Mariah Carey, five time Grammy winner, has announced that she will be the newest “American Idol” judge. After meeting with FOX executives on Monday, July 23, Carey joined in a phone press conference to confirm the news.

Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Jennifer Lopez have both already announced that they will not be returning to “American Idol” after being on the show for two years. According to FOX president Kevin Reilly the decision was mutual. Reilly stated, “we both decided it’s time for a change.” During the past two years the show’s ratings have declined a staggering 23%, leaving FOX very unhappy with executive producer Nigel Lythgoe.

According to bestmoviesevernews.com Lythgoe is in danger of losing “American Idol” if he doesn’t revamp the show and up the ratings. Randy Jackson, long-time judge and member of Journey, was also in danger of losing his contract. However, as co-manager of Mariah Carey, he was key in cementing the deal between her and FOX, which also seems to have secured his place as judge. Reilly stated, “Randy has been working with Mariah for a long, long time and is in fact her co-manager. Randy was very instrumental in this deal.”

With several other competitive singing shows out there, “American Idol” is getting lost in time. Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe claimed at the Television Critics Association that one way ratings could be improved is to have new judges on the show each season. This strategy may in fact be necessary with new shows climbing in ratings such as “The X-Factor” which just added Britney Spears and Demi Lavato as judges.

Lythgoe also suggested that there is a chance that J-Lo would return to the show, but Reilly stopped those rumors stating, “I think I can say that’s 100 percent that Jennifer won’t be coming back to the show.” However, everyone at FOX, as well as Carey herself, are very excited about this new addition to the show.

Carey stated in the phone conference, “I am so excited to be joining “American Idol.” I wish I could have been there myself to tell you. This kind of all just happened really quickly. I can’t wait to get started in a couple months… I will see you in January.”

Kevin Reilly, president of FOX also added his support. “It’s the biggest recording artist that any of these shows have ever had. It’s an artist many of these contestants have tried to emulate. [The deal] only concluded only hours ago. Not being the only game in town, we need to keep things fresh.”

Simon Fuller, the creator and other executive producer of “American Idol” stated, “we are proud to have one of the world’s greatest-ever female singers join our show. Mariah defines the word ‘Idol’ and will inspire every singer that has the honor of performing in front of her.”

Hopefully for FOX and for “American Idol” the addition of Carey will guarantee that the show will go on.

Image Courtesy of  Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com

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Taking center stage in ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’ is Mother Nature herself, via the filmmakers’ depictions of: the Scrat-induced continental cataclysm, the ocean upon which the herd is swept away, a vicious storm that puts our three heroes at great risk, and the looming threat of the palisades – an 800-foot wall chasing, and threatening to crush Ellie, Peaches and the other creatures remaining on land.

The word “epic” was at the top of everyone’s mind in the design of these environments and natural disasters. “It is epic when you see a mammoth, Manny, look like a tiny dot atop an iceberg being hurtled through an oceanic storm,” says Thurmeier. “With each new ‘Ice Age’ movie, we take major steps forward in putting our characters in larger, more elaborate, and more thrilling environments.”

Chief among those environments is the vast and unforgiving ocean. To maximize the scale of the characters’ peril – and to sweep audiences along for the ride – the filmmakers employed newly developed technologies. They were successful beyond their expectations: when the voice cast saw some early footage of the storm scene, they thought the filmmakers had filmed an actual ocean, which, they assumed was blended with the animated characters.

The ocean is no less compelling when it’s becalmed. Its rich atmospherics – the mist and mystery of being at sea – are an extension of the characters, especially the pirates, as are the vast, open skies punctuated by cloud formations. To capture the environments, the filmmakers, for the first time in the “Ice Age” franchise, shot in the widescreen aspect ratio of 2:35: 1, which enhances the feeling of the characters being dwarfed by their surroundings.

The ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’ research and development team also developed new technologies for some spectacular land-based locales, including a cave where trees hang from the ceiling, literally turning the earth under the characters upside-down; the ubiquitous threat of crumbling earth and rocks; and the icebergs serving as the ships, each possessing a unique “personality” and color.

Another key filmmaking tool was 3D. Notes Martino: “Our story takes audiences on an adventure, and 3D further immerses them in the story. When Manny, Diego and Sid ride some giant waves during a storm, 3D allows us to place the audience with the characters on the waves, and have them feel like they’re part of the action.”

“We were always looking for new ways to give the audience a really interesting experience, to bring them into the world of ‘Ice Age,’ adds Thurmeier. “You will feel like you’re experiencing everything with the characters, whether they are swashbuckling aboard a ship, or triggering massive seismic shifts from the center of the Earth.”

Image Courtesy of   Ice Age Movie

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The sound design in ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’ is essential to the movie-goers experience. Not only are the sound effects important but so are the songs within the film that continue the message on the importance of family.

As the animation neared completion, the film’s post-production team began its critical work. “Ice Age” veteran and Academy Award winning sound designer Randy Thom created the thunderous sounds of the Earth shearing apart, the concussive force of truck-sized ice chunks slamming into the water, the menacing palisades wall pushing toward the animals, Scrat rattling around inside the Earth’s core, and the charmingly incomprehensible vocalizations of the Hyrax.

John Powell composed the film’s score, reprising some of the themes from the previous “Ice Age” films, as well as creating beautiful new music highlighting the Manny-Peaches emotional dynamic and Manny’s longing to be reunited with his family. Concurrently, finishing touches were put on the songs, including “Chasing the Sun,” performed by the U.K. pop sensation band The Wanted; the the Gutt-centric sea shanty “Master of the Seas,” and “We Are (Theme from ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’).” Ester Dean, who wrote the latter and who made a dual appearance on the soundtrack for “Rio,” notes that the song “sheds a light on the fact that a family doesn’t have to be blood-related or look perfect. But family is family – and that is perfect.”

Indeed, the “Ice Age” extended family is far from conventional, and it’s certainly a distant relative of perfection, but the fact that it is a family is nothing less than ideal. “The message of the importance of family is integral to the ‘Ice Age’ movies,” says Martino. “Audiences around the world enjoy stories about families that work well together. Even though our characters are imperfect, and very different from one another, they always work things out and they’re the better for it.”

So what began in “Ice Age” as the world’s most unexpected herd/family – a prehistoric wooly mammoth, a sloth, and a sabre-toothed tiger – has grown and changed as new members, including a wife, daughter, a pair of “brothers” and a Granny joined the clan. Moreover, Manny, Sid, Diego and the members of their burgeoning group are changing. “They’re all evolving, and we’re along with them for the ride, physically and emotionally,” says Lori Forte. “But however much they change, they’re still the characters we know and love.”

But what of Scrat, whose only family seems to be the cursed nut he’s been after since… forever? “It’s always fun to see how he screws up,” says Steve Martino. “And his screw-ups in ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift,’ of which the global crack-up is only the first, are truly epic.”

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As Manny deals with his parenting challenges, his best pals Diego and Sid are experiencing their own challenges. At first glance, Diego seems to be at the top of his game. He remains a confirmed bachelor and, having battled dinosaurs in the previous “Ice Age” adventure, has reaffirmed his place as the herd’s tough guy. Diego scoffs at the notion that hanging out with Manny’s family has softened him. “I happen to be a relentless assassin!” he roars.

But it wouldn’t be an “Ice Age” film if big changes weren’t in store for our three heroes, including Diego, who meets his match – and maybe more – in a female sabre named Shira, voiced by Jennifer Lopez, one of today’s biggest cross-over stars. Given this important new figure in Diego’s life, it’s not surprising that when asked about the story for ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift,’ Denis Leary, who returns as Diego, jokes: “The story? Diego gets a love interest, played by J-Lo. I think there’s a more intricate plot, but basically that’s the most important thing.”

Leary insists it’s about time Diego found someone to share his life with. “It took only four ‘Ice Age’ movies for me to get a love interest. Believe me, when making the first ‘Ice Age,’ I didn’t look down the road and think, you know, Diego’s going to get a girlfriend and it’s going to be J-Lo. I would have put that in my contract back then if I thought I could have gotten away with it!”

Love is never simple, especially for sabre-toothed tigers. Shira is a member of a pirate crew that has taken Diego, Manny and Sid hostage, so Shira and Diego’s initial encounters are as foes who go toe-to-toe – and sabre-to-sabre – against one another. They are equally matched. “Diego has never encountered anyone like her before,” says Michael Berg. Adds Steve Martino: “Shira is a femme fatale; she’s sharp, fast and intelligent. But they’re more alike one another than either tiger would admit, and from their hostility and attempts at one-upmanship comes a shared point of view and ultimately a relationship.”

According to Jennifer Lopez, who joins the “Ice Age” family as Shira, Diego and Shira are destined to join forces. “The two characters have a similar backstory,” she explains. “Diego left his pack of sabre-toothed tigers in the first film, and Shira had left hers because she didn’t like the pack mentality. Shira felt like she didn’t belong anywhere until she joined the pirates. Eventually she realizes the pirates are out for themselves, and she must make a choice between staying with them or starting a new life with Diego.” And as we all know, Diego can be very convincing.

Lopez was excited about joining the “Ice Age” team, especially as an empowered figure. “’Ice Age: Continental Drift’ is a poignant, fun, exciting and sweet story, and I love playing strong female characters like Shira,” she explains.

The filmmakers were thrilled to get the multi-talented actress-singer-“American Idol” judge onboard. “Playing a character in an animated film is about more than just the actor’s voice,” says producer Lori Forte. “It’s about the attitude, and Jennifer really brings it.”

The film also makes use of Lopez’s singing talents, as she joins her fellow pirates (including Peter Dinklage, Nick Frost, Aziz Ansari, and Alain Chabat) in a sea shanty, “Master of the Seas,” written by Adam Schlesinger (of Fountains of Wayne); and accompanies Nicki Minaj, Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo and Queen Latifah) in the closing song, “We Are (Theme from ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’),” written by Ester Dean.

Image Courtesy of   Ice Age Movie

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The ‘Ice Age’ herd is in a lot of trouble in this latest film of the saga, ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift.’ They’ve been captured by a band of pirates, led by the fearsome orangutan Captain Gutt, voiced by Emmy-winner Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones”). A self-styled king of the ocean and pirate of all pirates, Gutt loves being a brigand and living by the strict code of the sea. He’s earned the name “Gutt” from having big claws that he’s not afraid to use. As Gutt proudly boasts, he can turn your innards into your “outards.” You don’t want to mess with him.

That is, unless you’re Manny, who must challenge Gutt because the pirate captain is standing in the way of the mammoth’s return to his family. They are formidable, evenly matched foes. “Manny and the herd beat the dinosaurs in their last adventure, so we knew we had to come up with a bigger-than-life adversary for Manny,” says producer John C. Donkin. Adds Thurmeier: “Gutt doesn’t like being told ‘No,’ and Manny, being a strong personality, isn’t afraid to take him on.”

Gutt is voiced by Peter Dinklage, whose role as Tyrion Lannister in the series “Game of Thrones” has earned superstardom and accolades. The actor’s rich, deep voice conveys Gutt’s power and gravitas, and Dinklage’s comedic and acting skills bring to life the humor and fun. “What appealed to me about Gutt was that I had never before played a pirate orangutan, and I’m not sure I’ll get such an opportunity again, so when these jobs come up, you grab them,” he jokes about making his animated feature film debut. “I enjoyed playing Gutt’s anger management issues. He’s quick to remind everyone who’s in charge.”

Gutt is a dark version of Manny, especially in their views about family. Manny has become the ultimate family guy – married, with a teen daughter, and a father figure to his extended clan, including Diego and Sid. He believes that family gives you strength. Gutt thinks family holds you back and makes you weak, though as Dinklage observes, his “mates and crew are a version of a family.” So let’s take a look at Gutt’s crew/family:

• Shira (Jennifer Lopez) is the aforementioned beautiful and dangerous sabre-toothed tiger who battles Diego – only to lose her heart to him.
• Flynn (“Hot Fuzz’s” and “Shaun of the Dead’s” Nick Frost) is Gutt’s first mate, a jiggly, gelatinous, 4,000-pound elephant seal. When he comes waddling into a scene, and then stops, his belly continues moving forward! He’s easily the biggest member of the crew, but, says Martino, “he’s also like a kid. Flynn has the enthusiasm of a young child, wrapped in an enormous frame.” Adds Nick Frost: “Flynn always sees the best in people, even Gutt, which is quite a difficult thing to do.”
• Squint (“Parks and Recreation’s” Aziz Ansari) is the pirate crew’s smallest but scrappiest member — an over-caffeinated bunny with a Napoleon Complex. “Squint can’t help it that he’s got a cute little bunny nose, tail and ears,” says Thurmeier. Adds Ansari: “Squint’s always ready to fight, but never gets to chop it up with anybody.”
• Gupta (“The Big Bang Theory’s” Kunal Nayyar) is a prehistoric badger whose back is patterned with a skull and crossbones – the iconic pirate flag, the Jolly Roger. So he makes for a perfect ship’s pennant. Unfortunately for Gupta, his underbelly is white, the color of surrender, which angers Gutt. “Gupta always wants to fly his white side, and nothing ticks off Gutt more than surrendering,” says Nayyar.
• Raz (“Bridesmaids’” Rebel Wilson) is an enormous prehistoric kangaroo and the crew’s weapons master. She’s tall, tough, and despite her gender, the epitome of a burly pirate.
• Silas (“Night at the Museum: Battle for the Smithsonian’s” Alain Chabat) is an aristocratic French seagull – prim, proper, and possessing a strong posture.
• Dobson is a silent, salty and curmudgeonly seaman – and a mumbling and grumbling complainer. He’s the polar opposite of the cheerful Flynn.

Peter de Sève’s ingenious character designs style the buccaneers to look like they’re wearing classic pirate garb or facial hair (Gutt’s craggly beard, Dobson’s mutton chop sideburns, Flynn’s wily whiskers), all of which is actually fur that is groomed, colored and shaped to create the “costumes” and scruff.

This menagerie of pirates, in addition to taking prisoner Manny, Sid and Diego, has forced into servitude guinea pig-like creatures called the Hyrax – cute balls of squishy love that “could very well become the film’s breakout characters,” says Martino. Realizing that the enemies (the Hyrax) of their enemies (Gutt & Co.) could make for formidable allies, Manny, Diego and Sid make a deal with the Hyrax: if they help steal Gutt’s ship, which Manny hopes will return him to his family, the herd will free the Hyrax from the pirate’s clutches.

Helping to seal the deal is the fact that only Sid can communicate with the Hyrax, who have a unique language. Says Leguizamo: “Sid and the Hyrax speak through a bit of mime and ‘click-clack’ talk,” referencing the creatures’ tongue-clicking speech.

Image Courtesy of  Ice Age Movie

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Now that the summer comedy ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’ is completed, the filmmakers, including Director Kirk Jones and producer David Thwaites, hope that ‘What to Expect’ succeeds in portraying the varied experience of pregnancy with genuine humor and honesty. Co-screenwriter Shauna Cross hopes the film might inject some reality back into the way pregnancy and childbirth are regarded and portrayed. “I hope that people who have gone through pregnancy feel like they can relate to it,” says the screenwriter.

“And I hope the people who are going through it go easy on themselves. Maybe they’ll opt to not judge themselves and open up to the generous spirit of the movie and just laugh a lot.”

“I think the movie really taps into the joy of having kids,” avows Chris Rock. “Being a father is the best gig I’ve ever had, and there’s really nothing anybody can do to truly prepare for everything that it is. Doesn’t matter how much money you have. Doesn’t matter what kind of job you have. Kids are great. And they love you no matter what.”

Director Kirk Jones thinks that ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’s combination of humor and emotion is something that should appeal to most moviegoers, regardless of their feelings about having children. “I believe that everyone, at one time or another, thinks about either having – or not having – children,” says Jones.

“It’s a deeply human experience that’s obviously not for everyone, and it doesn’t have to be. But I believe that whatever our thoughts are on the matter, stories about bringing new beings into the world resonate on a deeper level. I think this movie manages to look at the way things really are for expectant parents today, and to remind us all just how fun and fulfilling it really is.”

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Casting ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’, the star studded movie in theaters soon, was a daunting task – the filmmakers had to balance an ensemble cast of twelve leads – but actors were incredibly responsive to the film’s subject matter and the strength of screenwriters Shauna Cross’ and Heather Hach’s script.

Says producer David Thwaites, “You can’t ever be 100% sure about chemistry between actors until the cameras are rolling, so you have to follow your instincts. [Director Kirk Jones] and I spent a huge amount of time working out that balance. I think we have a tremendous cast – there isn’t a single role that I’d change or an actor who hasn’t exceeded my expectations.”

“It was incredible how everybody who we really hoped would be in the movie ended up in the movie,” adds author Heidi Murkoff, who also serves as executive producer on the film. “What amazed us watching the performances is how real they were. You could tell the actors wanted to be in this movie, that they were invested in it, and they were connected to the whole experience. I think that makes a big difference.”

Among the five couples in the film, the one that faces the biggest lifestyle change with the on-set of pregnancy are Jules, a celebrity personal trainer with her own weight loss TV show, and her partner, Evan, a professional dancer. Played by Cameron Diaz and Matthew Morrison, Jules and Evan have become the favored champions on the current season of Evan’s show, Celebrity Dance Factor, and their three-month run has seen both their professional and personal lives become increasingly intertwined.

“Jules doesn’t think she can get pregnant; but she does, accidentally, and it sort of speeds things up for them as a couple,” explains Diaz. “They’re both dynamic people with really busy careers, and Jules in particular is ‘Type A.’ She’s used to being in control at all times, and now that’s going to have to change.”

Morrison, currently showcased on the hit television series Glee and a veteran of musical theater, is the other Alpha parent in the power couple. “Jules and Evan are two very strong-minded people,” he says. “They butt heads all the time, and they’re challenged to find a compromise in nearly every situation or decision about the baby. From the little things up to the biggies, like circumcision.”

Jones adds, “With a baby about to enter the picture, Jules and Evan realize they have to become less selfish. They have to work with each other for the good of their child, whether that’s something that comes naturally to them or not.”

Also starring in the film are such big names as Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Chris Rock, and Dennis Quaid, including a slew of others.

Actors Anna Kendrick, known for her work in ‘Up In The Air’ and The ‘Twilight Saga’, and “Gossip Girl’s” Chace Crawford are two of the freshest faces in the cast, playing Rosie and Marco, two young, ambitious chefs who operate rival food trucks and grapple with an unplanned pregnancy after a one-night stand. Crawford explains, “Marco and Rosie make a bet on who can sell the most signature items during the rush, and afterwards they have some drinks and, well, one thing leads to another.”

When she learns she’s pregnant, Rosie is as blindsided as Marco, and her experience reflects the film’s motto: when it comes to pregnancy, expected the unexpected. Explains Kendrick, “She wants an answer. She wants a solution. And she wants him to have a great plan. But it’s never that simple.”

With the principals cast, Jones took just as much care casting the film’s supporting roles with notable talent. Those actors include Rebel Wilson as Janice, Wendy’s assistant, Wendi McLendon-Cover as Kara, Holly’s friend, Kim Fields as Holly and Alex’s social worker, and a long list of performers, many of whom appear as themselves: Megan Mullally, Cheryl Cole, Dwyane Wade, Whitney Port, Tyce Diorio and Taboo.

“It’s very easy when you’re putting a movie together with so many lead actors to lose sight of the potential of the supporting cast,” says Jones. “But it was a joy for me every day to turn up on set and be so impressed and appreciative of the contributions of the supporting cast, all of whom delivered above and beyond.”

Image Courtesy of   http://whattoexpectthefilm.com/

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Soon to be in theaters everywhere, ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’ initially came in the form of a help book by the same name, written by Heidi Murkoff. ‘What to Expect’ caught the attention of Phoenix Production producers David Thwaites and Douglas McKay, and afterwards the two discussed its potential for a feature film. They then contacted Alan Nevins, who in turn, approached Heidi and Erik Murkoff.

The question remains: how does a non-fiction pregnancy manual translate into a narrative film? Phoenix chairman Mike Medavoy admits, “Bringing the book to the screen might seem like a far-fetched idea, in a way. But I credit the vision of both David Thwaites and Doug McKay, who said, ‘Hey, we know how to do this, and we’re going to do it!’”

After reading the book and realizing just how diverse pregnancy experiences can be, David Thwaites imagined an ensemble film comprised of several interlocking stories. “It just occurred to me – having seen how different people are with their children, and how none of their pregnancies were the same – that this was something that would be well served by having a number of different couples who find themselves pregnant at the same time.”

Director Kirk Jones, the English director known for the films ‘Waking Ned Devine’ and ‘Nanny McPhee’, responded in particular to the comedic potential of the project. “The book has such a generous sense of humor, and I began to identify the potential of that in the film. Couples experiencing pregnancy for the first time are being launched headfirst into the unknown, and that’s always a rich place for comedy. And for pathos, too. I like to make films that feature humor and emotion, often at the same time. I think that’s a magical combination.”

Book author Heidi Murkoff admits she was initially skeptical about an adaptation, but she was soon won over by the producers’ take on the project. She says, “These guys plugged into the sensibility of ‘What to Expect’: the warmth, the friendliness, the hand-holding, and also the humor. I knew the book was in great hands.”

Murkoff’s husband and Executive Producer of the film Erik Murkoff agrees, “The further we got into the project, the better it got. But it really started with the script, along with a great director and wonderful cast, and it built and built and built. We’re very lucky.”

Faced with limitless story possibilities, the filmmakers approached screenwriters Shauna Cross and Heather Hach to fashion an appealing cast of characters whose experience might represent the diversity of the pregnancy experience. The structure itself, according to Hach, was immediately evident. “I was incredibly pregnant myself when I came aboard this project, so it was really on my brain and in my heart,” she recalls. “And it just made sense to me: there are three trimesters and there are also three acts in a movie so there was an inherent story there.”

Shauna Cross, who’s also a mother, set her sights on bringing as much humor as possible to the characters’ experiences. “While I found pregnancy touching and sweet, I also thought so much of it was funny,” she says. “I wanted to push that and make it feel modern, so that this film could be our generation’s version of how we get through this stuff now.”

By the final draft of the script, the writers and filmmakers had built a vibrant ensemble comedy around five different couples, each one incorporating unique experiences and addressing both male and female points-of-view. Producer Arnold Messer says, “We were quite conscientious in our attempts to make sure the film looked at a whole range of perspectives on child-rearing. As much as it’s a movie about babies; it’s also a movie about people who don’t want babies. As much as it’s a movie about motherhood; it’s also about fatherhood.”

Director Kirk Jones also felt strongly that the book’s candor and honesty should be reflected in the film. In keeping with his dictum, the screenplay candidly addresses many issues surrounding pregnancy, including the physical challenges of carrying a child to term, infertility and adoption. “Often pregnancy is portrayed the way people in the media talk about it: women have this wonderful glow and an amazing experience,” says Jones. “But it’s also pretty tough. And our script didn’t flinch from being truthful, honest and grounded.”

Image Courtesy of   http://whattoexpectthefilm.com/

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Since its first publication in 1985, ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’ has become a modern standard and the definitive bible for expectant parents. The perennial New York Times bestseller, authored by Heidi Murkoff, was named one of USA Today’s 25 most influential books of the past 25 years and is now the first book in a series that has sold 35 million copies worldwide.

The book offers exactly what it promises: a wealth of up-to-the-minute information and advice about the mysterious and unpredictable process of pregnancy. But its true appeal is its singular voice: totally frank, modern, empathetic and very funny. That’s exactly what sets ‘What to Expect’ apart from the glut of imitators and what attracted producers at Phoenix Pictures – Mike Medavoy, Arnold Messer and David Thwaites – to the idea of adapting ‘What to Expect’ for the screen with Lionsgate and Alcon Entertainment.

“I think it’s very, very clever, this movie concept based on the book,” says actress Cameron Diaz, who plays one of five expectant mothers in the ensemble comedy. “I’ve always heard the title being talked about. It’s one of those books that have been around and a part of almost everyone’s life. When you read it, it feels like you’re getting advice from your best friend who’s been through it all.”

Co-star Jennifer Lopez agrees wholeheartedly. “The book is amazing, which is why it’s so popular,” she says. “It tells you exactly, week to week, what’s happening to you in the moment. I think women, by nature, when we’re pregnant, are so worried that everything’s going to go okay. And here you have this book saying, ‘This is supposed to be happening. Don’t worry. You’re supposed to feel like this.’ I think the movie does the exact same thing. It reassures you by telling five totally different stories about being pregnant and making you laugh.”

A father of two, Chris Rock admits that the book, ‘What to Expect’, is still on his wife’s nightstand…and his oldest daughter is nine. “This book’s been in my face for ten years,” he says. “But it really helped. It’s rough having a baby. My wife was pretty cool. But just imagine carrying around a seven- or eight-pound ham for nine months. Forget it even being in your body – just have it in a bag that you can’t put down – and you’ve got to sleep with that ham and swim with the ham and take a bath with the ham. No matter where you go, you’ve got to carry this ham. So, you know what? You’re allowed to complain.”

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Silver Spring, U.SA. – Investigation Discovery’s new series Reel Crime/Real Story, hosted by legal champion and biopic subject Erin Brockovich, uncovers the true facts and real personalities behind iconic crime-and-justice movies that have become a part of our pop culture.

Featuring the headline-stealing homicides that inspired Hollywood hits, Reel Crime/Real Story reveals the true tales on which award-winning films Selena, Monster, and To Die For were based, with never-before-seen interviews, crime scene reconstructions, and footage gathered from the actual investigations. Reel Crime/Real Story premieres as a three-part series on Tuesday, May 29 at 10 PM E/P on Investigation Discovery.

“Box office numbers and industry accolades are a testament to the fact that Hollywood continues to be fascinated by true-life crimes,” said Henry Schleiff, president and general manager of Investigation Discovery. “Our new series, Reel Crime/Real Story is further evidence of what Investigation Discovery’s growing audience already knows: truth is often stranger and more interesting than fiction!”
Each episode of Reel Crime/Real Story reveals how art imitated life in some of the world’s most notorious cases:

Monster premieres Tuesday, May 29 at 10 PM E/P
The media dubbed her the “Damsel of Death” and Hollywood immortalized her as “Monster.” This episode explores the life and crimes of Aileen Wuornos, America’s first female serial killer. Though executed in 2002, her story was immortalized by actress Charlize Theron, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of the prostitute turned femme fatale in 2003′s Monster.

In a never-before-seen interview shot before Wuornos became one of only 11 women executed in the past two decades, she comes clean and reveals intimate details of the lesbian love affair that led her to kill seven men. This episode also includes the first ever on-screen interview with the undercover detective who brought Wuornos into custody.

Selena premieres Tuesday, June 5 at 10 PM E/P
Latin music sensation Selena Quintanilla Perez found new life in a posthumous biopic starring Jennifer Lopez in her career-launching role. Lovingly nicknamed the “Mexican Madonna,” Selena was just 23 years old when her personal assistant and the president of her fan club, Yolanda Saldivar, gunned her down in a cheap motel room in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The 1997 film, Selena, tracks the star’s meteoric rise to chart-topping stardom and her whirlwind romance with band member and husband Chris Perez. Through interviews with Perez, law enforcement, and the hotel manager in whose arms Selena died, Reel Crime/Real Story explores the story beyond the movie: a shocking and senseless crime that snuffed out a bright young star’s life and career.

To Die For premieres Tuesday, June 12 at 10 PM E/P
Pamela Smart lives on in Hollywood history as the woman whose salacious story inspired Nicole Kidman to win her first Golden Globe. The real-life scandal of a teacher who used sex to entice her 15-year-old student boyfriend to murder her husband rocked the small town of Derry, N.H. before exploding into a national media frenzy.

The 1995 film To Die For parodies Smart as an ambitious, cold-hearted seductress out for her husband’s blood, but who is the real Pamela Smart? Family members, local law enforcement, lawyers, and media who followed the case from day one attempt to piece together the profile of a woman who thought murder was the only answer to an unhappy marriage.

Reel Crime/Real Story is produced by ITV Studios America for Investigation Discovery. For ITV Studios, John X. Kim is executive producer. For Investigation Discovery, Eugenie Vink is executive producer, Sara Kozak is senior vice president of production, and Henry Schleiff is president and general manager.

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Last weekend Q’Viva! The Chosen debuted in English on the Fox network in North America for the first time, and new figures reveal that a total of over 30 million TV viewers saw the show across North and South America. It’s a remarkable achievement for Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and Jamie King, the three show producers who created Q’Viva! along with American Idol creator Simon Fuller, as together they have succeeded in creating the biggest new international TV hit of 2012.

Simon Fuller comments: “Q’Viva! is one of the first network shows ever to broadcast simultaneously throughout the Americas in three languages. With over 30 million viewers in total already and more than 4 million people watching in the US in both English and Spanish language, this has been an extraordinary experiment. The Q’Viva! story will continue to grow throughout 2012 as more and more countries sign up to broadcast the show.”

The series is being internationally distributed outside of the USA by global entertainment company Endemol and produced in partnership with Endemol Argentina.

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming response from audiences across the entire American continent to this extraordinary celebration of Latin culture,” said Endemol Studios CEO Philippe Maigret. “This is an incredible start for the show, and we are very excited to roll it out globally.”

Q’Viva! The Chosen is a new type of entertainment TV show. It’s made in three languages, it is shown in twenty one countries, and it has now become one of the biggest new international TV shows of 2012.

Spanish-speaking fans were the first to fall in love with the show as Q’Viva! The Chosen became #1 in its timeslot across all networks in Puerto Rico, Peru, Uruguay, the Dominican Republic, Columbia and Brazil, while delivering audience share of 35% in Uruguay, 33% in Columbia and 22% in Ecuador. Other countries have added further viewers in the last two weeks and it will continue to grow as other territories sign up to screen the show.

In North America, Q’Viva! The Chosen was seen by 4.4 million viewers last week; 2.2 million watched it in Spanish on Univision, making it the night’s second most-watched program on Spanish-language television in the United States, and over on Fox the English-language version drew another 2.2 million viewers, a remarkable achievement for a new format opening on a Saturday night.

Image Courtesy of  https://www.facebook.com/qvivathechosen

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The Academy has been releasing the names of star presenters who will grace the stage at this years Academy Award ceremony on February 26. Most recent name in the bunch is Cameron Diaz.

Diaz will be seen next in ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’ and ‘Gambit’. Her film credits include ‘Bad Teacher’, ‘The Green Hornet,’ ‘Knight and Day,’ ‘My Sister’s Keeper,’ ‘What Happens in Vegas,’ ‘The Holiday,’ ‘Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle,’ ‘Gangs of New York,’ ‘Any Given Sunday’ and the four animated ‘Shrek’ films.

Three-time Academy Award-nominated actor Tom Cruise will also present at the 84th Academy Awards ceremony. Cruise was nominated for his lead performances in ‘Born on the Fourth of July’ and ‘Jerry Maguire.’  He also was nominated for his supporting role in ‘Magnolia.’ Cruise was recently seen in ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ and will be seen next in ‘Rock of Ages.’

His other film credits include ‘Tropic Thunder,’ ‘War of the Worlds,’ ‘Collateral,’ ‘Minority Report,’ ‘A Few Good Men,’ ‘Rain Man,’ ‘The Color of Money’ and ‘Top Gun.’

Joining is also Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry. Berry won an Oscar in 2001 for her lead performance in ‘Monster’s Ball.’  She was recently seen in ‘New Year’s Eve’ and will be seen next opposite Tom Hanks and Hugh Grant in ‘Cloud Atlas.’ Berry’s other film credits include ‘Frankie & Alice,’ ‘Things We Lost in the Fire,’ ‘Die Another Day,’ ‘Swordfish,’ and the first three ‘X-Men’ films.

Speaking of which, two-time Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks is another one of the presenter. Hanks, who is a governor of the Academy, won consecutive Oscars in 1993 and 1994 for his lead performances in ‘Philadelphia’ and ‘Forrest Gump.’ He was also nominated for his leading roles in ‘Big,’ ‘Saving Private Ryan’ and ‘Cast Away.’

Hanks can currently be seen in the Best Picture-nominated ‘Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close.’ His other film credits include ‘Larry Crowne,’ ‘Toy Story 3,’ ‘Charlie Wilson’s War,’ ‘The Da Vinci Code,’ ‘The Terminal,’ ‘Catch Me If You Can,’ ‘Road to Perdition,’ ‘Apollo 13’ and ‘A League of Their Own.’

Finally, Jennifer Lopez has been announced by telecast producers Brian Grazer and Don Mischer as a presenter at the 84th ceremony. Lopez, who serves as a judge on “American Idol,” will be seen next in the feature What to Expect When You’re Expecting alongside Diaz and recently completed work on ‘Parker’ and ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift.’ Her other film credits include ‘The Back-Up Plan,’ ‘El Cantante,’ ‘Monster-in-Law,’ ‘Maid in Manhattan,’ ‘Enough,’ ‘The Wedding Planner,’ ‘Out of Sight’ and ‘Selena.’

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2011 will be presented on Sunday, February 26, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries worldwide.

Image Courtesy of  Andrey Bayda / Shutterstock.com

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Will and Jada Pinkett Smith are rumored to be getting a divorce. Rumors have spread about the split between the couple. They have recognized that their marriage is not always perfect and they are currently having significant problems, but that doesn’t mean they have made the decision to separate.

Will and Jada Pinkett Smith have been married for over 13 years and have two children together. Reports In Touch Weekly s stated the couple has already separated. Sources on www.tmz.com, a gossip site, were told it is “definitely a possibility,” but the couple hasn’t pulled the trigger.

Trey Smith, Will’s son from a previous marriage, wrote on Twitter,  “Will and Jada getting a divorce…not true at all. Retweet.” The couple even released a joint statement shooting down In Touch Weekly’s reports about their split. “Although we are reluctant to respond to these types of press reports, the rumors circulating about our relationship are completely false.

We are still together, and our marriage is intact,”the two stars said. Sources on www.tmz.com doubt the language constructed on their statement. They have become curious since the couple have repeated over and over again that they are still in love and committed to each other.

Smith’s family is going on vacation together.  Sources would neither confirm nor deny if the trip is meant to save the relationship. Smith’s publicist was late to the news and said to TMZ, “What? In Touch said that? I know nothing about this…Lord. I’m going back to bed.” There are also rumors about March Anthony and Jada having an affair. Marc Anthony called the whole story “laughable.”

Earlier this month Anthony said at “Nightline” that he is really upset at these reports because he admitted they have been friends for years. He is bothered by the effect might have on Smith’s family and their loved ones. Anthony also talked for the first time about his divorce with Jennifer Lopez. He said he never cheated on Jennifer Lopez and that he will always love her.

On “Good Morning America” March Anthony kept talking about his divorce wanting to clear up that nothing important caused their separation and there was no infidelity. “I’ll always love Jennifer … and she knows that, it’s important that she knows it and so do my kids,” the singer said.

Will Smith also wants to rip apart every report that says he is splitting from his wife. He wants to clarify all the rumors are ridiculous. When the couple was shopping in Malibu they showed romantic behaviour and they called each other “baby.” For Will and Jada Pinkett Smith the rumors may be just that, but for many stars rumors give a way to reality.

Several celebrities are  known by denying divorce rumors, splitting shortly thereafter, such as, Madonna and Guy Ritchie, Britney Spears and Kevin Federline, Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson, Heather Mills and Paul McCartney, Carmen Electra and Dave Navarro, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, and last but not least.  Avril Lavigne and Deryk Whibley.

 
Left Eyed Photography / Shutterstock.com

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