I Only Watch Them For The Music

Don't be scared by "Porn Music Radio." It's really just a superb collection of soul-soothing funk tunes.

SHREK 2 Release Date

Dreamworks has announced that SHREK 2 will be released on June 18, 2004.

For Your Oscar Consideration ... Already

Think it's too early to start talking about Oscar? Evidently, you're new in town.

Award consultants have been hired and studio executives are mulling campaigns as they size up the competition. Since the year hits the halfway point June 30, and because recent Academy Award races have seen a lot of heavyweights from the first six months, it's not too early to evaluate 2002 so far.

The January-June period has offered some serious contenders -- particularly in the cartoon and foreign-language races. It's possible we've already seen all three feature-animation nominees: 20th Century Fox's "Ice Age," Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" and DreamWorks' "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron."

And while IFC's "Y Tu Mama Tambien" and USA Films' "Monsoon Wedding" are not eligible in the foreign-language category, both have potential in other races, particularly writing and direction.

Beyond that, it's hard to say. Every year, two or three films drive the Oscar race. Though the eligibility period is now half over, there are no films that are ready to assume that mantle.

Some of the following films seem to be good possibilities for Oscar consideration; others seem less likely. But it's worth remembering that a lot of people were skeptical of the chances of "Gladiator," "Erin Brockovich" and "Moulin Rouge" -- all of which were early-year bows -- until the year-end crop fizzled.

This year, possible contenders include Universal's "About a Boy," Warner Bros.' "Insomnia" and Fox's "Minority Report." And the acting so far is strong: Diane Lane in Fox's "Unfaithful"; Hugh Grant and Toni Collette, "About a Boy"; Al Pacino, "Insomnia"; Dennis Quaid, Disney's "The Rookie"; and Ellen Burstyn in WB's "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood."

Among arthouse-niche entries, the work from writer-director Todd Solondz on Fine Line's "Storytelling" was notable, and IFC's "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" has a lot of fans.

However, many believe the race for the 75th Academy Awards won't get into high gear until July 12, when DreamWorks' "Road to Perdition" bows. The Tom Hanks vehicle is earning Oscar buzz in a number of races, and past summers certainly have offered some Oscar biggies, including DreamWorks' own "Saving Private Ryan" and Disney's "The Sixth Sense."

Last month, the Cannes Film Festival helped start buzz for pictures that will open later in the year: New Line's "About Schmidt," Revolution's Paul Thomas Anderson picture "Punch-Drunk Love" (distribbed by Sony), Universal Focus' Roman Polanski film "The Pianist," UA's Mike Leigh "All or Nothing" and foreign-language offerings from Sony Pictures Classics: Russia's "Cuckoo," Italy's "Respiro" and Finland's "The Man Without a Past."

Cannes further whetted people's appetites for Martin Scorsese's long-in-the-works "Gangs of New York" from Miramax.

Of course, this season always brings titles that have strong potential in the tech categories: Sony's "Spider-Man," Fox's "Star Wars: Episode II -- Attack of the Clones" and "Minority Report," MGM's "Windtalkers" and Universal's "The Scorpion King."

As usual, the fourth quarter will see the launch of a lot of kudos hopefuls. In addition to those mentioned, they include Disney's "Moonlight Mile," "Veronica Guerin" and Spike Lee's "25th Hour"; DreamWorks' "Catch Me If You Can" ( Steven Spielberg); Fox's Steven Soderbergh-helmed "Solaris"; Fox Searchlight's Denzel Washington-directed "Antwone Fisher" and untitled Jim Sheridan project; Lions Gate's "Confidence"; Miramax's "Chicago" and "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind"; "The Hours," from Paramount and Miramax; MGM's "A Few Good Years" (starring the Kirk Douglas clan); Sony's "Adaptation" ( Meryl Streep, Spike Jonze) and Sony Classics' Almodovar pic "Talk to Her"; Universal's "Red Dragon," "Emperor's Club" and Curtis Hanson-helmed "8 Mile"; UA's "Nicholas Nickleby"; and Warner Bros.' "White Oleander" and "Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets."

And can "Two Towers," the second installment of New Line's "The Lord of the Rings," duplicate the ring-a-ding-ding Oscar attention of the first?

While all of those sound like shoo-ins, every studio knows a film can look great on paper but not so good on the bigscreen. And Oscar forecasts are always thrown off by last-minute scheduling shifts ("Gangs," "Perdition," "The Hours" and "Adaptation" all were tentatively scheduled for December 2001, while "Black Hawk Down" was a late addition).

Of course, there's always a downside to all this speculation. Many studio reps were horrified at the thought of next year's awards season ("Didn't we just have the Oscars?," moaned one). And a studio marketing rep complained that advance Oscar buzz puts unfair expectations on a picture: "People should see a film and enjoy it without thinking of awards."

They're right. But in Hollywood, thinking of a film without thinking of awards is like ignoring the question of box office. It's not likely to happen.

WOULDN'T IT BE NICE?

Screenwriter Bryan Goluboff (THE BASKETBALL DIARIES) has been hired by Castle Rock Entertainment to script their upcoming film about the life of troubled but brilliant Beach Boys founder and songwriter Brian Wilson.

"We hope to capture Brian's life struggle and the underpinnings of his genius, as well as celebrate the extraordinary musical contribution this Mozart from Hawthorne, California, has given to the world," said Castle Rock co-founder Rob Reiner.

You Can Dance If You Want To

Men Without Hats is currently looking for 2 new members to do some live shows starting probably not before next year (2003). Male or female. Age is not a factor. You must not be a slob and have a good appearance.

Are you qualified?

Weezer Collaborate With Kermit The Frog, Miss Piggy

Weezer have teamed up with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo the Great, Pepe the King Prawn and the rest of the Muppets in their video for "Keep Fishin'," the band's second single from Maladroit.

In the clip, Weezer are guests on "The Muppet Show," and, Muppets being Muppets, hilarity ensues. The "Keep Fishin' " video features a Muppet chorus singing backup, running commentary from Statler and Waldorf, a trip to Beaker and Bunsen's lab, and some "quality time" spent backstage with Miss Piggy, according to a spokesperson for the Jim Henson Company.

"Keep Fishin' " was directed by veteran Weezer auteur Marcos Siega, the man behind the "Dope Nose," "Hash Pipe" and "Island in the Sun (Version 1)" videos. Weezer, Siega and the Henson Company staff shot the clip June 18-19 at a Manhattan Beach, California, soundstage.

For Weezer, working with Henson Studios was a chance to live out a childhood fantasy. "Being a guest on 'The Muppet Show' was a childhood dream we all shared, so we were ecstatic when the Muppets agreed to be in our video for 'Keep Fishin',' " Weezer said in an official statement. "The Muppets can really rock!"

The Muppets themselves praised the band. "Weezer fit right in," Kermit the Frog said in a statement. "They're rock stars, they're used to being around animals, bears and egotistical pigs." Weezer now join the ranks of such musicians as Elton John, Alice Cooper, Debbie Harry and John Denver, who've all been guests on "The Muppet Show."

What Is The Worst Movie Ever Made?

Maxim has compiled a list of The 50 Worst Movies of All Time for its July issue.
Who's No. 1?

No One Can Hear Jacko in MIB II

Barry Sonnenfeld says that few people can actually hear what Michael Jackson is saying when he appears on screen in MEN IN BLACK II, because people are laughing so hard at his appearance in preview screenings. In the film, Jacko plays an MIB wannabe. Sonnenfeld says that had he anticipated the reaction, he would have re-edited the scene to allow more time to pass so you can hear Jacko talk.

Liam Neeson talks about hearing himself in EPISODE II.

Liam Neeson told SCI FI Wire that he wasn't surprised to hear that the voice of Qui-Gon Jinn, his slain Star Wars: Episode I character, factors into the action in Star Wars: Episode II—Attack of the Clones. And he remained mum on his reported appearance in the upcoming Episode III. "I haven't seen [Episode II]," Neeson said in an interview. "My sons told me about it, but I knew it was going to happen."

In a spoiler for the latest prequel, Qui-Gon's cry of "No, Ani!" can be heard as Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) massacres the Tusken raiders that murdered his mother, Shmi (Pernilla August). "I don't know how they did that," Neeson said. "We tried to record something here [in New York City, where Neeson lives]. But then they digitalized something and put it together and sent it to me, the way they can these days, to hear [and for his approval]. I thought, 'That's good.'"

As for whether Neeson will return in either corporeal or ghostly form for Episode III, Neeson said, "I can't answer that. The Jedi code of ethics."

CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM HIM

The House of Representatives unanimously passing a bill Thursday that will rename the main post office in Hoboken, New Jersey, after favorite son Frank Sinatra. The Senate passed the measure in March, and now it only requires President Bush's signature before taking effect.

I Remember Watching The Night He Made His Fateful Comments

"Politically Incorrect" was politically annihilated.

The Who Bassist John Entwistle Has Died

John Entwistle, the quiet, efficient bass player who co-founded The Who and helped it become one of the most dynamic and successful rock bands in history, was found dead of an apparent heart attack Thursday in his Las Vegas hotel room. He was 57.

Entwistle was on medication for a heart condition, according to band member Steve Luongo.

An autopsy was scheduled for Friday, but Clark County officials said there was nothing suspicious about the death, which comes nearly a quarter-century after the band's original drummer, Keith Moon, died of an overdose at age 31.

The Who was to play at the Hard Rock Hotel-Casino on Friday, the first date of a three-month, nationwide tour. That show and another scheduled for July 1 in Los Angeles were canceled. The rest of the tour was undecided, said Beckye Levin of promoter Clear Channel Entertainment.

The group, founded in London in the early 1960s, was part of the British rock invasion along with the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and others. They were the voice of a new breed, with a parade of guitar-driven hits that included "My Generation," "I Can See For Miles," "I Can't Explain," "Substitute," "Pinball Wizard," "Won't Get Fooled Again" and "Who Are You."

Their concerts were literally explosive — a fusion of audacious acrobatics, martial precision and high octane rock 'n' roll that blew away audiences and left the stage and their instruments a smoldering wreck. The group was one of the premier rock bands in the world throughout the 1970s and sold millions of albums.

"A lot of our fans liked us because we made mistakes. It made us look more human. And then the fact that we could actually sort of burst out laughing on stage when we made a real bad blunder," Entwistle told The Associated Press in a 1995 radio interview.

Entwistle allowed his fingers to literally race over his instrument, but he stood silently on stage — a stark contrast to the antics of guitarist Pete Townshend and lead singer Roger Daltrey.

Ray Manzarek, keyboardist for the Doors, called Entwistle "one of the great, great rock 'n' roll bassists of all time. A real genius."

"He just was the most humble rock star I have ever met, besides having the best hands of any bass player in the history of rock and roll," added rocker Sammy Hagar.

Entwistle's song writing contributions to the band were minimal compared with the prolific Townshend. The bass player penned "Boris the Spider" and "My Wife," among others — none of them big hits. Yet he was the only member of the band with formal musical training.

He was among the first in rock to experiment with the six- and eight-string bass and he also played the French horn.

"As a musician, he did for the bass guitar what Jimi Hendrix did for the guitar," said Luongo, 49, who played drums in The John Entwistle Band for the last 15 years.

Entwistle was born Oct. 9, 1944, in London, and played piano and trumpet in his early years. He met Townshend and Daltrey in his high school years and by 1964 the band was born.

The Who played at the first Woodstock, opening with Entwistle's "Heaven and Hell," and churned out a succession of albums, including "My Generation," "Happy Jack," "The Who Sell Out," "Who's Next," "Quadrophenia," "Who Are You" and "The Kids Are Alright."

They also made 1969's groundbreaking rock opera, "Tommy," about a deaf, dumb and blind messiah. The album was turned into a film starring Ann-Margret, in 1975 and later into a Broadway show.

Entwistle in many instances improvised as much as guitarist Townshend, who once said the bass player provided more lead material than he did.

"A lot of my playing is improvising," Entwistle explained to Bass Frontiers magazine in 1996. "I will just discover different little patterns or riffs in any key at anytime. Somewhere in my brain I have a list of things I can play. It's a matter of putting them in the right order."

He released the first of his nine solo albums in 1971, and later formed his own ensemble, Ox, while continuing to play with The Who.

The band retired in 1982 but reunited and toured frequently. They gave a rousing performance at last year's "Concert for New York," which raised funds for the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks, and their latest album, "Ultimate Collection," entered the Billboard charts two weeks ago at No. 31.

They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.

Entwistle was also an artist and was in Las Vegas to open a show at Grammy's Art of Music Gallery at the Aladdin Hotel-Casino. His work included cartoon-type portraits of himself and his fellow band members.

The image of a quiet artist seemed to fit Entwistle, who often said he didn't worry about the wallflower label some applied to him.

"John always said that all the other personas in The Who were taken so he took that one," Luongo said.

How Fast Is Your Computer?

The handy Internet Connection Speedometer lets you check your connection speed.

Universal Making Its 'Future' Plans

One of the last remaining major movie trilogies never released on DVD -- the "Back to the Future" series -- will debut on Dec. 17.

The trilogy will be released in Europe in September, albeit with fewer extra features. Universal Studios Home Video had hoped to release the long-delayed title at the same time in the U.S., but the extras were not completed in time; some are still being produced.

Unlike other three-picture DVD sets that have been priced as high as $75 like "The Godfather" collection, the "Back to the Future" trilogy, which generated $418 million at U.S. theaters from 1985-1990, will carry a minimum advertised price of $39.95. A new set will also be available on VHS, where the titles have been on moratorium since 1994.

Star Michael J. Fox, director Robert Zemeckis, screenwriter/producer Bob Gale, and producer Neil Canton recently recorded new interviews and audio commentaries. A Q&A session with Zemeckis at USC Film School last month will also be included among the ten hours of extras spread across the three dual-layered discs, along with newly discovered deleted scenes and outtakes, three separate featurettes on the making of each film, and a PSA for the Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Disease Foundation.

Other extras include a feature called Universal Animated Anecdotes, in which consumers can watch the feature film and simultaneously learn over 150 facts, and a Huey Lewis music video.

Springsteen to Play Boardwalk Gig

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform live from the boardwalk on July 30 for NBC's "Today" show, his publicist confirmed.

Springsteen will perform several songs from "The Rising," his first studio album with the E Street Band since 1984, set for release that day.

"Today" will broadcast in its entirety from the boardwalk in Asbury Park, highlighted by Springsteen's "Today Summer Concert Series" performance from the adjacent Convention Hall, his publicist said Wednesday.

Katie Couric and Matt Lauer will co-host the broadcast from the beach and take a tour of Springsteen's adopted "hometown."

Lucas Talks Anakin and Boba

George Lucas revealed a few tidbits about the upcoming Star Wars: Episode III to Starlog magazine, according to a report on TheForce.net. Among other things, he confirmed that Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Boba Fett will appear in Episode III. Jinn's appearance was foreshadowed in the current Episode II-Attack of the Clones, in which his voice can be heard in the background as Anakin attacks the Tusken Raiders.

"It's a plot point," Lucas told the magazine. "All I can really say is that you'll find out [more] in the next film. If you thought really hard, you would probably be able to figure it out, but it really is a setup for the next film. It's connected with the whole ability to be brought into and become a part of the Force, but still be able to retain your ability, which, up to this point, Anakin couldn't do. We talked to Liam about [recording new dialogue], and we went back and forth [about it]. This [dialogue] is something we already had [from Episode I]. Next time will be a little more complicated."

Lucas added, "Boba will be in Episode III, but his role definitely won't be larger. He's in a transition period of becoming a bounty hunter. The next film takes place two or three years later, so Boba would only be 13 and still wouldn't fit in the suit."

Lucas also offered a hint about Anakin's transformation into Darth Vader. "The scene where Anakin does actually become Vader is pretty good [as written in Lucas' Episode III outline]. I mean, I like it. It's a little in the vocabulary of ... I don't know how much I want to give away ... but it's in the vocabulary of a time, of the 1930s and 1940s. It's a pretty neat little thing, I think, and hopefully it's going to work."

VOLLEY

Actress Tatum O'Neal telling ABC's Barbara Walters that her ex-husband, tennis great John McEnroe, used steroids during his tennis career and became violent because of it. McEnroe said in a statement he's "disappointed" with O'Neal's comments.

TOO BAD?!?

Steven Spielberg telling Britain's Empire magazine that he always wanted to direct a Star Wars film, but George Lucas turned him down. "Star Wars is George's baby," he said. "George is my best friend and I believe I am his, but we are all competitive."

LEFT OUT?

The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences accidentally left out Buffy the Vampire Slayer's musical episode, "Once More with Feeling," when Emmy nomination ballots were mailed out to voters earlier this month.

The Academy insists the problem was immediately corrected, but some say the snafu could hurt the show's Emmy chances. Others say the show's chances were hurt by the show itself.

I BELIEVE I CAN BEAT THE RAP

R&B crooner R. Kelly pleading innocent to child pornography charges Wednesday in a Chicago courtroom. The Grammy winner, accused of videotaping sex with an underage girl, is due back in court August 7.

Papa Roach Comes In At Number Two Behind Eminem

Papa Roach's second major-label effort, Lovehatetragedy, has debuted at Number Two on the Billboard 200 album sales chart, with more than 135,000 copies sold, according to sources. The showing was just good enough to nudge Korn's Untouchables down to Number Three, but not nearly enough to challenge Eminem ( news - web sites)'s juggernaut The Eminem Show from the top spot. More than 380,000 copies of Eminem's latest were sold during the week.

While the first-week success of Lovehatetragedy bodes well for Papa Roach, only time will tell if they will be able to duplicate the triple-platinum sales of its predecessor, Infest, which was propelled by the hit single, "Last Resort."

Several other rock releases saw solid debuts this week. Coming in at Number Nine is Our Lady Peace's Gravity, while Degradation Trip, the latest from former Alice In Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell, entered at Number 33. Meanwhile, the Warped Tour 2002 Tour Compilation, featuring Sum 41, NoFX, and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, debuted at Number 55 and Paul Oakenfold's Bunkka came in at Number 65.

Billy Joel Leaves Substance Abuse Facility

Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter Billy Joel has checked out of a substance abuse and psychiatric hospital, after a 10-day stay at the facility, his spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

Spokeswoman Claire Mercuri confirmed Joel's departure without giving any details about his stay at the Silver Hill Hospital in Connecticut.

Last week, Joel's spokeswoman said the rocker had planned a 10-day visit to the facility to address "a specific and personal problem that had recently developed."

According to a recent report in the New York Daily News, Joel canceled an appearance at the Songwriters Hall of Fame dinner in New York after crashing his Mercedes.

The newspaper said Joel lost control of his car while trying to make a quick turn and slammed into a fire well and pole. He was not seriously injured in the accident.

During a March concert at New York's Madison Square Garden, Joel criticized the venue's high ticket prices, commented on American military battles, slurred his words and nearly nodded off, according to the paper.

In March, Joel also rescheduled some spring tour dates for his "Face to Face" tour with Elton John. At the time, Joel's tour manager reportedly said The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee was suffering from acute upper respiratory infection and laryngitis.

We'll Miss Ya, Bill!

FYI- The last episode of Politically Incorrect airs this Friday!

Fox Thaws 'Ice Age' Home Video Plan

Fox is mounting a glacier-sized promotional push for the Nov. 26 video release of "Ice Age," the studio's biggest animated film ever.

The $85 million marketing campaign for one of the top 10 animated films of all time exceeds anything Fox has created for a video release, including its bigger theatrical hits like "Home Alone."

Fox executives believe the 81-minute "Ice Age" could match or surpass the studio's best-selling titles, "Independence Day" and "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace," which each have sold about 18 million copies each.

And while all the talk in recent days has been Disney's economically produced "Lilo & Stitch," which cost about $80 million, Fox Filmed Entertainment chairman Tom Rothman said "Ice Age" was made for considerably less than that by Fox-owned Blue Sky Studios.

That savings on production costs "lets us put a lot of media support behind the picture," Rothman said.

It also meant Fox could let Blue Sky follow a pattern with computer-animated movies that began with DreamWorks' "Shrek" last year and continues Sept. 17 with Disney's "Monsters, Inc." Blue Sky created a new five-minute CGI short especially for the VHS and double-disc DVD versions of "Ice Age." (Blue Sky is working on its next CGI movie for Fox called "Robots," due out in 2004, with a sequel to "Ice Age" to follow.)

The short, "Scrat's Missing Adventure," features the picture's rodent star attempting to put a nut in the one remaining spot in a tree with thousands of other nuts when the ground shifts, sparking a global impact that shapes the future of the planet. Scrat will be the centerpiece of the promo campaign.

Other extras on the DVD (suggested retail price $29.98) are six deleted scenes, commentary from co-directors Carlos Saldanha and Chris Wedge and Wedge's Oscar-winning short "Bunny."

In "Ice Age," the surprise hit of the winter at theaters -- it had a record March opening weekend of $46.3 million and went on to gross $175 million -- Fox is capitalizing on a product that was not oversaturated in the market during its theatrical run, according to Mike Dunn, Fox video executive VP sales and marketing.

Fox has recruited 14 promotional partners for the video, including Papa Johns, Coca-Cola, Dole, Carl's Jr., Hardees, Microsoft, Bloomingdale's and the National Hockey League.

Here They Come Again, For The Umpteenth Time

You knew it was coming, now here it is. MGM has announced the first wave of new Bond reissues to tie in with the Thanksgiving release of the new Bond big-screen epic, Die Another Day. Arriving on 10/22 is The Bond Collection Volume 1 (version 2.0?). This 7-disc set features the mismatched assortment of Dr. No, Goldfinger, Man with the Golden Gun, Spy Who Loved Me, Licence To Kill, GoldenEye and Tomorrow Never Dies.

(Here's an idea for MGM - why not just release The Connery Collection, The Moore Collection, and a third set with all the rest!?) The set will knock you back $124.95 list, and each disc will also be available separately for $19.95 a pop.

Now, is there anything new in this collection? Actually, no.

Whether that's good news or bad news is up to the fans, but tech specs and features are all exactly the same as the previous Bond releases, right down to the same ugly packaging.

MGM will be releasing two more sets of these Bond classics through next spring, when the latest Bond adventure will hit DVD. While I'm sure many would have liked to have seen something new on these sets (DTS tracks, anyone?), but just as many who missed the original sets the first time around will probably be pleased nonetheless.

GO FIGURE

Bruce Willis is reprising his role as a hit man in a sequel to his 2000 crime comedy, The Whole Nine Yards. Matthew Perry and Amanda Peet will also be back.

The movie starts shooting October 4 in Los Angeles. FYI- The original was shot in Montreal.

ABSOLUTELY OGRE-RIFFIC!

John Cleese joining the cast of Shrek 2, assuming the voice of Princess Fiona's father. The sequel is due out in 2004.

Shania Twain Back In The Studio

Uber- babe Shania Twain is once again working on her upcoming album with her producer husband Mutt Lange in their Swiss studio.

"Shania's album is currently in the works and is tentatively scheduled for release later this fall with a single released to radio prior to the album," the singer's record label said. "No official dates have been set at this time."

If it all pans out and Twain's first studio album in five years does come out this fall, the new work will be released amidst long-awaited releases from other country superstars like Faith Hill and the Dixie Chicks.

The Ren And Stimpy Show Is Set For A Comeback!

New episodes of the gross-out cartoon are reportedly in production for US cable station TNN.

The company has just brought the rights to 52 episodes of the show, which originally ran on children's network Nickelodeon from 1991 to 1995.

The deal includes a previously unseen episode, the sadistic Man's Best Friend, which was thought unsuitable for family viewing.

Billy West, who provided the voice of cat Stimpy before going on to voice Fry, Zoidberg and Professor Hubert Farnsworth in Futurama, called the episode "one of the most violent and hilarious things ever done."

TNN will also restore deleted footage into other Ren And Stimpy originals, America's TV Guide reports.

Series creator John Kricfalusi is reportedly on board for the new episodes, expected to be screened next year.

Courtney gives ex-Nirvana members proposal

The battle for the control of Nirvana's musical legacy may be heading into extra innings, after Courtney Love's latest proposal to break the stalemate.

MTV reports Love -- widow of Nirvana leader Kurt Cobain -- has issued a new proposal to her late husband's bandmates, Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic, in an attempt to resolve the impasse over how to control future Nirvana releases.

The report said Love's side has proposed that, for the next 10 years, no new Nirvana material could be released unless Grohl, Novoselic and Cobain's estate (i.e., Love) unanimously agree.

Under the deal, Cobain's estate would control all licensing of Nirvana's music for movies and commercials, but Grohl and Novoselic would have veto over licensing for the next 10 years. The estate would also control use of Nirvana's name, likeness and image for any documentary films based on the band. Love would also control the hiring of lawyers and accountants working in the band's interest -- although, again, Novoselic and Grohl would have veto on any hirings for the next 10 years, MTV said.

Under the current arrangement, control of Nirvana's music is under an equal partnership agreement Novoselic, Grohl and Love signed after Cobain's suicide. Disputes over the arrangement led to the cancellation of a planned Nirvana box set of unreleased material. Love has instead insisted on releasing a single CD best-of, featuring "You Know You're Right" -- reportedly the last song the band recorded before Cobain's death.

Love sued in May, 2001 to dissolve the partnership, claiming it is "non-functional." All sides claim they want "You Know You're Right" released in some form by the end of the year.

This Day Has A Slew Of New Discs

Nelly, SheDaisy, Fatboy Slim, Boy George, Rollins Band and Reel Big Fish all have new music in stores today, but who cares! There is a new CD now available from "Nice Beaver"!

Can you imagine the question that will be asked of hundreds of record store employees today...Umm, excuse me. Where can I find (a) Nice Beaver? And the (a) will be said under the speaker's breath.

Ahhh, I sure don't miss working in a music store.

Hee hee hee! Here are the new CD releases for Tuesday, June 25, 2002

Alpha Blondy Merci (Shanachie)
Arkham Mahkra (Volcom)
Ash Free All Angels (Kinetic)
B Rich 80 Dimes (clean & explicit versions) (Atlantic)
Ray Brown Some of My Best Friends Are...Guitarists (Telarc Jazz)
Marc Copley Limited Lifetime Guarantee (RCA)
Cynics Turn Me Loose (Get Hip)
Deep Banana Blackout Release the Grease - Live (DCN)
The Domino Kings The Back of Your Mind (Slewfoot)
Dream Evil Dragonslayer (Century Media)
E40 Grit & Grind (Jive)
Entwine Time of Despair (Century Media)
Epidemic Epidemic (Elektra)
Fatboy Slim Live on Brighton Beach (Southern Fried/Ministry of Sound)
Boy George Night Out (Moonshine)
David Grisman Quintet Dawgnation (Acoustic Disc)
Halford Crucible (Sanctuary)
Steve Harvey Sign of Things to Come (MCA)
Her Sanity Xclusive (Motown)
Home Grown Kings of Pop (Drive-Thru/MCA)
Kenna New Sacred Cow (Geffen)
Steve Lawler Lights Out (Global Underground)
Arto Lindsay Invoke (Righteous Babe)
The Loud Family From Ritual to Romance (125)
Manifesto Jukebox Remedy (BYO)
Maroon5 (formerly Kara’s Flowers) Songs About Jane (Octone)
Heather Myles Sweet Talk & Good Lies (Dwight Yoakum guests) (Rounder)
Andy Narell Sakesho (Telarc Jazz)
Nelly Nellyville (clean & explicit versions) (Universal)
Nice Beaver On Dry Land (Cyclops)
Off by One Off by One (MCA)
Onyx Bacdafucup: Part 2 (Kela/Koch)
Orange Goblin Coup de Grace (produced by Kyuss’ Scott Reeder and guesting John Garcia) (The Music Cartel)
Original Sinners (X’s Exene Cervenka) Original Sinners (Nitro)
Kelly Price Priceless (Def Jam)
Rayvon My Bad (clean & explicit versions) (MCA)
Reel Big Fish Cheer Up (Jive)
Rollins Band The Only Way to Know for Sure (two CDs) (Sanctuary)
The Rooks From the Shelves of Soundscape Studio (Not Lame)
Rosey Dirty Child (Island)
Joe Satriani Strange Beautiful Music (Robert Fripp guests) (Epic)
Saving Throw We’re Never on Good Terms with the Light (Enterprise Hardcore)
Seven Nations And Now It’s Come to This (Razor & Tie)
SheDAISY Knock on the Sky (Lyric Street)
Skeleton Key Obtainium (Ipecac)
Anthony Smith If That Ain’t Country (Mercury Nashville)
Soulfly 3 (Roadrunner)
Styles A Gangster and a Gentleman (clean & explicit versions) (Interscope)
Sweep the Leg Johnny Going Down Swingin’ (Southern)
Geoff Tate (of Queensrÿche) Geoff Tate (Sanctuary)
TRUSTcompany The Lonely Position of Neutral (Geffen)
Truth Hurts Truthfully Speaking (clean & explicit versions) (Geffen)
Vida Blue (Phish’s Page McConnell) Vida Blue (Elektra)
Wayne Warner Wayne Warner (B-Venterous/Relentless/Nashville)
Kenny Wayne 88th & Jump Street (w/Jeff Healey and Mel Brown) (Electro-Fi)
Yousef Mixer Presents Next School (DMC)
Various Artists The Music of Eric Von Essen, Volume 3 (Cryptogramophone)
Various Artists Nobody’s Diary: A Tribute to Yazoo (w/Ganymede, Spray and others) (Ninthwave)
Various Artists Punk-O-Rama 7 (Epitaph)
Various Artists Sample This, Too! (BYO)
Original Soundtrack A Beautiful Mind (SACD; score by James Horner) (Universal Classics)
Original Soundtrack Men in Black II (Columbia)
Original Soundtrack Monsoon Wedding 2 (score by Mychael Danna) (Milan)
Original Soundtrack Sunshine State (Daring/Rounder)
Original Soundtrack The Road to Perdition (Decca)

Don't panic!

Just announced are the details for the horrible 9/17 release of the Jodie Foster hit thriller Panic Room, which will first come out as one of Columbia's Superbit titles, featuring just the movie presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen with DTS and Dolby Digital surround tracks, the usual plethora of subtitle options, and NO EXTRAS.

But just like the recent Black Hawk Down, Columbia has also announced that a special edition 2-disc set is on the way with street date still TBA.

I am holding my tongue as I know some kids read this site, but let me just suggest that I am less than pleased.

Stars Named for the H'Wood Walk of Fame

Those in charge of the Hollywood Walk of Fame have announced the 2003 class that will receive stars on the attraction: Drew Carrey, Kermit the Frog, Martin Scorsese, Etta James, Kevin Bacon, Susan Sarandon, Suzane Sommers, the Osmond Family, Gilda Radner, and Michael Bolton.

D'Works Prepping GLADIATOR 2

The long rumored GLADIATOR 2 is getting an actual treatment, says Dreamworks head Walter Parkes. Will Russell Crowe be playing Maximus in the film? "Maximus is dead-dead-dead, no coming back and the story picks up things 15 years later," said Parkes.

As for seeing Crowe in flashbacks or something similar, says Parkes, "That's not an easy one, but believe me we've tried to mull over all the possibilities."

Calista Flockheart (ALLY MCBEAL) may be lacing up her hiking boots for INDIANA JONES IV.

Says a source, "Harrison Ford had only one demand when he was approached about doing a fourth Indiana Jones movie - that Calista be written into the new movie. Luckily, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas loved the idea. They think Calista will be a perfect romantic interest for Indiana."

Apparently Calista also solved a problem for the two filmmakers. Added the source, "The Indy team had no idea what to do with Indy for the fourth movie. Bringing Calista on board gave them inspiration and they dreamed up the whole story in just a few hours. Getting Calista into the movie was the kick-in-the-pants the guys needed."

TERMINATOR 3 Trailer Ships With MIB II

A source for Coming Attractions has informed them that a teaser trailer for TERMINATOR 3: RISE OF THE MACHINES will ship to theaters with the print for MEN IN BLACK II. Warner Bros may also put the trailer online the day before or the same day the film opens, July 3.

Today's New Releases

I can assure you one thing about todoay's new video and DVD releases: Almost all of them are worth at least one viewing. But you'll have to decide if they should be viewed in your home on merely on the store shelves.

Okay, so on your mark! Get set! Decide! Here are the new DVD and video releases for Tuesday, June 25, 2002.

First up, the marquee titles:

A Beautiful Mind- The true story of a math prodigy overcoming schizophrenia. (Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly)

Gosford Park- A murder happens at a 1930s dinner party. (Helen Mirren, Maggie Smith, Jeremy Northam)

The Affair Of The Necklace- A young, French aristocrat schemes to steal a necklace. (Hilary Swank, Simon Baker, Adrien Brody)

Brideshead Revisited- The complete British TV miniseries. (Jeremy Irons, Anthony Andrews, Phoebe Nicholls)

Then there are the rest of them:

20 Million Miles To Earth
Air Crew
America United
America's Greatest Victories
Armitage: Dual-Matrix
Autumn Marathon
Ax 'Em
The Beloved Rogue
Blood Moon
Blood Stained Shadow
The Bride And The Beast
Brilliant Madness
Children Of The Corn
Cop On A Mission
Creepshow 2
The Devil's Backbone
Don't Open The Door
The Eagle
Eat My Dust!
Eban & Charley
Erin Brockovich
Escape From Afghanistan
Farscape: Season 2, Volume 1
Final
The First Nudie Musical (Special Edition)
Gabriela
Gardens Of Stone
The Giallo Collection
Hell Night
Hellbound: Hellraiser II (Widescreen)
Hellraiser
House
House II: The Second Story
I Love Lucy: Lost Episodes
Inferno
King Dinosaur
Kung Fu's Hero
The Laramie Project (Unrated)
Lassie's Great Adventure
The Legendary Liberace
Little House On The Prairie
Lone Ranger: Lost Episodes
The Lost Command (Widescreen)
The Mad Monster
Marilyn: Portrait Of A Legend
Miranda
My Man Godfrey/His Girl Friday Set (Set)
My Vampire Lover
Other Brother
Outside The Law
Ozzy Osbourne: Live At Budokan
Perfect
Place Vendome
The Royal Wedding/Last Time I Saw Paris
Ruckus
A Rumor Of Angels
Running Out Of Time 2 (Special Edition)
Saving Private Ryan (Widescreen)
Saving Private Ryan (DTS)
The Sheik Combo (Special Edition)
The Short Night Of The Glass Dolls
Special Forces
Sure Fire
A Texas Funeral
Thesis
Thin Lizzy: Boys Are Back Town
Traffic
The Void
Who Saw Her Die
Who Wants To Be A Playboy Centerfold
Witchbabe: The Erotic Witch Project III
World Trade Center: The First 24 Hours
WWE Backlash 2002
WWE's Triple H: All About The Game

YOU'VE GOT BRUCE

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band debuting the title track from their new album, The Rising, today on AOL. The song can be heard--but not downloaded--at AOL keyword "First Listen" or at music.netscape.com.

Its Not A Collector's Item Yet

Warner Bros. is being sued over their jam packed SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE DVD.

The Results Are In

MINORITY REPORT narrowly wins the weekend box office crown over LILO & STITCH.

How well do you know Swedish furniture?

The IKEA Game tests your knowledge of the store's strangely-named products.

Did You Know That She Is Married To Maury Povich?

CNN debuts Connie Chung tonight.

Bassett: 'Monster' Role Was Demeaning

Angela Bassett turned down a lead role in the movie "Monster's Ball" because she believed an affair the character had was demeaning and stereotypical, the actress said.

"It's about character, darling," she told Newsweek for the July 1 issue, which goes on newsstands Monday. "I wasn't going to be a prostitute on film. I couldn't do that because it's such a stereotype about black women and sexuality."

The actress made it clear that she didn't mean to criticize Halle Berry, who starred in the movie as a troubled waitress who had an affair with her husband's executioner. Berry won an Oscar for the role.

Bassett was one of several actresses who passed on the role in "Monster's Ball."

"It's about putting something out there you can be proud of 10 years later," she said. "I mean, Meryl Streep won Oscars without all that."

Psst!

Wanna see the trailer for DAREDEVIL?

All I have to say is that Jennifer Garner is sooooo hot as Elektra!

It Was On March 4, 2001, To Be Exact

The Lone Gunmen Made a 9/11 Prediction.

LOOKING FOR JOHN JOHN

TBS announced on Friday that it is still searching for an actor to play John F. Kennedy Jr. in America's Prince: The JFK Jr. Story, a television movie about his life. The biopic costars Jacqueline Bisset as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Ally McBeal's Portia de Rossi as Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.

SIGNING OFF

Ann Landers, aka Esther "Eppie" Pauline Friedman Lederer, reputedly the most widely read syndicated advice columnist in the world for the last 40 years, died Saturday of multiple myeloma at the age of 83. Her column was carried by over 1,200 newspapers.

ON THE OUTS?

Angelina Jolie not commenting on rumors that her two-year marriage to Billy Bob Thornton is over. The actress is reportedly living in a hotel in Beverly Hills after moving out of the home she has shared with Thornton, Thornton, meanwhile, has been seen cavorting with various women while cutting a solo album in Memphis.

CALL HIM DR. TERMINATOR

Arnold Schwarzenegger accepting an honorary doctorate on Sunday from Chapman University in Orange, California. The school recognized the actor's work on behalf of such causes as the Special Olympics and the Inner-City Games Foundation.

Tomorrow's Major New Home Entertainment Releases

If you just cannot wait until tomorrow to find out about the big new releases on video and DVD, here's a preview!

Gosford Park- When I saw this film, with my friend Margaret, we decided it was "quaint." I stand by that word now. Robert Altman's deliciously entertaining "we-don't-care-whodunit" is so good, it proves he will never win anything but an honorary Oscar. If Altman couldn't snag a statue with this sexy, funny, Anglophilic romp (and against less than formidable competition), then what could he win with? It improves vastly with repeated viewing, so don't bother renting it. For all the humor, it's the emotional wallop in the final scene between Helen Mirren and the legendary Eileen Atkins that sticks with you. Secret weapon: Kelly MacDonald in the central role of the maid, holding her own with Maggie Smith and the rest of the superlative cast. In my opinion it's not a classic, but many of you won't share my opinion. Like I said, it's "quaint."

A Beautiful Mind- Boooooooring! For all the cavils people might have about this as a movie or as history, one thing is clear: Russell Crowe's withdrawn and interior performance is intelligently done, but its not brilliant. Crowe, suggests flashes of wit, anger, fear and self-knowing mockery all through his eyes, but the movie suffers from the fact that he is no longer an actor, but a larger than life star. Crowe is also let down at the very end by poor aging makeup and a Nobel acceptance speech that is far more maudlin than John Nash would have ever countenanced. But then there is Jennifer Connelly. She looks so exquisite and deserves the Oscar she won. The movie is good, but it's not great.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Complete Second Season- Does Fox do the best jobs of repackaging TV shows because it's smart or does it look smart because it has the best shows to repackage? It follows "The X-Files" and "The Simpsons" - which set the standard for TV shows on DVD - with the second season of "Buffy." For two years, beginning with these shows, there was simply no better series on television. Buffy's passionate romance with Angel came to the fore, Willow fell for a werewolf, Xander and Cordelia turned from bickering as enemies to bickering as a couple and Spike (the marvelous James Marsters) came to town. Future generations will curse us for not showering "Buffy" with the Emmys it deserved as surely as Angel was cursed for discovering true happiness with his mortal honey.

Thank Him For Being A Friend

In a town where friendship dies with the first bad deal or box-office dud, Hollywood's resident goof Adam Sandler is about the best pal you could have.

Springsteen's 'Rising' Leaked In New York

New Yorkers tuned in to top 40 station WPLJ on Friday morning (June 21) got a preview of the upcoming Bruce Springsteen album, The Rising, when the title track was debuted at 8:15 a.m. ET. Springsteen's label, Columbia Records, immediately served the station with a cease-and-desist order.

According to the station, listener response to the song was just as immediate, with a flood of positive phone calls. DJ Scott Shannon shouted over the air: " Bruce Springsteen, if you're listening, welcome back!"

Springsteen and the E Street Band tour rumors continue, with August 9 now circulating as the start of a North American jaunt, followed by European dates continuing through mid-December.

In the works for a potential fall release is another Springsteen tribute album, which would benefit the Kristin Ann Carr Fund and the Parkinsons Disease Foundation. Though artists and songs have not been announced, contributions may possibly come from Springsteen pal Joe Grushecky, Dan Bern, Elliot Murphy, and Matthew Ryan.

Springsteen's official website, brucespringsteen.net, has posted details on a special limited-edition version of The Rising, which will include a 40-page full-color booklet with photos and handwritten lyrics by Springsteen.

Pets.com Sock Puppet Lands New Gig

It wasn't his first job choice, but at least the Pets.com sock puppet hasn't joined the high-tech unemployment line.

One of the most recognizable icons of the dot-com era has a new agent and has inked a new deal for a California financing company.

The puppet is now represented by Hakan & Associates, Inc., the same company orchestrating the comeback of Taco Bell mascot Gidgey the Famous Chihuahua. It's just signed on as the mascot for 1-800-Bar None, a Pleasanton, Calif.-based company that provides car financing for people with bad credit.

The sock puppet has been out of work since online pet store Pets.com was forced to shut down for lack of funds in November 2000. Hakan Enterprises, Inc. bought the rights to the icon in 2001 for $125,000 during the Pets.com liquidation.

"It is not often that a company will adopt the mascot of a defunct company," said Christina Duffney of The Direct Marketing Association. "Such a company runs the risk of being associated with a business that wasn't a success."

Duffney said the sock puppet may be a different case since it generated a lot of attention on its own and many consumers did not associate it with Pets.com. That could work in 1-800-Bar None's favor, she said.

"It will be interesting to see how the business uses the puppet and if they succeed in associating the puppet with the company," she said.

The sock puppet will be featured in a series of television ads for 1-800-Bar None beginning in July.

Jim Crouse, chief executive of 1-800-Bar None, said he hopes the sock puppet will send the company's message — everyone deserves a second chance — "cleverly and with a touch of humor."

Weekend Box Office Results

In a race that seemes too close for either studio to declare a victory "Minority Report," Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg's sci-fi thriller, took in $36.9 million. That would put it barely ahead of the animated "Lilo & Stitch," which debuted with $35.8 million.

But when final numbers come in on Monday, "Lilo & Stitch" might edge out "Minority Report" for No. 1.

For now, here are the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at North American theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc.

1. "Minority Report," $36.9 million.

2. "Lilo & Stitch," $35.8 million.

3. "Scooby-Doo," $24.4 million.

4. "The Bourne Identity," $14.8 million.

5. "The Sum of All Fears," $7.9 million.

6. "Windtalkers," $6.7 million.

7. "Juwanna Mann," $6 million.

8. "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood," $5.7 million.

9. "Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones," $5.1 million.

10. "Spider-Man," $4.4 million.

Funny Stuff!

Hey look, it's pocket Arnold!

...The History Of Beer.

This October Hannibal Is Back

Why not preview Red Dragon.

This Summer's Most Anticipated Comedy (At least by Dan)

Hey, there is a new Austin Powers in Goldmember trailer to enjoy!

I love gooooooooold!

Fox Sees THE END OF THE ROAD

20th Century Fox has aquired the rights to a pitch from Ric Roman Waugh and Tag Mendillo called THE END OF THE ROAD. The pitch is described as "SPEED meets MEMENTO." It is about a young stuntman that is offered a job by the Cajun mafia that he can't refuse. The job takes him on a "high speed odyssey" from Las Vegas to Baton Rouge.

This Weekend's New Movies

New films? New movies? New Summer movie season distractions available to you this weekend? Why there sure are!

The primary new release sees Superstar Star Tom Cruise teaming up with Superstar Director Steven Spielberg for the film version of Philip K. Dick's Minority Report.

Now even though last year's AI- Artificial Intelligence may have been one of the worst, nee "most understood" films in a long time, when you combine the talents of these 3 men, Cruise, Dick and Spielberg, you have a movie that I want to see, but don't want to know anything about. I say let it play out and entertain me.

So to that end, I have nothing to write about Minority Report. But if you need to know if it is worth your time and money before you go, even with the movie's pedigree, well then here are 28 reviews for you to read. Read away, or join me at the theatre. It's up to you.

Admittedly I also have nothing to write about Juwanna Mann, but for totally different reasons. It just sucks! Here's a movie about a guy who is kicked out of the NBA and decides to join the WNBA. Yes, he dresses up in drag and joins the Women's National Basketball Association! And as I mentioned, it sucks!

If you want to see a man dress up like a woman just to get a job and prove a point then watch Tootsie. Now that is a movie! AND it has Bill Murray!

Ah, Bill Murray!!! Bill Murray rocks!

And so does this weekend's other, and final, new film- Lilo & Stitch! And it rocks hard!

Leaving traditional Disney animated fare in it's dust this masterpiece of modern cinema is absolutely hilarious. Sure, granted, it is possible that maybe some kids will not understand some of the humour, but on the other hand, for people with an abundance of pop culture knowledge, and adults, this movie rocks! Rocks hard! References of Star Trek, MIB, Godzilla, Jaws and many other classics are a spicy ingredient that made me really laugh. And it has a heart as well. It is an awesome film!

When all is said and done Lilo & Stitch may end up my favourite film of 2002!

So enjoy the popcorn and I'll see you at Minority Report, umm, I mean I'll see you at the movies!

Chan's the Man for 'Eighty Days' Remake

Jackie Chan will star in a remake of "Around the World in Eighty Days," with could begin shooting in the fall after he completes "Shanghai Knights" with Owen Wilson.

Like the 1956 original, which starred David Niven and was based on Jules Verne's novel, the picture will be set during the Industrial Revolution, a time of great intellectual restlessness and advancement throughout the world. But the script has been significantly revised.

The new version will focus on Passepartout (Chan), who after stealing a valuable jade Buddha, seeks refuge with London gentleman inventor Phileas Fogg. The role of Fogg, made famous by Niven, has yet to be cast.

As in the original, the crux of the story is Fogg's bet with members of his club that a man can traverse the globe in 80 days. The revision has Passepartout teaching Fogg to open his mind to the different cultures he encounters en route to winning his bet. Passepartout guides and defends Fogg on his journey -- an area in which Chan no doubt will exploit his athleticism.

The project is being financed by Denver billionaire Philip Anschutz' Walden Media, which declined comment. Frank Coraci ("The Wedding Singer," "The Waterboy.") will direct.

ARRIBA! ARRIBA!

The Cartoon Network has decided to bring back Looney Tunes shorts starring Speedy Gonzalez, after banning the character for three years over concerns about Mexican stereotypes. Recently, some Mexican-American groups have lobbied for the return of Speedy, saying the ban was political correctness gone overboard.

Crawford Interested in Space Travel

Supermodel Cindy Crawford says she's ready for a trip into orbit in a Russian spacecraft — but only if it would last one week, Interfax news agency reported.

Crawford, 36, made the comment Thursday while in Moscow to present a jewelry collection from Omega, the watch company.

She and her husband, Rande Gerber, are the parents of two young children, Kaia Jordan, born last year, and Presley Walker, who was born in 1999.

Singer Lance Bass of 'N Sync has gone through preliminary health tests as part of his bid to secure a spot on a flight to the international space station.

But the Russian Aerospace Agency has warned that there is little chance that Bass, 23, could complete the necessary training in time for the next Soyuz rocket launch in October.

The world's second space tourist, South African Mark Shuttleworth, returned to Earth last month after a weeklong trip that cost him $20 million — the same sum the world's first space tourist, American Dennis Tito, paid last year.

Could This Be Her Last Number One?

She's "not yet a woman," but Forbes magazine crowned pop princess Britney Spears as the world's most powerful celebrity on Thursday, dethroning movie star Tom Cruise from the No. 1 spot he held last year.

The Cos disses Oz

Bill Cosby says Ozzy Osbourne and his bizarre clan are giving TV families a bad name.

"This is a sad, sad family," Cosby tells Access Hollywood on tonight's show. "The children are sad and the parents are sad. And this is not entertainment."

The dean of TV dads went on to say that watching the burnt-out goth rocker shuffling about his L.A,. mansion was "like laughing at Tiny Tim. It's the kind of entertainment that you look at, but you wouldn't want it in your home."

The Osbournes currently airs on the digital network MTV Canada Tuesday and Friday nights. CTV has bought the U.S. cable hit and plans to air it this fall.

This Is A True Story

If you like to eat, get ready to have to buy another airline seat.

Street Date Alert

Columbia has just announced a 9/17 street date for last winter's smash thriller PANIC ROOM, starring the one and only Jodie Foster. Although no specs have yet been revealed, this one is slated to be a special edition, so watch for the full details in the next couple of weeks...

See It In Order!

Since the movie 'Memento' can be bit confusing to certain viewers with its constant out-of-order flashbacks, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment has decided to include a version of the film on the Limited Edition release that is sorted in chronological order, allowing you to watch all the movie's events unfold from beginning to end.

In order to get to this version of the movie, insert the second disc of the 2-disc set and wait until the main menu in the form of a psychological test appears. Once you see all the different images of the test on the screen, select the clock. This will present you with a series of multiple-choice questions. Answer each of the questions with 'C' and you will be taken to another test in which you will have to put a series of images of a woman changing a car tire in the right order.

To get to the hidden feature, the key here is to put them in reverse chronological order by selecting 3, 4, 1 and 2. Once you have done that the movie’s credits will begin to run backwards and then the film will start to run in the proper chronological order.

A FRIENDS writer speaks out a bit about the direction of the last season of the show.

The "Friends" writers return to work this week to map out the adventures in which the sextet of characters will be involved during the show's final season.

One thing is for sure, insists the series' co-creator/executive producer/writer David Crane: Fall will definitely mark the swan song season of the landmark show.

"We're all approaching this as our last, the studio and network included. We all want it to go out on top. We all feel that very strongly."

He'd also, most naturally, like to see the oft-imitated show receive the one thing that has thus far eluded it: an Emmy.

Crane says he's trying not even to think of the odds that the show will be Emmy-honored as it approaches its final season, just focusing on pre-production of season No. 9.

Will the six friends leave the air as three couples?

"I don't see that happening," says Crane. "That would be a little too tidy."

Will Monica and Chandler join Rachel and Ross as parents?

The latter is possible, says Crane, "But at this point, we sincerely don't know which way we're going. It's all just an exciting question mark."

New M&M Color Chosen

The results are in: Purple reigns.

The maker of M&M's said Wednesday that purple will be the latest color for the little chocolate candies. The decision came after more than 10 million people in 200 countries voted on the Internet and over the phone on whether to add purple, pink or aqua to the mix.

"Our consumers have spoken. Purple it is," said Paul Michaels, president of Masterfoods USA in Hackettstown.

Purple received 41% of the vote. Aqua had 37% and pink had 19%. Purple will join the existing mix of red, blue, brown, green, orange and yellow in August.

Eminem Still Untouchable On North American Pop Charts

Rapper Eminem easily held off a sub-par debut by hard rock band Korn to rule the U.S. pop charts for a fourth consecutive week, according to sales data issued on Wednesday.

"The Eminem Show" sold about 530,000 copies in the week ended June 16, as its total rose to 2.9 million copies, the best-selling release of 2002, according to sales tracker Nielsen SoundScan. Eminem records for Interscope Records, a unit of Vivendi Universal .

California band Korn's "Untouchables" proved to be optimistically titled as it sold 434,000 copies in its first week to open at No. 2. Korn's previous album, "Issues," debuted at No. 1 in November 1999 with sales of more than 570,000 copies.

Elsewhere, edgy veteran David Bowie's new album "Heathen" opened at No. 14, his best performance since 1984's "Tonight" peaked at No. 11. "Heathen" is Bowie's first album for Columbia Records after he left EMI Group Plc's Virgin Records last December complaining about "bumping heads with corporate structure." Columbia is a unit of Japanese electronics giant Sony Corp.

Bowie's publicist said in a statement that "Heathen" debuted in the top 10 in 11 countries: Denmark (No. 1), Norway (No. 2), France (No. 3), Germany (No. 4), Austria (No. 4), the U.K. (No. 5), Italy (No. 6), Ireland (No. 6), Sweden (No. 6) Canada (No. 9) and Japan (No. 10).

Sony's Epic label released the Korn album, as well as another new entry at No. 13, a soundtrack tied to MTV's reality phenomenon, "The Osbournes." The album features a few songs from addled paterfamilias Ozzy Osbourne, as well as a cover version of Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach" from his youngest daughter, Kelly.

The top 10 contained one other new release, Florida punk quintet New Found Glory's "Sticks & Stones" at No. 4. The group records for Vivendi Universal's MCA Records unit.

The Wait Is Almost Over!

For the first time anywhere you can top by brucespringsteen.net for a look at the cover of Bruce's new album, 'The Rising,' due on July 30, 2002.

Me excited!! Me very excited!

The Piano Man Enters Substance Abuse Hospital

Billy Joel has checked himself into a substance abuse and psychiatric hospital for a "personal problem," his record label said Wednesday.

The 53-year-old, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter is staying at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Conn. Joel's stay was first reported in Wednesday's The Advocate of Stamford.

A brief statement released by Columbia Records said: "Billy Joel recently checked himself into Silver Hill Hospital for a planned 10-day stay to deal with a specific and personal problem that had recently developed.

"Joel scheduled his stay in Silver Hill several weeks ago and expects to leave in a few days, as planned."

A publicist for Joel was unavailable for comment. The Advocate, citing unidentified sources, said the singer was receiving counseling at Silver Hill's chemical dependency treatment center.

Joel, whose hits include "Piano Man," "Just the Way You Are," "Only the Good Die Young" and "Uptown Girl," in March rescheduled a joint tour with Elton John, saying he was ill. The tour is to begin again in September.

A review in The New York Times of a show shortly before the postponement described him as rambling and bellowing, and said Joel "seemed to have ingested something quite a bit stronger than cough syrup."

He was placed under a doctor's supervision for acute laryngitis, inflamed vocal cords and an upper-respiratory infection, according to Sony Entertainment's Billy Joel Web site, www.billyjoel.com.

A long list of celebrities have spent time at Silver Hill's psychiatric and substance abuse treatment center. Pop star Mariah Carey checked in last summer after an "emotional and physical breakdown," according to her publicist. Other patients have included Michael Jackson, Liza Minnelli, Gregg Allman and Joan Kennedy.

Hey Look!

Its Online Etch-A-Sketch!

Ah, my long gone youth!

"A Hard Day's" DVD

After many delays and postponements, looks like that long awaited new Miramax Collector's Series release of The Beatles classic A Hard Day's Night will finally see the light of day on DVD on 9/24. Presented in a newly remastered 1.37:1 transfer with a remixed 5.1 Dolby surround track, this two-disc set includes plenty of extras: a new original documentary with more than 30 minutes of never-before-seen footage, another 20 minutes of behind-the-scenes material, not one but three audio commentary tracks with the cast and two with the filmmakers, the "Running, Jumping, Standing Still" short film, , a scrapbook, music retrospective, and trailers.

Great Scott! Back to the Future for Christmas

On November 5th, 1955, Doc Brown had a vision for the Flux Capacitor. No date has been as significant in time travel until December 17th 2002. After possibly more false starts, missed release dates and pushed back schedules than any title in DVD history, Back to the Future parts I, II and III seem to be coming to the digital age from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

Expect full specs on the adventures of Marty McFly here in the coming days.

There Are Various Scenes Cut From SCOOBY-DOO That Likely Won't Appear On The DVD.

One gag had Fred gazing lustfully at Daphne on the plane when the camera pans over to see Velma lusting over her too - scribe James Gunn said about Velma that he's "pretty sure she's gay. So we had a couple little nods to that in the movie and in the end, again, they were things that kind of (detracted from) the scenes".

Another had Fred attempting to get into Daphne's room under the guise that he's going to protect her (though its hinted he plans to do more than that). However these scenes, as well as the now infamous cut Daphne/Velma kiss, are rumoured to add up to as much as 15-20 minutes but won't appear on the video/DVD release due to worry over inclusion of PG-13 scenes on a PG disc which would frighten off "family consumers."

Will INDIANA JONES IV film digitally or not?

The Houston Chronicle interviewed Steven Spielberg about "Minority Report" and the subject of "Indiana Jones 4" being filmed digitally came up.

"My friend George Lucas is trying to get me to do Indy 4 digitally," he said of the adventure film, to be set in the 1950s to keep pace with Ford's age (almost 60). "But I don't want to shoot digitally. There's a mystery, a magic and a chemistry in film. Digital isn't chemistry. It's unfailing technology."

The fourth Indiana Jones movie is said to be prepping now. There's only rumours about what we can expect in terms of a storyline, but a recent report suggests Indy will have a son.

A Spice Girl Takes on MI6

Geri Halliwell, former Spice Girl, is in negotiations to play a female spy in a movie about life at Britain's spy agency, MI6. The film, SEMPER OCCULTUS (MI6's motto, which means "Always Secret") could possibly see Sean Connery or Roger Moore as the head of MI6. Halliwell has apparently asked for a few script revisions first.

NO MYSTERY HERE

Warner Bros. announcing plans for a sequel to Scooby-Doo, following its surprisingly successful weekend debut. The studio is eyeing a 2004 release for the film.

Today's New Releases

Good stuff! There is some good stuff coming out today at your favourite music store or discount chain outlet. We've got a babe (Anastacia), a Canadian heavyweight (Our Lady Peace) and a disc for Dad (Papa Roach).

Enjoy!

Here are the new CD releases for Tuesday, June 18, 2002.

* ANASTACIA Freak Of Nature (Epic)
* BELLY Sweet Ride: The Best Of (Rhino)
* DAVID CHARVET Leap Of Faith
* GUIDED BY VOICES Universal Truths And Cycles (Matador)
* JERRY CANTRELL Degradation Trip
* JUDY GARLAND The Best Of Judy Garland
* JULIA FORDHAM Concrete Love (Vanguard)
* LILO & STITCH Lilo & Stitch
* MASTER T Reggae Vibes Session 1 (Sony)
* MINORITY REPORT Minority Report
* OUR LADY PEACE Gravity (Sony)
* PAPA ROACH Lovehatetragedy (DreamWorks)
* WYCLEF JEAN Masquerade (Columbia)

Some You'll Rent, Others You Will Buy

Not one of the following titles will likely ever be considered a classic by me, but who knows what you might hav eto say about them?

Here are the new DVD and Video Releases for Tuesday, June 18th, 2002.

First up, the headliners...

Orange County- A student seeks to get into Stanford by any means necessary. (Colin Hanks, Jack Black, Schuyler Fisk)

I Am Sam- A mentally challenged man struggles with fatherhood. (Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dakota Fanning)

The Majestic- A man with amnesia is mistaken for a long lost son. (Jim Carrey, Laurie Holden, Martin Landau)

Rollerball- A deadly sport is taking the world by storm in 2005. This version is the R- Rated version that did not play in theatres. It still sucks! (Chris Klein, LL Cool J, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos)

Max Keeble's Big Move- Max has some fun getting revenge before his moves away. (Alex D. Linz, Zena Grey, Larry Miller)

The Shipping News- A man moves to Newfoundland to get a fresh start on life. (Kevin Spacey, Julianne Moore, Judi Dench)

Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch- Buddy the dog returns, this time to tackle baseball. (Kevin Zegers, Caitlin Wachs, Cynthia Stevenson)

American Psycho 2: All American Girl- A Patrick Bateman victim/survivor begins killing on her own. (Mila Kunis, William Shatner, Geraint Wyn Davies)

And the rest of them...

13 Erotic Ghosts
Absolution
Along Came Jones
Area 51
Army Of One
Assassination
The Attic Expeditions
Beneath Loch Ness
A Better Place
Big Pun: Still Not A Player
Blood Ties
Body Count
The Bounty
Breaker, Breaker
The Breaks
Club Vampire
Cover-Up
Critical Care
Dangerous Ground
Deal Of A Lifetime
Dennis Rodman: Strippers Ball
Dracula Rising
Equinox Knocks
F/X
F/X: The Illusion
Fall Time
The Final Hit
First Time Felon
Freeway
Gunmen
Happy Campers
Hard Cash
Heavy Traffic
Hollywood Shuffle
Home Movies
Hot Spot
In The Heat Of The Night
The Iron Mask
The Jackie Robinson Story
Joe
John Nash - Beautiful Genius
Johnny
Kathy Smith: Personal Trainer
Kill Me Again
A Killing Affair
King Of New York
Kiss The Sky
Knight Moves
Like A Fish Out Of Water
A Line In The Sand
Maid To Order
Millions
Miss Julie
Missing In Action
Mississippi Burning (Widescreen)
Mo' Money
The Mountain Men
My 5 Wives
My Sister's Keeper
Narrow Margin
Never 2 Big
Night Hunter
The Object Of Beauty
One Man's Justice
Out Of Sync
Pawn
Picture This
Pop & Me
Restless Souls (Unrated)
The Return Of The Pink Panther
Ringmaster
The Saddle Club: Adventures At Pine Holl
Scorpio
Semi-Tough
The Seventh Stream
Sins Of The Father
Snake In The Eagle's Shadow
Someone Behind The Door
Something Wild
Soundman
Steel Dawn
Stonebrook
Storefront Hitchcock
Stranded
The Substitute: Failure Is Not An Option
Support Your Local Gunfighter
Support Your Local Sheriff!
The Teacher
They Call Me MISTER Tibbs!
A Thin Line Between Love And Hate
Tidal Wave: No Escape
Time To Kill
To Sleep With A Vampire
Tornado!
The Toxic Avenger Part III
The Toxic Avenger Part III (Unrated)
Vampirella
Varian's War
Wagons East!
Zebrahead (Widescreen)

Happy Happy Joy Joy!

Some great news was received on Monday as one of the world's greatest men emailed us with a three word letter:

"She said yes!!"

It seems as if John Babb has asked the Lady Jane to be his bride.

Well done, John Babb!

A hearty congratulations is due to them both! I will see you soon!

LEFT BEHIND

Members of U2 losing their bid to prevent the demolition of the Dublin studio where the band recorded its Grammy-winning album All That You Can't Leave Behind. Ireland's planning board has given the area the go-ahead for redevelopment despite an online petition of more than 8,000 fans.

MALL RAT

Filmmaker Kevin Smith has launched MoviePoopShoot.com, a Website designed to be one-stop news center for movies, music and comics.

THE BABY'S OUT THERE

Former X-Files' star David Duchovny and actress Téa Leoni welcoming a brand new baby boy over the weekend. It's the couple's second child.

...Wrestler Steve Austin Accused of Beating Wife

The wife of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin has accused the wrestling star of beating her after a weekend argument at their home in an upscale neighborhood of San Antonio, police said on Monday.

Debra Williams, also a professional wrestler, called police to the couple's home on Saturday night and told officers that Austin had beaten her on the head, back and legs then stormed out of the house before police arrived.

Austin called the house while officers were there and was told he was in trouble, according to a police report. Austin told them he understood, but declined a request to return to the house or report to the police station, the report said.

Williams has not filed a formal charge, so Austin is not considered a fugitive, according to Sgt. Gabe Trevino. Williams was not hospitalized after the alleged assault.

Austin, a native Texan and former North Texas State University football player began wrestling professionally in 1992 and is one of the leading stars of World Wrestling Entertainment Inc., formerly known as the World Wrestling Federation.

World Wrestling Entertainment spokesman Gary Davis said Austin recently failed to appear at two scheduled performances, one in Montreal and one in Austin, Texas, describing the no-shows as an "unacceptable violation of his contract."

Davis said Austin was apparently dissatisfied with the way his character was being developed for WWE shows.

Williams, a former beauty queen, is also affiliated with World Wrestling Entertainment.

Britney Races Ahead with Plans for Second Movie

Pop princess Britney Spears is moving full speed ahead with her movie career, signing a deal with NASCAR to star in a feature film set in the world of stock car racing, NASCAR officials said on Monday.

Writing and planning for the as yet untitled movie is still in its early stages but Spears is expected to play the fictional daughter of a successful NASCAR team owner who inspires a former driver to return to the sport.

Spears, who made a respectable screen acting debut in February in the girl road and friendship movie "Crossroads", has formed her own production company -- Britney Spears Productions -- to develop and produce the project.

There are currently no plans for the 20-year-old pop star, who is now on a U.S. concert tour, to sing in the new movie which is expected to go into production in early 2003.

NASCAR (National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing) is the second-highest rated sport on U.S. television with a 75-million-strong fan base, particularly in the southern United States. The movie will feature real NASCAR drivers, tracks and competition.

NASCAR officials said they were attracted to the project because of Spear's image as an all-American southern girl, with a strong sense of family.

Producer Ann Carli said the goal was to create a film that portrays the spirit of NASCAR. "It is not just about winning -- it's about family, perseverance and the belief that any dream is possible," Carli said.

Spears and her father are both said to be big NASCAR fans.

Elvis Tops The Beatles in Britain

Elvis Presley returned to the top of the singles charts in Britain on Monday, rewriting pop history 25 years after his death and passing The Beatles as the artist with the most No. 1 tunes.

The King now has more No. 1 recordings than any artist in the pop chart's 50-year history, thanks to a remix of the little-known song "A Little Less Conversation."

By reaching the top of the singles charts in England, Presley gained his 18th No. 1 tune, breaking the record that he had held in Britain with The Beatles at 17 each.

"A Little Less Conversation" was written by Mac Davis and Billy Strange for the 1968 film "Live a Little, Love a Little." The original also was on the soundtrack of the 2001 movie "Ocean's Eleven."

Dutch musician Tom Holkenburg, known in Europe as the disc jockey of the techno-group Junkie XL, recently remixed the song for a Nike World Cup TV commercial featuring a British player. Although a contemporary remix, "Elvis vs. JXL — a Little Less Conversation" leaves Presley's distinctive vocals intact.

The single, released throughout Europe last week, sold more than 67,000 copies in Britain on the very first day.

Junkie XL was changed to JXL for the song because the Presley estate did not want the track remixed if the name contained what could be perceived as a reference to drugs.

JXL's track will be released in the United States on June 25.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Presley's death. He died at his home in Memphis, Tenn., on Aug. 16, 1977 at age 42.

Dixie Chicks Reconcile With Sony

The Dixie Chicks, who accused Sony Music of cheating them out of millions of dollars in royalties, have reconciled with the company and will release their next record under a new label jointly created by the group and Sony.

The disc "Home" will be released on Aug. 27 on Open Wide Records, Sony officials announced Monday.

Financial details of the settlement were not released, but it ends a yearlong dispute that involved allegations of thievery, breach of contract and multimillion-dollar lawsuits.

The Dixie Chicks — Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Robison — have sold more than 20 million of their last two albums, "Wide Open Spaces" and "Fly." Last summer they filed a lawsuit claiming Sony had engaged in "systematic thievery" to cheat them out of more than $4 million in royalties and asked to be released from a seven-album recording contract signed in 1997.

Sony had previously sued the Dixie Chicks, claiming the group owed it more than $100 million for five undelivered albums and calling the group's allegations a "sham attempt" to get out of its record contract.

In recent months, the Dixie Chicks joined the Recording Artists Coalition, which is demanding better relationships with record labels, including fairer contracts and more oversight of accounting practices.

In the joint statement, neither side spoke in detail about the dispute.

The Dixie Chicks said that they believe "Home" is their best album and "our reconciliation with Sony Music couldn't have come at a better time."

"I know that the entire Sony Music team is excited to bring the Chicks and their music to a wider audience than ever before," said Sony Music Entertainment Chairman Thomas Mottola.

The Dixie Chicks' hits include "Wide Open Spaces," "Goodbye Earl" and "There's Your Trouble."

Coyote Ugly is to have a sequel?

The original film starred Piper Perabo, Adam Garcia, Maria Bello and and Tyra Banks.

It became a surprise hit in America when it was released in 2000 and topped the US box office.

Gina Wendkos, who wrote the original, is to work on the sequel, reports Variety.

The first film was the tale of Violet 'Jersey' Sanford, an innocent singer who loses her inhibitions while working at an all-girl bar.

Radio Ga Ga, Radio Go Go

ABC goes ga- ga over Go- Go's.

Universal Plays "The Game"

When director David Fincher isn't making a brilliant mind-altering morality tale of a film, he spends his time making darned exciting thriller. Such is the case with his 1997 brain teaser The Game. Although Criterion has toyed with creating a special edition of the film in the future, the movie went out of print when USA folded. True to their word, Universal Studios Home Entertainment has picked up the ball, and will release their own version of the disc this summer.

Nicholas Van Orton is a shrewdly successful businessman who is accustomed to being in control of each facet of his investments and relationships. His well ordered life undergoes a profound change, however, when his brother Conrad gives him an unexpected birthday gift that soon has devastating consequences.

Released with both an anamorphic widescreen and pan and scan transfer, the upcoming release will contain a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack. The will most likely be identical to the earlier USA release.

Coming back to retail on August 27th, "The Game" will boast a $19.98 price tag.

More Muppet DVD's On The Way

Hey Muppets fans, if you haven't ordered them online yet, at TimeLife, Columbia will continue to mine the Muppets for yet more DVD releases, with three new ones due on 9/3.

The Best of The Muppet Show Volume 1 and Volume 2 include three classic, uncut episodes revolving around superstar guests ("Elton John," "Julie Andrews," and "Gene Kelly" on Volume 1, and "Mark Hamill," "Paul Simon" and "Raquel Welch" on Volume 2) plus promos.

On 9/3 Columbia will also release something called Kermit's Swamp Years. Each is presented in full frame and retails for $19.95 a pop.

Enjoy, or come on over!

The Words That You've Been Waiting To Have Heard

After years of nail-biting suspense, Paramount is finally delivering the goodies!

It's time to get ready to grease back that hair and put on your best poodle dress, because on 9/17 Paramount will release a collector's edition of Grease, still one of the biggest and most popular musicals in motion picture history.

Then on 10/8 comes plenty more, including a collector's edition of another Travolta megahit, Saturday Night Fever, plus its (camp) classic sequel Stayin' Alive, Travolta as cowboy in Urban Cowboy, and (drum roll, please...) both Flashdance and Footloose!

Expect some cool extras, including new interviews with such participants as directors Randall Kleiser and John Badham, and much more. Full specs have not yet been revealed, but the official press releases are due on Monday, June 24th.

Oh yeah, baby! Oh yeah!

Enjoy!

Here's today's most entertaining time waster.

Springsteen, E Street to hit the road in August

Bruce Springsteen is planning to hit the road with the E Street Band during the second week of August, according to E Streeter Steve Van Zandt.

The guitarist told The Boston Herald the tour will be timed to coincide with the July release of Springsteen's forthcoming album "The Uprising."

"(The new album) is just terrific," Van Zandt told the paper.

"Very different, very interesting and absolutely tremendous. There are elements in it from every record we've done, but it's not like any of them."

While it may recall earlier Springsteen-E Street collaborations, Van Zandt told The Herald the disc also reflects recent events.

"There is a very, very coherent theme throughout it. It deals with our state of mind as a culture in a post-Sept. 11 world. I realized as I listened to it all the way through that art really plays a vitally important role in our culture," the paper quoted Van Zandt.

"We're the only culture in the world that ignores art and treats it like a luxury, but here is a case where there is a feeling that we all have that can't be verbalized in normal speech, and after I listened to the record, that says it. Art can actually express the unspeakable.

"The new songs absolutely add up to something greater than the sum of the parts," he said.

"It's got that 'Sgt. Pepper' kind of vibe, and I won't be surprised if that comes up in the reviews. This is the first time you'll hear traces of the Beatles' influence in the music, which has never been obvious before."

Tomorrow's Big New DVD And Video Releases

Some films that garnered some media attention but not much box office in theatres debut in the home formats tomorrow. Are they worth your time? Well, let's look at these big name titles individually:

I AM SAM- I have no idea how writer-director Jessie Nelson managed to corral some of the biggest names in Hollywood for this painfully earnest tale about a mentally challenged father who might have his daughter taken away by the courts. The movie is so confused that during the climactic trial scenes, I couldn't help thinking the little girl (a robotic Dakota Fanning) probably did belong with someone more capable of seeing to her needs. Still, Sean Penn is unerring - straightforward and unsentimental. He's more hard-headed and interesting than the film could ever hope to be. It's poor Michelle Pfeiffer who comes off badly. Her tough-as-nails lawyer who learns to be a better parent thanks to Penn is an embarrassing role that sinks this usually fine actress. Like the film itself, the use of songs by the Beatles is crushingly obvious: if the little girl is taken away, you can be sure they'll cue up "She's Leaving Home" - even though that song is about a daughter who wants to leave her parents and so is wildly inappropriate. Many of the covers are good, however, so buy the soundtrack but avoid the movie.

THE SHIPPING NEWS- In one word, this film is "Horrbile." Contrary to popular belief the book is not always better than the movie. In this case the book is better. It really is! This is another poor film by director Lasse Hallstrom. But there's no reason to be dismissive - this is clearly a bad movie made with good intentions. And it does offer some pleasures: Cate Blanchett delivers a jagged, messy performance in a brief turn, Judi Dench is always formidable and Kevin Spacey is acting again after a number of roles where he seemed to be coasting on his trademark quirks. Pity about the tired plot, though. And those accents?!??! If you think anyone in this film, with the exception of Gorden Pinsent, has an even close to being correct Newfoundland accent then you don't know Newfoundland. I on the other hand know Newfoundland...

ORANGE COUNTY- With all of the dumb films that we are forced to sit through every year it is a treat when one of them is entertaining. Admittedly, I expected something a little more oddball than this conventional teen comedy. After all, director Jake Kasdan made his debut with the eccentric Zero Effect and writer Mike White wrote and starred in the terrific Chuck & Buck. This gotta-get-into-college romp, however, is thoroughly anonymous. The saving grace? Jack Black doing his shtick yet again. Sure, we've seen it before in High Fidelity, Jesus's Son and so on, but it still works. And thankfully, no one tries to do a Newfoundland accent.

New BEAUTY AND THE BEAST DVD From Disney

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is coming to DVD in 2-disk collector's edition. It will be the remastered and added-to version that was presented in IMAX theaters previously. There will be clips from the Broadway version, as well as a new music video of the theme by JUMP5...whoever that is. The DVD will be released on October 8th.

This Should Get The Internet Buzzing

A British tabloid is reporting that Angelina Jolie is ready to, and I quote, "strip it all off for 'numerous' scenes" in the Tomb Raider sequel. Eidos can and probably will put a stop to that though, as they don't like seeing their flagship character in a "bad light". If memory serves, the propagators of "Nude Raider" a few years back got quite the "cease and desist" order.

WALKEN IN

Christopher Walken has signed on to star with Ben Stiller and Jack Black in the comedy ENVY, directed by Barry Levinson and cowritten by Seinfeld cocreator Larry David.

BIN SHADY

Reps for rapper Eminem denying recent reports that he has been targeted by Al Qaeda terrorists because of his parody of Osama bin Laden in his new video, "Without Me." An Interscope records publicist said the rumors are "untrue, irresponsible and inflammatory."

LET'S SPEND THE KNIGHT TOGETHER

Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger awarded a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth "for services to popular music," according to the list of honors published Saturday.

In a related story, Keith Richards had lunch with his wife on Saturday.

WILD THINGS

Charlie Sheen and uber- babe Denise Richards tied the knot Saturday night at the Los Angeles home of Sheen's former Spin City producer, their publicist confirms. The Catholic ceremony was attended by their family members, including father of the groom Martin Sheen.

Just Buy An External CD Drive And All Will Be Fine

A new lawsuit challenges copy- protection CD's.

Weekend Box Office Results

SCOOBY- DOO debuts at Number One.

Here are the stimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at North American theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc. Final figures will be released Monday.

1. "Scooby-Doo," $56.4 million.

2. "The Bourne Identity," $27.5 million.

3. "Windtalkers," $14.5 million.

4. "The Sum of All Fears," $13.5 million.

5. "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood," $9.8 million.

6. "Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones," $9.2 million.

7. "Spider-Man," $7.4 million.

8. "Bad Company," $6.1 million.

9. "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron," $5.5 million.

10. "Undercover Brother," $4.6 million.

Oh, okay!

Three new films bow this weekend on the Summer Movie Season's incredibly busy (and profitable) slate.

Up first is Scooby- Doo. This feature film version of the classic cartoon is aimed at kids. Young kids. VERY young kids. It was interesting, but I never thought it was great. Well, no, I guess that's not totally true. I thought Linda Cardellini, who plays Velma, was great! Attractive, sexy and great! Nerdy chicks rule!

Windtalkers intended to rule the box office last November, but when the terrorist attacks took place, the film was delayed until now. All I have to say is, from start to finish, the movie rocks! The action lives up and goes beyond John Woo's usual performance. The film has cheesy moments here and there, but overall I refer you to my above "rocks" comment.

If it wasn't for the two other new entries this weekend Matt Damon's action thriller The Bourne Identity would probably have ruled the roost. Even now, with it being a bit too stiff and stereotypical, it should do well. Plus it has Franka Potente, from RUN LOLA RUN, so that is cool, and so is she!

In retrospect, I enjoyed The Bourne Identity more than Scooby- Doo or Windtalkers but that might not be saying much.

And as for whether I enjoyed watching Linda Cardellini or Franka Potente more, let me just say that I enjoy them both for different reasons.

Enjoy the sexy, hot, delicious ladies, oops,... I mean Popcorn! Enjoy the popcorn and I'll see you at the movies!

I Am "Marchioness Two Shakes And A Shimmy"

Hey, what's your secret Ya-Ya name?

I have High Hopes For This Film

Steven Spielberg has directed a new MINORITY REPORT trailer that can only be viewed on the internet!

The Original Vader Is Back

David Prowse, who played Darth Vader in every scene except the one where they took off the mask has stated that he will be back for EPISODE III. This, along with the previous rumor that James Earl Jones has already signed to do a few lines, certainly seems to point to the appearance of a full costumed Vader in the film. If memory serves, however, Prowse had just had hip surgery as of Celebration II back in May, and was still walking with a cane. It's possible that what we will see of Vader will be just at the very end.

London Sees 007 Museum Exhibit

The London Science Museum has announced that they will open an exhibition this fall entitled Bond, James Bond. The exhibit will feature the various gadgets and vehicles used in the various James Bond movies, dating back to DR. NO. "The exhibition is a behind-the-scenes exploration of the creative talents and skills of the production process that have made Bond an international phenomenon," said a museum spokesperson. Several items such as Oddjob's hat and Sean Connery's Aston Martin from GOLDFINGER will be on display.

SONY PLANS JACKO-JETTISON

THE King of Pop's "crusade" against Sony Music is a face-saving strategy. Insiders say Sony is sick of the unprofitable Michael Jackson and is releasing two "greatest hits" albums back-to-back next year, just to get rid of him. "Michael has two albums on his contract left, and Sony will deal with it in the only way it can be profitable - a greatest hits compilation," a source reports. Jackson's last "original" album for the label, "Invincible," flopped upon its release last year. "Sony can't figure out what Michael's beef is with them," our source said. "They were startled when he had that whole press conference with Johnnie Cochran and Al Sharpton, claiming he was a slave to the music industry." Sony was said to be caught completely unaware. "Michael is trying to get some more publicity so that he can get a record deal with another company when the contract with Sony is up. Sony let him know a while ago they wouldn't be re-signing him," the spy added.

U2 Previews New Song On Band Website

U2 is now previewing a new song, "The Hands That Built America," on the band's official website, U2.com. The site offers a video clip of the group in the studio at work on what is reportedly the foursome's first recording since the end of the All That You Can't Leave Behind tour.

The song actually had its first public unveiling last May 13 at New York's Tribeca Film Festival to promote the Martin Scorsese film Gangs Of New York, set for release on Christmas Day, 2002. The song is featured on the soundtrack. The band's performance from Ireland was broadcast to festival attendees and shot by director Maurice Linnane for video use.

While various fan sites have batted around rumors of a fast follow-up to the band's last album, this is the first evidence of any recordings. Earlier this year longtime U2 co-producer Daniel Lanois confirmed the release of a second best-of compilation in the fall, which may include several new recordings.

Back in 1978, another Irish band out of Dublin, the folk-rock outfit Horslips, released an album called The Man Who Built America. So far, there are no reports whether this new song's title is a nod to the title track of that album.

Jennifer Love Hewitt to Release Album 'BareNaked'

Movie and television star Jennifer Love Hewitt will release her Jive Records debut album "BareNaked" on Sept. 24, her label said on Thursday.

The self-titled single track will be shipped to radio on June 16, to be aired on July 1.

The video for "BareNaked" will debut on MTV's "Making The Video" the week of July 15.

"BareNaked," the single, was co-written by 23-year-old Hewitt and Meredith Brooks, who produced the album.

The Texas-born star first hit it big in 1995 by landing a role in the TV series, "Party of Five." She has starred in various films, including "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer" in 1998.

Hewitt will next co-star with Jackie Chan in an upcoming film called "The Tuxedo."

Jive Records is a unit of Zomba Music Group, which this week agreed to be sold to Bertelsmann AG.

BLAME CANADA

Actors Jim Carrey, Michael J. Fox, game-show host Alex Trebek and ABC newsman Peter Jennings heading a new list of the "Top 10 Canadians in U.S. Television" compiled for this year's Banff Television Festival in Alberta.

The Jersey Girl Will Be A Philly Girl And Not A Toronto Girl

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck will star in the next Kevin Smith film, JERSEY GIRL, which will be shot in Philadelphia this summer.