Sacha Baron Cohen Upset By Reaction To "Borat"
Sacha Baron Cohen, known for his misunderstood Borat character, is disappointed by the number of people who have taken offense to the comedy.
Rolling Stone magazine says producers of the movie - which pokes fun at stereotypes - are dealing with plenty of headaches, which began by underestimating the film's potential impact. While Kazakhstan citizens who appear in the movie threaten legal action against filmmakers, a saddened Cohen says the joke was supposed to be on the ignorance of western culture, not on Kazakhstan itself.
"I was surprised because I always had faith in the audience that they would realize that this was a fictitious country (sic) and the mere purpose of it (the film) was to allow people to bring out their own prejudices," says the British comedian.
"The reason we chose Kazakhstan was because it was a country that no one had ever heard anything about, so we could essentially play on stereotypes they might have about this ex-Soviet backwater. The joke is not on Kazakhstan. I think the joke is on people who can believe that the Kazakhstan that I describe can exist - who believe that there's a country where homosexuals wear blue hats and women live in cages."
Tobey Maguire Hints At His Spider-Man Swan Song
While Sony appears keen on keeping Spider-Man on the big-screen, the star of the hit superhero movies admits he doesn't want to get stuck in the web.
Starpulse.com reports the actor behind Peter Parker's mask, Tobey Maguire, says, "This might be a good place to stop." Even though the Spidey-star won't rule out the possibility of another on-screen adventure, he does say it's almost time to hang up the tights.
"I am not tied contractually to any more Spider-Man movies," says Maguire. "I am not completely closed to the idea of another one if it made sense but I would say the odds were in favor of this being the last one".
Hollywood's Remake Craze 'Short Circuit's
Another '80s hit-movie is getting a makeover, or rather an up-grade, as Short Circuit gets re-invented.
According to Moviehole.net, the 1986 original comedy/sci-fi which starred Steve Guttenberg and Ally Sheedy as two people each trying to do what they think is best for an experimental robot named No. 5, after a power surge brings it to life.
The movie's box-office appeal sparked a follow up film in 1988, however to less enthusiasm, leaving plans for another Circuit chapter about No. 5 left in development limbo, that is until filmmakers realized they could rebuild him.
While casting is yet to be confirmed, rumors have surfaced that some of the film's original stars might return to see the lovable robot come to life again.
New Releases, Dec. 5: Gwen Stefani, Eminem, 'Dreamgirls'
Gwen Stefani "The Sweet Escape"
The platinum-haired, platinum-selling leader of No Doubt is set to release the follow-up to her solo debut, 2004's "Love. Angel. Music. Baby." This could provide a nice end-of-the-year boost to the record industry, given that Stefani's first record has been certified quadruple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The new album's first single is "Wind It Up," produced by The Neptunes. Akon, No Doubt's Tony Kanal, Nellee Hooper, Sean Garrett, Swizz Beatz, Dave Stewart and Keane's Tim Rice-Oxley also all contributed to the set.
Coinciding with the new album, Stefani also will issue the new concert DVD "Harajuku Lovers Live," which was filmed during shows in Stefani's hometown of Anaheim, CA.
Stefani will embark on a US tour behind the new album in April.
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Eminem and Various Artists "Eminem Presents: The Re-Up"
While waiting for the megastar rapper to drop a proper solo disc, fans can tide themselves over with "The Re-Up." The disc features Eminem on several tracks, as well as such Slim Shady-approved artists as Bobby Creekwater, Status Quo, Swifty McVay and Mister Porter.
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Various Artists "Dreamgirls: Music from the Motion Picture"
"Dreamgirls," which began as a popular '80s Broadway show that many believe revolutionized how musicals are presented, will be released as a major Hollywood movie to theaters on Christmas Day. This soundtrack features songs by the film's all-star cast, which includes Beyonce (music), Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy. The soundtrack comes in two formats: a single-disc of highlights and a deluxe, two-disc edition.
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Ciara "The Evolution"
The young R&B star is back with her sophomore release, the follow-up to her popular debut, 2004's "Goodies." "The Evolution" features guest appearances by Lil Jon, 50 Cent and Chamillionaire.
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Brian McKnight "10"
Although the title of McKnight's 10th album isn't much of a surprise, "10" does offer one major surprise in terms of guest appearances: country superstars Rascal Flatts show up on the track "Red, White, Blue."
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Other new releases:
The Ames Brothers, "Together" (Jasmine)
Babyshambles, "The Blinding EP" (Capitol)
Drake Bell, "It's Only Time" (Universal)
Kutless, "Live from Portland" (BEC)
Lil' Scrappy, "Bred 2 Die Born 2 Live" (Reprise)
John Mayall, "Essential John Mayall" (Eagle)
Natalie, "Everything New" (Universal)
Project Pat, "Crook by Da Book: The Fed Story" (Sony)
Various Artists, "The O.C. Mix 6: Covering Our Tracks" (Warner Bros.)
Various Artists, "Kids Rap Radio, Vols. 1-2" (Music World)
Various Artists, "Legends of Country: Classic Hits of the '50s, '60s & '70s" (Shout)
Yes, "Essentially Yes" (Eagle)
Soundtracks and scores:
"Apocalypto" (New Line)
"Charlotte's Web, Music from the Motion Picture" (Sony)
"The Nativity Story: Sacred Songs" (New Line)
"Summer of '42" (Jay)
'Galactica' Jumps to Sundays
"Battlestar Galactica" will explore uncharted territory for the Sci Fi Channel when it begins the second half of its season in January: Sunday nights.
The cable network has made official the long-circulating reports that it would move its critically acclaimed series to Sundays come January. The news, announced Monday, also comes with dates and times attached: "Galactica" will make the move at 10 p.m. ET Sunday, Jan. 21, following the series premiere of the supernatural-detective drama "The Dresden Files."
"Sundays have long been considered an important night for television. [The scheduling change] is a signal to our viewers that this is destination programming and should be considered appointment viewing," says Dave Howe, general manager of the network. "It only makes sense that Sci Fi would plant its signature series there."
In the past "Battlestar Galactica" has aired as part of the channel's successful Friday block of original series. Sci Fi plans to keep that night going later in 2007 with the return of both "Stargate" series and the new show "Painkiller Jane." The network plans to produce some 210 hours of original programming for 2007, the most in its history.
"Galactica" closes the first part of its season on Friday, Dec. 15. In keeping with the Sci Fi m.o., the episode will be the first half of a two-parter.
24 Adds Rick Schroder to Guest List
The 24 body count was upped again Monday with the announcement that NYPD Blue alum Rick Schroder is coming on board for the Emmy-winning series' sixth season.
Schroder, 36, plays CTU operative Mike Doyle, Jack's go-to man in the field, when Day 6 begins Sunday, January 14, on Fox in a two-hour season premiere, with the next two hours playing out Jan. 15 as part of a multinight "television event."
The former child star ("Here we are, face to face, a couple of Silver Spoons…") is the latest in a string of notable names who have joined the show during the off-season, replenishing the ranks of a cast that inevitably is depleted year after year by radiation poisoning, nerve gas, shootouts and massive (yet not apocalyptic—thanks, Jack) explosions.
Here's a quick rundown of the new, yet familiar faces you'll be seeing around the counterterrorism watercooler in 2007:
- Peter MacNicol: Thomas Lennox, a high-ranking government official who may or may not end up butting heads with Kiefer Sutherland's endlessly put-upon Jack Bauer
- Regina King: Sandra Palmer, a fierce advocacy lawyer and sister of two presidents—the late David Palmer and the incoming commander in chief, Wayne Palmer (D.B. Woodside, in an expanded role)
- James Cromwell: Jack's estranged dad, Phillip Bauer
- Chad Lowe: "Savvy politico" Reed Pollock. Sounds like a possible pain in Jack's assignment log
- Powers Boothe: Vice President Noah Daniels, always a part that could go either way on 24
- Kal Penn: Ahmet, a member of an Islamic group suspected of terrorist activities
- David Hunt: The British actor takes over the role of the villainous Darren McCarthy, a part originally intended for comic Eddie Izzard
Meanwhile, Jean Smart and William Devane return as the now-former first lady and the secretary of defense who apparently didn't kill himself at the end of season five, respectively.
Mary Lynn Rajskub is also back as the plucky Chloe, who has had the fifth most face time of any castmember in the show's history, having managed to stay alive since season three.
Blige, Chesney receive Billboard Awards
LAS VEGAS - R&B diva Mary J. Blige and country star Kenny Chesney nabbed early awards at the annual Billboard Awards Monday night.
Blige, who was nominated for five major-category awards, was named R&B/Hip-Hop artist of the year and Chesney won male country artist of the year at the two-hour live show from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Blige's seventh studio album, "The Breakthrough," debuted at the top of the Billboard charts in December 2005 and has sold 2.6 million copies.
The telecast did not, however, feature Tinseltown's duo du jour — heiress Paris Hilton and mom-gone-wild Britney Spears. After their recent binge of late-night partying, it was reported that the new best friends would be co-hosting the show, but that didn't happen.
Hilton, according to her publicist, backed out because of "objectionable" material in the script. Show producers said that Spears was never confirmed.
The show went on without a host but with a lineup of presenters moving things along. On the red carpet, comedian Kathy Griffin joked that she could fill in: "I'll be in the 7th row ready to jump up at any minute."
Janet Jackson opened the show with a nod to the old and the new. Sporting a short bob haircut and a belly-baring white turtleneck sweater that offered no chance of a wardrobe malfunction, Jackson performed her 1980s classic, "The Pleasure Principle," mixed into "So Excited," a single from her 2006 comeback album, "20 Y.O."
Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie performed "Fergalicious," a hit from her first solo effort, backed by a crew of dancers in body paint and set of giant candy canes.
Crooner Tony Bennett was to be honored with the Billboard Century Award, a lifetime achievement award.
Bennett timed his release of "Duets: An American Classic" — featuring Bono, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand and other musical big-timers — to his 80th birthday. The September release has become the best-selling album of his 50-plus-year recording career.
Rock powerhouse Nickelback was up for artist of the year, as well as rock artist of the year, group and rock group of the year. The group won rock album of the year for its "All the Right Reasons."
The rockers were joined by Nashville-based Rascal Flatts in two of the categories. The multiplatinum country band also was nominated for artist of the year and group of the year, as well as a string of country nominations, including country album of the year for their fifth album, "Me and My Gang."
Rapper T.I. was up for rap artist of the year along with Sean Paul and Yung Joc. His fourth solo album, "King," which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard albums chart in March, was nominated for best rap album of the year, along with "Tha Carter II" from Lil Wayne and Eminem's "Curtain Call: The Hits."
Teen lothario Chris Brown's self-titled debut album landed the 17-year-old hip-hopper nominations for artist of the year, male artist of the year and new artist of the year.
"It feels great," he said from the red carpet. "I certainly don't feel my age."
Brown said people were treating him like he was older but then reality set in when he realized he could not do much because of his young age. His first night in Vegas was spent hanging out with his mom in his hotel room, he said.
The Billboard Awards are given to the year's chart-topping artists. Winners are determined by the magazine's year-end chart listings, which are based on record sales and airplay.
Creator: No Canadian 'CSI' spinoffs planned
TORONTO (CP) - Despite the growing number of copycats and the enormous popularity of the original and spinoffs, fans shouldn't hold their breath for a "CSI: Toronto" or "CSI: Vancouver," says creator Anthony Zuiker.
The franchise, he says, has hit its magic number.
"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "CSI: Miami" and "CSI: New York" are usually in the ratings Top 10, but Zuiker said he doesn't envision another version of the show because pumping out the current roster is already a grind.
"We're done, I think with 'CSI: New York' - that's it. We may do a 'CSI' movie in the future - when we actually get some rest, which is going to be God knows when - but three is definitely enough," he said during an interview in Toronto.
"We've killed so many people in so many ways."
Zuiker's life has been consumed by death and disease for the last several years, overseeing the development of the three shows.
The idea for "CSI," now in season 7, came to him after watching a forensics show on the Discovery Channel about how investigators used a single hair to solve a murder investigation.
"I was so fascinated ... by how the body can talk to the investigator," Zuiker recalled.
"The body is ultimately the perfect specimen, designed in every respect - from skin to bruising to hair to blood to DNA - to give clues with almost perfect certainty about what happened to the body without ever being there."
Critics have knocked the show for being unrealistic in portraying the work of forensic investigators, but Zuiker said that with the exception of accelerated timelines, everything is factual and real.
"All the technology we use, all the machinery we use - the gadgets, the gimmickry, all that stuff we use for bells and whistles - is being used" in real life, he said.
"What's not real is the fact we have to (speed up) a lot of the results for DNA. Obviously, pressing a button and sitting there for four weeks until results come back with a name is not a television show."
Zuiker's use of special effects to visualize the body's internal reactions to trauma became "CSI's" trademark, but it wasn't long before similar scenes were popping up on other shows.
Not that Zuiker minds. He insists he's flattered that shows like the medical drama "House" use "CSI"-like effects.
"It's an element that feels familiar (because of) us and it's really flattering, we don't take offence to that," he said.
" 'House' is fantastic and people do not watch that show just because there are 'CSI' shots inside the show. That show is simply wonderful - I watch it, I adore it, I get a kick out of the 'CSI' shots myself and I can sit back and go, 'I thought of those.' "
He also didn't mind when one of his heroes, director Quentin Tarantino, borrowed some "CSI"-style special effects, and it actually led to a collaboration, with Tarantino directing a season finale.
"If you watch 'Kill Bill' there's a lot of influence from 'CSI' in there too because Quentin is a fan," Zuiker said proudly.
"And in the same respect, I got in the business because I watched 'Pulp Fiction' and adored that storytelling so much."
With no new "CSI" series on the way, Zuiker has big ideas for a dream project he'd like to pursue - but it's currently stuck in showbiz limbo.
He rewrote a script based on the true story of the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team, but there's no sign that Columbia Pictures, which owns the rights to it, has any plans to move forward.
"It's probably my best work," he said with a hint of bitterness. "It's the one that got away, it's the one I think about every day."
He said the tale of a Jewish man putting together a team of African-American basketball players in the 1920s is "probably the best story I've ever heard," an inspiring account of courage and following dreams.
But even the creator of one of TV's biggest shows can't get everything he wants. Zuiker's not sure the movie will get made.
"Hopefully, as I grow more successful in the business, I'll have the opportunity to get that script back, be involved with it, possibly direct it some day, and really tell a story I think that should be told," he said.
Flushed Away, Cars race off with most Annie nominations
The movies Flushed Away and Cars have garnered nine nominations each for the Annie Awards, topping the list for the U.S. honours that recognize the best in animation.
Flushed Away — from Aardman Animation, the British team that created Wallace & Gromit — received nods in directing, writing and voice acting for Ian McKellen, who portrayed the evil character of Toad.
Flushed Away follows the travails of a hapless upper-class mouse who accidentally ends up in the sewers with his lower-class brethren.
The Disney-Pixar film Cars, following a rookie race car (voiced by Owen Wilson) who learns respect through community service with older cars, is up for best feature and best director for John Lasseter, who also directed Toy Story.
Composer Randy Newman was also nominated for the movie's soundtrack.
The other nominees for top animated feature include the penguin film Happy Feet, Monster House and Open Season. Over the Hedge, an animated version of a popular cartoon strip, earned eight nominations including best feature and voice acting for comedian Wanda Sykes, who played a skunk named Stella.
Overall, Dreamworks Animation, which made Over the Hedge and co-produced Flushed Away, had 17 nominations.
Programs under the best animated television production category are: Charlie and Lola, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, King of the Hill, The Fairly OddParents and Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!
The best home entertainment field included Bambi II, Winnie the Pooh: Shapes & Sizes and The Adventures of Brer Rabbit.
The awards, including those in shorts, commercials and best animated video game race will be handed out Feb. 11 at a ceremony in Glendale, Calif.
Only films that have shown in the U.S. are eligible to enter the race.
Winners are voted on by the American members of the International Animated Film Society.
Letterman staying put at CBS until 2010
NEW YORK - David Letterman isn't going anywhere. CBS Corp. announced Monday that the late-night funnyman has signed a contract to stay on the air until at least 2010. It was widely reported in September that Letterman had agreed to the deal.
The contract means Letterman plans to stay on the air longer than late-night rival Jay Leno. NBC has said that Leno will give way to Conan O'Brien on the "Tonight" show in 2009.
"I'm thrilled to be continuing on at CBS," Letterman, 59, said. "At my age you really don't want to have to learn a new commute."
Letterman is expected to make somewhere north of $30 million a year. He's been competing with Leno since 1993, and the NBC comic has had the upper hand in the ratings for the past decade.
"His presence on our air is an ongoing source of pride, and the creativity and imagination that the `Late Show' puts forth every night is an ongoing display of the highest quality entertainment," said CBS Corp. President Leslie Moonves, who's been a target of Letterman's on-air barbs. "We are truly honored that one of the most revered and talented entertainers of our time will continue to call CBS home."