Entertainment and Celebrity

Movie News

2008-12-24T04:32:00.001-08:00

Movie News

Disney jumps ship on next "Narnia" (Reuters)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 11:54 PM CST

Reuters - "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" will have to sail without Disney.

Bootleg DVDs bedevil Sundance filmmakers (Reuters)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 11:45 PM CST

Reuters - "Juno" star Michael Cera's documentary comedy "Paper Heart" will have its big unveiling at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah next month, screening as a world premiere in a key Saturday slot.

Sandler, Aniston compete at Christmas box office (Reuters)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 11:40 PM CST

Reuters - It may be the season of peace on Earth, but at the box office this holiday weekend it will be all-out war among five new wide releases opening on Christmas Day.

Oscar Ballots on the Move (E! Online)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 07:28 PM CST

E! Online - It all comes down to this for The Dark Knight, Milk, Frost/Nixon, Slumdog Millionaire and all the other films labeled "Oscar hopeful" for whatever reason in 2008.

Capsule reviews of `Valkyrie' and other films (AP)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 07:27 PM CST

AP - Capsule reviews of films opening this week:

Review: `Bashir' a riveting dance of genres (AP)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 07:14 PM CST

AP - Unlike anything you've ever seen before, "Waltz With Bashir" will change your ideas about the possibility of film.

Tina Fey voted AP Entertainer of the Year (AP)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 07:09 PM CST

AP - Tina Fey is the entertainer of the year? You betcha.

Kingdom Lawsuit Stops Coming for Peter Berg (E! Online)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 06:36 PM CST

E! Online - Peter Berg is out of the line of fire.

Kate Beckinsale On Juggling Two Guys at Once (E! Online)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 03:49 PM CST

E! Online - Kate Beckinsale has more than just one man in her life.

Lawsuit over 'Kingdom' crash dismissed (AP)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 03:07 PM CST

AP - A lawsuit against director Peter Berg over an accident that killed an assistant propmaster on "The Kingdom" set has been dismissed.

Dustin Hoffman finds "Last Chance" for love (Reuters)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 07:16 AM CST

Reuters - At 71, Dustin Hoffman says he will never retire from acting, but he may have to look far beyond the Hollywood that made him famous to find the roles he relishes as he ages.

Shia LaBeouf "Doing Fine" Following Second Hand Surgery (E! Online)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 01:55 PM CST

E! Online - Somebody give Shia LaBeouf a hand.

First Look: Gossip Girl Star Michelle Trachtenberg's New Movie (E! Online)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 01:24 PM CST

E! Online - Gossip Girl's Michelle Trachtenberg is slippin' on a winter coat and heading to the snowy Sundance Film Festival for her new movie, Against the Current.

Gyllenhaal, Gervais among Golden Globes presenters (AP)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 02:18 PM CST

AP - Glenn Close, Ricky Gervais and Jake Gyllenhaal are bringing their star power to the Golden Globes.

Review: `Revolutionary Road' has no new insights (AP)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 01:11 PM CST

AP - Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet tear each other apart more thoroughly than an iceberg ever could in "Revolutionary Road," a brutal and brutally tedious depiction of marital malaise.

Television News

2008-12-24T00:17:00.001-08:00

Television News

China cracks down on confessional talk shows (Reuters)

Posted: 24 Dec 2008 01:05 AM CST

Reuters - China's broadcasting watchdog has ordered a crackdown on low-brow confessional talk shows as part of a campaign against base entertainment and because such programs often fake their content, media said on Wednesday.

Studio sues CBS over "Two and a Half Men" (Reuters)

Posted: 24 Dec 2008 01:02 AM CST

Reuters - In a surprise move, Warner Bros. Television on Tuesday filed a $49 million breach of contract lawsuit against CBS, claiming that the network has refused to pay agreed-upon fees for airing the hit Charlie Sheen comedy "Two and a Half Men."

"Dexter" co-star lands "Betty" sideline (Reuters)

Posted: 24 Dec 2008 12:59 AM CST

Reuters - "Dexter" co-star Lauren Velez will appear in a multi-episode arc on ABC's "Ugly Betty," playing a nurse who enters the lives of the Suarez family.

Hey there, hold the hullabaloo over Hulu (Reuters)

Posted: 24 Dec 2008 12:56 AM CST

Reuters - It wasn't supposed to be this way. When NBC Universal and News Corp. announced in 2007 that they were getting in business together to launch an online home for their TV and movie offerings, it became a laughingstock. Two media companies collaborating successfully? And online no less?

NBC calls illegal formation on Super Bowl ad (Reuters)

Posted: 24 Dec 2008 12:03 AM CST

Reuters - NBC said Tuesday that it will not allow a spot with multiple advertisers in the Super Bowl.

"Whale Wars" tops for Animal Planet (Reuters)

Posted: 24 Dec 2008 12:02 AM CST

Reuters - Animal Planet's "Whale Wars" made a big splash on the cable network in its first season.

USA returns as king of cable in 2008 (Reuters)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 11:51 PM CST

Reuters - USA Network has regained its crown as the year's most-watched basic cable channel, while football and election coverage dominated the top of the programing chart.

CBS peaks in bleak season (Reuters)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 11:37 PM CST

Reuters - CBS is in the black.

Tina Fey voted AP Entertainer of the Year (AP)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 07:09 PM CST

AP - Tina Fey is the entertainer of the year? You betcha.

List of top 20 shows in prime-time Nielsen ratings (AP)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 04:24 PM CST

AP - Prime-time viewership numbers compiled by Nielsen Media Research for Dec. 15-21. Listings include the week's ranking, with viewership for the week and season-to-date rankings in parentheses. An "X" in parentheses denotes a one-time-only presentation.

CBS Comedies Kill; Momma's Boys Aches (E! Online)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 12:07 PM CST

E! Online - Monday TV's Big Winners: Three out of four CBS comedies. Repeats or no, they dominated, led by Two and a Half Men (11.8 million viewers, per Nielsen estimates).

The CW Awards Winners Are In! (E! Online)

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 06:21 PM CST

E! Online - The votes are in!

Some positive signs for Katie Couric in ratings (AP)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 04:23 PM CST

AP - After two years of relentlessly bad ratings news, Katie Couric finally has something she can smile about.

TV shows flip switch on new channels (Reuters)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 02:41 AM CST

Reuters - Manny Ramirez and Brett Favre aside, there were relatively few sports stars changing places in 2008.

Bret Baier replacing Hume on Fox evening newscast (AP)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 03:04 PM CST

AP - Fox News Channel has selected White House correspondent Bret Baier to replace Brit Hume as anchor of its weeknight 6 p.m. newscast.

Trick play with Super Bowl spot (Reuters)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 02:45 AM CST

Reuters - NBC has allowed an advertising agency to buy a 30-second commercial spot on the Super Bowl to be carved up by a variety of marketers.

Homeland Security turns reality TV star on ABC (AP)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 02:26 PM CST

AP - Ratings champion "American Idol" will face serious competition when it returns next month: the Department of Homeland Security.

Entertainment/Entertainment News

2008-12-23T08:31:00.001-08:00

Entertainment/Entertainment News

Video: The year in pop culture

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 09:11 AM CST

Dec. 23: Tom Anderson, co-founder of MySpace.com, and Janice Min from Us Weekly magazine discuss some of the biggest celebrity stories of the year. (Today Show)

Video: Michael Johns sings ‘Another Christmas’

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 08:27 AM CST

Dec. 23: TODAY's Matt Lauer talks to former "American Idol" contestant Michael Johns about his career after the show. The singer also performs his new original song "Another Christmas." (Today Show)

Video: Marisa Tomei on ‘The Wrestler’

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 08:14 AM CST

Dec. 23: TODAY hosts talk to actress Marisa Tomei about her Golden Globe nomination for her performance in the new film "The Wrestler." (Today Show)

Video: Top interviews of 2008

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 08:28 PM CST

Dec. 22: Will Smith and Ashley Dupre are among the top Access interviews of 2008, but who was number one? (Access Hollywood)

Video: Madonna already dating again?

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 08:02 PM CST

Dec. 22: Are the rumors true that Madonna and Guy Ritchie are already dating other people? Did Kirsten Dunst win her stalker case in court? And why is Ozzy Osbourne cussing up a storm? (Access Hollywood)

Video: Biographer reports Jackson seriously ill

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 11:29 AM CST

Dec. 22: Michael Jackson's biographer is reporting that the pop star is in dire need of a lung transplant and is fighting for his life. Msnbc's Courtney Hazlett reports. (MSNBC)

Video: Buzz: Who Robbed Paris Hilton?

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 11:10 AM CST

Dec. 22: The search is on for who robbed Paris Hilton of $2 million worth of jewelry. Plus, Kendra Wilkinson of "The Girls Next Door" is said to be more "conservative" since her engagement to NFL star Hank Baskett. (NBC Mobile)

Video: Straight No Chaser performs

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 10:41 AM CST

Dec. 22: The a capella group Straight No Chaser performs the holiday hit "Twelve Days of Christmas" off their first studio album, "Holiday Spirits." (Today Show)

Video: The Scoop on Will Smith fatigue

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 08:57 AM CST

Dec. 22: Courtney Hazlett says audiences may be tiring of Will Smith at the box office as "Seven Pounds" has a poor weekend opening. (MSNBC)

Video: Hoffman on ‘Last Chance Harvey’

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 08:28 AM CST

Dec. 22: TODAY's Matt Lauer talks to actor Dustin Hoffman about his new film "Last Chance Harvey." (Today Show)

Movie News

2008-12-23T04:29:00.000-08:00

Movie News

'Sopranos' actor cleared of New York cop's murder (AP)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 06:09 AM CST

AP - A slain police officer's sister reacted with disgust after a jury cleared a former actor on "The Sopranos" of her brother's killing during a botched burglary three years ago.

Foreign-language Oscar a magnet for controversy (Reuters)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 03:11 AM CST

Reuters - Pity the foreign-language committee of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. No group works as hard watching so many difficult films. And yet no group takes as much grief for its choices.

An appreciation of some underrated movies (Reuters)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 02:58 AM CST

Reuters - It's that time of year: Film critics are making their lists and checking them twice, ignoring most of the movies they consider "naughty" while championing those they consider "nice."

Divided U.S. actors union delays strike vote (Reuters)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 02:35 AM CST

Reuters - Hollywood's deeply divided Screen Actors Guild said on Monday it has postponed a planned strike authorization vote set to begin on January 2, so that it can "address the unfortunate division and restore consensus."

Actors guild delays vote on strike authorization (AP)

Posted: 23 Dec 2008 12:17 AM CST

AP - Citing division among its membership, the Screen Actors Guild delayed a vote Monday that would authorize the union to call a strike and bring the entertainment business to a halt.

SAG Postpones Strike Vote (E! Online)

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 11:02 PM CST

E! Online - Hollywood has issued a preemptive shush to talk of a strike.

Capsule reviews of `Valkyrie' and other films (AP)

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 07:00 PM CST

AP - Capsule reviews of films opening this week:

Aniston and Wilson explore marriage in "Marley & Me" (Reuters)

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 04:43 PM CST

Reuters - In their new film "Marley & Me," Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson pick up where most couples in romantic comedies end -- at the start of a happily-ever-after marriage.

`Titanic' duo DiCaprio and Winslet sail again (AP)

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 04:05 PM CST

AP - That pesky iceberg kept Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet from growing into an old married couple in "Titanic."

Cue the Ewoks, Star Wars Hits the Stage (E! Online)

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 02:05 PM CST

E! Online - A long time from now, in a galaxy far, far away...the Star Wars money machine will still be cranking.

Review: `Button' dazzles visually, emotionally (AP)

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 03:41 PM CST

AP - It's the damnedest thing. You look into the elderly man's blue eyes behind a pair of old-fashioned spectacles, look at the sweet smile ringed by wrinkles, and you know that's Brad Pitt under there.

Television News

2008-12-23T00:17:00.001-08:00

Television News

'Sopranos' actor cleared of murder in NYPD death (AP)

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 11:35 PM CST

AP - Lillo Brancato, who played a bumbling aspiring mobster on "The Sopranos," was cleared Monday of second-degree murder in the shooting death of an off-duty policeman during a drunken, late-night search for drugs.

SAG Postpones Strike Vote (E! Online)

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 11:02 PM CST

E! Online - Hollywood has issued a preemptive shush to talk of a strike.

Spoiler Chat: Who's Got a Secret on Gossip Girl? (E! Online)

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 06:03 PM CST

E! Online - Which characters are doing dirty deeds behind closed doors on Gossip Girl?

Idol: Is the New Judge Gunning for Paula Abdul? (E! Online)

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 05:54 PM CST

E! Online - There's a new judge in town, and she's not about to take any of Simon Cowell's crap. Kara DioGuardi joins the table when the eighth season of American Idol hits Fox in January, and she's prepared to make her voice heard, despite the major changes in the coming season. The new girl has spunk, but there's a lot of speculation that this is just a tricky way to edge out Paula Abdul.

David Spade helps Phoenix police buy rifles (AP)

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 04:48 PM CST

AP - The Phoenix Police Department has gotten some high-powered goodies courtesy of actor David Spade.

Celebrities share adoption stories for TV special (AP)

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 04:16 PM CST

AP - Jamie Foxx, Faith Hill and Keyshia Cole hope to help children find homes for the holidays.

The Disney Clique: Who's In, Who's Out? (E! Online)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 07:37 PM CST

E! Online - We chatted with Wizards of Waverly Place star and Selena Gomez BFF Jennifer Stone over at the Bedtime Stories premiere in H'wood last week.

Most Watched Trailers (10/18/08)

2008-12-22T21:38:00.000-08:00

Most Watched Trailers (10/18/08)

Tale of Despereaux

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 02:04 AM CST

Tiny and graced with oversized ears, Despereaux was born too big for his little world. Refusing to live his life cowering, he befriends a Princess named Pea and learns to read (rather than eat) books -- reveling in stories of knights, dragons and fair maidens. Banished from Mouseworld for being more man than mouse, Despereaux is rescued by another outcast, Roscuro, who also wants to hear the tales. But when the Princess dismisses Roscuro's friendship, he becomes the ultimate rat and plots revenge with fellow outsider Mig. After Pea is kidnapped, Despereaux discovers he is the only one who can rescue her...and that even the tiniest mouse can find the courage of a knight in shining armor.

House Bunny

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 02:04 AM CST

Comic actress Anna Faris (LOST IN TRANSLATION, SCARY MOVIE) shines in her starring turn in THE HOUSE BUNNY, a hilarious and heartfelt tale of female empowerment. As the film opens, Shelly Darlingson (Farris) is Big Bunny on Campus at Hugh Hefner's Playboy Mansion. With her 27th birthday approaching, Shelly eagerly anticipates fulfilling her dream: to be centerfold of the month. But when she learns that she's being booted from Bunnyland, Shelly finds herself with no family or place to call home. Desperate for both, she lucks across the socially inept sisters of the Zeta Alpha Zeta sorority. With no hope of attracting new pledges and the consequent threat of losing their sorority, the girls of Zeta take in the bubbly Shelly as their new "house mother." Shelly immediately sets to work helping the Zetas bring out their inner glamazons, luring in boys while drawing the ire of rival sorority Phi Iota Mu. Shelly also catches the eye of Oliver (Colin Hanks), who forces her to realize that it will take more her Playboy Mansion ways to win over a good man. Plus, Shelly discovers that her social insights have transformed the Zetas into the very superficial types they once railed against. And when Hugh Hefner calls to offer Shelly her dream centerfold shoot, she must choose between returning to the family that loved her best and saving the family that needs her most. Faris (who co-produced the film) is a comic delight as Shelly, with a perfect blend of sexy charm and sweet-natured cluelessness. Supported by an excellent cast of fresh faces and seasoned veterans, THE HOUSE BUNNY is an irresistible tale of inner beauty and "sisters" sticking together.

Slumdog Millionaire

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 02:04 AM CST

British director Danny Boyle takes another intriguing career turn with this heartfelt underdog tale. Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) is a street kid (or "slumdog") who has landed an appearance on India's version of the hit TV game show WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE? Jamal exceeds expectations on the show, and the producers alert the police after they become suspicious of his methods. The young contestant is subsequently arrested and is interrogated at the hands of a nameless police inspector (played by Bollywood star Irfan Khan). As the interrogation proceeds, Boyle tells Jamal's story through harrowing flashbacks that both show the terrible poverty of Mumbai and help explain how he knew the answers to the MILLIONAIRE questions. <br><br>SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE is a tightly woven story that has been expertly edited into shape. The contrast between Jamal's upbringing and his chance of escaping it on the show are adeptly juxtaposed. Mumbai is portrayed as a place of terrifying poverty and unforgettable brutality, and Jamal and his brother get into a never-ending succession of challenging situations. But the way Boyle ties together Jamal's life experiences with his answers on the show is quite brilliant, and the film really does run the full gamut of emotions as we see him growing up, falling in love, coming close to death, and teetering on the brink of escaping from his terrible predicament. The film belongs to Boyle's cast, who are mostly unknown outside of India. Patel, in particular, gives a startlingly mature performance that audiences are likely to remember long after the credits role on this affecting feature.

Gran Torino

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 02:04 AM CST

Hardworking Oscar winner Clint Eastwood releases his second film in 2008 (after THE CHANGELING) with this drama. Eastwood also stars as Walt Kowalski, an older man who holds onto his prejudices despite the changes in his neighborhood and the world around him.

Movie News

2008-12-22T04:26:00.000-08:00

Movie News

Carrey's 'Yes Man' opens at No. 1 with $18M debut (AP)

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 05:25 AM CST

AP - Movie audiences greeted Jim Carrey and Will Smith with a lukewarm "yes' as snowstorms undermined weekend debuts from both stars.

Adam Sandler turns on charm in "Bedtime Stories" (Reuters)

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 01:17 AM CST

Reuters - Has Adam Sandler been defanged?

"Mockingbird" director Richard Mulligan dead at 83 (Reuters)

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 12:47 AM CST

Reuters - Robert Mulligan, who received an Oscar nomination for directing "To Kill a Mockingbird," died Friday of heart disease at his Connecticut home. He was 83.

'Madagascar 2' leads foreign box office (Reuters)

Posted: 21 Dec 2008 11:42 PM CST

Reuters - "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" hurdled to the forefront of the foreign box office with weekend sales of $33.5 million from 56 territories.

"Marley & Me" needs more than just pet tricks (Reuters)

Posted: 21 Dec 2008 05:23 PM CST

Reuters - The canine hero in "Marley & Me" bears scant resemblance to Rin Tin Tin, Lassie or Old Yeller. He is, in fact, "the world's worst dog."

Tracy Pollan a mom figure for "Holloway" (Reuters)

Posted: 21 Dec 2008 05:16 PM CST

Reuters - Tracy Pollan, best known for playing the love interest of now real-life husband Michael J. Fox's character on "Family Ties," will star in a Lifetime Movie Network film about missing teenager Natalee Holloway.

Audiences say "Yes" to Jim Carrey comedy (Reuters)

Posted: 21 Dec 2008 02:17 PM CST

Reuters - Jim Carrey's new comedy "Yes Man" got the nod from moviegoers across North America, but brutal weather in key markets combined with holiday shopping distractions to hit overall ticket sales.

Fair-Weather Movie Fans Freeze Out Jim Carrey, Will Smith? (E! Online)

Posted: 21 Dec 2008 01:54 PM CST

E! Online - The weather did it.

Cate Blanchett ages with grace in "Benjamin Button" (Reuters)

Posted: 21 Dec 2008 01:20 PM CST

Reuters - If movie fans didn't know she was co-starring with Brad Pitt in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," they wouldn't recognize Cate Blanchett when the film opens with a close-up of her in a hospital bed, as a withered old woman.

Television News

2008-12-22T00:13:00.000-08:00

Television News

Woolworths says 2Entertain talks continue with BBC (Reuters)

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 01:30 AM CST

Reuters - Britain's Woolworths Group Plc said talks with the BBC's Worldwide unit relating to the possible sale of its 40 percent interest in 2Entertain, their DVD publishing joint venture, were continuing.

Ailing shows travel from TV land to limbo (Reuters)

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 01:15 AM CST

Reuters - Most TV shows exit the airwaves with a flurry of headlines memorializing their demise. Sometimes, though, a program fades from the spotlight into a scheduling twilight zone: neither declared dead nor returning.

Quirky werewolf tale unleashed at Fox Broadcasting (Reuters)

Posted: 22 Dec 2008 12:48 AM CST

Reuters - Talk about a hairy "Sex and the City."

Chris Matthews mulling "Hardball" future (Reuters)

Posted: 21 Dec 2008 05:19 PM CST

Reuters - MSNBC may find out soon whether "Hardball" host Chris Matthews returns to the invigorated channel.

Tracy Pollan a mom figure for "Holloway" (Reuters)

Posted: 21 Dec 2008 05:16 PM CST

Beijing Olympics play again on NBC (Reuters)

Posted: 21 Dec 2008 04:09 PM CST

Reuters - NBC will relive the Beijing Olympics in a two-hour primetime special on Saturday.

Surprising success for My Network TV (AP)

Posted: 21 Dec 2008 02:05 PM CST

AP - For the past three weeks, the upstart My Network TV has accomplished something that would have been considered unthinkable just two years ago.

Pushing Daisies Passes Quietly (E! Online)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 03:46 PM CST

E! Online - Wednesday TV's Saddest Story: ABC's last scheduled (for now) episode of Pushing Daisies (4.8 million viewers, per Nielsen estimates) got beat in the 8 p.m. hour in adults 18-49 by, among others, a Univision telenovela. (The canceled show's final episodes will air eventually—ABC just hasn't said when.)

Most Watched Trailers (10/18/08)

2008-12-21T21:49:00.001-08:00

Most Watched Trailers (10/18/08)

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

Posted: 21 Dec 2008 02:04 AM CST

Michael Sheen and Bill Nighy revisit their roles from UNDERWORLD in this prequel to the horror-action hybrid. Sheen (THE QUEEN) stars as Lucian, a werewolf who battles vampire Viktor (Nighy, the Pirates of the Caribbean films), despite his love for Viktor's daughter Sonja. Kate Beckinsale might have departed the series, but fellow dark-haired beauty Rhona Mitra (DOOMSDAY) fills fans desires for a sexy heroine in her role as Sonja.

Delgo

Posted: 21 Dec 2008 02:04 AM CST

Animation may be a field dominated by Hollywood companies such as Disney and Dreamworks, but this little-indie-that-could proves that small companies can still draw top stars and animators. In this computer-animated fantasy, SCOOBY DOO's Freddie Prinze Jr. provides the voice for Delgo, a teenage member of the lizard-like Lockni species. When he falls for the princess (Jennifer Love Hewitt) of his enemy race, the Nohrins, he finds trouble and intrigue he never could have imagined.

Entertainment/Entertainment News

2008-12-21T08:21:00.000-08:00

Entertainment/Entertainment News

Video: Hot films at the box office

Posted: 20 Dec 2008 12:10 PM CST

Dec. 20: Audiences have quite a bit to choose from in theaters this weekend including a washed up wrestler who is making a big impression with the critics. (MSNBC)

Movie News

2008-12-21T04:20:00.000-08:00

Movie News

Head of Saudi morals police eases tone on cinema (Reuters)

Posted: 21 Dec 2008 05:44 AM CST

Reuters - The head of Saudi Arabia's religious police has eased his criticism of a return of cinema to the conservative Muslim country saying he saw no harm in it as long as what is shown complies with Islam.

Oscar Watch: Can Dark Knight Fans Make the Difference? (E! Online)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 05:58 PM CST

E! Online - Coolest New Campaign (That's Not Costing Warner Bros. a Dime): Dark Campaign, a self-described grassroots effort to score a Best Picture nomination for The Dark Knight, complete with custom ads and posters.

Television News

2008-12-21T00:15:00.000-08:00

Television News

Rob Pattinson Isn't That Hot, Right? (E! Online)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 01:28 PM CST

E! Online - I don't get it. Why do people find Robert Pattinson attractive? He looks like a plastic girl with a beard. I think people in our economy today have lost their minds.

Study: Young people watch less TV (Reuters)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 01:22 AM CST

Reuters - Young Americans just aren't watching TV like they used to.

Most Watched Trailers (10/18/08)

2008-12-20T21:36:00.000-08:00

Most Watched Trailers (10/18/08)

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Posted: 20 Dec 2008 02:04 AM CST

Hugh Jackman can't escape Wolverine's claws as he returns for a fourth turn as the Marvel mutant. Gavin Hood (RENDITION, TSOTSI) directs this film that takes place before the three previous X-Men movies and explores Wolverine's mysterious past.

I Love You, Man

Posted: 20 Dec 2008 02:04 AM CST

Peter Klaven is a successful real estate agent who, upon getting engaged to the woman of his dreams, Zooey, discovers, to his dismay and chagrin, that he has no male friend close enough to serve as his Best Man. Peter immediately sets out to rectify the situation, embarking on a series of bizarre and awkward "man-dates," before meeting Sydney Fife, a charming, opinionated man with whom he instantly bonds. But the closer the two men get, the more Peter's relationship with Zooey suffers, ultimately forcing him to choose between his fiancee and his new found "bro," in a story that comically explores what it truly means to be a "friend."

Gran Torino

Posted: 20 Dec 2008 02:04 AM CST

Star Trek

Posted: 20 Dec 2008 02:04 AM CST

LOST's J.J. Abrams directs this reboot of the beloved sci-fi franchise. Zachary Quinto (HEROES) stars as the young Spock, while Leonard Nimoy returns to the iconic role to play the half-Vulcan, half-human in his advancing age. Chris Pine, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, Anton Yelchin, Zoe Saldana, and John Cho star as the rest of the original series' characters, while Eric Bana plays the Enterprise crew's nemesis.

Entertainment/Entertainment News

2008-12-20T08:27:00.000-08:00

Entertainment/Entertainment News

Video: Sandler talks ‘Bedtime Stories’

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 07:35 PM CST

Did Adam Sandler play it too casual at the "Bedtime Stories" premiere? Plus, what stars came out to the Golden Globes party? And guess who's on the cover of Vegas magazine? (Access Hollywood)

Video: Carrey at 'Yes Man' premiere

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 07:32 PM CST

Jim Carrey, who has a "ball" making a grand entrance onto the red carpet, joins Jenny McCarthy, Zooey Deschanel, and more at the premiere of his new comedy, "Yes Man." (Access Hollywood)

Video: Fergie, Duhamel to marry next month

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 12:01 PM CST

Dec. 19: "Access Hollywood" reports Fergie and fiance Josh Duhamel will wed in January. Plus, Scarlett Johansson's tissue she used on the "Tonight" show is up for auction. (NBC Mobile)

Movie News

2008-12-20T04:37:00.000-08:00

Movie News

Cinema makes low-key Saudi return, angers critics (Reuters)

Posted: 20 Dec 2008 06:05 AM CST

Reuters - Cinema has made a low-key return to Saudi Arabia after a three decade absence but a sharp reaction by the religious police chief shows efforts to relax Saudi's strict Islamic laws face tough opposition.

Rob Pattinson Isn't That Hot, Right? (E! Online)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 01:28 PM CST

E! Online - I don't get it. Why do people find Robert Pattinson attractive? He looks like a plastic girl with a beard. I think people in our economy today have lost their minds.

Windy City Critics Vote WALL-E; Vegas Goes Nixon (E! Online)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 01:28 PM CST

E! Online - WALL-E continues to make a play for Oscar.

Police: Man broke into Paris Hilton's home (AP)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 12:27 PM CST

AP - Los Angeles police say they are investigating a burglary at a home owned by socialite Paris Hilton.

Tom Cruise's son makes debut in Will Smith movie (AP)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 09:55 AM CST

AP - Tom Cruise's 13-year-old son will have a six-day jump on his father at the box office.

Anne Hathaway Is Talking Weddings (E! Online)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 12:15 AM CST

E! Online - Anne Hathaway swears she she's not one of those gals who obsesses about her dream wedding. But she does admit to thinking about at least one detail of the big day.

Heath Ledger, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie Rate SAG Noms (E! Online)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 10:44 AM CST

E! Online - The Heath Ledger Oscar moment seems ever closer.

Television News

2008-12-20T00:17:00.000-08:00

Television News

Police: Hilton's home burglarized, jewelry missing (AP)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 10:04 PM CST

AP - Los Angeles police are investigating a burglary at Paris Hilton's home they say left her bedroom ransacked and about $2 million in jewelry missing.

Oprah Winfrey named PETA's 'Person of the Year' (AP)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 07:26 PM CST

AP - Animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has named Oprah Winfrey its "Person of the Year."

No charges for Garrett in incident with paparazzo (AP)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 04:07 PM CST

AP - Prosecutors say Brad Garrett was provoked into pushing a paparazzo and charges won't be pressed.

Angie Harmon, Jason Sehorn welcome third daughter (AP)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 02:08 PM CST

AP - Angie Harmon and husband Jason Sehorn have welcomed their third daughter.

Judge orders Steven Adler to more rehab (AP)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 01:04 PM CST

AP - Former Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler is going to spend more time in rehab.

Arkansas family welcomes 18th child, a girl (AP)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 01:04 PM CST

AP - An Arkansas woman has given birth to her 18th child.

On the Net: Hulu is Web site of the year (AP)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 12:48 PM CST

AP - In the Wild West that is online video, Hulu.com has proven to be a trailblazing answer to how professional content can thrive on the Web.

The Office Wins Night of Reruns (By, um, Airing Most Reruns) (E! Online)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 11:49 AM CST

E! Online - Thursday TV's Big Winners: Does quantity count? 'Cause NBC's The Office and 30 Rock aired two repeats each, the most of any series on a night of repeats. Hooray!

Spike TV's goal: college football comedy (Reuters)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 04:14 AM CST

Reuters - Young men's cable channel Spike TV is heading to the college gridiron, ordering a football-themed comedy pilot in the vein of "Animal House."

Kristin Chenoweth "Mad" for new Kelley drama (Reuters)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 04:07 AM CST

Reuters - Tony-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth will co-star in "Legally Mad," David E. Kelley's latest quirky legal drama.

Desperate Shocker: Gale Harold Not Coming Back? (E! Online)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 05:01 PM CST

E! Online - UPDATE: First word was not promising, when we told you things don't look too good for the supposedly recuperating but "majorly injured" Desperate Housewives star Gale Harold to be returning to work soon.

HBO loads up on laughs (Reuters)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 02:04 AM CST

Reuters - HBO did some serious holiday shopping the past two days.

Gossip Girl: Aaron's Gone for Good, So Is Dan In? (E! Online)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 04:07 PM CST

E! Online - Aaron Rose has gone to Argentina...and he's never coming back to Gossip Girl!

Pushing Daisies Passes Quietly (E! Online)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 03:46 PM CST

Most Watched Trailers (10/18/08)

2008-12-19T23:24:00.000-08:00

Most Watched Trailers (10/18/08)

Proposal

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 02:04 AM CST

Those used to seeing the sweet, sunny side of Sandra Bullock might be surprised by her character in this romantic comedy. Here, the actress plays a difficult Canadian boss who forces her assistant (Ryan Reynolds) to marry her so that she can stay in America.

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 02:04 AM CST

Manny, Sid, Diego and Ellie are back in this third film in the computer-animated Ice Age series. With those creatures in starring roles, fans also get another dose of the vocal talents of Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, and Queen Latifah, who all return from the previous two outings.

Unborn

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 02:04 AM CST

Nineteen-year old Casey Bell is haunted by a dybbuk--the soul of a dead person barred from heaven--in the form of a young boy who perished in Auschwitz.

Bedtime Stories

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 02:04 AM CST

Adam Sandler stars as a man whose nighttime tales do more than just put his nephew to sleep; instead, his imaginative stories become reality. This fantasy comedy for the whole family is directed by HAIRSPRAY helmer Adam Shankman.

Spirit

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 02:04 AM CST

Adapted from the Will Eisner's graphic novels, "The Spirit" tells the story of a man who fakes his own death and fights crime from the shadows of Central City. The Octopus -- who kills anyone unfortunate enough to see his face -- has other plans. He's going to wipe out the entire city. The Spirit tracks this coldhearted killer from the city's rundown warehouses, to the damp catacombs, to the windswept waterfront...all the while facing a bevy of beautiful women who either want to seduce, love or kill the masked crusader.

Bride Wars

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 02:04 AM CST

Anyone who has seen BRIDEZILLAS or known their own frantic fiancée understands that weddings can bring out the worst in people. This comedy stars Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson as two brides-to-be who become former friends and new rivals when they schedule their weddings on the same day.

Entertainment/Entertainment News

2008-12-19T11:31:00.000-08:00

Entertainment/Entertainment News

Video: Behind the scenes of 'Lipstick' on TODAY

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 11:09 AM CST

Dec. 19: Check out a sneak peak of Kathie Lee and Hoda filming a scene for "Lipstick Jungle" on the Today set. TODAYshow.com's Sara Haines talks to both hosts of the 4th hour as well as "Lipstick Jungle" star Rosie Perez. (Today Show)

Video: Enya on new album

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 10:27 AM CST

Dec. 19: TODAY's Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford talk to Grammy-winning singer Enya about her new CD "And Winter Came." (Today Show)

Video: Shalit: ‘Despereaux’ is a ‘treat’

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 08:35 AM CST

Dec. 19: TODAY movie critic Gene Shalit says the new animated film "The Tale of Despereaux" is "the joy of the holiday season." (Today Show)

Video: Brad Pitt on being ‘Benjamin Button’

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 08:27 AM CST

Dec. 19: TODAY's Ann Curry talks to actor Brad Pitt about his new film, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." (Today Show)

Video: Jason Mraz on new album

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 08:24 AM CST

Dec. 19: TODAY hosts talk to singer Jason Mraz about his new album, "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things," as well as his passion for photography. (Today Show)

Video: Web only: More bloopers from TODAY

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 08:14 AM CST

Dec. 19: A look back at some of the funny moments on TODAY from 2008. (Today Show)

Video: Web only: Al Roker sings in 2008

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 08:05 AM CST

Dec. 19: A look back at Al Roker's singing on TODAY in 2008. (Today Show)

Video: A look back at TODAY in 2008

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 07:58 AM CST

Dec. 19: TODAY hosts take a look back at some of the funniest and most memorable moments of 2008 on TODAY. (Today Show)

Video: Aniston's gift to Letterman

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 07:10 PM CST

Jennifer Aniston makes the interview rounds for "Marley and Me," and she gave David Letterman a very special and sexy gift for the holidays. (Access Hollywood)

Video: Carrey says 'Yes' to dancing

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 07:08 PM CST

Jim Carrey has been dancing all over town promoting his film "Yes Man," so at the premiere Access couldn't resist setting up a dance floor. (Access Hollywood)

Video: Tinseltown takes a bow

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 10:20 AM CST

Dec. 18: Amid talk of a strike, the Screen Actors Guild announces award nominations. KNBC's Robert Kovacik reports. (Nightly News)

Video: Jeffrey Wright on ‘Cadillac Records’

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 10:35 AM CST

Dec. 18: TODAY's Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford talk to actor Jeffrey Wright about his new film "Cadillac Records." (Today Show)

Movie News

2008-12-19T04:38:00.000-08:00

Movie News

Pro wrestler 'Mad Dog' Bell found dead (AP)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 05:43 AM CST

AP - Mike "Mad Dog" Bell, a former professional wrestler whose struggle with substance abuse was featured in the documentary "Bigger, Stronger, Faster," has died. He was 37.

Golden Globe contenders a complicated bunch (Reuters)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 05:14 AM CST

Reuters - The Hollywood Foreign Press Assn.'s decision to divvy up its Golden Globe nominations among a slew of pictures has made the task of predicting winners at the January 11 event all the harder. So where do the leading candidates stand?

Critics weigh in on year's best films (Reuters)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 05:12 AM CST

Reuters - In an average Hollywood year, the critics are the precursors of the awards groups, the men and women whose consensus first signals which movies are going to win the big prizes.

Full-length "Che" extending theatrical run (Reuters)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 05:10 AM CST

Reuters - Moviegoers are getting another chance to cha-cha-cha to the full four-hour-plus version of Steven Soderbergh's "Che."

"Benjamin Button" took decades to reach big screen (Reuters)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 05:04 AM CST

Reuters - It's a pity that the best parts of life come at the beginning, the worst parts at the end.

"Sin City" creator eyes big-screen "Buck Rogers" (Reuters)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 04:12 AM CST

Reuters - "Sin City" creator Frank Miller, who returns to theaters on Christmas Day with the comic book adaptation "The Spirit," plans to bring Buck Rogers to the big screen.

Mumbai crowds flow back to their beloved Bollywood (Reuters)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 03:23 AM CST

Reuters - After a fortnight of playing to near empty cinemas, Bollywood is breathing a sigh of relief as a new Shah Rukh Khan film pulls in audiences in a city still recovering from November's deadly attacks.

Jack Ryan taking on a new assignment (Reuters)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 02:03 AM CST

Reuters - Is there such a thing as too many franchises?

Restoring some reality to Oscar handicapping (Reuters)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 09:22 PM CST

Reuters - The world is full of tropes -- oft-repeated ideas that lack grounding in reality. The Titanic will never sink. Americans will never elect a black president. This investment fund isn't a Ponzi scheme.

"Australia" director defends movie against critics (Reuters)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 08:23 PM CST

Reuters - Baz Luhrmann's "Australia" may be doing some middling U.S. boxoffice, earning about $39 million since it opened Thanksgiving weekend, but the director is unrepentant as the movie nears its first month of release stateside.

Wallace & Gromit vs. Internet Pirates (E! Online)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 02:56 PM CST

E! Online - Calll it Wallace & Gromit and the Case of the Stolen Video.

Can Nicole Kidman Undo Her Curse? (E! Online)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 01:32 PM CST

E! Online - I hear Nicole Kidman was cursed for life after blowing into that didgeridoo. Can that possibly be true?

Review: Rourke tears it up in `The Wrestler' (AP)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 07:30 PM CST

AP - It couldn't have had a more cliched premise: A washed-up athlete struggles against the odds for one last shot at greatness.

Complete List of Nominations for 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (E! Online)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 09:01 AM CST

E! Online - Doubt leads all nominees for the 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, with five nods, including Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Motion Picture.

Capsule reviews of `Seven Pounds' and other films (AP)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 07:27 PM CST

AP - Capsule reviews of films opening this week:

Brancato jury reports deadlock, resuming Friday (AP)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 06:46 PM CST

AP - The jury hearing the Lillo Brancato second-degree murder case says it's deadlocked 11-1.

SAG Awards nominations come as strike vote looms (AP)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 04:07 PM CST

AP - Though the spotlight was on Screen Actors Guild Awards nominees Thursday, concerns about division within the union and a looming strike vote weren't far in the background.

Television News

2008-12-19T00:23:00.001-08:00

Television News

Todd to lead NBC's White House coverage (Reuters)

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 12:13 AM CST

Reuters - Chuck Todd has been named NBC News' chief White House correspondent, replacing newly appointed "Meet the Press" moderator David Gregory.

GSN pledged to "Newlywed Game" revival (Reuters)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 11:53 PM CST

Reuters - GSN is moving forward with its revival of "The Newlywed Game," targeting a spring premiere for the classic show.

Rep says Ed McMahon staying in house (AP)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 07:35 PM CST

AP - Ed McMahon can stay put.

Brancato jury reports deadlock, resuming Friday (AP)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 06:46 PM CST

AP - The jury hearing the Lillo Brancato second-degree murder case says it's deadlocked 11-1.

Balthazar Getty: Losing Friends & Alienating People (E! Online)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 05:31 PM CST

E! Online - Balthazar Getty may as well forget about getting any brotherly love at work these days.

NBC Sizes Up New Loser Contestants (E! Online)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 04:17 PM CST

E! Online - The new season of The Biggest Loser is offering a double helping of transformation-seeking contestants.

Jeremy Piven leaves Broadway's 'Speed-the-Plow' (AP)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 04:13 PM CST

AP - Two actors Norbert Leo Butz and William H. Macy will replace Jeremy Piven who has unexpectedly left the cast of the hit Broadway revival of "Speed-the-Plow," producer Jeffrey Richards announced Thursday.

NBC News' Todd, Guthrie to cover White House (AP)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 04:10 PM CST

AP - NBC News has named Chuck Todd as chief White House correspondent, with Savannah Guthrie joining him on the beat.

Chiklis is creating a drama about investor fraud (AP)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 03:34 PM CST

AP - Michael Chiklis didn't lose any money in the escalating Bernard Madoff scandal. But he did fall victim to another Ponzi scheme early this year. And now, sadder but wiser, he's developing a TV series fueled by his experience.

Juror replaced in Brancato trial (AP)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 02:19 PM CST

AP - A mistrial was avoided in the trial of Lillo Brancato, the actor accused in the shooting death of an off-duty policeman, after it was discovered a juror had been taking notes on testimony and doing research on the case at home.

Scarlett Johansson Gives a Snot About Hunger (E! Online)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 01:28 PM CST

E! Online - Ew. And...ew, again.

The Office: Is Jim Halpert Getting Married? (E! Online)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 01:11 PM CST

E! Online - America's most eligible bachelor may be getting hitched—and soon!

30 Rock, Dexter Kill at SAG Noms (E! Online)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 10:43 AM CST

E! Online - Dexter's having a killer week.

Complete List of Nominations for 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (E! Online)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 10:27 AM CST

E! Online - Doubt leads all nominees for the 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards with five nods, including Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Motion Picture.

Entertainment/Entertainment News

2008-12-18T08:38:00.001-08:00

Entertainment/Entertainment News

Video: It's not TV, it's HB-Oprah

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 09:31 AM CST

Dec. 18: In today's "What's Brewing," Courtney Hazlett reports on Oprah's latest cable deal, and the possibility of the Screen Actors' Guild going on strike. (MSNBC)

Video: Review of ‘The Day the Earth Stood Still’

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 09:20 AM CST

Dec. 18: TODAY movie critic Gene Shalit gives a review of the new sci-fi thriller "The Day the Earth Stood Still." (Today Show)

Video: Carrey on 'Yes Man'

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 09:04 AM CST

Dec. 18: Jim Carrey talks about role in "Yes Man." NBC's Mike Wilber reports. (NBC News Channel)

Video: Mickey Rourke: ‘Wrestler’ is a fresh start

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 08:35 AM CST

Dec. 18: TODAY's Matt Lauer talks to actor Mickey Rourke about his role in the new film "The Wrestler." (Today Show)

Video: Goldblum takes on ‘most challenging role’

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 08:19 AM CST

Dec. 18: TODAY hosts talk to actor Jeff Goldblum about his new film "Adam Resurrected." (Today Show)

Video: Kate, Leo on ‘Revolutionary Road’

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 08:12 AM CST

Dec. 18: TODAY's Matt Lauer talks to actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet about working together again in the film "Revolutionary Road." (Today Show)

Video: Redford: Focusing on environment

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 03:34 PM CST

Dec. 17: Actor Robert Redford discusses 300,000 acres of Utah land near national parks which the government will be auctioning for oil and gas drilling rights. (MSNBC)

Video: Set on fire? Just another day at work

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 02:48 PM CST

Dec. 17: Fighting, falling out of a moving car and being doused in flames- these are all part of the stock and trade of stuntmen and women, and now they're being taught at a stunt school in Texas. KXAS's Scott Friedman reports. (NBC News Channel)

Video: Cruise: ‘I would have 100 kids’

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 01:57 PM CST

Dec. 17: Seth Goldman chats with Tom Cruise about his new thriller, "Valkyrie," his Golden Globe nomination for "Tropic Thunder," and whether more kids are in his future with Katie Holmes. (NBC Mobile)

Video: Felicia Day on "The Guild"

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 12:36 PM CST

Star and show creator Felicia Day talks with Msnbc.com's Todd Kenreck about her show "The Guild" in a skype video call. (MSNBC)

Video: Jessica Alba to visit ‘The Office’

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 11:25 AM CST

Dec. 17: Jessica Alba will appear in a one-hour episode of NBC's "The Office," following the Super Bowl on Feb. 1. Plus, Jennifer Lopez is starring in a new comedy, "Plan B." (NBC Mobile)

Video: Joshua Jay shows his ‘Magic’

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 10:43 AM CST

Dec. 17: Joshua Jay, author of "Magic: The Complete Course," shows off some of his tricks for TODAY's Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford. (Today Show)

Video: Do you know your holiday films?

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 10:40 AM CST

Dec. 17: TODAY's Kathie Lee Gifford tests viewers on their knowledge about holiday movies; TODAY's Hoda Kotb gets the answers from film critic Alison Bailes. (Today Show)

Video: Schirripa on Muppets special

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 10:38 AM CST

Dec. 17: TODAY's Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford talk to actor Steve Schirripa about starring in "A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa." (Today Show)

Video: Scoop on Obama's Inaugral attire

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 10:16 AM CST

Dec. 17: Courtney Hazlett talks with celebrity stylist Seth Rabinowitz about Barack Obama's possible choices for his Inaugural tuxedo. (MSNBC)

Video: Miss Piggy: I want a bailout for Christmas

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 09:41 AM CST

Dec. 17: TODAY hosts talk to Miss Piggy about the Muppets new holiday special on NBC. (Today Show)

Video: Late night on shoe-throwing

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 09:29 AM CST

Dec. 17: Late night has a field day after President Bush dodges a shoe thrown at him during a press conference. Msnbc.com's Courtney Hazlett brings you the laughs. (MSNBC)

Video: ‘Wonder Years’ star knows her math

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 09:26 AM CST

Dec. 17: Danica McKellar, who played Winnie Cooper on the hit 1980s show "The Wonder Years," discusses her latest book aimed at helping girls succeed in math. (Today Show)

Video: The Scoop's Year in Entertainment

Posted: 15 Dec 2008 04:21 PM CST

What a year! Msnbc.com's Courtney Hazlett wraps up the good, the wild and the crazy headliners of 2008. (msnbc.com)

Video: Rourke, Tomei talk 'Wrestler'

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 06:55 PM CST

Mickey Rourke, along with fellow Golden Globe nominee and costar Marisa Tomei, hit the red carpet for the premiere of "The Wrestler." (Access Hollywood)

Video: Cruise's talk-show tour

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 06:54 PM CST

Tom Cruise got to read David Letterman's Top 10 List on the "Late Show." The following morning he talked living in New York with "Regis and Kelly." (Access Hollywood)

Video: Smith, Dawson talk ‘Seven Pounds’

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 06:56 PM CST

Will Smith and Rosario Dawson arrive on the red carpet of the Los Angeles premiere of "Seven Pounds," a movie about an extraordinary journey of redemption. (Access Hollywood)

Movie News

2008-12-18T04:27:00.000-08:00

Movie News

Death of Mark Ruffalo's brother ruled a homicide (AP)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 02:52 AM CST

AP - The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office on Wednesday ruled the death of Mark Ruffalo's younger brother a homicide.

"Bashir" director eyes sci-fi adaptation (Reuters)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 02:21 AM CST

Reuters - The director of the Israeli war cartoon "Waltz With Bashir" is developing a sci-fi project.

Fourth time is the charm for "Conjure Wife" movie (Reuters)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 01:58 AM CST

Reuters - As the saying goes, behind every successful man is a strong woman -- who casts spells on his behalf.

Film workers protest against strike at SAG meeting (AP)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 01:13 AM CST

AP - A dozen film industry workers protested outside a town hall meeting of the Screen Actors Guild on Wednesday night, pleading with actors not to authorize a strike that would bring the entertainment business to a halt.

Barry Sonnenfeld saving world with action comedy (Reuters)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 01:00 AM CST

Reuters - "Men in Black" director Barry Sonnenfeld plans to save the world.

"Bedtime Stories" director eyes two movies (Reuters)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 12:28 AM CST

Reuters - With his fantasy comedy "Bedtime Stories" opening on Christmas Day, Adam Shankman is lining up two movie projects: Disney's "Bob the Musical" will take the director back to his musical roots, while "The 8th Voyage of Sinbad" will be his biggest film yet in terms of budget and scope.

'Madea' creator Tyler Perry faces Marshall law (Reuters)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 09:47 PM CST

Reuters - How does one of Hollywood's most successful players end up living for nearly two weeks at a Holiday Inn Express in east Texas?

"Dark Knight," "Mamma Mia" DVDs sell strongly (Reuters)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 07:29 PM CST

Reuters - DVD sales are giving Hollywood something to cheer about this recession-hit holiday season with blockbusters like "The Dark Knight" raking in an estimated $175 million in first-week sales.

Bond, Miley, HSM3, Paris' Opera Have Oscar's Ear (E! Online)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 07:13 PM CST

E! Online - Here are two things you never thought you'd find in the same sentence: Repo! The Genetic Opera and Oscar.

Capsule reviews of `Seven Pounds' and other films (AP)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 07:02 PM CST

AP - Capsule reviews of films opening this week:

Jim Carrey says "Yes" to comedy again (Reuters)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 02:56 PM CST

Reuters - Comedian Jim Carrey is back to doing whatever it takes to get a laugh, and in his new movie "Yes Man" that means bungee jumping while chatting on a cell phone, and mounting a motorbike in a hospital gown.

Mickey Rourke Wrestles His Way Back to the Top (E! Online)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 05:13 PM CST

E! Online - Ya really don't want to get on Mickey Rourke's bad side. Just have a look at the work he does in The Wrestler and you'll know why.

Will Smith flexes acting muscle in "Seven Pounds" (Reuters)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 05:44 PM CST

Reuters - Will Smith's new drama "Seven Pounds" bears hallmarks of his previous collaboration with the film's director, Gabriele Muccino, on 2006's "The Pursuit of Happyness."

Review: `Despereaux' feels like a meager meal (AP)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 07:00 PM CST

AP - Which came first, the rat or the mouse?

Review: Carrey's `Yes Man' is a no, man (AP)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 04:47 PM CST

AP - Someone should have butted in with an emphatic "No" before the cameras rolled for Jim Carrey's "Yes Man," whose makers said yes to a commonplace screenplay that lacks the wit or heart to lift the movie above its formulaic premise.

Review: `Seven Pounds' piles on the twists (AP)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 02:56 PM CST

AP - "Seven Pounds" is a clever one, all right, but it might actually be too clever for its own good.

Television News

2008-12-18T00:18:00.001-08:00

Television News

Study: Young people watch less TV (Reuters)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 01:22 AM CST

Reuters - Young Americans just aren't watching TV like they used to.

HBO high on "Hung" (Reuters)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 01:00 AM CST

Reuters - HBO is hung up on "Hung."

Long-lost World Series game perfect start for MLB (Reuters)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 12:57 AM CST

Reuters - The MLB Network will premiere on New Year's Day with the original telecast -- commercials and all -- of New York Yanees pitcher Don Larsen's perfect game in the 1956 baseball World Series.

Sci Fi expanding "Ghost Hunters" franchise (Reuters)

Posted: 18 Dec 2008 12:29 AM CST

Reuters - Sci Fi Channel is expanding its "Ghost Hunters" franchise through a multipart agreement that includes dozens of hours of reality programing.

Fox TV producers asked to trim budgets 2 percent (AP)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 11:36 PM CST

AP - News Corp.'s 20th Century Fox Television studio has asked producers of shows such as Fox's "24" and "My Name is Earl," produced for NBC, to trim their budgets this season by 2 percent, a spokesman said Wednesday.

Comedy scribes, ABC start "Family" (Reuters)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 10:42 PM CST

Reuters - ABC is welcoming "An American Family."

CNN's Headline News changing name to HLN (Reuters)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 10:06 PM CST

Reuters - At the end of what will be a record year for viewership, Headline News is getting a name change.

Montag, Pratt nuptials questioned (AP)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 08:05 PM CST

AP - "The Hills" personalities Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag recently went to a Beverly Hills courthouse to get married, but questions remained Wednesday about whether the service actually happened.

Paul McCartney, Britney Spears top "Idol" wish list (Reuters)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 07:23 PM CST

Reuters - Former Beatle Paul McCartney and pop star Britney Spears are at the top of Simon Cowell's celebrity wish list as possible mentors on the upcoming season of "American Idol."

Honeymoon Over for Speidi's Fake Marriage? (E! Online)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 06:22 PM CST

E! Online - Brace yourselves, Hills fans: There's a chance that the Speidi wedding no one bought (unless you count whatever Us Weekly paid for that cover) may end up being legally binding after all.

Fan death made "Idol's" Cowell think "long and hard" (Reuters)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 03:45 PM CST

Reuters - Acerbic "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell said on Wednesday the apparent suicide of a former contestant and obsessed fan forced him to think "long and hard" about his blunt comments to hopeless singers on the show.

Simon Talks Paula, Britney and Impending Retirement (E! Online)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 02:27 PM CST

E! Online - Well, what do you know? The man who made millions giving the Grinch a run for his money may have a heart after all.

Gossip Girl Spoiler: Find Out Who'll Be With Nate (E! Online)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 12:55 PM CST

E! Online - No issue is more hotly debated among you fans right now than which lucky Gossip girl deserves to be with Nate (Chace Crawford)?

NBC's 'Superstars of Dance': a global competition (AP)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 04:20 PM CST

AP - Nigel Lythgoe has set the barre (pronounced: bar) high for his new series, "Superstars of Dance."

Simon Cowell's got Beyonce, Britney on his mind (AP)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 03:00 PM CST

AP - As Simon Cowell describes it, adding a second female judge to "American Idol" has brought a battle-of-the-sexes edge to the new season.

Nickelodeon planning first inauguration coverage (AP)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 02:59 PM CST

AP - Nickelodeon TV, the children's' network, is getting ready to cover its first presidential inauguration.

'Canadian Idol' canceled in 2009 (AP)

Posted: 17 Dec 2008 12:00 PM CST

AP - Canada's version of "American Idol" won't be produced in 2009 because of the slowing economy.

Most Watched Trailers (10/18/08)

2008-12-17T21:38:00.001-08:00

Most Watched Trailers (10/18/08)

Terminator Salvation