Tamsin Egerton Image 1

Don't be fooled by Tamsin Egerton's gorgeous, posh-totty exterior.

The 21-year-old willowy glamazon, best known for her St Trinian's role of Chelsea Parker, reckons she's "tough as old boots" after being bullied as a child.

And she's fed-up of being stereotyped as a "dippy, funny, slutty blonde".

The 5ft 10in actress is determined not to be pigeonholed as a hot chick.

But it's hard not to think of her as that, sat a foot away in a Glasgow hotel.

She's jet-lagged and has only had two hours' sleep but you wouldn't think so.

Wearing a simple Mulberry dress in blue, which shows off her miles of leg, and with her tousled blonde mane framing an exquisite face, it's no wonder Tamsin is being touted as the UK's next big star.

She is the stand-out in Noel Clarke's new diamond heist film 4.3.2.1, which is out today.

And she's hoping the last few years of frustration at being stereotyped because of the two St. Trinian's films will be over.

"I'm in it for the long run," she said firmly. "I'm not a fashion plan."

There's a hint of steel in her plummy accent. And no wonder.

She may have been blessed with a perfect face and body but Tamsin hasn't had it easy. As a child, she was badly bullied and even had teeth knocked out.

The Hampshire girl, who started life as Tamsin Egerton-Dick, began acting at six when her older sister Sophia joined a youth theatre.

Tamsin's potential was instantly recognised and, at 11, she appeared with Anjelica Huston in the 2001 movie The Mists Of Avalon.

A year later she was on the West End stage as Mary in the Royal Shakespeare Company's musical production of The Secret Garden.

But her success made her schoolfriends jealous. She said: "I think going away to do jobs pulled me apart from the group, sectioned me off and made me different.

"When I went back to school, I wanted to be a kid and play Barbies with my mates.

"But they didn't want to do that. They wanted to be mean. My teeth were knocked out when I was blindfolded and someone smashed me into a pole.

"But now I'm tough as old boots. I really don't give a monkey's.

"Bullying is despicable and no one should get away with it. My bullies are all at uni and I'm living my dream."

Tamsin is also turning people's perceptions around. Her early work saw her go topless, aged just 16, in the 2005 comedy Keeping Mum, starring Rowan Atkinson.

She was the object of Harry Potter star Rupert Grint's affections in Driving Lessons before being the leader of the Posh Totty Tribe in the St Trinian's films.

"After the first St Trinian's, I spent six months turning down the same kind of part," she said.

"That meant I didn't work for a year.

"I didn't mind doing it for St Trinian's but not again and again. It became a Catch 22."

Step forward Noel Clarke. The Doctor Who actor has turned into one of the UK's hottest young writer-directors thanks to street-smart films Kidulthood in 2006, Adulthood in 2008 and now 4.3.2.1.

He wrote the script because he had been criticised for the lack of strong female characters in his first two films.

Tamsin had auditioned for Adulthood and although she didn't get the part, Noel was sufficiently impressed to sign her up for 4.3.2.1. She said: "Noel admitted he just assumed that I didn't have that depth, like people do, which is naughty."

The film will turn around Tamsin's career. She starts out as a naive teenager who wants to lose her virginity to the man of her dreams. By the end of the movie, she's a kick-ass girl with attitude.

"I do feel a lot less frustrated now," she admitted. "People are shocked that I have done this."

Tamsin, Emma Roberts, Ophelia Lovibond and Shanika Warren-Markland play four pals who become involved in a diamond robbery.

Her character goes to New York to audition for music college, and to hook up with Brett, a guy she's met on the internet who she wants to lose her virginity to. Was Tamsin as naive? While Tamsin, who lives in London's West Hampstead with three male friends who work in the theatre, won't talk about her personal life, she does confirm she currently has a boyfriend (reportedly Prince Caspian star Ben Barnes).

She dated Andy Jones, a footballer and former Hollyoaks actor, who she met on the set of Keeping Mum.

Two years ago, she was linked with Formula 1 champion Jenson Button.

She admitted: "I've been a naive little girl. I got my first boyfriend at 16 and was with him for a year. I thought I loved him. I've also had my heart broken. I've been severely unhappy for years after my first love and I broke up.

"Now I'm cynical. OK, I'm 21 but at least I know that in a relationship it can be perfect now but three months down the line anything can happen.

"You can build up a relationship for 10 years and in a minute something can be said and it can be over. And that's really scary."

Another thing Tamsin found daunting was her first sex scene, which she had to do for 4.3.2.1.

She said: "It was the most awkward thing I've ever done. In the scene, I pushed the guy and got on him really quickly.

"But Noel asked me if I could stand back, saying he needed a shot of my face with me looking at the guy longingly.

"I was covered, but not a lot. My character Cassandra is really straitlaced.

"She's very innocent. And she's a dreamer. She's romantic.

"I think I have this incredible romance and I'm going to lose my virginity on a bed of rose petals with champagne in New York. But it doesn't go to plan.

"And so my story really is facing the difficulties that come my way, especially with men. I grow a bit of balls, I suppose, in a figurative sense."

She's since done another sex scene in the recent BBC2 adaptation of Martin Amis's Money with Shaun of the Dead star Nick Frost. And this time it was easier.

"Half way through, Nick was talking about a chocolate owl he wanted from the canteen," laughed Tamsin. "He was funny.

"It was easier to do because I'd done it before. I was meant to be naked but I didn't think it was necessary. It was necessary for 4.3.2.1 because it's awkward. My character is doing it for the first time and we needed to feel comfortable.

"In Money, I was on top of him and didn't need to get them out for that. So I just put on sexy lingerie."

fans of St Trinian's have copied Tamsin mime for "Oh" (clasps mouth) "my" (clasps chest) "God" (clasps hands in prayer). It's done in playgrounds around the country.

And 4.3.2.1 has given her another catchphrase, this time for the Sex And The City generation – "You took my virginity and then you took my shopping".

While the other girls were left in London, Tamsin spent some time filming in New York, although she admits it wasn't very glamorous. There is also another great moment on a plane with Clerks director Kevin Smith in a very funny cameo.

She said: "It was all night shoots so I slept all day. But it's still exciting to do something like that and Kevin was amazing."

But it's clear Tamsin is very good at and comfortable with comedy. She's just finished Chalet Girl, which also stars Bill Nighy. But she's looking forward to doing roles that require her to cry a lot.

She's taking "baby steps" to find a role like Charlize Theron's Oscar-winning transformation in Monster.

And while St Trinian's may have limited her roles for a couple of years, she would still go back for another term.

"I'd love to do another one," she said. "I'd hate to think that's it.

"St Trinian's 2: The Legend Of Fritton's Gold was one of the best experiences of my life. But I'm getting older."

4.3.2.1. is released tonight in cinemas nationwide.

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4,3,2,1 star Tamsin Egerton reveals how school bullies toughened her up for …

MYFOXNY.COM – "Fringe" fans — get ready for one of the most shocking, season-ending plots to date. Actress Jasika Nicole, who plays Junior Agent Astrid Farnsworth, dished on the final episode.

• 'FRINGE' WEB SITE

OFFICIAL BIO

Jasika Nicole made her feature film debut in the ballroom-dancing movie "Take the Lead" opposite Antonio Banderas. She went on to star alongside Natasha Richardson and Molly Shannon in the James Burrows-directed "Masters of Manhattan," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" and "The Return of Jezebel James" with Parker Posey and Lauren Ambrose. Nicole will be seen next in the upcoming feature "She's Out of My League."

Originally from Birmingham, AL, Nicole attended Catawba College, a small private school in North Carolina, where she studied theater, voice and dance before moving to New York City to pursue a career in the arts. She starred opposite Bronson Pinchot in the title role of the musical "Chasing Nicolette," and has appeared in several stage productions, most notably in the off-Broadway '60s musical "Café a Go Go" and the world premiere of "Believe in Me…a Bigfoot Musical" at the 2004 NYC Fringe Festival.

While working on film sets and in various stage productions, Nicole began drawing and displaying her art work online. Her Web site, jasikanicole.com, has an enthusiastic fan base, and her illustrations have been commissioned and sold worldwide. She has a line of eco-friendly tote bags adorned with her drawings for sale online. In addition to freelance illustration, Nicole writes and draws an autobiographical comic entitled "High Yella Magic," which she is preparing to develop into a graphic novel.

Nicole currently divides her time between Vancouver, Canada and Brooklyn, N.Y.

Jasika Nicole

How does Cameron Diaz maintain those mile-long legs and billion-dollar grin?

Sex — and lots of it!

The 37-year-old actress tells British Vogue in its July issue, "I don't want to look 25 again," but acknowledges she looks pretty good.

PHOTOS: How Cam's love life compares to rival Kate Hudson

"The fountain of youth [for me], let's see…I guess it's exercise, healthy diet, lots of water, lots of laughter, lots of sex — yes, sex, we need that as human beings. It's healthy, it's natural, it's what we are here to do!"

And she says she's resisted plastic surgery — for now. "Yeah, well, hey. I'm not doing anything right now," she tells the mag. "But we'll see. So far, so good. But I'll never say never to anything."

PHOTOS: Cam, A-Rod and other undercover lovers

The Knight and Day star is less forthcoming about her current love life with Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez. When asked if she's in love, she demurs: "You know what? Yes I am. I'm in love with life."

The actress recently reunited with ex Justin Timberlake to shoot the film Bad Teacher together. Timberlake "plays the substitute teacher I, er, set my sights on," she says.

PHOTOS: Celebs share their bikini body secrets

In the comedy, she plays "a very, very bad gold digger" looking to fund a boob job. "I'm having the best time playing her," she says. Her character "doesn't give a s*** about anyone but herself. I'm sure we'll offend everyone with it, which is great."

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Cameron Diaz: "Lots of Sex" Is My "Fountain of Youth"

Ottawa Hills H.S. supporters party to buy a school bus

Guests at the Ottawa Hills Green Bear Ball enjoyed a beautiful evening in beautiful surroundings. Under tents at the Toledo Botanical Garden, about 325 people attended the event to raise money for the purchase of a new bus for Ottawa Hills schools.

Those attending enjoyed cocktails, a buffet dinner, and dancing into the wee hours. Diane Larson of WTVG-TV, Channel 13, did a great job as mistress of ceremonies.

Highlights of a silent auction were items made by elementary-school students such as decorated step stools, flower pots, chalkboards, and cake stands. A live auction later in the evening featured such items as use of vacation homes, a puppy, and a basketball signed by the Ottawa Hills basketball team that went to the state finals.

Based on early estimates, more than $50,000 was raised.

The steering committee consisted of chairman Doug Adams-Arman, Wendy Greeley, Mary Yark, Margot Estes, Andrea Licata-Bernath, Rebecca McLean, Heather Allen, Pam Byrne, Michelle Bassett, Sandy Hupp, and Amy Wagner.

Around the world for education

Nearly 300 guests attended Maumee Valley Country Day School's bi-annual auction recently at the Pinnacle in Maumee to help raise funds for the school. In keeping with the theme of Around the World in 80 Days, guests donned attire from around the globe for an evening of dinner and entertainment. Silent and live auctions included trips to New York, the Caribbean, South Carolina, and Colorado, 12 cars for 12 months, and a behind-the-scenes experience with actress Alyson Stoner, a former MVCDS student.

A beautiful rite of passage

YOUNG ladies in beautiful, full-skirted, white ball gowns were presented to society recently during the 46th annual Debutante Cotillion, presented by the Toledo Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club's Inc.

The more than 600 in attendance watched as the 25 debutantes were presented by their fathers or male figures in their lives, then waltzed with their handsome escorts clad in white formalwear in the beautifully decorated Great Hall of the Stranahan complex.

This was the grand finale of two years of preparation for the young women, from etiquette and dance classes to career seminars. As gifts, each deb received a pearl necklace, representing wisdom, and flowers, representing her ability to succeed and bloom.

Wearing wine-colored gowns, 17 debs-in-waiting were introduced. They eagerly participated in the proceedings while waiting for their turns next year.

Cotillian chairman Wilma Brown, president of Toledo City Council, was assisted by Deborah Carlisle, Beverly Tucker, Leola Haynes, Donnetta Carter, Phyllis Dunbar, Clara Brank, Denise Cardwell, and Sharon Green Gaines.

Thanks go to Bill Miller, who has taught the cotillion waltz since the first event, and Jackie Black, choreographer, who also worked with the young women and their escorts.

While all the debutantes are special, one is always selected as debutante of the year. This year it was Tessa Scott, a St. Ursula Academy graduate, who received a $3,000 scholarship. She plans to attend Ohio University in Athens this fall. She also won the Miss Congeniality award.

Santoria Sawyer, who plans to attend Ohio State University in Columbus, was first runner-up, receiving a $2,000 scholarship, and LaKalea Wilson was second runner-up, receiving a $1,500 scholarship toward her studies at Howard University in Washington. They all received trophies.

Erick Johnson was named Mr. Escort of the year, and Anthony Stanley was given a special award, Mr. Escort Plus, because he drove from Columbus for 11 straight weeks to learn the waltz with his sister, Tobria Layson, so she could be a debutante.

In addition, the University of Toledo presented scholarships to Isis Darks, Christal Jones, Carmellia Moss, Carly Ross, Taylor Walton, and Paula Williams.

Stritch benefit has tropical theme

Cardinal Stritch High School alums, friends, and fans were inspired by a Jimmy Buffet tune earlier this month with its fifth annual Stritch-A-Rita-Ville.

The gym of the Roman Catholic High School on Pickle Road in Oregon was transformed into a tropical paradise — tiki huts, palm trees, and tropical flowers — for the event, which raised more than $22,000, according to Emily Barry, vice president of advancement and recruitment for the Kateri Catholic School System.

More than 500 people in attendance got to enjoy a pig roast presented by Chris Fisher, who has two children attending the school. Donating food for the grazing stations were Ralphies, Lucky's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Papa John's Pizza, and Snyders of Hanover. Greg Shephard, ‘86, who with his wife, Heather, owns Stadium Salsa, donated chips and salsa. Desserts were provided by Michael's Catering.Entertainment included Aces Wild on dueling pianos, raffles, the toucan race, and, of course, margaritas!

OTT: Parties keep future leaders in mind

Maggie Grace Pictures: Maggie Grace arrives on the red carpet at the 2010 Crystal + Lucy Awards: A New Era held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza on June 1, 2010 in Century City, California.

The 2010 honorees were:

2010 Crystal Award for Excellence in Film – Donna Langley

2010 Lucy Award for Excellence in Television – Courteney Cox

MaxMara "Face of the Future" 2010 – Zoe Saldana

2010 Dorothy Arzner Directors Award– Lisa Cholodenko

2010 Kodak Vision Award – Cynthia Pusheck

Women In Film is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women achieve their highest potential within the global entertainment, communication and media industries and to preserving the legacy of women within those industries. Founded in 1973, Women In Film and its Women In Film Foundation provide for members an extensive network of contacts, educational programs, scholarships, film finishing funds and grants, access to employment opportunities, mentorships and numerous practical services in support of this mission.

The Crystal Awards were established in 1977 to honor outstanding women who, through their endurance and the excellence of their work, have helped to expand the role of women within the entertainment industry.

The Lucy Awards were founded in 1994 by Joanna Kerns, Bonny Dore and Loreen Arbus and are presented in association with the Lucille Ball Estate. They were named for Lucille Ball, who was not only a legendary actress and comedienne, but also a producer, studio owner, creator and director. They are given to recognize women and men and their creative works that exemplify the extraordinary accomplishments she embodied; whose excellence and innovation have enhanced the perception of women through the medium of television.

Photo credit: Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos

Maggie Grace Hot Style Pictures: Women In Film Crystal and Lucy Awards 2010 …

It's kind of staggering to me how many people have written off MacGruber without having seen it, and yet everyone I know who saw it at the SXSW Film Festival or at one of the many college screenings that have occurred more recently are kinda loving the thing. Let me give you a hint: if you ever typed a line about this film that involved the historic failures of "Saturday Night Live" turning 90-second sketches into feature-length films, you and your statement are officially cliches. The thing that separates MacGruber from the SNL-based films before it that the central characters never had the benefit of fully realized sketches in which any amount of backstory could be attached. So the writing team of star Will Forte, John Solomon, and director (and Lonely Island member) Jorma Taccone had the freedom to essentially start from scratch.

MacGruber is the first film since Hot Fuzz that really captures in parody form what was so great about '80s action movies and what made them essential viewing when I was growing up. And while Hot Fuzz focused more on adrenaline-fueled cop movies, MacGruber is more about explosions, secret government agencies, maniacal villains, high-tech weaponry, and more explosions. And did I mention that it carries with it a fairly hard-R rating? There's violence, more than enough man ass for one lifetime, and so much crude and disgusting language that I was forced to see the film a second time because I missed so much dialog from laughing the first time I saw it. As you can probably deduce, above all other things, MacGruber is downright hilarious in its juvenile antics and obsession with fireballs.

The premise is fairly straight forward. A villain named Dieter Von Cunth (say it out loud in a crowded room of women; you'll get it) has gotten ahold of a nuclear warhead that he intends on using against Washington, DC. The head of a special branch of the military, Col. James Faith (Powers Boothe, radiating authority) calls up Forte's MacGruber, who most people in the world believe is dead, to pull together his old team to pound some Cunth (ahem!). Among those on the team is Vicki St. Elmo (Kristen Wiig, who has updated her hairstyle to be more Farrah and less poodle). Although the SNL version of MacGruber may have implied that our hero and Vicki were a couple, according to the film, they were actually just teammates. MacGruber, in fact, was engaged to Vicki's sister, Casey (Maya Rudolph, shown in flashbacks and as a ghost), while the lovesick Vicki pined from afar. Col. Faith also wants MacGruber in work with one of his men, Lt. Dixon Piper (Ryan Phillippe), an idea that MacGruber accepts begrudgingly.

Due to circumstances much to funny to reveal here, MacGruber is unable to use his original team of soldiers, explosives experts, and other battle-trained mercenaries and is stuck with only Vicki and Lt. Piper. Kilmer returns to his comedy roots with a great mixture of classic '80s-style villainy (slicked-back hair, sunglasses, black clothes, habit of revealing his plan before he carries it out) and modern oily bad-guy gravitas. Forte plays MacGruber as part coward, part idiot, part genius. He's a decorated war hero (16 purple hearts), and the only American to be a member of the Green Berets, Navy SEALs and Army Rangers. But he still sports a magnificent mullet, which probably gives him his powers. I just find Will Forte hilarious. And if he doesn't make you laugh the first time, he'll try 50 more times to do so. MacGruber the film hits you with jokes with the rapidity and accuracy of machine gun fire. They may not all hit the mark every time, but eventually you're gonna get sprayed. And heaven knows Cunth will get licked.

I don't want to go through the film joke by joke, but there's a sex scene between MacGruber and Vicki that might be the single most animalistic, sweaty, stomach-turning mess in film history, and I loved it. Wiig has a tough time at points finding a purpose for Vicki, but she still manages to make her character count, and she gets laughs in the process. Apparently after she thought MacGruber died, Vicki became a singer-songwriter. The results of the career choice are featured in the film. Wiig is a genius. She's also on hand during the climactic moment in the film that is the only time in MacGruber when the familiar TV version of the character comes to life ("30 seconds, MacGruber!). If for no other reason, I appreciated the film because Forte and company did not build a movie that was simply as series of "MacGruber moments" like this. I certainly didn't miss them, and when one finally does appear in the final act of the film, the nostalgia factor makes the whole experience more fun. Hell, the whole movie is fun. And feel free to prejudge it if you want, but I'd be really curious to see what the prophetic naysayers say after actually bothering to watch it. If you still don't like it, maybe you need to have your throats ripped out MacGruber style. It's not the funniest movie of the year so far, but it's right up there.

Head to Ain't It Cool News for my exclusive interview with MacGruber stars Will Forte and Kristen Wiig.

Shrek: The Final Chapter

One of the chief and justifiable criticisms about 3-D movies is that they appear too dark when viewed through the required eyewear. Taking this into consideration, it seems especially bizarre that the makers of Shrek: The Final Chapter (formerly known as Shrek Forever After) would set so much of the film in evening or otherwise dimly lit settings. Some of the small children sitting near me at the press screening of the movie in Chicago simple gave up on the glasses altogether and happily watched the movie without them. That being said, this fourth Shrek installment is a worthy, if not spectacular, conclusion to the series that started out with two strong opening films and came crashing to an ugly milestone with its third chapter.

The problem with a franchise with this many episodes is that with each new chapter the temptation is to add more and more characters to an already crowded mix. Rather than beef up some of the creations already on display in the series, Shrek's creators feel obliged to add 50 new characters and truly muddy the waters just to get a few more famous voices in the mix. And believe me, on paper the roster of vocal talent is pretty impressive: Jon Hamm, Jane Lynch, Lake Bell, Kathy Griffin, Mary Kay Place, even Meredith Vieira. My particular favorite addition is Craig Robinson as the cook of the new ogre army that is preparing to storm in castle of Far Far Away and remove its current ruler, the devious Rumpelstiltskin (voiced to perfection by animator Walt Dohrn). But I'm getting ahead of myself.

The plot of Shrek: The Final Chapter is something of a retelling of It's A Wonderful Life, in which Shrek (still Mike Meyers) makes a deal with Rumpel where he gets to see what life would be like if he was still a fearsome ogre, rather than a boring, accepted member of polite society whose house is a tour-cart stop and whose life has become routine. In return, Shrek has to agree to give Rumpel one day from his life. Through a bit of trickery (Rumpelstiltskin's specialty), he picks the day Shrek was born and effectively creates an alternate universe in which Shrek never existed. (Not to get too nit-picky, but shouldn't he have picked the day Shrek was conceived rather than born? Just sayin'…) In this new world, Rumpel has turned Far Far Away into a nasty place guarded by witches.

Fiona (still Cameron Diaz) has become the head of a band of rebellious ogre outlaws who are planning a raid on the palace. To break the spell, Shrek must get this hardened version of Fiona to fall in love with him and kiss him. She has an embiggened Puss (still the very funny Antonio Banderas) as her pet, and Donkey (still the not funny Eddie Murphy) is still around, although he's completely unaware of who Shrek is or that he has fallen for and mated with a dragon in another life. I'll admit, seeing how characters' lives have changed as a result of Shrek never having been born is an interesting, albeit kind of dark, take on this world. Although the mixed message about the moral of the story is a bit weird (settling for bland and routine is good?), I do like that Shrek does discover that having friends and people who love him is better than being feared by the populace. That's a lovely message; it's also so wretchedly affable and squeaky clean that it may make you vomit.

I still have fairly fond memories of the first two Shrek films being so clearly not for children that I'm pretty sure I said so in my original reviews. Aside from the very clear anti-Disney imagery in them, there were just ideas and bits of playful nastiness explored in those movies that most kids probably wouldn't even get. I was excited that the take on the story was geared slightly more in favor of adults having a good time understanding the subversive jokes and kids just digging the pretty pictures and laughing at how silly Donkey was acting. Shrek: The Final Chapter has a bit of that, I suppose, but it chickens out by the end. The darkness of the alternate Far Far Away is a promising start, but it never quite gets there. Sure, I laughed a few time, especially at the fat Puss (too fat for boots), who can't even get his head around his enlarged neck to lick himself. Oh, the humanity.

There's not really any point in dragging out the a story synopsis or the list of reasons the film doesn't accomplish what I think it might have with a little more daring. And if the movie lives up to its Final Chapter moniker, it won't matter anyway. And for the record, the 3-D does not add an iota to the enjoyment of this movie. Do not be the least bit afraid that you're missing anything by seeing it in 2-D. If anything, you might actually see more by doing so. Shrek: The Final Chapter is a close call, but ultimately it's a forgettable conclusion to a once-promising franchise.

Mother and Child

I'm an enormous fan of writer-director Rodrigo Garcia, the former director of photography who went on to wow many critics and audiences with his debut feature Things You Can Tell Just By Looking at Her from 2000. He went back and forth between directing films and HBO series, including "The Sopranos," "Carnivale," "Six Feet Under," the pilot episode of "Big Love," and "In Treatment," a show he helped create for HBO. In the film world, Garcia seemed to focus on works with multiple characters whose separate story threads would find ways of intersecting and critical junctures in their lives. Nine Lives was another great films he helmed, and although his last long-delayed work — Passengers, starring Anne Hathaway — was borderline unwatchable, his latest work Mother and Child sees him coming back on track for the most part, telling the stories of three women of varying ages, all of whom have issues with children in their lives, although none of them are actually seen raising a child during the course of the film.

The common thread among these three women is actually adoption. Annette Bening's Karen is a physical therapist, with a bitter, judgmental approach to life and others. She takes care of her ailing, elderly mother (Eileen Ryan) and has no time for a kind coworker (Jimmy Smits) who finds himself attracted to her. We find out early that she has spent nearly every day since she was a teenager thinking about the little girl she gave up for adoption. Naomi Watts plays Elizabeth, a sharp attorney beginning a new job at a powerful firm run by Paul (Samuel L. Jackson, in a blessedly dialed-back performance). The two strike up a love affair that has unforeseen consequences for both of them. The connection between Karen and Elizabeth is made clear almost immediately. However, the more mysterious third party in the film is Kerry Washington's Lucy, married to Joseph (David Ramsey) and unable to conceive. The couple has turned to Sister Joanne ("24's" Cherry Jones) for adoption options, and clearly this decision is not an easy one on the pair.

What I've just spelled out for you is only the jumping-off point for these women, and each travels their own path toward expected and unexpected conclusions. Even a weaker screenplay could be made better by the caliber of the actors in Mother and Child. With the exception of the terrible remake of The Women, anytime Bening makes a movie these days, it's probably worth checking out. While Garcia's writing can get heavy handed and melodramatic at times, he does have a true gift for writing strong female characters, and this film is no exception. The twists and turns he puts his characters through to have their lives intersect are occasionally absurd, but they don't take away from the strength of his ideas. In all three cases, the issue of adoption causes strife in the relationships the three women are in, and those are among the film's strongest and toughest moments to watch, especially in the case of Lucy and her husband, who appear to be the strongest coupling of the bunch.

Mother and Child's big, emotional moments are often the film's quietest scenes. Too often in movies of late, yelling passes for emotion, but Garcia understands that crying is often preceded by long silences or soft talking. And you know what? Sometimes just having the privilege of sitting back and watching a group of great actors do their thing is its own reward. That's certainly the case with Mother and Child, a film in which the actors hold up the weaker edges of the script and the script gives the actors a chance to play their scenes with quiet dignity and power. There's no shortage of passion and drama here, and it made me pine for the days when high drama was a more revered part of the bigger studios' release schedule outside of awards season. The film opens today at the Music Box Theatre.

Princess Kaiulani

This is one of those rare films that is so staggeringly bland that the only thing this historical drama about the independence of the Hawaiian people has convinced me of is that this might be a subject not worthy of making a film about in the first place. I'm sure that's not true, but Princess Kaiulani's poorly constructed screenplay and acting that ranges from poor to dinner theater did enough to convince me that my time could have been better spent sorting my sock drawer than watching this achingly dull film.

Set in the late 1800s, the story center on the island nation that was in transition when the white Americans attempted to strip any voting rights away from non-land owners (a.k.a. most of the indigenous population). Barely a teenager when these events occurred, the princess (played by Q'orianka Kilcher of The Lost World), whose heritage is half Scottish/half Hawaiian, is whisked away to England as the situation in her homeland becomes too dangerous. She is schooled and raised in England, and even manages to fall in love with an young Brit named Clive Davies (Shaun Evans from Cashback) while making a new best friend in Clive's sister Alice (Tazmin Merchant, currently featured on "The Tudors"). But when Kaiulani discovers the unrest that has been taking place in Hawaii, she insists on returning and taking her rightful place and the royal leader.

She sets sail first to Washington, DC, to meet with the President Cleveland in hopes that he will decry the social injustices being inflicted upon the Hawaiian people, and then she moves on to Hawaii to reinstate voting and other rights, even as it becomes clear that the island has little use for royalty any longer. But the people still love her, and her word carries much weight throughout the island nation. In many ways. Princess Kaiulani is a documentation of the end of an era. As a postscript informs us, after the events depicted in this film, Hawaii went on to officially become the property of the United States and eventually a state.

Now the story I just told you sounds interesting, yes? But the way that director/co-writer Marc Forby lays out this story it feels stilted, never really getting below the surface of the times or issues. And while he scatters a few sort of familiar faces in the mix (such as Barry Pepper and Will Patton), Kilcher is simply not a strong enough actress to carry this film to the places it needs to go to be compelling. To put it politely, she's a beautiful, terrible actress. There's not getting past the fact that the locales are breathtaking, and perhaps if I were to have seen the film without any sound, I might have been more impressed. But every heartfelt speech feels like a debate-team argument, and every attempt at a tender moment falls flat with a hearty consistency. The messages in Princess Kaiulani are sound, and the story important. But the execution is appalling. The film opens today at the Landmark Century Center Cinema.

Kites

Where to begin. Remember Bollywood? Well, it actually never went away, but the access most Americans have to it has retracted somewhat in recent years, and that's a shame. I used to make a point of going to every single on that opened in Chicago and even sought out a few of the more famous ones on DVD, with and without subtitles. If the new release Kites is any indication, Bollywood has changed a bit since I was last somewhat submerged in it. First off, there's kissing, like, on the mouth kissing. It only happens in one scene, but it happens. Second, there was no singing. To clarify, there are plenty of music montages set to some lovely Indian pop tunes, but I'm pretty sure no one in the film is pretending to sing them. Also, there is no dancing with the exception of one scene in which the lead character, J (played by Indian superstar Hrithik Roshan), is teaching a Latin dance class. One thing that hasn't changed in Bollywood: everyone in it is an archetype of beauty and elegance, and emotions run hot.

The other interesting aspect to Kites (and if you have any interest in seeing the film, pay close attention) is that there are two versions of the film floating around the country. In urban areas (like Chicago), you'll probably have access to the original 130-minute version (which includes an intermission, which is weird). In other areas, like most of Indiana according to the press notes I received, the film has been cut down to 90 minutes or so and been renamed (I shit you not) Brett Ratner Presents Kites: The Remix. Now, I haven't seen the shorter Rat'ted-Out version, but I kind of want to just to see what Brett thinks middle America is more apt to digest from India. Characters in the film speak a mixture of Hindi, Spanish and English, subtitled when necessary, and that actually works considering the story.

The character J makes a living marrying women who are looking for green cards. Although he is Indian, apparently he's also an American citizen. One of the women he marries is Natasha (the beyond stunning actress from Uruguay Barbara Mori). Years later, J meets Gina (Kangna), the daughter of one of Las Vegas's most powerful casino owners, Bob. Just Bob (played by Kabir Bedi). To indoctrinate J into the family prior to wedding his daughter, Bob asks J to kill someone who has been cheating him. J comes up with a clever way not to, but Bob is still impressed. Bob's son is Tony, an old-school gangster type, who just happens to be engaged to Natasha. A secret love affair between Natasha and J soon commences (along with the aforementioned kissing — eek!).

Much of Kites involves people chasing other people, and even when these characters get battered and beaten and dirty and injured and bloody, they somehow manage to look marvelous — the cosmetically placed smudges on their cheeks perfectly match the color of their wind-swept, carefully crafted messy hair. It's a true art form. Every scene is staged like a photo shoot, the use of slow motion is intoxicating, and while I was actually in love with the acting style, it is soap opera-esque to a T. There's no way to watch this movie without laughing frequently, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. There is something kind of perfect about films that go to these lengths not to be subtle. And I happen to think Roshan is an incredible actor.

Kites is not a feel-good movie, although it is certainly entertaining enough throughout to make you feel pretty good most of the time. There is tragedy and heartbreak enough for 10 movies, but there is also an incredibly infectious joy and passion and spirit that runs right through the middle of this film and doesn't let go. Director Anurag Basu (Gangster, Life in a Metro) does a nice job blending the organized crime elements with the love story and action sequences. Kites may take you a while to get used to if you've never seen a Bollywood movie before, but I promise you, you've never seen anything like it, and I mean that in the best possible way. The full-length version of film opens today at the AMC Pipers Alley theaters, and for that reason alone, I'm sorry.

— Steve Prokopy / Comments (2)

MacGruber, Shrek: The Final Chapter, Mother and Child, Princess Kaiulani and Kites

Info:

• Series: Transformers, Cowboys & Aliens, Witchblade Feature Film, Unique, Meet the Haunteds, Atlantis Rising, Avengers, The, The Boys, Dylan Dog: Dead of Night, Marmaduke, Young Justice League

Plus: THE BOYS, MARMADUKE, YOUNG JUSTICE and more!

By Rob M. Worley     May 26, 2010
Source: Various

Has Jeremy Renner signed for 'The Avengers'? Plus: Ennis discusses 'The Boys'. 'Marmaduke' fun and games online. Sirtis voicing 'Young Justice' and more! Talking directly to the drone camera hovering high above the earth, it's your Comics2Film 10.5.26!

Platinum Studios Sign With ICM

Deadline.com reports that Platinum Studios, the comic-to-film company behind the upcoming 'Dylan Dog: Dead of Night' and the soon-to-lens 'Cowboys & Aliens', has signed on with the Hollywood agency ICM.

Platinum has been slowly built up by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg over the past decade or so. Rosenberg scored a hit early on when he plucked the obscure comic 'Men in Black' from his previous publishing concern Malibu Comics and worked it through the Hollywood system until it became a hit movie. Since then Platinum has obtained a library of 5600 comics properties, many of them from foreign publishers.

They were the producers of the 2002 Showtime original series 'Jeremiah' (based on the Belgian comic of the same name) and recently gained enough traction to get two of their movies into production. Their current slate of announced film projects includes 'Atlantis Rising' at Dreamworks, 'Meet the Haunteds' with director Steve Carr, 'Unique' at Walt Disney Pictures and 'Witchblade' with Top Cow Productions and Arclight Films.

The ICM deal will presumably allow them to broker more film deals. Strangely, they have separate representation at CAA for their TV projects.

MARMADUKE Photos + Online Fun

As we close in on the June 4th release date of the comic strip-based Marmaduke, 20th Century Fox has release some new images of the goofy Great Dane (voiced by Owen Wilson) , as well as some online amusement for the kids.

If you click over to TheMarmadukeMovie.com you can turn yourself into a talking animal. Youngsters can also play Jump & Fetch, Toilet B-Ball, Surfin' With Marmaduke and the ever popular Destructo Derby.

Marmaduke, the world's most lovable Great Dane, leaps from comic strip fame (appearing in 600 newspapers in over 20 countries) to big screen stardom. In this family comedy event, the "Duke" is helping his family adjust to its new life in Orange County, California. But fitting in with his new four-legged friends – and a potential romantic interest — isn't always easy for a super-sized teenage dog.

TRANSFORMERS 3 Girl Cast

Our long national nightmare has ended. The role of "hot eye candy" in the 'Transformers 3' movie, vacated last week by Megan Fox, has finally been filled.

Deadline.com reports that, as of last night, the producers have settled on Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for the part. Her contract still needs to be worked out, but all intentions are to hire her for the role.

Huntington-Whiteley is a Victoria's Secret model. She was recently tipped by GeekWeek as having won the part, although apparently the studio was still talking with ladies such as Sarah Wright and Brooklyn Decker as of yesterday.

In related news, over at MTV.com, actor Tyrese Gibson expressed his own dismay at Fox's abrupt departure from the franchise.

"I was sad about it, man. Genuinely," he told MTV News on the red carpet for the E! 20th anniversary celebration Monday night. "We built something here. We all did. We all put our own sauce and stamp and energy on this franchise."

Marina Sirtis Voices Villain on YOUNG JUSTICE

We had to follow a trail of links through various Star Trek sites to get to the root of this story:

Actress Marina Sitris, best known for playing Counselor Troi-Riker on 'Star Trek: The Next Generation', will provide voice talent for Cartoon Network's 'Young Justice' animated series. She revealed as much in a video interview with Toxic Pop during her recent appearance at the Motor City Comic Con.

She told TP she's playing a villain in the show, none other than Queen Bee and it will be a recurring role.

Thanks to CaptainSigma for the submission.

Ennis says Adapting THE BOYS to Film is "Simple"

Comics writer Garth Ennis told MTV Splash Page that adapting his current hit comic 'The Boys' for film is "reasonably simple", especially compared to his other work 'Preacher' (which has languished in development Hell for many, many years).

'The Boys focus on a tight-knit task force whose mission is to keep the world's corporate-controlled superheroes in line. While the core group of characters are Ennis originals, the superhero characters are largely riffs and spoofs on existing characters from the Marvel and DC Universes.

But while 'Preacher' was told as one long story in a series of graphic novels, the concept of 'The Boys' is much more encapsulated.

"Once you start plucking enough of 'Preacher' to make a two-hour film, you have to leave so much out of it. And once you start taking bits out of it, the whole lot collapses," Ennis explained. "On the other hand, it would be quite easy to take 'The Boys' and take the core team of five and just have them as a team that surveils and occasionally beats up superheroes. That's a simple enough concept that you could isolate it and put into a two-hour film as a self-contained story."

Ennis said he's not directly involved in the film development, aside from some early conversations with screenwriters Matt Manfredi and Phil Hay.

He also commented on the book's primary point-of-view character, an kindhearted Irishman named Wee Hughie who is recruited by the team in the first issue. The character, as drawn by co-creator Darick Robertson, bears a strong resemblance to actor Simon Pegg. However, Ennis revealed that having met Pegg recently, he now realizes he's too tall to play the diminutive Hughie.

Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye in AVENGERS?

Harry Knowles at Ain't it Cool filed a cryptic rumor report regarding 'The Avengers'.

According to some source, who may or may not be reliable that actor Jeremy Renner is "possibly" going to be in Marvel's 'Avengers' movie as Hawkeye.

Renner, who blew up in last year's acclaimed Iraq war movie 'The Hurt Locker', revealed last November that he had taken meetings with Marvel about playing the character in 'Thor' as a cameo and as part of the run-up to the super-group pic.

So is AIC hearing a re-hash of last November's story? Or is this new information confirming that Renner is on board? It's hard to say given the vagueness of the report. Knowles cautions his readers to take the typically-prescribed dosage of salt and admits that there's an element of confusion to his understanding of the information that's been given him.

If 'The Avengers' movie is loosely following Mark Millar's 'Ultimates' as its model then Hawkeye is a natural fit for the story. In the Ultimates storyline, he's simply a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent with a very specific skill set, much like Black Widow was depicted in 'Iron Man 2'.

What do you think, Maniacs? Is Renner a good fit for HAWKEYE? Post your comments below…

Rumor Redux: Jeremy Renner in AVENGERS?

Behind the Scenes

By Antracia Merrill-Moorings

Back In the Game: Former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland has signed a solo deal with Universal Motown Records, it was announced by company president Sylvia Rhone. “I think Kelly is an immensely talented, gracious, and beautiful woman, and I am thrilled about the opportunity to work with her on what’s turning out to be an amazing album,” said Rhone. “For an artist whose career began as a member of a landmark group like Destiny’s Child, Kelly has truly come into her own and I am deeply inspired by her incredible energy.” Rowland stated: “I could not be happier working with Sylvia Rhone and the entire Universal Motown staff. They have really embraced me and have set me up to succeed. I decided, after careful thought, to sign with Universal Motown not only because of their track record of success, but also because they truly put their artists first.” The news comes after Rowland was dropped as cohost and judge of Bravo’s “Fashion Show” for its upcoming second season. Despite the TV setback, Rowland just moved to Creative Artists Agency and has a new management team in place. She is currently in the studio working on her Universal Motown debut album, featuring the new international single “Commander,” with David Guetta, in addition to collaborations with Dr. Luke, Stargate, Salaam Remi, Ne-Yo, Rico Love, and Esther Dean.

Fashion Forward: Urban designers are still on the move, launching new exclusive lines and collections for mass market. According to Women’s Wear Daily, Kimora Lee Simmons will unleash a new trend-driven collection called Kouture. Unlike Baby Phat and KLS lines, Kouture is completely trend driven, rather than urban and streetwear related, Lee Simmon’s said. She added, “I wanted to do something that spoke to a different market for Macy’s… It sits in a different section. I wanted this to be crossover. I wanted this to be colorless and really about fashion. And, it’s what I call recession proof. It’s really important to say that. You can get a cocktail dress with a bustier top and satin skirt for 30 bucks. You can get a great jean for $19.99.” Kouture by Kimora is priced from $19.99 to $34.99 at retail and will be available in 150 Macy’s stores and online by July. Beyonce and Tina Knowles are also expanding their House of Dereon empire with a line of sheets, bedding and housewares.

Getting Real: The Style Network has announced a forthcoming reality series surrounding former Spice Girl Melanie “Mel B’ Brown. Titled “The Mel B Project,” the 10- episode run will follow the entertainer as she balances being a singer, actress, wife and mother. Viewers will also see her husband Stephen Belafonte and daughters Phoenix, 11, and three-year-old Angel, her child with Eddie Murphy. “Mel B is confident, hilarious and outrageously entertaining,” said Style Network president Salaam Coleman Smith. “Style is all about transformations and we love that Mel has evolved her image and sought new challenges throughout her career while also taking on the ups, downs and everything in between that come with motherhood and marriage. The series is scheduled to premiere on Labor Day weekend.

Briefly, Emmy Award-nominated actress Vanessa Williams, whose run as Wilhelmina Slater on the hit ABC dramedy “Ugly Betty” ended last month, will join the cast of “Desperate Housewives.” Williams is only the second black woman to star on the hit series, after Alfre Woodard.

This is part of the June 2, 2010 online edition of Frost Illustrated.

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Former Destiny's Child inks solo deal

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'Golden Girls' McClanahan dies

Anxiety and desperation may be a sign of our times — and not just for Christine, whose show was recently canceled. Television, which has always been much quicker to respond to social trends than film (where movies can spend years in development before they reach the big screen), could simply be reflecting the stresses of an era in which women have had to handle jobs, families and a recession.

"Television tends to lag a little bit behind what's going on in the real world, but these portrayals do reflect the changing reality of motherhood," says Martha Lauzen, executive director of the Center for the Study of Women in TV and Film at San Diego State University. "Part of this also could be attributed to the presence of women working behind the scenes, where perhaps female writers and producers are more willing to tell a more honest story of what motherhood is like."

Certainly, in committing to "Christine," Louis-Dreyfus was conscious of that dynamic. The actress spent a year trying to develop a show with a mother role for herself, before she hooked up with "Christine" creator Kari Lizer.

"I've learned that because television is so fast-paced — which I love — you have to rely on instincts and things you know without even knowing that you know (them)," says the actress, who has two sons, ages 12 and 17. "So I thought, 'The world of motherhood is a world that feels very, very familiar to me, and this is where I should go.'

"As a mom, there's all this pressure not only to raise your children correctly, but to make a living and to make a lot of money," she continues. "It's not possible to do everything well all the time, and I think that is portrayed on television very effectively."

Effective it may be, but it is certainly a marked departure from past TV moms — whether in the "The Donna Reed Show" in the 1950s or the "The Brady Bunch" in the 1970s.

"My girlfriends and I talk about the previous generation or the generation before, how that's what they had to look like and think, (and how they) were supposed to do all these things and be perfect," says Marcia Cross, a mother of 3-year-old twin daughters, who plays uber-anal homemaker Bree Van de Kamp on ABC's "Desperate Housewives." "Those Donna Reeds and the others set up an atmosphere for women that was just impossible to actually stand by."

Flawed moms have appeared on television before, of course, though not to this extent.

"The turning point with the truly flawed mom was 'Roseanne,' " says Tina Pieraccini, author of "Pink Television: Sixty Years of Women on Prime Time," "and it was reflecting society at that point, too, because the TV was expanding with cable and you could only have so many perfect situations. Between 1979 and 1989, there was really an increase in the working moms on TV. Also, they were starting to show some of the flaws, with characters like Carla (Rhea Perlman) on 'Cheers,' the single working mom."

The flaws have increased, even when today's TV moms are trying to emulate the perfect ones they watched on television.

For Cross' character, Bree, the irony is that her maniacal drive to be the perfect wife with the perfect home is the very thing that keeps tearing her family apart. But other TV moms, like her "Desperate" neighbor Lynette Scavo (Felicity Huffman), are also forever buckling under the strain of juggling family and work.

A prime example is Sarah (Rachel Griffiths) on ABC's "Brothers and Sisters," an accomplished career woman with an Ivy League education trapped in a Sisyphean cycle of personal and professional frustration. For Griffiths, this reflects the thinking of our era.

"In the '80s or '90s, we had the 'Top Gun' version (of life) where, if we try and we have enough will and enough courage and enough faith, we will succeed," she observes. "Maybe that part of ourselves has been bruised a little bit, and if we hold ourselves up to that example, we come up really short. Recent events, both in terrorism and in the global financial crisis, have humbled us all (and bred) resilience. And part of that resilience is saying, 'Sometimes we do our very best and it's not enough.' "

Is there a risk that, in conveying the notion that the best is not enough, these actresses might push their characters over the edge and make them seem too harsh? Griffiths' character, for one, has been described in very critical terms.

"I'm like, 'Really? Am I playing a bitch?' " she says. "God, if I'm playing a bitch, I guess we're all a bunch of bitches because our lives are pretty loaded and it's a struggle and there's certainly often not the time and grace to plaster the smile back on our faces and straighten out the apron."

Just how far to go is a question actresses and producers think about. Certainly, that was the case with the "Mother's Day" episode on "The Middle."

"Was the network ever worried? There was some question as to whether it was appropriate to have Frankie from the beginning saying, 'Mother's Day can be a real drag.' They felt that maybe she should come to that realization," executive producer Eileen Heisler says. "But the response that we got from moms was huge."

Adds fellow executive producer DeAnn Heline: "If we've ever danced on the borders of that, you like and relate to (Patricia Heaton) so much, we never hear anyone saying, 'That was too unlikable.' "

Others are more wary about causing audiences to lose sympathy for these characters.

In a scene where Lauren Graham was filming an argument with her TV daughter (Mae Whitman) for the season finale of NBC's "Parenthood," in which she loses her cool, "I said at the time, 'Is this too much?' " Graham recalls. "And there are so many parents on that set that said, 'No, it's not too much. We've all lost it.' "

While playing these moms poses risks like these, there are other risks too — like being seen in any "mom" role at all. Many actresses refused to audition for the role as Claire on ABC's "Modern Family," "because they didn't want to play the mother of teenagers," says Julie Bowen, who eventually won the part. "I said, 'Bring it on!' It was a brilliant pilot. I didn't care if I was the mother of Godzilla."

Scarier than transitioning into anti-mom roles, she says, is "the non-rite of passage where audiences don't buy you as anything but boobs on a beach. I would much rather gently be eased into my dotage on a fantastic show than have them say, 'Oh, she was cute back in the day.'

"The perfect mom isn't that funny or exciting or that interesting," she continues. "I was most worried, taking this job, that they would inevitably default to regular TV moms who stand there with a laundry basket going, 'Now, kids!' while the kids all screw up. I'm so excited whenever they make my character be the screw-up."

Emmy Watch: The rise of TV's 'Anti-Mom'

In today's edition of /Film LA, I take a look at the most interesting upcoming film events in the Los Angeles area: the unexplained phenomena of celebrity arrows hanging from telephone wires, Universal Studio's Halloween Horror Nights, a two-day tribute to Jamie Lee Curtis (featuring screening discussions with the actress), The House of the Devil with director Ti West in person, a double feature tribute to the late comic actor Dom DeLuise featuring appearances by Mel Brooks and the DeLuise family, and more. Hit the jump to learn more!

It's hard to drive around Los Angeles without noticing these strange arrows featuring the face of celebrities dangling from the telephone wires. They started popping up over the Summer, and I've had numerous conversations about what their purpose might be. you can watch a video about the arrows below:

We now have an answer thanks to LAist, who informs us that it is the work of the underground street artist known as Above.

Above flew to Los Angeles for 12 days and hung his new revised "Movie star arrow mobiles" in the heart of Hollywood giving Los Angeles a large dose of exactly what it obsesses about; movies and the actors that make the city of Los Angeles so uniquely scandalous. Taking 50 of each the top Male and Female Actors from Hollywood's past and present, Above was able to kick off the start of his 4-month long summer tour in the city of Los Angeles. 100 brand new wooden "Movie Star Arrow Mobiles" were hung in Hollywood and Los Angeles areas.

Universal Studios Hollywood launched “Halloween Horror Nights” earlier this month. the event takes place on consecutive weekends and select weekday nights through Halloween, Sunday, October 31. Remaining event dates are: October 15, 16,17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31. the event will begin nightly at 7 p.m.; closing hours vary by night throughout the event. Tickets are on sale with special deals on “Killer Deal Nights” offering up to $20 off regular prices. Here is more information from the official site:

“Halloween Horror Nights” mazes include “A Nightmare on Elm Street™: never Sleep again,” “Friday the 13TH™: kill, Jason, kill!,” Rob Zombie’s House of 1000 Corpses: In 3D ZombieVison” plus “Saw: Game On” and “Vampyre: Castle of the Undead.” Among the six “Scare Zones” is a new “La Llorona” experience, based upon the timeless Mexican legend.

“Chucky’s Revenge” – an all-new “Terror Tram” experience — plus an express visit to the new blockbuster attraction, “King Kong 360 3-D” Created by Peter Jackson and an all-new “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure” show are also featured within the event.

Guests at this year’s “Halloween Horror Nights” event at Universal Studios Hollywood will have the exclusive opportunity to board trams bound directly for the blockbuster new ride, “King Kong 360 3-D” created by Peter Jackson. for the first time, round-trip “Skull Island Express” tram rides are being offered only during “Halloween Horror Nights” as an added feature to the nighttime event and will be separate from the park’s famous “Terror Tram” backlot attraction. Universal Studios Hollywood’s favorite thrill-ride attractions will also remain open for “Halloween Horror Nights” nocturnal affair, many with menacing twists. Favorites include “The Simpsons Ride™,” “Revenge of the MummySM – the Ride” and “Jurassic Park® In the dark.”

Here are some behind the scenes videos behind the making of the event:

Rob Zombie's House of 1000 Corpses: In 3D ZombieVision

Friday the 13th: kill Jason kill and Nightmare on Elm Street: never Sleep Again

La Llorona

Friday, October 15th 2010 at 8:00pm: CineFamily at the silent Movie Theatre presents a screening of the 2009 independent horror film The House of the Devil with director Ti West in person. the movie will be shown as part of a double feature with Dead Alive. Here are plot synopsis and trailers from Cinefamily:

The House Of the Devil – 8:00pmDirector Ti West's birthday falls in October — fitting, as his first three films fit snug inside the horror genre. West feels no inclination to fit within the tropes of horror, though, opting instead to film the least expected. with master strokes and a modern eye, West focuses instead on killing main characters out of turn, turning red herrings into regular herrings, and throwing pacing off with non-events, which can really fuck with the viewers' expectations. Existing in the same thoughtful oddball horror-zone as Drag me To Hell and Let the right One In, the House of the Devil (2009) made waves with horror fans for its build-up driven plot and nods to horror classics. Co-starring horror cult faves Tom Noonan and Mary Woronov, this slow-burn mood piece tracks the fate of Samantha, a college student who unwittingly accepts the terror-wrought nightmare of her life after signing up for a babysitting gig with the creepiest couple this side of “Mom and Dad” from the People under the Stairs! Ti West will be here for a Q&a after the film!Dir. Ti West, 2009, 35mm, 95 min.

Dead Alive – 10:15pmYears before Peter Jackson was winning Oscars for family-friendly fare about cuddly Hobbits, he made this wildly enjoyable blood-drenched zombie comedy, one of the best pieces of splatstick ever made. after sharpening his blades with the lo-fi wonders Bad Taste and Meet the Feebles, the new Zealander co-wrote and shot this mad, over-the-top opus warning us all about the dangers of being bitten by a Sumatran rat-monkey. once that happens to the lead guy’s mother…well, let’s just say Bactine and bedrest ain’t gonna save her. Thus begins a cavalcade of squirting pus jokes, zombie babies, preening spleens, and possibly the bloodiest climax ever filmed. Who knew lawnmowers had a “zombie” setting?Dir. Peter Jackson, 1992, 35mm, 97 min.

Friday, October 15th 2010 – Saturday October 16th: The Aero Theatre in Santa Monica is holding a two day tribute to actress Jamie Lee Curtis. on Friday they have a double feature of Halloween and the Fog. Curtis will be appearing in person (a discussion with Jamie Lee Curtis) on Saturday for both an early afternoon screening of Freaky Friday and a nighttime double feature of A Fish Called Wanda and True Lies. you can purchase tickets to any or all of the events on Fandango.

Sunday, October 17th 2010 at 7:30pm: the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica is presenting a double feature tribute to comic actor Dom DeLuise who died in may. They will screen Mel Brooks' second feature film as director The Twelve Chairs (1970) and Anne Bancroft's 1980 film Fatso. the screening will feature an introduction by Mel Brooks (schedule permitting) and the DeLuise family.

Other Upcoming Events (previously featured in /Film LA:

• Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday this Fall: ElecTRONica at Disney California Adventure
• October 18th 2010:  The Ambassadors of Hollywood
• October 21st – 31st 2010: The Nightmare Before Christmas in 4D (composer Danny Elfman in appearance on the 2st)
• November 1st 2010: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: Q&a hosted by Guillermo Del Toro (Hellboy, Pan's Labyrinth), featuring filmmaker Edgar Wright and Bryan Lee O’Malley (the creator of the graphic novel, which the film is based upon).

/Film LA Announcements:

• Tip Us! If you have any tips or suggestions for future /Film LA updates, please e-mail us at orfilms@gmail.com. be it movie screenings, events, crazy photos of film related awesomeness found around LA — send it to us! if what you send us is cool, we promise to share it with the readers in the next edition!
• Subscribe! You can subscribe to the /Film LA RSS feed at this link or Subscribe to /Film LA by Email
• Archives! the /Film main page has a lot of stories. looking for back archives of /Film LA? Head to slashfilm.com/la!

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Bush thinks it's funny enough that he bought the rights to it, and he's producing a sort of test-run of the play at Capital Repertory Theatre.

If the title doesn't quite ring a Neil-Simon-size bell, the play is still something of a late '60s classic. it ran for almost three years on Broadway (with an original cast featuring Lauren Bacall, Barry Nelson and Brenda Vaccaro) before being made into the popular 1969 film starring Walter Matthau, Ingrid Bergman and Goldie Hawn.

Hawn, in fact, in her first major role, won her sole Academy Award as best supporting actress in the film.

Bush, who is also directing the Capital Rep production, says the show is "the story of a dentist, who, in order to stay a free-and-swinging bachelor of the 1960s, has told the girl he's dating that he's married, when he's not. Then, suddenly, when he decides that he wants to marry her, it creates all kinds of complications because she insists on meeting the wife."

"So he gets his stern and staid, old-maid nurse to pose as his wife, and more complications ensue as the lies become more and more tangled."

"Cactus Flower" was written by Abe Burrows, and based on a French play by Pierre Barillet and Jean-Pierre Gredy, similarly called "Fleur de Cactus."

Burrows is best known as a "script doctor" and co-librettist for hot properties like "How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" and "Guys and Dolls."

Bush — who spent 25 years at the Manhattan Theatre Club, guiding plays like "Proof," "Doubt" and "Love! Valour! Compassion!" — says that he has the blessing of James Burrows, the playwright's son and the noted television director behind "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Cheers," "Big Bang Theory" and many other hits.

"He's partial, of course, because his father wrote it, but he agrees with me that it's sort of a little forgotten gem."

The producer/director says that "Cactus Flower" is a screwball comedy in the classic mode, but he is concerned that folks don't remember what the term means.

"It's a classic romantic screwball comedy from the time when they were still very popular. I find that people don't really understand what screwball means, though. they think it's The Marx Brothers running around slamming doors. I'll admit there is a fair share of door-slamming in this show, but screwball comedy is when something that a character does sends the world askew. The comic spring then winds up until some other character does something to release the spring and the world goes back to its proper order."

"In this play, let's just say the people that belong together wind up together."

Don Noble, who recently played Atticus Finch in "To kill a Mockingbird" at the downtown theater, stars as Julian, "the commitment-phobic dentist," in the show. He is joined by Toni Trucks and Lois Robbins in the key roles of Toni, the girlfriend with a heart of gold, and Stephanie, the spinster nurse and titular cactus flower.

Trucks, Bush notes, has just been cast in an upcoming "Twilight" film, but her contract allows her to complete the Albany run.

"I've come here to Capital Rep," Bush says, "to mount the production and see how the play stands up to an audience, and so far we're having a fabulous time."

Michael Eck is a frequent contributor to the Times Union.

When: in previews, opens 7:30 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Capital Repertory Theatre, 111 N. Pearl Street, Albany

Continues: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 3 p.m. Sunday. Through Nov 14.

Info: 445-7469; www.capitalrep.org

at a glance "CACTUS FLOWER" When: in previews, opens 7:30 p.m. Wednesday Where: Capital Repertory Theatre, 111 N. Pearl Street, Albany Continues: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 3 p.m. Sunday. Through Nov 14. Tickets: $35-$50 Info: 445-7469; www.capitalrep.org

Thursday, 14 October 2010

The film and television director Roy Ward Baker directed A Night to Remember, still considered the finest film to deal with the maiden voyage of the Titanic. He also made such notable films as the October Man, the one that got Away and Quatermass and the Pit. He directed Marilyn Monroe in her first starring dramatic role, in Don't Bother to Knock; Dirk Bogarde and John Mills in the cult western the Singer Not the Song; and Bette Davis as a monstrous one-eyed family despot in the Anniversary.

But his adept handling of diverse genres resulted in an under-rated reputation, his critics accusing him of lacking a personal style. his best films, though, demonstrate his skill at creating claustrophobic tension, and he brings a typically compelling, semi-documentary narrative drive to his meticulously researched account of the Titanic disaster that has made A Night to Remember a classic.

An only child, he was born Roy Horace Ward Baker in London in 1916, and educated at the Lyc

There's something about Katherine Heigl's big screen output lately that's become absolutely intolerable. Once thought to be a bright, sharp young actress, Heigl has settled into making dreadfully grating romantic comedies, pitching her charisma to a female audience seemingly ravenous for tales of flustered love with loathsome/lovable Peter Pan men. "Life as We Know It" moves Heigl into itchy dramedy territory, pawing motherhood clich

The couple's neighbors apparently heard the superstars shouting at each other when allegations first surfaced that Ashton had cheated on Demi.

"Demi was yelling at the top of her lungs, 'Go to hell you bastard!'" the neighbor told American tabloid the National Enquirer.

"later on, I heard a door slamming and Demi sobbing."

Recent reports claimed Moore and Kutcher have an open relationship.

Kutcher's alleged mistress Brittney Jones told RadarOnline that the actor shared intimate details about his marriage to the aging actress.

“Ashton said he and Demi have an open relationship and have threesomes often,” she said.

“I didn¹t feel at all like he had just cheated on his wife. It felt normal and OK.

“He said they share women, but he isn’t supposed to go off and sleep with women on his own.

"he explained that he and Demi had a deal where they had to share lovers. he felt bad that he had been with me and didn’t share."

Other reports have claimed Demi and Ashton are bracing themselves for even more revelations about their marriage.

"there is a lot more information to come out," a source told the PopEater website.

"if the two of them think this is all going to go away now that they have been seen together in public, they are mistaken. the floodgates have been opened."

Tags: ashton kutcher, demi moore

From tjfang

SACRAMENTO (AP) — Democrat Jerry Brown spent more money during the first two weeks of October than he has in his entire campaign for governor, but his billionaire rival still outspent him, according to campaign reports filed Thursday.

Brown spent $14.6 million to start the month, most of it on radio and television commercials. The spending spree came after a summer during which he had sought to conserve his cash.

It brings his total spending for the entire campaign so far to $25.5 million and leaves him with about $11.6 million left to spend until the Nov. 2 election.

Whitman reported spending $22.8 million for the same two-week period, bringing her total spending up to more than $162 million. That includes $142 million from her personal fortune.

Fundraising has been a question for the Brown campaign because the state attorney general faces a candidate who has a nearly bottomless bank account. Whitman's report showed that she had about $12.6 million left in her campaign account, although the former chief executive of eBay could write herself more checks.

Brown campaign manager Steve Glazer told reporters Wednesday that the Democrat has enough money for the race's final days.

"we expect to be able to match the Whitman campaign in both TV and radio," Glazer said. "we saved about $12 million for the final 13 days. we believe we'll be more than competitive."

Brown, who is popular in Democratic-leaning Hollywood, continued to collect contributions from famous names, including $25,900 from actor Warren Beatty; $25,000 from filmmaker George Lucas; $13,800 from DreamWorks movie studio found Steven Spielberg; $12,500 from Alan Horn, the president of Warner Brothers; $10,000 from Robert Iger, president of the Walt Disney Co.; and $5,000 from actress Sally Field.

He also collected $25,900 checks from Google inc., Wal-Mart Stores, inc., and new York Giants chairman Steve Tisch. Architect Frank Gehry gave him $5,000.

Brown is still raising money. On the day he filed his campaign report, he sent e-mails to supporters asking them to contribute $12 to mark the 12 days left in the race. He has raised a total of $37 million since forming an exploratory committee last year.

Brown, who was governor from 1975 to 1983, also has benefited from more than $21.9 million in spending by unions on his behalf, according to the California fair Political Practices Commission.

Whitman took in more than $260,000 of her donations in this period from out of state.

In addition to large contributions from bankers, insurance companies and American Indian tribes, Whitman got $25,900 from William Fry of Fry's Electronics, $25,900 from Google, $25,000 from Disney Worldwide Services, an affiliate of Disney inc., where Whitman was once an executive, and $25,000 from NASCAR CEO Brian France. Whitman was recently the grand master at a NASCAR race in Fontana.

She also received $1,000 from the Procter & Gamble good Government Committee—another former Whitman employer.

(© 2010 The associated Press. all Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

From blunt TV ads to friendlier backyard chats, they're straining to persuade women that it's the Democrats who are on their side and it's in women's vital interest to turn out and vote in the Nov. 2 elections that could give Republicans control of one or both houses of Congress.

In Seattle on Thursday, Obama told local women and others that "how well women do will help determine how well our families are doing as a whole." Accompanied by women who own businesses, he spoke in a family's backyard about the economy's effects on women and outlined ways he said his policies have helped them.

Later, trying to rekindle the enthusiasm of his presidential race, he all but ordered thousands of cheering supporters at a packed University of Washington arena to get out and vote, even though he's not on the ballot. Hoarsely shouting over the applause, he said, "If everybody that voted in 2008 shows up in 2010, we will win this election. we will win this election. but you've got to come out and vote."

Campaigning for one of the Democrats' female senators, Patty Murray, who is in a tight re-election fight, Obama attracted a bigger crowd than the 10,000 who could fit into the arena. The others moved to an overflow area set up in the university's football stadium, and the president ran through the stadium tunnel onto the field to greet them.

With the elections less than two weeks away and Democrats fearing big losses, candidates, party allies and others are joining Obama in seeking women's votes by hitting Republican opponents — in ads, mailings and speeches — on issues such as abortion rights. in every corner of the country, they are arguing that the GOP would erase progress American women have made under Democratic control of the White House and Congress.

The latest Associated Press-GfK poll underscores the Democrats' concern: Women long have leaned toward Democrats but, at a time of great economic unrest, those who are likely to vote now split fairly evenly between the two parties, 49 percent favoring Democrats, 45 percent Republicans. That's a significant drop from 2006 when Democrats had a double-digit edge. The current margin mirrors 1994, the year of a Republican wave that swept Congress.

Men usually break for Republicans, and they broadly favor the GOP this year, too.

Women could hold the key for Obama and his party as Democrats look to minimize expected widespread losses at all levels of government in a year when, particularly on the Republican side, female candidates top ballots in statewide races in Connecticut, South Carolina, California, New Hampshire, New Mexico and elsewhere.

Obama arrived in California later Thursday as part of a two-day swing to raise money for the Democratic party and campaign for Sen. Barbara Boxer, who is in a tight race with Republican Carly Fiorina. he attended an evening fundraiser, and is scheduled to visit Los Angeles today, where he will attend a rally.

Hope for the Democrats: a lot of women are undecided, and more than a third who are likely to vote say they could still change their minds before the election.

With that in mind, the White House, Democratic candidates and outside groups are reaching out to female voters.

Making it personal, Obama told the backyard group on Thursday he's determined to make sure that girls get as good an education as boys, particularly in math and science.

"As a father of two daughters, this is something that I spend a lot of time thinking about," he said.

He presented two women — Christina Lomasney, a physicist and president of a local metals company, and Jody Hall, who has five cupcake shops in the Seattle area — who praised the government for business help.

Besides the president, first lady Michelle Obama has campaigned on Democrats' behalf with a particular focus on women. She recently pleaded for their votes during a New York fundraiser that partly benefited the Women's Leadership Forum. She was flanked by Vice President Joe Biden's wife, Jill, and actress Sarah Jessica Parker of "Sex and the City."

Mrs. Obama reminded the crowd that her husband had named two women to the Supreme Court and that the first piece of legislation he signed as president was the Lilly Ledbetter Act to help women achieve equal pay.

Across the country, Democratic candidates and their allies are reaching out to women, mostly by casting their Republican opponents — some of them women as well — as out-of-step with their concerns.

The head of EMILY's List, Stephanie Schriock, recently warned voters in a speech that a Republican takeover of Congress — and Republican John Boehner as House speaker — would mean "a dangerous world." The organization, dedicated to electing women who favor abortion rights, had hundreds of female volunteers calling women in California urging them to vote for Sen. Barbara Boxer.

In Nevada, a new ad by the Service Employees International Union assails Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid's GOP challenger, saying Sharron Angle would force a rape victim who was impregnated to have the baby, and her ideas would hurt women's ability to get college loans, find jobs and have Social Security.

Elsewhere, Democrats have hammered Republican Ken Buck in Colorado's Senate race over claims of a woman who says Buck once refused to prosecute a case in which she said she had been raped. in Kentucky's Senate race, Democrat Jack Conway, trailing his GOP opponent in the polls, has an ad running that asks: "Why did Rand Paul once tie a woman up?" — a reference to an allegation of a college prank. And Washington Sen. Murray is assailing Republican Dino Rossi with an ad that accuses him of wanting to "turn back the clock" on abortion rights.

On Election Day a week from Tuesday, women could make the difference in a couple of dozen extraordinarily close congressional races scattered across the nation, and in a half dozen neck-and-neck Senate contests that could determine whether Republicans rise to power, among them Washington state, Nevada, Colorado, Illinois, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Women also could affect governors' races from coast to coast, including the biggest prizes of the year in Ohio, California and Florida.

Top Democrats publicly shrug off the notion that women are fleeing the party, but the intense focus by the White House and candidates on this generally reliable constituency shows a concern.

"One of the issues that separates us from the Republican Party is our advocacy on these issues," said White House senior adviser David Axelrod. "There is a very strong case to be made for the advocacy that we've shown and for our belief that getting fair treatment for women, whether it's in the workplace, in the health care system, in obtaining capital in order to start or expand businesses."

To promote that position, Obama's National Economic Council released a report on "Jobs and Economic Security for America's Women" — detailing small-business loans, child care tax credits and other programs aimed at women — and top aide Valerie Jarrett made the rounds on morning talk shows to promote his policies.

"Strengthening opportunities for women in our economy is a key focus of the presidents economic agenda," Jarrett wrote the White House blog.

For Democrats, the challenge over the next days is great.

Women are less tuned into the election than men, with just 54 percent of women who are likely to vote saying they have a great deal of interest compared with 67 percent of men, according to the AP-GfK poll.

Still, nearly half of women say they want to see Democrats retain control of Congress, compared with 41 percent who would prefer the GOP. Men are the reverse.

Women likely to vote also are more apt than men to say they trust Democrats more than Republicans — or they trust the two parties the same — on most issues tested, including creating jobs.

And 54 percent of women likely to vote say they'd like to see their own House member re-elected. It's a good sign for Democrats in a Congress where they outnumber Republicans.

LEBANON — To prepare for the titular role in “everybody loves Opal,” Paula Whitaker had to accept that sometimes stars must suffer for their art.

“Poor Paula gets soaked every night,” said co-star Brian Smith, with a laugh that may not be entirely sympathetic. “she gets water splashed on her constantly.”

The Lebanon Theatre Company will present “everybody loves Opal” this weekend at the Mechanic Street Playhouse, 10 S. Mechanic St. in Lebanon.

The play is the story of Opal, a naive, caring woman who lives on the edge of a junkyard. when three ne’er-do-wells stumble across her, they decide to do away with her in order to collect the insurance money, but instead grow to love the woman and change their ways.

“She’s a good person who doesn’t see the bad in anyone,” said Whitaker, who, like her character, shrugs off the nightly water attacks. “she just loves everybody.”

The play was first produced for Broadway in the early 60s and was written by noted playwright John Patrick. although it is rarely produced, director Jhon Marshall said the play is a crowd-pleaser.

“Opal provides a great role for an actress,” Marshall said. “It’s this sweet tender play that audiences fall in love with.”

The play provides the co-stars a chance to flex their comedic chops and show some heart as the con-artists who grow to care about Opal.

“he ain’t too bright,” said Smith, slipping into the drawl he affects to play Solomon Bozo, the gang’s leader. “he goes from being an angry hustler to a more sensitive role. He’s funny but doesn’t know he’s funny.”

Even though Snow Wilfong said she is an upstanding citizen, she still sees pieces of herself in her character, Gloria, one of the crooks Opal takes in.

“she learns how to trust as the play progresses,” Wilfong said. “I think we’ve all been there.”

“I don’t know if I’m much like Opal, but I do admire her innocence,” Whitaker said. “Admist a world of anger and bitterness, she’s untouched by it all.”