Used to be when a movie doesn’t do well in the box office, production houses shrug their shoulders and move on to the next film. Apparently those days are gone. Now they sue the author of the book on which they based the movie – at least that’s what mogul Philip Anschutz has done.

Anschutz has taken Clive Cussler to court over the disappointing results of the production “Sahara“. He says that Cussler did not live up to his side of the contract. Cussler publicly put down the movie causing viewers to lose interest in the film and he also exaggerated how many copies of the book were actually sold. All of this resulting in the poor performance of the film.

Cussler has countersued. He says that Anchutz did not follow his recommendations in either script revision or casting. He also says that the poor performance of the film reflects badly on his other works.

In reality we all know that one has little effect on the other. Many books are great but translate poorly into films just as the good performance of a film does not guarantee instant popularity of any book though it can boost its ratings a bit.

So who is reaping the benefit of all this? The lawyers. No matter who wins, the lawyers will bring home very fat paychecks.

We’ve had the story of Robinhood told any number of ways. It’s been made into plays, there are cartoon versions of it – Disney’s version even uses animals, and of course there are the movie versions. Who can forget Kevin Costner’s Robinhood: Prince of Thieves or the comedy version Robinhood Men In Tights.

Always though the story has been about the thief and the sheriff is the evil villain. As we all know however there are two sides to any story and at last a version is in the works from the opposite point of view. This time the sheriff is the star of the show.

The film is called Nottingham and it will star the gorgeous Russell Crowe as the Sheriff of Nottingham. He’s getting quite a hefty fee to play this part; $20 million against 20% according to CanMag.com. This film will reunite Crowe with Imagine Entertainment. He previously worked under their banner with Cinderella Man and a Beautiful Mind.

The film is produced by Brian Grazer and Imagine Entertainment.

Yo ho ho! The Pirates Of The Carribean are celebrating indeed. It is early in the year and already they have bagged some really cool awards. Specifically they’ve taken home the following awards from the People’s Choice Awards:

• Best Male Star: Johnny Depp
• Best Male Action Star: Johnny Depp
• Best On Screen Match Up: Johnny Depp and Keira Knightley
• Best Movie: Pirate’s of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
• Best Movie Drama: Pirate’s of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

Johnny Depp’s speech hit the note perfectly when he said:

“I know that I’ve said this before but the fact that this award comes from the people makes it all the more special. And thanks for keeping me employed, yeah? You’re the boss.”

The winners for the People’s Choice Awards are selected purely by viewers of the films and TV shows. Since the average citizen makes up 99% of the viewers, these awards are quite significant and the people definitely love Johnny Depp. Having Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley on board as well just adds to the draw.

There’ll be a lot of people looking forward to the third film of the Pirates. The film goers definitely can’t get enough of the swashbuckling Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew of miscreants. This time they’re out to rescue the Captain from the Kraken. This should be an interesting adventure indeed.

[tags] awards, People’s Choice,Jhnny Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean,Keira Knightley [/tags]

Every year millions worth of memorabilia are sold each year. It is fascinating to note which items truly capture the eye and heart of the buyers, causing the bidding to go way beyond the expected amount. 2006 has had its share of interesting auctions. Here are some of the interesting sales made:

Who hasn’t seen the movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”? This 1961 movie starring Audrey Hepburn has achieved legend status. The Givenchy gown that Ms Hepburn wore has achieved that as well after being sold for ?417,000 ($822,300). The original estimate was that it would sell for a mere $138,000. The proceeds will go to the charity City of Joy Aid which helps India‘s poor.

There are spies; and there are spies. There is, however, no one like agent 007. Thanks to the filming of Casino Royal more James Bond fans are formed and these fans usually love to collect various spy gadgets. The latest item to be auctioned off was the Walther PP gun used by Sean Connery in the 1962 Bond film, Dr No. It was sold for 54,000 pounds ($106,202).

How about some music? The original handwritten lyrics of Sir Paul McCartney’s song “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” sold for $192,000. The same person who bought it also bought Jimi Hendrix’s 1968 Fender Stratocastor electric guitar for $168,000, the guitar’s strap for $10,800 and a photograph at $5,400 of Jimi Hendrix with 2 band members and two blonds (topless).

The year isn’t done yet. On December 14-15 of this year, Joseph Maddalena and his Profile of History is auctioning off Elvis Presley’s 1967 diamond and platinum wedding ring. This is the ring that he unveiled at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas when he wed Priscilla. It is expected to sell for $400,000-$600,000.

[tags] Auctions, memorabilia,movies, Audrey Hepburn,Breakfast at Tiffany’s,Elvis Preley, Paul McCartney, Jimi Hendrix [/tags

Reese Witherspoon is taking all precautions to make her divorce as neat and clean as possible. While she cited irreconcilable differences as her reason for filing for divorce from husband of seven years, Ryan Phillippe, she knows that people aren’t above speculating that it is because her affections may have been captured by another actor – after all it happens all the time in Hollywood; just look at Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. It was a big surprise to many that this couple joined splitsville.

To lessen the risk of messy rumors, she has banned all cellphones from the set while she works. Currently she is filming the movie “Renditions” which also stars Jake Gyllenhaal. Too many people have camera phones and itchy fingers – they will send pictures taken from the shoot to local tabloids which are really of no help during proceedings as painful as these. Rumors are already flying that she and Gyllenhaal have a “budding friendship” which in Hollywood often translates to an affair or ongoing romance.

Witherspoon, truly doesn’t want a mess like Paul McCartney and Heather Mills or Britney Spears and Kevin Federline. She just wants to get the divorce over and done with as quickly and quietly as possible. That isn’t too much to ask, isn’t it?

Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe have two children together; Ava is seven and Deacon is three. Witherspoon is asking for full custody of the children with visitation rights for Phillippe. She is also asking for exclusive use of their home.
[tags] Reese Witherspoon,mobile phones,Ryan Phillippe,Jake Gyllenhaal.divorce [/tags]

There is no other way to say it. Michael Jackson’s much anticipated appearance last November 15 at the World Music Awards absolutely failed to live up to expectations. The many Michael Jackson fans were very disappointed with his performance. Thankfully it looks like Jacko himself admits that it is time to move on.

It seemed like he didn’t even prepare himself for this “come back”. His voice was not in good condition. He struggled to hit the high notes and the sound inexplicably disappeared half way through his number. The audience was very unhappy that he did not perform “Thriller” as expected. Instead he sang “We are the World” with a children’s choir. “Boo! Boo!”, went the crowd. Some fans demanded refunds.
So what is next for the former “King of Pop” now that his music career seems to be at a low point? It would seem that Michael Jackson has decided to diversify. He’ll try to make a name for himself in Hollywood.

No, acting isn’t what he’s going into. He wants to go into producing. He wants to make films that can be enjoyed by anyone, irregardless of age.

He has always had great music videos. Hopefully he’ll be able to make great films and shows indeed. You never know. He has after all gone from being the youngest member of the Jackson 5 to achieving a major solo career where he earned the title “King of Pop”.

No matter what happens though, Michael Jackson will definitely remain unforgettable and definitely has a place in our history books.

[tags] Hollywood, Michael Jackson, World Music Awards, WMA [/tags]

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Lindsay Lohan has decided to move on from her teenager roles and take on a role that is a little more mature. The movie she has chosen to launch the next stage of her careeer is titled “The Best Time of Our Lives”. The screenplay is written by Sharman Macdonald, mother of Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Caribbean) who is also starring in the movie. Lohan plays the role of Caitlin Thomas, wife of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. Knightley plays the role of Vera Phillips, the childhood friend of Caitlin Thomas.

The story revolves about the strange relationship between the Thomas couple, Vera Phillips and her husband William Killick. Lohan says that there are lesbian undertones to the relationship between Caitlin and Vera but she won’t disclose more. What is confirmed is that it ends up with the real life incident where Vera Phillips and her husband fire at the home of the Thomas’ with a machine gun and hand grenades.What in the world could inspire such anger, fans will just have to wait to find out because the move won’t start production til April next year.

It will definitely be nice to see Lindsey Lohan stretching her wings and see her taking on new challenges. It is about time that she plays roles with more meat to it. She’s more than ready to take them on and show people what she’s got.
The movie will be directed by John Maybury. He was also the director of the Jacket which also starred Keira Knightley.

George Lucas believes that the days of blockbuster movies are numbered. The creator of the Star Wars series as well as a highly successful producer, he says that he perceives that the change will happen because of other entertainment mediums such as the internet and multi-channel TV.

Lucas says that as far as Lucasfilm is concerned, they will be going into television. The cost of making a movie is too high. The? $200 million dollars spent on making a single movie will produce 50 to 60 two hour movies; and as he perceives it quantity is the key element for future productions.

He also perceives that everything will eventually be pay-per-view or downloadable but he isn’t rushing to get his movies onto the iTunes catalog. The tastes of the people are becoming even more diversified as they gain more control, and have more choices of what to see. The big screen will hold less and less attraction for people.

There will however always be a need for great film makers, irregardless of whether they make films for a big screen or a small one. To that end, George Lucas has donated $175 million dollars to his Alma matter, the University of Southern California. His contribution is meant to be used to create a new School of Cinematic Arts.

Founded by actor Douglas Fairbanks in 1929, the USC School of Cinematic Arts is the oldest film school in the country. In the world of academia, he knows that movies are not well respected. He hopes that with his contribution, other universities will sit up and take notice of its importance. He points out that films are the major form of communication of the 21st century.

[tags]hollywood, entertainment, George Lucas, Star Wars, film making, movies[/tags]

The Queen, the intriguing new British film starring Helen Mirren has premiered at the Venice Film Festival to much acclaim.

Directed by Stephen Frears, the film is set in 1997 , following those tumultuous days following the drama of Princess Diana?s death.

In it, you?ll find out what really (?) went on behind the scenes in what was probably the most publicized event in recent history.

Helen Mirren does a wonderful job as playing the Queen in what was described as an ?eerily strong performance?. Indeed, when I saw her photo in costume, I was shocked at the likeness – not just in the way she looked, but in her entire demeanor. Here are some of the most interesting things said by the Royal couple:

Elizabeth II

“I’ve never felt hated like that before.”
As said to Tony Blair when she sees the public?s emotion outside Bukingham palace.

“This is a family funeral, Mr Blair, not a fairground attraction.”
At Diana?s funeral

“?have they showed you how to start a nuclear war yet?”
To Tony Blair

Prince Philip

“Move over cabbage”
As he gets into bed with the Queen.

“…attracting a chorus line of soap stars and homosexuals”
His description of the funeral.
The film, which critics say is a triumphant attempt to show the human side of the most media-frenzied Royal family in the world, is set to open in the UK next month.