Arnold Schwarzenegger Back in the Spotlight

By Justin Worsley,

Former California governor and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger will re-enter show business according to Entertainment Weekly, but this time it won't be on the silver screen.

The action star will become a cartoon superhero known as "The Governator."

"When I ran for governor back in 2003 and I started hearing people talking about ‘the Governator,’ I thought the word was so cool," Schwarzenegger told Entertainment Weekly in his first interview since leaving office last January.

The 63-year-old former star of such movies as "The Terminator" and "Total Recall" came to America in 1968 from Austria in order to pursue a bodybuilding career. In the 1970's Schwarzenegger then got into acting.

Along with the cartoon, a comic book will also be made of Schwarzenegger. "The Governator" will be created by none other than Stan Lee, who is credited with creating "X-Men" and "Spider-Man."

The cartoon will combine elements of Schwarzenegger's career in acting, bodybuilding and his career in office. The Governator will be a crime fighter and former politician who has high-tech gadgets along with his own cave and a myriad of suits.

The cartoon will have it's slew of villains, including the maniacal coalition Gangsters Imposters Racketeers Liars & Irredeemable Ex-cons (or G.I.R.L.I.E. men.)

There is no news yet on which network will air the show.

Sundance Film Festival Goes to London

By Justin Worsley,

The Sundance Kid himself, Robert Redford, has brought the renowned independent film festival overseas.

At a press conference on Tuesday in London, Redford announced that Sundance London will officially debut from April 26-29 2012.

The event will be held at London's O2 Arena, which is owned by German-based company AEG, and will feature musical performances along with screenings of independent films, discussion panels and classes.

"It is our mutual goal to bring to the U.K. the very best in current American independent cinema," said Redford.

Redford, 74, won an Academy Award for Best Director in 1980 for "Ordinary People." He has also received nominations for his role in "The Sting" and for directing "Quiz Show."

Redford founded the film festival in 1978 and it has since become a mainstay in American cinema, hosting a festival every January for American Independent films.

Screening at the inaugural festival in London will include films shown in the 2012 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

"Hereafter" Pulled from Japan Theaters

By Justin Worsley,

Clint Eastwood's latest film "Hereafter" has been pulled from over 180 theaters in Japan following the country's recent natural disaster, according to the Associated Press.

"Hereafter" recreates a tsunami in the film and Warner Entertainment Japan, Inc. official Satoru Otani said the images depicted in the film were "not appropriate" after the disaster.

Japan suffered a series of earthquakes over the weekend which triggered a 33-foot tsunami along the Pacific coast of the country. Waves traveled as far as six miles inland. About 20 countries, including the entire Pacific coast of North and South America has been placed on tsunami warnings and evacuations.

"Hereafter," which starred Matt Damon, made $33.8 million in America. It received an Academy Award nomination for Best Achievement in Visual Effects.

Japan was slated to show the film for the next month. The movie will be released in America on DVD and Blu-Ray on Tuesday.

CBS Looks to Replace Charlie Sheen

By Justin Worsley,

In an article posted on People.com, CBS is reportedly looking into replacing Charlie Sheen on "Two and a Half Men."

CBS fired Sheen due to his recent drug abuse as well as his actions in the media. Sheen has said that he will be seeking legal action for breach of contract.

Producers have reportedly been talking to "Parks and Recreations'" Rob Lowe about the vacancy. Former "Full House" heartthrob John Stamos has also been brought up.

People.com also fingered Steve Carell, who's contract with "The Office" ends this season and he has already announced that he will not return.

Lowe, 46, will also play a role in the upcoming season of Showtime's "Californiacation." It is unclear as to whether or not Sheen's replacement will actually overtake Sheen's role or if a new character will be created.

Production of the current season was put on hold last month due to Sheen's condition. Sheen has checked into a rehab facility three times in the past year.

New Superman Film Lands Diane Lane

By Justin Worsley,

Warner Bros. announced on Thursday that Diane Lane has accepted the role of Martha Kent in the upcoming Superman film.

"Superman: Man of Steel," which will be directed by Zack Snyder (300) is expected to be released in December 2012 in theaters and IMAX.

Lane, 46, is the second person to commit to the film. Henry Cavil was given the role of Clark Kent/Superman in January.

Warner Bros. is attempting to reboot the series that fell flat after "Superman Returns" hit theaters in 2006. Though Snyder is directing, much of the creative input is coming from Christopher Nolan, who revived the Batman franchise with "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight." The third and final Batman film from Nolan, "The Dark Knight Rises," is scheduled to be released in July 2012.

Lane received nominations for an Academy Award, ad Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2002 for her portrayal of a wife involved in a tryst in "Unfaithful."

Lindsay Lohan and Kevin Costner have also been rumored to join the film.

Oscar Winner Witherspoon Wants To Portray Another Music Star

By Justin Worsley

In 2005, James Mangold's biopic on Johnny Cash came out and the world saw Reese Witherspoon in a way that they have never seen her before. No longer was she ditzy, beautiful college student trying to impress her ex-boyfriend by entering law school in "Legally Blonde," but instead, a southern belle with pipes of gold as June Carter, Cash's wife until her death in 2003.

Her role as Carter won her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2006 and now it seems that she wants to portray another music artist. According to Variety Magazine, the 34-year-old has the "fever" to portray jazz singer Peggy Lee in the upcoming biopic that is being directed by Nora Ephorn (Julie & Julia.)

Lee's career spanned over seven decades and included 12 Grammy Award nominations and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in
Pete Kelly's Blues." The Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame inducted Lee as a member in 1992. In 2001, Lee died at the age of 81 due to complications of diabetes and a heart attack.

Witherspoon has several movies coming out in the upcoming months, however, none is more anticipated than "How Do You Know?" a romantic comedy directed by Academy Award-winner James L. Brooks. Paul Rudd, Jack Nicholson and Owen Wilson will also be in the film.

Fox 2000 is the film studio behind the currently unnamed film.

Kevin Bacon Joins X-Men

By Justin Worsley

It has now become easier to play Six Degrees of Kevin bacon. The veteran actor has joined the upcoming film "X-Men: First Class," the fifth installment of the comic book series and the first since last year's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine."

Bacon's role has not been declared, however, he will portray a villain in the film.

"First Class" will be directed by Matthew Vaughn, who has most recently adapted another comic book, "Kick-Ass." The newest installment of X-Men focuses on the mutants at a younger stage and the relationship between Professor X, the mentor of the young, confused teenage mutants and Magneto, one of the Professor's best friends but also his biggest adversary.

The film, which is set for a 2011 release, was originally going to be directed by Bryan Singer, who directed the franchise's first two films, however, he was forced to back out as a director and instead produce the film due to a conflict in his schedule.

Bacon will join James McAvoy (Professor X) and Michael Fassbender (Magneto)along with several other in the film. So far, none of the original actors from the franchise are scheduled to return due to the fact that the film is focusing on the X-Men at a younger period.

Moore And Bigelow Join The Oscar Board

By Justin Worsley

Last March, Kathryn Bigelow made film history when she became the first woman to take home the Academy Award for Best Director. To go along with the honor, she will now be a member of board of governors that oversees the awards ceremony.

Bigelow, however, is not alone. Joining her is another Academy Award winning director, Michael Moore. Overall, 15 people were voted in as either new or returning members.

Bigelow won the Academy Award for "The Hurt Locker," a war drama based on an Explosive Ordinance Disposal team in the Iraq War. The film won five other awards, including Best Picture.

Moore won an Academy Award in 2002 for his documentary "Bowling for Columbine." The documentary explores the background of the Columbine High School Massacre in 1999. Moore has achieved more success after "Bowling for Columbine" by creating other documentaries "Sicko" and "Capitalism: A Love Story."

Actor Ed Begley Jr. has also returned to the board after a hiatus. There are currently 1,311 members on the board.

New Bond Movie Canned

By Justin Worsley

After being delayed indefinitely, the new James Bond film has been canceled by MGM due to their ongoing financial problems, according to Screenrant.com.

The new film, which was originally slated to be released in 2011, had one of the most promising casts of any 007 film, featuring Oscar-winner Sam Mendes (American Beauty) directing and a promising script from writer Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon.)

Daniel Craig was attached to play James Bond for the third time. Many critics were awaiting to see how Craig would perform after the predecessor, "Quantum of Solace" received mixed reviews. Craig is currently on set in Randsburg, California for Jon Favreau's new movie, "Cowboys & Aliens."

The Bond series may not be the only film series in jeopardy for MGM. The production company has also delayed "The Hobbit," scaring off director Guillermo Del Toro and rumors have now circulated that actor Ian McKellan would not reprise his role as Gandalf.

The Bond franchise, however, is too financially successful to simply disappear. As many as 16 companies have been reported to have interest in buying MGM, one of the oldest production companies in film history. Whichever company ultimately buys out MGM will already have a structure to work on in the Bond films. MGM has produced every 007 films since 1981, when the company bought out United Artists.

Training Day Director Eyes Tupac Biopic

By Justin Worsley

After the commercial success of Geroge Tillman Jr.'s "Notorious" the biopic about the life of rapper Christopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace, director Antoine Fuqua has announced he will be working on a biopic on rival rapper Tupac Shakur.

Fuqua will be taking a similar approach to find his star at Tillman did. Instead of booking one of the hotter stars in Hollywood, Fuqua has announced that he will be looking for his lead actor around the streets of New York and Los Angeles. Jamal Woolard, who portrayed Wallace, was an underground rapper in Brooklyn when he was discovered.

Fuqua is known for his critically-acclaimed film "Training Day," which earned Denzel Washington his second Academy Award as an actor. Fuqua has most recently directed "Brooklyn's Finest" a cop-drama centered around the lives of three separate police officers working in different levels of the New York Police Department.

Prior to Shakur's assassination in 1996, he was also building credibility as an actor, appearing in films such as "Above the Rim," "Poetic Justice" and "Juice." The California-based rapper was also known for his lyrics, which advocated racial equality.

Fuqua is also currently working on a biopic for drug lord Pablo Escobar.

The CW To Pull The Plug On Smallville

By Justin Worsley

Ten years ago, UPN and Warner Bros. still had their own television networks and "Smallville" was in it's pilot season. As we all know, The two networks merged in 2006 to become the CW. It's longest running program, however, will come to an end this season.

"Smallville," which chronicles the life of mild-mannered Clark Kent as he must cope with both his super-human powers as well as the trials and tribulations of high school, became a fan-favorite for those who loved the "Superman" franchise. Rumors, however, circulated last week when Tom Welling, who plays the youthful Kent on the show, told Hollywood Life that season 10 would be the end of "Smallville." The CW confirmed Wellings statement, announcing Wednesday that the upcoming season will be the show's final one.

While fans may be unhappy to see their long-running show end, there are several milestones to look forward too. When episode 20 airs, "Smallville" will break the Guinness World Record for longest consecutive running Sci-Fi TV show, which is currently held by "Stargate SG-1." The CW announced last March that the upcoming season of "Smallville" will consist of 22 episodes.

One reason the CW may have decided to end "Smallville" this season is it's decline in ratings. Season nine of "Smallville" was the first time the show aired on Friday night, allowing the show to drop from 3.74 viewers in 2008 to only 2.35 last year. It was also the first season of "Smallville" that failed to cracked Nielsen's weeklly program rankings.

The CW also announced on Tuesday that the revival of 90's television show "Melrose Place" has been can canceled.

Legendary California Punk Band To Release Seventh Album

By Justin Worsley

Social Distortion has been making punk music since 1978 and they aren't stopping anytime soon. The southern California punk band announced on Tuesday that they have signed with Epitath Records and have been recording their seventh studio album since March. The album is set for a fall release.

"We feel that Epitaph has a natural understanding of Social Distortion; both the history of the band and the direction we want to go. Combine that with their successful track record and it felt like a good next step for us. We've always been open to new ideas and pushing the envelope, but we have also been very conscientious about the decisions we've made. We considered a lot of options, but in the end, Epitaph feels like the right home for us. We're looking forward to taking this step forward, opening some new doors with this upcoming album and this next chapter of Social Distortion," lead singer Mike Ness told Alternative Press' Scott Heisel. Ness is also producing the bands latest effort, their first album since 2004.

Ness has also announced that the album is similar to their 1992 release "Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell," but will also feature a blend of early New York '70's punk.

Ness is the only remaining member of the original lineup who is still in the band. The band started to receive commercial success in the late 1980's with the release of their album "Prison Bound" which featured the singles "Story of my Life" and the title track.

Along with the announcement of their signing to Epitath, Social Distortion has also announced that they will be touring this summer with Dan Sartain and the Action Design. The two bands begin their tour in Poughkeepsie, New York on July 27. For more information on the tour, visit altpress.com.

Sandra Bullock Files For Divorce

By Justin Worsley

It's official: Sandra Bullock has announced she will be filing for divorce after a five-year marriage to television personality Jesse James, according to an exclusive interview with People.

Bullock, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress last March for her performance in "The Blind Side," discovered soon after she won the award that James carried an 11-month affair with tattoo model Michelle "Bombshell" McGee. Ironically, the two held the tryst while Bullock was on set for "The Blind Side."

James, 41, has since spent 30 days in a rehabilitation facility for alcohol, drug and sexual addiction.

Bullock, 45, also announced that she will be adopting a 3 1/2 year-old child from new Orleans. The couple has had custody of the child, named Louis Bardo Bullock, since January, however, they wanted to avoid publicity until after the Academy Awards ceremony. Bullock will adopt him as a single parent.

Bullock is the third Best Actress winner in six years to divorce her husband within a year after reaching the pinnacle of acting. In 2006, Hillary Swank divorced actor Chad Lowe after ten years of marriage. A year later, Reese Witherspoon divorced husband Ryan Phillipe.

Bullock has been married to James since 2005.

Much Action Planned In This Summer’s Theaters

By Justin Worsley
With the release of “Iron Man 2” on May 7, it will officially kick open the door for this Summer’s blockbuster films. The next four months will be jam-packed with enough action and adventure films to make life outside of celluloid boring and delusional. Listed below are the top five must see movies of the Summer:
Must-See Movies:
1. “Iron Man 2”
Release Date: May 7.

Following the 2008 box-office hit, Robert Downey Jr. is back as billionaire Tony Stark, who must cope with a world that knows of his alter ego, Iron Man, and the American government as they press Stark for information on his technology to further advance their military. Stark must also confront two new villains Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Whiplash (Mickey Rourke.) The film returns director Jon Favreau as well as Gwyneth Paltrow and Don Cheadle, Stan Lee, writer of the “Iron Man” comic-book series, will also have a cameo.
2. “The Expendables”
Release Date: August 13.

This movie will either be brilliant or an awful, run of the mill action film, however, I feel optimistic. Sylvester Stallone, who wrote, directed and stars in the movie actually broke his neck during one of the fight scenes. “The Expendables” is about a group of mercenaries who are sent to South America to overthrow a dictator only to find out upon arrival that they are deceived and there is a traitor among their group. The film stars many of Hollywood’s former and current action stars including Jason Statham, Jet Li, Bruce Willis and a special appearance by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The film will also be the last screen appearance by Brittany Murphy.
3. “Inception”
Release Date: July 16.

Director Christopher Nolan takes a break from the “Batman” franchise to direct this thriller. Dom Dobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) has the ability to enter the minds of wealthy tycoons and sell their secrets and strategies to bidders. While inside the mind of a major CEO, however, Dobb finds himself trapped as the mind grants a person more power than in reality. Dobb and his teammates need to find a way for him to escape as the CEO attempts to figure out Dobb’s methods for his own use. The film also stars Ellen Page, Michael Caine, Marion Cotillard and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
4. “Robin Hood”
Release Date: May 14.

While watching the previews, the newest version of “Robin Hood” looked like a medieval re-make of “Gladiator.” While Ridley Scott is directing and Russell Crowe is starring, this film is nothing like the latter. The story focuses on Robin Hood as he uses his military tactics to liberate his home village from the tyrannical rule of the Sheriff of Nottingham (Matthew Macfadyen.) The original contect of Robin Hood characters past will still be present, so there is expected to plenty of stealing from the rich and giving to the poor.
5. “Toy Story 3”
Release Date: June 18.

Andy is now grown up and no longer has any use for his toys. So as he goes off to college, Woody, Buzz, Mr. Potato Head and the whole crew and donated to Sunnyside Daycare, seen as a retirement resort for the toys. It is soon, discovered, however, that Andy realizes he is missing his toys and the gang must work together to return back to their owner. Along with the reuniting of Tim Allen and Tom Hanks, Michael Keaton joins the cast as the smooth talking Ken doll who falls for a Barbie doll in the movie.
For more information on the upcoming films, including trailers and a calendar for all movies being released this Summer, visit imdb.com.

Ricky Martin: "I'm Gay"

By Justin Worsley

Puerto Rican pop sensation Ricky Martin has revealed on Monday that he is a homosexual, answering many rumors that he has dodged in the past.

The report, which came from Martin's web-site, RickyMartinMusic.com, states that Martin was inspired by his twin sons to come out.

"I am proud to say that I am a fortunate gay man," Martin said.

Martin released his first album in 1991, "Ricky Martin," which was certified gold in five different countries. His last album, "Life," was released in 2005.

Martin currently runs a non-profit organization, The Ricky Martin Foundation, an organization that aims to put an end to child trafficking.

90's Thriller Officially Revived

By Justin Worsley

After almost a two years of speculation, it is official, "Scream 4" will become a movie.

The 90's horror franchise will be directed by Wes Craven, who also directed all three previous installments. Also returning will be Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox and David Arquette, who were all main characters in the original trilogy. Kevin Williamson will also be returning to write the screenplay.

"Working with Courtney, David and Neve was a blast ten years ago and I'm sure it will be again," said Craven in a press release.

"Scream 4" will be the first of a new trilogy, according to Williamson. Along with the original cast members, a new, young cast will also star, though no other actors or actresses have been announced.

The Weinstein Group announced in 2008 that a fourth film was in development and since then thew company has been working to piece together the original cast members for a reunion.

The film begins production this Spring and will be released in theaters on Apr. 15, 2011.

Tim Burton Plans Remake Of 'The Addams Family'

By Justin Worsley

Cult favorite director Tim Burton has made a name for himself in Hollywood as both a brilliant director and artist. It is now safe to say that Burton is brilliant at reviving television and film series as well.

Burton first revived the Batman franchise, directing the 1987 blockbuster film "Batman" as well as it's 1991 sequel, "Batman Returns." "Sleepy Hollow," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,"Sweeney Todd," and most recently "Alice in Wonderland" have all undergone a makeover with Burton behind the camera. Burton is now looking at recreating "The Addams Family" according to hitflix.com.

"The Addams Family" was created in 1938 as a single-panel cartoon for the New Yorker by Charles Addams. In 1964, a television show was created, focusing on the extended family's macabre interests, while at the same time spoofing contemporary cultural issues. In 1991, Barry Sonnefield directed a film adaptation of the television series.

Burton, however, plans to return to the roots, claiming the upcoming film will be based solely on the Addams' comics and not the television show or film.

Along with talks of Burton's adaptation, "The Addams Family" will also hit Broadway this spring, starring Nathan Lane and BeBe Neuwirth.