Robert B Sherman Dies

Disney songsmith was 86Robert B Sherman, probably the most gifted males who put words within the warbling mouths of Disney figures died yesterday at age 86.Sherman and the brother Richard were born in NY and elevated between there and La. Music is at their bloodstream from the beginning because of their father, Container Pan Alley composer Al Sherman. Robert demonstrated lots of talent for music along with other creative arts from an earlier age, doing your best in the violin and piano, plus painting and poetry. In the years at Beverly Hillsides Senior high school, Sherman was noted for writing and creating radio and stage plays, and won a citation in the US War Department for assisting to raise 1000's of dollars in War Bonds in the past of america participation in The Second World War.The conflict will be a large affect on the youthful Sherman. In 1943, he acquired his parents' permission to link up at 17, annually early. In April 1945, he brought a squad of males in to the Dachau concentration camping soon after the German military fled. Throughout his service, he was shot within the knee, forcing him just to walk having a stick for that relaxation of his existence. He recuperated within the United kingdom and grew to become fond of the nation, eventually coming back there to reside in 2002.On his go back to the States, Sherman analyzed at Bard College in NY. Within 2 yrs he was working together together with his brother as songwriters, and wound up founding the background music posting company Music World Corporation. "Something good occurs when we sit lower together and work," Richard Sherman told the Connected Press in 2005. "We have been doing the work all of our lives. Practically since college we have been cooperating.InchFollowing penning several pop hits, they caught the attention (and ear) of Wally Disney, who hired them as staff songwriters for his studio. They continued to produce numerous famous tunes, including It Is A Small World (In The End), that was initially crafted for that 1964 NY World's Fair and it has since gone onto be a Disney amusement park staple.Their other notable tunes incorporated Feed The Wild birds, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Chim Chim Cher-ee for Mary Poppins, which won them two Academy awards. Plus they done such films because the Aristocats, The Jungle Book, Bedknobs and Broomsticks and 1977's Winnie The Pooh. The citizens of Hundred Acre Wood also tips using their talents once they came back to create the song score for 2000's The Tigger Movie.Outdoors of your mouse House, the happy couple grew to become famous for musicals, pop hits as well as for writing the tunes in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, that they authored additional tunes if this hit the London stage like a musical in 2002.He's made it by his brother and four children, plus several decades of fans who loved his music.

House Co-Star Jesse Spencer Set Since The Lead In NBCs Drama Pilot Chicago Fire

EXCLUSIVE: House co-star Jesse Spencer is searching to stay in primetime since the lead of one other drama series. Spencer, which has carried out Dr. Robert Chase round the Fox medical drama House in the last 8 seasons, is positioned to star inside the NBC drama pilot Chicago Fire. On Wolf Films and Universal Televisions action-driven drama in regards to the complex and heroic males and girls in the Chicago Fire Department, Spencer may have charge, Matthew Casey, a firemen at Firehouse 55, an all-natural leader who's within the element when around the save or developing a fire place in his personal existence, he's grappling getting a current separation from his wife. Also cast inside the pilot is Charlie Barnett as Peter Mills, a young candidate firemen fresh within the Academy. The sale keeps Spencer inside the NBCUniversal family — Universal TV, which produces Chicago Fire, may also be the studio behind House. Michael Brandt and Derek Haas written Chicago Fire, that's being directed by Jeffrey Nachmanoff. Dick Wolf, Brandt, Haas, Peter Jankowski and Danielle Gelber executive produce. Aussie Spencer, repped by WME as well as the Fleming Agency australia wide, might be the very first cast part of House, that's ending its eight-year run in May, to book a completely new series regular gig. Peter Jacobson recently signed on for just about any recurring role round the Showtime pilot Ray Donovan.

Blizzard Entertainment to chop 600

"WowInch creator Blizzard Entertainment, which in fact had been immune from broad staff cuts throughout its 20+ year existence, introduced plans Wednesday to slash 600 positions from the payroll. Roughly 60 of individuals jobs will affect game designers, using the relaxation originating from other divisions. While the organization didn't specify precisely where it'll trim the additional employees, industry experts expect most to range from customer support unit. "During the last many years, we have grown our company greatly making large opportunities within our infrastructure to be able to better serve our global community," stated Mike Morhaime, Boss and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment inside a statement. "However, as Blizzard and also the industry have developed we have also needed to have difficult choices to be able to address the altering needs in our company." Activision-Blizzard, parents company from the Blizzard galleries, stated accounting changes in the cuts aren't likely to be material and were incorporated in the 2012 financial outlook. Blizzard's "WowInch is really a multi-big franchise, but is no more growing because it makes its way into its eighth year. Between your 4th quarter of 2010 and 4th quarter of 2011, the game's customer count fall by roughly two million. Even though "WoW" continues to be by far the key massively multiplayer title available on the market that atrophying player is made of suspected to become the best reason for the lay offs. Blizzard required pains to notice, however, the "WowInch team wouldn't be influenced through the cuts. "'Warcraft' would be a money machine for a lot of, a long time,Inch states John Taylor of Arcadia Research. "The subscription amounts peaked out and also have been deteriorating during the last several quarters. My sense is that they required an excellent look a their expense structure they did not be concerned about formerly and made the decision to tighten some misconception a little." Blizzard includes a full slate of games under development, with several going to be out this season - such as the long awaited "Diablo III". A follow up towards the popular "Starcraft" series can also be likely. Further lower the road is really a project codenamed "Titan," the business's next large massively multiplayer game. And regardless of the stop by clients, "WowInch continues to be by far the best choice within the on the internet world. Based on the newest amounts supplied by Blizzard, it's 10.two million active gamers - and it has yet to completely expand into China (a place where it's likely to make hundreds of huge amount of money). There really has not been a viable competitor to the overall game up to now, however, many are keeping track of EA's lately released "The Exorcist: That Old Republic". That game offered a lot more than a million copies in the first week and it has apparently taken the public's interest, because of a mix of game play and passion for the "The Exorcist" franchise. Gamers submerged themselves in the overall game for typically five hrs daily - logging some 28 million hrs within the first ten days. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Will Audiences Tire from the Reality TV Singing Wars?

The Bachelor When Bachelor host Chris Harrison told us home town dates would alter the pecking order from the remaining women, he wasn't kidding. Not just did season-lengthy front-runner Kacie fall from close to the top, but she seemed to be cut in the competition completely. We checked along with Harrison, who described why Kacie's parents were not the only real element in her demise and why Ben is headed for trouble on next week's fantasy dates. What have you think about Courtney's home town date?Chris Harrison: I do not think Courtney redeemed herself around the home town date - in many individuals eyes she's more to complete. But a minimum of we've got to determine a really different human side of her. She was more contrite and she or he regretted the truth that she treated the ladies like this. When you escape from the problem, you understand the way it got the very best of you and also it did on her. Will she go beyond that so far as apologizing and possessing as much as it? We'll see in the Women Tell All. Did Courtney really steal her vows in the Sex and also the City finale?Harrison: Apparently, we've probably the most astute fans on the planet - or it had been only a good line. The Bachelor's Emily on her behalf surprising exit: People say I dodged a bulletDo you believe Kacie's parents sealed her fate?Harrison: Her parents are phenomenal and hopefully she's not mad [but] it simply demonstrated exactly what a huge cultural difference there's between Ben and Kacie's family. Additionally, it uncovered another thing about Kacie: She's youthful and her father still provides extensive energy over her. Kacie was the leading-runner and she or he completely fell from the race in a single fell swoop. I have never witnessed fortunes change like this. Should you requested me as lately as Puerto Rico or Belize, no doubt she was Top 2. Nicki certainly arrived on the scene of nowhere. Harrison: Nicki and her family did the alternative [from Kacie's]. Her family virtually saved her, and Ben got doing inside a different light. Her family also empowered her within the other direction, and she or he could give herself to Ben inside a very different way [by telling him she's deeply in love with him]. The Bachelor's Chris Harrison: I never would have predicted this negative response to Ben Ben appeared to suit in with Lindzi's family.Harrison: I would like these to adopt me! He walked in and was family. I'm not sure where this type of person from, but when this does not exercise for Lindzi, I do not think she'll have lack of males arranged doing. What else could you say about next week's fantasy dates?Harrison: People will be amazed at how conflicted Courtney has ended the fantasy suite. Just kidding! Now Ben has three ladies who had phenomenal home town dates and it'll function as the most intense exotic dates we have been on quite a while. Usually there's that certain where they are attempting to figure things out, but all three seem to be at the stage where they must be heading right into a proposal. This is a positive thing, but additionally a poor factor for Ben. Watch this week's Bachelor: The Morning After Catch Chris Harrison survive the Academy awards red-colored carpet on Sunday at 6e/3p on television Guide Network.

Matthew Perry Lands Recurring Role Round The Good Wife

Matthew Perry’s recurring role on CBS’ The Truly Amazing Wife begins March 25. Hewill play a Chicago attorney designated with heading up a blue-ribbon panel considering a police shooting. When Alicia (Julianna Margulies) is designated for the panel, she begins to questions his actions as chairman. Perry remains no stranger to TV since Pals. Furthermore to many arcs, he starred onNBC’s Studio 60 Round The Sunset Strip, which made it one season,and co-created and starred in a year ago’s ABC midseason alternative Mr Sunshine, which was not reduce.

90210 Exclusive Start Looking: Jen's Back as well as on the Prowl!

Jen (Sara Promote) is in 90210 and she's around the prowl - for any sugar dad! Within this exclusive start looking at next week's episode (Tuesday, February. 7, 8/7c, The CW), Naomi's demanding and self-involved sister returns from Paris with boy Jacques with you. However, Jen is not just to meet up with her little sister she's on the mission to locate a wealthy bachelor and enlists Naomi (AnnaLynne McCord) to assist her. But - spoiler alert! - tensions flare between your Clark siblings once more once they have their eyes on a single guy. Who do you consider will win the man? Are you currently excited to determine Jen again?

Liam McIntyre Takes Over As Spartacus' Rebel With a Cause

Spartacus This is not the way you want to land a job. But Liam McIntyre is making the best of it. The 29-year-old Australian actor - little known even in his own country - has stepped into the starring role in the hit sex-and-swords series Spartacus: Vengeance, which returns Friday (10/9c, Starz) That part was originated by another Aussie actor, Andy Whitfield, a huge favorite with fans, who died last year of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Now millions worldwide will be checking out the newbie to see how he stacks up, a situation he calls "scary and daunting." But make no mistake: McIntyre is determined to own the role of the legendary Thracian gladiator - lock, stock and leather loincloth. "I'm a bit nervous waiting for everyone to weigh in - I'd be a fool not to be now, wouldn't I? - but I'm confident I've given this everything I've got," says McIntyre. "Andy was fantastic in the part and made Spartacus one of my favorite shows. So, in a way, I'm like the rest of the fans. I want to see this done right." In Season 1, after leading a slave revolt that ended in the death of his master, Spartacus vowed to make "Rome tremble." But first he's got some specific payback in mind. When Season 2 launches, Spartacus is seeking revenge for the murder of his wife, Sura, who was kidnapped and sent into slavery by the Roman commander Claudius Glaber. In the soapiest of twists, the series hints that Spartacus may have impregnated Glaber's wife Ilithyia, whom he was forced to bed - for her social entertainment - back in his slave days. "I love how they're playing with the suspense of that - it's great tension for the series," says McIntyre, who doesn't see his character ever finding - or wanting - another wife. "He made a pretty big promise that he'd never love another woman after Sura, and I think that's binding." But sex? No prob! This is Starz, don't forget, so expect lots of sweaty, soft-porn shtupping between Spartacus and his gal pal Mira. Also watch for an awesomely over-the-top Roman orgy (is there any other kind?) with Spartacus and his gang slaughtering the naked revelers in horrifyingly fresh ways. "Just when we think we've run out of ways to disembowel and decapitate, a whole new wondrous world opens up to us," cracks creator Steven S. DeKnight, who'll work even more wonders by bringing back Lucy Lawless, whose character, the social-climbing Lucretia, seemingly died when her pregnant belly was gutted in the season finale. "We move Lucretia in a direction that's completely unexpected," says Lawless. "It will take a few episodes to learn how she so miraculously survived." But the bigger miracle, Lawless notes, "is that we keep moving forward. Losing Andy, our real-life hero, was shattering - a tragedy we'll never get over. But with Liam we have a new leader, a man of real integrity, a great force on the set." And isn't that what you need in the guy who plays Spartacus? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Terminator 5 will probably be rated R

A quick update round the Terminator 5 project today, with financier Megan Ellison verifying the film will represent returning for the R-rated mindset in the original film."We're not able to really tell everybody anything about Terminator," mentioned Ellison on her behalf account Twitter feed, "BUT it'll be an R rated film as God and James Cameron intended."It's news that will come just like a relief to fans in the franchise, particularly following a blood stream and thunder was well toned lower for recent instalment Terminator: Salvation.Hopefully this excellent news will rapidly be supported with a comment verifying a completely new director. Fast Five's Justin Lin was attached to the position, before obligations to a different Fast & Furious movie meant he was instructed to stop.We've also got unsure on casting at this time around, although we won't be alone in wanting that Arnold Schwarzenegger will participate in some capacity. Terminator 5 is tentatively prone to arrive in the course of 2014.

Rihanna Tweets Photo of New Tupac-Inspired Tattoo

Rihanna, Tupac Shakur Rihanna has decided to pay tribute to Tupac Shakur - with a tattoo.The Barbados native tweeted a photo of her new ink Wednesday, with the caption "All these b------ screaming that 2pac back #THUGLIFE." The tattoo, which is scrawled across her fingers, reads "THUG LIFE" in what appears to be white or pink ink.Check out photos of RihannaTupac, the legendary rapper who was murdered in 1996, had the same words tattooed on his stomach.Earlier that day, she tweeted a photo of herself with tattoo artist Mark Mahoney, the owner and principal tattoo artist atShamrock Social Club in Hollywood.The 23-year-old songstress has a slew of other tattoos, including a gun on her side and stars on her back and neck.

Juma brings Israeli 'Ring' to States

Another Israeli format could be coming to U.S. shores. Juma Entertainment has picked up Stateside rights to reality skein "With This Ring" from Tel Aviv-based development and distribution shingle Armoza Formats. "With This Ring," now in its third season in on Israeli TV, features three couples attempting to overcome their marital woes. The show's twist is that the host is the only point of contact between the couples and therapist. Viewers will watch the couples interacting with this host and the host interacting with the therapist, but the couples and therapist never meet. Robert Horowitz, Lewis Fenton and Avi Armoza are set as exec producers. Showtime's highly rated series "Homeland" was originally based on an Israeli program "Hatufim" and fellow pay cabler HBO got three seasons out of psychiatrist drama "In Treatment." Also, NBC is currently running episodes of Israeli gameshow import "Who's Still Standing?" Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

WGA Nominees Introduced

The Authors Guild of America, West and Authors Guild of America, East have introduced their nominees for top scripts of 2011, and it is an incredible group. So happy that does not only "Bridesmaids" snuck in to the Original Script category, however the wonderful "50/50" and "Mutually Beneficial,Inch too. Not surprisingly, "Night time in Paris" and "Youthful Adult" complete the course.In Modified Script, there have been no real surpries. Oscar management "The Descendants," "Hugo," "Moneyball," and "The AssistanceInch all received nods. Additionally, "The Lady Using the Dragon Tattoo" gained a place.You need to note certain films weren't qualified because of the peculiar WGA rules. Included in this are challengers like "Drive," "Mess Tailor Soldier Spy" and "Beginners." CONTINUE Reading through ON Behind The Curtain

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.