disastrous impact that corporate dominance and out-of-control profit motives have on the lives of Americans and citizens of the world" and will be released on October 2.Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Julie is back on "Desperate Housewives"
Wisteria Lane is welcoming back one of its own this fall: Original Desperate Housewives star Andrea Bowen has signed on to reprise her role as Susan's eldest spawn, Julie. Although ABC would only confirm that Bowen is set to appear in the Sept. 27 season premiere, a Housewives insider tells me that the actress is returning as a series regular! Bowen vanished from Housewives at the end of season 4, a casualty of the show's four-year flash forward. Does this bode well for the upcoming season? Share your thoughts.
Val Kilmer and Ryan Phillippe in talks for "MacGruber"
If you check the calendar you will notice that it is not April Fool's, but it may feel like it today when you read this news. Saturday Night Live's MacGruber is about to explode on the big screen! According to sources, Will Forte's recurring sketch parody about an easily distracted MacGyver-type has Ryan Phillippe and Val Kilmer in its sights for a full-length adaptation. Phillippe would play an Army colonel who recruits the jaded MacGruber (Forte) for a mission to stop a nuclear-armed villain, conceivably played by Kilmer. Kristin Wiig will reprise her supporting role, Lorne Michaels will producer, and Jorma Taccone, who helmed most of the skits on SNL, will direct.
If you check the calendar you will notice that it is not April Fool's, but it may feel like it today when you read this news. Saturday Night Live's MacGruber is about to explode on the big screen! According to sources, Will Forte's recurring sketch parody about an easily distracted MacGyver-type has Ryan Phillippe and Val Kilmer in its sights for a full-length adaptation. Phillippe would play an Army colonel who recruits the jaded MacGruber (Forte) for a mission to stop a nuclear-armed villain, conceivably played by Kilmer. Kristin Wiig will reprise her supporting role, Lorne Michaels will producer, and Jorma Taccone, who helmed most of the skits on SNL, will direct.
Michael Jackson memorial: Watch it again
In case you missed the day's events or just want to view it again, you can see it in its entirety below. The highlights include: Brooke Shields, Smokey Robinson, and especially young Paris Jackson, which all brought tears to my eyes. But oh, that music. For me, the show's emotional peak came when Jermaine Jackson sang his late little brother's favorite song, Charlie Chaplin's "Smile." And that's not to shortchange the other heartfelt performances given by everyone from Mariah Carey to Stevie Wonder to Jennifer Hudson to John Mayer, who showed real class by playing a near-wordless version of "Human Nature." It's all below.
In case you missed the day's events or just want to view it again, you can see it in its entirety below. The highlights include: Brooke Shields, Smokey Robinson, and especially young Paris Jackson, which all brought tears to my eyes. But oh, that music. For me, the show's emotional peak came when Jermaine Jackson sang his late little brother's favorite song, Charlie Chaplin's "Smile." And that's not to shortchange the other heartfelt performances given by everyone from Mariah Carey to Stevie Wonder to Jennifer Hudson to John Mayer, who showed real class by playing a near-wordless version of "Human Nature." It's all below.
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Michael's Daughter: "I Love Him So Much"
As the star-studded tribute to the King of Pop concluded, Michael Jackson’s own children, Prince Michael, 12, Paris Katherine, 11, and Prince Michael II (Blanket), 7, took the stage during a group performance of “Heal the World.” After the song, Paris gave an impromptu speech from the stage surrounded by the Jackson family. “I just want to say ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine,” she said through tears. “And I just want to say I love him so much.” Her aunt Janet Jackson then took her into her arms for a hug before the entire Jackson family then left the stage, closing the service that lasted more than two hours. The moving tribute was especially startling because it marked one of the first times Jackson’s daughter has ever been heard publicly. The highly charged emotional moment can be seen below.
As the star-studded tribute to the King of Pop concluded, Michael Jackson’s own children, Prince Michael, 12, Paris Katherine, 11, and Prince Michael II (Blanket), 7, took the stage during a group performance of “Heal the World.” After the song, Paris gave an impromptu speech from the stage surrounded by the Jackson family. “I just want to say ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine,” she said through tears. “And I just want to say I love him so much.” Her aunt Janet Jackson then took her into her arms for a hug before the entire Jackson family then left the stage, closing the service that lasted more than two hours. The moving tribute was especially startling because it marked one of the first times Jackson’s daughter has ever been heard publicly. The highly charged emotional moment can be seen below.
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