127 Hours

James Franco portrays Aron Ralston in this true story film, who finds he needs to resort to drastic measures in order to survive being trapped by a boulder in the Moab Utah desert. The film displays superb work by lighting specialists who worked to film in the desert and also create realistic lighting in such an intense environment while also making it as realistic as possible. James Franco’s acting is flawless in his role and is quite possible a contender for many upcoming award shows.

Aron Ralston is adventuring through the Moab Utah desert, during his hike he however he becomes trapped when a large bolder pins his arm against a valley wall. Unable to move the heavy rock that is now wedged against the stone walls he needs to find a way of saving himself, having told no one where he was going. After five days of being trapped with no luck of escaping and running low on water and food he has only one option which will test his willpower to survive the ordeal.

The most intense scene involves Aron Ralstons escape from the boulders clutches. The editing and sounds used in the short five minuets of footage is the most dramatic and gut wrenching moment of the films entirety. It is no wonder that they had issues in theaters of people passing out watching this particular scene. Those of you who have seen the film know of which moment I am talking about. When he got to a certain point it almost seemed as though he would be unable to continue but he persevered and in doing so it even my head ache and stomach roll. The film makers defiantly came across the right way of portraying how to make it the most realistic process it could be for someone standing on the other side of the glass.

The lighting was another aspect I found well done. I am not sure if they did it with lights or actually filmed the process when the light was at the right moment of the day but either way it was executed perfectly. Every day at eight o’clock Aron was able to get fifteen minutes of sunlight between the crack of earth which he was locked into. They either lit this area where he was trapped amazingly and made it seem as though the sun was rising to a point where it crept into the crevice or they actually found the perfect area to film. I guess I will have to wait until the DVD to find out in the special features.

This film while beautifully made and an excellent portrayal of Aron Ralston’s story of survival is also intense and some may have difficulty watching it. The scene where he finally finds the courage to free himself from the clutches of the boulder threatening to kill him is a very graphic and intense scene which is not appropriate for all audiences and there may be some that wont be able to handle this scene, my advice is to those who think they can, watch the film its a great story and James Franco’s acting is superb. Those who cant either close your eyes or steer clear. But if you like a true survival story see it for sure.

Written by Nathan Couture

News Source: MovieFilmReview

Kristen Stewart is an “incredible” cook

The 20-year-old American actress stars with Garrett Hedlund in the movie adaptation of Jack Kerouac’s 1957 novel ‘On The Road’ and the actor admits his culinary skills will never be a match for his co-star.

Garrett told MTV News: “You got to try the tortilla soup! It’s incredible. She’s honed it.

“I’m pretty much a klutz in the kitchen. I go through waves. Sometimes I just depend on pots and pans and cook up out of convenience, and sometimes I can’t even find a fork.”

Kristen has previously revealed she loved to cook for the cast of the film – which also includes Amy Adams, Viggo Mortensen and Sam Riley – saying the tortilla soup was her signature dish.

She said: “I didn’t bake; I cooked a lot, though. I think I can do a really, really good, terrific tortilla soup. That was my ‘On the Road’ dish.”

However Kristen didn’t just cook for her ‘On the Road’ castmates, the actress – who plays Bella Swan in the ‘Twilight Saga’ series, also loves to throw big parties for those involved with the vampire franchise, including her boyfriend Robert Pattinson.

She said: “I get really embarrassed when people ask me what I cook, for some reason. I shouldn’t say that I cook anymore. There was like a big BBQ situation and, like, a bunch of steaks and veggies, and I made chicken piccata. I’m so embarrassed right now. But I made homemade marinara sauce starting at, like, two in the afternoon. It wasn’t done until eight. It was incredible. The ‘Twilight’ cast showed up.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are among the five nominees for the Orange Rising Star Award at this year’s BAFTAs

The ‘Spider-Man’ stars are joined by Gemma Arterton, Tom Hardy and Aaron Johnson on the shortlist for the prize which recognises young actors and actresses who made a breakthrough in the last year.

At the announcement today, jury member Ben Drew – aka Plan B – said: “It was a great honour to be invited on the jury panel for the Orange Wednesdays Rising Star Award this year.

“I recently directed my first feature film and therefore know that there is a wealth of inspiring rising talent out there and it is awards such as these that help these guys get their names in lights.

“I am really pleased with the final five for this year’s award and I can’t wait to see who the public vote for.”

The shortlist was drawn up by a jury chaired ‘An Education’ producer Finola Dwyer which included respected figures in the film industry such as actors Peter Sarsgaard and Natascha McElhone and directors Mike Newell and Tom Ford.

‘Never Let Me Go’ star Andrew and ‘Easy A’ actress Emma are currently filming the ‘Spider-Man’ prequel playing the superhero and his love interest Gwen Stacy respectively.

They face stiff competition from Tom Hardy, who won praise for his role in blockbuster movie ‘Inception’ this year, while Gemma Arterton won plaudits for her role in ‘Tamara Drewe’ and Aaron Johnson impressed in ‘Kick-Ass’.

The eventual winner will be voted for by the public, and will collect their prize during a star-studded ceremony at the BAFTA Awards at the Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden on February 13.

Last year, ‘Twilight Saga’ actress Kristen Stewart picked up the accolade.

Nominees for the 2011 Orange Rising Star Award:

Andrew Garfield

Emma Stone

Gemma Arterton

Tom Hardy

Aaron Johnson

Source: BANG Showbiz

Lindsay Lohan’s Sober Mentor — ‘Inception’ Star

Someone is trying to plant an idea in Lindsay Lohan’s head — about how to stay sober — and who better to do that than one of the stars of “Inception,” Tom Hardy.

TMZ has learned LiLo has a struck a friendship with Hardy recently after the pair were introduced my mutual friends. We’re told they even met for dinner one night last week.

Sources tell us Tom is giving Lindsay advice on how to stay sober and Lindsay is seriously listening to him. Hardy famously battled addiction early on his career and has been sober since 2003.

No word on if a totem is involved.

News Source: TMZ

Rihanna has mended her long-running feud with her estranged father

The 22-year-old beauty – whose strained relationship with former drug addict Ronald Fenty for worsened after he spoke to the media about her assault at the hands of then-boyfriend Chris Brown in February 2009 – reconciled with her parent in her native Barbados over the festive period.

Ronald, 57, said: “I saw her twice before Christmas and she came to see me on Christmas Day (25.12.10). She showered me with gifts, a lot of stuff, many shirts and cologne. She’s always really generous.”

Though Ronald knows he can never be as close to the ‘Russian Roulette’ hitmaker as he once was, he is happy to be her “friend” again.

He said: “Maybe we’re not as close as we were when she was growing up here and was at school. But we are blood, we do not stay angry and we are friends again.”

Rihanna originally fell out with her dad after he turned up drunk to one of her shows and trashed her tour bus in 2008, and Ronald – who has now given up alcohol – admits he was not surprised by how he was treated in the immediate aftermath by his feisty daughter.

He explained to the Daily Mirror newspaper: “We did have a disagreement about the drinking on the tour. I got plastered on the tour bus. I can drink rum or beer but vodka does not like me – or gin.

“She blasted me for that – she was always lippy from her small days. I was picked up from the hotel in the morning and I was just shuttled to the airport.”

Rihanna has previously revealed her childhood was blighted by her dad Ronald’s drug problems and eventual split from her mother when she was 14.

Source: BANG Showbiz

Jamie McCourt — Lien for Pocket Change

Jamie McCourt is in a heated divorce battle for millions of dollars and control of the Los Angeles Dodgers … so do you think she even notices a couple of liens for low five figures?

According to a pair of mechanic’s liens filed in November with the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Office, McCourt owes one company $2,227.66 for work done on one of her many house … and $13,350.00 to a waterproofing company.

Jamie will probably worry about this battle … once she’s done fighting the war.

News Source: TMZ

David and Victoria Beckham Expecting Fourth Child!

David Beckham is well on his way to having his very own family soccer team

The Beckham’s reps have confirmed People’s report that the soccer star and his wife are expecting their fourth child this summer.

The new little Beckham will join brothers Brooklyn, 11, Romeo, 8, and Cruz, 5. David, 35, and Victoria, 36, have been married for 11 years.

News Source: E! online

Johnny Depp wants to “run away” from modern life

The ‘Tourist’ actor – who has children Lily-Rose, 11, and eight-year old Jack with long-term partner Vanessa Paradis – believes developments in technology and a shift in favoured forms of entertainment have lead to people losing their sense of self.

He explained: “Sometimes I’d like to run away screaming from our technology-obsessed world, the invasive media, the madness of reality TV.

“We’ve lost touch with the simple things of life. We’re losing our individuality.”

Johnny, 47, lives in the south of France with his family, but he and Vanessa, 38, own a Caribbean island where they can retreat for some privacy, which the actor says is crucial to keep him sane.

He told Red Bulletin magazine: “The island might sound extravagant but I need somewhere I can breathe easily or just sit around and chat without someone taking my picture.”

The ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ actor used to be famed for his wild partying, and he credits meeting Vanessa 12 years ago with helping him turn his life around.

He said: “Anything I’d done before was kind of an illusion.

“My daughter, the birth of my daughter, gave me life.

“Now, my greatest hope is that I’ll be fair to the people I love.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Sarah Palin’s Big Decision — Payday vs. Politics

If Sarah Palin’s TLC reality show comes back for a second season, it’s a sign she’s choosing a big payday over a run at the White House … Palin sources tell TMZ.

Network sources say TLC “would green light another season of Palin’s show in a second.” The show scored huge ratings and network honchos believe another installment would be even bigger.

We’re told the decision to continue the show is squarely in Sarah’s hands. Here are the considerations, according to our sources:

A) She would make millions of dollars by doing another season.
B) If she does sign on, she knows she’s giving a clear sign to America she’s not running for President in 2012.

We’re told Palin has made absolutely no public decision, nor has she informed the network. There have been no negotiations. For now it’s total radio silence.

News Source: TMZ

Jake Gyllenhaal collects cook books

The ‘Love and Other Drugs’ actor – who recently split from singer Taylor Swift – enjoys spending time in the kitchen and is “obsessed” with recipe collections.

He said: “I’ve always loved cooking, probably because my father and other always cooked.

“I have a massive section in my library at home of beautiful old cook books. I really have a strange obsession with them.”

Though Jake collects recipe books, he prefers to come up with his own culinary creations rather than following guidelines.

He added: “If I’m making a romantic dinner. I like to go to a farmers’ market first, buy things fresh and come up with my own dish based on whatever I’ve bought.

“I grow my own vegetables at home because I love fresh food.”

The 30-year-old star recently admitted he never worried about trying to get in shape for his nude scenes in ‘Love and Other Drugs’ because he already eats healthily and didn’t think it would suit his character if he bulked up.

He said: “I didn’t think about getting in shape. I wanted my character to be a little sinewy and slimy.

“I used to go to the gym but I don’t do that anymore.

“I don’t follow a special diet but I try and eat well, so I grow my own vegetables.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens were “constantly touching and kissing” on a night out on Friday (07.01.11)

The pair – who ended their five-year romance last month – fuelled rumours they have reunited with their flirty behaviour at the opening of SHG’s Eden Hollywood when they arrived with mutual friend Brittany Snow late in the evening.

A source told People magazine: “Vanessa was bopping around with her arms up while Zac had his hands all over her. Vanessa had a smile on from ear to ear and the two were inseparable after that.”

Following their public display of affection on the dancefloor, Zac, 23, and 22-year-old Vanessa then retreated to a table – and grew even more affectionate.

The insider explained: “Zac sat in between her legs and she wrapped her arms around him. They were making out on and off for the last hour or so until closing. They acted like there was no one else in the room.”

The former couple narrowly escaped being pictured together but as the ‘17 Again’ hunk leaned in for a kiss, Vanessa pushed him away after spotting a fellow reveller with a cameraphone.

However, a source said: “They were kissing on the lips and seemed to be enjoying their night. They seem to be back together.”

When news of Zac and Vanessa’s break-up was announced last month, pals insisted the separation was mutual and they were still “good friends”.

The pair met on the set of ‘High School Musical’ in 2005.

Source: BANG Showbiz

Lindsay Lohan — Giving New Roomie a Free Ride

Lindsay Lohan won’t be living in her new Venice pad by herself — TMZ has learned she’s going to have a roommate ... and the girl will be staying there rent-free.

We’re told LiLo’s new roomie is a girl she met during her time at Betty Ford. According to our sources … the girl has been sober longer than Lindsay has (FYI — Lindsay celebrated four months of sobriety Friday).

Sources close to Lindsay tell us she feels it’s important to Lindsay to surround herself with other sober people. We’re told she’s helping the cash-strapped girl out … letting her live rent-free.

Seems Lindsay’s first role post-rehab … is that of a sugar mama.

News Source: TMZ

Dr. Conrad Murray — Winning ‘em Over One at a Time

Dr. Conrad Murray has a bit of a PR problem these days — and since people don’t just let you walk up and kiss their baby anymore, he did the next best thing … he bought a little girl a balloon.

A TMZ photog was out in Santa Monica on his night off when he caught a glimpse of Murray on the Third Street Promenade. Murray was walking along when he spotted the cute kid and the balloon animal practitioner … and made his way over.

Murray ponied up the few bucks for the little girl’s balloon and one for himself — it looked like he took the SpongeBob one.

If things don’t go Murray’s way next week, he may want to move into a pineapple under the sea.

News Source: TMZ

Matt Damon invented an alter ego so he could keep his life private

The 40-year-old actor – who has four-year-old Isabella, two-year-old Gia, and three-month old Stella with wife Luisiana, as well as raising her 11-year-old daughter Alexia from a previous marriage – was advised by then-girlfriend Minnie Driver to make people think he was bland and quiet when he first shot to fame, in a bid to reduce interest in him.

He admitted: “Whenever I did interviews, I pretended to be this other guy, Mike Smiley. So this f***ing boring, smiley guy Mike would turn up and do my interviews for me, which let me get on with my life.”

Though Matt is much more relaxed about interest in his life now, he is relieved he doesn’t attract the level of attention that other stars do, such as his ‘The Good Shepherd’ co-star Angelina Jolie.

He recalled to FHM magazine: “You always knew which days Angelina was working because there were 40 cameras outside. Eventually they moved her trailed to keep her away from the paparazzi.

“But when I’d walk back and forth, the paps were like lions that had already been fed – so they’d just look at me. Maybe there’d be one camera flash as one guy took a picture without really looking.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Cheryl Cole’s friends thought she had had Botox when she over-plucked her eyebrows

The ‘Promise This’ singer no longer tends to her own brows after her over-zealous antics with her tweezers made her pals suspect she had tried the muscle-freezing injections.

She explained: “I once tried to pluck my brows like Marilyn Monroe. I saw a programme on her and was like, ‘She’s amazing! I want her eyebrows.’ But I went too far and everyone thought I’d had Botox.”

Cheryl’s beauty disasters are not limited to her face – the singer is still haunted by a disastrous trip to her local hair salon when she was a teenager.

The 27-year-old beauty admitted: “I had a nightmare in a salon when I was about 15. I was in there for eight hours, it was expensive and the end result was hideous. It put me off.

“Did they fix it? Not really. They’d turned me blonde. I’ve got photos somewhere.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Black Swan

Addiction has always been a common theme in Darren Aronofsky’s films. Black Swan is no different. Obsessed with perfection, Nina (Natalie Portman), a ballet dancer, struggles immensely when she is given the diverse role of the Swan Queen for the ever famous ballet, Swan Lake.

While she seems ideal for the part, her only fault is in portraying the role of the evil Black Swan. Her strive for perfection creates a whirlwind of frustration, tension, and paranoia that will either make her or break her in this dazzling film. Unlike most of Aronofsky’s films, it is not just a story about obsession and tragedy. He turns the Black Swan into a dark, Gothic horror film that is unlike any other movie this year. Don’t be misguided by it’s feminine appeal; Black Swan is a provocative movie that you won’t be able to get out of your head for days. This film gets two enthusiastic wings up!

Written by Kimberly Gehrt

News Source: MovieFilmReview

Lindsay Lohan Power Meeting — Let’s Get Working

Lindsay Lohan just walked out of a BIGTIME meeting with a major celebrity jewelry designer – as well as key members of her team — in an effort to kick-start her post-rehab career.

Lindsay’s business date was with Pascal Mouawad — a jeweler who’s worked with stars like Heidi Klum and Nicole Richie.

We’re told the two sides discussed the possibility of creating an upcoming line together — the second time they’ve talked about teaming up. Back in 2009, they kicked around the idea … but nothing ever came to fruition.

However, this meeting was all business — because after the jewelry talk, we’re told Lindsay’s top people (lawyers, managers, etc) strategized about upcoming film projects and other career moves.

According to our sources, Lindsay has “multiple scripts” to consider.

Not among them … a biopic of a 1970s porn star.

News Source: TMZ

Michael Buble doesn’t think he is sexy

The Canadian singer – who is set to tie the knot with Argentinean actress Luisana Lopilato on April 6 2011 – says he is never approached by women and can only see his self-deprecating sense of humour as the reason why people would fall for him.

He said: “They don’t approach me and I don’t think I’m sexy. “If there is anything sexy about me maybe it’s that I’m a goof and I don’t take myself seriously. Isn’t that kind of sexy? If you just take the p**s out of yourself a bit.“I don’t think sexy is, ‘Hi, nice to meet you.’ I sing beautiful songs and I mean what I say.”

Michael split from his previous girlfriend Emily Blunt in 2008 amid rumours of his infidelity and he revealed their break-up taught him to be careful about discussing his love life. He said: “I learned a lot and from now on my private life remains that. I’m not saying you have to be rude about it when people ask, but I just decline to speak about my love life.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Miranda Kerr has reportedly given birth to a son

The Victoria’s Secret model and husband Orlando Bloom welcomed their first child into the world late on Thursday (06.01.11), it has been claimed.

Though news of the new arrival has not been officially confirmed, gossip website X17 Online report the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ actor could be overheard outside the Los Angeles hospital where his spouse gave birth bragging about “my son”.

Miranda, 27, married Orlando, 33, in July and announced the pregnancy in August.

She found out she was pregnant while shooting a fashion campaign in Paris, France, following weeks of nausea.

Miranda’s parents flew from her home country of Australia at the end of December to be with her for the arrival of their grandchild.

The couple have previously stated they didn’t want to find out the sex of the child before the birth and the catwalk beauty has insisted she wants to completely focus on motherhood after the birth.

She said: “For me, family is life. The decision to start one wasn’t complex at all.

“My career has been wonderful, but it’s not my life. I don’t feel pressure to get back to work.”

Explaining her vision for the future, she added: “My goal involves a hammock, a vegetable patch, and a solar-powered house. And I hope to eventually get there.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Kylie Minogue wanted to work with Primal Scream

The Australian singer – who has previously collaborated with artists including Nick Cave and Manic Street Preachers – approached the ‘Loaded’ hitmakers to write a track for her, but the group were having too many problems to accept.

Frontman Bobby Gillespie revealed: “We met her twice – at a photoshoot and then she came to a gig in Australia. She was lovely. “I think she was looking for us to write a song for her and make a record with her. But we were having problems even writing songs for ourselves at that point. So it never happened.”

Primal Scream – who were previously famed for their drink and drug-fuelled partying – recently marked 25 years since the release of their first single ‘All Fall Down’ but the group are surprised their career has lasted so long.

Asked if he ever expected the group to be around 25 years, 48-year-old Bobby admitted to Q magazine: “I didn’t think I’d be alive then. I probably didn’t want to be alive. Seriously. “So the answer is no. But I always knew we were good. It was always a serious thing. It wasn’t like a part-time thing before you go back to doing a real job.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Penelope Cruz constantly struggled not to laugh when filming ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ with Johnny Depp

The Spanish actress plays pirate’s daughter Angelica in the latest instalment of the swashbuckling movie franchise and she admits serious scenes were tough because her co-star is so convincing as hapless Captain Jack Sparrow.

She said: “Johnny is such a funny person, he has created this amazing character. “The main problem is that he’s so funny it was hard to film the dramatic scenes, because I could not stop laughing. You never know what will happen next.”

Penelope previously starred with Johnny in 2001 movie ‘Blow’ and says they always have a good time together. She added to Empire magazine: “Both times have been amazing. The funny thing is, we were saying to each other, we get along so well but we play characters who always fight.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Jermaine Jackson — Stuck in Africa

Jermaine Jackson cannot come back to the United States of America … because he owes a fortune in back child support … TMZ has learned.

Jermaine is currently in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Africa. We’ve learned his passport has expired and he can’t get a new one, so he’s waylaid there.

Here’s what we know. n May 2008, Jermaine’s baby mama Alejandra got a child support order, requiring him to pay $3,000 a month. Jermaine went into arrears almost immediately and, as of last month, he owed $91,921.

Under California law, when someone owes more than $2,500 a month in child support, the State Department of Child Support Services automatically informs the feds of the delinquency, and the feds then flag the person’s passport. Once the passport expires, it will not be renewed until the person becomes current on child support obligations.

Our sources say Jermaine’s passport expired during his trip, he can’t get a new one and he’s stuck overseas.

If Jermaine doesn’t clear up the debt, it’s unclear if the American Embassy will come to the rescue.

News Source: TMZ

Mel to Judge: Strip Oksana of Custody, STAT!

Mel Gibson’s lawyer went to court for an emergency hearing Friday, asking the judge to immediately strip Oksana Grigorieva of custody of baby Lucia … TMZ has learned.

Sources connected with the case tell us the trigger for the hearing was TMZ’s story the day before … in which we reported Oksana claimed in her deposition earlier in the week that Mel beat her in order to get aroused during sex.

We’re told Mel and his lawyers were outraged and accused Oksana’s team of leaking the info. Mel’s family lawyer, Stephen Kolodny, asked Judge Scott Gordon on Friday to take custody away from Oksana on grounds she acted maliciously — not in the best interests of Lucia — by allegedly leaking the story.

According to our sources, Kolodny also argued many of the allegations Oksana made during her deposition — including the one reported on TMZ — have never been made before and is a belated attempt to smear Mel and harm Lucia.

Our sources say Kolodny asked Judge Gordon for an immediate ruling but the judge refused, setting the matter for a full hearing next month.

News Source: TMZ

Dr. Oz — ‘Have You Ever Tried to Bang Oprah?’

Dr. Oz has never had sex with Oprah Winfrey — and he doesn’t know where “the hoes” are at either … at least that’s what he told a NY hip-hop radio DJ this week.

The good doc was hanging out with “The Breakfast Club” on Power 105.1 in NYC — when the host cut right to the chase … asking, “I know you get a lot of money … so I know you know where the hoes at — Where the hoes at Dr. Oz?”

After some awkward laughter, the host moved on .. asking Oz if he ever tried to “bang” Oprah. Oz, of course, said no … but he explained it wasn’t the first time people have been suspicious.

News Source: TMZ

SamRo Rolls Out Red Carpet for Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson were this close to becoming the new Hatfields and McCoys — but TMZ has learned the former couple just struck a truce over LiLo’s move to Sam’s block in Venice, CA.

Sources extremely close to Lindsay tell us she spoke to Sam this week and explained she had “no idea” she was moving in to the condo directly next door … and apologized for the surprise.

We’re told Sam bought it — go figure — and they ended the chat on good terms.

Our source says Linds is expected to move in any day now and, “Neither of them are mad at each other and everything has been cleared up.”

Kumbaya…

News Source: TMZ