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David Duchovny and Tea Leoni -Divorced

2008-10-18T05:17:00.001-07:00

Following in the footsteps of Madonna and Guy Ritchie, another Hollywood couple announced their divorce today; David Duchovny and Tea Leoni.

Although the pair separated some time ago, even before Duchovny entered sex addiction rehab, they decided to keep their split under the radar for the “sake of their children”, Madelaine, 9, and Kyd, 6, according to their reps.

“In light of continuous speculation over the lives and marriage of Tea Leoni and David Duchovny, the couple has confirmed that they have in fact been separated for several months.”

The couple wed in May 1997 after a whirlwind romance.

Sarah Palin to Appear on Saturday Night

2008-10-18T05:13:00.000-07:00

For a month, the laugh has been on Sarah Palin. The way certain polls look, after a few more weeks, such attention may never be focused on her again.

But if nothing else, she'll get her chance to turn the tables on Saturday Night Live - whose impressions of her have been comedic gold - this weekend.

The Alaska Governor and Republican V.P. candidate – and Tina Fey alter ego – will appear on Saturday Night Live with guest host Josh Brolin.

It is still unclear what Palin will do on the comedy show: Will she team up with Brolin’s spot-on impersonation of George W. Bush, as showcased in the actor's new film, W., or will she try to skewer Fey somehow, which has also been rumored?

If she does take on Tina, it wouldn't be the first time. Palin supposedly once went as Fey for Halloween. Chimed in husband Todd Palin in an interview with his wife: “She’s been impersonating Tina Fey longer than Tina Fey’s been doing Sarah Palin."

Follow the jump for Saturday Night Live's classic V.P. debate from a few weeks ago featuring Palin (Fey) and Sen. Joe Biden (Jason Sudeikis) ...

Choke: Review

2008-10-14T22:42:00.000-07:00

Choke is one of the dirtiest films I've seen in a long time, but it also has a great big heart. It would be unfair to dismiss the movie as an exploitive sex show, because it doesn't merely feature sex in the background. Sex is actually a supporting character in the piece.
In Choke, the gifted Sam Rockwell plays Victor, a sex addict who also gets his rocks off by going to various restaurants and intentionally choking on food. Why would he commit such a seemingly nonsensical act? In hope that he might bond with any of the patrons who come to his rescue.

Based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk (Fight Club), Choke has many layers. It's much more than a tawdry sex show. This is a complex exploration into one man's sick affliction and while a good portion of the picture is played for laughs, the film doesn't shy away from going into some pretty heavy directions.

Rockwell is terrific here. Like Nicolas Cage, he has the uncanny ability to bring quirky characters to life. Equally effective is Kelly Macdonald –last seen as Llewelyn's main squeeze in No Country For Old Men – as the twinkle in Victor's eye. The two prove to have picture perfect chemistry, and it's fun seeing Victor's behavior in her presence. Why Rockwell isn't an A-list star is beyond me. He's the real deal.

Actor Clark Gregg--who you may recognize from TVs The New Adventures of Old Christine-- makes an auspicious directorial debut with material many thought un-filmable.

Choke is both raunchy and narcissistic, but it's also well acted, intelligent, and surprisingly dramatic. Certainly this isn't a movie for everyone, but for me, it hit all the right notes.

City of Ember:Review

2008-10-14T22:37:00.000-07:00

Fox Walden's film of Jeanne Duprau's children's book "City of Ember" stalls at the intersection of fantasy and science fiction. While the story line harkens back to "Alice in Wonderland" and "The Wizard of Oz," where young people must navigate a weird and perplexing other world, the film is actually set in a dystopian underground that is strictly the realm of sci-fi. And that genre requires that any weird other-world must have a coherent logic and social structure. While director Gil Kenan and writer Caroline Thompson's work leans heavily toward children's fantasy, their film leaves gaping science-fiction holes.

Since the film should please its intended audience, "City of Ember" might enjoy a modest success with young people during its theatrical run followed by greater success in home entertainment.

The story begins at the end -- of the world, we are told. But the crucial question of what caused the end of the world is never mentioned. The remaining rulers of society -- all middle-aged, English-speaking Westerners -- send what is left of humanity to an underground city built to last two centuries, after which it will apparently be safe to come up for air. A single box, set to open in 200 years, will explain everything to survivors including how to escape from this City of Ember.
Where to begin with this cockamamie tale? Are we supposed to believe that the old world above ground was permanently erased from everyone's memory? No great-grandmothers' tales of life in the fresh air? Or that survivors have subsisted on mostly can food for 200 years? Or that everyone blindly obeys a succession of mayors, the latest one played by Bill Murray as if he doesn't believe it either?

It falls to two recent high school grads, Doon (Harry Treadaway) and Lina (Saoirse Ronan), to question and challenge the underworld order. Doon realizes the generator powering everything is falling to bits. A Mr. Fix-It like his dad (Tim Robbins), he longs to get his hands on the machinery, but society demands that he perform instead a job assigned to him by lottery.

Lina's ancestor, a previous mayor, died before he could pass on the crucial tell-all box. Now she discovers it and starts to plumb its secrets, including badly crumbling instructions on how to escape Ember.

The city set, constructed in a ship-building hangar in Northern Ireland, resembles a corner of Dickensian London in permanent twilight. Communication devices no longer exist, so messengers like Lina tear around the streets. People's clothes look like they belong to a community theater production of "Rent." Oh, and bugs and rodents have grown very large to ensure of couple of PG-rated scares.

In truth, despite the nervous enthusiasm of Andrew Lockington's insatiable score, there is little here to quicken the pulse. The villains seem almost harmless -- despite the efforts of Toby Jones as the Mayor's henchman and Mackenzie Crook as a petty thief -- while the blackouts, bursting pipes and the escape from Ember a foregone conclusion.

Treadaway and Oscar nominee Ronan ("Atonement") bring plenty of verve and intelligence to their underwritten parts, while their elders overact terribly. And what is Martin Landau doing in the role of a narcoleptic pipeworks boss? He literally sleeps through the movie. Adult moviegoers may envy him.

Production companies: Playtone, Walden Media.
Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Harry Treadaway, Bill Murray, Tim Robbins, Matin Landau, Toby Jones, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Mary Kay Place.
Director: Gil Kenan.
Screenwriter: Caroline Thompson.
Based on the novel by: Jeanne Duprau.
Producers: Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, Steven Shareshian.
Director of photography: Xavier Perez Grobet.
Production designer: Martin Laing.
Music: Andrew Lockington.
Costume designer: Ruth Myers.
Editor: Adam P. Scott.
Rated PG, 95 minutes.

Eagle eye - Review

2008-10-14T22:32:00.000-07:00

If Michael Bay had directed War Games, it might have ended up a little like Eagle Eye, a supercharged, preposterously drawn thriller that requires a little suspension of disbelief. No, scratch that. It requires A LOT OF SUSPENSION OF DISBELIEF!

In Eagle Eye, Shia LaBeouf plays Jerry Shaw, an underachiever who can't seem to get out from under his more accomplished twin brother's shadow. One day, while making his way home after an emotionally grueling morning, he receives a strange phone call from a woman who ultimately plunges his life into complete and utter chaos. Faster than you can say "North By Northwest," Jerry finds himself on the run from government officials who are convinced he's involved in terrorist activities.

War Games isn't the only film that Eagle Eye borrows from. As this over wrought but fast-paced thriller blazes from one ridiculous moment to the next, one might be reminded of Enemy of the State, The Game, and The Fugitive – watch as co-star Billy Bob Thornton attempts, unsuccessfully I might add, his best Tommy Lee Jones impression. The first half of the picture provides a terrific set up and from the get go, an effective Shia LaBeouf plays a character worth caring about. Equally effective is the fashion in which director D.J, Caruso–who collaborated with LaBeouf for last year's Disturbia-- introduces Michelle Monaghan's vulnerable single mom, Rachel Holloman. It's obvious that Jerry and Rachel will at some point cross paths and that they will bond in some shape or fashion, but both performers are convincing enough to keep at least the character work in the picture somewhat sensible. That's what separates Caruso from the likes of Michael Bay. At the very least, there's an earnest attempt at genuine character development here.

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2008-09-01T07:06:00.000-07:00

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kismat konnection

2008-08-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

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2008-08-04T20:22:00.000-07:00

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Dayana Mendoza,Venezuela beauty is Miss universe 2008

2008-07-16T08:36:00.000-07:00

Miss

Venezuela

, Dayana Mendoza is Miss Universe 2008 (Reuters Photo)

Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza, has won the Miss Universe pageant. The 22-year-old stunner beats runners-up from Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Russia and Mexico to clinch the diamond-studded golden crown.

1st Runner Up: Taliana Vargas (Colombia)

2nd Runner Up: Marianne Cruz Gonzalez (Dominican Republic)

3rd Runner Up: Vera Krasova (Russia)

4th Runner Up: Elisa Najera (Mexico)

Top five stunners

After the stunning top ten hopefuls sashayed the ramp, the judges announced the top five as: Dayana Mendoza (Venezuela), Elisa Najera (Mexico), Marianne Cruz Gonzalez (Dominican Republic), Taliana Vargas (Colombia) and Vera Krasova (Russia)

Best National Costume Award goes to Miss Thailand.

Miss Congeniality is Miss El Salvador

Miss

USA

trips on stage

For the second year in a row, Miss USA has fallen down during the evening gown competition at the Miss Universe competition. It was a nightmare come true for Miss USA Crystle Stewart, a Texan, who tripped on the train of her bejeweled evening gown as she made her entrance.

During the 2007 Miss Universe contest in Mexico City, Miss USA Rachel Smith also tumbled during the evening gown competition and became an unintended star on YouTube, where the video was shown over and over again.

Top ten contestants announced

The finalists walked across the stage in bikinis for the swimsuit competition and the excitement was spectacular when the top 10 contestants were announced.

The top ten finalists are: Dayana Mendoza (Venezuela), Zana Krasniqi (Kosovo), Elisa Najera (Mexico), Laura Dundovic (Australia), Marianne Cruz Gonzalez (Dominican Republic), Claudia Ferraris (Italy), Taliana Vargas (Colombia), Vera Krasova (Russia), Crystle Stewart (USA) and Claudia Moro (Spain).

After narrowing to 10 contestants, the show will move to evening gowns, with the smiling hopefuls walking across the stage to music. From there, five contestants will be eliminated, and the judges will choose the winner from the five remaining.

15 semi-finalists announced

The field is reduced to 15 semi-finalists, including: Dayana Mendoza (Venezuela), Zana Krasniqi (Kosovo), Elisa Najera (Mexico), Lam Thuy Nguyen (Vietnam), Tansey Coetzee (South Africa), Laura Dundovic (Australia), Hiroko Mima (Japan), Marianne Cruz Gonzalez (Dominican Republic), Claudia Ferraris (Italy), Taliana Vargas (Colombia), Vera Krasova (Russia), Jazmin Dammak (Hungary), Eliska Buckova (Czech Republic), Crystle Stewart (USA) and Claudia Moro (Spain).

The 80 contestants gathered in the seaside city of Nha Trang, Vietnam, vying to succeed reigning Miss Universe Riyo Mori of Japan.

Miss Universe 2008: Curtain raiser!

Gates of Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam have opened, and hundreds rather thousands of people are thronging the venue while millions across the world have already tuned in to their TV sets to watch eighty of the world’s most beautiful women battle it out for the hot spot – the Miss Universe 2008 crown.

The show is hosted by Jerry Springer as well as former Spice Girl Mel B. The judges panel comprises of Donald Trump Jr., (executive vice president of the Trump Organization); Roberto Cavalli (fashion designer and entrepreneur); Nadine Velazquez (international cover girl); Jennifer Hawkins (television presenter and Miss Universe 2004); Louis Licari (celebrity colorist and “Today Show” ambush makeover expert) and John Nguyen (vice chairman of Hoan Cau, LTD Investment and Construction).

Actress Eesha Koppikhar has also been selected as one of the judges at Miss Universe 2008! And apparently, she’s the first Bollywood actress to judge this particular contest.

Confirming the news from Hong Kong, where she was to board a flight to Vietnam where the contest is taking place, she said, “It all happened at the last minute. I’m so excited! I have an international agent who mailed my details and they thought I was qualified to judge the show. I’m sure I’m going to have a rocking time!”

Apart from the beauties sashaying down the ramp, the pageant promises a power-packed performance by sensational pop star Lady GaGa on her hit number ‘Just Dance’. The thud has rocked several venues around the world and is expected to bring the same excitement to Vietnam.

In a few hours, Miss Universe 2007 Riyo Mori will hand over the exquisite crown to her successor. The Top 15 finalists will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown, and interview during the broadcast. Also, the winner for Best National Costume, as decided by online votes, will be announced.

It was Bradd pitt who cut the umbilical cords

2008-07-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

Angelina Jolie laughed with joy as her newborn twins were delivered and partner Brad Pitt cut their umbilical cords, according to reports.

The couple, who welcomed son Knox Leon and daughter Vivienne Marcheline on Saturday, were together and "calm" during the delivery, with their doctor joking how Pitt "was my assistant."

The actress delivered her twins by Caesarian section at the Fondation Lenval hospital in Nice, France, and there were "absolutely no problems" with the birth.

Jolie's obstetrician, Dr Michael Sussman, tells People.com, "It was an epidural, so she was awake and speaking and laughing. They were happy.

"He (Pitt ) was ... perfectly calm, totally determined, very pleased to be at the birth of his children, very moved and very emotional."

And when asked how long Jolie was expected to stay in the hospital for, he said, "I don't know. She will stay for a few days. You know, in Europe it isn't like in the United States, where the patients go home after three days. They will stay a bit longer until everything is okay.

"The babies are fine. The babies are with the mother and father and they are fine."

The first pictures of the tots have reportedly been sold for $11 million to an as-yet-unnamed U.S. magazine. The couple intends to donate the money to charity.

Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy: Too Close?

2008-07-06T13:20:00.001-07:00

It’s always cute to see a girl sporting her man’s clothes, but the reverse situation can be a little creepy, as evidenced by Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy's switch-up yesterday.

The “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” funnyman and his longtime blonde babe girlfriend were spotted strolling along the Malibu beach on the Fourth of July looking very much in love

But when they returned to their beach house, things went awry, as Carrey re-emerged with a very noticeable change in ensemble, reminiscent of Sacha Baron Cohen’s “Borat” character.

The paparazzi and beach goers alike laughed hysterically at the comedian’s antics, making yesterday’s Independence Day holiday one to remember.

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony: Beach Lovin'

2008-07-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

After finishing up with a string of South American and European performances with a show in Rome on Wednesday, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony have made a much-needed vacation stop before returning to the States.

The "El Cantante" co-star couple were spotted clad in their swimwear earlier today (July 4), enjoying the scenic landscape of Portofino, Italy alongside designer Stefano Gabbana.

And now that Marc has finished up his work overseas, the "I Need You" singer will be launching a string of US shows beginning on July 26th in Universal City, CA.

The Juntos en Concierto series will see $2 donated to the ING Run for Something Better program for every ticket sold - helping the national initiative "fund school-based running and fitness-education programs."

"Through my music, I want to make a difference in the lives of young people across the country," Anthony told in a statement. "One way is by addressing the critical need to help reduce childhood obesity among Latino children."

Kate and Lance's Independence Day Smooch

2008-07-06T13:15:00.000-07:00

With their romance in full bloom, Kate Hudson and Lance Armstrong joined in on the Fourth of July festivities at pal Courtney Cox’s house on Friday (July 4).

For the celebratory outing, Kate sported a festive hair wrap while carrying her son Ryder - who appeared to be sound asleep - as Lance stood nearby.

According to an insider on the scene, "Lance constantly kept his hand close to her as she smiled adoringly at her newfound love."

Eventually the couple leaned in for a quick, tender kiss before heading in for the party, where, it can be assumed that they kept on with their PDA loving ways!

watch movies online

2008-07-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

National Treasure 2: The Book Of Secrets

The Matrix

Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull

Will Smith's School Denies Scientology Links

2008-07-01T00:44:00.000-07:00

Bosses at a school funded by actor Will Smith have denied that students will be given lessons in Scientology.

The Hancock star is a close friend of outspoken Scientologist Tom Cruise and was recently forced to deny rumors he too has enrolled in the Church of Scientology.

And Smith, who has founded the New Village Academy in Los Angeles along with his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, was also rumored to have instructed teachers at his new school to preach the controversial faith to pupils.

But academy director Jacqueline Olivier has denied the allegations--insisting the school will not focus on any religion in particular.

She says, "We are a secular school, and just like all nonreligious independent schools, faculty and staff do not promote their own religions at school or pass on the beliefs of their particular faith to children."

The school is due to open in September.

Love Story 2050

2008-06-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hindi filmdom's most ambitious futuristic sci-fic - “Love Story 2050” - seems set to up the standards of special effects in the country, with a reported budget of Rs.500 million propping it.

Transformation of Mumbai into a super-futuristic metropolis, modelled on Shanghai, robot, teddy bears and an energy-blasting fight scene are some of the visual treats awaiting viewers when the film by director Harry Bajewa goes on the marquees on July 4.

Introducing Harman Baweja opposite star actor Priyanka Chopra, “Love Story 2050” is heavy on special effects and gizmos and may just be the impetus needed for filmmakers in India to invest in the country's own sprouting industry.

Even as India is emerging as the destination of choice for Hollywood studios to outsource their animation and special effects jobs, domestic film studios have been treading cautiously and are only now warming up to pumping big monies into the digital sphere.

Hindi filmmakers have for long shied away from investing huge sums on special effects and instead preferred to park most of the film's budget for remunerations of stars. As a result, though the country has the wherewithal that meets international standards, films churned in Bollywood suffer from tacky effects and graphics.

In fact, the Oscar-winning special effects for “The Golden Compass”, the Hollywood blockbuster that took $370 million at the box office last Christmas, were put together in India.

Increasingly, post-production movie work - everything from complex digital effects such as the talking armoured polar bears in “The Golden Compass”, one of which sported a fur coat with seven million individually rendered hairs, to basic colour grading, making sure shades stay consistent throughout a film - is steadily migrating from traditional centres such as Los Angles to low-cost locations on the sub-continent.

Nasscom, the Indian IT industry lobby group, estimates that the global animation market will be worth about $80 billion by 2010, and is targeting it as a prime source of future outsourcing revenues as more film work is shifted to India from the US and Europe.

Yet, Indian filmmakers form a very small portion of their clientele. The budget of “Love Story 2050” may sound high enough, but it is not.

“It is impossible to match the kind of standards that our counterparts from the West have set. It all boils down to the budget at the end of the day and with the kind of resources we work with, even though we may hire the best team out there, you can't expect results on the same lines,” says a candid Harman.

Nevertheless, the Indian filmmakers are hoping to ripe a good harvest from film merchandise and sale of rights to mobile and gaming companies to recover costs.

“Love Story 2050” features a fully animatronic robot teddy bear which was created by Oscar winner John Cox, who also worked on “Babe” and “The Host”. It also features a female robot. Similarly, airborne fight sequences will lead to spin offs like video and mobile gaming.

If India is to become more than just outsourcing sweatshops that sketched, painted and digitised ordered content, fully indigenous innovative breakthroughs are the need of the hour. And this can only happen if creative minds join hands with technical talents and create a fully Indian version of “Babe”.

With the growth in the outsourcing model reaching a plateau, big players claiming ownership of their products is the need of the hour as this co-production yields multiple sources of revenue from merchandising to licensing.

Kids lapped up Hrithik Roshan starrer "Krrish", which was loaded with special effects.

All eyes are now set on “Love Story 2050". Come Friday and both the film as well as the digital worlds will be hoping for audiences to embrace “Love Story 2050”, its hero and its lovable teddy bear - Boo.

Britney Spears and Kevin Federline Heading to Custody Trial

2008-06-29T11:06:00.000-07:00

Custody of Britney Spears and Kevin Federline's two young sons will be settled in a trial in August, after an attempt to settle out of court failed on Thursday.

The pair spent the day in talks with a mediator, but Federline's attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan has confirmed that no agreement could be reached.

He tells E! News, "The mediation didn't result in an agreement that would avoid the trial set in August."

But he insists there was no breakdown in communication between the former couple, adding, "The mood was comfortable, positive and it was a mood that was consistent with opening at least a great dialogue, which is necessary.

"If the existing arrangement was acceptable to both parties... we wouldn't have to go to trial. But that didn't happen."

The trial is due to begin on Aug. 25, and will result in a final custody ruling.

Kaplan added that Federline is seeking sole physical and legal custody of Sean Preston and Jayden James. Federline was handed full custody of the boys after Spears was committed to a psychiatric facility to treat an alleged bipolar disorder following a standoff with police and childcare officials in January.

Spears locked herself and her youngest son in the bedroom of her Hollywood home and initially refused to come out when a visitation period had ended.

Earlier this week, Spears was granted an extension to her custody rights when a judge agreed she could spend one night a week with her sons.

Watch movies online

2008-06-27T08:41:00.000-07:00

Click the image to watch the movie.

Juno

Over Her Dead Body

The Fast And The Furious: Tokyo Drift

Transformers

Reviews and rating- Mere Baap Pehle Aap

2008-06-26T02:40:00.000-07:00

Cast: Paresh Rawal, Akshaye Khanna, Shobana, Genelia d'Souza, Om Puri
Director: Priyadarshan
Rating: 2/5

At last a Priyadarshan comedy that warms the cockles of the heart even as it makes you cackle in glee.

"Mere Baap Pehle Aap" is a deftly-scripted piece of quirky and cryptic concoction on role reversal. And if you take away all the humbug and fringe characters, at the core of this cool comedy is a father-son relationship where the father is often caught behaving like a truant child.

Paresh Rawal's guilt-stricken expressions and Akshaye Khanna's finger-wagging exasperation are simply superb. Hats off to Manisha Korde's wildly witty words that colonize the characters' comic world.

Breathe easy. There are no risqué or double-meaning jokes and no vulgar shots of women. Priyadarshan's film is clean and clever in parts and makes you forgive all the excesses of his recent films like "Bhool Bhulaiya" and "Malaamal Weekly" where the characters were constantly in a state of distress.

In "Mere Baap..." we see some restraint and subtlety in the narration and the locales are exquisite and refreshing. Sabu Cyril's art work suggests an endearing link between our cultural heritage and the rituals of laughter. The Kerala sequences are adorably quaint.

Throughout the story of a father and son finding marital bliss at about the same time, we are caught in spaces that are filled but not overbrimming. Like his earlier films, Priyadarshan's people this time go from laughter to a social message with a virile fluency.

Does a middle-aged man have the right to seek a companion when he has a child of marriageable age?

Paresh is at the receiving end of social taboos. After wasting himself in not-so-good comedies in recent times, Paresh comes into his own here as the surly, child-like dad who keeps getting into embarrassing positions for no fault of his.

If Paresh sparkles, it's because he has a screen son who shines with immense confidence. Akshaye's comic timing and his little nuances and gestures bring forceful humour to a film that may otherwise have ended up looking a little limp and unmoored.

The rest of the cast, barring the brazenly over-pitched Genelia, give winsome comic performances. It's a surprise to see the beautiful Shobana show up as the spinster that widower Paresh wants to marry.

The wedding song and dance are almost exquisite. This touch of the quasi-classical, also seen in the closing interlude of "Bhool Bhulaiya", gives the comedy a touch of refreshing grace.

Interestingly, Mohan Joshi, who's a regular in Priyadarshan films, gives a completely non-comic performance here. And Archana Puransingh, as a brassy lady cop, once again displays a penchant for parody.

Om Puri as a leery, ageing bachelor is appropriately grotesque. But one can't tell whether it's the character or the performance that makes one squirm.

The film works mainly because Paresh and Akshaye look so delightfully compatible as a father and son who have lived so closely together that they don't know which is which.

Another asset is Ranjit Barot's background music, which is surprisingly tender and strong in fits and starts.

Shilpa Shetty signs director Manish Jha for first home production

2008-06-26T02:38:00.001-07:00

Bollywood beauty Shilpa Shetty, who's also turned producer now, has signed on filmmaker Manish Jha of "Matrubhoomi" fame to direct her first home production that will go on the floor in November.

"The untitled project is in its initial stages. It will have two heroes and two heroines. And I will be one of the heroines. As far as cast and crew go, only Manish and I are finalised ... the rest are yet to be decided," said Shilpa, who achieved international fame after winning the British reality show "Celebrity Big Brother".

The actress, who launched her production house S2 Global Productions last year, says she is making an appearance in the movie at Jha's behest.

"Manish felt the character suits me well and so I'm a part of it," Shilpa told IANS here.

Jha had earlier directed Shilpa's yoga DVD, which was shot near the backwaters of Kerala.

Talking about her future plans, Shilpa said: "I plan to produce a lot of movies that I may not be a part of. I'm also planning to re-launch my sister Shamita.

"Shamita will not be part of the first project, but I am thinking of a film for her too. The second film will be for Shamita."

The actress, who started her stint in Bollywood with "Baazigar" and gave hits like "Main Khiladi Tu Anari" and "Dhadkan", has not been seen on the silver screen for quite some time now.

"Now I am concentrating on quality films and have become choosy about subjects. My last release was 'Life... in a Metro' and 'Apne' and after that now I am doing 'The Man'," she explained.

"The Man" is a romantic thriller in which Shilpa plays an actress. It is Sunny Deol's second directorial venture after "Dillagi" and also stars Udita Goswami. Sunny himself plays the main lead.

Shilpa will also be seen in a special role in Karan Johar's "Dostana".

Besides being busy with films, Shilpa is upbeat about being part of the Bachchans' 'Unforgettable' world tour. She is set to perform at two special shows in London.

"After a long time, I'm a part of such a big tour. This is the second time I will be performing with Amitji. It will be a real pleasure and joy to be part of such a mega tour. It will be a finale with all the actors on the same stage," she said excitedly.

"Besides, I am very happy to perform in London - the place which has given me so much," she added.

The star-studded world tour featuring superstars like Amitabh, Abhishek, Aishwairya, Preity Zinta, Riteish Deshmukh and music directors Vishal-Shekhar will kick off July 18 at Toronto. It will later travel across the US including cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston and New York, and then head to London.

Carla should always wear heels

2008-06-26T02:35:00.001-07:00

Carla Bruni may be a style icon for many, but socialite Nancy Dell’Olio has advised the French first Lady to opt for heels, as she does not look glamorous in her ballet pumps. The Italian celebrity, who makes it on to the style pages for all reasons other than clothes, has claimed that Bruni is a sartorial sinner as far as style is concerned. Nancy said that Bruni, in an attempt to look taller than her short hubby Sarkozy, opts for flat shoes, which certainly doesn’t look glamorous. She then advised the former Italian model to wear heels as they look more glamorous. “Always wear heels — don’t be like Carla Bruni. She has a short man, I see the problem. But if you want to look glamorous, you have to go for heels every time,” Nancy, said.

Best-Song Oscar Rules Change

2008-06-21T11:31:00.001-07:00

Oscar bosses have changed the rules so that no more than two tunes from any one film can be among the Academy Awards Best Song nominations.

This year, three of the five nominees for Best Song came from the film Enchanted. The winner was "Falling Slowly" from Once.

A spokesperson for the Academy says, "There continues to be no limit on the number of songs from a given film that can be submitted for consideration, but no more than two songs from any one film may be nominated for an Academy Award."

Movie updates

2008-06-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

Synopsis:

Bill is a former golden boy of the banking industry. He made multi-million dollar deals buying and selling the debt of emerging countries. Now he is a fugitive running from a prison term. On the verge of suicide, he is taken in by Angela, a kind hearted, free spirited Latina whom he never would have encountered in his previous life. Through soul searching conversations ranging from politics to philosophy, sex and other worldly pleasures, they begin a passionate affair which will ultimately change the course of Bill's life.

Synopsis:
Maxwell Smart is on a mission to thwart the latest plot for world domination by the evil crime syndicate known as KAOS. When the headquarters of U.S. spy agency Control is attacked and the identities of its agents compromised, the Chief has no choice but to promote his ever-eager analyst Maxwell Smart, who has always dreamt of working in the field alongside stalwart superstar Agent 23. Smart is partnered instead with the lovely-but-lethal veteran Agent 99. Given little field experience and even less time, Smart--armed with nothing but a few spy-tech gadgets and his unbridled enthusiasm--must thwart the doomsday plans of KAOS head Siegfried.

Brad Pitt Flies to Italy for Radiohead

2008-06-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

Hollywood actor Brad Pitt left his pregnant partner Angelina Jolie at home in France to jet to Italy to watch British rockers Radiohead with his pal Edward Norton.

The two actors--who met on the set of 1999 film Fight Club--were spotted enjoying the concert in Milan, Italy, on Wednesday evening.

The pair was joined by Pitt's friend Marianne Pearl, the woman played by Jolie in last year's A Mighty Heart.

Pitt was photographed laughing and joking with his friends and showing them pictures of his children on his camera phone, according to People.com.

Pitt and Jolie have three adopted children--Maddox, 6, Zahara, 2, and Pax, 4, from Vietnam--as well as their biological 2-year-old Shiloh. They are currently expecting twins.

New Hollywood 'Star' Names Unveiled

2008-06-21T10:55:00.000-07:00

Cameron Diaz, Robert Downey Jr., Hugh Jackman, Shakira, Ben Kingsley and husband-and-wife team William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman are among a glittering list of names who will be awarded stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2009.

The hot list also includes Kyra Sedgwick, Kenny 'Babyface' Edmonds, Tim Burton, Ralph Fiennes, the Village People, John Stamos, bands Rush and the Miracles, as well as Disney character Tinkerbell.

Twenty-five celebrities have been approved by a committee and will be presented with their stars provided they agree to attend a presentation ceremony within five years and pay $25,000 to cover the cost of protecting the star.

Jamie Spears Thrilled with New Baby

2008-06-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

Jamie Lynn Spears with mom Lynn

Britney Spears and her family are "thrilled" with the arrival of Jamie Lynn's newborn daughter, reports proud grandfather Jamie.

The 17-year-old sister of pop star Britney gave birth to Maddie Briann, her first child with fiancé Casey Aldridge, at Mississippi Southwest Regional Medical Center in McComb, Mississippi, on Thursday.

And family patriarch Jamie, who was said to be present at the birth, insists the entire family is delighted with the newest member of their clan.

He tells Life & Style magazine, "We're thrilled, we're all absolutely thrilled."

Spears and Aldrige became engaged in March. The teen star stunned the Spears family when she announced her pregnancy news last year, at the age of 16. They had reportedly been delaying their wedding until after the birth of their child.

Wayne asked to change his nationality!

2008-06-20T00:48:00.000-07:00

Rock singer Kelly Jones made Wayne Rooney promise that the footballer would change his nationality to Welsh before singing at his wedding reception. ‘The Stereophonics’ frontman also made Rooney pledge that he would play for Leeds next season. The 34-year-old was flown by private jet to the bash in Italy by Wayne’s wife Coleen as a surprise. “My opening line was, ‘So Wayne, your missus rang and asked us to do this’. I said, ‘On one condition — as long as he plays for Leeds next season and changes his nationality to Welsh,” a UK website quoted him as saying. “Me and Adam, who plays in the band, played an hour of hits and requests. Wayne and his family every word. He loved it. It was a good crack,” he added.

Manisha is Hollywood actor's spiritual guide

2008-06-20T00:41:00.000-07:00

Scottish actor Gerard Butler seeks help from Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala to preserve his knowledge about spiritual healing.

Chennai's Oneness University, which aims to put every individual in touch with his faith through spiritual guidance, has become the hub of international celebrity attention. Demi Moore is a regular visitor and Butler went there too.

But Butler, who has acted in films like "300" and "The Phantom", didn't know how to retain the knowledge of healing for a long period, so he rang up Manisha, a spiritual comrade, for help.

The "Bombay" and "Dil Se" star has been attending courses regularly at the university and proved to be of great help to the Hollywood actor.

"Yes, Gerard did talk to me on his way back from the Oneness University in Chennai where I've been visiting and attending courses regularly. He was happy to be there. But worried that once you leave the university, the teachings and the spiritual aura would just evaporate," Manisha told IANS.

Manisha, who's heavily into spiritualism, gave the actor some invaluable information on how to preserve inner peace even when not at the venue.

"A close Danish filmmaker friend told me about the Oneness University. I checked out the university and loved its environment and teachings. I decided to stay away from public life and focus on my spiritualism," says Manisha.

"In fact, the man I'm seeing right now is also very spiritual. At this stage, I needed a companion who'd share my passion for spiritualism. I'm trying to get him interested in the Oneness course."

Manisha says, "All my life I've been a seeker. I've been trying to find inner peace through travel and books. The Oneness course solved all the questions on life and existence."

She admits that of late the roles being offered to her have not been interesting enough.

"I wanted to focus on other aspects of life. This Oneness course has changed my life completely. I've become so much calmer and more focused.

Her next plan is to direct a film. In fact, she recently went to New York University to learn editing and direction.

"I know I have it in me. Some day soon I'll direct a film. But it has to be a natural process. I won't persuade myself to do anything I don't believe in. I never have. I've been approached by some responsible producers and I might just take the plunge."

Summer 2007 rating and reviews

2008-06-20T00:29:00.000-07:00

Director: Suhail Tatari
Cast: Sikander, Gul Panag, Uvika Chowdhary, Arjan Bajwa, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 3/5

Summer 2007 is as unpredictable as the Mumbai rains and once it starts off, it shows no signs of ceasing. That’s perhaps why this film may fall short of expectations, but kudos to a first time director and producer to invest in such a film.

The film talks of the Indian youth, sitting snug in the urban environment, oblivious to the plight of rural India which feeds one of the biggest economies in the world. The film starts off as a campus caper, indulges into college politics, shifts focus to issues in rural India, talks about ruthless landlords and calls for a change as it concludes.

Here’s a group of five medical college students (with nicknames showcasing the yuppie American lifestyle that we are fast adapting) who have a carefree approach to life and consider themselves cool. Rahul aka Butter (Sikandar) is the group-leader who had a failed relationship with Priyanka aka Pepsi (Uvika Chowdhary). Qateel aka Kats (Arjan Bajwa) is the Casanova while Bagani aka Bugs (Alekh Sangal) is the despo dude. The munificent Mother T aka Vishaka (Gul Panag) completes the company.

Post a futile romance track dealt in a flashback between Sikandar and Uvika, a university election episode triggers off the main issue that the film maker wants to focus on. To escape the unnecessary complications of elections, the group shifts to the interiors of rural Maharashtra in a village stuck by farmer suicide.
And typical of today’s college youth that the director is wanting to showcase, the five plan a vacation to Goa, while officially they are supposed to work as interns in the village hospital. Until they awake to the piteous plight of the poverty-struck people there through the village doctor Mukya (Ashutosh Rana).

And while the story concentrates on the upliftment of the underprivileged, it also brings to light the role of the cruel zamindar (Vikram Gokhale) and his archetypal debauched son (Prosshant Narayanan) who torment the villagers with excessive-interest rate credits. But instead of just highlighting the problem, the film maker has attempted to find a solution for the poverty stricken farmers. Reformed criminal (Sachin Khedekar) offers monetary solution to the oppressed in the form of micro-credit loans, which in reality won Dr. Mohammad Younus from Bangladesh the Nobel Peace Prize.

The issue it chooses is noble and novel and also, to an extent, the approach is decent. The director has convincingly worked on the transition of the protagonists from carefree collegians to concerned citizens.

Debutante Suhail Tatari’s direction is intermittently impressive and he does derive decent performances from the cast. Ashutosh Rana is the scene-stealer in his resourcefully restrained act. Despite his clichéd characterization, Prosshant Narayanan strikes with a natural performance. Gul, Arjan and Uvika are fair. Alekh’s quest to lose his virginity does irritate occasionally. Sikandar once again surprises us with his screen presence and casual air of indolence that speaks volumes of his mastery of his craft in such a short time.

Comparisons to Rang De Basanti are inevitable. But unlike the pedestal of a score by AR Rahman, a production house like UTV, a director like Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and the magic of Aamir Khan, Summer 2007 is made on a modest platform, but the affect is the same.

Three stars for the film maker and its actors, but many more stars for bringing to light the state of affairs of the Indian farmer, who struggles to find his place in a news scenario which is dominated by eyeballs for glitz and glamour.

Will Smith and Daughter to Battle on Big Screen

2008-06-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

Will Smith and his daughter Willow are set for a big-screen battle in July, when their new films are released on the same day.

Seven-year-old Willow Smith's film Kit Kittredge: An American Girl is set to hit theaters on July 2--the same day her father's new superhero movie Hancock opens.

And the actor has already let his daughter know he plans to win the box office crown.

Willow explains, "He said, 'Sorry, baby, but I got to stomp on you.'"

"He thinks he is going to be beat me, but I think not. I think I am going to beat him."

Britney Spears Avoids Charges in Car Accident

2008-06-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES - Officials said on Monday they will not file charges against pop star Britney Spears over a photographer's claim she ran over his foot as she backed up her car in a crush of paparazzi.

A photographer filed a police report about six months after the incident in November. But prosecutors said the only way the paparazzo's foot could have been where the video showed it to be was if he himself had put it there.

Joseph Shidler, deputy district attorney, noted in a report that Spears' car was surrounded by photographers, and that a voice on the video told her to back up.

"We have no evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the suspect was aware that the victim's foot had been struck by the car," Shidler wrote. "There was much commotion and noise at the time and there is no proof that the suspect was aware of what had happened."

Prosecutors said the video, which circulated on the Internet, does not show the photographer's foot being run over. But Shidler added that, "the only way the victim's foot could have been where the video indicates it to be was by the victim placing it in that location."

Rani learns cricketing lessons

2008-06-15T23:01:00.000-07:00

After playing an angel in "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic", actress Rani Mukerji is all set to do another unconventional role - she plays a cricketer in Yash Raj Films' next venture and is busy practising on the field!

"I don't know if any actress has played a cricketer before. But I'm playing one for sure. In fact, I've been learning cricket regularly on the field for the past two months. I can most certainly play the game convincingly now, though not as good as professionals yet. It's a very big challenge for me," Rani told IANS from her swanky new home here.

So is she equipped to join the Indian Premier League now (IPL) now?

"I don't know about that. But I'm definitely enjoying it. My practical sessions are on in full swing."

She will also for the first time be paired opposite Shahid Kapur in the film that will be directed by debutant Anurag Singh.

Rani says she is hungry for new roles. "At this stage of my career I feel I need new challenges. When Kunal Kohli offered me an angel's role, I was kicked. I don't now of any actress who has played an angel before.

"Also, for the first time I was playing a character who couldn't cry. Now they can stop saying Rani cries so much in all her films. It was pretty cool to play a character who actually doesn't know how to cry and who had to fly around like Hrithik (Roshan) in 'Krrish'."

Being suspended on a harness, she says, was not easy.

"It required a lot of physical strength to assume the correct 'flying' posture on the harness. I guess it'd be equally difficult for me to look convincing as a cricketer. But I'm glad to be doing work with challenges."

So is she ok working with a first-time director?

"It isn't as if I haven't worked with new directors before. I was in Shaad Ali's first film 'Saathiya', remember? And Kunal Kohli started his career with me in 'Mujhse Dosti Karoge'," she quipped.

After an angel and a cricketer what would Rani like to play?

"Maybe an astronaut like Kalpana Chawla. And I'd also love to play a doctor. I've never done that before. Come to think of it I've never worked with Shahid Kapur before either. I'm doing so now."

Isn't there a danger of her being branded a resident Yash Raj heroine since all her recent films have been with that banner alone?

"Why? Wasn't 'Saawariya' with Sanjay Leela Bhansali? And if Yash Raj is making some of the best films in our country why should I keep out just because people are talking?

"Incidentally, my marriage date Feb 10 (as reported by some media) has come and gone. Would mediapersons like to set another date for me so I can start getting my trousseau ready?"

Celina turns item girl for Ekta kapoor

2008-06-13T23:07:00.000-07:00

Ekta Kapoor’s forthcoming film C Kkompany is going to be a multi starrer film. Apart from the main star cast of Tusshar Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty and Raima Sen there are many celebrities like Mahesh Bhatt, Ekta Kapoor, Karan Johar, and Sanjay Dutt doing small cameos. The latest we heard is that glam doll Celina Jaitley will also be part of the film to spice up the glam quotient with an upbeat Punjabi item number.

Ramesh Sippy, CEO of Balaji Motion Pictures confirmed, “Bosco Caesar will choreograph the song which has been written and composed by music director Anand Raj Anand. The song has been sung by Anand himself with Sunidhi Chauhan.Manish Malhotra has specially designed an outfit for her”.

When contacted Celina confirmed, “Yes it’s going to my first item song for which I will be shooting in the first week of .July.” The song which will be shown in the second half of the film, will also be used for the film’s promotion. Interestingly Celina, who has been known for her extra glam image in all her movies, is yet to do an item song. This item song in C KKompany marks her debut as an item girl for which she was paid a whopping amount.

If things go amiss, it makes us more real: Aishwarya

2008-06-09T02:40:00.000-07:00

The Bachchan family is busy rehearsing for a perfect world tour from July. But its ethereally beautiful daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai says even if things "go a bit (amiss) here and there" on stage, it only makes the stars real and human.

"You do all that is required professionally to put up an entertaining evening for your fans and well-wishers. But very honestly, my attitude is that I would like to keep it real," Aishwarya told IANS in an interview in Bangkok where she is attending the 9th International Indian Film Academy awards event.

"I love the fact that if things go a bit here and there, it makes us so real and human," said the actress, immaculately clad in a black and white dress.

The Bachchan family is planning a world tour titled "The Unforgettable" from July that will go on till next year.

"It's incredible, the connection with fans, because they never allow you to see them let you down or you letting them down. It is great when it is real and human.

"That's the difference between in-person interaction through our stage shows as opposed to that on celluloid and an audience sitting in a theatre and watching," said the beauty queen-turned-actress who was a showstopper here.

The tour will have Amitabh Bachchan, his son Abhishek, Riteish Deshmukh and Preity Zinta. While Akshay Kumar will join them for the inaugural evening in Toronto July 18, Madhuri Dixit will perform in the US and Shilpa Shetty in Britain.

"We are excited about the guest stars as it makes it novel. In my experience it has never happened before. We are getting guest acts and it is going to be fun for the audiences as well."

She also said that they are trying to live up to the expectations of fans.

"The tour is something extensive and we have been working on it for a while. Through the fan mails and interactions with well- wishers, we get to know what people are looking forward to, apart from the most endearing part of our cinema - song and dance."

She said the audience is the true star.

"Their energy throughout the evening is unbelievable. We don't perform continuously as different artistes are performing and we have our acts, but the audiences are up on their feet throughout and that's what keeps the energy of the whole show."

On the fans who have been following her everywhere, she said: "Our people are very, very loving as you have seen over here.

"Our people come everywhere, be it an event or a film shoot. Yes, the numbers are different. At a stage show it is an entire venue and at a film shoot it is smaller. But our people give us an audience at all the different locations. There is a statistics - one in six is Indian. We are everywhere."

She feels the "the unforgettable" tour will continue the momentum that Indian cinema has gained in recent times.

"It is going to continue the ongoing momentum and going to keep it as strong as it already is. Like always, I keep reiterating that media plays an important role in our lives and in our attempt to reach the people. We are thankful to the media for giving us that kind of reach."

Rating-I m Legend

2008-06-09T02:13:00.000-07:00

Rating: 7.2/10

Cast & Crew

Star Cast
Will Smith: Robert Neville
Alice Braga: Anna
Charlie Tahan: Ethan
Willow Smith: Marley
Salli Richardson: Zoe

Director
Francis Lawrence

Writer
Mark Protosevich

Producer
Akiva Goldsman

Local distributors
Warner Bros Pictures

Robert Neville is a brilliant scientist, but even he could not contain the terrible virus that was unstoppable, incurable, and man-made. Somehow immune, Neville is now the last human survivor in what is left of New York City and maybe the world. For three years, Neville has faithfully sent out daily radio messages, desperate to find any other survivors who might be out there. But he is not alone. Mutant victims of the plague -- The Infected -- lurk in the shadows... watching Neville's every move... waiting for him to make a fatal mistake. Perhaps mankind's last, best hope, Neville is driven by only one remaining mission: to find a way to reverse the effects of the virus using his own immune blood. But he knows he is outnumbered... and quickly running out of time.

Rating- Sex and the city

2008-05-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

RATING:4/5

Title: Sex and the City
Names: Sarah Jessica Parker, Chris Noth

official Trailer of sex and the city

Sex And The City: The Movie Review

The famous female foursome try to negotiate their forties while remaining as fabulous as possible

This unstoppable juggernaut has had its engines revving since 2004 so don't think there's any stopping it now. Rather than just a clean break, 'Sex And The City's' millions of fans were given hope their relationship with Samantha (Catrall), Carrie (Parker), Miranda (Hobbes) and Charlotte (Davis) could be resumed if they'd just wait for the film. It was the kind of on again/off again relationship that Carrie and Mr Big endured for most of the TV show's 10-year run.

And then finally the photos started to appear in newspapers which proved that 'Sex And The City' was indeed coming back to us. The waiting was over. Talk about a long build-up.

Coming very much from the school of 'give them what they want', this is possibly the only TV tie-in film to successfully transplant the essence of the small screen hit onto the bigger canvas. Before the credits have run, Carrie has worn five or six outfits. After being zonked in the face with 20ft high pink glittery lettering announcing the film's arrival we're straight into a recap of where each character is in their life so any bored boyfriends in the audience will at least up to speed.

Then it's a blur of photo shoots with dresses, catwalk shows with dresses and even a scene in which Carrie just tries on dresses from her wardrobe while the girls watch, just in case you were feeling a bit cheated on the fashion front. Patricia Field must be the hardest-working wardrobe mistress in history. Never mind the writers' strike of 2007, this film would be nothing without the gratuitous attention to wardrobe. And there's no shame in that. As long as you understand that this is what the film is for, you're laughing.

The laughs do come pretty thick and fast thanks to Michael Patrick King's sparkling script. Most of the big guffaws are thanks to Kim Cattrall's neatly timed faux pas. In the heaving mass of shoes, dresses and hype it's easy to forget that this foursome have real comic chops and a lack of vanity which make the comic moments really live. (See Nixon's pant moustache in the Mexican beach scene.)

Yes, they take a trip to Mexico at one point and New York's greys and browns are swapped for the travel brochure skies of a five star holiday resort complete with obligatory beachwear section. Then it's back to rainy New York for the turmoil-filled second chunk of the story.

It's a perfectly set-out if slightly overlong narrative arc. The first third of the film is one big fairytale with lashings of wish-fulfilment. Then, just when you think you've had too much cake, it's snatched away from you and the meaty stuff is wheeled out. And this is where we stay, dipping in and out of the four girls' stories. While Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte are in New York, juggling motherhood, marriage and real estate, Samantha is in LA with her Hollywood star boyfriend.

If rumours of a rift with Cattrall are true, then some mischievous storyliner had fun ensuring that Samantha had to 'get fat' and turn 50 during the course of the film. Ouch. If there's a sequel, she'll be buried up to her neck and covered in ants.

But no one really cares whether the actors get on or not. A reunion with these former friends is so rewarding you'll leave the cinema sated and glad you came. King is no heavyweight but he does understand how to pace something emotionally. He may stick to primary colours and bold strokes but he makes good use of light and shade.

If you weren't a fan to begin with, this film is unlikely to win you over. But pipe down and let the rest of us have our fun, can't you?

Verdict
The TV show jumps gazelle-like onto the big screen, staying in the air for just slightly too long but landing neatly on its Laboutins.

I still learn a lot from Shah Rukh: Rani Mukerji

2008-05-29T00:57:00.000-07:00

Shah Rukh Khan tops her list of favourites. After a career spanning 12 years and 40 films, Shah Rukh is still the man who holds "a special place" in Rani Mukerji's professional life.

"I was considered a newcomer in 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', but Shah Rukh never let me feel like one. The treatment he gave in spite of his superstar status then overwhelmed me," Rani, who made her debut with "Raja Ki Aayegi Baarat" in 1996, said.

She said Shah Rukh had always guided her in the right direction and she had gained a lot from him.

"I respect his dedication and the extra effort he puts towards his work. I still learn a lot from him," Rani told IANS on the sidelines of a function here.

The two have acted together in several films, including hits like "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham", "Chalte Chalte" and "Veer-Zaara".

They were also seen together in the critically acclaimed offbeat film "Paheli", which was based on a short story written by Vijayadan Detha.

Queried about her rapport with Saif Ali Khan, with whom she was seen in "Hum Tum" and "Ta Ra Rum Pum", Rani said: "In my recent film 'Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic' it was a good experience working with him. But while doing 'Hum Tum' we had some reservations. With time, we get along well and have mutual respect for each other."

In "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic", which is releasing June 27, Rani says she essays the role of an angel who has been sent by god to bring happiness in the life of a business tycoon and four orphan children.

She had to do a lot of practice with action director Shyam Kaushal, especially for the flying scenes.

"The speciality of the role is that I have to smile throughout the film unlike my other films where I had to cry as well. Even my fans told me that they have had enough of my crying. So this film is special for me and my fans; besides, 'Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic' is my only release this year."

In real life, her angel is her two-year-old niece Myiesha. "She keeps me smiling. Whenever I am free and have some time, I play with her. She keeps me going."

Famously reclusive when it comes to parties and social appearances, Rani said emphatically: "I don't like parties. I am more of a family person. I prefer spending time with my family."

Rani has been paired with almost all superstars except perhaps Akshay Kumar.

"Many projects came to me where Akshay and I were paired together but somehow the roles didn't excite me." Refusing to name the films, Rani said many of those did well. "But, we hope to do a film together."

The talented actress has cut short her assignments because roles don't excite her any more.

"The roles or the stories that came my way did not excite me. I don't want to do a film just for doing it or to please the journalists. There was a time when I did even three or more films at a time. I did 'Veer-Zaara', 'Mangal Pandey' and 'Black' together because the roles excited me."

Her much talked about marriage plans are dismissed.

"You people are too much interested in my marriage. But let me tell you that I don't have a marriage plan for a long, long time. I want to do a lot of films now and don't see marriage in the near future."

Rani's next project is a Yash Raj Film production with Shahid Kapur to be directed by debutant Anurag Singh. The yet to be titled film will go on the floors in June.

Kareena Kapoor poses for Marie Clare magazine

2008-05-29T00:44:00.000-07:00

Kareena Kapoor Sexy Scans from Marie Claire

click the image u want to see and zoom it for full view

Shilpa shetty on cineblitz

2008-05-29T00:11:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of Cineblitz supports the all new, sexy & glamorous Shilpa Shetty. After Big brother she is getting more fit & more sexier day by day, cause now days she is getting a lot of media attention.

She is looking extremely hot with her black bikini top, & a bold make up. Enjoy her in pics…

click the image u want to see and zoom it for full view

Aishwarya rai bachan's latest poses at cannes

2008-05-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

canness gallery

2008-05-23T12:50:00.000-07:00

American actor Harrison Ford and his girlfriend American actress Calista Flockhart at the 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' premiere during the 61st International film festival in France on Sunday,

Israeli-US actress and member of the Jury Natalie Portman poses as she arrives to attend the screening of US director Steven Soderbergh's film 'Che' at the 61st Cannes International Film Festival on May 21, 2008 in Cannes, southern France.

Dutch model Doutzen Kroes poses as she arrives to attend the screening of Steven Soderbergh's film 'Che' at the 61st Cannes International Film Festival on May 21, 2008 in Cannes, southern France.

Singer Madonna (L) and actress Sharon Stone wave on the red carpet before the screening of 'Che' by U.S director Steven Soderbergh at the 61st Cannes Film Festival May.

Priyanka Chopra was riding auto rickshaw

2008-05-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

The other day we stumbled upon a rather unusual sight. It was close to midnight and we caught Priyanka Chopra riding an auto rickshaw with a motley crowd following her. On closer look, it turned out to be a passing shot for Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion. "Madhur always believes in taking realistic shots and it was his idea to make Priyanka ride a richshaw in the middle of the night," says a unit member. Hopefully Priyanka enjoyed the midnight joy ride.

Kareena tops the Cutest Vegetarian

2008-05-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

Kareena Kapoor has been declared the cutest vegetarian that fans would love to emulate. The on-line poll was conducted by PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) and Bebo won hands down.

The actress bagged the highest number of votes giving other potential celebrities, who followed and advocated a vegetarian diet, far behind.
She has been receiving compliments by the dozen ever since she turned vegetarian and lost weight.

The Jab We Met actress is happy that she has inspired her fans to turn vegetarian. "If my fans are looking up to me and have turned vegetarian then I am happy about it. I am a pure vegetarian and it helps me keep fit and healthy. I am aware that my fans have liked my looks in Tashan and want to do something for themselves too. If they turn vegetarian for that then I am glad to be an example for them."

However, Kareena also clarified that, "I don't want people to come to conclusion that turning vegetarian means starving oneself to death. I have a healthy breakfast and have portions of food non stop through out the day. It is a healthy meal of varied vegetables and fruits. This meal keeps me fit I want those looking up to me for their fitness regimen to follow a healthy diet and not pay attention to stories that I survive on juices alone. That is not true! Also these rumors about me having acquired the size zero body mass is baseless. I am fit and healthy. My weight is just right for me. I would like to tell my fans that we are all individuals and body requirements vary from person to person. You should find the weight that is apt for you and keep fit. And yes follow a healthy vegetarian diet."

So here's to another feather in Kareena's cap...

Jacqueline has an acting guru for diction!

2008-05-23T12:45:00.000-07:00

Jacqueline Fernandes who is the lead heroine in Sujoy Ghosh's Alladin is learning Hindi from Vinod Tharani. She was also crowned the coveted crown of ‘Miss Sri Lanka’ and has got a three film contract with Sujoy Ghosh.

Vinod Tharani is an acting guru and also a TV actor who has acted in a lot of TV shows. He had previously trained Deepika Padukone for Om Shanti Om .

Vinod Tharani is a mentor to Jacquline Farnandes who is playing the lead role opposite Ritiesh Deshmukh. Vinod had also prepared her for the audition. Vinod is friend, philosopher and guide to her. Talking about Vinod Jacquline said, “Vinod has been my trainer since the past year. He trains me on everything including speech modulation, acting and Hindi. He arranges a lot of workshops for us to improve our expressions. Basically he is very helpful. Now, thanks to him I can speak in Hindi quite comfortably.”

Amrita rao- i can look sexy

2008-05-20T15:20:00.000-07:00

Amrita Rao has reached million of hearts with a typical indian girl image in a number of movies, the most noteworthy was her role in Vivah. But she has shown her sexy side in her last movie My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves, where she is seen in a mini skirt, now she is coming in the same league of actresses like Amrita Arora & Kareena Kapoor.

Following on the footsteps of these actresses she is now featuring on the cover page of Femina magazine, an I must tell you she is looking awesome in the photo shoot. Another movie with a bikini scene coming up… what say ??

Katrina Kaif sizzles on Kohl Cover Page

2008-05-20T15:17:00.001-07:00

This sexy lass from Bollywood has come a long way, from being a model to the most successful bollywood actress, she is currently ruling the bollywood charts with her dazzling performance in Welcome & Race. She set bollywood on fire with her most seductive song from the movie Race.

She has gone a makeover for a photo shoot for international magazine Kohl. She is looking very sexy with her messy hair & bold makeup.

Strange Wilderness (2008)

2008-05-20T15:14:00.001-07:00

The Critical Critics review [4/5]

Movieman's Guide to the Movies (Brad Lowenberg) dvd review [2.5/5]

The Land of Eric (Eric D. Snider) review [C-]

ViewLondon (Matthew Turner) review [2/5]

Time Out Chicago (Drew Toal) review [2/6]

FilmJerk.com (Brian Orndorf) review [D+]

Austin Chronicle (Kimberley Jones) review [1.5/5]

Hollywood.com (Mark Burger) review [1/4]

The Movie Boy (Dustin Putman) review [1/4]

kids-in-mind evaluation [7.6.10]

DVD Talk (Ian Jane) dvd review [1/5]

Empire Magazine [UK] review [1/5]

Christian Spotlight on the Movies review [0/5, 2/5]

Bullz-Eye.com review [0/5]

Film Threat, Hollywood's Indie Voice review [0/5]

One Guy's Opinion (Frank Swietek) review [F]

Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune review [registration required]

Film Journal International (Frank Lovece) review

dvdfuture.com (R. L. Shaffer) dvd review

Frank's Reel Reviews review

Deseret News, Salt Lake City review

Los Angeles Times (Kevin Crust) review

DVD MovieGuide dvd review

Newsday review

Cinema Blend review

Boxoffice Magazine review

The Arizona Republic review

Home Theater Info (Doug MacLean) dvd review

Jam! Movies review

Variety review

DVD Authority.com (Matt Brighton) dvd review

Village Voice review

Ultimate Guide to Disney DVD dvd review

Chicago Tribune (Matt Pais) review

KYW Newsradio (Bill Wine) review

Village Voice (Aaron Hillis) review

Toronto Star (Phil Marchand) review

The Onion A.V. Club review

ReelTalk (Frank Wilkins) review

The Guardian (Peter Bradshaw) review

Film Monthly (Lauren Sepanski) review

The New York Times (Matt Zoller Seitz) review [registration required]

The Phantom Tollbooth review

Screenjabber review

cannes todays gallery

2008-05-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

kareena kapoor bikini scene

2008-05-18T13:42:00.000-07:00

Here's the second one of preity at cannes

2008-05-16T11:35:00.001-07:00

After Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan made their first public appearance together post-marriage at the 60th Cannes film festival, it was time for Preity Zinta to walk the red carpet.

She attended the premiere for the film Chacun Son Cinema on May 20. The actress also attended the premiere of My Blueberry Nights, which opened the festival this year.

She chose black for her second appearance at the Cannes festival. Last year, she dazzled in green.

First Look of preity at cannes

2008-05-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

Unlike Aishwarya Rai, who arrived at the opening night of the 59th Cannes Film Festival in black, Preity Zinta decided to add more colour on the red carpet.

This is Preity's debut at the Cannes fest, and she was escorted by Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele, the president of jewellery giant Chopard.

Preity -- looking very glamorous -- attended two premieres: The Wind That Shakes The Barley and Paris, Je T'aime.

Gurinder Chadha was one of the directors on the second film. It has 20 parts, each segment directed by a different director.

The film stars Elijah Wood, Emily Mortimer, Natalie Portman, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Elias McConnell, Juliette Binoche, Steve Buscemi and Miranda Richardson, among others.

Exhausted Preity Zinta flies off to Cannes

2008-05-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

In between cheering lustily for her Indian Premier League (IPL) team and comforting the players, Bollywood star Preity Zinta has taken a few days off to attend the Cannes Film Festival as brand ambassador of Chopard, the maker of luxury watches and jewellery.

"Can't help it," the co-owner of the Mohali team told IANS. "For two years now I've been the brand ambassador for Chopard and I've to be at Cannes every year, come what may... ha, ha pun intended."

The actress, who featured in hits like "Soldier", "Kal Ho Naa Ho" and "Dil Chahta Hai", has several events lined up in Cannes, but no movies.

"There are no movies this year. I'd have liked to bring my film 'Har Pal', but it isn't ready. If Rituparno Ghosh's 'Last Lear' is shown, I'll go for it. But Chopard will keep me busy for the next three days.

“I've a red carpet event. Then a dinner organised by Chopard followed by a picnic in the afternoon. I return on May 17 and head immediately for my IPL commitments."

Understandably, she's exhausted. "But I'm also exhilarated. The IPL has been a whole new learning experience for me," said Preity, who is accompanied to Cannes by her cousin Inder.

What about those who feel that IPL is confusing?

"Not at all! It's such an eye-opener. Players of different age groups and of different nationalities are interacting on one platform. The younger lot is learning from senior international names. Where would they get a chance to do that?"

Forbidden kingdom

2008-05-16T11:14:00.000-07:00

RATING:7.5/10

Director:

Rob Minkoff

Writer (WGA):

John Fusco (written by)

Release Date:

2 May 2008 (India) more

Genre:

Action | Adventure | Comedy | Fantasy | Romance more

Tagline:

The path is unsafe. The place is unknown. The journey is unbelievable. more

Plot:

A discovery made by a kung fu obsessed American teen sends him on an adventure to China, where he joins up with a band of martial arts warriors in order to free the imprisoned Monkey King. full summary | full synopsis (warning! may contain spoilers)

Plot Keywords:

Bottle Of Immortality Potion | Shooting | Profanity | Fall From Height | American more

User Comments:

Jet Li + Jackie Chan more

amrita arora poses in bikini for cosmopolitan

2008-05-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

reports of kareena wearing a bikini in tashan

2008-05-16T10:59:00.000-07:00

Cannes film festival

2008-05-16T03:07:00.001-07:00

Angelina jolie at cannes

2008-05-16T03:01:00.000-07:00

Angelina Jolie talked at the Cannes Film Festival yesterday about her pregnancy with twins as well as motherhood.

Confirmation of a fifth and sixth child for Jolie came yesterday during a side-by-side interview she did with 'Kung Fu Panda' co-star Jack Black.

During a press conference about the film, Jolie confirmed: "Yes, they are twins."

Asked about reports that she was planning to give birth in France, Jolie replied she had not completely decided, but added: "We are certainly thinking of France."

She said French was a second language which her children were starting to speak, "so being here is very good for them at this time".

Jolie, who said she was feeling "great", talked about making sure her adopted children knew about their Asian heritage.

She said she had teachers to her house to educate them about Vietnamese and Cambodian culture.

She said she was "thrilled'' when the movie, which has been described as a love letter to China, came her way, because she knew how special it would be to her children.

Earthquake

Jolie also talked about the earthquake in China, saying: "Right now, the process is about seeing what's being done and seeing what appeals need to be made.

"I will be very active, as much as I can be, and as much as China wants and allows the UN to be."

Black was asked if he identified with his character, and said: "I don't feel like I was playing a character when I played Po. I was just myself. I think of myself as a bear."

He said he was sometimes fierce and crazy, adding: "I am Po. There was very little acting involved."

Asked if the film was saying it was fine to be a chubby panda and whether that was the message to send to overweight children, Black said: "I'm going to say 'yes' to that."

Jolie said that like her favourite movie as a child -- 'Dumbo' -- the film's message was to embrace who you were and not try to be somebody else.

Dustin Hoffman butted in with a joke at one point: "I just want to say that there was a point in time when Angelina could have chosen between me and Brad.''

Standards

The actor, who described himself as "70 from the neck up" to applause, also talked about how the actors mostly recorded their voices alone in a studio.

He said: "The directors filmed us at the same time. They gave the film to the animators.''

Asked about the leap from 'The Graduate' to 'Kung Fu Panda', he said jokingly: "It's a decline in culture -- but it has also reached your profession. We're all in the same bag here together."

Eva shows how to make an entrance at Cannes

2008-05-16T02:54:00.000-07:00

Actor Sean Penn yesterday issued a warning to Barack Obama that he may have to become a greater man than he has ever been or face "dangerous disillusionment''.

Penn, jury president of the 61st Cannes Film Festival, was speaking at a press conference..

The actor said he was not supporting a particular US presidential candidate, but was "encouraged and excited'' by the support Obama had received.

He said: "I hope he will understand if he is the nominee the dangerous disillusionment that will happen if he does not become a greater man than he's ever been.''

He said failure to do so may be a "death knell'' adding: "This is the most important election in my lifetime and maybe ever.''

Fellow jury member Natalie Portman said she was not endorsing anyone but added that it was a very exciting year for American politics, "for the first time we have to chose between who we like better instead of who we hate less''.

Ravaged

A film called The Third Wave, which concerns the work of volunteers in tsunami-ravaged Sri Lanka, has been chosen to be shown as president of the jury's choice.

Penn said of the film: "I thought it was such an important movie because of the state of the world being what it is and the unlikelihood that the problems will be solved by politicians made this film particularly poignant to me.''

He described the movie as the closest he had seen to going towards answering what the purpose of life was.

However, all eyes are set to be on the world premiere of the Indiana Jones sequel during the two-week event.

Outside the competition, Steven Spielberg's 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull', sees Harrison Ford back in the role for the first time in 19 years.

Steven Soderbergh's four-hour biopic of Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara is also said to be in contention with the topfilms competing for the mainPalme d'Or.

Forgetting sarah marshall

2008-05-14T05:14:00.000-07:00

Trailer

RATING:7.9/10

Director:

Nicholas Stoller

Writer (WGA):

Jason Segel (written by)

Release Date:

18 April 2008 (USA) more

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Romance more

Tagline:

From the guys who brought you "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up" more

Plot:

Devastated Peter takes a Hawaii vacation in order to deal with recent break-up with his TV star girlfriend, Sarah. Little does he know Sarah's traveling to the same resort as her ex ... and she's bringing along her new boyfriend. | add synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Cheating On Girlfriend | Flashback Sequence | Chess | Old Flame | Rock Star more

User Comments:

Same Apatow clan, slightly different take. more

Baby mama(2008)

2008-05-14T05:13:00.000-07:00

RATING:6.3/10

Director:

Michael McCullers

Writer (WGA):

Michael McCullers (written by)

Release Date:

25 April 2008 (USA) more

Genre:

Comedy more

Tagline:

Would you put your eggs...in this basket?

Plot:

A successful, single businesswoman who dreams of having a baby discovers she is infertile and hires a working class woman to be her unlikely surrogate. full summary | add synopsis