Theron, Penn films to premiere in Toronto

The Toronto International Film Festival will host the world premieres of "Battle in Seattle," starring Charlize Theron and Woody Harrelson, and Sean Penn's "Into the Wild," organizers said.

The festival, which runs from September 6 to September 15, also has booked North American premieres for the latest films from Andrew Dominik, Todd Haynes, Joe Wright and Paul Haggis, each of which are scheduled to bow first at the Venice International Film Festival (August 29-September 8).

Theron's boyfriend, Stuart Townsend, makes his directing debut with "Battle in Seattle," which recounts the 1999 clash between demonstrators and police amid the World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle. Joshua Jackson, Ray Liotta, Michelle Rodriguez and Channing Tatum round out the cast.

Penn's "Into the Wild" is a fact-based portrait of a young man who gives up all luxuries to live in the Alaskan wilderness. The movie stars Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt and Vince Vaughn, and is due for a late-September theatrical release via Paramount Vantage.

Other titles include Dominik's "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford," the Brad Pitt crime drama from Warner Bros. Pictures, and Brit director Wright's "Atonement," a classic British romance drama from Focus Features that stars Keira Knightley and James McAvoy.

Also due here is Haynes' "I'm Not There," a Bob Dylan-inspired movie starring Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Richard Gere and Heath Ledger, set for a November release by the Weinstein Co.; and Paul Haggis' "In The Valley of Elah," a Warner Bros. September release about parents, played by Tommy Lee Jones and Susan Sarandon, who attempt to find their son after he returns from the war in Iraq.

Bollywood star Dutt jailed for six years

An Indian anti-terror court on Tuesday sentenced Bollywood movie star Sanjay Dutt to six years in jail for illegal weapons possession in connection with serial bombings in Mumbai in 1993.

The sentencing immediately sent shockwaves through the song-and-dance film industry, which has long been accused of links to Mumbai's criminal underworld.

Dutt was convicted last year of buying guns but was cleared of the more serious charge of conspiracy in connection with the attacks, which killed 257 people at injured at least 800 others.

The "Black Friday" bombings were allegedly staged by Mumbai's Muslim-dominated mafia in retaliation for deadly Hindu-Muslim clashes and the demolition of a mosque by Hindu extremists.

"Sanjay was not a minor at that time. Acquiring a weapon of this nature suggests the character of the person, and is contrary to the law," anti-terror judge Pramod Kode said as he read out the sentence to a packed courtroom.

The hugely popular Dutt, known for his tough guy roles in Indian cinema, faced a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. He has already served 18 months on remand in the mid-1990s, and had requested that he be allowed to stay free on probation.

In a further blow to the actor, the court refused to allow him to remain free on bail pending his appeal to the Supreme Court. He was also fined 25,000 rupees (620 dollars). He was taken into custody in Mumbai's dingy Arthur Road jail.

"I made a mistake 14 years ago... Pray for me," said Dutt, 48, who was trembling after hearing his sentence.

Dutt was the highest-profile figure connected to the 1993 bombings case, and Tuesday's hearing wrapped up more than a decade of legal proceedings that have resulted in 100 convictions.

Of those convicted, 12 were given death sentences and 20 others got life sentences.

The alleged masterminds of the blasts, Dawood Ibrahim and Tiger Memon, have been on the run since 1993. Indian investigators say they were aided by Pakistan's intelligence service but Islamabad has denied any link.

Dutt has always maintained his innocence, arguing that he had bought a Kalashnikov assault rifle to protect his family from sectarian violence.

But chief prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam told reporters that this was "not good enough an excuse."

"Dutt is a good actor and a celebrity, but this does not give him a licence for illegal action," he added, saying the superstar had been given a "fair trial."

In recent months, the burly Dutt has been filming non-stop to close out his existing filming contracts.

Dutt, son of a politically prominent Hindu father and a Muslim mother honoured for her acting, has long been tagged Bollywood's original "bad boy" by taking on roles as gangsters and anti-heroes, and an off-screen life wracked by drug abuse and two failed marriages.

In recent years his star has risen with the hugely popular "Munnabhai" films, in which he plays a wisecracking mobster trying to turn over a new leaf.

In the second of the series -- "Carry on Munnabhai" -- the ghost of Indian independence icon Mahatma Gandhi steers Dutt's character onto the path of righteousness and true love, all the while dispensing old-fashioned lessons about honesty.

Bollywood was meanwhile in shock over the verdict.

Actress Kirron Kher said she was "shocked and saddened," arguing Dutt "has suffered enough for 14 years (and) he has been exemplary in behaviour."

Film producer and director Mahesh Bhatt said the sentencing was a "body blow."

"I cannot say the sentence was not fair... (but) six years is too strong," he said.

Paris Sings Opera

Paris Hilton really is singing a new tune.

The career trajectory of the briefly down-and-out heiress is back on the upswing, with Hilton set to take on her first acting gig since busting out of the big house last month, signing on to star in a new, seemingly genre-defying futuristic musical thriller.

Repo! The Genetic Opera is set in 2056 and centers around a mysterious plague that threatens the survival of the human race, which hinges on the financing of an expensive organ transplant. Veteran thesp Paul Sorvinio stars as the organ-transplant tycoon, the film's bad guy, while Hilton stars as his daughter.

E! Online senior editor Marc Malkin first reported Hilton's musical news last week.

"I've been rehearsing every day—seven hours a day," Hilton told Malkin at a Feed the Models, Save the World fundraiser. "We're just in the studio. We're doing dance and singing. We go shoot next month in Toronto.

Hilton remained mum on the plot of the movie at the time, though did deem it a "very cool and unique project."

More details emerged Monday in Variety.

Hilton and crew will sing tunes in the flick ranging from opera numbers to modern rock. The film also stars Alexa Vega and is set to be directed by Saw helmer Darren Lynn Bousman.

"This movie has become my life," Bousman told Variety. "I have auditioned at least 30 actresses for this role—Paris came in and owned it. She is this role."

Neither singing nor acting is a new endeavor for the 25-year-old, though Repo! The Genetic Opera will mark her first effort at combining the two talents.

Hilton has previously starred in the maligned big-screen horror remake House of Wax and has given cameos as herself in Raising Helen and Zoolander. Last year, she released her debut album, simply named Paris, that sold more than 600,000 copies. It spawned the modest Top 20 single, "Stars Are Blind."

As it is, the hotel namesake is already looking to add to her musical oeuvre and avoid the sophomore slump, telling E! Online earlier this month that she's already hit the studio in advance of a second album.

"I'm already working on my new record," she said. "I've been in meetings with Scott [Storch] and we've been working on it."

Hilton said she and Storch, who in addition to working on her previous album has been behind hits for Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera and 50 Cent, had already logged several weeks in the studio.

There's no word on when the new album will hit stores. Repo! The Genetic Opera is on track for a 2008 release.

Urvashi denied Casting couch

“I've never had to think about the casting couch.” Urvashi Sharma
Urvashi Sharma much like Preity Zinta, Amrita Rao and Shahid Kapoor is the newest entrant to step onto the Kumar and Ramesh Taurani launch pad to fame. Before films, Urvashi appeared in the advertisements of Ponds, Garnier and Globus thus making her a recognizable face. Much to our surprise, the actress clarified before the interview that she would only respond in Hindi so Indiatimes Movies brings you the translated interview.

Why did you avoid giving interviews before the release of Naqaab?
This was the company's idea; Tips Movies has a different way to promote each of their newcomers. They had a strategy for me, they called me the mystery woman since we were doing a suspense film.

Tips Movies had earlier launched Preity Zinta and Amrita Rao both of whom are from advertising backgrounds, you must feel very privileged?
I'm certainly glad to be with them, it's important to be with a good company. Tips Music had opened the door for Preity, Amrita and even Shahid Kapoor. I feel my association with them will bring me good fortune.

Did you always want to be a movie star?
Well yes, I always wanted to be an actor, but I wanted to start with modelling first to see how well I would do there.

You've got an 8 film contract with Tips, can you tell me about your future projects?
Oh no, it would be too early to start talking about that now.

Ramesh and Kumar Taurani are very overprotective of you, why is that?
They were not being overprotective of me, instead they were concerned about me. They wanted to make sure that I made the right step. I would say they cared about me and they wanted to ensure that I had a good journey.

Bobby Deol is said to be quite an introverted guy, did you both get along?
Oh we are both Punjabi - we are Punjab da puttars! Bobby has always been nice to me; in fact Akshaye has also helped me out. They didn't dismiss me just because I was a newcomer; in fact they were patient with me when I had to give retakes.

Do you think of advertising as a good platform for getting into acting?
It is definitely a way of getting into the film industry. I took up modelling and I saw it as a stepping stone for me to get into acting.

Have you ever encountered the casting couch?
I've always been with the right kind of people at the right time. I was first with Elite while I modelled and now I'm with Tips for acting. Both of them are very professional organisations. For a newcomer it's very important to keep good company, that's why being in this profession I've never had to think about the casting couch.

What do you think about girls like Mallika Sherawat, Rakhi Sawant and Sherlyn Chopra who use their sex appeal to propel themselves into the limelight?
Every actress should show their strongest asset whatever they feel it is, if wearing less clothes works for them then so be it. At the end of the day, it is their personal choice.

Would you ever consider stepping into their shoes?
I really just want to be known as a good actress whether I wear a burkha or less clothes.

Branson: I'm no mile-high club virgin

LONDON (AFP) - Richard Branson, the Virgin Atlantic airline chief, lifted the lid on how he joined the mile-high club in a plane toilet, in interview extracts released Sunday.

The British entrepreneur said it was "every man's dream," adding that he had to wipe handprints off the toilet mirror following the high-flying high jinks.

The 57-year-old knight also admits to having tried cocaine, ecstasy and Viagra, in the forthcoming edition of GQ monthly men's magazine.

"I was sitting in economy on a Freddie Laker flight, next to this very attractive lady, as we headed to Los Angeles," said the boss of Virgin Atlantic.

"We got chatting and it went a bit further. And it was every man's dream, to be honest. I was about 19," the tycoon boasted.

"I remember getting off the plane and she turned to me and said, 'Look, it's slightly embarrassing but I am meeting my husband at arrivals, would you mind holding back a bit.' But it was a memorable flight.

"The problem with plane loos generally is that they are very small, and the acrobatics can't take too long because there's no room and people start banging on the door," Branson explained.

"What I remember vividly is seeing four handprints on the mirror as we finished, and thinking I'd better wipe them off."

Branson's Virgin airline has made no bones about using sex to sell seats. It has used slogans including "Hello gorgeous," "Love at first flight," "You never forget your first time," "More experience than the name suggests," and "Extra inches where it counts."

Speaking about his experiences with the virility drug Viagra, Branson said: "I had to tie something around my trousers for the rest of the next day to make sure nothing showed."

He admitted: "I took ecstasy once... but it didn't have a massive effect on me."

Of cocaine, he added: "I suspect I've tried it, yes."

And he said Keith Richards, the hell-raising Rolling Stones guitarist, was the "first person to teach me how to roll a joint.

"I haven't tried skunk (a strong variety of cannabis), I have smoked cannabis though. I went with my son on his gap year, for God's sake. We learnt to surf and had some nights where we laughed our heads off for eight hours."

The Virgin Group chairman joked he would be good at Tantric sex, "but I keep dropping the book."

Branson has combined canny business sense with a gift for self-promotion, and his goings-on have long fascinated British media.

Newspapers have recently linked the flamboyant businessman's daughter Holly with Prince William, who is second in line to the British throne.

But Branson insisted the pair were "just good friends" and his daughter marrying the prince would be "a dreadful idea."

He said: "Nothing against William, but the life the royals lead, and the responsibilities that go with it are very difficult."

Pitt and Jolie Plan Berlin Move

HOLLYWOOD - Hollywood couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are planning to move to Berlin, Germany, so they can bring up their children out of the limelight.

According to reports, Pitt is growing concerned about the health of his partner, who has been photographed looking unwell and underweight.

He also wants their children--Maddox, 5, Pax, 3, Zahara, 2, and baby Shiloh--to grow up in Europe.

Britain's Daily Mirror claims Pitt told a friend, "I want Angelina to settle down somewhere out of the limelight. She's lost a lot of weight recently and our plans are strictly to do with our move to Berlin.

"She wants to leave acting and support me with this. We also don't want our kids to go to school in Hollywood--it will be best if they can go to school in Berlin. We love the city.

"Berlin is so quiet and balanced, away from paparazzi."

Pitt already has one home in the city and is planning a second, which he is designing with his architect friends Thomas Willemeit, Lars Krueckeberg, and Wolfram Putz--who renovated his Los Angeles home.

Pitt says, "Design and architecture has always been my dream. I very much see my future in this, not the film industry.

"We bought one beautiful house in Berlin, and another one I am trying to design myself close to Potsdam.

"I have signed the contracts with two of my German partners and the contract starts in September 2008. I cannot wait."

Vidya Balan becomes sexy

From the very Indian woman in Parineeta to quite a hep look in Heyy Babyy... Planning to shut your critics?
"Heyy Babyy is a fun film and it was fun working on the look and putting it all together. I was nervous at first when my character was explained to me. I had inhibitions of being this glam Western girl, but I soon realized that everything has to do with the way you do it, and how you go about with it."

So fashion designer Manish Malhotra made your life easier?
"Yes. He has done some fabulous things for his heroines. This is the first time I am working with Manish and I was so happy to work with him, particularly on this movie. Hopefully, my look will debunk this myth, that only the classical Indian look suits me."

Has Vidya become more fashion conscious today?
"Actually, yes! I'm not that fashion conscious, but I do know of the basic trends doing the rounds. Also, I never browsed fasion magazines and still don't. But after discussing clothes with Manish, I have to admit that I am more fashion conscious now than I ever was."

The tag line of Heyy Babyy informs us that you make your three co-actors – Akshay Kumar, Fardeen Khan and Ritesih Deshmukh cry. Do you like to make men cry?
"My previous co-stars have all made me cry on screen till now, so it's my turn this time. I'm glad I am making up for the several crying scenes I have done to date. Also I make all those three actors cry, so that's thrice as much vasooli.

Your favourite song from the film Heyy Babyy ...
"It has to be 'Jaane Bhi De'. It's such a hummable song."

Do we see you groove then, and indulge in some hardcore dancing?
"A little bit. But that for me is hard-core, since I haven't quite danced before."

Richie Sentenced to Four Days in Jail

HOLLYWOOD - Troubled socialite Nicole Richie has been sentenced to four days in jail after pleading guilty to driving under the influence.

The 25-year-old was sentenced on Friday morning in Los Angeles Superior Court, where she was supported by her boyfriend, Good Charlotte rocker Joel Madden.

Richie was arrested on Dec. 11 when she was found driving her Mercedez Benz the wrong way down California State Route 134 highway in Burbank, California.

After failing a field sobriety test, Richie admitted to having smoked marijuana and taken a Vicodin painkiller.

In court on Friday, Richie was fined $2,048 and ordered to complete a 21-day alcohol education course. She has also been placed on three years probation.

Richie must serve her time in either the City or County Jail before Sept. 28.

The Superior Court Commissioner warned Richie she had put lives at risk during the incident and if she drove under the influence again and killed someone, she could be charged with murder--not manslaughter.

Richie was previously convicted of driving under the influence in 2003.

In recent weeks, Richie has been rumored to be pregnant with Madden's baby, although neither has confirmed or denied the report.

Bollywood's hot item numbers up

Item numbers were the forte of the queens of oomph, Helen and Aruna Irani.

Now, there are a new breed of girls like Malaika Arora-Khan, Yana Gupta and Koena Mitra, who don't need to be vamps to gyrate to hot item numbers.

Always an integral part of Bollywood, today almost every actress is doing it.

Regardless of the films' fate at the box office, the song usually becomes a rage with the audience. Sushmita Sen's Dilbar created a flutter though the film (Sirf Tum) sank into oblivion. Likewise, Yana Gupta shot to fame with Babuji in the Vivek Oberoi starrer Dum.

So be it Shilpa Shetty's Main Aai Hoon UP Bihar Lootne (Shool), Urmila Matondkar's Chamma Chamma (China Gate), Bipasha Basu's Beedi (Omkara), Aishwarya Rai's Kajra re (Bunty Aur Babli) or more recently Mallika Sherawat's Mehbooba (Aap Ka Surroor), item songs are here to stay.

Eva Longoria Ousts Mischa Barton At BEBE

Eva Longoria has just been named the new face for the fashion designer label BEBE. Fresh off the heels of her fairytale wedding to NBA superstar Tony Parker, it appears that the Desperate Housewives actress has taken the next step up the ladder on her rise to the top.

The first glimpse that Eva’s fans are getting of her as the new face of BEBE is for an upcoming ad campaign. The ad features Eva dressed in a black and white swimsuit and heels that definitely make her stand out.

As with almost every opportunity in the glamour world, one person’s success comes at the expense of another. And that is exactly what happened at BEBE. Mischa Barton was the previous face of the company, as she had been signed while skyrocketing to fame on the hit TV show The OC. However, Mischa’s career has recently had a few stumbles and it appears that BEBE has decided to trade up in the celebrity endorsement game.

As you look at the ad campaign pictures, it is readily apparent why BEBE chose Longoria as the celebrity to showcase their products to the public. With nothing but blue sky in front of her, it’ll be interesting to see what challenge Eva takes on next.

Anne Hathaway Ditches Good Girl Image

If you were under the impression that Princess Diaries actress Anne Hathaway was a goody-goody, you may want to cover your eyes. She’s dispelling those notions in a recent interview with Marie Claire magazine.

The Havoc star says that she doesn’t mind shedding her clothes for the camera. “I don’t actively search for (movies) that I can get naked in. It’s not the most fun requirement of the job, but nor is it something that I would ever NOT do a job because of. It is what it is. Some people choose not to do it on moral grounds; I think that’s a shoddy argument.”

In fact, Hathaway went topless in both Havoc and Brokeback Mountain, but turned down the lead role in Knocked Up because, “it was going to show a v****a – not mine, but somebody else’s. And I didn’t believe that it was actually necessary to the story.”

Hathaway enjoys making people cringe by sharing how “not a prude” she is. “I love (the band) Peaches. When people are all like, ‘Do you think you have a squeaky-clean image?’ I’m like, ‘Could a squeaky-clean girl know all the lyrics to ‘Teaches of Peaches’? I mean, my favorite song is called (Eff) the Pain Away.’”

Beyoncé falls during Florida gig

Beyoncé has shown even divas have their off days after taking a tumble during a show in Florida.

The Crazy in Love singer was making her way down a flight of stairs of stage before dropping face first in front of the crowd as she performed her song Ring the Alarm.

But she quickly bounced back up and continued with the performance, like the consumate professional she is.

She's the second Destiny Child to suffer a fall during a performance in recent weeks.

Kelly Rowland was performing in Nigeria earlier this month before collapsing on stage as a result of dehydration.

She was taken to a nearby hospital before being given the all-clear.

Celebrities Showing their Body Tattoos

Drew Barrymore

The array of tattoos Drew Barrymore possesses displays the actress’ wild streak। With tattoos of a cross on her ankle, a butterfly under her belly button, angels on her back, a blue moon with smile and star on her right foot and flowers on the inside of her left hip bone - all these works of body art together tell the tale of this little rebel।

Lindsay Lohan

The ‘Mean Girls’ star seems to have just began her tattooing career। She got herself a tattoo on her lower-back that says ‘La Bella Vita’ which means Life is Beautiful… we wonder she was referring to the film? She also has a tattoo ‘Breathe’ which is inked in white, it’s said that is a John Lennon tribute। And strangely she’s also got herself a reddish tattoo on the back of her neck with a “?” mark। Well, thinking about the motivation behind that tattoo just leaves us full of question marks।/left]

Pamela Anderson

Amusingly true, Pamela had tattooed the name of her husband Tommy Lee on her finger। But after their split she changed Tommy to Mommy। Further more, Pamela believes tattoos have a story to tell it makes you wonder what story hers’ conveys। If there’s a lesson in this, it’s that you’re better off tattooing the names of your children - at least they’ll stick around!

Anna Kournikova

Anna got herself a tattoo of the sun on the lower back। The tennis player then attempted to have it covered during her matches by concealing it with a tape। But a slip up during one of her matches sent photographers into a clicking frenzy। Luckily for her, the sports authorities didn’t mind the young Russian’s body art stating that it was a personal choice।

Beckhams get starry welcome-to-LA party

LOS ANGELES - David Beckham attracts Hollywood stars the same way he draws defenders on the soccer field. In large numbers.

A glittery array of actors and entertainment world luminaries turned out Sunday for what was billed as an official welcome-to-Los Angeles party for the international soccer icon and his wife, Victoria Beckham.

With Tom Cruise and Will Smith playing co-hosts for the invitation-only bash at the Museum of Contemporary Art's Geffen Contemporary gallery, the guest list was long and deep.

Ron Howard and producer Brian Grazer were among the first to arrive. Brooke Shields was there. Eva Longoria showed up, followed by "American Idol" creator Simon Fuller, who managed the Spice Girls pop group that made Victoria Beckham famous.

Wesley Snipes and Quincy Jones came to welcome the soccer star, as did Bruce Willis, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher. Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy stopped to pose for the throng of international paparazzi.

The Beckhams arrived with Cruise, accompanied by his wife, Katie Holmes, and Smith, with his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Cruise flew in from Germany, where he is shooting his newest film, "Valkyrie."

For the British Beckhams, it was a taste of classic Hollywood. A red carpet was rolled out at the entrance. A small army of police patrolled streets for blocks, keeping gawkers at a distance. There were limousines and TV cameras by the dozen. Helicopters thumped overhead.

Inside, the warehouselike venue was transformed with couches, elaborate lighting and floral arrangements into a glittery nightclub. Music blared.

Beckham, hindered by a nagging ankle injury, played only 12 minutes in his debut Saturday as a Los Angeles Galaxy player. The Galaxy lost to Chelsea 1-0, but that didn't dampen the spirits of the sold-out crowd, whose cheers were so loud Beckham admitted to being "a little bit embarrassed at times."

`Chuck & Larry' has box-office edge

In this photo provided by Universal Pictures, actors Adam Sandler, left, Jessica Biel, center, and Kevin James attend a special screening saluting New York Firefighters of 'I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry', in New York,

LOS ANGELES - Two guys named Chuck and Larry edged out a teenager named Harry at the weekend box office. Adam Sandler and Kevin James' comedy "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry" overcame bad reviews to debut ahead of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," according to studio estimates Sunday. But they were close enough that there was a slight chance rankings could change when final weekend figures come out Monday.

Universal reported that "Chuck & Larry" took in $34.8 million, while Warner Bros. reported "Order of the Phoenix" at $32.2 million. Other studios were tracking "Chuck & Larry" in the $33 million range, which could make the No. 1 movie too close to call.

"I think it'll be decided Monday morning," said Dan Fellman, head of distribution at Warner Bros.

Universal head of distribution Nikki Rocco said the weekend was no contest.

"I'm not going to underestimate Adam Sandler and his fan base in the middle of summer," Rocco said. "We're by far the No. 1 film."

New Line's musical "Hairspray," featuring John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and Queen Latifah in an adaptation of the Broadway smash, opened a strong No. 3 with $27.8 million.

Hollywood had a solid weekend no matter which movie ends up No. 1. The top 12 movies took in $147.6 million, up 3.5 percent from the same weekend last year, when "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" was No. 1 with $35.2 million.

To report weekend numbers, studios use actual grosses from Friday and Saturday and make estimates for Sunday based on past performance of similar movies. Being the first report on weekend business, the estimates draw more audience attention than Monday's final figures, so the No. 1 spot Sunday is a coveted position.

"These estimates are in some ways more important than the final Monday figures," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Media By Numbers. "They're often the first impression and for some people maybe the only impression they have of the box office for the weekend."

"Chuck & Larry" stars Sandler as a firefighter who poses as a gay partner for a widower colleague (James) so his pal can maintain life insurance for his kids.

The movie followed the usual pattern for Sandler comedies: Critics trashed it but loyal fans turned up.

"The beauty of Adam Sandler is his fan base adores him, and he delivers on comedy," Universal's Rocco said. "Adam is a star, and I can tell you we know we're on the way with another $100 million movie for Adam."

"Order of the Phoenix," which debuted at No. 1 the previous weekend, raised its domestic total to $207.5 million.

Fellman said the movie lost some business this weekend because of the mania over Saturday's publication of J.K. Rowling's final book in the fantasy series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."

"They wanted to get that book Saturday, lock themselves in the house and read it, because they didn't want their other friends by Monday telling them who made it and who didn't," said Fellman of Warner Bros.

"Hairspray" follows the musical adventures of a tubby teen (newcomer Nikki Blonsky) who sets out to racially integrate a TV dance show in the 1960s. The stage musical on which it is based was in turn adapted from John Waters' 1988 cult flick.

Women made up just over two-thirds of the "Hairspray" audience, said David Tuckerman, head of distribution for New Line. The studio hopes good word of mouth will keep the crowds coming and bring in more men in subsequent weekends, Tuckerman said.

"We knew getting the guys on opening weekend was going to be difficult. We knew `Chuck & Larry' would get the guys and we wouldn't," Tuckerman said.

In limited release, Fox Searchlight's sci-fi tale "Sunshine" opened to big numbers, pulling in $235,477 in 10 theaters. Directed by Danny Boyle ("Trainspotting," "28 Days Later"), the film stars Cillian Murphy and Michelle Yeoh as members of a space crew trying to re-ignite the dying sun 50 years from now.

"Sunshine" expands to about 400 theaters Friday.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. Final figures will be released Monday.

1. "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry," $34.8 million.

2. "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," $32.2 million.

3. "Hairspray," $27.8 million.

4. "Transformers," $20.5 million.

5. "Ratatouille," $11 million.

6. "Live Free or Die Hard," $7.3 million.

7. "License to Wed," $3.8 million.

8. "1408," $2.6 million.

9. "Evan Almighty," $2.5 million.

10. "Knocked Up," $2.3 million.

Mayor Won't Proclaim Ike Turner Day

Mayor Won't Proclaim Ike Turner Day

Ike Turner will have the stage, but not the day, when he performs in St. Louis in September.

Mayor Francis Slay has turned down a request to make Sept. 2 "Ike Turner Day." The 75-year-old singer is scheduled to perform that day at the Big Muddy Blues Festival.

Cathy Smentkowski, an aide to Slay, said that when the request "was brought to the mayor's attention, he did not feel comfortable issuing it." She declined to elaborate.

"We were only looking to celebrate his contributions to the music industry. Many entertainers have checkered pasts," festival director Dawne Massey told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "He helped put St. Louis rhythm and blues on the map."

Turner's past troubles include a 17-month stint in jail on a 1990 drug conviction.

He was depicted as a violent and abusive husband in "What's Love Got to Do With It," a 1993 movie about ex-wife Tina Turner's life. In his 1999 autobiography, he disputed the movie's characterization of him.

Once a fixture of the nightclubs around St. Louis, Ike and Tina Turner met at a show in East St. Louis, Ill. They married and toured together before ending their tumultuous relationship in the late 1970s.

Bridget Brennan, executive director of the St. Louis Healthy Marriage Coalition, was among those who didn't want the mayor to honor Turner.

"We believe there is a zero tolerance for any kind of violence," Brennan said. "We would not want to honor someone who has publicly stated they have hit their wife."

Scott M. Hanover, a manager at Thrill Entertainment Group, which represents Ike Turner, said it was a "shame" that Turner's troubled history still follows him.

"People are living in the past," Hanover said. "They don't know the man I know. This ain't 1962."

Turner won a Grammy for his 2006 album, "Risin' With the Blues."

Lohan surrenders to police in May crash

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -Lindsay Lohan turned herself in to face charges of driving under the influence in connection with the Memorial Day weekend hit-and-run crash that sent her into rehab.

Accompanied by her attorney, the 21-year-old actress surrendered at the Beverly Hills Police Department Thursday afternoon to be fingerprinted and photographed, Officer Brian Ballieweg said.

Lohan's blood-alcohol level at the time of the crash was above California's 0.08 percent legal limit, Ballieweg said. He wouldn't disclose how high it was. She is also faces a misdemeanor charge of hit and run, he said.

Lohan was released on her recognizance. A court date was scheduled for August 24.

A message left early Friday with her publicist was not immediately returned.

Lohan and two other adults were in her 2005 Mercedes SL-65 convertible when she lost control and crashed into a curb and shrubs on Sunset Boulevard on May 26, police said.

Lohan got into a second car and was driven to a hospital in Century City for minor injuries, police said. The others in her car were not hurt.

Officers received a 911 call about the accident and traced her to the hospital.

Last week, Lohan checked out of a rehabilitation center after more than six weeks. It was her second stint in rehab this year. She said in January she had checked into rehab for substance abuse treatment.

The surrender was first reported by TV's "The Insider."

Fame Junkies – Volume 11: Having Your Own Celeb BFF

He just makes you feel so very comfortable.

She just brightens your day with her smile.

Do you ever have the uncanny feeling that Tom Hanks or Julia Roberts is an actual friend of yours? This is no coincidence. For years, Hollywood producers have looked for actors that have "best friend" appeal to star in their movies. Consider the case of Tom Cruise.

In my youth, I can remember watching the movie Risky Business and thinking offhandedly that Joel Goodsen, the character played by Tom Cruise, would be a great friend to have. According to the movie’s producer, Steve Tisch, this inspired feeling was no coincidence.

Tisch, a tall man with a strong sailor’s jaw and closely cropped graying hair was about to share some secrets of the trade with me. During his many years in Hollywood, he’s earned a reputation as successful producer of movies such as: Forrest Gump, Snatch, American History X and Risky Business.

Perhaps more than anything else, however, Tisch is known as the producer who ‘discovered’ mega-celeb Tom Cruise.

As Tisch recalls it, he and his partner Jon Avnet had spent months looking for the perfect actor to play the lead in the movie Risky Business. One day Tom Cruise walked into his office--and almost instantly, Tisch knew that he had found his actor. Tisch insists that the secret to Cruise’s magnetic appeal is the fact that, on top of being a heartthrob, he is almost universally ‘likeable.'

"Unlike many other talented actors who have emerged over the last twenty years, Tom Cruise will get the girl in the audience; but he will also get the husband or the boyfriend, because they want to be his pal. The girls love him; but the guys aren’t threatened by him. That’s key. Cruise is cool--but not so cool that he would ignore you. He is endearing, charismatic, warm and funny, without ever being threatening. You would let this guy drive your girlfriend home after school. What it comes down to is that this is a guy who you’d want to bring home and introduce as your new best friend."

What’s really interesting is that the "celebrity best friend effect" may be enhanced or intensified when we--the viewers--are feeling lonely or alienated. Indeed, a recent study by professor Jean Twenge at San Diego State University suggests that we use celebrities as a coping mechanism when we can’t or don’t expect to connect with others.

In Twenge’s study, a group of college students was given a personality test. Unbeknownst to the students, Professor Twenge never actually used the test results to determine ‘what’ student was ‘which’ personality type. Instead, she and her colleagues then randomly divided the college students into two basic groups. The first group, which was called the "Future Belonging" group, was told that their personality tests foretold a future with a strong network of friends and loved ones. The second group, which was called the "Future Alone" group, was essentially told to expect a life of loneliness and isolation.

After receiving this mixed bag of news, all of the student subjects were given a choice: They could either spend the next few minutes filling-out a health questionnaire to then, right afterwards, receive valuable feedback about their physical health--or they could simply read People magazine or Entertainment Weekly. Overall, the members of the "Future Alone" group were more than twice as likely to choose the celebrity magazine option than did the "Future Belonging" group. So, although one would be inclined to think that the "Future Alone" students would be intimidated by the predicted ‘reality’ of being unaided later in life--and would thus choose an option where they’d benefit from knowledge about their physical health, they chose otherwise.


In this and other related experiments, Twenge concluded that our relationship with celebrities, like our relationships with family members, offers us a special coping mechanism to ward off feelings of loneliness and aggression. According to her, this possibility really became clear to her when, in another study, she asked her subjects to write an essay on their favorite celebrities. Time and again she was struck by the warm, personal tone of these essays.

Based on both Twenge’s and Tisch’s information, it became quite clear that celebrities help fill the gap of a much-needed comfort zone, generally provided to us by good friends, who will ‘always be there’--and upon whom we can depend. The celebrity needs to feel as if they’re within our reach.

From the expressive essays Twenge received from her subjects, she ultimately concluded, "It didn’t sound like they were talking about celebrities," she told me. "It sounded like they were talking about their best friends from the third grade."

Twenge’s observation struck me as quite funny because I was actually eight years old when Risky Business debuted. So, in a manner of speaking, I suppose Tom and I have been best friends since the third grade.

This was adapted from the new book, Fame Junkies. Read the hot, page-turning exposé that everyone in Hollywood is talking about! Purchase a copy of FAME JUNKIES for a discounted price on Buy.com right now.

Mendes, Mara & Milla Bare All for Magazine Spread

Mendes, Mara & Milla Bare All for Magazine Spread

HOLLYWOOD - Eva Mendes, Kate Mara, Joss Stone and pregnant Milla Jovovich are among the stars baring all for a provocative new Jane magazine shoot.

The ladies agreed to disrobe for a series of sexy snapshots in the publication's upcoming "Body" issue.

Actress Mendes, who appears topless on the cover, covering her breasts with pink flowers, admits she was honored to be asked to appear in what will be Jane's final issue.

She says, "It's such a girl-friendly magazine and I feel completely honored to be on the cover and just really comfortable in my skin... I worked really hard for my body and I'm really happy with it."

Eva Mendes

Young, talented and beautiful, Latino actress Eva Mendes rose to stardom on sheer luck and timing. Just five years prior to her starring role in “2 Fast 2 Furious” (2003), the sequel to the unexpected hit, “The Fast and the Furious” (2001), Mendes wasn’t even thinking about an acting career, much less actively pursuing one. But fortune shined it’s light on the energetic actress, and with her passion and zest for life, seized the moment and never looked back....

Full Biography

Young, talented and beautiful, Latino actress Eva Mendes rose to stardom on sheer luck and timing. Just five years prior to her starring role in “2 Fast 2 Furious” (2003), the sequel to the unexpected hit, “The Fast and the Furious” (2001), Mendes wasn’t even thinking about an acting career, much less actively pursuing one. But fortune shined it’s light on the energetic actress, and with her passion and zest for life, seized the moment and never looked back.
Born on March 5, 1978 in Miami, Mendes moved to Los Angeles with her family when she was two years old. Of Cuban descent, her parents fled the island in 1959 before the revolution, but ultimately split when Mendes was ten. Her mother worked as an accountant to support the family, and was very strict on Mendes and her three elder siblings. Mendes later attended Cal State Northridge where she majored in marketing, though she wasn’t terribly interested in the subject.

Then a stroke of dumb luck changed her life forever: her neighbor—a photographer—took a photographs of her at a garage sale. When the photographer was applying for a job, a casting agent noticed the pictures of Mendes and asked to meet her. Mendes was called into their office and was soon cast in her first movie, the straight-to-video release “Children of the Corn V: Field of Terror” (1998). The experience wasn’t a good one for Mendes: her performance was, according to her, “horrific.”

Determined not to let her career be defined by a cheesy horror flick, Mendes joined a few acting classes and spent the next few years in serious study of her craft. Along the way, she landed a few roles in commercials and music videos, including Will Smith’s “Miami” and Aerosmith’s “Hole in My Soul.” Mendes also continued to appear in less awful movies, including “Night at the Roxbury” (1998), starring SNL regulars Will Farrell and Chris Kattan, and “Urban Legends: Final Cut” (2000), with Jennifer Morrison and Matthew Davis.

Her break-out role, however, was in the critically acclaimed “Training Day” (2001), starring Oscar winner Denzel Washington. Though her role as Washington’s girlfriend was small, it was memorable; in a film revealing the acting chops of its lead actors, Mendes revealed something a bit different: her entire body. Mendes went on to appear in Steven Seagal’s comeback actioner, “Exit Wounds” (2001), co-staring rap star DMX. She also had a supporting role in “All About the Benjamins” (2002), a diamond heist comedy starring Ice Cube and Mike Epps. Then came her star turn in “2 Fast 2 Furious”, co-starring Paul Walker and Tyrese.

Mendes played a U.S. Customs agent who recruits Walker and Tyrese to ensnare a drug kingpin. Her flare for action led Paul Rodriguez to cast her in the third installment of his Mariachi trilogy, “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” (2003), in which she played a duplicitous Mexican Federale to Johnny Depp’s rogue CIA agent. Then the actress reunited with Washington for director Carl Franklin’s thriller “Out of Time” (2003), playing the estranged wife of Washington’s Florida chief of police whose life falls apart when he becomes embroiled in a murder investigation. To top off her career, Mendes became a spokesmodel for Revlon. As she became more a presence in the pop culture, her on-screen profile rose as well with her winning starring role as Will Smith's love interest, a gossip reporter unknowingly falling for a relationship consultant she's also pursuing a story about, in the romantic comedy "Hitch" (2005).

In the dark romantic comedy “Trust the Man” (2005), Mendes delivered a strong supporting performance as an old college friend who engages in an affair with a man (Billy Crudup) trapped in a dysfunctional relationship with a longtime girlfriend (Maggie Gyllenhaal) looking to start a family. Mendes raised her profile significantly with the blockbuster comic book adaptation “Ghost Rider” (2007), playing the childhood sweetheart of a superstar stunt motorcycle rider (Nicolas Cage) who made a deal with the devil to protect his loved ones and finds himself paying his due by being unwillingly transformed into a flame-skulled bounty hunter of rogue demons. She then retreated the low-budget confines of “The Wendell Baker Story” (shot in 2005; released in 2007), the directorial debut of brothers Andrew and Luke Wilson about a good-hearted conman (Luke Wilson) who—after being released from prison—finds a job at a nursing home, only to lead a spirited rebellion against the home’s evil nurse (Owen Wilson).


Kate Mara

As a child, actress Kate Mara knew American football like the back of her hand, but after developing an infatuation with acting, opted to pursue a career away from her distinguished sports pedigree. A petite redheaded beauty – equal parts football and theater maven – she began her career in minor TV and film roles, but came to prominent recognition with a mix of intense action-heavy work, most notably on Fox’s “24” (2001- ), and in sensitive film dramas such as “Brokeback Mountain” (2005) and “We Are Marshall” (2006)....

Full Biography

As a child, actress Kate Mara knew American football like the back of her hand, but after developing an infatuation with acting, opted to pursue a career away from her distinguished sports pedigree. A petite redheaded beauty – equal parts football and theater maven – she began her career in minor TV and film roles, but came to prominent recognition with a mix of intense action-heavy work, most notably on Fox’s “24” (2001- ), and in sensitive film dramas such as “Brokeback Mountain” (2005) and “We Are Marshall” (2006).
Mara was born on Feb. 27, 1983 in the Westchester County, New York town of Bedford. There, she was raised along with three siblings – older brother Daniel, younger sister Patricia and younger brother Conor – by the parents of an NFL dynasty. Mara’s father, Chris Mara, was a VP of player evaluation for the New York Giants. Her grandfather, Wellington, owned the team, which her great-grandfather Tim originally founded. On her mother’s side, Mara’s great-grandfather, Art Rooney, was equally established in the sport, having founded the Pittsburgh Steelers.

With a childhood that was anything but ordinary, Mara’s Sundays were often spent in a family routine of church followed by football games at Giants Stadium – before many of which, the teenager was often called upon to sing the national anthem. At the age of nine, Mara informed her mother she wanted to act after becoming enthralled with a performance of “Les Miserables.” Her interest in musicals, which her mother aided through trips to Broadway, only grew. She had acted in a school play, but in 1997, at age 14, her mother – after persistent prodding – agreed to help her land an agent. This led to Mara’s first professional job that year on NBC’s “Law & Order” (1990- ).

Mara continued to act while remaining a student at Fox Lane High School and, in 1999, had parts in both an independent and a studio film. As Jessica Chandler, the congresswoman’s daughter of “Random Hearts” (1999), she found her introduction to mainstream movie audiences while logging screen time in the smaller Sundance favorite “Joe the King” (1999). Continuing to appear in guest spots on television, by the time she was ready to graduate high school one year early, she had been accepted into New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, but ended up deferring for several years, as she was already working professionally.

Having racked up a slew of small screen guest appearances, Mara found her first lengthy recurring arcs in 2003. The roles provided a dramatic challenge – first, as she played a girl impregnated by her piano teacher on The WB’s “Everwood” (2002-2006), then as Vanessa, a lesbian teen engaged in a bisexual love triangle on FX’s plastic surgery drama “Nip/Tuck” (2003- ). That year, she also fulfilled her dream of hitting the professional stage, making her debut at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in John Guare’s “Landscape of the Body.” Despite her preference for the East Coast, Mara soon decided to head west to Los Angeles, looking to further pursue her onscreen prospects.

By 2005, Mara’s onscreen appearances had reached loftier heights. Though her role was small, she made an important late entry in the film “Brokeback Mountain” as Alma Del Mar Jr., the grown daughter of cowboy Ennis Del Mar, a character instrumental in helping tie the film’s emotional threads together. Playing her father, actor Heath Ledger was by then an elderly figure onscreen, but offscreen, Mara was barely four years younger than her co-star. The following year, she originated the role of Shari Rothenberg, a shifty CTU computer analyst/chemicals expert on Fox’s “24” (2001- ). Mara had the series audience appropriately hissing – the result of unenviably replacing fan favorite character Edgar Stiles. Though Sheri was pegged as somewhat villainous, Mara’s transition into the big screen summer film “Zoom” (2006) allowed her to play a heroine as the telekinetic teenager named Wonder.

Just after her grandfather, Wellington, passed away in late 2005, Mara read the screenplay for “We Are Marshall” (2006), the true story of a small West Virginia town decimated by the loss of its cherished college football team in a plane crash. She knew she wanted to be a part of the production, as she had been moved by the story’s message about the importance of adversity and of the sport itself to small town American life. Mara channeled her own grief into the role of Annie Cantrell, a cheerleading waitress whose fiancé was one of the fallen players.

It was her ability to tap into lost love that also came in handy when she was approached for Paramount Pictures’ “Shooter” (2007), which brought about her biggest leading role to date. It was a tough shoot, with Mara’s Sarah Fenn, a Marine spotter’s widow, coaxed into aiding his best friend in solving the truth behind a presidential assassination. The movie provided her with some physical challenges to go with the character drama – among them, a week filming exteriors perched high on a Canadian glacier. For the actress on the ascent, it was a fitting place to be.


Joss Stone

Milla Jovovich

An exotic beauty with high cheekbones, striking blue eyes and a saucy demeanor, Milla Jovovich started modeling as a child. By the time she was 12, she was photographed by Richard Avedon as one of Revlon's "Most Unforgettable Women in the World". The Kiev-born Jovovich segued to the big screen in the campy "Two-Moon Junction" (1988) and landed her first starring role as the turn-of-the-century young woman stranded on a South Seas island in "Return to the Blue Lagoon" (1991), the sequel to the 1980 Brooke Shields-Christopher Atkins box-office hit, "The Blue Lagoon"....

Full Biography

An exotic beauty with high cheekbones, striking blue eyes and a saucy demeanor, Milla Jovovich started modeling as a child. By the time she was 12, she was photographed by Richard Avedon as one of Revlon's "Most Unforgettable Women in the World". The Kiev-born Jovovich segued to the big screen in the campy "Two-Moon Junction" (1988) and landed her first starring role as the turn-of-the-century young woman stranded on a South Seas island in "Return to the Blue Lagoon" (1991), the sequel to the 1980 Brooke Shields-Christopher Atkins box-office hit, "The Blue Lagoon". After being wasted as Christian Slater's girlfriend in "Kuffs" and as Mildred Harris in Richard Attenborough's biopic "Chaplin" (both 1992), the actress found that most of her role in Richard Linklater's "Dazed and Confused" (1993) ended on the cutting room floor. Discouraged, she briefly retired from acting to concentrate on her fledgling singing career.
In 1997, she returned to the big screen co-starring with Bruce Willis in the sci-fi thriller "The Fifth Element", directed by future husband Luc Besson. Two years later, before the marriage floundered, Jovovich played the Maid of Orleans for Besson in "The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc", which failed to impress audiences or critics. Her performance as a whorehouse madam in 1880s California in "The Claim" (2000) also divided viewers, but she showed her game side when she sent up Eurotrash models as Katinka Ingabogovinanana in the Ben Stiller comedy "Zoolander" (2001). More obtuse was her turn in the indie "Dummy" (2002) playing a suburban punk rock chick and neighbor to an eccentric young man (Adrien Brody) who can only expresses his inner insecurities through his ventriloquist dummy.

Changing gears to more commercial minded fare, Jovovich became the big screen version of the video game heroine Alice for "Resident Evil" (2002), an action-horror-thriller that, despite critical drubbing, proved to be a box office success, allowing the actress to show her butt-kicking side, along with a titilating amount of skin (She also commenced a romance with writer-director Paul W.S. Anderson that led to an engagement). She would next appear in Bob Rafelson's little-seen noir wannabe "The House on Turk Street" (2002) opposite Samuel L. Jackson and the minor indie romantic comedy "You Stupid Man" (2002) before returning for the 2004 sequel "Resident Evil: Apocalypse."


Eva Mendes

Young, talented and beautiful, Latino actress Eva Mendes rose to stardom on sheer luck and timing. Just five years prior to her starring role in “2 Fast 2 Furious” (2003), the sequel to the unexpected hit, “The Fast and the Furious” (2001), Mendes wasn’t even thinking about an acting career, much less actively pursuing one. But fortune shined it’s light on the energetic actress, and with her passion and zest for life, seized the moment and never looked back....

Full Biography

Young, talented and beautiful, Latino actress Eva Mendes rose to stardom on sheer luck and timing. Just five years prior to her starring role in “2 Fast 2 Furious” (2003), the sequel to the unexpected hit, “The Fast and the Furious” (2001), Mendes wasn’t even thinking about an acting career, much less actively pursuing one. But fortune shined it’s light on the energetic actress, and with her passion and zest for life, seized the moment and never looked back.
Born on March 5, 1978 in Miami, Mendes moved to Los Angeles with her family when she was two years old. Of Cuban descent, her parents fled the island in 1959 before the revolution, but ultimately split when Mendes was ten. Her mother worked as an accountant to support the family, and was very strict on Mendes and her three elder siblings. Mendes later attended Cal State Northridge where she majored in marketing, though she wasn’t terribly interested in the subject.

Then a stroke of dumb luck changed her life forever: her neighbor—a photographer—took a photographs of her at a garage sale. When the photographer was applying for a job, a casting agent noticed the pictures of Mendes and asked to meet her. Mendes was called into their office and was soon cast in her first movie, the straight-to-video release “Children of the Corn V: Field of Terror” (1998). The experience wasn’t a good one for Mendes: her performance was, according to her, “horrific.”

Determined not to let her career be defined by a cheesy horror flick, Mendes joined a few acting classes and spent the next few years in serious study of her craft. Along the way, she landed a few roles in commercials and music videos, including Will Smith’s “Miami” and Aerosmith’s “Hole in My Soul.” Mendes also continued to appear in less awful movies, including “Night at the Roxbury” (1998), starring SNL regulars Will Farrell and Chris Kattan, and “Urban Legends: Final Cut” (2000), with Jennifer Morrison and Matthew Davis.

Her break-out role, however, was in the critically acclaimed “Training Day” (2001), starring Oscar winner Denzel Washington. Though her role as Washington’s girlfriend was small, it was memorable; in a film revealing the acting chops of its lead actors, Mendes revealed something a bit different: her entire body. Mendes went on to appear in Steven Seagal’s comeback actioner, “Exit Wounds” (2001), co-staring rap star DMX. She also had a supporting role in “All About the Benjamins” (2002), a diamond heist comedy starring Ice Cube and Mike Epps. Then came her star turn in “2 Fast 2 Furious”, co-starring Paul Walker and Tyrese.

Mendes played a U.S. Customs agent who recruits Walker and Tyrese to ensnare a drug kingpin. Her flare for action led Paul Rodriguez to cast her in the third installment of his Mariachi trilogy, “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” (2003), in which she played a duplicitous Mexican Federale to Johnny Depp’s rogue CIA agent. Then the actress reunited with Washington for director Carl Franklin’s thriller “Out of Time” (2003), playing the estranged wife of Washington’s Florida chief of police whose life falls apart when he becomes embroiled in a murder investigation. To top off her career, Mendes became a spokesmodel for Revlon. As she became more a presence in the pop culture, her on-screen profile rose as well with her winning starring role as Will Smith's love interest, a gossip reporter unknowingly falling for a relationship consultant she's also pursuing a story about, in the romantic comedy "Hitch" (2005).

In the dark romantic comedy “Trust the Man” (2005), Mendes delivered a strong supporting performance as an old college friend who engages in an affair with a man (Billy Crudup) trapped in a dysfunctional relationship with a longtime girlfriend (Maggie Gyllenhaal) looking to start a family. Mendes raised her profile significantly with the blockbuster comic book adaptation “Ghost Rider” (2007), playing the childhood sweetheart of a superstar stunt motorcycle rider (Nicolas Cage) who made a deal with the devil to protect his loved ones and finds himself paying his due by being unwillingly transformed into a flame-skulled bounty hunter of rogue demons. She then retreated the low-budget confines of “The Wendell Baker Story” (shot in 2005; released in 2007), the directorial debut of brothers Andrew and Luke Wilson about a good-hearted conman (Luke Wilson) who—after being released from prison—finds a job at a nursing home, only to lead a spirited rebellion against the home’s evil nurse (Owen Wilson).

Benoit Passed WWE Drug Test in April

Benoit Passed WWE Drug Test in April

HOLLYWOOD - Late wrestler Chris Benoit passed a drugs test administered by the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) two months before he murdered his wife and son.

Benoit asphyxiated his wife Nancy and 7-year-old son Daniel on June 22 and 23, respectively, before hanging himself a day later at the family's home in Georgia.

Wrestling bosses issued a statement on Tuesday--just hours after the Georgia Bureau Of Investigation (GBI) confirmed Benoit's body contained testosterone, the painkiller hydrocodone and anti-anxiety drug Xanax--claiming the 40-year-old passed their drug test in April.


The statement reads: "WWE understands that the toxicology reports for Chris Benoit indicate that he tested positive for testosterone and negative for anabolic steroids.

"On Mr. Benoit's last drug test in April 2007, administered by Aegis Labs, he tested negative for anabolic steroids and for testosterone.

"Given the toxicology report of GBI, it would appear that Mr. Benoit took testosterone sometime after his April 2007 test and the time he died.

"WWE understands that his dealings with (his personal medic) Dr. Astin are currently being investigated, and WWE has no knowledge of whether Dr. Astin prescribed testosterone for Mr. Benoit at some point after the April 2007 tests."

Steroids found in pro wrestler's body

Steroids found in pro wrestler's body

DECATUR, Ga. - Pro wrestler Chris Benoit had steroids and other drugs in his system when he killed his wife and young son last month and hanged himself in the family's home, investigators said Tuesday.

Benoit's body contained 10 times the normal level of testosterone, which appeared to have been injected shortly before he died, as well as the anti-anxiety drug Xanax and the painkiller hydrocodone, authorities said.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Benoit tested negative for alcohol.

The state's top medical examiner, Dr. Kris Sperry, said there was no evidence of any other anabolic steroids in the wrestler's body, and nothing to show that steroids played a role in the death of Nancy and Daniel Benoit.

"An elevation of that ratio does not translate into something abnormal in a person's thought process or behavior," he said.

Sperry said the boy appeared to have been sedated when he was asphyxiated, and Benoit's wife had a "therapeutic" level of sedatives in her body.

Benoit killed his wife and 7-year-old son, placed Bibles next to their bodies and then hanged himself on the cable of a weight machine.

Anabolic steroids were found in the home, raising questions about whether the drugs played a role in the killings. Some experts believe steroids can cause paranoia, depression and violent outbursts known as "roid rage."

Benoit's wife, Nancy, tested positive for Xanax, hydrocodone and the painkiller hydromorphone. Daniel Benoit had Xanax in his system, authorities said.

The GBI said it could not perform tests for steroids or human growth hormones on the boy because of a lack of urine.

Federal authorities have charged Benoit's personal physician, Dr. Phil Astin, with improperly prescribing painkillers and other drugs to two patients other than Benoit. He has pleaded not guilty.

Investigators have also raided Astin's office several times since the deaths, seizing prescription records and other documents.

Before he was charged, Astin told the AP he prescribed testosterone for Benoit, a longtime friend, in the past. He would not say what, if any, medications he prescribed when Benoit visited his office June 22, the day authorities believe Benoit killed his wife.

Lohan out of rehab: report

Lohan out of rehab: report
Lindsay Lohan has left a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility wearing an alcohol monitoring bracelet after completing a 45-day program, People magazine reported.
The actress, who celebrated her 21st birthday in the rehab facility in the posh seaside community of Malibu, is now attending an outpatient program that includes Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, counseling and daily testing, Lohan's publicist Leslie Sloane said in a statement on the magazine's Web site on Sunday.
"In part, she is wearing the bracelet so there are no questions about her sobriety if she chooses to go dancing or dining in a place where alcohol is served," Sloane said.
"She's doing great. Lindsay is working hard on her sobriety and we are all supporting her," she added.
Sloane told People that wearing the ankle bracelet was a "voluntary" decision by Lohan. The spokeswoman was not immediately available for further comment.
Lohan checked into the Promises Residential Treatment Center in Malibu in late May after crashing her Mercedes-Benz convertible and being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence over the U.S. Memorial Day holiday.
Lohan shot to stardom in Disney films such as "The Parent Trap" and "Freaky Friday," and she has moved on to more adult roles including playing the victim of a brutal kidnapper in the upcoming movie, "I Know Who Killed Me."
But her hard-partying ways have often overshadowed the young star's talent. Last summer, the producer of her movie, "Georgia Rule," publicly took her to task for staying out late and not appearing at the movie's set on time.
Late last year, the tabloid New York Post ran a picture of Lohan and friends Paris Hilton and Britney Spears out partying at night under the headline "Bimbo Summit."

ROLL CALL: Ashton's Magic 'Room' & Britney's Puppy Love

SHE'S A SLAVE FOR DOGS: Britney Spears is reportedly in the throes of "puppy love," as PEOPLE reports that she purchased a $3,000 Yorkie dog this weekend. According to the report, The pop star and her bodyguard headed to Pets of Bel Air in the Glen Center in Bel Air on Friday, and left the store with the dog in hand after only half an hour. A Pets of Bel Air shopper reportedly told PEOPLE that an "excited" Britney went straight to the dog section, where she asked to see the Yorkie. "She picked up the dog and loved it right away, she was incredibly nice and very pleasant," the shopper reportedly said. Spears' latest pet is reportedly named "London." Britney's Yorkie joins another recent addition to her animal menagerie: a $19.99 parakeet she picked up at a Petco last month.

MORE ANTICS FOR ASHTON: Ashton Kutcher's television empire continues to grow. His production company, Katalyst, reportedly has 20 TV projects and about a dozen feature films in development, THE NY DAILY NEWS reports. The executive producer of MTV's "Punk'd" is about to take practical jokes to the next level with the debut of his new MTV series, "Room 401." The show, premiering tomorrow night at 10:00 PM (EST), revolves around unsuspecting people walking into horror scenes created by magicians and illusionists. "We saw a video of some magicians doing some hidden-camera magic," Kutcher, 29, reportedly told the NY DAILY NEWS. "We said, we can do that better than anyone.' We've had a ton of experience in the hidden-camera space." As for the inclusion of magic in his latest project, Kutcher said the idea was inspired by the art of filmmaking itself. "I like magic a lot," he is quoted as saying. "Film is magic, really. We all go to movies and watch things that blow our minds that we never thought were possible. We see things on TV we believe for that brief moment in time. That's what moviemaking and television-show-making is about: Taking things just beyond reality." Producing for TV isn't the only thing on Kutcher's plate -- he's also reportedly planning on playing a substitute teacher in "Miss Guided," a midseason series he's producing for ABC about a guidance counselor.

LINDSAY OVER-EXPOSED?: A fresh-out-of-rehab Lindsay Lohan may have been in the public eye this weekend as she hung out in Vegas, but THE NY POST's PAGE SIX reports that there may soon be more of Lindsay exposed than she'd like. According to the report, Lohan is afraid that nude photos taken of her by former flame Calum Best have been stolen by an alleged computer hacker and will wind up on the Internet. In a posted email exchange on CELEBSLAM.COM, In what Web site owner "Nick" claims to be a G-mail chat between himself and Lohan, Lindsay accuses Nick (or one of his friends) of suggesting that he had the photos in his possession. Lindsay supposedly wrote: "All I know is that someone broke into my computer and left a file on my desktop saying he got the pictures Cal took from me naked." Nick denies that he broke into her computer in the posted exchange. When asked about the alleged photos, Lohan's rep, Leslie Sloane Zelnik, told PAGE SIX, "Anything is possible. I know nothing about it, but her lawyers have been contacted."

LUNCHTIME LOVE FOR 'BETTY': The title character of "Ugly Betty" is about to get some love of her own, as former "Six Feet Under" star Freddy Rodriguez joins the cast as a new love interest for Betty, played by actress America Ferrera. THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER reports that Rodriguez will join the cast of the hit ABC show for its new season in the role of "Gio" (short for Giovanni), a smart, ambitious, aggressive and lovable blue-collar guy who runs the office sandwich cart and prides himself in making each sandwich a work of art. According to the report, it won't be long before sparks begin to fly between him and Betty. It is not yet known if Rodriguez will be a cast regular, or a recurring featured player.

A BIG 'PHAT' HEADACHE?: While "Betty" welcomes a new addition, a celebrity diva is trying to lighten her load by selling her palatial estate. THE NY DAILY NEWS reports that Kimora Lee Simmons, a model-turned-mogul who runs Baby Phat fashions, is selling the New Jersey estate she bought with ex-husband Russell Simmons in 2001. The only problem is, there are reportedly no interested buyers. The sprawling Saddle River estate, featured on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and MTV's "Cribs" and on sale for $23 million, has had no serious offers, according to broker Stephanie Rosken of Prominent Properties Sotheby's International Realty. The "gorgeous home" reportedly has 10 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and two pools, but unloading it has apparently been a challenge. Rosken's Tenafly, N.J., office has received more than 1,000 calls and e-mails about the mansion since it went on the market March 13. But "they are all from those who are curiosity seekers" hoping to get into the luxurious digs, Rosken reportedly said. The mansion reportedly features an indoor swimming pool, 15-seat theater, wine cellar, exercise gym, dining room with gold-leafed ceiling -- and a bathroom with a marble and gold toilet.

Esha Deol: I’m a cool chick who drives a Volkswagen

Esha Deol: I’m a cool chick who drives a Volkswagen

In the middle of an ongoing hectic shoot for her forthcoming film, ‘Hijack’ at a suburban Mumbai studio, Esha Deol took some time out and spoke about her much talked about film ‘Cash’ in a candid chat with Renuka Vyavahare

What is Cash all about?

Cash is a comic thriller which deals with ‘Speed’. Ritesh, Zayed and I are chasing diamonds and Ajay calls for our help to search them too..


What is your role in the film?

I play an Indian based in Cape Town, South Africa. In the movie, I’m this cool chick who drives a Volkswagen and gets caught for speeding all the time! I am this deviant and independent bindaas girl who doesn’t give a damn about rules in life. She is strong, yet extremely stylish and feminine.

Did you enrol yourself in a motor training school in Cape Town for the role?

Yes. Even though I have been driving since I was 13 years old, I had to go undergo training in hand break turns at 180 degree and 360 degrees which were very risky. But I love risks and adventure so enjoyed doing it.


You are quite an acrobat!

Haha (laughs). I have not only done stunts in action scenes but also songs! In a song called ‘Na Poonch’, my choreographer Rajiv made me do a somersault in the air and end it with a split on ground!

Cash being a multi-starrer film, how was it working Ajay, Zayed and co.?

My character had more interactions with Shamita in the film and let me tell you, she has the best abs in the industry. They will even give men a complex! Riteish is the surprise package of Cash though. He is bound to shock everyone in this film.


Does Cash resemble Dhoom?

Cash is about a chase too, so on those lines yes they are quite similar but overall Cash is different from Dhoom.

Also Dhoom will always stay close to my heart as it gave me an identity in the industry.

Sponsors Drop BET's `Hot Ghetto Mess'

Sponsors Drop BET's `Hot Ghetto Mess'

At least two companies have pulled ads from the debut of BET's "Hot Ghetto Mess," a series that critics say puts black stereotypes on display but the channel calls "a blend of tough love and social commentary."

State Farm Insurance Cos. and Home Depot asked BET to drop their ads from the series debuting July 25, trade paper The Hollywood Reporter said Tuesday.

Viacom Corp.-owned BET confirmed that sponsors asked to be removed from the show but declined to specify the companies involved.

Other advertisers remain in place and there are no plans to change the series at this point, the channel said Tuesday.

"Hot Ghetto Mess," also called "HGM," combines viewer-submitted home videos and BET-produced man-on-the-street interviews that the channel said in a release are intended to challenge and inspire "viewers to improve themselves and their communities."

"Is my goal to discuss these issues in a format and context that makes people who don't watch the channel comfortable or do it in a way that engages the 18- to 34-year-old viewer and makes them really think about these things?" Reginald Hudlin, BET entertainment president, told the Hollywood Reporter.

The six-episode series is hosted by comedian Charlie Murphy ("Chappelle's Show"). It's based on a Web site that features photos of men and women, mostly black, with extreme hairstyles and clothing typically linked to hip-hop fashion.

Hotghettomess.com was created by Jam Donaldson, 34, a black lawyer who's also an executive producer on the BET show, the Hollywood Reporter said. On the site, Donaldson calls for a "new era of self-examination."

On TV, "Hot Ghetto Mess" includes people of all ethnicities, a network spokeswoman said.

But the show and the web site have drawn accusations of being demeaning to blacks from critics including What About Our Daughters, a blog and audio podcast that focuses on how black women are depicted in popular culture.

The blog called for advertisers featured on a BET Web page promoting "Hot Ghetto Mess" to withdraw support of BET and its properties, and said it would complain to companies that sponsor the series.

"This is just a latest in a prolonged and consistent pattern of BET profiting off of promoting images that malign and degrade African Americans," a posting on What About Our Daughters said of "Hot Ghetto Mess."

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Ramia Will Get Her Sexy Tag Too

“Like Riya, Raima’ll get her ‘sexy’ tag too”! – Moon Moon Sen

So what if she and her elder daughter Riya, are known for their sex appeal. Ironically, yesteryear actor Moon Moon Sen doesn’t think sex sells! In a candid chat with Indiatimes Movies, the actor says it like it is…

You were known for your ‘sexy’ image. Is Riya following into your footsteps?

Given today’s media hype like Riya, Raima will get her ‘sexy’ tag too! Besides, I don’t think my sexy image overshadowed my acting ability. Beauty and talent goes hand in hand in the industry.


So does sex sell?

No, I don’t think sex sells and never believed this even when I used to act.

Raima is doing well but Riya hasn’t got the scope of showcasing her talent as yet?

Raima is independent and headstrong while Riya is very confident but still a child of our family who needs to be pampered a lot. Overall, I am very proud of their work.


Have you or grandma (veteran actor) Suchitra Sen guided Riya or Raima as far as their career is concerned?
Suchitra Sen has been a great actor but don’t know about how much she inspires Riya or Raima. All I know is both of them never listen to me!

You are returning to films through ‘Bow Barracks Forever’ after a long time. Why?
Many offers have been coming my way but I have been rejecting them. I have worked for 22 years and done it all. Don’t want to take up anything, unless it is interesting. Bow Barracks Forever is a different film and Anjan Dutt, being a good director and a friend, I accepted his offer.


What is your role in the film?
I play an Anglo Indian woman who is unhappy with her husband, surroundings, etc. Since I’ve had Anglo Indian friends, teachers in the past, I was able to copy their accent, mannerisms perfectly.

Also since I am based in Calcutta, Anglo Indians are an integral part of our community there. They are very talented and happy go lucky people who are not overtly ambitious and they live for today.

Women you admire in the industry?
Shabana Azmi and Aparna Sen are extremely talented.