Nautilus Entertainment News

In Visit to Fox News, Jon Stewart Faults Fox News

2010-02-06T01:00:00.000-08:00

By: Graciela Ayllon
Nautilus Entertainment News
February 6, 2010

Jon Stewart, who already had a reputation for lobbing word grenades at media personalities and outlets that displease him, this week delivered one of the most sustained criticisms of Fox News ever heard on Fox News.

That network, lambasted by many on the left as an arm of the conservative movement, is a “cyclonic perpetual emotion machine” that has “taken reasonable concerns about this president and this economy and turned it into a full-fledged panic about the next coming of Chairman Mao,” Mr. Stewart told Bill O’Reilly of Fox.

Parts of the interview were shown on Wednesday and Thursday evenings on Fox News’s most popular program, “The O’Reilly Factor,” and were widely praised by television critics. But Mr. Stewart had a lot more to say about Fox in the portions of the interview that were edited out of the television broadcast.

The exchanges are notable because Mr. Stewart, the host of “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central, has occasionally strayed beyond his comedy roots into serious media criticism and drawn great attention for doing so. On “Crossfire” on CNN in 2004, he claimed the left-right debate format was “hurting America,” three months before the program was canceled. Last year he took aim at CNBC for being Wall Street cheerleaders, telling Jim Cramer, the host of its “Mad Money” program, that “the financial news industry is not just guilty of a sin of omission but a sin of commission.”

This week, invited onto “The O’Reilly Factor” by its host, Mr. O’Reilly, Mr. Stewart asserted that Fox News was “the most passionate and sells the clearest narrative of any news organization,” then asked with a smirk, “are you still referring to it in that manner?”

Mr. O’Reilly defended Fox as a news organization and cited a poll last month by the Public Policy Polling organization that showed Fox News was more widely trusted than any other television news organization.

Mr. Stewart said Fox had been able to “mainstream conservative talk radio.” On television on Wednesday night, the exchange ended there. But in the studio, Mr. Stewart swung harder, saying Fox had mixed the “media arm of a political party” with “a little bit” of objectivity, something that White House officials have also asserted in recent months.

Fox News said the interview was edited only for time. A video of the unedited interview was posted on BillOReilly.com and on foxnews.com on Thursday night.

In the interview and in a subsequent segment, Mr. O’Reilly said Mr. Stewart was basing his complaints “primarily on two guys, Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck.” But Mr. Stewart insisted that the conservative bent permeated the network and cited “Fox & Friends,” the network’s entertainment-oriented morning show, as evidence:

“They’ll go through, ‘These children in second grade are singing the praises of Obama! Do you know they sing the praises of their leader in North Korea?’ And then, when the hard news comes on, they say, ‘Some people are concerned that they are indoctrinating children.’ ”

Fox News, far and away the most-watched cable news channel, has stoked controversy (and higher ratings) in the first year of the Obama administration by appearing, at times, to be the network of the opposition.

In a segment cut from television, Mr. Stewart said: “Fox News used to be all about: ‘You don’t criticize a president during war time. It’s unacceptable. It’s treasonous. It’s giving aid and comfort to the enemy.’ All of a sudden, for some reason, you can run out there and say Barack Obama is destroying the fabric of this country.”

Mr. O’Reilly disagreed, saying the network had been respectful to Mr. Obama about the Afghanistan troop deployment decision.

In another segment cut from television, Mr. Stewart, asked whether he thought Fox was “set up solely to provide aid and comfort to the Republican Party and the conservative movement,” replied: “That’s right. That’s right.” Then he added, “And to make some money.”

Mr. O’Reilly said on his program on Thursday: “It was interesting to hear Mr. Stewart put forth that Fox News is in business to help Republicans. I rebutted that, and you can decide who had the stronger argument.”

'Dear John' And Super Bowl Excitement Top Today's Tweet Dreams

2010-02-06T00:52:00.000-08:00

By: Graciela Ayllon
Nautilus Entertainment News
February 6, 2010

It's no coincidence that "Dear John" is opening on Super Bowl weekend. For all the gals out there who want to get away from touchdowns and halftime shows, there's Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried and a whole lotta tears. The plan already worked as Channing (pictured) reported that ladies were coming out in droves to watch the movie based off the Nicholas Sparks book, "Gettin sold out reports from AL, Virgina & more.Thx 2 all the fans 4 the support!" Channing's wife Jenna Dewan showed her support for her hubby's flick, posting, "it goes without saying, but go see Dear John this weekend!" Meanwhile, "Vampire Diaries" star Nina Dobrev posted her support for pal Amanda, tweeting, "I can’t wait 2 see my friend Amanda Seyfried in @DearJohnMovie!"

But, this weekend's other big event, Super Bowl Sunday, simply could not be ignored in the Twitterverse today. "Hills" star Holly Montag was Super Bowl bound, telling followers, "MIAMI here we come!!!!!!" No word on whether Holly is on Team Kim Kardashian (for her boyfriend Reggie Bush's New Orleans Saints) or Team Kendra Wilkinson (for hubby Hank Baskett's Indianapolis Colts), both of which who played cheerleaders for their men today. Kim wrote, "Go Saints!!!" while Kendra exclaimed she was "SOOOOO EXCITED!!!!! http://bit.ly/coUYOc"

Steve Wozniak Asked to Walk 'Dancing' Pro Karina Smirnoff Down Aisle

2009-03-30T16:53:00.000-07:00

By: Graciela J. Ayllon
Nautilus Entertainment News
March 30, 2009

Steve Wozniak apparently has an invitation to waltz down the aisle with Karina Smirnoff at her upcoming wedding to Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

The billionaire Apple co-founder and Dancing with the Stars eighth-season celebrity participant said he recently received an invite to attend his professional partner's marriage to Chmerkovskiy. It was reported Thursday, according to Nautilus Entertainment News.

"She said I could walk her down the aisle, and it touched my heart," Wozniak told Entertainment News.
Smirnoff said while Wozniak might not have the fanciest footwork, he does have several qualities that she has found appealing since the two were partnered for Dancing with the Stars currently airing eighth season.

"He's a little out of his element but has the biggest personality you'll ever meet," Smirnoff told Entertainment News. "He's super funny and super charming."

Chmerkovskiy proposed to Smirnoff earlier this year at Las Vegas' Wynn Hotel and the Dancing with the Stars professionals have already begun planning their wedding, which will be held later this year.

Chmerkovskiy should have more time to plan the wedding since he was ousted from Dancing with the Stars eighth season last week along with celebrity partner Denise Richards.

Despite the fact that Wozniak and Smirnoff received the lowest score of the week -- and the lowest score in six seasons -- they were still able to stave off elimination and are one of the eleven couples still remaining in the competition.

'Monsters' Attains on Added Dimension: Utilizing 3-D vs. 2-D

2009-03-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

By: Graciela J. Ayllon
Nautilus Entertainment News
March 30, 2009

Dallas: The cheesy 3-D gimmick of old Hollywood has become solid gold today.

The DreamWorks Animation comedy "Monsters vs. Aliens," the latest flick in a growing crop of movies using new digital 3-D technology, pulled in well over half of its $59.3 million opening weekend grosses from 3-D screens.

By the time the movie finishes its theatrical run, the 3-D version will account for 70 percent or more of its total domestic revenues, DreamWorks Animation boss Jeffrey Katzenberg said Monday. That's because the 3-D presentation is expected to have a longer shelf life than the 2-D version, so the percentage of the gross from 3-D screenings will continue to climb.

That far exceeds the expectations of DreamWorks, which initially had figured 3-D receipts might account for half of the overall take for the sci-fi adventure whose voice cast includes Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen and Kiefer Sutherland.

Audiences have proved willing to shell out the few dollars extra it costs to see a movie in 3-D format instead of the traditional, flat 2-D version. That bodes will for the rush of 3-D offerings on the horizon, including Pixar Animation's "Up," James Cameron's sci-fi epic "Avatar," and a slate of DreamWorks Animation releases led by 2010's "Shrek Goes Fourth," the next installment of the blockbuster ogre franchise.

"For those people that get to see it in 3-D, I think it's going to create a whole new immersive feel to that world," Katzenberg said at ShoWest, an annual convention for theater owners. "Shrek Goes Fourth" is "well on its way in production. We've seen a good deal of it in 3-D, and it's absolutely mind-blowing."

That's a far cry from the origins of 3-D, which started in the 1950s as a ploy for the ailing movie business as television eroded its audience. Most 3-D films shot over the decades were novelties with fuzzy, eye-straining images.

"There are some amazing filmmakers who did some great films. Alfred Hitchcock worked in 3-D," Katzenberg said. "But the vast majority, most of the films, it was used just as a trick, a gimmick, a theme-park attraction, and it was meant to take something that was fundamentally not particularly good and put this sort of gimmick overlay on it as a marketing push."

The eye-strain issue has been eliminated with digital 3-D, which is particularly compatible with computer-animated films that are created in a virtual three-dimensional world to begin with. It's fast becoming the must-see version when fans have a choice between 2-D and 3-D.

In exit polls, 38 percent of those who saw "Monsters vs. Aliens" in 2-D actually had wanted to catch a 3-D screening, but they could not get in because of sold-out theaters, Katzenberg said.

While only a handful of films now are being offered in 3-D, demand could grow as audiences continue to get a taste of the sharp, multidimensional images.

"When color came along, Technicolor, in the 1930s, 10 years later, people stopped making movies and going to movies in black and white. Why? Because we see in color," Katzenberg said. "We also see in 3-D. I do think it's more natural for us, so we'll see."

The Smashing Pumpkins Announce Open Call for Drummers

2009-03-30T16:29:00.000-07:00

By: Graciela J. Ayllon
Nautilus Entertainment News
March 30, 2009

You could be the next Jimmy Chamberlin!
The Smashing Pumpkins have issued a statement saying that they are seeking a drummer to replace Jimmy Chamberlin, who left the band last week.

Billy Corgan and company will hold auditions next Friday (April 10) in Los Angeles. They have asked that potential candidates send their background info, photos and performance web links via email to pumpkinsdrummer@gmail.com.

Chamberlin, who joined the band when it was originally formed in 1988 and played on all of The Smashing Pumpkins' albums except 1998's 'Adore', said last week that he decided to quit because he is no longer able to give the band all of his energy. "I can’t just, 'Cash the check,' so to speak," he said.

After the drummer's departure, frontman Corgan issued a statement saying he intends to continue performing and recording under The Smashing Pumpkins name, despite the fact that he is the band's only remaining original member.

The Bachelor’s Jason Mesnick Explains His Choices

2009-03-03T14:46:00.000-08:00

Nautilus Entertainment News
By: GracielaJ. Ayllon
March 3, 2009

So I kept hearing how this is the best season of The Bachelor yet. So last night after The Bachelor ended on the east coast, I was shocked by all the status updates I saw from my friends on Twitter and Facebook cussing him out. I didn’t know why until I saw him Jimmy Kimmel Live! and he explained why he asked one girl to marry him on the season finale and then dumped her on the post-show for the girl he didn’t choose.
So what do you think of his explanation why he did what he did? I don’t care what he says he is still a d!ck to do what he did the way he did it. Hopefully the other girl will dump his a$$ for one of the previous Bachelors! Now hot would that be!!!
The first Bachelorette Trista Ryan talked to momlogic about the biggest jerk in Bachelor history and here what she had to say about him!

How do you feel about Jason right now?
Trista: How could you go from being engaged to someone to kissing someone else on the couch?! He doesn’t deserve to walk away scot-free. I mean, what disappointed me as a mom is that he introduced both girls to Ty (Jason’s son). Melissa was around, and now she’s gone. What is Ty going to think?

She goes on to say more about him that is a fun read!
Watch With Kristin! spoke with The Bachelor host Chris Harrison and there is even more proof that Jason Mesnick was a jerk!

Melissa Knew: “Melissa obviously knew [about the breakup],” Harrison clarifies. “She was not blindsided. She didn’t think everything was great. She showed up that day to talk about the wedding date and then realized she was going to be dumped. She was pissed and angry, but she wasn’t blindsided. Not that it makes it any better for anybody, and I totally understand why people are still mad, but she wasn’t the complete unsuspecting little lamb that you might think.”

Chris also talked to her about if the producers knew and if they liked how the show ended.

On a lighter note here is who Jimmy Kimmel choose to give his rose to…

lknlk

2009-03-03T09:11:00.000-08:00

Bachelor Jason Blogs About Hometown Dates, Letting Doves Fly

2009-02-11T22:53:00.000-08:00

Nautilus Entertainment News
February 12, 2009
By: Graciela Ayllon

Last night, the Bachelor’s Jason Mesnick trekked all over North America (literally) to visit with the families and friends of the four remaining women — Jillian, Molly, Naomi and Melissa. Here’s what Jason had to say about crossing the border (Oh, Canada, is right!), hitting the fairways of Michigan, the freeways of Southern California and the meeting some friendly folks in Dallas.

What a week! It truly couldn’t have been any better. These four girls, their friends and families are all “AMAZING.” Yes, I know I am getting a lot of flack for using that word over and over again. But there are really no other words that better describe this entire experience. Unbelievable, unreal, great, fantastic are great words, too. But you know what? The best way to describe this experience, the women and all the fun that comes with them is just “AMAZING.”

I had a great time with Jill and her family. She is exactly like her dad — fun, outgoing, caring and honest. I am so thankful that Jillian shared her mother’s story of battling depression with me. I found it so incredibly brave, and I now have a better understanding of why Jill is as strong and supportive as she is. She has always needed to be there for her family, so it was only natural for her to be there for the other girls when they needed it. Her grandma was hilarious. She came in and put a pair of Canadian flag boxers on my head. We all got a great laugh out of it. But what you didn’t see on the show is that they actually got me to put the boxers on as well. I had a blast, and Jillian’s family really set the bar quite high as I headed into three more hometown dates.

Being a golfer my entire life, I was blown away seeing Molly in her preppy gear. That was every golfer’s dream come true! She definitely got a hole in one that day…I wish that you guys had gotten to see more of the hat box at Molly’s house. There were literally 50 to 60 hats in there, and by digging in, I really had to opportunity to be part of a welcoming family tradition. As for the art activity, I admit that I am not much of an artist. But I did my best to portray what I see as Molly’s most beautiful attributes — her smile and her amazing eyes. But I didn’t do her any justice.

My date with Naomi was a real roller-coaster ride… almost literally. Unfortunately, you didn’t get to see the very “memorable” horseback ride that we took together. My horse got a little spooked and started spinning in circles. I really thought it was trying to buck me off. Luckily, I slipped of the back of the horse and it took off. I know it’s not the thing to do if you are trying to impress a girl, but I don’t have much experience with horses!

As for hula-hooping, clearly I suck! I don’t think I have done it since I was about six and that really showed. Let’s just say that I have officially retired from hula-hooping. As for the dead dove, I honestly thought it was a joke at first and I was just playing along. That was until the bag was opened and a feather flew out. I thought, Are you kidding me? Is this really happening? Am I really about to do a eulogy for a wild dove?’ I had no idea what to say. Really, I think Naomi’s mom was just having fun with us all.

I had an interesting conversation with Naomi’s father about religion. I am not a person that has practiced a lot of religious faith. My conversation with her father was very unexpected. He is a great man with a lot of faith and I learned a lot about him and I really respect his belief system.

My trip to Dallas was great. Of course I was disappointed that Melissa’s parents were not comfortable meeting me under these circumstances, but I do respect their wishes. I know that there was a part of Melissa that I wasn’t able to see. But I also know that her parents didn’t ask to be a part of this journey and they made the decision that was best for them. But it did allow me to meet some of her very best friends and see a part of her that I wouldn’t have been able to see otherwise. I was able to get a real glimpse at her everyday life, and what it would be like to continue hanging out with her. I loved seeing her with her friend’s children. The tooth fairy box that Melissa made for Ty was so thoughtful and showed me how much attention she was paying to everything I said. It also showed me that she was not just thinking about me, but she was thinking about Ty as well.

The rose ceremony was tough because I had to say goodbye to Naomi. She and I are very similar in so many ways. I made my decision because I realized in my heart that Naomi has huge wings and she needs to fly and experience more in the world. She is a great girl and I know I made the right decision for all of us.

Seriously, next week is going to be AMAZING. I take Moll, Mel and Jill to New Zealand for the ride of our lives.

Jessica Simpson Talks About Her Weight Gain : 'I Am So Happy'

2009-02-11T22:13:00.000-08:00

Nautilus Entertainment News
February 12,2009
By: Grace Ayllon
'I am right where I'm supposed to be,' singer says during 'Early Show' CBS appearance.

Jessica Simpson made her first live tv. appearance on Wednesday morning (February 11) after being criticized last month for her reported weight gain, which appeared to lead to the singer breaking down in tears at a concert last week.
Speaking to CBS' "Early Show," the singer, who was in Nashville for the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, never directly responded to the criticism. But when it was brought up that she's been getting a lot of support from fans following the scrutiny, she said, "Honestly, I am right where I'm supposed to be. I am so happy."
On top of the media talking about her weight, Simpson has also had to deal with people speculating that her beau, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, has been unfaithful. But she said she's been receiving a lot of support on the road. "Right now, I'm on tour with Rascal Flatts, having a blast," she said. "We're at Madison Square Garden tomorrow. Everybody's just been so warm and welcoming. Lots of hugs, I like that ... Texas style."
After the show's anchor, Maggie Rodriguez, told her that she thought she looked "absolutely beautiful," Simpson said, "Everything's really great. It's all about keeping the faith. That's why I pray out loud."
Since the January 26 concert, where the much-discussed photos of a curvier Simpson were taken, she has made several appearances at concerts. At a January 30 show, she responded to the criticism saying, "Please remember: No matter what you go through in life, somebody else might have it harder. So just appreciate. I feel like in our world today, we focus on so many things that are completely pointless."

Nice Sanaps Photos About Hollywood's Children:

2008-10-08T00:30:00.000-07:00

Nautilus Entertainment News
By: Graciela J. Ayllon
Dallas October,8 2008

Willow Smith wants to be on TV, dad Will Smith says.

Pax Jolie-Pitt, son of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, shows off his dapper side during a trip to a New York Borders book store.

Britney Spears' sons, Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1, recently appeared on the cover of OK! magazine.

Jennifer Lopez offered a glimpse of one of her twins Max and Emme during a recent vacation in Italy.

Cruz, Romeo and Brooklyn Beckham are mirror images of their soccer star dad, David Beckham.

Tiger Woods' daughter Sam, 1, gets her good looks from her pop - and model mother, Elin.

Minnie Driver posted a touching photo of her son, Henry Story, on MySpace in early October.

They may be pint-sized, but celebrity offspring such as Halle Berry's daughter Nahla, above, steal the spotlight from their famous parents.

'Saturday Night Live' Is more valuable again, thanks to Tina Fey as Sarah Palin

2008-10-07T23:50:00.000-07:00

Nautilus Entertainment News
By: Graciela J. Ayllon
Dallas October 8,2008

Once upon a time, TV viewers would have had to stay up late to watch Tina Fey do her Sarah Palin routines on "Saturday Night Live."

RELATED: PALIN SAYS INTERVIEW FLUBS WERE TO KEEP TINA FEY IN BUSINESS
These days, all they have to do is wake up on Sunday morning. If they don't see it replayed on a cable network, they can simply walk over to the computer and call up the "SNL" Web site. (SCROLL DOWN PAGE FOR VIDEO)

And they do. Fey's first two Palin sketches this season drew more than 5 million Web views within the first 48 hours, according to "SNL."

While Fey's Palin bits may not have sparked as much buzz as the Moose Dresser herself, they clearly became a hot media ticket. "SNL" ratings this season have leapt more than 40% over last year in Nielsen's metered markets.

RELATED: 'SNL' SENDS UP VP DEBATE
But even that doesn't fully reflect the dramatic increase in the number of people who have seen Fey's routines, or other TV "water cooler" moments, in this year's long election campaign.

TV broadcasts, once a one-time thing, are now a launching pad to seemingly eternal life. "See It Now," Edward R. Murrow's revered news program from the early 1950s, today would have to be retitled "See It Whenever You Want."

Anyone who doesn't watch tonight's live debate between Democratic candidate Barack Obama and Republican John McCain will be able to see it all over TV and the computer screen from almost the moment it ends.

Same with Michelle Obama's scheduled appearance tomorrow night on Jon Stewart's "Daily Show" over Comedy Central.

CBS' Katie Couric got no big bump in the live ratings when she interviewed Sarah Palin last month.

But after people started saying, "You gotta see this," it drew more than 7 million hits on YouTube, in addition to heavy viewing at the CBS News Web site.

Nor is that an isolated case.

David Letterman's cranky response to John McCain canceling a "Late Night" appearance has been viewed more than 4 million times on YouTube - a bigger number than Letterman's average nightly audience.

There have been more than 7 million YouTube viewings of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama's controversial ex-pastor. That's more people than would see a live Wright sermon in a thousand lifetimes.

Web site hits aren't a true comparison to a broadcast audience, because someone who enjoys a Web excerpt often will run up the count by playing it multiple times or passing it around.

Web postings can also distort a subject by offering only an excerpt rather than the full context. That's been an issue with interview clips, though it works well with "Saturday Night Live" because the viewer who only wants the Fey skit can skip the rest.

Video posts are only one part of the near-saturation role the Web has played in this election campaign, from blogs to fund-raising to JibJab satire.

But they're also part of a time-shifting TV culture that began in the 1970s - for anyone who could figure out how to work the timer - and today has made TiVo and DVRs as common as $2 bottles of water.

If you didn't see Edward R. Murrow dissect the dangers of Sen. Joseph McCarthy on March 9, 1954, you missed it. As of March 10, you could only read news reports about it.

Tina Fey, conversely, is never more than a mouse click away.

Halle Berry, Sexiest Woman Alive

2008-10-07T23:42:00.000-07:00

Nautilus Entertainment News
By: Graciela J. Ayllon
Dallas October 8, 2008

Halle Berry is Esquire's new Sexiest Woman Alive. "Being 42 and having just had a baby, I think I’ll take it," she says of the honor. And she's a giver: "I share this title with every woman, because every woman is a nominee for it at any moment." Well, thanks.

'American Idol's' Davids battle, Fox wins

2008-05-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

Nautilus Entertainment
May 24,2008

The finale was the third-most-watched in show history. The network, meanwhile, hits No. 1.

The battle of the Davids propelled Wednesday's "American Idol" finale to one of the show's best numbers ever, with 31.7 million viewers tuning in.

Rocker David Cook's upset victory over the runner-up, teen crooner David Archuleta, capped a historic season for Fox, which amid the disruptions of the three-month writers strike became America's most-watched network for the first time. It also notched its fourth straight season as No. 1 in adult viewers ages 18 to 49, according to data from Nielsen Media Research.

The 2007-08 TV season officially ended Wednesday.

The high viewership for "Idol's" Season 7 finale came as something of a surprise because the show had seen lower-than-expected ratings this season. As recently as earlier this month, "Idol" retreated to some of its softest numbers in years.

But the matchup between Cook and Archuleta evidently proved irresistible. In fact, the two-hour episode was the third-most-watched "Idol" finale, after the 2006 showdown between Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee (36.4 million) and the 2003 face-off between Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken (38.1 million).

Last year's contest, between Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis, drew 30.7 million.

In Los Angeles, the "Idol" finale overlapped for about 45 minutes with a Western Conference playoff game between the Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs on TNT. Yet both programs performed strongly, with "Idol" capturing 1.3 million area viewers versus the Lakers' 1.2 million.

The "Idol" finale was a welcome dash of good news for the broadcast TV industry, which has been brought low by the writers strike and ongoing viewer defections to cable.

Every network except Fox saw significant ratings declines this season, including CBS, which shed 16% of its average total viewers compared with last season. As a result, Fox snatched the crown for most-watched network away from the usual victor, CBS, with 11.1 million versus 10.5 million (these data do not include Wednesday's results).

Among the ad-friendly demographic of viewers ages 18 to 49, Fox led the season while ABC and CBS, both of which logged double-digit declines, tied for second.

Results for the May "sweeps" period, which local stations use to help set ad rates and which also ended Wednesday, were worse. Every network posted losses. NBC shed nearly one-fifth of its audience compared with a year ago.

Against that backdrop, the "Idol" numbers assume even more importance, proving that broadcast TV can still deliver huge audiences with the right program.

Uma Thurman Sues Cosmetics Giant Lancome

2008-05-11T10:04:00.000-07:00

Nautilus Entertainment
May 11,2008

ACTRESS Uma Thurman has sued Lancome, seeking $US15 million (A$15.9 million) from the French cosmetics company, accusing it of using her name and face in advertisements after her contract expired.

The actress claims the cosmetics company, owned by L'Oreal, breached an agreement signed in 2000, using her name and face in ads for years after her contract expired in September 2004 in Europe and December 2004 in the rest of the world.

The company gave the "false impression" Thurman, the star of films including Pulp Fiction and Dangerous Liaisons, was still linked to Lancome, the lawsuit said.

"Celebrities will now be careful about doing deals with Lancome," Thurman's lawyer Bert Fields said. "They continued to use her photographs long after the contract was over."

L'Oreal spokeswoman Jennifer James said: "The use of Ms Thurman's image after her contract expired, however minor, was neither deliberate nor intentional."

The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court on Friday, followed a suit filed on Wednesday in the State Supreme Court in Manhattan by Lancome, saying it did not violate its contract.

Thurman made headlines last week in a separate case when a former mental patient was convicted of stalking her.

Ashlee Simpson Will Get Married Next Week

2008-05-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

Nautilus Entertainment
May 11, 2008

It appears Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz are rushing to the aisle and will tie the knot next week in California, according to Internet reports. The pair reportedly sent out invites to friends and family, urging them all to be ready for a big day on Saturday, May 17.

According to the website Hollyscoop.com, Wentz and Simpson are refusing to give too much away, keeping the site of the wedding a secret. An unnamed source told the website, “The location will not be revealed until the day of the wedding but guests are told it will be an hour drive from Los Angeles.”

The couple announced their engagement in early April through a post on their website, ending months of speculation that started on New Year Eve, when Ashlee was spotted wearing a diamond ring.

Simpson wrote a statement posted on FriendorEnemies.com, saying, “We know there has been a lot of speculation recently about Pete and I, and we wanted our fans to be the first to know, because you guys are the best. Yes, we are thrilled to share that we are happily engaged. Thank you for all of your support and well wishes — it means the world to us. We consider this to be a very private matter, and we wanted to be the first to tell you and hear it straight from us.”

Simpson, 23, and Wentz, 28, have been together since late 2006. However, they did not go public within a few months into their relationship. Joe Simpson, Ashlee’s father, declared that the Fallout Boy band member Pete is “a good kid.”

Kelly Taylor Can't Quit West Bev.

2008-05-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

Nautilus Entertainment
May,11 2008

It's official; Jennie Garth is heading back to "90210", according to Us. Rumors have been heating up since Jennie pulled out of a CBS pilot and CW reps confirmed that the former brat is returning to West Beverly High as the school guidance counselor. Kelly Taylor certainly has enough life experience and drama to be successful in that job.

Allegedly, none of Jennie's former "90210" cast members have been asked back to the show yet. Jason Priestley told momlogic.com that no one has contacted him about making a comeback to Beverly Hills, but said he would be open to reprising his role. Jason only had praise for the teen drama that allowed him to do a lot of different jobs and said he would return to the show "if it's the right thing, I'm certainly open to it. I loved working on that show. I loved everything I did on that show."

Transgender Man Says He's Pregnant

2008-03-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

Nauilus Entertainment
March 28, 2008

Figuring out that he was transgender and making the decision to take hormones to transition his body from female to male was difficult for Jace Martinez. But figuring out how to tell his 5-year-old daughter, he says, was "really a challenge."

So Jace, 23, decided to write a picture book, simply titled "My Mommy Is a Boy."

Written from his daughter Amaya's perspective, the self-published book, intended for an audience of one, explains Jace's feelings and his decision to change his name, wear men's clothes and begin taking testosterone to change the appearance of his body.

"Mommy told me in her heart she always felt like a boy and being a girl always made her sad," he writes in the book. "Mommy likes to wear boy's [sic] clothes and cut her hair really short," reads the text under a magic-marker drawing of a short-haired Jace in a barber's chair. "Sometimes kids ask if she is my Daddy."

Jace lives in Oregon, the home state of Thomas Beatie, a female-to-male transgender man who wrote an article this week in the gay-rights magazine The Advocate explaining his decision to become pregnant. Beatie said he decided to become pregnant after his wife became sick and infertile. He previously had his breasts removed and was taking hormones, but had retained his uterus and female sex organs.

The National Center for Transgender Equality estimates there are some one to three million transgender people living in America. How many of them are parents, however, is unknown.

Making Change: The Cost of Being TransgenderExplaining the birds and the bees is a challenge for any parent, but transgender individuals have the added difficulty of explaining not just the basics of human sexuality but the complexities as well.

Experts who counsel transgender parents say younger children, like Amaya, tend to adjust to the news of their parent's transition better than teenagers, and the best thing a parent can do is to be open and answer their child's questions.

"Amaya knows she was in my tummy. She is still pretty young and never asks about sex, but I know she will someday," Jace told Nautilus Entertainment "The book says I was unhappy being a girl. She knows that I have girl parts, but I'm taking a shot and it's making me like her dad."

Lohan Goes Crazy

2008-03-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

Nautilus News
March 28, 2008
Actress joins Charles Manson flick.
Lindsay Lohan may have cleaned up her act, but she's saving a little bit of crazy for a big-screen turn as Nancy Pitman, a former member of Charles Manson's crew.

Nautilus News scoops that LiLo will star in Manson Girls, a film about -- you guessed it -- the female members of cult leader Charlie Manson's "family."

Her character, Pitman (a.k.a. Brenda), was not directly involved in the Manson Family killings, but she was one of Manson's most hardcore devotees. After the murders of Sharon Tate and her friends, Manson took Pitman to the scene where they planted false evidence.

Manson Girls producer Brad Wyman of Junction Films confirmed Lohan's casting. "Yes, I am doing it with Lindsay," he told Nautilus Entertainment News.

Lohan will next star opposite Jared Leto in Chapter 27, the story of another killer, John Lennon murderer Mark David Chapman.

Ranch Dressing:

2008-03-16T14:10:00.000-07:00

Nautilus Entertainment
March 15,2008

Ranch Dressing: Michael Jackson miraculously saved Neverland from going to auction again. You know what last-second salvation reminds us of? Those old Superman serials where Supes would somehow plunge to his death...but in the next ep, he had somehow escaped just in the nick of time, lickety-split. I’m sick of these moolah deus ex machinas helping Jacko out in a pinch. They ain’t ever gonna be paid back, since M.J.’s all but broke. Then again, American Idol is doing a second week of Beatles songs—wonder if the money Fox plunked down for the rights helped Mikey out any?

“Horton Hears A Who!”

2008-03-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

Nautilus Entertainment
March 15, 2008

Horton Hears A Who!”, has earned $45 million in ticket sales.
The Top 10 was closed by “Jumper”, which earned $2,135,000.

Twentieth Century Fox's G-rated "Horton Hears a Who!" opened to an estimated $45.1 million at the box office this weekend, the studio said today, the latest powerful performance by a movie aimed at family audiences.

The animated picture, produced for about $90 million, follows a string of G- or PG-rated hits since the fall including Walt Disney Co.'s "Enchanted" and "Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour" and Fox's partly animated musical-comedy "Alvin and the Chipmunks."

For years the G rating, in particular, has been seen as a stigma, a turnoff for teenagers and older moviegoers who snicker at wholesome fare. But "Horton," adapted from the classic Dr. Seuss book, attracted a fairly diverse crowd, estimated at 53% families and 47% non-families, including unaccompanied teens.

"This was a 'Who-mongous' opening," said Chris Aronson, Fox's senior vice president of domestic distribution. "We played to all 'Whos' from 2 to 92, and I'm not just being cute. It was an all-audience film."

The heavily marketed movie, whose voice cast includes Jim Carrey and Steve Carell, matched most industry expectations and easily topped the charts over Warner Bros.' prehistoric epic "10,000 BC," which slid 54% in its second weekend to $16.4 million.

Among the two major new action pictures hitting the market, Summit Entertainment's mixed martial-arts drama "Never Back Down" fared best, grossing $8.6 million to open at No. 3.

The apocalyptic thriller "Doomsday," from Universal's Rogue Pictures label, mustered $4.7 million to rank seventh for the weekend.

The PG-13-rated "Never Back Down" cost about $20 million to produce; the budget for the R-rated "Doomsday" was $19 million.

Industrywide revenue rose 8.5% from the same period in 2007, reversing a four-weekend slump, according to data tracker Media by Numbers.

Year to date, however, box-office revenue and attendance are little changed from 2007

Brit: Having a Mother of a Good Time

2008-03-16T13:35:00.000-07:00

Nautilus Entertaintment
March 14,2008

Britney Spears has taken a shine to sitcom work.

Making her first public statement on just about anything in recent days, the Blackout artiste announced Thursday that her week of toiling as a guest star on CBS' How I Met Your Mother beats psych wards and courtrooms.

"Working at How I Met Your Mother has been so terrific. Everyone, including the cast, the crew and the producers, has been wonderful, and Abby is such a fun girl to play. I'm having a blast!"

Meanwhile, the show's set of has been harder to crack than Hyde this week.

With paparazzi lurking outside and helicopted buzzing overhead, people couldn't approach the soundstage without the proper security clearance, which came in the form of a color-coded wristband, according to Neil Patrick Harris, who plays the suit-wearing, skirt-chasing Barney.

Harris told E! Online's Watch with Kristin Wednesday even he was denied at one point, although he ultimately made it past the guards, considering he's the castmember with the Emmy nomination and all.

"I did eventually make it on set, because I just kept going through," the actor said. "But there were lots of 'Hey, hey—I need to see your wristband,' and I said, 'Lady, I'm actually on the show, so I don't have a wristband.'

"So, that's the kind of excitement there is on Stage 22 right now, mid Britney."

Spears arrived at the Fox Studios set in a chauffeured black Cadillac Escalade at about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday with her usual two bodyguards in tow.

Shortly before noon, Spears' car was dispatched back to her Beverly Hills home to pick up mom Lynne Spears, who had just returned to the gated Summit community after spending the morning visiting with her grandkids at Kevin Federline's house.

Lynne was spotted outside her daughter's trailer several times once she arrived at the studio (she had the right wristband, apparently), but reporters were hard-pressed to get another glance of Spears after her initial dropoff.

Harris—who more or less agreed with "quite impressed" costar Alyson Hannigan that Spears was doing a "good job" in her bit role as Abby, a sweet-natured receptionist at a dermatologist's office (where Ted is finally going to get his "tramp stamp" removed)—said the only thing that concerned him about the pop star's very prominent presence was what the casting coup implied about the show's status.

"It wasn't like CBS or How I Met Your Mother is trying to get ratings and said, Who can we star-cast to get attention," Harris said. "We were literally just filming last week and told, 'You're not going to believe who just called and said they wanted to be on the show.'

"So, that's sort of how it all went down…My only reservation about her being on the show at all is it appears that we are desperate for ratings, and that's not the case. We're sort of in a good comedy groove. So, my only concern is one of appearance."

Asked how Barney would handle Spears if the two came face to face, Harris maintained his character's signature cockiness.

"He'd definitely trump Osama Lutfi," Harris concluded. "Barney would out-Adnan Adnan."

Hannigan, meanwhile, had nothing but praise for the scene-stealing Spears.

"I have been quite impressed by Britney’s performance," the erstwhile Buffy the Vampire Slayer witch told E! Online. "The character she is playing is very sweet and endearing, which seems to come naturally to her. Not to mention, she has good comedic timing, which helps, given we’re a sitcom.”

The onscreen dermatologist temporarily employing Spears as a receptionist is being played by Scrubs star Sarah Chalke, a last-minute replacement for Alicia Silverstone, who opted not to appear at the same time as Spears in order to avoid what she assumed would be a totally chaotic scenario.