Del Toro: I don't consider myself a hollywood hunk

BENICIO Del Toro can’t understand why people find him attractive.
The 42-year-old actor — who was rumored to have had a brief romance with Scarlett Johansson — is always bemused when he finds himself mentioned in Sexiest Actor polls, but is pleased with the attention.
“I don’t know, what is sexy? It’s part of the game and I’m not complaining,” he told Parade magazine. “But I have never seen myself in a magazine and gone, ‘Whoa, he’s a hunk.’ I’m just an actor and I make movies. I’m not kidding.”

Benicio plays a werewolf in new horror movie The Wolfman and has revealed he drew on his mother’s death when he was just nine years old to fuel the anger felt by his lycanthropic character.
“Anger is not a hard emotion to get to as a male actor,” added Benicio, who appears alongside Sir Anthony Hopkins and Emily Blunt in the film.

“Where does it come from? Life, I guess. I remember the anger I felt when my mother died of hepatitis when I was nine. It was a terrible time in my life and I still feel it.
“I guess it helped make me something of a rebel when I was in school. And I did get into some trouble. I didn’t get good grades, and a lot of teachers turned their backs on me.”

Del Toro recently admitted he doesn’t have a good track record when it comes to relationships.
“I haven’t had a good track record in terms of my relationships because I’m into doing my own thing,” he said in December.

“I like having a lot of time to be by myself and read and be kind of in my own world. So that’s often not easy for women to accept and I can understand that.
“But I’ve learned to be more giving of myself in general over the last few years and it’s made things less complicated in some ways.”

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Robert Pattinson: Emilie de Ravin is Quite Charismatic

Robert Pattinson smiles sweetly down as Emilie de Ravin in this new still from their upcoming romantic drama, Remember Me.
The 23-year-old star dished on his on-screen love interest to ET, passing along many compliments to the 28-year-old Aussie actress.

 
Rob shared, “I was shooting the end New Moon in Italy and we were going through casting for [Remember Me]. The director said, ‘I think I found this girl I think you’ll find quite interesting,’ and sent me this e-mail with her audition tape.

My Internet connection was so slow that I could only get the beginning, which was her messing up for about 35 seconds. She was really funny, you know, messing up and kind of quite charismatic — but I didn’t know that she was messing up at the time, I thought she was actually doing the scene and kind of just improvising with it and just making it up.”
Remember Me hits theaters on Friday, March 12.

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'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' Drops Several New Clips

Several new clips from "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" have come out. Sharing a lot of new scenes from different parts of the film, the new snippets give preview to Percy Jackson as an ordinary student who comes to find out that he in the son of a god in addition to following his dangerous journey to take back the lightning bolt.

 

In related news, Logan Lerman and some of his co-stars including Brandon T. Jackson, Alexandra Daddario and Pierce Brosnan were pictured attending the New York premiere of the film. Held on Thursday, January 4, the special screening took place at the AMC Lincoln Square.

Set in the 21st century, "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" centers its story on 12-year-old Percy who discovers that he is the demigod son of the Greek god, Poseidon. He embarks on a journey across modern-day America with his friends to save his mother, return Zeus' stolen lightning bolt, and prevent a war between the gods. Directed by Chris Columbus, this Fox 2000 Pictures' film will open wide in U.S. theaters on February 12.

photo credit: just jarred jr.
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'Dear John' beats out 'Avatar' at box office

(Entertainment Weekly) -- Romance proved to be a powerful foe for the epic "Avatar," which has dominated the box office for the last seven weekends. The Lasse Hallstrom-directed romantic drama "Dear John" won the weekend in a big way, grossing an estimated $32.4 million and setting a record for the highest-grossing Superbowl Sunday frame in history.

"Avatar" fell to second place for the first time, dropping a still scant 25 percent to $23.6 million. The James Cameron film has now out-grossed every movie in the history of cinema (as long as we don't adjust for inflation) with a domestic take of an astounding $630 million.

The other wide release, "From Paris With Love," didn't have nearly as an auspicious debut. The R-rated actioner from "Taken" director Pierre Morel mostly drew audiences interested in John Travolta's turn as an over-the-top, gun-toting renegade CIA operative, yet earned only an estimated $8.1 million.

Much of "Dear John's" success can be attributed to a successful marketing campaign targeted towards women, who comprised 84 percent of the audience. The movie, which was based on Nicholas Sparks' novel, was financed entirely by Relativity Media, and distributed by Sony's Screen Gems division. It bested the previous record held by 2008's concert film "Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds" which opened to $31.1 million.

The rest of the top ten was dominated by holdovers. Mel Gibson's "Edge of Darkness" had quite a steep fall this weekend, losing 59 percent of last week's haul for a fourth place finish with $7 million.
"Tooth Fairy" has benefited from a lack of children's fare in the marketplace. The film's third week in theaters fell only 35 percent for an additional $6.5 million. The film's cume still needs some help with only $34 million.
"When in Rome" was crushed by women flocking to "Dear John." The romantic comedy starring Josh Duhamel and Kristen Bell fell 55 percent to $5.5 million. It's 10-day total stands at $21 million.

"The Book of Eli" took spot seven with $4.8 million, while "Crazy Heart" benefited greatly from its three Oscar nominations. The film, which added some 700 theaters to its release, landed in the top 10 for the first time, grossing $3.6 million for an eighth spot in the derby.
Rounding out the top ten were "Legion" in slot nine with an additional $3.4 million while "Sherlock Holmes" crossed the $200 million mark its seventh weekend in theaters with an additional $2.6 million. It's total now stands at $201 million.

Even though records were broken for the top film, the weekend still performed beneath last year at this time when "Gran Torino," "Paul Blart Mall Cop," "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Taken" dominated the frame.

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Grant, Parker are no match for Disney’s animated characters

MANILA, Philippines—This week, Disney’s hand-drawn cartoon heroes (“The Princess and the Frog”) trounce their human counterparts (“Did You Hear About the Morgans?”) in the romance department: Marc Lawrence’s “Did You Hear About the Morgans?” follows estranged New York couple, Paul and Meryl Morgan (Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker), as they are whisked away by federal agents to rural Wyoming after witnessing a murder.

Paul and Meryl still love each other, but they have lost sight of the reasons that initially brought them together. In no time, the small town’s simple and stress-free environment forces them to spend quality time with each other. And, it makes them realize how unwise it is for couples to put a premium on pride over compromise. But, just as they reconsider their feelings for each other, the gun-toting baddie shows up and puts them in mortal danger.

But, it may have been wiser for the couple to stay apart—because Parker and Grant don’t have much chemistry. To be fair, they’re likable performers individually, but they simply don’t generate enough sparks to ignite the screen—or make those turgid I-love-you-but-I-can’t-live-with-you lines sizzle as they should.
Derivative
Worse, Grant and Parker are given dialogue that’s as derivative as it is frustratingly trite. Their romantic collaboration proves that star power isn’t enough to sell a movie, especially one featuring a story that is best left unheard—and unseen.

At the other end of the romantic spectrum is Disney’s animated gem, John Musker and Ron Clements’ Oscar-nominated “The Princess and the Frog,” which is significant because it’s Disney’s first cinematic fairy tale with an African-American princess, Tiana (voiced by Anika Noni Rose), in the lead.

Set in the French Quarter of New Orleans in the Roaring ’20s , it follows the love story of headstrong waitress and aspiring chef, Tiana, and the dashing Prince Naveen of Maldonia (Bruno Campos), who is transformed into a frog by the cunning voodoo magician, Dr. Facilier aka The Shadow Man (Keith David). Mistaking the dusky beauty for a princess, Naveen turns Tiana into a frog after he convinces her to kiss him.

To turn their fortunes around, the “amphibian” pair embarks on an exciting journey deep into the darkest recesses of the magical bayou, with their feisty new friends—the jazz-loving, trumpet-playing alligator, Louis, and the hopeless romantic Cajun firefly, Ray—to seek the help of a blind voodoo priestess, Mama Odie. Then, glorious music and magical whimsy elevate the duo’s odd relationship to something beyond friendship.



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'Avatar' claims six honours at Critics Choice Movie Awards

Acclaimed director James Cameron's much-anticipated 3D sci-fi epic "Avatar" became critics' favourite by bagging six honours at the 2010 Critics Choice Movie Awards.

"Avatar" claimed six honours all technical awards, including best action movie, best visual effects, best sound, best editing, best art direction and best cinematography, reports contactmusic.com. 

"Inglourious Basterds" came a close second by picking up three awards and "The Hurt Locker" recieved two of the event's biggest awards for best directing (Kathryn Bigelow) and best picture.

Rob Marshall's "Nine" became the night's big flop. Despite scoring 10 nominations for the awards last month, the musical-romantic film was completely shut out.

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67th Annual Golden Globe Awards predictions

Yep, it's that time of year again: time to see who'll snub Seacrest on the red carpet, which celebs will be in the bathroom when their names are called, who'll deliver the drunkest acceptance speech, and just how many trophies Up in the Air will take home. But, there's a big difference between who'll win and who should.

Here are my best bets. Check 'em out and let me know your thoughts, but don't blame me if you don't sweep the office pool. And don't forget to tune into the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards, airing live on Sunday, January 17, 2010 on NBC.



Best Motion Picture - Drama

Nominees: Avatar, The Hurt Locker, Inglourious Basterds, Precious, Up in the Air

Who Will Win: Up in the Air

Who Should Win: Inglourious Basterds

Why: Avatar and Precious don't have legit shots at winning. And with Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) members splitting their votes between The Hurt Locker and Inglourious Basterds, Up in the Air will take flight ... and the trophy.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama

Nominees: Emily Blunt (The Young Victoria), Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side), Helen Mirren (The Last Station), Carey Mulligan (An Education), Gabourey Sidibe (Precious)

Who Will Win: Carey Mulligan (An Education)

Who Should Win: Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side)

Why: The HFPA has a reputation for awarding ingénues. As a result, Ms. Mulligan will emerge victorious, unless of course Gabby Sidibe sneaks out the win. But Sandra's fans shouldn't fret; she has a real shot at winning an Academy Award come March.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

Nominees: Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart), George Clooney (Up in the Air), Colin Firth (A Single Man), Morgan Freeman (Invictus), Tobey Maguire (Brothers)

Who Will Win: George Clooney (Up in the Air)

Who Should Win: Colin Firth (A Single Man)

Why: Despite Firth's heartbreaking performance and Bridges' award-worthy work, Clooney will have to make room on his mantle for a third Globe simply because voters adore him.

Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy

Nominees: 500 Days of Summer, The Hangover, It's Complicated, Julie & Julia, Nine

Who Will Win: Nine

Who Should Win: 500 Days of Summer

Why: The HFPA will deem 500 Days too edgy, The Hangover too raunchy, and Meryl's two films unworthy compared to Rob Marshall's glitzy, glamorous, star-studded spectacular.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

Nominees: Sandra Bullock (The Proposal), Marion Cotillard (Nine), Julia Roberts (Duplicity), Meryl Streep (It's Complicated), Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia)

Who Will Win: Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia)

Who Should Win: Meryl Streep (It's Complicated)

Why: Sandra deserves her nom but doesn't have a shot. Marion deserves her nom but doesn't have a shot. Julia doesn't deserve her nom and doesn't have a shot. So, it's Meryl vs. Meryl. Despite the fact that I found Meryl way more appealing in Complicated, a performance in a biopic will always prevail.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

Nominees: Matt Damon (The Informant!), Daniel Day-Lewis (Nine), Robert Downey Jr. (Sherlock Holmes), Joseph Gordon-Levitt (500 Days of Summer), Michael Stuhlbarg (A Serious Man)

Who Will Win: Daniel Day-Lewis (Nine)

Who Should Win: Michael Stuhlbarg (A Serious Man)

Why: Damon, Downey Jr., and Gordon-Levitt aren't strong contenders in the race, and unfortunately, Stuhlbarg will be snubbed. As a result, DDL -- who, like Clooney is revered by HFPA voters -- will triumph.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture

Nominees: Penelope Cruz (Nine), Vera Farmiga (Up in the Air), Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air), Mo'Nique (Precious), Julianne Moore (A Single Man)

Who Will Win: Mo'Nique (Precious)

Who Should Win: Julianne Moore (A Single Man)

Why: With Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick splitting the vote and Penelope Cruz out of contention, it comes down to five-time nominee Julianne Moore and newcomer Mo'Nique. Personally, I think Julianne deserves the win thanks to a painfully underrated performance, but there's no doubt in my mind that Mo'Nique will win and deliver a mag'nifique acceptance speech.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture

Nominees: Matt Damon (Invictus), Woody Harrelson (The Messenger), Christopher Plummer (The Last Station), Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones), Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds)

Who Will Win: Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds)

Who Should Win: Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds)

Why: Let's be honest: Christoph Waltz gave one of the best supporting performances in recent memory. And with minimal pressure from his fellow nominees, he'll be waltzing away with his first, much-deserved Globe.

Best Animated Feature Film

Nominees: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Coraline, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Princess and the Frog, Up

Who Will Win: Up

Who Should Win: Fantastic Mr. Fox

Why: Up is a fan favorite and a critical darling. This is a no-brainer ... although I must say I feel Fantastic Mr. Fox is being robbed!

Best Director - Motion Picture

Nominees: Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker), James Cameron (Avatar), Clint Eastwood (Invictus), Jason Reitman (Up in the Air), Quentin Tarantino (Inglourious Basterds)

Who Will Win: James Cameron (Avatar)

Who Should Win: Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker)

Why: Bigelow deserves it more than any of the other nominees. And how awesome would it be to see a woman win, especially a woman who also happens to be one of James Cameron's many ex-wives? The drama surrounding this race is delicious, but the winner will be unappetizing.

Best Television Series - Drama

Nominees: Big Love, Dexter, House, Mad Men, True Blood

Who Will Win: Mad Men

Who Should Win: Big Love

Why: After delivering its best season and best performances to date, HBO's polygamist party more than deserves to be recognized by the HFPA. Unfortunately, voters are more concerned with supporting the buzziest show on the small screen. As a result, Mad Men will emerge victorious ... again. Boring!



FULL LIST

'Spider-Man' reboot: Who should play Peter Parker?

As anyone who reads The Daily Bugle knows by now, Tobey Maguire will not be back for Spider-Man 4. Neither will Sam Raimi, the director who kick-started the superhero saga back in 2002. And since Sony, the studio behind the Web-slinger franchise, has no intention of letting their cash cow dry up, it’s currently in the process of rebooting Spidey in a younger, more contemporary direction with a (presumably) younger, less-expensive actor as Peter Parker.

So we’re wondering, which of Hollywood’s hot teens and twentysomethings should be considered to don the Spidey suit? Here are a few possibilities. Afterwards, let us know who your candidates are.


Zac Efron Age: 22 Why our Spidey sense is tingling: He’s already proven that he can put teenage butts in seats thanks to High School Musical, and he ’s familiar with bizarre, supernatural bodily transformations thanks to 17 Again. He can sing, he can dance, he can smolder and brood (but not too threateningly, mind you). Heck, he can even convincingly shoot hoops! What can’t this guy do? Compared to belting out pop songs in the cafeteria, swinging from a web and tangling with Green Goblin should be a cakewalk.


Robert Pattinson Age: 23 Why our Spidey sense is tingling: Okay, he’s British, pasty, and he’s got a pretty busy schedule, what with all these Twilight movies you may have heard about. But if I were a Sony bean counter, I’d be stuffing the ballot box for this guy. After all, this could be the ultimate parasite blockbuster. Think about it: First, you cast Kristen Stewart as Mary Jane Watson, then you cast Taylor Lautner as Harry Osborn (i.e., James Franco’s role), then boom!…just sit back and watch the greenbacks pile up. If I ran Sony and wanted to retire to a private island, this would be my choice.



Daniel Radcliffe Age: 20 Why our Spidey sense is tingling: Because he’s about to have a whole lot of time on his hands. With the Potter films finally kaput, Radcliffe no doubt wants to show folks he’s more than just Hogwarts’ resident boy wizard — he’s a serious actor. What better way than to play a character whose great power brings great responsibility? Plus, we love the idea of Michael Gambon as a Dumbledore-ish Uncle Ben.


Shia LaBeouf Age: 23 Why our Spidey sense is tingling: First of all, he seems like the kind of guy who might actually read comic books. That’s a plus. Second, he won’t freak out when this thing blows up and becomes a monster hit since he’s already a franchise veteran (Transformers, Indiana Jones). Third, unlike a lot of teen-steam heartthrobs, he doesn’t seem like…well, a wuss. There, I said it. This can’t be emphasized enough. Please, if you insist on casting a new Peter Parker, do not cast a wuss.


Jaden Smith Age: 11 Why our Spidey sense is tingling: The star of the new Karate Kid’s dad, Will Smith, has made a ton of money for Sony over the years. So I’m guessing all he’d have to do is have pops pick up the phone and dial Amy Pascal’s digits and this things a done deal. Actually, the kid’s a good actor, too. But the Kryptonite-like power of nepotism is never to be underestimated.

Okay, now tell us who you want to see as Peter Parker…


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Uma Thurman to Costar with Robert Pattinson in Steamy New Film

Uma Thurman is set to help Robert Pattinson cut his teeth as a bad-boy journalist in Bel Ami, which begins filming next month.

China withdraws films in protest over Dalai Lama

Two Chinese films have been pulled from the 21st Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival in protest over a documentary about the life of the Dalai Lama.

Is Zoe Saldana The New Kate Winslet?

These days, the one word on every moviegoer's lips is "Avatar." With the box-office receipts soaring, the love story and special effects fueling repeat views, and Oscar-buzz building, it's unlike anything we've seen since ... well, the last James Cameron feature film, 1997's "Titanic."

Oscar hopes Avatar killed

I’ve never been a believer in the theory that Oscar voters have “slots” that they look to fill in the Best Picture race each year — the indie film, the blockbuster, the biopic, etc. That would imply that the entire voting body somehow decides on these things together, which obviously isn’t the case.

Sherlock Holmes sets Christmas day record

Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes took advantage of Christmas’ falling on a Friday this year to set a single-day record for the holiday with a $24.9 million domestic haul.

How Much Did Avatar Really Cost?

In Hollywood, the saying goes, the really creative folks are the accountants. Certainly the number-crunchers at 20th Century Fox, the studio distributing James Cameron’s costly and complex epic Avatar, will be kept busy over the coming months as box office grosses pour in and profit participators line up for their share. As ticket sales are tallied, and investors are repaid, the question will be, Was Avatar worth it?

‘Sex and The City 2′ Official Trailer

source:

http://allieiswired.com/archives/2009/12/sex-and-the-city-2-official-trailer/