Five Favorite Meryl Streep Performances

Five Favorite Meryl Streep Performances By Christy Lemire December 29, 2011 Photo by Timothy Clary/Getty Images LOS ANGELES (AP) How do you choose the best Meryl Streep performances? It's like trying to decide what kind of ice cream is best it's pretty much always going to be great, and while there may be a couple flavors you don't like as much, you're never going to say no to ice cream. Usually, you'll actively seek it out, and you'll be glad you did.That tortured metaphor helps set up an analysis of Streep's staggeringly esteemed career, with her latest transformative wonder her portrayal of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcherin "The Iron Lady" in theaters this weekend. Weirdly, Streep finds herself in the role of sentimental favorite as a potential Oscar nominee; while she has more nominations than any other actor or actress in Academy Awards history with 16, she hasn't won since "Sophie's Choice" nearly 30 years ago.So instead of choosing her "best" performances, I'll go with my five favorites. Dig in: "Kramer vs. Kramer" (1979): It's a supporting role, one which earned her the first of her two Academy Awards the film won five Oscars total, including best picture but she is completely in control of every scene in which she appears. This and "The Deer Hunter" provided early glimpses of the greatness to come, but here she's in the tricky position of playing someone we should hate from the start: a housewife who walks out on her workaholic husband (Dustin Hoffman) and their young son (Justin Henry). As a wife and mother of a little boy myself now, it seems unfathomable. But Streep turns a character who could have been a monster into a fully realized woman with needs and complexities, and somehow makes her a sympathetic figure. "Sophie's Choice" (1982): The accent, the agony: This performance set the standard for Streep's wholly convincing immersive abilities, and it earned her the Academy Award for best actress. As a beautiful Polish refugee with a haunting secret, Streep is both beguiling and heartbreaking. This is a larger-than-life figure from William Styron's novel but Streep makes her tantalizingly real in delicate ways. And the moment when she has to make the choice of the film's title is just devastating. That's partly because of the matter-of-fact way it's shot and edited, but mainly it's because of her reaction the vivid transformation she undergoes within just a few minutes. "Adaptation." (2002): What makes this performance so irresistible is that Streep isn't so obviously "acting." She lets loose, takes chances and genuinely seems to be enjoying herself. She's smack in the middle of writer Charlie Kaufman and director Spike Jonze's giddy, trippy funhouse, playing writer Susan Orlean, whose book "The Orchid Thief" stumped the real-life Kaufman (in real life and as played by Nicolas Cage) when it came time for him to turn it into a screenplay. Susan herself is fascinated with an orchid breeder played by an Oscar-winning Chris Cooper. While she's a serious author full of insecurities at the film's start she doesn't know how to feel passionately about anything the way she eventually chooses to seize upon pleasure and love is disarming. "The Devil Wears Prada" (2006): Streep is just withering here. That monologue about the significance of the color cerulean alone makes this movie worth watching. But the entire performance is a delightful reminder that, when given the chance, she can be a master of biting comedy. As Miranda Priestly, a towering, Anna Wintour-style fashion magazine editor, Streep could have been a cartoony caricature of high style and low manners. Instead, Streep finds the subtlety within her character's cruelty and brings her brilliantly brings her to life. She steals the entire thing away from young Anne Hathaway, who has the benefit of youth and Patricia Field as her costume designer and who is, theoretically, the star. "Mamma Mia!" (2008): This may seem like a weird choice. It did for Streep, as well. But while this ABBA-palooza can be cringe-inducing, Streep is just radiant. "Adaptation." suggested what it looks like when she gets a little goofy, but here we finally get a chance to see her let loose entirely, and she's clearly having a blast. Watching the woman who is considered the greatest actress of our time writhing around in overalls on top of a barn or belting out numbers in a sparkly, spandex jumpsuit and platform boots is a hoot. Streep was a fan of the Broadway show, which is obvious. And as she'd demonstrated in bits and pieces in previous films including Robert Altman's "A Prairie Home Companion" she really can sing. We're still searching for that elusive thing Streep doesn't do well.Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Five Favorite Meryl Streep Performances By Christy Lemire December 29, 2011 PHOTO CREDIT Timothy Clary/Getty Images LOS ANGELES (AP) How do you choose the best Meryl Streep performances? It's like trying to decide what kind of ice cream is best it's pretty much always going to be great, and while there may be a couple flavors you don't like as much, you're never going to say no to ice cream. Usually, you'll actively seek it out, and you'll be glad you did.That tortured metaphor helps set up an analysis of Streep's staggeringly esteemed career, with her latest transformative wonder her portrayal of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcherin "The Iron Lady" in theaters this weekend. Weirdly, Streep finds herself in the role of sentimental favorite as a potential Oscar nominee; while she has more nominations than any other actor or actress in Academy Awards history with 16, she hasn't won since "Sophie's Choice" nearly 30 years ago.So instead of choosing her "best" performances, I'll go with my five favorites. Dig in: "Kramer vs. Kramer" (1979): It's a supporting role, one which earned her the first of her two Academy Awards the film won five Oscars total, including best picture but she is completely in control of every scene in which she appears. This and "The Deer Hunter" provided early glimpses of the greatness to come, but here she's in the tricky position of playing someone we should hate from the start: a housewife who walks out on her workaholic husband (Dustin Hoffman) and their young son (Justin Henry). As a wife and mother of a little boy myself now, it seems unfathomable. But Streep turns a character who could have been a monster into a fully realized woman with needs and complexities, and somehow makes her a sympathetic figure. "Sophie's Choice" (1982): The accent, the agony: This performance set the standard for Streep's wholly convincing immersive abilities, and it earned her the Academy Award for best actress. As a beautiful Polish refugee with a haunting secret, Streep is both beguiling and heartbreaking. This is a larger-than-life figure from William Styron's novel but Streep makes her tantalizingly real in delicate ways. And the moment when she has to make the choice of the film's title is just devastating. That's partly because of the matter-of-fact way it's shot and edited, but mainly it's because of her reaction the vivid transformation she undergoes within just a few minutes. "Adaptation." (2002): What makes this performance so irresistible is that Streep isn't so obviously "acting." She lets loose, takes chances and genuinely seems to be enjoying herself. She's smack in the middle of writer Charlie Kaufman and director Spike Jonze's giddy, trippy funhouse, playing writer Susan Orlean, whose book "The Orchid Thief" stumped the real-life Kaufman (in real life and as played by Nicolas Cage) when it came time for him to turn it into a screenplay. Susan herself is fascinated with an orchid breeder played by an Oscar-winning Chris Cooper. While she's a serious author full of insecurities at the film's start she doesn't know how to feel passionately about anything the way she eventually chooses to seize upon pleasure and love is disarming. "The Devil Wears Prada" (2006): Streep is just withering here. That monologue about the significance of the color cerulean alone makes this movie worth watching. But the entire performance is a delightful reminder that, when given the chance, she can be a master of biting comedy. As Miranda Priestly, a towering, Anna Wintour-style fashion magazine editor, Streep could have been a cartoony caricature of high style and low manners. Instead, Streep finds the subtlety within her character's cruelty and brings her brilliantly brings her to life. She steals the entire thing away from young Anne Hathaway, who has the benefit of youth and Patricia Field as her costume designer and who is, theoretically, the star. "Mamma Mia!" (2008): This may seem like a weird choice. It did for Streep, as well. But while this ABBA-palooza can be cringe-inducing, Streep is just radiant. "Adaptation." suggested what it looks like when she gets a little goofy, but here we finally get a chance to see her let loose entirely, and she's clearly having a blast. Watching the woman who is considered the greatest actress of our time writhing around in overalls on top of a barn or belting out numbers in a sparkly, spandex jumpsuit and platform boots is a hoot. Streep was a fan of the Broadway show, which is obvious. And as she'd demonstrated in bits and pieces in previous films including Robert Altman's "A Prairie Home Companion" she really can sing. We're still searching for that elusive thing Streep doesn't do well.Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Money for nothing? Sounds good to me

Charlie Sheen made a lot of money as the star of Two and a Half Men, but he also cashed in as part of his settlement to leave the show.For years, I've written about people in Hollywood being paid exorbitant sums not to work. Executives fired with years remaining on contracts. Producers paid penalties because a pilot or series didn't get ordered. Actors signed to lucrative holding deals that amounted to nothing.Until recently, though, it never occurred to me this might be an option in newspapers. Then I saw reports that outgoing NY Times CEO Janet Robinson will be paid almost as much next year ($4.5 million) not to work for the company as she would have had she stayed in her job.Granted, Robinson's in management, but that's still a very Hollywood-style exercise in something-for-nothing from the Old Gray Lady. Moreover, it follows lavish severance packages to the former CEO of Gannett, which publishes USA Today, and execs at Tribune.Had I known this was even a possibility, I'd have explored auctioning off my non-services ages ago.So here's a thought -- or really, more like an alternative-universe fantasy, a la "It's a Wonderful Life" -- just in time for the holidays: Pool resources if necessary, and make an offer to put me out of your misery.To those who find my reviews obnoxious, ill-informed and occasionally mean-spirited (and you're out there; I have emails to prove it), it shouldn't take that much to exile me to a beach somewhere. My needs -- unlike my midsection, developed through painstaking years of cheesy food and sedentary TV viewing -- are relatively modest, especially by the standards of, say, what it took to un-employ Charlie Sheen.Without much prodding, I can think of several reality-TV producers who would welcome the opportunity to put me out to pasture -- and a couple of them could probably foot the bill out of petty cash. Either that, or from whatever dazzling pawn-shop/storage/gold-mining "finds" are unearthed during their shows.By the way, let's not be selfish and limit this proposal to me. My guess is there's a whole assortment of cranky critics and journalists who would happily keep their lacerating pans and pushy questions to themselves under the proper circumstances.So forget pay-or-play deals. Ante up, and a lot of ink-stained wretches would contentedly pass the time playing with Wii consoles, and watching black-and-white classics on TCM.Consider this one instance where ill-gotten Hollywood cash will actually buy you something tangible: Peace on Earth and good will toward men? Well, no, but at least less bad will toward absurd plot twists, groan-inducing punch lines and staged "spontaneous" moments.In short, by compensating critics not to criticize, you'd really be getting some bang (and by bang, I mean the serenity of absolutely no bang) for your bucks. How often can you say that?Early in my career, I vividly remember a senior executive getting unceremoniously dumped by his network (OK, ABC), and mentioning to one of his colleagues that it seemed like a shame."Are you kidding?" he asked. "Everybody should get fired like that just once."Although far too many journalists have been downsized in recent years, relatively few have experienced what it feels like to be fired "like that." At the risk of speaking for them, I'm confident many would be willing to learn.Wasteful? Maybe, but an accepted (if occasionally griped about) cost of doing business.As they say in latenight infomercials, there's more! Beyond just promising not to review your shows, I won't even watch them. In fact, I'll throw in that part as a bonus if you order right now.Oh sure, I hear naysayers and skeptics insisting how much we'd miss having platforms to vent our opinions, which is certainly true. Yet as much as I love the job, I don't relish the prospect of watching a few dozen midseason pilots between now and the Rose Bowl so much that I couldn't conjure another way to spend the time if pressed (and not incidentally, unburdened by concerns about mortgage payments).Conversely, I suspect many in Hollywood would secretly miss reading critical venom directed at others -- especially friends and neighbors -- but hey, you can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs. Contact Brian Lowry at brian.lowry@variety.com

Martin Freeman talks The Hobbit

Total Film recently flew to New Zealand to catch up with Martin Freeman, Peter Jackson, et al, on set of epic Lord Of The Rings prequel, The Hobbit.When we asked lead Freeman about the burden of taking on the title role of Bilbo Baggins, he replied with trademark humility: "I honestly don't feel that pressure, no.""I really, really don't. Of course, it is Bilbo's journey, but I didn't write it. I'm not directing it... It's not my film. It's Peter's film."Though Freeman seems like perfect casting for the diminutive hero (and despite PJ saying "there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us"), commitments to BBC TV drama Sherlock almost kept him from the role."I was sad but I thought, 'I'll just hate whoever plays Bilbo'," he told us with a wry smile.On the challenges of starring in such a vast production, he added: "The hardest thing is staying 'up' and peppy when you're covered in snot or mud, day after day... I'm sure there's more to come.""So far, what we've filmed has been more comic than heavy. I keep asking Pete [Jackson], 'When are we going heavy?' He assures me it's coming!"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey opens on 14 December 2012.For more on The Hobbit, get the new issue of Total Film magazine, which hits newsstands on 22 December 2011.Click here to subscribe to Total Film magazine.Click here to get Total Film magazine on iPad and iPhone from Apple Newsstand.

'Jack the Giant Killer' Trailer: When Beans Attack

On Friday, you will have the opportunity to exchange currency for access to a larger-than-normal-size room that has the new Sherlock Holmes movie starring Robert Downey Jr. ('The Pick-Up Artist') projected onto one of the walls. This is not the Sherlock Holmes movie that came out in 2009. This a brand new Sherlock Holmes movie that uses the secondary title, 'A Game of Shadows.' As a service, we answer every question that you could have about 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.' Q: Is this the movie in which Sherlock Holmes solves that whole Blair Witch mystery? A: You're getting 'A Game of Shadows' confused with the sequel to 'The Blair Witch Project,' which was titled 'Book of Shadows.' Q: What kind of games do the shadows play in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows'? A: No shadows play any sort of game whatsoever in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.' Q: Have you ever played a game of shadows? A: If by "played" you mean, "cast a shadow that resembles a rabbit with my hands," then yes. Q: In 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,' does any character directly reference a "game of shadows"? A: At one point Sherlock Holmes makes reference to "a shadowy game." Q: Did you enjoy 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows'? A: Not at all. Q: Did you enjoy the first Guy Ritchie-directed Sherlock Holmes movie? A: Very much, actually. It was one of my favorite movies of 2009. Q: So what's wrong with 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows'? A: It's as if someone took a look at the first movie and said, "Do you know what this movie needs? More guns. I mean, seriously, just a lot of guns and gun battles. Let's do that this time." Q: What was the most disappointing thing about 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows'? A: The character of Professor Moriarty. Q: Does this mean that you're not a fan of Jared Harris? A: The opposite, actually. First, I think he's excellent on 'Mad Men.' Second, for the small amount of screen time that he has in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,' he's good. But that's the problem, his screen time is very limited. Instead, we get a lot of guns. Q: Wasn't 'A Game of Shadows' the title of a song on Duran Duran's album, 'Seven and the Ragged Tiger'? A: No, you're thinking of 'Shadows on Your Side.' Q: What's the most unrealistic scene in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows'? A: Watson shoots a building with a tank... Q: Wait, what? Why is Watson in "a tank." A: Because Holmes and Watson have broken into an ammunitions warehouse. Anyway, Watson shoots a building that collapses on Holmes and Moriarty, who are fine. In fact, that the entire building just fell on the top of them is barely acknowledged. Q: Wait, why are Holmes and Watson in an ammunitions warehouse? A: Because it's owned by Moriarty. Holmes and the recently married Watson (whose wife is literally thrown off of a train and pretty much out of the rest of the movie) are trying to stop Moriarty from some sort of ridiculous scheme. Q: What is Moriarty's ridiculous scheme? A: In 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows' Professor Moriarty is basically an arms dealer who is trying to start a war so he can make money blah, blah, blah... Q: In the book series, was Moriarty an arms dealer? A: In the book series, in which Moriarty only appears twice, he's more of a secret organized crime boss. Q: How is Rooney Mara in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows' A: Rooney Mara is not in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.' You're thinking of Noomi Rapace, who played Lisbeth Salander in the Swedish version of 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.' Q: How is Noomi Rapace in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows'? A: I'm going to give Rapace the benefit of the doubt here and not put the entirety of blame on her, but she and Downey have only slightly better chemistry than James Franco and Anne Hathaway. Q: What's the best thing about 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows'? A: The chemistry between Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. Those two are still a lot of fun together on screen. I just wish that they were in a smarter movie. Q: How many references were in 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows' to the fact that Holmes and Watson may be lovers? A: I counted five. Q: If I'm a big fan of Rachel McAdams, should I see 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows' based solely on my adoration for Rachel McAdams? A: No. You're going to be very disappointed. Q: For you, is this the most disappointing movie of the year? A: Yes. Q: Do Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty have the ability to speak to each other telepathically? A: Quite astoundingly, if this movie is to be believed, yes, they absolutely do have the power to speak telepathically to each other. Q: How hard is it to say the main character of this movie's first name without sounding sarcastic? A: Very. I feel like every time I say "Sherlock," it's in the same tone as if I'm sarcastically saying, "Nice thinking, Sher-lock." Q: If you're going to be blurbed in this weekend's commercials for 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,' what quote do you hope is used? A: "What a genius movie you made here, Sher-lock." Mike Ryan, Moviefone Q: Based on 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,' how many degrees has Sir Arthur Conan Doyle rolled over in his grave? Just 180 degrees, or has he completed his full rotation? A: I'd say his full rotation is complete. You can contact Mike Ryan directly on Twitter Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Hot Trailer: The Lucky One

Australian director Scott Hicks (Snow Falling On Cedars, Shine) takes up this romantic drama based a Nicholas Sparks novel, The Lucky One, a good Iraq war veteran who travels to New York looking for the lady inside a photo he thinks is really a lucky charm that saved his existence. Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling, Jay R. Ferguson and Blythe Danner star. Script was modified by Will Fetters. From Warner Bros. Slated to spread out April 20.

New on DVD & Blu-ray, Week of Dec. 6: 'The Help,' 'The Hangover Part II,' 'Cowboys & Aliens'

It's another banner week for home video. There's five major theatrical releases and one foreign film coming to DVD -- a mixed bag that includes something for everyone: melodrama 'The Help,' comedy 'The Hangover Part II,' sci-fi Western 'Cowboys & Aliens,' spy thriller 'The Debt,' family film 'Mr. Popper's Penguins' and the delicious French thriller 'Point Blank.' Read on. 'The Help' What It's About: This compelling story of a group of Southern women during the early 1960s incorporates melodrama, politics and plenty of powerhouse acting. The drama revolves around young white writer Skeeter (Emma Stone) who returns home to Mississippi, only to become involved in the cause of the local black women -- maids, live-ins and all around nannies -- who have served their white mistresses for generations. Hoping to expose the horrors of segregation -- and make a name for herself -- Skeeter decides to write their stories; soon the "help" secretly meet her to tell their tales to her -- learning from their "tellings" how better to stand up for themselves and throw off their domestic chains. It's Kinda Like: 'Corinna, Corinna' meets 'Driving Miss Daisy' What We Say: 'The Help' offers a stellar cast of actors (in addition to Stone, there are standout Academy Award-level performances by Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia Spencer and Jessica Chastain) who rub up against a solid, believable and heartwarming script. The result: a genuine tug at the heart strings. It's a first-rate women's film that gives us a peek into an inequitable world of second-class citizens and the privileged white women who controlled their black help's lives. Like 2009's 'The Blind Side,' this is an uplifting film "that they just don't make anymore." • Extras: Deleted scenes and a pair of featurettes. Rotten Tomatoes Reviews | Buy DVD | Save DVD to your Netflix queue Watch a trailer: 'The Hangover Part II' What It's About: The "fearless foursome" of 'The Hangover' travel to exotic Thailand for Stu's wedding (Ed Helms) and, naturally, all hell breaks loose when what begins as an innocent round of beer around the campfire turns into another lost weekend. This one involves drug dealing, a crazy monkey, Buddhist monks, motorcycle hit men, tattoos and wild women. Director Todd Phillips transposes the original characters and story structure, adds more filth and raunch, and comes up with the highest-grossing R-rated comedy of all time. It's Kinda Like: 'The Hangover' meets 'The Big Boss' What We Say: 'The Hangover Part II' is to 'The Hangover' as 'Bruno' was to 'Borat': a pale imitation of the original. This is a nasty film that wallows in bathroom humor and "dirty" jokes. If you like the idea of a monkey licking a simulated penis, then the humor of this beastly outing is for you. Please make this the last one. • Extras: Several behind-the-scenes featurettes and a gag reel. Rotten Tomatoes Reviews | Buy DVD | Save DVD to your Netflix queue Watch a trailer: 'Cowboys & Aliens' What It's About: In this melding of science fiction and Western genres, Daniel Craig plays a wanted man who wakes up in the middle of the desert with no memory of his past and a mysterious metal shackle encircling his wrist. Turns out the nearby town of Absolution is under attack by aliens from outer space, who are abducting people for nefarious reasons -- experimentation, natch -- and the gunslinger, the townspeople, a tribe of Native Americans, a mysterious woman (Olivia Wilde) and the local land baron (Harrison Ford) and his minions team up to stymie the monsters. It's Kinda Like: 'War of the Worlds' meets 'The Searchers' What We Say: Director Jon Favreau and executive producer Steven Spielberg studied tons of Westerns and sci-fi films while working on this big-budget 'B' film, but it was all for naught -- the genre-bending oateater has none of the excitement of its forbearers. It's also humorless, slow-moving, predictable and, at times, just plain stupid. There's only one twist in the movie, and even that one is a dud. What a shame -- it's a great idea that certainly worked much better as a graphic novel. • Extras: Commentary by Favreau and a couple behind-the-scenes featurettes. Rotten Tomatoes Reviews | Buy DVD | Save DVD to your Netflix queue Watch a trailer: Other New December 6 Releases: 'Bobby Fischer Against the World': (2011) A searing portrait of a brilliant, yet troubled man -- chess prodigy Bobby Fischer -- using news clips and archival footage, as well as rare interviews with Fischer himself. 'The Debt': (2011) Story of three Mossad agents who endeavored to capture and bring to trial a notorious Nazi war criminal -- the Surgeon of Birkenau -- in a secret Israeli mission in 1966 that resulted in the man's death. The film jumps back and forth between the past and the present, where a man claiming to be the doctor has surfaced. Stars Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington, Ciaran Hinds, Tom Wilkinson, Jessica Chastain. 'Dragon Tattoo Trilogy Extended Edition': (2009) A four-disc set with all three 'Dragon Tattoo' films, encompassing nine hours with characters and plot developments only seen in European versions. 'Mangus!': (2011) Trailer trash comedy revolves around a high school senior who will do anything to fulfill his family's tradition of playing Jesus in the local annual production of "Jesus Christ Spectacular." 'Mr. Popper's Penguins': (2011) Jim Carrey's career takes another icey turn in this story about a driven businessman divorced from his wife and kids who's clueless when it comes to the important things in life until he inherits six, "adorable" and mischievous penguins from his arctic explorer father. 'Point Blank': (2011) A happily married male nurse working in a Paris hospital who saves the life of a wounded criminal must help the gangster escape or face the death of his kidnapped wife (and unborn child) in this exciting French thriller that takes viewers on an exhilarating non-stop ride through Paris' streets, subways, hospitals, warehouses, and police stations. 'Triple Tap': (2010) Hong Kong actioner about a cop who makes it his mission to bring down a media hero who single-handedly stopped an armored van robbery when it becomes apparent he was actually the mastermind behind the crime. Check out more December 6 DVD releases at OnVideo.

Beau Garrett falls in 'Lust for Love'

"Tron: Legacy" thesp Beau Garrett has joined the cast of helmer-scribe Anton King's indie "Lust for Love." Garrett, who also appeared in the cancelled CBS series "Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior," will star alongside "Dollhouse" alum Dichen Lachman, Fran Kranz, Enver Gjokaj and Miracle Laurie. Aussie star Caitlin Stasey ("Tomorrow When the War Began") also stars. "Lust for Love" tells the story of a bashful man (Kranz) who, after being dumped by his childhood crush, enlists help from the ex-girlfriend's best friend to win her back. Garrett will play the ex-girlfriend. Jack Wylson is producing along with King. Adam J. Yeend co-produces. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

TV Ratings: Saints vs Lions Wins Sunday for NBC, While 'Once,' 'Desperate,' 'Pan Am' Sink

Chris Graythen/Getty Images The New Orleans Saints' 31-17 victory over the Detroit Lions during Sunday Night Football was also a win for NBC. Preliminary ratings show the game giving the network a 5.2 among adults 18-49 for the night and an audience of 13.7 million, topping closest rival Fox -- which got a significant boost from football overage. NBC was down from three percent from the previous week's match-up, with the game bringing in an average 6.5 rating in the key demo and 16.9 million viewers. PHOTOS: Fall TV Death Pool: Which New Show Will Be Axed? The OT gave Fox's animation block a sturdy lead-in, helping struggling freshman series Allen Gregory tie its premiere high of a 2.4 in adults 18-49. Overall, the network averaged a 5.1 among adults 18-49 for the night and 12.6 million. The 7:00 p.m. block of overage was the night's highest-rated program. It averaged a 9.0 rating in the key demo and brought in 24.55 million according to early numbers. The Simpsons (4.0), Family Guy (3.5) and The Cleveland Show (2.5) were all up among adults 18-49 as well, posting double-digit gains from last week. ABC's Sunday line-up of America's Funniest Home Videos, Once Upon a Time, Desperate Housewives and Pan Am hasn't appeared in full in three weeks, and the return marked lows across the board. The network averaged a 2.2 rating for the night in adults 18-49, narrowly edging out CBS and pulling in the night's lowest total viewership of 7 million. Once Upon a Time, still strong, hit a new series low of 3.1 among adults 18-49, while Desperate Housewives and Pan Am fell to just a 2.6 and 1.6 rating, respectively. Third place CBS was also back with its regularly scheduled line-up after a block of Person of Interest repeats last Sunday. 60 Minutes (1.8) The Amazing Race (2.7) and The Good Wife (1.9) were all down a tic in adults 18-49 from their last original episodes, while CSI: Miami saw a boost to a 2.2 rating for the night. Sunday, Dec. 4, Preliminary Overnight Ratings: 7 p.m. Fox: The OT/Football overage (24.55 million viewers, 9.0 rating among adults 18-49) NBC: Football Night in America (6.3 million, 2.2) CBS: 60 Minutes (11.9 million, 1.8) ABC: America's Funniest Home Videos (5.95 million, 1.4) 8 p.m. NBC: Football Night in America (14.2 million, 5.1) ABC: Once Upon a Time (9.6 million, 3.1) CBS: The Amazing Race (9.6 million, 2.7) Fox: The Simpsons (9.0 million, 4.0) 8:30 p.m. NBC: Sunday Night Football - Lions at Saints (18.5 million, 6.7) Fox: Allen Gregory (5.2 million, 2.4) 9 p.m. NBC: Sunday Night Football - Lions at Saints (17 million, 6.5) Fox: Family Guy (7.05 million, 3.5) ABC: Desperate Housewives (8.1 million, 2.6) CBS: The Good Wife (9.8 million, 1.9) 9:30 p.m. Fox: The Cleveland Show (4.4 million, 2.5) 10 p.m. NBC: Sunday Night Football - Lions at Saints (15.2 million, 6.3) CBS: CSI: Miami (10.4 million, 2.2) ABC: Pan Am (4.7 million, 1.6) TV Ratings

Rogert Ebert's At the Movies Goes on Indefinite Hiatus

Roger Ebert Roger Ebert's At the Movies will go on an indefinite hiatus at the end of the year, Ebert announced on his blog. "Our public television program Ebert Presents At The Movies will go on hiatus while we find necessary funding," Ebert wrote Wednesday. "It was a sad but necessary moment of realism." Roger Ebert: We can't afford to finance At the Movies anymore Last month, Ebert pleaded for financial support as he explained that the series has been financed solely by a $25,000 backing from Kanbar Charitable Trust. The rest has come from the pockets of Ebert and his wife Chaz, both of whom are executive producers of the show."We hope our hiatus will be brief," Ebert added. "You have told us you like the show. And we now have options. A touching number of viewers offered to send us money directly...We will let you know as soon as that is worked out." At the Movies, which is hosted by film critics Christy Lemire of The Associated Press and Ignatiy Vishnevetsky of mubi.com, has produced 50 episodes since its January debut.

Jeremy Renner: 'Hansel And Gretel Witch Hunters' Is 'Gritty' And 'Fun'

Films like "Snow White and the Huntsman," "Jack the Giant Killer" and last year's "Red Riding Hood" all are part of Hollywood's recent trend in taking popular fairy tales and turning them into grown-up fare. Not to be exempt from the fun, Hansel and Gretel turn their interests from eating candy to killing witches in the upcoming film "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters," due out on March 2. The film has certainly evolved since it was first announced. At one point producer Adam McKay told MTV News he was eyeing some actors from the "Twilight" cast to star in the film under director Tommy Wirkola ("Dead Snow"). But that notion never moved forward. Ultimately Wirkola found his leading man and lady in the form of Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton, and the movie finished shooting earlier this year. I caught up with Renner when he was promoting "Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol," and he admitted that the film was definitely a spin on the classic fairy tale for the MTV generation. And that's exactly why he took it on. "It's in a wonderful fairy tale world that's a bit gritty, a bit fun. It should be a good ride," he said. "It's one of those movies that I wanted to do because of Gemma and because it was a fantasy, which is lighter fare than the other movies I've done, and I thought it would be fun to be a part of that world." Unlike other films of its ilk, "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters" takes place many years after the fairy tale look place. Let's just say having a witch almost eat them when they were children left the young candy-happy kids a bit emotionally scarred. "Fairy tale endings. Doesn't it sound like they're supposed to be happy? Well it's not. So it takes Hansel and Gretel, we last left them killing a witch as children after they were left in the forest to die," Renner said, setting up the plot. "It's many years later and they have a grudge against witches so they decide to become bounty hunters and they kill witches for a living. Sounds actually kind of the right thing, I suppose." Are you looking forward to "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters"? Tell us in the comments section below or on Twitter!

'Dallas' Trailer Featuring Cast Interviews Premieres (Video)

The Grammy Honours have simplified lower this years groups to a much more workable 78 groups, but that's not to imply that Wednesday's nominations didn't obtain share of surprises -- and snubs.our editor recommendsBruno Mars on 6 Grammy Nominations: 'It Feels Incredible'Grammy Nominations: Kanye Tops With 7 Nods Adele, Beyonce Among Album of the season Contenders'Bon Iver': Failing in the Album's Visual Helps (Video)Grammy Attacker and classy-Hop Ad Guy Steve Stoute round the 'Tanning of America' (Q&A) Surprises: Bon Iver personifies indie might: Possibly Kanye warrants some credit for showing Justin Vernon for the public when he labored with while using singer on his My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy album, and indie rockers Arcade Fire, too, for winning Album of year last February, but it's Bon Iver's self-titled second album that made audience, experts, industry players and fellow artists swoon. Epic soundscapes coupled with Vernon's genteel singing style hit all the sweet spots since the Wisconsin native totalled up four Grammy honours including Record of year, Song of year, Best New Artist and greatest Alternative Artist. PHOTOS: Grammy Award Nominees Chris Brown rules rap groups? Remember "Forever," "Yeah 3x" and "Together With YouInch -- all tunes that harken a noticeably different picture of Chris Brown, the R&B singer. But due to "Have A Look At Me Now," his collaboration with Busta Rhymes and Lil Wayne, Brown has acquired themselves a location inside the rap race. He's getting paper, okay, as three Grammy nods including Best Rap Performance and greatest Rap Song. The querry continues to be: could he perform around the program or are recollections of Grammy weekend 2009 still too fresh inside the minds of industry players? STORY: Grammy Nominations With the Amounts Skrillex makes his presence known: It is not everyday the electronic music producer is called just like a Best New Artist contender. Really, as DJs go, it's rarely happened, which can make La native Skrillex's five (!) Grammy nods much more unforeseen. Bloggers indicate title recognition among the elder Recording Academy membership. May be, or even people voters' youngsters are by means of saying thanks to. Snubs: Beyonce can get the Grammy brush-off: For that videos she's released this year along with multiple singles, honours show performances together with a four-evening stand at NY City's Roseland Ballroom, Beyonce only be capable of squeak out two nominations, one for top Rap/Sang Collaboration for "Party" with Andre 3000, another for top Extended Form Video. Being fair, B's 4 will be a late arrival, striking stores in June, but the fact it not successful to attain momentum after untold millions were spent marketing and marketing the album is tough to disregard. STORY: Complete Report on Grammy Nominees Tony Bennett is not any Herbie Hancock: While using high-profile collaborators he useful for his Duets II album (Rhianna, Mariah Carey, Willie Nelson as well as the late Amy Winehouse, incorporated within this) many expected legendary crooner Tony Bennett being this years Herbie Hancock and sweep multiple groups. Alas, the geriatric set appears like it is a less influential block laptop or computer reaches 2008 as Bennett received two nominations, one for top Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Body and Soul" (with Winehouse) and greatest Traditional Pop Vocal Album. Where for are thou, Promote individuals? Maybe Skrillex snapped up the most effective New Artist place from L.A. band Promote individuals, whose all pervading "Pumped Up Kicks" was commonplace in r / c both terrestrial and satellite across multiple genres. The beginners didn't go entirely unacknowledged, however. They're up for top Alternative Album against Dying Cab for Cutie, Bon Iver, My Morning Jacket and Radiohead. For most likely probably the most expected moment of nominations evening? It's title wasAdele, who was simply essentially a shoo-in entering the voting process, and, predictably, collected most likely probably the most nods for just about any female artist -- six in general, including Album, Song and Record of year. Beating the 21-year-old for the trophy will probably be a continuing climb for nearly any artist, but crazier all things have happened. Lest we forget a year ago when Katy Perry got shut within the her nominated groups, Eminem was banished for the rap category after delivering the finest seller of year, Arcade Fire needed the most effective prize then one stylish hop internet internet marketer put a easily fit into the NY Occasions. Update: An early on version need to know , incorrectly pointed out that Adele had 7 nods which Bon Iver was nominated for Album of year. Twitter: @shirleyhalperin PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 54th Annual Grammy Nominees: Kanye, Adele, Bruno Mars, Beyonce, Katy Perry Related Subjects Beyonce Chris Brown Herbie Hancock Kanye Tony Bennett Arcade Fire Adele Grammys 2012 Bon Iver

Ten Animated Shorts Move Ahead in Oscar Race

The Academy of movement Picture Arts and Sciences introduced the ten animated short films which will move ahead within the voting process for that 84th Oscars.our editor recommendsPixar's La Luna, Sony's Arthur Christmas Preview: Siggraph Animation FestivalOscars 2012: 18 Movies to Vie for Animated Feature Film Award The area continues to be whittled lower in the 44 films which were initially qualified for that category. One of the remaining 10 really are a Pixar short, a Warner Bros. Tweety and Sylvester cartoon in three dimensional along with a short from award-winning children's author William Joyce, The Great Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. Pixar has formerly won three Academy awards within this category. PHOTOS: Pixar's La Luna, The new sony's Arthur Christmas Preview: Siggraph Animation Festival Short Films and have Animation Branch people will choose 3 to 5 nominees from one of the 10 game titles around the candidate. Branch tests is going to be locked in La, NY and Bay Area in The month of january 2012. The Ten films competing for that title are: Dimanche/Sunday -- Patrick Doyon, director (National Film Board of Canada) The Great Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore -- William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg, company directors (Moonbot Galleries LA, LLC) I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat -- Matthew O'Callaghan, director and Mike Register, executive producer (Warner Bros. Animation Corporation.) La Luna -- Enrico Casarosa, director (Pixar Animation Galleries) PHOTOS: It's a Zoo This Year -- 23 Honours Challengers Featuring Creatures Luminaris -- Juan Pablo Zaramella, director (JPZtudio) Miracle Piano -- Martin Clapp, director and Hugh Welchman, producer (BreakThru Films) A Morning Stroll -- Grant Orchard, director and Sue Goffe, producer (Studio Also known as) Pathways of Hate -- Damian Nenow, director (Platige Image) Specky Four-Eyes -- Jean-Claude Rozec, director and Mathieu Courtois, producer (Vivement Lundi!) Wild Existence -- Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby, company directors (National Film Board of Canada) The 84th Oscars nominations is going to be introduced survive Tuesday, The month of january 24, 2012. The Oscars for outstanding film accomplishments of 2011 will be provided on Sunday, Feb 26, 2012, in the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Pixar's La Luna, Sony's Arthur Christmas Preview: Siggraph Animation Festival Academy awards Pixar Academy awards 2012 Honours Season Preview

France Honors Lenny Kravitz With Greatest Award

First Released: November 30, 2011 6:29 PM EST Credit: Getty Images PARIS, France -- Caption Lenny Kravitz works at Terminal 5 in NY City on August 31, 2011 France has compensated tribute to Grammy champion Lenny Kravitz using its greatest award, the Legion of Recognition. Culture Minister Frederic Mitterrand praised the 47-year-old singer-songwriter in a Paris ceremony on Wednesday, telling him you freed yourself from the obstacles between black and whitened seem. Kravitz told The Connected Press he got his first large break in a 1989 music festival within the western French town of Rennes that changed his career overnight. He stated Yes, it seems like a story book nevertheless its true. Kravitz was created to some black mother and whitened father, and the latest album, Black and Whitened America, takes up interracial issues particularly what his parents familiar with sixties NY. Copyright 2011 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Foreign exchange Announces Midseason Schedule

Foreign exchange has set its midseason selection, which will feature the return of Justified and Archer as well as the debut of latest animated comedy series Not being watched. The Next season of drama Justified will premiere The month of the month of january 17 after which air Tuesdays at 10 PM. Comedy Archer will open its third season The month of the month of january 19 and may air Thursdays at 10 PM. The animatedArcher will probably be coupled with Not being watched, whose premiere follows Archer around the month of the month of january 19 at 10:30 PM. Not being watched, that is animated by Archer executive producers Adam Reed and Matt Thompson, concentrates on two positive close buddies moving the harsh landscape of teenage existence and looking to accomplish what’s right without any parental guidance.The series, created and executive produced by Make the most of Rosell, Scott Marder and David Hornsby, features a voice cast including Justin Extended, Kristen Bell, Fred Armisen, Romany Malco, Kaitlin Olson and Alexa Vega, along with Rosell and Hornsby. Not being watched is produced by Foreign exchange Prods, in colaboration with Make the most of McElhenney, Charlie Day and Glenn Howerton’s RCG Prods and Floyd County.

OSCAR: Hugo Helmer Martin Scorsese Ponders 3D Future And How Taxi Driver Would Have Benefited

Martin Scorsese long ago established himself as one of the pillars of contemporary films, an auteur steeped in the history and culture of cinema who makes movies that are usually brutal, visceral and, quite often, Oscar-nominated too. His 2006 release, The Departed, finally brought him his best director Oscar, after five previous nominations left him just short, and the film also won best picture and two more awards that night. But anyone who thinks they have Scorsese pegged will be in for a shock with his latest, Hugo. Its a childrens story, based on the best-selling novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret, and its the filmmakers first foray into 3D. Less surprising is that Hugo revolves around the early days of cinema, with pioneering French filmmaker Georges Mlis (Ben Kingsley) playing a prominent role. And its figuring regularly in Oscar buzz. So, Hugo isnt entirely out of character for Scorsese. The director took a few minutes recently to talk to me about the influence of his young daughter on his latest film, his new-found embrace of 3-D technology, and what his Oscar wins in 2007 meant for his family. AWARDSLINE: What were you looking for that made Hugo fit so well as your first family film? MARTIN SCORSESE: The book by Brian Selznick is so compelling and beautifully done, particularly the illustrations. But the story, the mystery of it, really became interesting and I felt an affinity with the 12-year old boy, his isolation and ultimately his trying to find a reason for his life and its tragedies. Ultimately all of that gets resolved through the invention of cinema. AWARDSLINE: Youd found a personal frame of reference? There are also themes of film preservation, a passion of yours, and the origins of cinema. SCORSESE: That seemed to be like a natural. But really, it was mainly the young children that first got me involved with it. And the fact that it resolves itself with Melies and early cinema was something that kept drawing me back. Well, apparently it must have been that but I didnt quite realize it until I was shooting and friends in my life would say This is very much you. [Laughs] While I didnt think of that, all my close friends felt it was totally natural. AWARDSLINE: How long had you wanted to work in 3D? SCORSESE: Since I saw my first 3D film back in 1953, House of Wax. AWARDSLINE: As you watched 3D develop through the years, its gone from something that jumps out at you to an immersive feel. How have you felt about the evolution? SCORSESE: I have always been fascinated by it. Even before I saw 3D films, I remember getting a packet of 10 postcards that were stereoscopic from the late 19th century and looking at them through a little device. Then theres the wonderful View-Master which had beautiful stereo images. Not only did it immerse you in the picture, but was like a story. I was fascinated by depth and I placed such moments carefully in Hugo. There are a number of things that do pop out at you, but we tried to have our cake and eat it too. Ideally you dont realize the effect occurred. By the time its over, youre onto something else. It was about placing you inside this boys world; the memory of a child. If you think back at your childhood, you think about where you grew up and if you ever go back there, its different. It has a different feel to it from what a child sees and perceives. I thought that would be amazing in 3D plus the fact that he lives in the walls of a train station with the mechanisms of the clocks which always fascinated me. I remember a little glass ball of a clock that my grandfather had. He gave it to me. I was always fascinated because on the back of it, you can actually see magnified; the workings of a clock and since I was a child I was fascinated by that. AWARDSLINE: The technology certainly allowed you to see the inner workings of the clocks that are prevalent in the film. SCORSESE: I go back to that old clock my grandfather had and I still have in the house now and I was fascinated by that. Im not mechanically inclined but Im fascinated by the mechanisms, and what they suggest. The stories that come out of them. The measurement of time itself. Movies being the illusion of motion, and then it is seen and it is an experience that disappears–into time. And in many cases, it has strong, profound, powerful reactions that can change your life. It certainly did mine. AWARDSLINE: Theres a wonderful moment where an audience watching a moving picture for the first time scatters as a train rushes through the camera. In your life and career, what film innovation compares to that? SCORSESE: Well, two things really. It was the use of 3D back in 53. Obviously, there are two or three films better than all the others House of Wax, Phantom of the Rue Morgue and Hitchcocks use of it in Dial M for Murder. AWARDSLINE: What was the other? SCORSESE: Im going back to theatrical experiences for this one. It was the first use of wide screen and the Cinemascope image on a wide screen at the NY Roxy theater which was really very thrilling. But the 3D I preferred, because in the first use of Cinemascope, it was rather static, but the 3D was not for some reason, particularly in House of Wax. I was always fascinated by these technical innovations and never thought I would get to make one. It was only 2 years ago that I was talking to some filmmakers in Cairo of all places, saying 3D is going to be amazing, but that it has to be in the script. I said, Ill never get to make one but thats the nature of where everything is going anyway. Ever since storytelling started, whether it was rock paintings or campfires, or the Shaman, its been about telling stories with motion, color, sound and depth, which leaves you what? Holograms. AWARDSLINE: And just two years after saying you wouldnt make one, were talking about your first 3D film. What changed for you? SCORSESE: Well, the story of Hugo. The climate of what Jim Cameron did with Avatar and 3D seemed right and the subject matter was just perfect for it. And it was time to take a chance with it. AWARDSLINE: How did you feel after watching Avatar? SCORSESE: There was extraordinary visual storytelling in that picture. Cameron is a great innovator and leader in cinema. It made it (3D) very welcoming. If you suggest 3D, from that point on, it was taken seriously. But I just think 3D is open to any kind of storytelling. It shouldnt be limited to fantasy or sci-fi. Look at (Werner) Herzogs use of it (in Cave of Forgotten Dreams), Wim Wenders with Pina. It should be considered a serious narrative element and tool, especially when telling a story with depth as narrative. AWARDSLINE: Which of your movies might have most benefited from being shot in 3D? SCORSESE: Thats an interesting question. Lets seeAviator, maybe? Maybe Taxi Driver because of the intimidation of the main character , his presence is everywhere, a frightening kind of presence. AWARDSLINE: What was the hardest part about getting use to shooting with this format? There must have been a learning curve, figuring out how to frame shots to take advantage of that dimension. SCORSESE: The high depth was very helpful and beautiful to work with. The rigs we had at the time were big, and that was problematic, though we were luckily shooting in a studio so we could keep it on a crane and move it around. Now, the rigs are smaller and more flexible. As I lined up each shot, we had to rethink how to tell a story with pictures. And so each shot was a separate surprise, a separate journey, even though I designed a lot of the 3D effects in the movie way before shooting started. I just didnt want to waste the depth, even if it was a medium shot of a person speaking . This was something that [cinematographer Robert] Richardson, myself, my AD Chris Surgent, my second unit director Rob Legato. We all worked on it heavily, every day, adding to the frame, try things, making mistakes. Pull back, go forward, try something we werent supposed to do. This was the key. AWARDSLINE: Is it that much more challenging than shooting a 2D film? SCORSESE: Eliminating the idea of the heavier equipment which is now getting smaller and flexible, I dont think theres very much of a difference. It shouldnt frighten the filmmaker, it shouldnt be an obstacle or an impediment. Break through it. Think differently about it. Dont let people tell you what can and cannot be done. I shot the film in the way Im used to shooting. Its designed with editing, its a montage at times, but imagine somebody doing one long take in two hours in 3D, where the element of space really becomes part of the very fabric of the narrative, as we tried to accomplish here in our editing? Its so unlimited. So yes, there are certain technical issues to deal with as you go ahead and work on a picture, but those are choices you make and you work it through. I wouldnt be intimidated by it. You should really try and be bold. AWARDSLINE: Recently, 3D has been knocked as an excuse for studios to charge higher ticket prices. Now were seeing more filmmakers like you, Spielberg, Peter Jackson and Ridley Scott shooting in it. Would you prefer to shoot all your movies in 3D going forward? SCORSESE: Quite honestly, I would. I dont think theres a subject matter that cant absorb 3D; that cant tolerate the addition of depth as a storytelling technique. We view everyday life with depth. I think certain subject matters arent meant for 3D but you have to go back to Technicolor; when it was used in 1935 with Becky Sharp. For about 10-15 years, Technicolor was relegated to musicals, comedies and westerns. It wasnt intended for the serious genres, but now everything is in color. And so its just a different mindset. Granted once the technology advances and you can eliminates glasses that are hindrances to some moviegoers, so why not? Its just a natural progression. AWARDSLINE: This is a family film with a sophisticated message. What concessions did you make so that kids would be engaged in Hugo? SCORSESE: I have a young daughter whos going to be 12 in a few weeks. By living with her everyday, I began to see things differently. So I was always checking on how a child would perceive this, every frame, including the station inspector, all these tricks, his sense of authority which is subverted by his, at times, his ridiculousness. It was always about what would a child think about this scene? How would they see it? Thats why we had to heighten the look of the picture and the train station. We designed the picture to call back to a very special kind of dream-like palace that Ren Clair used or designed in 1930, to give a feeling of a fairy tale world, but yet to speak to a reality. The station inspector [Sacha Baron Cohen] might be funny at times, but he still has the authority to put children in the orphanage. So I always tried to see it through a childs eyes. AWARDSLINE: Your films always factor in the discussion during Oscar season. Youve been nominated five times as director before you won with The Departed. What was the most gratifying part of getting the Oscar? SCORSESE: I made Departed as an attempt at a gangster thriller. It was really remarkable that of all the films I made, that picture was singled out. And I think I was most happy for my family. Everybody always gets up and thanks their family, but the reality is that they were so excited, including a few of my aunts. One of my aunts just passed away, she was the last of my father and my mothers world. She was excited. She was in tears. It meant a great deal to them. Its not that (the award) doesnt mean a great deal for me, but it fulfilled a long journey that many were on with me. And it was very sweet. AWARDSLINE: Youve tried to adapt the Shusaku Endo novel Silence, about 17th Century Jesuits who risk their lives to bring Christianity to Japan. It isnt commercial, it has been hard to finance, but it looks like youll finally get your chance to make it. Why has it been so important to you? SCORSESE: My initial interests in life were very strongly formed by what I took seriously at that time, and 45-50 years ago I was steeped in the Roman Catholic religion. As you get older, ideas go and come. Questions, answers, loss of the answer again and more questions, and this is what really interests me. Yes, the Cinema and the people in my life and my family are most important, but ultimately as you get older, theres got to be more. Much, much more. The very nature of secularism right now is really fascinating to me, but at the same time do you wipe away what could be more enriching in your life, which is an appreciation or some sort of search for that which is spiritual and transcends? Thats one of the reasons why I made the George Harrison documentary. Silence is just something that Im drawn to in that way. Its been an obsession, it has to be done and now is the time to do it. Its a strong, wonderful true story, a thriller in a way, but it deals with those questions. AWARDSLINE: Are the questions youre asking here similar to the questions that drew you to Last Temptation of Christ? SCORSESE: Yes, but this is a different line of questioning. AWARDSLINE: We Catholics are always struggling for answers. SCORSESE: There are no answers. We all know that. You try to live in the grace that you can. But there are no answers, but the point is, you keep looking. Because people tell you science tells us everything. Science doesnt! They just have discovered these Neutrinos that go faster than the speed of light. And there is this idea that once we got to a point in the mid-20th century and now the 21st century where everything is known in a sense, right? Well, we dont! We dont really know everything. I mean, yes, we dont know what happened in the Big Bang, but we understand the idea of progress. But have we really progressed? Weve progressed on the outside, but what about inside? What about the soul and the heart? Without trying to sound pompous and ridiculous, I can tell you this is where my interest is. AWARDSLINE: When a director with your accomplishments keeps challenging his beliefs and asking questions like this, does that show youve still got the capacity for growth? SCORSESE: I hope! [laughs] I hope! Thats what Im trying for!

Taylor Swifts Fantastic American Music Awards Night With Her Brother

First Published: November 21, 2011 9:52 AM EST Credit: WireImage LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Taylor Swift and brother Austin Swift are seen at the 2011 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles on November 20, 2011Taylor Swift had a huge night on Sunday at the American Music Awards, winning three awards including Artist of the Year and she was overjoyed to share the experience with her brother, Austin. It really was wonderful that my brother was here to see that, Taylor told Access Hollywood guest correspondent Tim Vincent backstage at the AMAs. Hes usually at college. He goes to college and just lives a completely different life than me, the 21-year-old singer explained. To take him into my world for a second, it made me feel really good to be winning. Taylor was also excited to have close friend Selena Gomez in the audience on her big night. I was on stage, and I was just like, I love all my friends. I love my family. I love you, Selena. It was just this stream of consciousness because I honestly had no idea what to say, she said of her speech, where she thanked the fellow star along with her brother. Even after taking home three trophies, Taylor appeared to be in awe backstage. This is a huge night for me. I cant believe that tonight went the way that it did and that my fans were so amazing. Three awards-- its wonderful, she told Tim. I was hoping for one. You hope, thinking, Wouldnt it be cool to win one? That would be great. Then one happened, and I was like, This is amazing. This has been such a fantastic night. Then its just like, Oh, theres another one. Then theres the giant crazy category of artist of the year, she said. Adding, I cant believe that happened. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'The Iron Lady' Star Meryl Streep is Under-Appreciated (Analysis)

It's tough to reason why the actress Meryl Streep -- which has received 16 Oscar nominations (greater than almost every other guy or lady ever), a few which brought to wins -- is under-appreciated with the Academy. That, however, is strictly things i have felt the necessity to complete since screening the newest film through which she stars, Phyllida Lloyd's "The Iron Lady," this year's week.If anybody needed a indication that Streep might be the earth's finest living actress, this performance can it be. She transforms -- body, soul, and, obviously, accent -- into former British pm Margaret Thatcher, who's less than history's most enjoyable or encouraging character, but who's humanized with the actress to have an extent that we i i never thought imaginable. It's almost close to the indicate discuss the film overall, since Streep's performance so rules it. Sure, Alexandra Roach is excellent since the youthful version of Maggie Jim Broadbent does his usual solid character behave as the older version's put-upon husband Denis Thatcher and Alexander Thoughts are perfectly fine as Thatcher's political ally-switched-challenger Geoffrey Howe. However the truth is the truth that there's one reason to find out "The Iron Lady:" it features the most effective actress that individuals have working near the top of her game.The question, clearly, is if that's sufficient for your Academy, which has, on 14 occasions, nominated Streep but selected to recognition someone else -- including three in the last five years, even though she was perfectly worth victory on her behalf amazing be employed in "The Demon Wears Prada" (2006) and/or "Doubt" (2008) and/or "Julie & Julia" (2009). It is not like the performances that beat hers -- Helen Mirren in "The EntireInch (2006), Kate Winslet in "The Visitors" (2008), and Sandra Bullock in "The Blind Side" (2009) -- were substantially better. (Really, I'd reason why only Mirren's even might have been worthier.) Which is nothing beats Streep is unliked -- really, she seems being respected and revered by her peers. (Indeed, both Winslet and Bullock particularly acknowledged her within the podium when delivering their Oscar acceptance speeches, with Winslet saying, "In my opinion many of us can't believe we're in the category with Meryl Streep whatsoever!")How do we explain it?Here's my theory: lots of people -- including Academy people -- aren't exactly on the Oscar stats. Whatever they find out about Streep is always that she seems being nominated every year, which she doesn't campaign to win as strongly as her rivals, so, naturally enough, they conclude they remains properly taken proper proper care of over time ("She must have six Oscars at this time!In .) and isn't especially hungry for additional recognition ("Because situation, let's give someone else an chance this time around around!").The cold, hard particulars, however, tell another story, and may be noted by voters henceforth. Consider the next amounts...29 -- That number it has been since Meryl Streep last won an Oscar -- basically, an entire generation of people, including myself, came old without ever getting seen her honored on her behalf sort out the Academy.3 -- The quantity of best actress Oscars that Katharine Hepburn -- the actress to whom Streep is most often in contrast as well as the only other one which ever seems to top lists in the finest celebrities of-time -- had won when she was Streep's current age (62) Hepburn would look at win another to produce her total to four.1 -- The quantity of best actress Oscars that Streep has won. It came for "Sophie's Choice" (1982) her first Oscar, which came three years earlier for "Kramer versus. Kramer" (1979), was for top supporting actress. To put things in a few perspective, this really is really exactly the same volume of best actress Oscars that have been won by Cher, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, and Reese Witherspoon.2 -- The quantity of best actress Oscars that Hilary Swank has won. In mentioning this disparity I'm speaking about no disrespect to Swank, who's an incredible actress within their right... however think that even Swank would acknowledge it is a little messed up they has two occasions as much best actress Oscars as Meryl Streep. The Hollywood Reporter

Nick Cannon On Relationship With Mariah Carey: Were A Genuine Couple

First Released: November 17, 2011 4:56 PM EST Credit: ABC Caption Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon with twins Moroccan and Monroe on Basic steps 20/20LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Nick Cannon doesn't have trouble with wife Mariah Carey acknowledging in her own newest interview with Barbara Walters that they only trusts her husband sometimes. Thats us. Thats how it truly is. Were a genuine couple and that we dont pull any punches for that media, Nick told Access Hollywood at T-Mobile & Googles Launch of Google Music in La on Wednesday evening. Its as with every relationship, should you request a lady if she trusts a guy, shes certainly gonna say, Sometimes. Mariah really removed some misconception herself within an interview with Gayle King lately, as she marketed her Jenny Craig weight reduction, telling Gayle that troubles inside a past relationship triggered her to possess trust difficulties with males. And for that weight reduction of 30 pounds because the birth of Nick and Mariahs twins Monroe and Moroccan Nick stated he supported his wifes efforts. Its amazing that shes doing the work, Nick stated. Ive been happy with her because the beginning, this whole process being mom of the kids and knowing exactly what she experienced, and all sorts of the sacrifices that they needed to make after which to even recover is certainly impressive. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

's Time Warner Cable Really, Finally, Near To An Offer To Provide Cinemax Go?

It’s stange that the former corporate cousin of Cinemax — Time Warner Cable — continues to be greatest pay TV company that also doesn’t offer customers the chance to gain access to the Cinemax Go digital streaming service. But which will change “soon,” Time Warner Cable COO Robert Marcus informs Bloomberg. Marcus rejected to express what’s holding some misconception — and that we’ve been hearing for several weeks that the deal only agreed to be nearby. Still, if Marcus’ conjecture is correct, it means the Cinemax clients among TWC’s 12.1M customers will have the ability to watch shows for example Boardwalk Empire, Hung, Bored To Dying, and Real-time With Bill Maher when needed from Web-connected products including pills and cell phones. It’s vital that you Cinemax because TWC serves a couple of its greatest marketplaces, Manhattan and La. TWC and Cablevision would be the only major cable, satellite, and telco video companies that also don’t offer Cinemax Go.

Justin Bieber, Robert Pattinson, Jennifer Aniston Among People's Choice Nominees

Justin Bieber, Robert Pattinson, Jennifer Aniston Among People's Choice Nominees By Sophie Schillaci November 9, 2011 Photo by Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images Robert Pattinson Kaley Cuoco, who will serve as host of the 2012 People's Choice Awards, hit The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills on Tuesday, Nov. 7 to announce the lucky nominees for this year's ceremony.Joined by Elisha Cuthbert, Julianne Hough, Joe Jonas, Jennifer Morrison, Sharon Osbourne, Busy Phillips and executive producer Mark Burnett, the announcement marked the first day of voting in all 43 categories. Fans can visit PeoplesChoice.com to cast their votes until Dec. 6, 2011, where registered voters are automatically entered to win tickets to the show each time they participate. Options for voting are also available via Facebook, Twitter and Android mobile devices.The show is slated to air live on CBS from Nokia Theater, L.A. Live on Wednesday, Jan. 11. Now in its 38th year, the People's Choice Awards celebrates music, movies, television, and everything in between. The Hollywood Reporter Justin Bieber, Robert Pattinson, Jennifer Aniston Among People's Choice Nominees By Sophie Schillaci November 9, 2011 Robert Pattinson PHOTO CREDIT Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images Kaley Cuoco, who will serve as host of the 2012 People's Choice Awards, hit The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills on Tuesday, Nov. 7 to announce the lucky nominees for this year's ceremony.Joined by Elisha Cuthbert, Julianne Hough, Joe Jonas, Jennifer Morrison, Sharon Osbourne, Busy Phillips and executive producer Mark Burnett, the announcement marked the first day of voting in all 43 categories. Fans can visit PeoplesChoice.com to cast their votes until Dec. 6, 2011, where registered voters are automatically entered to win tickets to the show each time they participate. Options for voting are also available via Facebook, Twitter and Android mobile devices.The show is slated to air live on CBS from Nokia Theater, L.A. Live on Wednesday, Jan. 11. Now in its 38th year, the People's Choice Awards celebrates music, movies, television, and everything in between. The Hollywood Reporter

UPDATE: Viacom Says Nielsen Snafu Led To Decline In Nickelodeon Toy Ads; Forecasts Strong 2012 Despite Economic Headwinds

The Sumner Redstone-controlledentertainment giant says it will buy back $10B worth of its shares, up from $4B — which is sure to make investors happy. But they’ll also like the fiscal 4Q results: Viacom’s continuing operations had net earnings of $583M, up 19% from the period last year, on revenues of $4.05B, up 21.7%. Analysts thought revenues would come in at $3.75B. And earnings from continuing operations, at $1.06 a share, exceeded forecasts for $1.03. Paramount’s filmed entertainment unit was the star with revenues up 46% to $1.8B. The company says that was mostly due to the strong box office sales for Transformers: Dark Of The Moon. The media networks — the largest operation with cable channels such as MTV, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon — were up 8% to $2.3B. Ad sales were up 7% while rate increases boosted affiliate fees 11%to $883M. “Our financial position is as strong as it has ever been, which allows us to continue to invest in the growth of our businesses, including new branded television networks in the U.S. and internationally, and Paramount’s recently launched animation label,” CEO Philippe Dauman says. The studio is “benefiting from a disciplined franchise-centric approach that has produced an unprecedented number of hits,” headds, while the new stock repurchase effort shows “our confidence in Viacom’s long-term outlook.” The company spent $2.5B in the latest fiscal year buying back 19.7M shares, and has $7.2B left in its newly raised $10B authorization. Redstone says that the financial results illustrate “the value of our focused strategy and strong leadership.”

Screen Gems Closes Deal to Remake Toronto Sensation 'The Raid'

"The Raid" Well, it's official: Screen Gems has announced it's closed the deal on the remake rights for The Raid, the hot Indonesian action movie written and directed by Gareth Evans.our editor recommendsScreen Gems in Negotiations to Remake 'The Raid' (Exclusive)'The Raid' Director Signs with Management 360Toronto 2011: Hot Indonesian Action Movie 'The Raid' Sells Out the World (Exclusive) The pic won the Toronto Film Festival's Midnight Madness Audience Award and told the story of a SWAT team that becomes trapped in a tenement run by a ruthless mobster, armed with two highly violent martial arts killers and an army of machete-swinging, machine gun-toting dealers and thugs. THR/Heat Vision first broke the news of the remake in September. According to Screen Gems, "the remake will be produced by XYZ Films, which produced the original film as well. Evans will executive produce the project but will not write or direct this new English language film." And most interestingly, the fight choreographers of the original film will also be involved with this remake. That last part is key since a lot of the buzz generated from the movie is due to the on-screen showing of the Indonesian fighting form called silat. International

Still together, still crazy

Alums from the NY Comedy Festival, now entering its eighth year, include Came Carey, Susie Essman, Denis Leary, Margaret Cho and Louis C.K.Louis Faranda, Caroline Hirsch and Andrew Fox prepare another laff confab. Because the NY Comedy Festival comes into its eighth year this month, the huge event orchestrated by Caroline Hirsch, Andrew Fox and Louis Faranda from the Caroline's on Broadway comedy club appears like a highly-oiled machine, with more than 50 shows featuring the nation's top comics happening in Manhattan and beyond. But getting here wasn't as simple. Comedy never is simple. "It had been very hard whenever we began, without a doubt. It had been crazy in the beginning," recalls Faranda, who's the talent producer for that fest along with the club. "The very first two, 3 years were crazy, because you will find there's famous club, but i was not festival marketers. We were not theater marketers. But one thing that Caroline accustomed to tell me constantly was that people could get it done much better than anybody, because we live comedy, we live it and breathe it every single day in our lives." The concept for that fest coalesced in 2003 when Hirsch and company celebrated two decades of Caroline's having a large show at Carnegie Hall. "It had been this type of grand event, people had the optimum time,Inch the comedy impresario recalls. "Everyone was like, 'Oh my God, you must do this more frequently!' So that's the way it began. It had been additionally a way that i can use individuals who had graduated in the club and gone onto the concert circuit and that i could be involved."So by using her wife, lawyer and business connect, Andrew Fox, plus Faranda, Hirsch leaped to the festival biz. "The very first year we incorporated in regards to a 100 different comics within 20 shows through the city," she recalls. With Comedy Central along for that ride right from the start, it had been an excellent start. However things got rocky. Really, really rocky."Following the first couple of years, the 3 people, Caroline, myself, and Andrew Fox were fighting so bad, since it am crazy attempting to make it work," confesses Faranda, that has been the talent booker at Caroline's within the last 16 years. "Caroline was prepared to throw me out, and Andrew and that i were not speaking, it had been just nutty. It had been a level within the festival, because all of us finally made the decision that individuals would like to see us just fail and leave behind the entire factor. And that we were not likely to allow that to happen." The trio battled with the hard occasions, in what Faranda calls their collective "deep associations" with numerous world's top comics. "It's become to the stage in which the industry sees us as great producers. We now have won over their rely upon these eight years," he states. It's clearly assisted to possess Comedy Central within their corner forever that area of the puzzle of assembling a effective comedy festival really came easily. Mitch Fried, senior Vice president from the network's live entertainment, states, "I have known Caroline and Andrew Fox a very long time, then when Andrew contacted me initially concerning the festival, being it's within our backyard, we thought about being involved. "Caroline is among the leading people in the market if this involves knowing comedy and also the nuances from it, and getting an awareness from the different amounts of talent," Fried continues. "She's a significant eye, to determine that up-and-comer that has that potential. And that is something which Comedy Central is honored on too. We grow them on the way, and thus does Caroline. Therefore it would be a real natural fit between her approach and our method of comedy generally.InchMarketing the NY Comedy Festival with "just a little exposure around the network" at first has morphed right into a larger presence, both via TV and also the Internet. "We have grown it a great deal as time have passed by," Fried states. "We have extended what we should do pretty significantly. This past year we introduced a unique show known as 'Comics to look at,A that is really youthful comics who had didn't have exposure on tv before, that people chose together with Caroline's. We are streaming that demonstrate on our website this season. And we are also shooting the J.B. Smoove show throughout the festival to air afterwards the network, too."Plus, Fried was instrumental within the greatest alterations in the 2010 festival."I have had lots of heart-to-heart conversations with Caroline and Andrew about growing the festival out, which makes it bigger and larger," states the Comedy Central professional. "We actually desired to learn how to allow it to be more inclusive then sell more great comedy. It isn't nearly people in Manhattan, or NY City visiting the shows, it is the NY tristate area. People who reside in Connecticut and Nj and New York are likely to drive in or go ahead and take train directly into begin to see the shows, so why wouldn't you take it to the outer boroughs, too?"They're literally taking their show on the highway this season, going beyond such classic Manhattan venues as Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Radio City, Beacon Theater, Town Hall and also the Tribeca Center for Carrying out Arts they have used through the years, and at risk of newer and more effective places."We always spoken about visiting the Brooklyn Academy of Music, which year it had been available, and that we had the best person to get it done there, that is Sarah Silverman, therefore it made sense. And we are delivering Louis C.K. to Staten Island, so that's very worthwhile,Inch Hirsch states. "This is along with what we have produced in NY with New york city & Co. (the marketing arm from the city). A few days from the festival is known as Comedy Week, and it is a part of getting comedy towards the whole city. We've got some small shows in Queens, too, and J.B. Smoove come in Williamsburg."Adding venues and "quadrupling the amount of comics this season,Inch based on Faranda, is clearly great for business. "We have gone from selling 20,000 tickets early onto selling 50,000 tickets!" Hirsch announces. Include the "over $ten millionInch the annual Fully stand up for Heroes benefit kickoff event (this season featuring Jon Stewart, Ough Gervais and Bruce Springsteen) has introduced in, and there is little question the shaky start is lengthy behind Caroline and company."We'll put this festival on until I can not get it done anymore,Inch she vows. HIGHLIGHTSNov. 9What: The fifth Annual Fully Stand Up for Heroes BenefitWhere: Beacon Theater, 8 p.m.Who: Annual benefit for that Bob Woodruff Foundation, featuring Ough Gervais, Jon Stewart, Jim Gaffigan, Bruce Springsteen and also the Max Weinberg Large Band.What: Comics to WatchWhere: Carolines on Broadway, 7 p.m.Who: Jeffrey Ross hosts this showcase of up-and-coming comics, new talent hands-selected by Carolines and Comedy Central, also streaming on Comedy Central's website.November. 10What: "Wanda Sykes Live"Who: Wanda SykesWhere: NY Comedy FestivalWhat: "Back on Ground"Who: Russell PetersWhere: Carolines on Broadway, 7:30 p.m.What: "Louis C.K. Live"Who: Louis C.K.Where: Beacon Theater, 7:30 p.m.November. 11What: "That's What You'll GetInchWho: Bill BurrWhere: Carnegie Hall, 7:30 p.m.What: "The KnowledgeInchWho: Tracy MorganWhere: Beacon Theater, 8 p.m.What: "Louis C.K. Live"Who: Louis C.K.Where: St. George Theatre, Staten Island, 8 p.m.November. 12What: "Tired Hooker"Who: Kathy GriffinWhere: Carnegie Hall, 8 p.m.What: "A Night Time with Bill Maher"Who: Bill MaherWhere: Beacon Theater, 7:30 p.m.What: "Sarah Silverman and Buddies"Who: Sarah SilvermanWhere: Brooklyn Academy of Music, 8 p.m.November. 13What: "Existence from NY...Attorney At Law using the 'SNL' Writers'Who: Seth Meyers, Erik Kenward, John Mulaney, Colin Jost, Marika Sawyer, moderated by Steve GaydosWhere: Paley Center for Media, 4 p.m.What: "JB Smoove One-Hour Comedy Central Special"Who: JB SmooveWhere: Music Hall of Williamsburg, 7 p.m.What: "A Conversation with Ough Gervais"Who: Ough GervaisWhere: 92nd Street Y, 7:30 p.m.RELATED LINKS Comics flock to NY Comedy Fest Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Campion to direct Sundance/BBC small

Sundance Funnel and BBC Worldwide have inked an offer to co-produce "The surface of the Lake," a seven-episode scripted miniseries directed by "Vibrant Star" helmer Jane Campion and Garth Davis, and starring "Mad Males" thesp Elisabeth Moss and Campion's "Piano" collab (and Oscar champion for that role) Carol Hunter. The small, composed by Campion and Gerard Lee, will even star Peter Mullan and David Wenham, and will also be created by See-Saw Films' Emile Sherman and Iain Canning ("The King's Speech"), and Escapade Pictures' Philippa Campbell. It is the second scripted greenlight from Sundance now, using the net's first wholly-possessed project, scripted drama "Rectify," damaged by Variety the 2009 week. You will find more in the future, based on Sundance g.m. and professional veep Sarah Barnett. "We are carrying out a lot more than we have ever needed to scripted drama on Sundance," Barnett stated inside a phone interview. "You want to unveil a proper quantity of scripted shows." Requested the way the internet would distinguish itself from drama-centric sister cabler AMC because it ramped up its slate, Barnett stated she thought the city was large enough for the pair of them. "They are led by something which kind of defies formula, much like we," she stated. "You will find lots of great projects -- enough for everyone, therefore we don't be concerned about walking on toes." Contact Mike Thielman at mike.thielman@variety.com

See Frederick Gordon-Levitt, Matthew Modine and two Pink Under garments around the Group of 'The Dark Dark night Rises'

Matthew Modine was among the last stars cast by Christopher Nolan in 'The Dark Dark night Increases,' and the top-secret role was apparently from the heavy variety. In May, Showbiz411 author Roger Friedman says Modine would play Nixon, "a politician along with a key villain" within the long awaited 'Dark Knight' follow up. Awesome! Though knowing from all of these new set photos of Modine filming 'The Dark Dark night Rises' in NY, Modine's "Nixon" is not an regular politician. For just one, he comes with Frederick Gordon-Levitt's character and also the relaxation from the Gotham City Police Department for an additional, he likes experimenting with... ladies pink under garments? Really, maybe he's a politician. Browse the new spy photos ahead. 'The Dark Dark night Increases' Hits NY See All Moviefone Art galleries » 'The Dark Dark night Increases,' now filming in NY, hits theaters on This summer 18, 2012. [Top Photo: Jose Perez/Splash News] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Brett Ratner Is Hunting Eichmann

Tower Heist director targets MossadBest noted for commercial actioners and comedies such as the Hurry Hrs and also the imminent Tower Heist, Brett Ratner looks to become getting serious for just one of his future projects: a Nazi-hunting drama about Hunting Eichmann.Adolf Eichmann would be a high-ranking SS officer throughout world war ii, and one of the leading figures behind the conception and facilitation from the Final Solution: he organised the logistics behind the mass deportation / removal of Jews towards the ghettos and concentration camps of Eastern Europe.Following the war he fled to Argentina, where he labored like a foreman inside a Mercedes-Benz factory. He was finally located in 1960 through the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, attempted for crimes against humanity, and hanged in 1962, the only real execution ever to derive from a civil trial in Israel.Because the title indicates, it's his publish-war analysis and pursuit that concerns Hunting Eichmann, a thriller concerning the Israeli agents privately entering Argentina around the war criminal's trail. Ann Peacock (The Lion, The Witch And Also The Wardrobe) is writing the script, with Anthony Bregman (Eternal Sunshine From The Spotless Mind) creating for Mandalay Pictures.Eichmann was performed by Stanley Tucci in Frank Pierson's brilliant 2001 TV-film Conspiracy, by Thomas Kretschmann in Robert Young's 2007 Eichmann.

Robert Baruc to Large Air Galleries

Industry veteran Robert Baruc has became a member of year-old distributor Large Air Galleries as chief creative officer. Baruc has professional created a lot more than 30 films and acquired and promoted a lot more than 500 in to the U.S. marketplace throughout his 25-year career. "Among the top entrepreneurs of independent films, he's distinctively situated to steer Large Air Galleries with the high-level purchases approaching for Large Air within the year,Inch the organization stated. Baruc offered as leader of Screen Media Films from 2001-11. There he oversaw the distribution of Rebecca Miller's "The Non-public Lives of Pippa Lee" with Robin Wright and Keanu Reeves, "Sherrybaby" with Maggie Gyllenhaal, James Ivory's "Town of One Last Destination" with Anthony Hopkins and Laura Linney and "La Mission" with Benjamin Bratt. Large Air touts itself like a full-service distribution company centered on supplying genre-specific game titles using all platforms. Rocket Delivering and Large Air Galleries introduced two days ago that they acquired United States distribution privileges to Darren Bousman's horror-thriller "11-11-11" -- and intend to release the pic on November. 11 in 15 major U.S. marketplaces (Variety, March. 17). Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

'Harry Potter' DVDs Disappearing: Experts Weigh In

All "Harry Potter" DVDs are being pulled from store shelves at the end of the year, heading into Warner Bros.' vault for an as-yet-unknown length of time. Fans are understandably frustrated by the news first, no more new "Potter" movies, and now we can't even buy the old ones anymore? but perhaps there's a silver lining to be found. If there is, there's no one better to identify it than some of the top "Potter" experts and movie commentators floating around the blogosphere. We reached out to NextMovie's Breanne Heldman, Hypable's Andrew Sims and MTV's very own Terri Schwartz for their thoughts on the latest "Potter" news. Initial Reactions » Terri Schwartz: When Warner Bros announced this earlier this month, I was more peeved than anything else. It seems a bit silly to pull the "Potter" DVDs off shelves only a month and a half after the eighth and final film gets released on home video. I think it's hard to see this move as anything other than an attempt to get the "Potter" DVDs selling faster and in higher quantities. » Andrew Sims: I was surprised, and the most interesting part about the decision is that they're being pulled so soon after the holidays. Taking them off shelves just four days after Christmas seems like an impatient move. I think waiting until at least late January or February (to cater to those who may've set a Potter New Years Resolution) would've been better. Exploring The Logic » Breanne Heldman: With all the "Potter" films out of theaters and permanently available for purchase on home video, the cash cow dies, and so does some of the excitement for the franchise. This way, a few years down the road when the movies get re-released, enthusiasm can (and will) reach a fever pitch again, and this will likely effect the sales of more than just Blu-rays. » AS: I think Warner's idea is to make a big deal and pull them so it's a big Holiday gift, and then bring a new collection back next year. They'll announce that they're "reopening the vault" or something to that effect in late 2012 and promise new special features on an updated set. The "Harry Potter Home Entertainment Celebration" next month in Orlando will send a big "goodbye forever!" message to help push the sales. The Fan Response » AS: The fans so far have reacted pretty negatively. I think they've been thinking more about potential new fans who want to go out and buy the films after December 29th. New fans will be left with no options other than digital or on-demand purchases, which seems unfair. It also stings the fans because they hate to see their Harry disappear. No more new films was bad enough, but now we can't even see him in stores! » BH: True fans will run out and buy their copies when they hit shelves on Nov. 11, so this will be a non-issue for them. But, unfortunately, enterprising minds across the web will likely see opportunity for some cold hard cash. Next Steps » TS: Honestly, hearing this news is making me think that fans should wait to buy the big boxed set that will be released of all eight "Potter" films. Since Warner Bros is pulling the "Potter" DVDs off shelves at the end of December, you can rest assured that they're going to come out with an even better Platinum Deluxe Phoenix edition in a year or two that is jam-packed with all the extras they didn't put in this one. If you're the type of person who just wants to see the movie, then sure, buy it now, but if you (like me) prefer the Special Edition to the regular DVD, I'd say hold on to your pennies and wait for the next edition a few years down the road. Or just pick your money tree in the backyard and buy both. Will This Work? » BS: Did the expelliarmus charm ultimately kill Voldemort? How do you feel about the "Potter" news? Tell us in the comments section and on Twitter! Additional reporting by Kevin P. Sullivan.

Arias allies with ABC Daytime

Disney-ABC has named Mirian Arias vice president of communications for daytime. Arias comes from NBCUniversal, where she was communications veep for digital women's brand iVillage. Previously, she has had communications roles for Syfy, Nickelodeon and Oxygen. "Mirian's extensive background in consumer communications combined with her more recent experience heading up digital communications for Syfy and iVillage make her the perfect candidate for this role," said Disney-ABC Television Group global communications EVP Kevin Brockman, to whom Arias will report. Arias will oversee communications for ABC Daytime and ABC Media Prods., as well as for the time being SoapNet, which is being phased out in favor of Disney Junior next year. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

From Elton John to The Pixies: 21 Great Movie Music Cues

As Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails have proved in recent weeks, nothing makes a movie look sound as good as a perfectly placed pop song. In honor of the new and improved AOL Radio (powered by Slacker) and its Movie Tracks station -- as well as Cameron's Crowe's recent list of his most treasured movie-music memories -- here are 21 of Moviefone's favorite movie music cues. Feel free to disagree and/or add your own favorites in the comments section below! 21 Favorite Movie Music Cues See All Moviefone Galleries » [Top Photo: Everett Collection] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Sean Bean: Id Go Back To Wager On Thrones If Asked for

First Launched: October 19, 2011 4:28 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images La, Calif. -- Caption Sean Bean within the 2011 Scream Honours round the Universal Art galleries lot, Hollywood, March. 15, 2011Sean Bean produced a sizable mark on television the 2009 spring, coping with the role from the almighty Eddard Ned Stark in Wager on Thrones, which he'd leap in the opportunity to return for the series. Yeah, I loved it, he told Access Hollywood within the 2011 Scream Honours in the last weekend in La. It absolutely was an amazing time personally also it might be a very ambitious project by Cinemax, and many types of the males involved the producers, the organization company directors, the heavens. It absolutely was a great experience, and hopefully In my opinion I am in flashbacks inside the books. In George R.R. Martins series, A Sound Lesson of Ice and Fire, the littlest Stark Rickon really states have observed his father inside the familys under-Winterfell tomb after King Joffrey beheaded Our god Stark. Because the time for the scene may have already passed, you will discover other moments set to occur inside the approaching continuation in the series (like ones with Jamie Lannister) that could open the entrance for flashbacks with Seans character. However, the actor isn't ready to request his old bosses producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss who apparently have mentioned there won't be flashbacks to make it happen. Ill permit them to showed up at me, he jeered. Sean has another series inside the works this time around around for ABC, with co-star Ashley Judd. Ive been doing another show referred to as Missing in Prague and Croatia, Sean mentioned, in the thriller, prone to air next season round the network. Ive finished that now. Which younger crowd plays Jennifer Aniston husband the King inside the approaching untitled Snow White-colored project, but he recognized the two had little screen time together. I really do, however rarely saw her, he mentioned of barely coping with the actress who plays the Evil Full. I merely mentioned hello to her, shook hands, which involved it, really. Shes a stylish lady. The untitled Snow White-colored film arrives for release on March 16, 2012. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'Boss' star joins 'Gangster Squad'

Garity"Boss" star Troy Garity has became a member of the cast of Warner Bros./Village Roadshow's period crime pic "The Gangster Squad."Garity will have a 1-eyed hitman sent by gangster Sean Penn to kill figures performed by Ryan Gosling and Josh Brolin.Ruben Fleischer is pointing from the script by Will Beall, and production is presently under means by La.Garity, who had been among Variety's Top Ten New Faces for Fall TV, will quickly be viewed playing an investigative reporter pursuing Kelsey Grammer on Starz's "Boss," that has formally upped him to series regular. He lately performed a vengeful mobster on NBC's canceled series "The Playboy Club."Thesp, whose submit the 2003 telepic "Soldier's Girl" gained him a Golden Globe nomination, will film "Gangster Squad" into December. His previous feature credits include Danny Boyle's "Sunshine," Craig Levinson's "Bandits" and Tim Story's "Barbershop."Garity is repped by CAA and Untitled Entertainment. Contact Shaun Sneider at shaun.sneider@variety.com

Syfy orders 'School Spirits' from Mark Burnett

Syfy has given a six-episode order to docu-series "School Spirits" from Mark Burnett and Seth Jarrett. Production is positioned to begin November. 28. Skein will state the tales of ghost tales that have emerged at schools nationwide. The tales will probably be told in first-person tales using the recommendations of students, teachers, parents and staff who claim they can have observed paranormal activity, with reenactments to help explain the problem. "School hauntings would be the most terrifying first-hands accounts. The tales that have afraid decades of students and teachers aren't for your person with average skills,In . mentioned Syfy topper Mark Stern. Jarrett practical understanding considering the haunted. He's the creator of "Celebrity Ghost Tales," which creates the Bio cabler. Burnett's been busy of course lately. He's developing numerous cable series inside a&E and TNT additionally to some mega work with History in regards to the Bible. More youthful crowd recently pacted to provide content for upstart digital network Youtoo TV. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Participant Media ups Lindsay Guetschow

Lindsay Guetschow continues to be marketed towards the recently produced of publish of senior director of selling & proper alliances at Participant Media. The promotion was introduced Thursday by Buffy Shutt and Kathy Johnson, Participant's professional VPs of selling. Guetschow offered as Participant's campaign outreach director on "Awaiting Superman." She's accountable for developing and controlling proper alliances for "cause marketing campaigns" and use Participant's Social Action and TakePart teams to get pregnant programs for partner affiliation, funding possibilities and community building. Participant noted that last year, Guetschow assisted community art project Awesome Globes: Hot Suggestions for a Cooler Planet, La. Before joining Awesome Globes, she offered because the director of outreach for StopGlobalWarming.org. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Gener8 Lands Financing For 3 dimensional Conversion

Since the debate over the requirement for 3d continues, conversion company Gener8 Digital Media received a stamp of approval today, announcing a $1.5 million round of financing. Its proprietary technology turns 2D film into 3d in postproduction. Publish conversion can be a process some have mentioned produces inferior results in shooting in native 3d. Here’s the release: VANCOUVER – October 13, 2011 – Gener8 Digital Media Corp., a rapidly growing 3d production company, has elevated $1.5M in private financing with traders Macquarie Private Wealth Corporation., Haywood Opportunities Corporation., Raymond James Ltd., and Leede Property Marketplaces. The funding enables Gener8 to pursue new projects and may further progression of the business’s proprietary 3d technology, which gives filmmakers by getting an completely method of creating movies in stereoscopic 3d. Gener8 might be the only real company that creates an authentic 3d world in publish-production. After geometrically re-developing a 2D scene in 3d, Gener8 projects the film towards the 3d world, giving filmmakers ultimate control to manage, enhance, and refine every part in the viewing experience. A cost-effective, high quality choice to native 3d filming, this proprietary process is unlike almost every other 3d production method available to Hollywood today. Gener8 was founded within the month of the month of january by former Ea Canada and Radical Entertainment professionals. “With our collective pedigree in film, 3d software, and game game titles, we approach 3d filmmaking in the unique way,” states Gener8′s Boss Rory Armes. “We’re excited being coping with traders who share our vision and anticipate their support and collaboration as Gener8 grows.” Just like a west coast company with roots in Vancouver’s celebrated technology sector, Gener8′s services are convenient for Hollywood filmmakers and possibly provide the benefit of Canadian tax incentives. Recent projects are the considerably acclaimed Harry Potter as well as the Deathly Hallows Part 2 as well as the animated online video Luna. Gener8′s current focus might be the arrival Ghost Driver: Spirit of Vengeance, that they are handling the film’s 3d conversion within the whole.

Ashley Tisdale to Star in Semi-Autobiographical Comedy Work for ABC

Ashley Tisdale Ashley Tisdale has offered a semi-autobiographical comedy project to ABC that they would star in and co-executive-produce, Deadline reviews. Being Built follows a youthful lady who must sacrifice her independence and move in together with her family while her father helps you to renovate her "money pit" home, amongst other things in her own existence. Take a look at all of the familiar faces coming back to TV this season David Holden (Accidentally purposely) will write the script and co-executive-produce. My Generation's Warren Littlefield will executive produce. The 26-year-old actress began on the Disney Funnel sitcom The Suite Existence of Zack and Cody, before rising to fame within the Senior High School Musical franchise. She lately executive-created and starred within the Senior High School Musical spin-off TV movie, Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure and starred around the CW's short-resided cheerleading series Hellcats. Would you like to see Ashley Tisdale go back to the little screen?