Kiefer Sutherland once said that the 24 crew would wait to do a feature film until after the small-screen version had run its course. Well, amid talk that the in-progress season could be 24's last, sources are reporting that a big-screen version of the minute-by-minute action fest is once again rolling around in people's minds over at 20th Century Fox. State of Play scribe Billy Ray, who has his fair share of film credits involving spies, lies and treachery, has been hired to come up with a screenplay, while Sutherland would be among the executive producers. A decision is needed soon; a source close to the show said the producers are preparing to write the 23rd and 24th episodes of the current season so they need to know whether to pen a series finale. Production on the drama is scheduled to wrap March 24.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
"24" movie inching closer to reality
Kiefer Sutherland once said that the 24 crew would wait to do a feature film until after the small-screen version had run its course. Well, amid talk that the in-progress season could be 24's last, sources are reporting that a big-screen version of the minute-by-minute action fest is once again rolling around in people's minds over at 20th Century Fox. State of Play scribe Billy Ray, who has his fair share of film credits involving spies, lies and treachery, has been hired to come up with a screenplay, while Sutherland would be among the executive producers. A decision is needed soon; a source close to the show said the producers are preparing to write the 23rd and 24th episodes of the current season so they need to know whether to pen a series finale. Production on the drama is scheduled to wrap March 24.
Kiefer Sutherland once said that the 24 crew would wait to do a feature film until after the small-screen version had run its course. Well, amid talk that the in-progress season could be 24's last, sources are reporting that a big-screen version of the minute-by-minute action fest is once again rolling around in people's minds over at 20th Century Fox. State of Play scribe Billy Ray, who has his fair share of film credits involving spies, lies and treachery, has been hired to come up with a screenplay, while Sutherland would be among the executive producers. A decision is needed soon; a source close to the show said the producers are preparing to write the 23rd and 24th episodes of the current season so they need to know whether to pen a series finale. Production on the drama is scheduled to wrap March 24.
Super Bowl eclipses "M*A*S*H" finale as most-watched TV Show
A long-standing television record was rewritten Sunda ynight, as CBS’s broadcast of Super Bowl XLIV became the most-watched TV program in history. Nielsen says 106.5 million TV viewers watched the New Orleans Saints defeat the Indianapolis Colts, according to reports by the Associated Press. That surpasses the 105.97 million who watched the series finale of M*A*S*H on Feb. 28, 1983, which was also aired on CBS. The previous record viewership for a Super Bowl was set just last year, when 98.7 million people watched the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals.
A long-standing television record was rewritten Sunda ynight, as CBS’s broadcast of Super Bowl XLIV became the most-watched TV program in history. Nielsen says 106.5 million TV viewers watched the New Orleans Saints defeat the Indianapolis Colts, according to reports by the Associated Press. That surpasses the 105.97 million who watched the series finale of M*A*S*H on Feb. 28, 1983, which was also aired on CBS. The previous record viewership for a Super Bowl was set just last year, when 98.7 million people watched the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals.
Monday, February 08, 2010
"Lost" actor Daniel Dae Kim joins "Hawaii Five-O"
Lost’s Daniel Dae Kim has been cast in a lead role of CBS’ Hawaii Five-O remake, according to inside sources. He will play Detective Chin Ho Kelly alongside another actor who remains to be cast as Detective Steve McGarrett.
Lost’s Daniel Dae Kim has been cast in a lead role of CBS’ Hawaii Five-O remake, according to inside sources. He will play Detective Chin Ho Kelly alongside another actor who remains to be cast as Detective Steve McGarrett.
Leno-Letterman-Oprah ad: Pure Bliss
If you thought you’d had a few too many beers seeing Jay Leno, Oprah Winfrey, and David Letterman all sharing a sofa during a Super Bowl commercial, don’t worry. It really happened. The spot, a commercial for The Late Show, is the biggest TV ad shocker of the Super Bowl, surpassing all others with ease. Letterman and Leno snipe at each other with mock-annoyance, with Dave mimicking Leno’s high-pitched voice. Oprah tries to calm the boys. I think it helps Leno's cred, since he is basically making himself the brunt of the joke. If it also makes Dave the publicity victor — after all, it is a commercial for his show, not the Leno Tonight Show — you have to hand it to Jay for playing along, probably as a slap at the way NBC handled the whole Tonight Show mess. Check out the full ad below.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Box Office Report: "Dear John" beats "Avatar" for top spot
Never underestimate the power of the teenage girl. It was their undying love for romance that finally relegated "Avatar" to the number two spot for the weekend. Lasse Hallstrom’s Dear John, starring hunky Channing Tatum and Mamma Mia’s Amanda Seyfried, took in an estimated $32.4 million over the weekend. Avatar, meanwhile, fell approximately 24% from last weekend's take and after seven weekends at the top spot is now in second place another $23.6 million. The film has thus far grossed $630 million domestically. Third place went to the other new wide release, the R-rated revenge drama From Paris With Love with John Travolta and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers. The film grossed an estimated $8.1 million for its opening weekend. Mel Gibson’s Edge of Darkness earned $7.0 million for fourth place while Tooth Fairy—a comedy that has only marginally connected with audiences—grossed another $6.5 million. Ther film to do the most improvement thanks to Oscar nods and increased theater counts is Jeff Bridges' Crazy Heart, which earned a 58% increase to crack the To p10 in eigth place with $3.7 million. Check out the full Top 10 below.-
1. Dear John -- $32.4 million
2. Avatar -- $23.6 million
3. From Paris with Love -- $8.1 million
4. Edge of Darkness -- $7.0 million
5. Tooth Fairy -- $6.5 million
6. When in Rome -- $5.5 million
7. The Book of Eli -- $4.8 million
8. Crazy Heart -- $3.7 million
9. Legion -- $3.4 million
10. Sherlock Holmes -- $2.6 million
Friday, February 05, 2010
Box Office Preview: Will "Dear John" beat "Avatar"?
It seems more and more likely with every weekend that passes that nothing can stop the momentum of Avatar. Now, don't get me wrong, the film has done very well at the box office, but is it possible that the film, which has been in theaters for over 7 weeks now, may actually do better than the week before? It may, but it looks more probable that the film may drop just a slight bit from last week. The main reason for this is the fact that "Avatar," the sci-fi opus from director James Cameron, just got praised with an outstanding 9 Oscar nominations on Tuesday, which means if there are any human beings who haven't seen the movie, this weekend they probably will. If the film drops 15% this weekend (and if it does, you can blame the Superbowl), it should still earn $25 million, far ahead of the rest of the pack, landing at No. 1 for a eigth consecutive week. Love letters between a soldier and his gal pal are at the center of the romantic drama Dear John which Sony releases on Friday targeting young women not interested in football hype. Plus with Valentine's Day just a week away, many young women may be in the mood for this exact piece of entertainment. Early reviews have been terrible, but they may not factor in too much. Opening in over 2,500 theaters, "Dear John" may take in about $16 million this weekend. For those more into explosions and wisecracks, Lionsgate offers the testosterone flick From Paris With Love starring John Travolta and Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who try to stop a terrorist attack in the City of Lights. The R-rating may hurt its box office momentum, plus Sunday will be a wash for this type of movie, which will force a third place opening with around $12 million. Mel Gibson's crime thriller Edge of Darkness didn't exactly light the box office on fire last weekend during its debut. The film could see a signifcant drop to about $9.5 million putting the revenge flick in fourth place. A smaller decline seems likely for the comedy When in Rome which may play as a good alternative to football for female audiences. "Dear John" will certainly steal away some of that same crowd. But laughter sells so a 40% drop would give rom-com roughly $7.5 million, rounding out the Top 5 in fifth place. As always, the complete Top 10 will be posted on Sunday.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Brittany Murphy cause of death announced
Initial autopsy results for actress Brittany Murphy, who died suddenly at age 32 on December 20, have been released. According to the L.A. county coroner, Murphy died from multiple drug intoxication, pneumonia and “iron deficiency anemia; his ruling is that the death was accidental. Her husband Simon Monjack told authorities that his wife was taking the painkiller Vicoprofen and antidepressant Fluoxetine to deal with severe menstrual cramps; A full autopsy report is expected within two weeks.
Initial autopsy results for actress Brittany Murphy, who died suddenly at age 32 on December 20, have been released. According to the L.A. county coroner, Murphy died from multiple drug intoxication, pneumonia and “iron deficiency anemia; his ruling is that the death was accidental. Her husband Simon Monjack told authorities that his wife was taking the painkiller Vicoprofen and antidepressant Fluoxetine to deal with severe menstrual cramps; A full autopsy report is expected within two weeks.
Frances Reid, "Days of Our Lives" matriarch, dies at 95
Frances Reid, the actress who portrayed family matriarch Alice Horton on Days of Our Lives from 1965 to 2007, passed away yesterday at the age of 95 in Los Angeles. “I’m so sad to hear the news about Frances Reid,” actress (and Biggest Loser hostess) Alison Sweeney, who plays Sami on the show, tweeted last night. “She was a truly talented actress and we are all lucky and proud to have known her.” Tweeted longtime co-star Deidre Hall, “Greg Meng called me this morning to tell me of the loss of our darling Frances Reid. She was loved, revered, and will be remembered.”
Additional tweets from fellow cast members:
“Rest in peace Frances Reid (Alice Horton). She was a great lady whom I feel honored to have known..the heart and soul of Days of our Lives.”—Nadya Bjorlin
“Rest in peace Frances Reid. Condolences to your loved ones. Your stories and your spirit live in the hearts of those you have touched.”—Shawn Christian
Frances Reid, the actress who portrayed family matriarch Alice Horton on Days of Our Lives from 1965 to 2007, passed away yesterday at the age of 95 in Los Angeles. “I’m so sad to hear the news about Frances Reid,” actress (and Biggest Loser hostess) Alison Sweeney, who plays Sami on the show, tweeted last night. “She was a truly talented actress and we are all lucky and proud to have known her.” Tweeted longtime co-star Deidre Hall, “Greg Meng called me this morning to tell me of the loss of our darling Frances Reid. She was loved, revered, and will be remembered.”Additional tweets from fellow cast members:
“Rest in peace Frances Reid (Alice Horton). She was a great lady whom I feel honored to have known..the heart and soul of Days of our Lives.”—Nadya Bjorlin
“Rest in peace Frances Reid. Condolences to your loved ones. Your stories and your spirit live in the hearts of those you have touched.”—Shawn Christian
"Fast and Furious" fifth installment on the way
Universal is putting together a fifth chapter of its hit Fast and Furious franchise, according to sources. Stars Vin Diesel and Paul Walker, and director Justin Lin have all signed on to reprise their parts in a new sequel, slated for a 2011 release. Last year’s Fast & Furious became the series’ highest-grossing title to date, making $343 million worldwide.
Universal is putting together a fifth chapter of its hit Fast and Furious franchise, according to sources. Stars Vin Diesel and Paul Walker, and director Justin Lin have all signed on to reprise their parts in a new sequel, slated for a 2011 release. Last year’s Fast & Furious became the series’ highest-grossing title to date, making $343 million worldwide.
My Oscar Thoughts
So, we've all had time to think about the recent announcement in regards to the 82nd Academy Award nominations. While most of the acting categories seem set in stone as far as the win goe,s I do want to share some thoughts about the nods this year. Avatar received nine nominations but was left out of Best Screenplay. The last film to win Best Picture with out a screenplay nomination? James Cameron’s last nominee, Titanic. In addition, Avatar wasn’t nominated for SAG Best Cast, lost the PGA and DGA awards, and is likely to lose the WGA prize later this month. Since the SAG Best Cast prize was introduced in 1996, no film has ever won Best Picture without winning at least one of the four major guild awards. Up in the Air was able to secure a Best Pic nomination, but it's not all good news: Up in the Air scored six nominations (including three for acting, more than any other movie) but was left out of Best Editing. No film has won Best Picture without an editing nomination since Ordinary People in 1981. Precious is the first-ever Best Picture nominee to be directed by an African-American filmmaker. Earning her 16th career acting nomination for Julie & Julia, Meryl Streep broke her own record—again—for the most nominated actor in Oscar history. I still give Sandra Bullock the edge in the Best Actress race, however, which is turning out to be the hottest contest of them all. Why? The Blind Side’s Best Picture nomination (compared to no other nods for Julie & Julia) means Bullock has the edge. This year’s SAG nominees in the individual acting races lined up with the eventual acting nominees 19 for 20, the most ever. The only Oscar nominee not to earn a SAG nod first: Crazy Heart’s Maggie Gyllenhaal. And check this out: If Avatar wins Best Picture, it’ll be the highest-grossing winner ever (obviously). If The Hurt Locker wins Best Picture, it’ll be the lowest-grossing winner ever. And finally, the last time Meryl Streep won an Oscar, in 1983, was before her competitors Carey Mulligan and Gabourey Sidibe were even born.
So, we've all had time to think about the recent announcement in regards to the 82nd Academy Award nominations. While most of the acting categories seem set in stone as far as the win goe,s I do want to share some thoughts about the nods this year. Avatar received nine nominations but was left out of Best Screenplay. The last film to win Best Picture with out a screenplay nomination? James Cameron’s last nominee, Titanic. In addition, Avatar wasn’t nominated for SAG Best Cast, lost the PGA and DGA awards, and is likely to lose the WGA prize later this month. Since the SAG Best Cast prize was introduced in 1996, no film has ever won Best Picture without winning at least one of the four major guild awards. Up in the Air was able to secure a Best Pic nomination, but it's not all good news: Up in the Air scored six nominations (including three for acting, more than any other movie) but was left out of Best Editing. No film has won Best Picture without an editing nomination since Ordinary People in 1981. Precious is the first-ever Best Picture nominee to be directed by an African-American filmmaker. Earning her 16th career acting nomination for Julie & Julia, Meryl Streep broke her own record—again—for the most nominated actor in Oscar history. I still give Sandra Bullock the edge in the Best Actress race, however, which is turning out to be the hottest contest of them all. Why? The Blind Side’s Best Picture nomination (compared to no other nods for Julie & Julia) means Bullock has the edge. This year’s SAG nominees in the individual acting races lined up with the eventual acting nominees 19 for 20, the most ever. The only Oscar nominee not to earn a SAG nod first: Crazy Heart’s Maggie Gyllenhaal. And check this out: If Avatar wins Best Picture, it’ll be the highest-grossing winner ever (obviously). If The Hurt Locker wins Best Picture, it’ll be the lowest-grossing winner ever. And finally, the last time Meryl Streep won an Oscar, in 1983, was before her competitors Carey Mulligan and Gabourey Sidibe were even born.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
"Lost" finale set for May 23
ABC has confirmed that the Lost series finale date will be Sunday, May 23 from 9-11 p.m. ET (Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof teased the news on Jimmy Kimmel last night). ABC also noted that a recap special will run 8-9 p.m. ET.
ABC has confirmed that the Lost series finale date will be Sunday, May 23 from 9-11 p.m. ET (Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof teased the news on Jimmy Kimmel last night). ABC also noted that a recap special will run 8-9 p.m. ET.
"Avatar" tops box-office record
Avatar has officially become the highest-grossing domestic box office movie ever, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The James Cameron-directed 3D epic now clocks in at $601.1 million, surpassing Cameron’s 1998 movie Titanic, which racked up $600.8 million. Avatar’s international tally comes to $1.48 billion for a total cume of $2.08 billion. That total is padded by extra charges for 3D tickets as well as the higher ticket prices now compared to 1998. Gone With the Wind, however, still remains the highest ticket-seller of all time.
Avatar has officially become the highest-grossing domestic box office movie ever, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The James Cameron-directed 3D epic now clocks in at $601.1 million, surpassing Cameron’s 1998 movie Titanic, which racked up $600.8 million. Avatar’s international tally comes to $1.48 billion for a total cume of $2.08 billion. That total is padded by extra charges for 3D tickets as well as the higher ticket prices now compared to 1998. Gone With the Wind, however, still remains the highest ticket-seller of all time.
MacGyver v. MacGruber
Lee Zlotoff, creator of the 1980s TV series, MacGyver, is contemplating legal options to prevent Will Forte’s parody, MacGruber, from being released on April 23. According to sources, Zlotoff is currently developing his own MacGyver film and believes MacGruber, based on the recurring Saturday Night Live skit, infringes on his property rights. His attorney has sent MacGruber’s producers cease-and-desist letters and is considering filing for an injunction against the upcoming comedy.
Lee Zlotoff, creator of the 1980s TV series, MacGyver, is contemplating legal options to prevent Will Forte’s parody, MacGruber, from being released on April 23. According to sources, Zlotoff is currently developing his own MacGyver film and believes MacGruber, based on the recurring Saturday Night Live skit, infringes on his property rights. His attorney has sent MacGruber’s producers cease-and-desist letters and is considering filing for an injunction against the upcoming comedy.
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