Lyon developing puppet series

If getting skewered by "Roastmaster General" Jeffrey Ross wasn't hurtful enough for a lot of stars, how about once the skewering ended having a puppet? This is the premise "Avenue Q" puppeteer Ron Lyon is developing with "Roasters." Lyon is joining with Thinkfactory Media round the new series through which stars and legendary figures -- either dead of alive, imaginary or real -- get roasted by puppets. No network is presently attached. "I've always looked for out projects that allow me to push the restrictions of entertainment in some manner,Inch mentioned Lyon. "The premise allows for endless fun and creativity. Everyone is fair game." Lyon will professional produce with Leslie Greif, Adam Freeman and Adam Reed.Celebrity roasts are actually popular for Comedy Central throughout the past few years, with Charlie Sheen being the latest roastee. Thinkfactory produces "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" which is coping with History round the miniseries "The Hatfields and McCoys." Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Weather Postpones Game 6 of the World Series; May Push Back Fringe

Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals Major League Baseball officials decided to postpone Game 6 of the World Series due to heavy rain in St. Louis - a move that could spell trouble for Friday night's TV lineup. Game 6 between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers will now air Thursday at 8:05/7:05c on Fox, with Glee repeats scheduled to fill the void Wednesday. However, should the Cardinals win Thursday and force a Game 7, the tie-breaking match-up would air Friday night, delaying the airing of Fringe and Kitchen Nightmares by a week. Baseball rain delay pushes X Factor to Thursday, Thursday's episode to air Sunday The possibility of a Game 7 could also spell serious trouble for NBC, which is launching the final season of Chuck and the new series Grimm this Friday. A similar problem occurred two weeks ago when the American League Championship Series was delayed several hours due to rain, which subsequently forced Fox to air The X Factor the following Sunday.

TLC's Achieve to combine 100 Million Houses Worldwide Inside A Couple of Days

NY -- Cable network giant Discovery Communications' Discovery Systems Worldwide unit will by November. 2 exceed its year-finish target of getting TLC into 100 million houses abroad.our editor indicates TLC Orders 'High Stakes Sweepers' Special'Little People, Large World' Returns to TLC With 4 New Special deals (Exclusive)'NY Ink' Acquired by TLC for Second Season TLC launches in Finland and Portugal the next month undertaking a rollout in Africa, Denmark and Latin America. TLC is going to be available in nearly 170 areas, which causes it to be most likely probably the most broadly distributed female-specific entertainment and lifestyle funnel brand in pay TV, the business mentioned. Overseas, the network provides a combination of worldwide TLC hits, for instance Cake Boss and Sister Partners, and original worldwide series, for instance My Naked Secret, Don't Tell Bride and funds round the Menu, produced by DNI¹s in-house production and development unit. The network will achieve greater than 100 million houses worldwide and 200 million worldwide, mentioned Mark Hollinger, leader and Boss, Discovery Systems Worldwide. "TLC's brand strength and programming diversity has converted into a effective complement for the Discovery Funnel brand -- as well as the strong ratings created by both TLC programming in the united states . States and original series created by DNI's production team are actually getting in loyal audiences in multiple areas around the globe,In . he added. TLC will launch in Finland on November. 1 too as with Portugal every day later. In Latin America, Discovery Travel & Living will finish up Travel & Living Funnel (TLC) by November. 1 and be available to audiences in 38 nations in the region. Captured, TLC launched in 46 nations across Africa via distribution partner Multichoice, the finest pay TV operator in sub-Saharan Africa. TLC also launched in Denmark on March. 6 to a minimum of a million houses. TLC now ranks because the primary worldwide travel and lifestyle funnel in Asia Off-shoreline as well as the top lifestyle funnel in Belgium inside the key women 25-49 demographic. Related Subjects Worldwide Discovery Funnel Discovery Communications TLC 1 2 next last

Susan Sarandon Calls the Pope a Nazi at the Hamptons Film Festival

Susan Sarandon slammed Pope Benedict XVI at The Hamptons Film Festival over the weekend.our editor recommendsMichael Moore, Susan Sarandon Make Appearances at Wall Street ProtestsSUNDANCE: Susan Sarandon Open to 'Bull Durham' Sequel PHOTOS: The Scene at Occupy Wall Street Sarandon was interviewed by Bob Balaban at the Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor on Saturday. She said she sent the pope a copy of the anti death penalty book, Dead Man Walking, authored by Sister Helen Prejean. Sarandon starred in the 1995 big-screen adaptation. "The last one," she said, "not this Nazi one we have now." PHOTOS: The Scene at Occupy Los Angeles Balaban tried to dance around the comment, but Sarandon just made it again, Newsday reports. The audience also laughed. PHOTOS: 10 Entertainers Democrats and Republicans Love to Hate Sarandon also discussed Occupy Wall Street and her run-ins with the NY police Department over the controversial Amadou Diallo case. (Diallo, an immigrant, was shot and killed by four plainclothes police in 1999, sparking outcry of brutality and racial profiling.) Related Topics Susan Sarandon Occupy

Weekend Movie Preview: 'Footloose' Hopes to bop Away With Weekend Crown

Such may be the condition of Hollywood if not one, but two remakes of beloved 1980s classics open on a single weekend. The surprise is that certain of these is really apparently awesome (and it is not 'The Thing'). Can 'Footloose' cut your competition lower or will Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson fly away using the weekend crown? The solutions lie ahead inside your Weekend Movie Preview Countrywide RELEASES 'Footloose' What is the story: A Boston teen named Ren (newcomer Kenny Wormald) moves to some small Midwestern town where dancing continues to be outlawed. There, he falls deeply in love with the edgy teen daughter (Julianne Hough) from the town preacher (Dennis Quaid), and shows everybody how you can... cut loose. (Groan!) (But seriously.) Box-office projection: Your friendly Moviefone editors are totally within the tank for that latest version of 'Footloose,' and often will audiences be too? Possibly. The marketing for 'Footloose' continues to be squarely targeted in the MTV generation (or perhaps is that the Spotify generation?), making the film seem like an ideal mixture of sexy and harmful. Much more important? The Craig Maker-directed film has become fairly outstanding reviews from experts, a thing that might persuade fans from the original to exhibit up alongside their sons, kids, nieces and nephews. With little competition from new releases and 'Real Steel' showing itself like a family film, 'Footloose' may be the destination of preference for couples. Forecasts have been in the $18-to-$20 million range, however the guess here's that 'Footloose' dances away with a little more. $23.4 million [Showtimes & Tickets Mr. Moviefone's Six-Second Review] 'The Thing'] What is the story: A prequel towards the John Contractor classic, 'The Thing' concentrates on a the invention of the alien ship (along with a shape-shifting alien) in an Antarctica research site. Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Ramona Flowers 4eva!), Joel Edgerton and Eric Christian Olsen star. Box-office projection: On one side, we're not really speaking about 'The Thing' unless of course it's to slag the film to be a sacrilegious remake of Carpenter's classic. However: scares and aliens! There's a crowd with this film, one which has seen couple of horror movies since August that they'll rally around. 'The Thing' is not that film either -- return in a few days for 'Paranormal Activity 3,' that ought to explode the somewhat stagnant box office -- consider it's the title value that something similar to 'Shark Evening 3D' did not, expect respectable and unimpressive amounts. $10.a million [Showtimes & Tickets Mr. Moviefone's Six-Second Review] 'The Large Year' What is the story: Three buddies (Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson) compete within the Large Year, a yearly bird-watching event that transmits them on adventures to recognize rare types of wild birds round the country. Directed by David Frankel ('Marley & Me'), 'The Large Year' also stars Rashida Johnson, Angelica Huston, Rosamund Pike, Dianne Wiest and much more. Box-office projection: And also you thought nobody was speaking about 'The Thing'! With three major comedy stars as leads, logic dictates that 'The Large Year' should presently dominate weekend movie talk. It's not is really a potential box-office problem. The film is opening inside a little over 2,100 theaters -- the cheapest quantity of any wide release a few days ago -- and forecasts get it landing within the $6-to-$7 million range. That will rank as cheapest wide-release opening since 'Mixed Nuts' in 1994. Let us give Martin, Black and Wilson the advantage of the doubt and assume the PG rating brings inside a couple of more families than monitoring signifies. $9.two million [Showtimes & Tickets Mr. Moviefone's Six-Second Review] LIMITED RELEASES The way the mighty have fallen? Nicolas Cage and Nicole Kidman lead 'Trespass', that is only opening in 10 theaters. Elsewhere, Pedro Almodovar returns using the mental thriller 'The Skin I Live In' with Antonio Banderas and Mike Worthington leads 'Texas Killing Fields'. [Photo: Universal/Vital/Fox] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Wragg tops RUG

Wragg Barney Wragg has been appointed managing director of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Group.The move follows the previously announced division of the company, wholly owned by Lloyd Webber, with Wragg assuming responsibility for the management and development of all aspects of Lloyd Webber's copyrights including music, film, TV, music publishing, first-class licensing and production, stock and amateur, digital and merchandising.The other half of the organization will maintain ownership and operation of its seven West End theaters and will continue under the guidance of the current management team. Former senior veep of the digital division of Universal Music, Wragg later headed global digital business at EMI. Since 2007 he has run a consultancy developing digital presence with clients including the BRIT awards, Robbie Williams and Adele. He will take up the RUG post fulltime by Dec. 1.Mark Wordsworth, RUG chair, said: "The single defining element of Barney's career has been business development. In his new role Barney will oversee the expansion of 'Brand Lloyd Webber' and all of Andrew's works and creative content into new formats, revenue streams and markets. This is a significant first step in establishing Really Useful Group as a standalone company." Contact David Benedict at benedictdavid@mac.com

New on DVD & Blu-ray, Week of October 11: 'Green Lantern,' 'The Tree of Life' and 'Horrible Bosses'

It's another banner week for home video releases, with an array of options that vary wildly in the absurd towards the sublime: There is the significant tale of 'The Tree of Life' trigger from the nonsense of 'Horrible Bosses,' as the comic realm of 'Green Lantern' is juxtaposed using the fantasy existence of 'Zookeeper' ... and there is various 'B' movies between. Continue reading. 'Green Lantern' How It Is About: Director Martin Campbell -- most widely known for hotshot focus on 'GoldenEye' and 'Casino Royale' -- takes up the roots from the Eco-friendly Lantern with mixed results. The Eco-friendly Lamps -- some 3,000 of these, each having a ring that grants or loans him a chance to create anything his mind would ever guess -- happen to be the galactic owners from the peace for eons. That peace is threatened once the worst evil pressure within the world -- Parallax, whose strength is dependant on fear -- escapes its confinement and heads for Earth on its first pause and galactic destruction. Only recently minted Eco-friendly Lantern Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds), a cocky test pilot with fear issues of their own stands when it comes to total apocalypse. Is he going to save the planet and win the lady? You betcha. It's Kinda Like: 'Hancock' meets 'Spider-Man' What We Should Say: Eco-friendly Lantern was among individuals Electricity comic super heroes that edgy fans switched to once they were frustrated using the of a routine of Superman, Batman as well as their minions. The tales were more including, the villains more difficult, the forces more otherworldly. None of the means the film, however. Reynolds is much miscast -- and far too snarky -- as Jordan/Eco-friendly Lantern, another Eco-friendly Lamps are far too Disneyesque (to gold coin a thing to be too cartoonish) and Parallax looks a lot more like a thunder cloud with dreads than the usual devourer of galaxies. There's some awesome effects -- and Blake Lively is definitely nice to possess around -- but typically, 'Green Lantern' is really a dud. &bull Extra supplies: The Blu-ray disc includes a long version from the film, several featurettes, a 'Justice League #1' digital comic, additional moments, and Warner's Ultraviolet Digital Copy, which enables cloud streaming. Rotten Tomato plants Reviews Buy DVD Save DVD for your Netflix queue Watch a clip in the DVD: 'The Tree of Life' How It Is About: This ambitious story of affection, loss and family ties from Terrence Malick, among America's most highly-regarded as filmmakers, informs the storyline of the suburbs Texas family within the nineteen fifties that encounters losing among its sons, an emergency that creates each family member's deep questioning regarding their devote the plan of things. Mom, father, and remaining brother grapple with how they can absorb terrible change while still retaining their dignity and remaining thriving people. It is a tough journey that taxes each member of the family ... and audiences too. It's Kinda Like: 'A River Runs Through It' and 'How our planet Was Made' What We Should Say: Maverick filmmaker Malick has already established audiences and experts seriously divided on that one. Some think it is a masterpiece of lyrical filmmaking others think it is a motion picture journey sorely looking for an editor. We often affiliate with the second. Malick's scope of 1 family's place in the world is really overblown and ambitious he frequently will get lost in images which have little related to the household tragedy at hands. When Malick has the capacity to keep a clear head on his stars (Jessica Chastain because the mother Kaira Pitt because the father Sean Penn because the grown brother), he produces miracle in showing the tenderness and tensions together. However when he thrusts the storyline into imagery from the earth's formation, dinosaurs, and what frequently appear such as the insides of the lava light, he manages to lose his grip on good, tight storytelling. Yet this can be a film that warrants to appear. It is a pure illustration of a director whose vision remains unique and uncompromised. Pitt is really a standout because the stern but loving father. &bull Extra supplies: A behind-the-moments featurette. Rotten Tomato plants Reviews Buy DVD Save DVD for your Netflix queue 'Horrible Bosses' How It Is About: Three working stiffs -- Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day -- possess the worst bosses on the planet, however their economic situations and weak employment market prevent then from giving up. Fed up with setting up with humiliation and (sexual) harassment by the kind of Kevin Spacey, Colin Farrell and Jennifer Aniston, the 3 talk with a hustling ex-disadvantage (Jamie Foxx) to obtain some pointers on getting rid of these ogres and develop an agenda to kill each other peoples boss. Naturally exactly what will go wrong, does, and also the trio soon end up way over their heads in deceit, misconceptions, and mistaken details. It's Kinda Like: 'Strangers on the Train' meets 'Nine to Five' What We Should Say: This mash-from 'Strangers on the Train,' 'Dirty Work,' 'Swimming With Sharks,' 'Throw Momma In the Train,' 'The Demon Wears Prada,' 'The Office,' 'Nine to Five' and 'The Hangover' begins out by promising us the fulfillment of each and every worker's craziest dream: getting despite your nasty boss. It is a dark premise, but while insinuating that revenge is going to be sweet, the film rapidly devolves right into a silly, vapid, nasty wreck havoc on bathroom humor, gratuitous sexual innuendo, and a total waste of several gifted stars. &bull Extra supplies: Erased moments, a few behind-the-moments featurettes. Rotten Tomato plants Reviews Buy DVD Save DVD for your Netflix queue Watch a clip: Other New October 11 Releases: 'Adventures in Pornoland': (2008) A Canadian couple mind to Hollywood to obtain operate in the film industry but unwillingly get involved with the porn biz. 'Arena' (2011) A guy kidnapped from his regular existence is thrust in to the savage realm of an up to date gladiatorial arena where males battle to the dying for that entertainment from the online public. Stars Samuel L. Jackson, Kellan Lutz, Nina Dobrev, Daniel Dae Kim. 'Beautiful Boy' (2010) A husband and wife near separation are equalized through the news their 18-year-old boy committed full of shooting at his college, then required their own existence. Stars Michael Sheen, Maria Bello. 'Cafe' (2010) Per week within the existence of several West Philadelphia citizens -- who congregate from our coffee house -- coping with life's challenges and looking to get things right. Stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jamie Kennedy, Daniel Eric Gold, Alex Vega. 'Judy Moody and also the Not Bummer Summer': (2011) It's summer season despite the fact that feisty, courageous Judy Moody finds herself stuck aware of her annoying brother Stink underneath the careful eye of Aunt Opal, she uses her imagination and inteligence to show a dull summer time right into a fun time. Stars Jordana Beatty, Louise Graham, Jaleel Whitened, Preston Bailey, Parris Mosteller. 'Lunopolis': 2009) Two documentarians accidentally uncover evidence of a concealed city around the moon lived on by people in the future controlling existence on the planet. 'Mr. Nice': (2010) The real story of Howard Marks (also known as Mr. Nice, a cult figure who inspired books and tunes), a middle-class Welsh boy and Oxford scholar who grew to become among Britain's greatest marijuana smugglers and hobnobbed with Hollywood hotshots, Arab riches and IRA honchos until his arrest and eventual 25-year prison sentence. Stars Rhys Ifans, David Thewlis, Chloe Sevigny, Crispin Glover. 'The Princess of Montpensier': (2010 -- France) The most recent directorial outing by French great Bertrand Tavernier sets love and intrigue from the backdrop from the savage Catholic/Protestant wars that ripped France apart within the 16th century. With different novella through the celebrated Madame p Lafayette. 'Terri': (2011) A college principal along with a shy-but-pretty teen girl take an overweight social misfit, Terri Thompson -- the lone caretaker and protector for his seniors Uncle James -- under their wings to assist him find acceptance in class ... and existence. Stars John C. Reilly, Creed Bratton, Jacob Wysocki, Olivia Crocicchia. 'Zookeeper': Kevin James may be the poor man's Dr. Dolittle within this comedy concerning the creatures inside a zoo who offer suggestions about existence and like to their zookeeper to be able to prevent him from departing his job. Stars Rosario Dawson, Leslie Bibb and also the voice talents of Cher, Nick Nolte, Adam Sandler, Sylvester Stallone, Judd Apatow, Jim Breuer, Jon Favreau, Faison Love and Maya Rudolph. Take a look at more October 11 DVD releases at OnVideo.

Smokey Robinson: I Feel Sorry, In A Way For Conrad Murray

First Published: October 11, 2011 6:14 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images LONDON, UK -- Caption Smokey Robinson performs at the Michael Forever concert to remember the late Michael Jackson at The Millenium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, on October 8, 2011Smokey Robinson admitted he has compassion for Dr. Conrad Murray, who is on trial in the death of Michael Jackson. When Access Hollywood guest correspondent Tim Vincent, backstage at the Michael Forever the Michael Jackson tribute concert in Cardiff, Wales, over the weekend, asked Smokey for his take on the trial, currently going on in Los Angeles, the singer and friend of the late superstar called the whole ordeal a tragedy. Well, I just think its tragic. I think its a tragedy. I feel sorry, in a way, for the doctor, Smokey told Tim. He was just so happy to be around Michael Jackson, and to do whatever Michael said whenever Michael said it. Its tragic. Smokey said he continues to miss his friend, Michael, very much. Michael was my little brother. I knew him since he was 10 years old, the music legend said. Ive been watching talent and watching people perform and dance since I was probably two years old. I have tapes of old performers and people like that. The overall picture: He was the best I ever saw. As a singer, as a dancer, as a superstar? Tim asked. The overall package: singing, dancing what he did, he was the best. You know, you can look at the young kids now, and all of them have patterned their shows after Michael. So you can see what an impact her had on the music world, he said. UPDATE: Smokey Robinson issued the following statement to Access Hollywood on Tuesday: I would like to clarify statements I made regarding Dr. Murray at the Michael Jackson Forever Tribute Concert this past weekend. I knew Michael Jackson since he was 10 years old and loved him like a little brother. His untimely death was one of the most tragic events in my life. Let me be clear, I believe Dr. Murray is responsible for Michael Jacksons death through his absolute negligence. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Sony Pictures Passes $1B Domestic In 2011

This weekend, Sony Pictures crossed the $1 billion mark for 2011 at the domestic box office, helped by The Smurfs, Just Go With It, Bad Teacher, The Green Hornet, and Battle: Los Angeles. The studio should clear $1.3 billion With the upcoming Anonymous, Jack And Jill , Arthur Christmas, and 11 days of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo still to go.

Box Office Report: Hugh Jackman starrer 'Real Steel' Wins Weekend with $27.3 Mil

Shawn Levy's Real Steel--starring Hugh Jackman and occur the field of robot boxing--easily capped the domestic box office chart having a $27.3 million opening. Overseas, the DreamWorks movie made $22.a million from 19 marketplaces for any worldwide debut of $49.4 million.our editor recommends'Real Steel': Hugh Jackman Assisted Evangeline Lilly Take it easy on Set (Video)'Real Steel's' Hugh Jackman Would be a Prankster on Set States Co-Star (Video)'The Ides of March': George Clooney, Ryan Gosling Play Politics in New Trailer (Video)Related Subjects•Box Office In The United States, Real Steel been successful in tempting more youthful moviegoers, who've been noticeably absent in the multiplex in recent several weeks. Thirty-6 % from the audience was younger than 18, and 51 percent younger than 25. The film become a huge hit especially to males, who composed 59 percent of individuals purchasing tickets. Additionally, it performed just like a family pic, up 27 percent from Friday to Saturday. PHOTOS: 'Real Steel' Premiere Real Steel, written by Disney, came a b CinemaScore, as well as an A+ from both males and individuals younger than 18. The very best scores should help fuel good word-of-mouth. Costing $110 million to create after Michigan tax savings, Real Steel will require strong legs along with a good showing overseas to be able to recoup its production and marketing costs. Bald eagle Eye, opening at the end of September 2008 to roughly $29 million, continued to cume $101.4 million locally. PHOTOS: 'Real Steel' Start Looking The George Clooney-directed The Ides of March placed No. 2 in the debut, grossing $10.4 million. Clooney also stars within the political drama opposite Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Evan Rachel Wood. Ides of March, costing a modest $12.5 million to create, came a b - CinemaScore. Cold Creek Pictures fully funded Ides of March, with The new sony disbursing. The film narrowly bested Clooney's Michael Clayton, which made $10.3 million in the first weekend in countrywide release. STORY: Box Office Report Card: The Greatest Flops recently Summer time Ides of March become a huge hit heavily to grown ups, with 86 percent from the audience older than 25, although The new sony noted that 40 % was younger than 35. Women composed 58 percent from the audience. Full weekend results are highlighted below. Domestic Box Office 10/7-10/9 Title/Days in Release/Studio/Theater Count/Weekend Total/Cume 1. Real Steel (1), DreamWorks/Disney/3,440, $27.3 million 2. The Ides of March (1) The new sony/Cold Creek/2,199, $10.4 million 3. Dolphin Tale (3) Warner Bros./Alcon/3,478, $9.two million, $49.a million 4. Moneyball (3), The new sony/3,018, $7.5 million, $49.3 million 5. 50/50 (2), Summit/Mandate/2,479, $5.5 million, $17.3 million 6. Courageous (2), TriStar/Sherwood/1,161, $4.six million, $15.9 million 7. The Lion King in three dimensional (4), Disney/2,267, $4.55 million, $86 million 8. Dream House (2), Morgan Creek/Universal, $4.5 million, $14.5 million 9. What's Your Number? (2), New Regency/Fox, $3.a million, $10.3 million 10. Abduction (3), Lionsgate/2,591, $2.9 million, $23.4 million Related Subjects Hugh Jackman Box Office Real Steel The Ides of March

REVIEW: Gosling and Clooney Bring Movie-Star Chops, and Movie-Star Stubble, to The Ides of March

George Clooney’s The Ides of March is an actors’ movie, a picture that gives performers some provocative things to do without necessarily providing a great story for them to hang onto. It’s also a movie made for grown-ups, and Lord knows there are few enough of those around today. But this story of an idealistic young press secretary who finds his principles eroded at the hands of a corrupt Democratic presidential candidate keeps getting in the way of its own chin-stroking: It’s carefully designed to make us think it’s making us think, but in the end, what’s it really telling us? That politics — and politicians — can be dishonest and ugly? Please don’t stop the presses for that one. But at least The Ides of March — which was written by Clooney, Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon, adapted from Willimon’s play Farragut North — is neatly constructed, made with a respectful bow in the direction of classic Hollywood filmmaking. Clooney is sometimes a middling director (Leatherheads) and sometimes a terrific one (Good Night, and Good Luck), but at the least he’s motivated by a desire to tell stories in a straightforward way without excess clutter or showiness. He also knows that even pictures that feature a lot of guys talking (and The Ides of March is definitely one of those) don’t have to be visually dull: Cinematographer Phedon Papamichael sometimes lights and shoots the actors as if they were sitting for Hurrell portraits. At one point I found myself momentarily distracted by a small, artistically lit triangle of stubble below Ryan Gosling’s lip, but my God, what stubble! There’s a time and a place for movie-star whiskers, and this is one of them. Gosling plays Stephen Myers, a canny young go-getter whose eyes glow like greenish-brown coals as he explains what he loves about the candidate he’s working for, Clooney’s Governor Mike Morris. Morris is one of those understated but charismatic figures who can make a rousing speech in a way that makes him sound both progressive and nonthreatening — he’s slippery that way (and, it turns out, in other ways too), but his principles do seem believable and sound. Stephen and Morris’ campaign manager, Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman, playing the kind of guy who balances shrewd efficiency with the appearance that he just rolled out of bed), are trying to steer their boss through a tricky Ohio primary. Meanwhile, a rival campaign manager, Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti), steps in to stir up trouble — with his darting eyes and lizardy smile, he’s a Beltway Beelzebub. And a NY Times reporter — played with hungry-mutt persistence by Marisa Tomei — pumps everyone relentlessly for information they don’t want, or are unable, to give. Stephen works hard, but he plays hard, too, and Lord knows there are plenty of adorable young interns around to help out with that. One of the sauciest, Molly (Evan Rachel Wood, who does a fine job balancing brittleness and vulnerability), flirts with him brazenly, and he can’t resist the bait. They end up sleeping together, and though Stephen hopes to keep things casual, he finds himself drawn in by the desperate secret she’s been keeping. As a director, Clooney orchestrates the action nimbly and with a degree of caginess — he seems to enjoy the process of letting the cat out of the bag only bit by bit. And as an actor, he’s admirably low-key here: He’s a muted presence, ceding everything to Gosling. In return, Gosling doesn’t take the proverbial money and run; he just sort of saunters out the door with it. This is a restrained, simmering performance: When Stephen starts flirting with Molly, he’s so suave he almost makes you forget he’s using every trick in the book — with his slightly downcast eyes and inquisitive smile, he’s like the idea of flirting, personified. The routine is charming as hell, until later in the movie, when Gosling lets us see that Stephen’s ability to get what he wants is hardwired into him — his aggressive ambition is the fraternal twin of his idealism, and it’s far less cuddly. Gosling’s performance is a whispered echo of everything that The Ides of March otherwise spells out. The chief idea here seems to be that even the most promising candidate can disappoint you. That might be a not-so-veiled criticism of our own beleaguered commander-in-chief, but I suspect Clooney intends it as more a rueful observation of the reality of human behavior. The Ides of March doesn’t cut as deeply or as sharply as Clooney might like, but at least he found the right actor to navigate its dark emotional twists and turns. Gosling’s Stephen, whether he’s operating out of deep-rooted integrity or ruthless self-interest, doesn’t seem to know what he’s capable of until he goes and does it. Maybe that’s how most people find their way into politics in the first place.

Hark made Hong Kong an international pressure

Tsui HarkTsui Hark is not entirely at ease with kudos -- because the Hong Kong helmer is delighted to find the Asian Filmmaker of year award within the 16th Busan Film Festival, he sees honours just like a challenge to go to onto bigger and things. Busan planners the helmer recognized for "A Chinese Ghost Story," "Peking Opera Blues," "The Swordsman" and "Seven Swords" remains due to the award as they established Hong Kong film inside the global market and rewrote a history of Hong Kong films."It's an recognition, however i am still thinking for those who have something such as this you have to push yourself and proceed. You have to prove there is a energy to accomplish much like before otherwise better," states Tsui. "The job is always to keep searching forward. I have to satisfy the recognition similar to this but be alert as it is nothing beats something to prove you're safe. I'll continue making movies. I have to make certain to satisfy that standard."Previous individuals who win in the award include Iran's Mohsen Makhmalbaf, Taiwan's Hou Hsiao-hsien and Hong Kong multihyphenate Andy Lau.Tsui does publish-production on his 3d chopsocky epic "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate," which will unspool on Imax in China additionally to standard 3d digital on 12 ,. 18 -- the initial Chinese film to screen in Imax 3d.Picture, concerning the quest for any missing concubine, stars Jet Li, Zhou Xun, Chen Kun, Li Yuchun, Kwai Lun-mei and Mavis Fan, which is co-produced by China Film Group, SMG Pictures, Shine Show Interactive Media and Bona.Tsui developed the Hong Kong New Wave inside the eighties, and runs Film Workshop, they co-founded along with his partner Nansun Shi.Asked for what his favorite movie is, Tsui can get animated. He's a obsessed moviegoer."Movies play a key point in entertaining and inspiration of the individual. It's my job to visit a film that produces that kind of energy.I'm revived with this kind of creativity. I'm always hunting for a particular movie so when that doesn't exist available on the market, i rapidly will endeavour which makes it. It's like cooking something you'd rather eat, it is really an enjoyable process," states Tsui.One factor he's interested in is coming back with other filmmakers' work, like the films of Akira Kurosawa, which is rediscovering him lately."I've checked out him again recently and getting a couple of a few things i missed before. I really like obtaining a new perspective. I will take a look at Truffaut's work, to re-evaluate his work. The most popular films will be ones that signifies something," according to him, adding that "Shanghai Blues," Film Workshop's first production, will almost always mean a great him. "I never prone to own a company.InchCreated in China in 1951, he spent the initial handful of years of his existence in Saigon, Vietnam, and examined film within the U. of Texas in Austin.Among the key occasions within the careers is "Not such a long time ago in China," the initial in many movies featuring Jet Li.China companies are thriving nowadays, a variety of it because of a rise of talent and expertise from Hong Kong. Tsui states he's both positive and pessimistic in regards to the business."On one for reds, China keeps growing screens as well as the market is ongoing to develop, opening several options for filmmakers. Concurrently, you will discover progressively more productions which we require more people to supply professional service and creativity," according to him, adding that the whole process of accumulating the desire require time."I'm a filmmaker hunting for a particular kind of 'realism in creativity,' " according to him. "We as filmmakers will be trying to find new techniques for telling of story. We are always trying to find clues too for new elements and new passion."FEST TRAVELER: BUSAN INTL. FILM FESTIVAL Fest maps new future Regional leader Hark made Hong Kong an international pressure Q&A: Lee Yong-kwan Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Occupy Wall Street: Hollywood Is constantly on the Weigh In around the Protests

On Saturday, the Occupy Wall Street protest brought a march in NY that causedhundreds of busts when a few of the demonstrators blocked passage towards the Brooklyn Bridge.our editor recommendsOccupy Wall Street: What Hollywood Says Concerning the ProtestsOccupy Wall Street: NY Occasions Reporter Arrested Throughout ProtestMichael Moore, Susan Sarandon Make Looks at Wall Street Protests The demos, that have been happening since Sept. 17, will be to protest corporate avarice and corruption. The protests also inspired hundreds of Los Angelenos to get familiar with a march, rally and sleep-in outdoors the L.A. City Hall over the past weekend. Several in Hollywood have previously considered in around the demos, including Mark Ruffalo, Yoko Ono and Russell Simmons. STORY: Occupy Wall Street: NY Occasions Reporter Arrested Throughout Protest On Sunday, many more in Hollywood hit Twitter to chime in around the protests. Included in this was movie critic Roger Ebert, who tweeted: "Wall Street protests spread to La. Individuals are frustrated with thieves." Roseanne Barr considered along with two tweets: "Wall street protesters -dress like bankers-walk around and pay attention to the shiite they are saying-it'll amaze you-overheard in new york city restaurant." She later added: "The significant class of the country were destroyed by wall street because the middle-class was encouragd 2 jeer their way& give them a call lazy #goesaround" 2 . 5 Males co-star Melanie Lynskey retweeted a hyperlink to some column composed by Ruffalo within the Protector meant for the protests. STORY: Michael Moore, Susan Sarandon Make Looks at Wall Street Protests "Sigh. Seriously RT @celiakb: Because I didn't already love Mark Ruffalo enough." Politically passionate filmmaker Michael Moore, who came out in the NY protest,also chimed in, tweeting out a hyperlink for an AP story concerning the demos. "Now over 700 ARRESTED as 1000's descend on Wall Street!" he authored. Professional surfer Kelly Slater, that has made an appearance in a number of surfing-designed documentaries, including Riding Titans and Take On Liquid, thinks the demos are simply a part of bigger occasions in the future. "Does other people obtain the feeling that Occupy Wall Street is only the tip from the iceberg on sides?" he tweeted. STORY:Occupy Wall Street: What Hollywood Says Concerning the Protests Singer-pianist Regina Spektor required problem using the media's coverage from the event. "Occupy Wall Street continues to be quietly protesting, holding general set up, and marching for any week," she authored. "But now getting press once they arrested 700 people ... something is extremely wrong when 100s of People in america gather with no mainstream media really wants to report... Has anybody seen that old movie Network? this really is sad...." Meanwhile, former Whitened House press secretary Ari Fleischer, who now runs a communications company with clients including sports athletes and companies, chimed in: "Ds might have Occupy Wall Street. I'll go ahead and take tea party them over every day.Inch Related Subjects Melanie Lynskey Roger Ebert Roseanne Barr Michael Moore