April 24, 2007

'Spider-Man 3' is rumored to be the most expensive movie ever made. According to reports, the film - which is based on the popular Marvel comic book series - cost more than $500 million to make. However, the sum has been much disputed with some Hollywood insiders struggling to accept that so much money was spent on it.

'Spider-Man 3' producer Laura Ziskin told the New York Post newspaper: "I refuse to say the real number because it makes me choke. 'Spider-Man 3' was a super-expensive movie - the most expensive film we've ever made. But there 's no way you can get to $300 million." A Sony representative claims the film cost $270 million. One movie source is adamant the actual total was higher, with production costs alone reaching $350 million, while New York location shoots cost upwards of $1 million a day. Radar magazine reported the final bill for 'Spider-Man 3', which stars Kirsten Dunst and Tobey Maguire, was $500 million.

Even more than a decade after his death in 1996, Tupac Shakur is still making a headline. The deceased rapper is being sued by singer Esther Williams for copying her lyrics in the song "Late Night".

Williams filed a lawsuit against the rapper icon's company Amaru Entertainment after discovering Tupac's lyrics in "Last Night" was too similar to her 1976 single "Last Night Changed It All". Tupac's mother and the representation of Universal Music Group are faced against this charge.

Seems the mystery has begun to unravel on Zach Braff's status in "Fletch Won." TV Guide has brought in sad news that the "Scrubs" star has come up to a conclusion of not joining the project as the titular character, which he had been tipped for since last year.

Based on Gregory Mcdonald's 1985 novel of the same title, the movie is likely to be the third motion picture to feature the character of the wisecracking reporter after "Fletch" (1985) and "Fletch Lives" (1989). "Scrubs" creator Bill Lawrence has already been appointed to helm from his own script with David List producing for The Weinstein Co..

Joining the lots to add the limelight of "Idol Gives Back" is Ellen DeGeneres. The stand up comedian has the honor to host the charity event which is to be aired April 24-25 on fox from 8-10 p.m.

In the two hours special, Ellen will appear from Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles while some of his fellow entertainers will appear from the "Idol" stage. Huge names will grace both stages for one solid purpose, to raise money for poor children in US and Africa.

Relax, folks, it does not mean Tony Kaye has done anything criminal that he has to go to a prison. Far from it, the English filmmaker is in discussion to assume helming duties for action thriller "Penitentiary", which MGM has already agreed to distribute.

Produced under the newly-established Reliant Pictures banner, the picture reportedly has tapped Carl Lund to work on the script with an eye to begin production this summer in New Mexico. The project will mark the first feature coming from the company, which aims to produce six movies in the $10 million-$15 million range over the next three years.

After announcing that injured bassist Tommy Stinson will be fit enough to proceed with South African gigs, Guns N' Roses now regretfully announced that the dates will be cancelled. Stinson is still in his recovery process and cannot cover the April 27 and May 1 nights.

Stated in a read statement is: "Stinson recently sprained his left wrist in a fall and the injury has not yet healed. As a result, Guns N Roses will not make their two scheduled performances at My Coke Fest in South Africa at the end of the month."

Currently busy in wrapping post work on "No Country for Old Men", Joel and Ethan Coen turn out to have already prepared themselves to work on a new film feature titled "A Serious Man."

Said to be a dark comedy in the vein of "Fargo", the project will be developed as a joint production of Focus Features and Working Title. It therefore is the second of a two-pic deal the brothers struck with both companies following "Burn After Reading", which Brad Pitt recently joined in.

Attempting to deliver another powerful performance, Kevin Bacon has signed on to topline an Iraq-war feature titled "Taking Chance", which reportedly will be launched as an HBO TV-movie in 2008.

Here Bacon will portray a military officer named Lt. Col. Michael Strobl who accompanies the body of fallen U.S. soldier Chance Phelps as it is returned home from Iraq for a burial in Wyoming. Pic will be based on Strobl's short story of the same name.

Golden Globe-winning actor Jonathan Rhys-Meyers has checked into an alcohol-treatment program.

Meredith O'Sullivan, a representative for the star confirmed the encounter to People, saying "After a non-stop succession of filming Jonathan Rhys-Meyers has entered an alcohol-treatment program."

Not losing spirit in filling up its future comedy slate, Walt Disney Pictures has made a preemptive purchase on a comedy pitch titled "Snob Vs. Slobs" by the Job Factory, Variety has reported.

A six-member troupe, the Job Factory consists of Rob McKittrick, Greg Coolidge, Josh Cagan, Jonathan L. Davis, plus the writing team of Matt Allen and Caleb Wilson. McKittrick and Coolidge are currently working together in writing for "Mancrush", which has already been set up at BenderSpink.

Before headlining Reading and Leeds Festivals in August, Razorlight is going to treat its fans with an 'intimate' show. The half English and half Swedish band will play at Gramercy Theatre, New York on May 1 and allows only 700 people to enroll.

The gig is announced as part of their only summer plan in US. Their schedule is so far packed with UK venues such as Pinkpop, T In The Park and Live Earth. For US fans, Razorlight spared autumn for their 2007 tour which is not yet announced.

Do you still remember U2's The Edge's vintage 1975 Gibson Les Paul guitar he donated to an auction benefiting charity Music Rising? The precious stuff, claimed to be used by the guitarist throughout his career with the Irish band, was one among the many items auctioned off at New York's Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square on Saturday night April 21st.

The Edge's guitar had been expected to bring $60,000 to $80,000, but it went for $288,000, including the commission. That's not all, the fundraising event, to everyone's surprise, raised $2.4 million, part of which will go to a charity that replaces musical equipment destroyed during the Katrina and Rita hurricanes.

A new batch of inductees was introduced last Sunday. Nashville's Music City Walk of Fame honored musicians such as Wynonna Judd, Emmylou Harris, Michael W. Smith, John Hiatt, The Crickets and Frances W. Preston.

"The greatest credit to a writer is to have good writers cover their songs, John's songs have been recorded by Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Willie Nelson," said Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's Jeff Hanna who handed Hiatt's honorary. Actor Jim Caviezel on behalf of Smith said that the singer and songwriter has been such an inspiration both for him and other musicians.

She might be heart broken over her divorce with estranged husband Ryan Phillippe, yet not anymore as she found someone better who happens to be Jake Gyllenhaal. Now comes new report that Reese Witherspoon is in talks to be the new face of beauty giant Estee Lauder. It looks like her life is getting better.

The discussion is still in the very early stages, it has been reported. If only the deal would be reached, Reese will surely join numbers of Hollywood beauties, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Liya Kebede, Carolyn Murphy, Elizabeth Hurley, and Hilary Rhoda, all of whom has front the brand.

Now up for an honor in musical composition, three big screen titles namely "Casino Royale", "Ice Age: The Meltdown", and "Severance" are all in competition for winning the Best Original Film Score at this year's Ivor Novello Awards, an annual celebration in paying respect to the craft of the songwriter and composer.

British Academy of Composers and Songwriters as the organization holding the event has revealed that David Arnold, John Powell, and Christian Henson are the names submitted into the nomination of the category for "Royale", "Meltdown", and "Severance", respectively. Winners will be announced during the award ceremony that takes place in London on May 24.

The "Ivors" that appreciate the craft of songwriters and composers will be given out anytime soon as the list of nominees revealed. In the 52nd cycle, the Ivor Novello Awards is honoring not only the British but also international artists such as Madonna and Scissor Sisters.

Madonna runs for two categories PRS Most Performed Work and International Hit of The Year, thanks to the single "Sorry" that she co-wrote with Stuart Price. The single is competing with Scissor Sisters's hit "I Don't Feel Like Dancing" that is partly written by Sir Elton John in both categories. In the former their singles will be the competitors of Corinne Bailey Rae's "Put Your Records On" and in the latter against Robbie Williams' "Rudebox".

What is it about Carrie Underwood that's so hot? It's about her being reported dating Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.

The American Idol winner was spotted in Dallas over the weekend to celebrate Romo's 27th birthday. The twosome was said looked very cozy.

More sights on Remy the rat and other characters in "Ratatouille" can be enjoyed soon as Walt Disney Pictures is going to give quite a large portion of sneak peek on the movie through the web.

The studio has revealed that it will launch a special preview of the CGI-animated adventure online on May 1 this year prior to the flick's theatrical release on June 29. Said to run about nine minutes, the clip will be placed on none other than Disney's official site .

On the heels of her pregnancy report, comes a new report that suggests Milla Jovovich has been tapped as the new face of baking giant Greggs after confessing she loves their pasties and pies.

The Ukrainian-born actress is said to be "dangerously addicted" to pasties and was even once reportedly late to a London press conference after searching for a Greggs.

The Jesus and Mary Chain is not only reuniting on this year's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival stage, but the alternative rock band will be joined by Hollywood babe Scarlett Johansson.

It was previously announced that the band would have a 'special' guest upon their reunion tour. The closest truth that is sparking now is that Scarlett will be the back up singer of their Coachella warm-up-gig on April 26 in Pomona, California. If everything goes well, the actress might accompany the band in several shows including Europe's Summercase Festivals on July 13-14.

Amid her hectic singing schedules, Kylie Minogue will take time to make TV appearance. The pop singer has been set to star in the forthcoming "Doctor Who" Christmas Special, it has been reported.

Being persuaded by her stylist pal Will Baker, who is good friends with "Doctor Who" scriptwriter Russell T Davis, Kylie has agreed to guest star in an upcoming episode of the BBC hit as a sexy cyber woman who tries to lure the doctor played by David Tennant.

The Click Five has spared one position as the vocalist slash guitarist for Kyle Patrick. The new member is recruited after former frontman Eric Dill called it quit in March 2007 to pursue music and acting in Los Angeles.

With the new formation, the band will release second studio album titled "Modern Minds and Pastimes" on June 26 through Lava/ Atlantic. The first single namely "Jenny" is already available on iTunes and on the band's official website. A tour will follow starting from May 11 in Wilmington, Delaware up to June 4 in Knitting Factory, New York.

Cristiano Ronaldo, a professional Portuguese footballer, who plays for Manchester United F.C. and Portugal, has on Sunday April 22nd named the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year, thus becoming the first player to win both awards in the same season since Aston Villa striker Andy Gray back in 1977.

"It is a special night," Ronaldo said while receiving the honor at a dinner in London. "It is amazing and a big honor for me to win trophies like this in the English Premier League. I am very proud. My colleagues have voted for me and that is fantastic because the players know the qualities of players." The athlete went on saying, "I want to keep working hard and getting better because these trophies have now given me more motivation. At this moment, I am consistent. I am more mature now and I am playing better."

There was an announcement on April 23 that R&B star Jamelia has parted ways with her label, Parlophone/EMI. Though she refused to comment further, it was known that the British singer was unhappy with the way the recording house managed her career.

Speaking on this matter Jamelia preferred diplomatic answer. "It's not true that my record deal with EMI finishes today," she said. "I'm not really allowed to speak about it because I'm still under contract with EMI." On the same day the label made a statement that the break up was true and that the contract expired that day.

Successfully achieving platinum for previous two albums, 50 Cent is in the weight to show the same quality in "Curtis S.S.K.". However, backed up by not only lots but numerous renowned musicians, this third album surely will say something. The album will show its value when it hits the stores on June 26 via Interscope.

As the mastermind of the record, the rapper got the helping hands of Dr. Dre, Eminem, Kanye West and of course, Timbaland. In the guests corner, he had tied a deal with Robin Thicke, Justin Timberlake, Nicole Scherzinger, Akon, Eminem and of course, Mary J. Blige.

No joke, Britney Spears is planning to quit her music career and be a stay-at-home mother.

The pop singer is said to have been considering putting the brake on her singing career because she couldn't bear to be apart from her sons, 19-month-old Sean Preston and 7-month-old Jayden James.

This just in. Milla Jovovich is pregnant.

The sexy actress and her fiance, writer/director Paul Anderson, are expecting their first child together. The happy couple is expecting their first child this autumn.

Set to present a topic that commercial features seldom talk about, Warner Bros. Pictures is aiming to make a big screen feature titled "Our Brand Is Crisis" with George Clooney coming onboard to produce via his production company, Smoke House.

Based on Rachel Boynton's political documentary, the project is likely to stay true to the original which presents behind-the-scenes look at the Bolivian presidential election of 2002 when candidate Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada hired James Carville's Washington, D.C.-based political consulting firm Greenberg Quinlan Rosner to help him win.

Apparently, it only takes quite a short time for filmmakers of "The Best Time of Our Lives¹" to find the right actress in taking over the role of Caitlin MacNamara ditched by Lindsay Lohan in the project.

Variety has revealed that "Factory Girl" star Sienna Miller has been appointed to assume the part which Lohan recently dropped after failing to work out an agreeable contract with the producers. Being so, the beauty thereby is joining Keira Knightley, Cillian Murphy, and Matthew Rhys in the cast to come together under the direction of "The Jacket" helmer John Maybury.