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- 'Prometheus' Dictionary: Translations For Earth-Dwellers
If you're gearing up to see Ridley Scott's sci-fi flick for the first time, make sure you're well-versed in its extraterrestrial lingo.
By Kevin P. Sullivan
Michael Fassbender in "Prometheus"
Photo:If you're headed out to theaters this weekend to see Ridley Scott's "Prometheus," there are two likely explanations: You've been hounded by your friends who have already seen it with theories and a need for discussion or you're one of those friends and need to see it again.
Either way, "Prometheus" is a dense movie filled with symbolism, call-backs to the original "Alien," and mysteries with elliptical answers, so it might be best to go into the theater with a bit of a primer for what's about to happen.
Whether you're new to "Prometheus" or you're very familiar with the work of Weyland Industries, here are some things to consider before heading into the theater. There are no major spoilers here, but if you want to go into "Prometheus" completely fresh, you should probably stop reading.
Prometheus: The titan who molded man from clay and gave them fire, which he stole from the gods. As punishment, an eagle repeatedly ate his liver, which regenerated daily.
Weyland Industries: The corporation that funds the mission in "Prometheus," creators of the David 8 android, and antecedent to the Weyland-Yutani Corporation from the "Alien" films.
Peter Weyland: Founder of Weyland Industries, played by Guy Pearce.
David 8: An android programmed to assist human life and understand human emotions. He is played by Michael Fassbender in "Prometheus."
Xenomorph: This classic creature from "Alien" bleeds a corrosive acid. It is "a survivor... unclouded by conscience, remorse, or delusions of morality." The perfect organism.
Space Jockey: An enormous, dead humanoid found at the beginning of "Alien" with his chest burst open, surrounded by xenomorph eggs.
Facehugger: A developmental stage of the classic "Alien" xenomorph. This creature attaches itself to a host's face and deposits an embryo in his or her stomach.
Chestburster: The phase after facehugger. Once an embryo fully develops, it will exit its host through the abdomen.
"Lawrence of Arabia": The 1962 David Lean film starring Peter O'Toole as T.E. Lawrence. This film appears in "Prometheus" and is the origin of such quotes as "Big things have small beginnings," "There is nothing in the desert and no man needs nothing," and "The trick, William Potter, is not minding that it hurts."
LV223: An Earth-like moon where scientists travel to in "Prometheus" after finding star maps on several prehistoric drawings.
LV426: An inhospitable planetoid where the crew of the Nostromo encounter the Space Jockey and the xenomorph eggs.
Check out everything we've got on "Prometheus."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Переслать - Father's Day: A Pop-Culture Gift Guide
To help you show your appreciation for dad, MTV News compiles a list of must-have items.
By James Montgomery
"Game of Thrones" season one on Blu-ray
Photo:Provided your dad didn't go out for cigarettes and never came back, you'll be celebrating him and all his paternal excellence on Sunday, which — in case you forgot — just so happens to be the 102nd (or so) Father's Day.
And while we here at MTV News would like to point out that you should probably honor your father every day (after all, who else can teach you about the infield fly rule, the double Windsor knot and the rhythm method?), we realize that, more often than not, dad is just the guy you roll your eyes at from the backseat of the car. So perhaps this is the year you finally do him right, with a totally sweet Father's Day gift.
Which is where we come in: Using the full force of the MTV News brain trust, we've compiled a list of gifts sure to make his Father's Day special. From movies and video games to ultra-cool accessories and totally killer rock records, these are the must-haves for any dad.
Because he's worth it. And also because he probably doesn't want another tie.
For the dad still stuck in the 1980s: How about a pair of tickets to "Rock of Ages," the film that captures the rock and roll excesses of the Reagan era in all their full-throttled, feathered-hair glory? Sure, it might be super-embarrassing to sit next to him as he plays air guitar to Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar on Me," but imagine how he feels when you make him drop you off a block and a half away from the mall. You're even.
For the dad who's a super-nerd ... and really into beheadings: Get him a Blu-ray copy of the first season of "Game of Thrones," the bloody-great HBO show that redefines sheer nerdery as we know it. "Thrones" has truly got something for every dad. Machiavellian political dealings, gripping drama and dripping combat scenes — it's all there for the viewing. And shoot, even if he's not into swords and sorcery, there's plenty of nudity. This is what we in the business refer to as a "win/win."
For the dad who fancies himself an anti-hero: Pick up "Max Payne 3," the latest installment of Rockstar Games' truly excellent shooter series. Set eight years after the last game, it finds Max overweight and overwrought, popping pills and dealing with a serious late-life crisis. (Just like your dad!) Of course, it's not all drama; in fact, the third "Payne" game brings back the much-saluted "bullet-time" technology, which slows down the shootouts and maximizes the cinematic gore. As an added bonus, the folks at Rockstar also tout the fact that the killing is more realistic than ever this time out. Plenty of bad guys to smoke, plenty of brooding to be done: It's the kind of feel-good game you and your dad can play together. Ah, memories.
For the dad who wants the latest in shut-in couture: Get him one of the limited-edition Supreme T-shirts designed by noted oddball auteur (and illustrator) Daniel Johnston. Filled with illustrations of cross-bearing Captain Americas, boxing aliens and, uh, more Captain Americas, they're guaranteed to make dad the hit of his next office mixer — and to totally freak out all of his co-workers, too.
For the dad who's totally awesome: Download him a copy of Japandroids' Celebration Rock, the year's most kick-ass rock record. Full of fist-pumping riffs and shout-worthy sing-alongs, it'll take him back to the good old days, when rock was played fast and loud and you could get away with giving songs titles like "Fire's Highway." He'll probably take off his shirt and crack open a cold one, but deal with it. Dad's gotta cut loose somehow.
For the skater dad: Head out to Macy's and pick him out something from Lil Wayne's new Trukfit line, a collection of colorful hats and tees with just enough swag for the skate park. And as if some Weezy association isn't enough to make your pops super cool, consider this: The clothing line's name is an acronym for "The Reason U Kill for It," which automatically makes him the hardest dad on the block.
Related VideosПереслать - 'Rock Of Ages': Behind The Star-Studded Cameos
Director Adam Shankman explains how '80s icons like Sebastian Bach and Debbie Gibson ended up in the movie musical.
By Amy Wilkinson
Julianne Hough and Diego Boneta in "Rock of Ages"
Photo:The '80s are alive and well in director Adam Shankman's movie musical "Rock of Ages," which shimmied into theaters Friday (June 15).
Based on the hit Broadway production of the same name, the flick follows would-be musician Drew Boley (Diego Boneta) as he falls for new-in-town Sherrie Christian (Julianne Hough) and lands his big break opening for rock legend Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise) at the famed Bourbon Room.
The soundtrack is stuffed with the era's biggest hits like "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," "Don't Stop Believin' " and "I Want to Know What Love Is," but the toe-tapping tunes aren't the only throwbacks to the decade of decadence. Pay close attention and you'll spot a number of '80s music mavens.
A major plotline in the film centers around conservative advocate Patricia Whitmore's (Catherine Zeta-Jones) attempt to shutter the Bourbon Room and reclaim the Sunset Strip for more wholesome pursuits. The struggle reaches its climax in a rocking protest outside the club with Patricia and company facing off against club employee Lonny (Russell Brand) while singing a mash-up of "We Built This City" and "We're Not Gonna Take It." It's here among the assembled masses that you'll recognize a few familiar faces, like Skid Row's Sebastian Bach and Debbie Gibson. But how did the cameos come to be?
"I had said if anyone from the period wants to participate, there is a scene I'm happy to accommodate, 'cause it just felt right. ... So the studio just kind of put out the word, and that's what happened," Shankman said. "I would get the phone call the day before going, 'This is who's coming tomorrow,' and I'm like, 'Seriously?!' "
Having a bevy of rock stars on a single set might sound like a nightmare of warring egos and AquaNet, but in fact, Shankman said the stars sang for their supper, staging an impromptu concert.
"The greatest part of having those guys — [REO Speedwagon's] Kevin Cronin, [Extreme's] Nuno Bettencourt and Sebastian — all of them, our lunch that night was at 3:30 in the morning, and during lunch for the whole crew, they did a whole concert, and they sang all the songs."
Now that's a scene we want to see on the DVD bonus reel!
Check out everything we've got on "Rock of Ages."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related VideosПереслать - Fun., Black Keys, Wiz Khalifa Get MTV Movie Awards Sales Bump
Sales of the Black Keys' singles were up by double-digits thanks to their Johnny Depp-assisted Movie Awards performances.
By Gil Kaufman
Fun. and Janelle Monae perform at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards
Photo:It took an extra week, but the performers from this year's MTV Movie Awards got a Billboard chart bump after participating in the Russell Brand-hosted big screen blow-out. Among the big winners were the Black Keys, Wiz Khalifa and Fun., who all saw double-digit increases for sales of their albums and/or singles after their spots on the show.
The Keys got the biggest lift, with an assist to Generation Award winner Johnny Depp , who sat in on a pair of songs with the Akron, Ohio, blues duo. Thanks to their prominent spot on the show, sales of the band's El Camino were up 18 percent last week to 10,000, according to the Hollywood Reporter. (The sales increases didn't factor in until this week because the Movie Awards took place on Sunday, June 3 and the SoundScan reporting week ends at the close of business on Sunday.)
The two songs they performed with Depp also saw some chart love, with "Gold on the Ceiling" up 30 percent and "Lonely Boy" taking a 19 percent hike up the charts. A spokesperson for the group's label said that not only did the Depp cameo help lift sales of Camino, but the prominent spot on the show also created a "healthy" spike of the Key's back catalog of singles and albums.
Khalifa was no slouch, either, with his new single, "Work Hard, Play Hard," selling 78,000 copies for a 37 percent increase over the previous week. It was a mix of news for fun., whose smash single, "We Are Young," got the celebs in the crowd up on their feet singing and clapping along, even as sales dropped by 25 percent after a strong six-week run at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Even as the single dropped, sales of the band's album, Some Nights, picked up by 33 percent to 18,000.
Related Videos Related ArtistsПереслать - 'Rock Of Ages,' 'That's My Boy' Can't Beat 'Madagascar 3': Weekend Box-Office Predictions
Experts predict new movies from Tom Cruise and Adam Sandler, both with lackluster reviews, won't top last weekend's #1 movie.
By Ryan J. Downey
Julianne Hough and Diego Boneta in "Rock of Ages"
Photo:Two years ago, an animated "threequel" topped the box office against new movies from Tom Cruise and Adam Sandler. If industry-watcher prognostication proves correct, it'll be déjà vu this weekend as another big-budget cartoon trounces the two stars.
Experts predict last weekend's #1 movie, "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted," is likely to beat back new competition from Cruise and his singing compatriots in "Rock of Ages" as well as "That's My Boy," which pairs Sandler with fellow "Saturday Night Live" veteran Andy Samberg.
"I think this frame will shape up just like the weekend of June 25 to June 27, 2010," BoxOfficeGuru.com editor Gitesh Pandya told MTV News. That summer, "Toy Story 3" remained #1 for a second consecutive weekend against Cruise's "Knight and Day" and Sandler's "Grown Ups."
Edward Douglas, who writes "The Weekend Warrior" for ComingSoon.net, agreed, predicting between $30 and $35 million for "Madagascar 3." Movie City News Editor David Poland didn't see a $30 million opening as out of the realm of possibility for Sandler, but countered that "Madagascar" certainly wouldn't drop any lower than that. " 'Rock of Ages' has no chance [at being #1]," he added.
Both of the weekend's big new movies failed to impress critics. "Rock of Ages" had a "rotten" 49 percent critical average on Rotten Tomatoes at press time. "That's My Boy" stood at 15 percent, which is on par with other Sandler comedies ("Grown Ups" had just 10 percent).
" 'Rock of Ages' will get hurt by bad reviews more than 'That's My Boy,' " Pandya predicted. "One of the favorite exercises of film critics is to think of new ways to rip apart the latest Sandler film, so audiences would be shocked by anything other than bad reviews."
Douglas agreed: "It will have less of an effect on 'That's My Boy.' Not only because both Sandler and Samberg have their own dedicated fans, but also because the movie's going to get a significant bump on Father's Day when fathers and their teen and older sons make this their first choice."
"Rock of Ages" arrives armed with a slew of recognizable hair-metal songs from the '80s written by platinum-plus acts like Def Leppard and Poison, as well as built-in support from the fans who saw the show on Broadway. And while the film boasts a large ensemble that includes Malin Akerman and this year's MTV Movie Awards host, Russell Brand, shirtless shots of Cruise as rocker Stacee Jaxx certainly played a big part in marketing.
Pandya said Cruise's star power, the built-in Broadway buzz and the songs are all equal draws for the film, but Poland disagreed: "Broadway buzz, with very few exceptions, is good for less than $20 million total, in my opinion," he said. "And who is coming to hear the songs sung by this cast?"
Douglas noted, "Even with bad reviews, most of the critics have been impressed with Cruise in the role of Stacee Jaxx. It's just not enough to overcome other problems.
"The Broadway show certainly has its fanbase, as do the actual songs, but I believe that's a fairly small group that may go out to see it on Friday. And I really don't think the fans of the Broadway show are going to like the movie at all. It's just too different."
"Knight and Day" was one of only a handful of mainstream-targeted Cruise movies to fail to crack $100 million. "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol," however, took in nearly $210 million. So, what will the success or failure of "Rock of Ages" mean for his career?
"Honestly? Absolutely nothing," Douglas reasoned. "I don't think it's only being sold based on Cruise, and he's a supporting character at best rather than the lead. He has already increased his Q-rating with the success of 'Ghost Protocol,' so there's very little that can actually hurt him. While Cruise will contribute to the film opening well, I don't think he'll get blamed if it doesn't have significant legs."
Pandya explained, "Cruise has shrewdly put himself into a win-win situation with 'Rock of Ages,' because if the film does well, he can take some credit due to his buzz-worthy role. However, if it tanks, then it's not his fault since it's an ensemble with a big cast and not resting on his shoulders. There's only upside here for him, so I think this is a great move for his career."
As for Sandler's career, "Jack and Jill" opened with $25 million last year, and like "Knight and Day," finished around $75 million. "Just Go With It" took in $104 million earlier in 2011. In 2009, the more highbrow dramedy "Funny People" opened with $22 million.
"I see 'That's My Boy' opening closer to 'Funny People' and not near his bigger PG-13 hits, which had more appeal," Pandya said. "There's no major female star here, plus the R rating may cut down on some of his younger teen business."
Poland pointed out that "Jack and Jill" was the first broad Adam Sandler comedy (i.e. not a "Punch Drunk Love"-type movie) that didn't break $100 million domestically since "Little Nicky" collected just $40 million in 2000.
"It's definitely not a 'Little Nicky' because Sandler isn't really playing a character as he did in that," Douglas said. "He's just playing an exaggerated version of his 'Big Daddy' character in some ways. And it's a much bigger deal that he's paired with Andy Samberg, who is pretty hot right now. In some ways, it should have a similar effect as when Sandler did 'Grown Ups' because the combined star power will make up for any misgivings people will have about seeing an Adam Sandler movie.
"I'd say this is more in the range of 'Just Go With It' or 'I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry,' " he added.
The last big movie to do battle with "Madagascar" was "Prometheus," which settled for a nevertheless-strong #2 opening. While the brainy sci-fi movie presented audiences with juicy questions about its story (many handily answered by co-writer David Lindelof in a series of emails with MTV News' own Josh Horowitz), the remaining head scratcher for box-office watchers is how much it will decline in its second weekend. Despite a Friday-to-Saturday drop last weekend, though, predictions were optimistic.
"As people seem to be forgetting, there were a number of huge sports events on Saturday, which probably cut into its male-driven business," Douglas noted. "While there may be a large Friday-to-Friday drop this week, the Saturday-to-Saturday won't be so bad, and I can see it actually doing decent business for Father's Day, so I don't see a catastrophic second-weekend drop — definitely sub-55 percent."
Poland predicted, "I see a drop in the mid-40s [percentage wise], as it is still the must-see studio movie for adults."
As for the biggest box-office story of the year thus far, "Marvel's The Avengers" should pass $600 million domestically this summer. "I'd say by the end of July it should be there, if not sooner," Douglas said.
"Disney will jump through every hoop to be able to say it topped 'Titanic' domestically, even if it means a re-release," Poland explained. "But it probably won't be necessary. Looks to me like they can get to $600 million before 'The Amazing Spider-Man' lands in theaters."
It's not all about the big-budget summer flicks, of course. This weekend's smaller releases include "Your Sister's Sister" with Emily Blunt, "The Woman in the Fifth" with Ethan Hawke and Kristin Scott Thomas, and hip-hop documentary "The Art of Rap."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related VideosПереслать - Steve Carell Challenges Channing Tatum To An Ab-Off
Carell jokes to MTV News about his co-star in Bennett Miller's 'Foxcatcher': 'He doesn't threaten me. Come on!'
By Kevin P. Sullivan
Steve Carell
Photo:Channing Tatum, the challenge has been made.
When MTV News spoke with Steve Carell during a press day for his new film, "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World," he filled us in on the status of his upcoming project, Bennett Miller's "Foxcatcher."
"I am beginning shooting on that in October. I don't know when they're going to release it," Carell said. "I've signed on to do it. I'm excited. It's a good script."
Miller, the director of "Moneyball," will helm a cast that includes Carell, Mark Ruffalo and Tatum. "Foxcatcher" tells the true-life story of John duPont, millionaire and member of the famous family. DuPont established a wrestling training site for Olympians, and one day murdered gold medalist David Schultz (Tatum).
The project is certainly high profile, considering both the A-list cast and the awards success Miller had last year with "Moneyball" and his first feature, "Capote."
Carell seemed genuinely excited about the start of production, but when the discussion turned to a potential abdominal comparison between him and Tatum, things got deathly serious and seriously funny.
Asked if he was getting in shape, Carell replied: "No need. We could have a pose-off right now, and I would just win hands down — no competition there."
Not letting the topic end there, he joked of Tatum, "He doesn't threaten me. Come on!"
"Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" opens in theaters June 22.
Check out everything we've got on "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related VideosПереслать - 'That's My Boy': The Reviews Are In!
Adam Sandler's return to hard-R-rated territory is gloriously grotesque, according to reviews.
By Josh Wigler
Andy Samberg and Adam Sandler in "That's My Boy"
Photo:If reviews of "That's My Boy" make one thing clear, it's this: Adam Sandler's return to hard-R-rated territory is gloriously grotesque. Whether or not that's your cup of tea (or flaming bag of feces, for you "Billy Madison" fans) is another matter entirely.
Sandler shares leading-man duties with recent "Saturday Night Live" expat Andy Samberg in "That's My Boy," a comedy that puts the two in a father/son relationship despite the mere 12-year age gap between the comedians. The goofiness of the film's premise pales in comparison to the gross-out gags and countless cameos found within the movie itself — a fact that has reviewers split down the middle. But the vast majority of "That's My Boy" reviews agree that this is Sandler at his filthiest; a side of the comedian that fans haven't seen in years, which should come as welcome news to those pining for the glory days of Happy Madison and Sandler's early comedy albums.
Keep reading for a sampling of "That's My Boy" reviews:
The Story
"The movie begins at full regression, with the younger version of Sandler's character, Donny Berger, seduced by his Mary Kay Letourneau-like math teacher (Eva Amurri Martino, looking like Amy Fisher). After their tryst is exposed at an assembly with the message 'some have greatness thrust upon them,' Donny montage-morphs into a celebutard with his own book (Head in the Class) and TV movie. Decades later, to pay off the IRS, he's enjoined to engineer a TV reunion featuring the estranged, Xanax-popping, spare-underwear-carrying product of this outrageously inappropriate union, a hedge-fund manager (Andy Samberg) who's changed his name to Todd Peterson (birth name: Han Solo Berger) and is about to marry a possible gold-digger (Leighton Meester) on a tony New England estate." — Ben Kenigsberg, Time Out ChicagoHeartstrings, Hugs and Hurls
"It's my job to offer you that plot summary, and I apologize because it's an icky premise for a comedy. I must also report that 'Boy' gets way pervier — you can't unhear some of the stuff that's involved here. Weirdly, though, there's an undercurrent of sweetness in the film's father/son reconciliation theme. It contrasts surprisingly well with the escalating cascade of gross humor, which could be summed up as: fountain of urine, inappropriate masturbation, nakedness in public and 'What is Vanilla Ice doing in my room?' " — Chris Hewitt, Pioneer PressHard-R Territory
" 'That's My Boy' is Sandler's raunchiest movie — its approach to sex is enthusiastic and juvenile and the opposite of the squeamishness of 'Bucky Larson.' Three-ways are had with grandmothers, wedding dresses are defiled, sticky post-masturbatory tissues are flung everywhere and a late twist takes the film into what has to be new territory for a gross-out comedy." — Alison Willmore, Movieline.comSamberg Unbound
"The truth is, even without pleasant surprises like Vanilla Ice and [Milo] Ventimiglia, I'm not sure I could ever truly hate a movie that features so much of the adorable Andy Samberg, who acts his little heart out as if this were Shakespeare in the Park. Having the past and present 'Saturday Night Live' cast members play father and son was a stroke of genius. I don't know if director Sean Anders (who co-wrote the deliriously stupid 'Hot Tub Time Machine') was directly responsible, but he certainly was lucky. Samberg plays Todd as a sort of manchild, as fresh as a daisy, as affable as a puppy. Compared to Sandler's Donny, who needs to be bathed, then fumigated, he's practically dewy. His chin dimple has never seemed so akin to a baby's bottom." — Mary Pols, TimeFinal Verdict
"The gauge to any humor is whether or not it tickles your fragile funny bone, and in this regard, 'That's My Boy' succeeds. It's a gangly guilty pleasure experience that makes you feel foul for enjoying its obvious, out of control bravado. Sandler is terrific as the tacky center of attention and even with a bloated belly and bad mat of monkey fur hair-do, he's winning. Yes, some of the jokes fall very flat indeed and there's more F-bombs than in a Scorsese gangster flick, but the end result is genuine. Indeed, Sandler, more than anyone, has been guilty of turning the big screen comedy into a premise with no pay-off. 'That's My Boy' promises things you hope it won't deliver. When it does, you'll be ashamed of your reaction, but happy that Sandler has returned to his randy roots." — Bill Gibron, Pop MattersTell us what you think of "That's My Boy" in the comments section below!
Check out everything we've got on "That's My Boy."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related VideosПереслать - 'Rock Of Ages': The Reviews Are In!
Tom Cruise rescues rock and roll musical that 'wins no prizes for originality,' critics say.
By Kara Warner
Julianne Hough in "Rock of Ages"
Photo:It's relatively safe to say "Rock of Ages" has built-in appeal: It's based on a hit Broadway musical of the same name and features a slew of A-list actors singing and dancing along to some of the biggest hits of the 1980s.
Despite all those charms, including the top billing of action star turned rock star Tom Cruise, the whimsical musical is not quite a surefire hit among critics and sits at a less-than-fresh rating over at Rotten Tomatoes. Sing along as we take a walk through the "Rock of Ages" reviews.
The Story
" 'Rock of Ages,' a rags-to-riches rock 'n' roll musical set mostly in a music club on Sunset Strip, wins no prizes for originality. A lot of it is zesty entertainment, with some energetic musical numbers; several big names (Tom Cruise, Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin) prove they can sing well enough to play the Strip if they lose the day job. The two leads are Diego Boneta, as a bartender in the Strip's hottest club, and Julianne Hough, as a naive kid just off the bus from the Midwest. They're both gifted singers and join the others in doing covers of 1980s rock classics. Of course they also fall in love. Of course they have heartfelt conversations while standing behind the 'Hollywood' sign. Of course they break up because of a tragic misunderstanding. Of course their mistake is repaired and (spoiler!) they're back together at the end. Has ever a romance in a musical been otherwise?" — Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-TimesThe Music and Singing
"It looks like Disneyland and sounds, well, like a bad Broadway musical, with all the power belting and jazz-hand choreography that implies. To put it another way, there's way too much Journey on the soundtrack, and Foreigner. There's also an REO Speedwagon ditty, a few from Twisted Sister, Def Leppard and Poison, and at least two hits that were released after 1987 ('More Than Words' and 'I Remember You'). All the songs are sung, mostly without shame or distinction, by the actors themselves, who slide into the warbling as if into a conversation. A grizzled, bewigged Mr. Baldwin enunciates through his songs, in the Rex Harrison mold, to play a rock survivor, Dennis Dupree, who runs the Bourbon with his sidekick, Lonny (Mr. Brand). They make their stale buddy routine and romance amusing and, as with the rest of the adults, make the movie bearable. A whispering and writhing Mr. Cruise makes it watchable." — Manohla Dargis, New York TimesThe Cruise Factor
"The real reason to see 'Rock of Ages,' though, is Tom Cruise. He doesn't sing much, and the one big onstage number he's given — shredding Def Leppard's 'Pour Some Sugar on Me' under a rain of shaken-up beer from the audience — relies heavily on postproduction and backup singing, probably to mask his vocal shortcomings. But especially in his scenes with [Paul] Giamatti and Malin Akerman (as a Rolling Stone critic who's the only one with the guts to call Stacee on his ersatz-Marlon Brando B.S.), Cruise goes to a deep, dark, almost deliberately repellent place I'm not sure he's ever been before (in 'Magnolia,' maybe, and in a comic mode as the profane studio head Les Grossman in 'Tropic Thunder'). The isolation and paranoia brought on by extreme fame is something Tom Cruise clearly understands from the inside out — and what we know, or think we know, about the actor's personal eccentricities can't help but color our understanding of Stacee as well. When Cruise and Akerman have lurid (but still PG-13) sex atop an air-hockey table while singing Foreigner's 'I Want to Know What Love Is,' Cruise's expressions of erotic anguish are like something out of Steve McQueen's sex-addiction drama 'Shame,' with a hint of tragic drag queen thrown in. Cruise's portrait of the rock star as empty-eyed nihilist doesn't really belong in this gaudy pop trinket of a movie — it's both too outsized and too inward — but that's precisely what makes for its fascination. 'Rock of Ages' is only recommended for audiences with a taste for highly processed cheese, but it did leave me hopeful that the next decade may see the rise of Weird Tom Cruise." — Dana Stevens, SlateThe Final Word
" 'Rock of Ages' is an effulgent celebration of fakeness. It isn't trying to be real; it's trying to be faker than any fake thing has ever been before. Compared to this fake musical set in a fake version of the past that spins a ridiculously fake narrative of pop-culture history, 'Mamma Mia' (the last jukebox musical to be vilified by critics and embraced by the public) is pretty much a mumblecore movie. 'Rock of Ages' is so remarkably fake it's almost ur-fake or meta-fake; you can watch the globs of trans fats congealing on its preternaturally bright surfaces as it cools. This movie could hardly seem more weirdly artificial if it had been jointly hatched by David Lynch and John Waters, and raised in a lab on a steady diet of Foreigner hits and original Broadway-cast recordings. I'm not claiming this movie is good for you, Lord knows. It's a little bit like eating a Happy Meal at 4:30 in the morning after a long night of Jagermeister and nitrous oxide. But not to put too fine a point on it, if you ain't lookin' for nothin' but a good time, why should you resist? Some people who claim to understand the public appetite smell an expensive flop here, and that well may be. But I'm here to tell you that this movie is almost too weird to be believed, and that if you share even a fraction of my taste for perversity you should check it out." — Andrew O'Hehir, SalonCheck out everything we've got on "Rock of Ages."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related VideosПереслать - Adam Levine To Star In 'Can A Song Save Your Life?'
Maroon 5 frontman and 'Voice' judge set to star alongside Keira Knightley in the film, executive-produced by Judd Apatow.
By Kara Warner
Adam Levine
Photo:Adam Levine is proving to be quite the multi-tasker. In addition to an already busy schedule that includes juggling Maroon 5 frontman duties and judging "The Voice," Levine is reportedly set to make his big-screen debut in the music-themed, possibly romantic drama "Can a Song Save Your Life?"
According to Deadline, Levine will star alongside Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo and Hailee Steinfeld. The film reportedly revolves around an aspiring singer (Knightley) who moves to New York with her boyfriend and fellow aspiring musician (Levine) so they can both pursue their music careers. Levine's character breaks up with Knightley soon after their arrival to pursue a solo recording contract, leaving Knightley on her own to be discovered by a "down-on-his-luck" record producer (Ruffalo) while singing at a local bar.
The film will be directed by John Carney ("Once") and executive-produced by Judd Apatow.
The role will be Levine's first in film, in addition to having already picked up a recurring role on FX's soapy and creepy noir "American Horror Story." Levine will play one-half of a couple known as "the Lovers," but that's about all we know.
"It is the truth," Levine confirmed to E! News recently about the "Horror" gig. "I mean, it's pretty much happening. I think it's happening. I don't know how much I can divulge, because [series co-creator] Ryan [Murphy] is very under wraps. It's going to be fun. And I told [Murphy] I really didn't know what I was doing, but he didn't seem to really care," Levine continued. "So I'm just going to go and try to [do] acting. I think I'm going to be kind of playing myself, so hopefully it will be easy."
No word yet on a production start date for "Can a Song Save Your Life?" or the second season of "Horror Story." Levine is currently on tour with Maroon 5 and will return to his judging duties on "The Voice" this fall.
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related ArtistsПереслать - Tom Cruise Just Had 'Fun' In 'Rock Of Ages'
'I'm always looking for different things to do,' Cruise says of why he wanted to play egomaniacal rock god Stacee Jaxx.
By Kara Warner
Tom Cruise in "Rock of Ages"
Photo:If you've seen or heard anything about this week's heavily hyped movie musical "Rock of Ages," our Friday, you're likely well aware of the fact that one of its key selling points is Tom Cruise, who not only sings but dances his way through his supporting role.
In the film, based on the Broadway play of the same name, Cruise plays the self-obsessed, egomaniacal rock god Stacee Jaxx, a role the Hollywood veteran said he enjoyed because it was such a big change from anything he's done previously.
"It was so different. I'm always looking for different things to do and to work with [director Adam] Shankman on a musical, he just really knows these musicals," Cruise said at the film's Los Angeles premiere. "And [to work with] Alec Baldwin, who I've known and admired, I have a scene with him and Paul Giamatti and Julianne [Hough] and Diego [Boneta] and Catherine Zeta-Jones — I wish I had more scenes with her, she's just a legend in the musical world. All of it was fun."
Cruise's young co-star, newcomer Boneta, had nothing but high praise about his experience working alongside the "Mission: Impossible" star.
"He's the hardest-working guy we've ever met in our lives," Boneta said, speaking for himself and co-star Julianne Hough. "He's so humble. I think that combination is something that really stuck with me. This is my first movie; this is Tom's, like, 50th movie. That is a rare and very special combination."
Boneta said he will never forget the months of preparation for the role because he got to learn guitar and jam with Cruise.
"Tom and I were taking guitar classes together because we both had to learn how to play guitar, and it was pretty surreal jamming out with Tom singing 'Every Rose Has Its Thorn,' " Boneta recalled. "He was playing the solo, and I was playing all the chords and stuff."
Check out everything we've got on "Rock of Ages."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related VideosПереслать - Lindsay Lohan Has 'Real Talent,' 'Canyons' Producer Says
'What's kind of lost in a lot of the Lindsay discussions is the fact that Lindsay is a very talented actress,' Braxton Pope tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena
Lindsay Lohan
Photo:Lindsay Lohan is in the midst of filming her Elizabeth Taylor biopic for Lifetime, "Liz & Dick," and then she's expected to begin work on her next film, the sexy, L.A.-based drama "The Canyons."
While her casting isn't set in stone just yet, the film's producer said it's certainly on the right track.
"She wants to do it. We want her to do it. I would just say we have not worked out the specifics of her deal yet," Braxton Pope told MTV News. "Her participation in 'Liz & Dick,' I would just say we're very aware of. We told her in the first meeting that we would be in touch with the producer of 'Liz & Dick' to see how that shoot was going and to get intel. And she gave us all that information, so she was very comfortable with us reaching out and getting that information, and that was how we decided to proceed."
With production expected to begin early next month, Pope is aware of the outside perceptions of Lohan and he and his team — consisting of screenwriter Bret Easton Ellis and director Paul Schrader — are more focused on her ability as an actor than her tabloid drama.
"What's kind of lost in a lot of the Lindsay discussions is the fact that Lindsay is a very talented actress," he said. "She's very charismatic and she has a lot of acting skills. So her lifestyle and some of the things that she's gone through have tended to kind of overwhelm the fact, but Lindsay has kind of real talent. So for this part, we felt that she was really the right actor for a host of different reasons."
While they had been eyeing Lohan for a different role, she expressed interest in the female lead, and Pope said her enthusiasm for the part "resonated with us. ... With Lindsay we felt she was the best actress for that role."
The role will not only remind fans of Lohan's skills as an actress, but also introduce moviegoers to James Deen, as he transitions out of the world of adult films.
"I've met with James many times, and I feel like I have a good sense of who and what he is. We mentioned, obviously, James to Lindsay, and that wasn't an issue for her," he explained, noting that "we have not put them together yet" and he's interested to see what their chemistry will be like, since they are not only the film's leads, but also play lovers.
"He's a very interesting guy. ... He's entering the mainstream, and this is the biggest step in that direction," Pope added. "So he's definitely excited, and he is preparing very diligently for the role. And he's taken it very seriously. We've been pleased with everything about his approach to the project, for sure. He's always very natural, and the guy was extremely prepared. It was very smooth."
According to a poster for the film, the tagline is "It's not 'The Hills,' " a reference to the popular MTV reality show that followed the glamorous lives of Lauren Conrad and her pals. This is expected to be a grittier take on young people and their struggles in Hollywood.
Deen's Christian is a "trust fund kid, power player and major manipulator, who is a film producer that enjoys filming his own three-way sex sessions." Meanwhile, Lohan's ex-model character, Tara, is his girlfriend who "has sold her pride for the material comforts Christian can provide."
Three other roles remain uncast: bartender and wannabe actor Ryan, Ryan's employee and fellow actor Gina, and former actress/yoga instructor Lindsay, who is carrying on an affair with Christian. Pope said casting decisions for those roles should be made in the next week.
Related Photos Related ArtistsПереслать - 'Dallas' Reboot: Five Burning Questions
Wednesday night's series premiere left us wondering everything but who shot J.R.
By Kara Warner
Jesse Metcalfe and Josh Henderson in "Dallas"
Photo:How about that highly entertaining return to "Dallas" Wednesday night (June 13)? TNT's reboot of the iconic '80s hit struck a chord with viewers, 6,863,000 of them to be exact, which made it the #1 scripted series premiere on all of cable so far this year.
Now that we've seen the first extended episode and been properly introduced to the new young castmembers, it's time to throw out a few burning questions we hope to have answered over the course of season one.
Whose Side Is Marta On?
Despite the aggressive scheming set up by the male characters on the show, the biggest surprise in the series premiere was in the reveal of the bait-and-switchery by Marta Del Sol (played by Leonor Varela). She's "working" for both sides of the Ewing family, or is she? J.R. told his son that he's known her for years and that she'll be the key to taking Soutfork from brother Bobby, and then we see John Ross and Marta having their own not-at-all-inconspicuous meeting on the 50-yard line of Dallas stadium. So who is Marta really working for? Bobby, J.R. or John Ross?How Soon Will Christopher and Elena Rekindle Their Romance?
Clearly the love still burns between Christopher and Elena. We didn't even need that heated scene re-hashing the abrupt end to their too-recent engagement to know that their flame has yet to be extinguished. So what now? If John Ross is responsible for sending the email that ended their relationship, there are trying times ahead, no matter the fact that Christopher just married his second love, Rebecca. We're predicting to see a kiss between Christopher and Elena by episode three or four.Who's Responsible for the Burglaries?
Over the course of this first extended episode there were two burglaries, one at Christopher's office and another at Bobby's home. Was it John Ross? J.R.? It's certainly easy to blame John Ross, since he is so obviously adept at manipulation and acquiring confidential information. And J.R. has no qualms about robbing his brother, but why make such a big show of it? And if it wasn't the J.R.'s, who did it and how will they use whatever was taken against their targets?How Serious Are J.R. and Bobby's Illnesses?
Come on now, we just got the original Ewing boys back on the air and they both have life-threatening illnesses to deal with? Sure, it's realistic that Bobby and J.R. are dealing with cancer or perhaps other age-related ailments, but we cannot have their lives hanging in the balance of this first season, at least not due to medical reasons. We'll take a good ol' bounty on their heads or something appropriately more dramatic. In the meantime, how long will J.R. and Bobby be dealing with these problems?Is John Ross Inherently Good or Evil?
All signs currently point toward evil, given the fact that John Ross is likely the reason for the end of Christopher and Elena's engagement, along with the burglary at Christopher's office. Not only that, but he wants to wrestle Southfork away from his own flesh and blood and defy the wishes of his beloved grandmother. According to actor Josh Henderson, who plays John Ross, the troublesome young lad is going to be walking a fine line all season."It's funny people keep asking, 'Who's good and who's bad?' " Henderson laughed. "We'll have to see. I follow in my father's footsteps basically, a little bit. Now how that describes my character we'll see, but it's definitely a lot of fun."
What burning questions do you have after the "Dallas" premiere? Leave your comment below!
Переслать - 'Catching Fire' In IMAX: Time To Embrace The Big, Big Screen?
In this week's Hobnobbing, we wonder if the new format is really worth the five extra bucks.
By Amy Wilkinson
Jennifer Lawrence in "The Hunger Games"
Photo:We interrupt your regularly scheduled Finnick speculation to bring you this special announcement: "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" will light up IMAX theaters come November 2013! (OK, the news broke Wednesday, but I don't write my column until Thursday.) Anyway, this is big (as in 70 feet tall) news ... if you like that sort of thing.
While "The Hunger Games" was re-mastered for IMAX screens, director Francis Lawrence intends to shoot entire "Catching Fire" sequences in the larger-than-life format. As my colleague Kevin P. Sullivan noted, this will be only the sixth major studio film to be partially shot in IMAX — news to which my reaction was roughly, "Okie doke..."
See, I've never really understood the appeal of IMAX. Isn't it just for people with poor eyesight who need to see things really large? And why should I pay roughly five extra bucks for the privilege? I have good vision!
To wit, I've never purposely sought out an IMAX screening. One time on vacation in Seattle my friend insisted we see "The Lion King" (nearly a decade after its initial release) in IMAX, and since I didn't want to be a chump, I went along. I've probably been to one IMAX movie since (it wasn't "Avatar," by the way, my hometown theater is lame), but I can't help but wonder if I'm missing something.
According to conventional wisdom and my previously mentioned colleague Kevin (who graciously humored my IMAX questions and concerns), the format is considered the height of immersive movie-going technology. (So much more worth the price than 3-D, he says.) Everything's huge! Everything's so detailed! Everything else in the theater just disappears! It's like that guy in the front row wearing the bowler hat festooned with Christmas lights doesn't exist! Fine, fine. I get it. And I'm willing to give it another try because Katniss and Peeta deserve as much. (It will also give me another ready-made column idea come next Thanksgiving!)
And with speculation swirling that the IMAX-friendly filming will likely focus on the nifty new Quarter Quell arena, I'm simultaneously thrilled and sick to my stomach over the idea of being completely immersed in the bloody battle. Nonetheless, let the IMAX Games begin!
"Catching Fire" hits theaters November 22, 2013.
Are you excited to see "Catching Fire" in IMAX? Or is it much ado about nothing? Sound off in the comments below and tweet me @amymwilk with your thoughts and suggestions for future columns!
Earlier "Hunger Games" columns:
Related Videos Related Photos
» "Hunger Games": Five Things We Learned At Movie Awards
» How "Catching Fire" Could Set Taylor Kitsch's Career Ablaze
» "Hunger Games" At The Movie Awards: Dos And Don'ts
» "Catching Fire" Countdown: What to Watch While You Wait
» Francis Lawrence's "Catching Fire" To-Do ListПереслать - George W. Bush's Head And Other 'Game Of Thrones' Controversies
MTV News demonstrates that a former president's head on a spike is just par for the course in the fictional realm of Westeros.
By Josh Wigler
The George W. Bush prop head on the set of "Game of Thrones"
Photo:You think George W. Bush's head on a spike is the greatest "Game of Thrones" controversy to date? Clearly, you do not watch this show.
With news of the former president's decapitated cameo on the HBO fantasy series making the rounds today, it's easy to get caught up in the buzz and overlook all that has already occurred within the fictional realm of Westeros. Where "Lord of the Rings" traded in heroes and sorcerers and goblins and wyverns, "Thrones" devotes most of its energy to the brutality and sexual inappropriateness that comes with dictatorships posing as dynasties. No offense, Mr. President, but your severed head barely registers on the controversy meter for the residents of the Seven Kingdoms.
Keep reading for a taste of the greatest in-show "Game of Thrones" controversies to date.
Incest Is Best?
One of the most powerful romances on "Game of Thrones" is between twin siblings Jaime and Cersei Lannister. The former is a knight of the King's Guard (one of the highest positions a Westerosi warrior can hope to achieve), the latter is the Queen Regent of Westeros, and the product of their incest, Joffrey, is the nation's cruel king. That's not even mentioning the time that Yara Greyjoy tricked her estranged brother Theon into exploring her nether regions just for kicks, or the wildling Craster, who lives well north of the Wall with a colony of wives, all of whom are actually his daughters. What's one American leader's head on a spike when the people of Westeros are busy keeping their families from inbreeding?It's All Bad Baby, Baby
One imagines that even President Bush would shrug off this latest controversy if he knew just how terribly the world of Westeros treated its youth. Forget the fact that Jaime pushed Bran Stark out of a window in the very first episode of the series, if you can. The season-two premiere upped that ante and then some by having an army of knights run around King's Landing murdering as many bastard children as possible, babies included, on direct orders from the king himself — on camera, no less. The subsequent two episodes similarly ended with the horrific slaying of infants and toddlers. George's prosthetic head is looking tamer by the minute, isn't it?Did We Mention There's Sex?
Because there is. Lots and lots and lots of sex. Sometimes it's good old-fashioned lovemaking. More often (or at least more memorably), however, the "Thrones" sex scenes border on the loathsome, despicable and psychotic. Take King Joffrey, for example, once again.In season two, two prostitutes are hired to help Joffrey release some sexual energy. What Joffrey has in mind is far different than what his uncle Tyrion hired them for: Instead of sleeping with the women, the boy-king instructs them to beat each other at full strength with an assortment of increasingly painful and creative objects. Beginning to see a pattern here? This guy makes Bush look like a saint.
No Head Left Behind
Again, if that shot of George W. Bush's severed head is what has you up in arms, you are not a regular "Game of Thrones" viewer. In that very same shot are the decapitated remains of Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. Originally set up as the show's main character, Ned was beheaded on orders from the wicked Joffrey (You get it, right? This kid sucks!) in a sensational display of violence that shocked not just the onlookers in King's Landing, but every single "Thrones" viewer who hadn't read the books the series is based upon. On a show where even the protagonist can be killed — with one episode still remaining before the first season's conclusion, no less — there is not a single character living in Westeros, nor a viewer who visits the fictional realm on a weekly basis, who would be the least bit surprised to see a leader of men's head on a spike. That's not controversy: That's par for the course.Tell us what you think of the latest "Game of Thrones" controversy in the comments section below!
Related VideosПереслать - 'Dark Knight Rises' Soundtrack Preview Hints At Epic Conclusion
Hans Zimmer's score, available July 17, has familiar elements of triumph and darkness.
By Kevin P. Sullivan
Christian Bale in 'Dark Knight Rises'
Photo:Almost as intrinsic to the look and feel of "The Dark Knight" trilogy as Wally Pfister's cinematography, Hans Zimmer's score has backed the most memorable moments of Christopher Nolan's Batman films. With the final film of the series quickly approaching, it's only appropriate that Zimmer's music be there for the farewell.
Thanks to Amazon.com's preorder site for the soundtrack, fans can now get brief previews of what to expect from the score of "The Dark Knight Rises."
All the usual hallmarks of Zimmer's previous scores for Nolan's Batman films are present, even in the previews. The first track, "A Storm Is Coming," begins with the same swoosh that usually plays behind the Warner Bros. logo, except this time, the music falls into a marching rhythm, perhaps foreshadowing the army headed for Gotham.
Similarly, the album's final track, "Rise," begins with Zimmer's more triumphant Batman theme, but then it quickly shifts to music reminiscent of "Eptesicus" from Zimmer and James Newton Howard's "Batman Begins" score, the music that played during the death of Bruce Wayne's parents.
For his final score of the series, Zimmer tried something unprecedented. The composer called out for fans from all over the world to record themselves chanting. The voices were then layered on top of each other to create the effect of an enormous unified force. The chanting has already appeared in several clips and teasers from the film, including the six-minute prologue that played in front of "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol."
The full-length soundtrack for "The Dark Knight Rises" is set to hit stores on July 17, three days before the film's release.
Check out everything we've got on "The Dark Knight Rises."
For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.
Related Videos Related PhotosПереслать - 'Spider-Man' Villains: Who Are Andrew Garfield's Favorites?
The lifelong Spidey fan picks which of the hero's foes he favors.
By Josh Wigler, with reporting by Josh Horowitz
Andrew Garfield in "The Amazing Spider-Man"
Photo:Spider-Man does not have it easy. Web-slinging, wall-crawling and spider-sense aside, all of the gifts in Peter Parker's utility belt have to come together perfectly if he's ever to stand a chance against his adversaries ... and believe us, he has many of them.
In his film career alone, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man has gone web to who-knows-what against the likes of Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Sandman and Venom. "The Amazing Spider-Man" adds another baddie to that storied list: the Lizard, the reptilian freak of science played by actor Rhys Ifans in the Marc Webb-directed reboot.
Though Ifans and others involved with "Spider-Man" would caution you not to label Lizard as a villain — in fairness, he's born from a good place, as his human alter-ego Doctor Curt Connor becomes the scaly menace only after attempting a revolutionary breakthrough in regenerative medicine — there's no doubt that the clawed creature has it out for the kid swinging around Manhattan in red and blue tights.
But whom will Spider-Man go up against when the inevitable "Amazing" sequel flies into theaters in 2014? Speaking with MTV News, star Andrew Garfield kept his lips sealed as far as revealing any information, but the lifelong Spidey fan was considerably more forthcoming when it came time to name his favorites of the hero's sinister enemies.
"I love all of them. I like Elektro, he's one of the ones I'm very into," said the actor. "I really like the [Green] Goblin, obviously, and I love Doc Ock. I think I like Doc Ock especially because of what Alfred Molina did [with the character in 'Spider-Man 2']. I don't know; he made that so memorable and kind of profound, somehow."
One Spider-Man villain that Garfield has a harder time swallowing is Kraven the Hunter, the big game hunter who comes after the arachnid-friendly hero for sport.
"Oh man. Kraven, that campy lion hunter," he laughed when the villain was brought up, before finally confessing, "I like Kraven. I like Kraven a lot."
Check out everything we've got on "The Amazing Spider-Man." For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.
Related VideosПереслать - 'Game of Thrones' Bosses Explain George W. Bush Head On A Spike
'It's not a political statement. It's just ... we had to use what heads we had lying around,' show runners explain in DVD commentary.
By Gil Kaufman
The George W. Bush prop head on the set of "Game of Thrones"
Photo:A lot of heads roll on HBO's "Game of Thrones." Hardly an episode goes by without someone getting forcibly detached from their noggin. But even die-hards who study every scene of the lushly shot show might not have noticed that one of the heads on a spike in the dramatic season one finale looked a bit familiar.
In a scene in which sneery teen King Joffrey is proudly showing his captive wife-to-be Sansa Stark a row of traitors' heads on spikes, even eagle-eyed viewers may not have seen that one of those craniums belonged to former President George W. Bush.
In the DVD commentary for the first season, show creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss revealed, "People may not have noticed this but back up ... the last head on the left is George Bush ... George Bush's head appears in a couple of beheading scenes." And though they said the inclusion of the former commander-in-chief's head, which sported a long, scraggly wig, was "not a political statement," and they just had to "use what heads we had lying around," that explanation didn't sit well with some fellow Republicans.
"Whether you like him or dislike him, whether you're of the same political persuasion or not, we still have to respect the office of the presidency and all of those who hold that presidency," Brooklyn Republican party chairman Craig Eaton said, according to E! Online.
"Americans of all political persuasions should stand up and demand that things like this should not continue. They should boycott watching this particular show ... It doesn't matter what their intent is. They didn't intend it to be political, but now that it is, they should remove it."
Once word of the controversy broke, HBO, which is currently airing a loving documentary about Bush's father, former President George H.W. Bush, was quick to issue an apology. "We were deeply dismayed to see this and find it unacceptable, disrespectful and in very bad taste," read a statement from the network posted on Deadline Hollywood. "We made this clear to the executive producers of the series who apologized immediately for this inadvertent careless mistake. We are sorry this happened and will have it removed from any future DVD production."
Benioff and Weiss also issued an apology, explaining how the Bush head ended up in the show. "We use a lot of prosthetic body parts on the show: heads, arms, etc. We can't afford to have these all made from scratch, especially in scenes where we need a lot of them, so we rent them in bulk. After the scene was already shot, someone pointed out that one of the heads looked like George W. Bush."
The pair said that they mentioned this curious fact in the DVD commentary, "though we should not have. We meant no disrespect to the former President and apologize if anything we said or did suggested otherwise."
Related VideosПереслать - Keira Knightley Promises More 'Theatrical' 'Anna Karenina'
Director Joe Wright is once again teaming up with Knightley to bring the classic Russian novel to the big screen.
By Kevin P. Sullivan
Keira Knightley
Photo:Anytime Keira Knightley and director Joe Wright meet up, there's sure to be a stylish literary adaptation left in their wake. The duo has collaborated on two ambitious projects to date, Jane Austen's most famous novel, "Pride & Prejudice," and "Atonement," a so-called inadaptable novel by Ian McEwan.
And now, they're teaming up again to take on a classic work of Russian literature, Leo Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina."
Knightley spoke with MTV News while promoting her new film "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World," and she tried to explain what it is about working with Wright that makes her tackle such ambitious stories and keep coming back for more.
The actress said she couldn't know for sure what makes the partnership work so well, but pointed to several similarities that certainly help. "I don't know what it is. We really get on. Obviously we do, otherwise we wouldn't work together so many times," she said. "We have a similar aesthetic. I think we have a similar way of viewing the world and the kind of interests in it. Clearly, we both love literature. That helps."
With this kind of working relationship, Knightley said she has never known why they work or don't work. "I just think it's one of those things. It's down to chemistry," she said. "When it's films, it's down to liking a similar sort of film and similar sort of vibe, so you can understand each other."
For their third collaboration, however, things will be different. According to Knightley, the look of "Anna Karenina" will be much more theatrical than both "Pride & Prejudice" and "Atonement."
"The only similarity, I think, in the work is that they're both based on novels. I think this one is very different, but then I would say that 'Atonement' is very different from 'Pride & Prejudice,' " she said. "This one's very different in that it's much more theatrical. It's not a naturalistic take on the piece. It's a very theatrical, dramatic take on the piece, which for when the trailer comes out that will make a lot more sense, when people start seeing it."
But like their other films together, "Anna Karenina" is a difficult novel to adapt, so Knightley is hoping for the best. "It's incredibly difficult. It's obviously a wonderful, wonderful book, but it's a massive book, and trying to get that in the film, that's tricky," she said. "Hopefully ... the stuff I've seen is good, so we'll keep our fingers crossed."
Check out everything we've got on "Anna Karenina."
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
Related VideosПереслать - 'Katy Perry: Part Of Me': Watch An Exclusive Clip Now!
Pop star addresses her religious upbringing and shuts down her 'good-girl-gone-bad' image In 'Part of Me' excerpt.
By Jocelyn Vena
Katy Perry in "Katy Perry: Part of Me"
Photo:Katy Perry came on the pop scene in 2008 with her tongue-in-cheek "I Kissed a Girl." Quickly after the song became a summer staple, Perry's conservative religious upbringing was put in the spotlight.
In our exclusive sneak peek of her 3-D concert film "Katy Perry: Part of Me," the singer's family opens up about their initial reactions to the not-so-religious track. And from the looks of the clip, the news was met with shock.
"When Katy decided that 'I Kissed a Girl' was going to be a her first single, I said, 'Have you told mom and dad?' " her sister Angela recalls in the clip. "And she said, 'No, but can you?' "
When they found out, her pastor parents, Mary and Keith Hudson, had some minor reservations about how it would affect them. "I was a little concerned, yeah, 'cause I thought my ministry after 30-something years is over," Keith recalls in the film. "But, you know what? Never had a problem."
And Katy too assures that, despite what fans may have thought, the track didn't cause strife between the singer and her family. "I think people love the idea of 'a good girl gone bad'," the singer, whose real last name is Hudson, explains in the film. "And they think my parents have disowned me, but that's not the story at all."
In addition to the confessions, the film also includes behind-the-scenes moments from her colorful California Dreams Tour. During one of those candid moments, Perry teases her parents about "I Kissed a Girl" when they visit her backstage, joking that it's their favorite song of hers.
"Katy Perry: Part of Me" opens July 5. In addition to the film, ahead of its release, Perry will premiere her clip for her dreamy ballad, "Wide Awake." The video will get its big premiere on June 19 on MTV.
What do you think of the "Part of Me" clip? Leave your comment below!
Related Videos Related ArtistsПереслать - 'Dallas' Reboot: Meet The New Oilmen (And Women!)
Josh Henderson and Jesse Metcalfe go head to head in TNT's new show.
By Kara Warner
Jesse Metcalfe and Josh Henderson
Photo:Remember when summertime used to mean endless repeats and no new TV shows? Times, they are a-changin', with more and more networks opting to debut new material during the summer months. One of the most buzz-worthy new summer offerings is TNT's reboot of "Dallas," a modernized version of the hugely popular and iconic '80s nighttime soap.
Fans of the original, which ran from 1978 to 1991, should be delighted to know that Larry Hagman and Patrick Duffy are still front and center as the show's leading men, but they are joined by a slew of fresh young faces.
Here's a look at the new blood in "Dallas," which kicks off Wednesday night (June 13):
Josh Henderson as John Ross Ewing
Why you recognize him: Henderson has been sowing his oats in nighttime soaps for quite some time. Most recently, he appeared on "90210" and as Edie Britt's nephew on "Desperate Housewives." Eagle-eyed viewers and/or WB buffs might also remember seeing him compete on "Popstars," winning a spot in the group Scene 23.Why you'll love him on "Dallas": Because he plays the spoiled, wealthy, manipulative bad boy, a perfect heir to the original J.R.'s love-to-hate-him shtick. Everyone loves a bad boy, right? Not to mention the fact that Henderson is very easy on the eyes and is actually a Dallas native.
Jesse Metcalfe as Christopher Ewing
Why you recognize him: Metcalfe got his start on a straight-up soap opera, "Passions," but he is best known from his breakout role on "Desperate Housewives" as Gabrielle's (Eva Longoria) jailbait love interest, along with roles in a few feature films, including "John Tucker Must Die."Why you'll love him on "Dallas": As the adopted son of Bobby and his first wife Pam, Christopher has a big ol' chip on his shoulder and a lot to prove. He's also into alternative energy, which provides a nice antidote to the family's obsession with the oil industry. He's currently devoted to his fiancée Rebecca but clearly has unrequited love for childhood sweetheart/first fiancée Elena. And let's not forget that Metcalfe is also easy on the eyes, if that's not already obvious.
Jordana Brewster as Elena Ramos
Why you recognize her: Brewster has been all over TV and film ever since her breakthrough role in 1998's trippy teen thriller "The Faculty." She is probably best known for her portrayal of Mia Toretto in the "Fast and Furious" franchise.Why you'll love her on "Dallas": Because she's not just a pretty face. Elena grew up with the Ewing boys, so she knows everything about them and can play those cards to her advantage. And although she's currently involved with John Ross, we can get excited for the love-triangle element to keep things interesting.
Julie Gonzalo as Rebecca Sutter
Why you recognize her: From a string of guest-starring roles on TV, most notably her arc in "Veronica Mars" as Mac's roommate Parker Lee.Why you'll love her on "Dallas": Because she is smart and sensible. She's also a self-made woman and not one of those gold diggers after the Ewing fortune. Or is she? From what we know about the show thus far, Rebecca's future is the least clear, but if she's as sweet as she seems, she might get lost in the shark tank that is the struggle for power among the Ewing clan.
Will you be checking out the new "Dallas"? Let us know in the comments!
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