May 19, 2008

Leading to the theatrical release of Brendan Fraser's latest fantasy movie, Warner Bros. Pictures bring "Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D" closer to the moviegoers by presenting two brand new featurettes. The two videos offer behind the scene looks into the adventure fantasy film as well as the unseen footages cut from the forthcoming tidbit.

Focusing both of the video on the 3D technology used for the filming process, the two video footages work as different notes to the film. The first which is entitled "Meet the Director" contains clips showing interview with the people behind the making of the film, including director Eric Brevig, 2nd unit director David Dozoretz and producer Charlotte Huggins. Meanwhile, the second which called "The New 3D" serves as the one to explain about the 3D format itself and how it is applied on the movie.

R&B singer Kelly Rowland is trying her hand at something other than music, which is writing a children's book. The former member of Destiny's Child has revealed her new business venture to People, saying "I'm getting into different ventures. I'm in the process of writing a children's book."

Went on adding that the book is still in the early stages, Kelly moreover also told People backstage after performing at the VIP room in Cannes Friday night, May 16 that "Everything is confidential right now, but I'm really excited because I've talked to some different publishing companies and got some people interested." Referring to her five godchildren as the reason that prompted her to kick off her new writing career, she declared "I love my god-kids. I love kids!"

Country duo Sugarland have just premiered their new music video via Yahoo! Music on May 18. The new clip was made to accompany the duo's new single titled "All I Want to Do". The video sees the group vocalist Jennifer Nettles showing her surfing skills.

The single itself will be the first song taken from their upcoming third studio album "Love On The Inside". The new song recently has been performed by them at the 43rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards on May 18, at the MGM Grand.

Soul singer Adele recently revealed a surprising statement regarding her songs inspiration. The British singer said that the idea for the songs that she writes usually comes when she is feeling depressed.

The singer revealed the fact to the press saying that she can't make new material when she's feeling happy because she would be too busy enjoying her fun time. "I ain't got time to write songs when I'm happy as I'm out having fun," Adele said.

For years, reports on the making of the fourth film of the "Jurassic Park" franchise have come in and out. Back in 2007, rumors on the casting surfaced, but quickly toned down by the film's producer, Steven Spielberg. Since then, updated reports on the development of "Jurassic Park IV" are scarce sparking speculation that the movie may not be made afterall. However, latest report suggested otherwise.

Recently, one of "Jurassic Park" original cast, Laura Dern, assured fans that the fourth installment of the dinosaur movie will not be put aside. To TV Guide Magazine, the 41-year-old actress insisted that though it may take some time, the movie will be made and her character will be back. "It's a while away but my understanding is it's happening and my character is very involved," so claimed the co-star of Sean Penn in "I Am Sam". "I know [director] Steven Spielberg is looking forward to [getting it together] over the next year."

After having the new single "Spotlight" from her upcoming debut album leaked on-line earlier this week, Jennifer Hudson finally reveals more details about her new set. She confirms that her debut record will be self-titled and is planned to hit the stores in September via Arista Records.

On the new LP, previously she has also confirmed that she will take Alicia Keys and India.Arie as her mentors on the work of the record. Not only those two musicians, Jennifer will also get help from other famous names, such as Timbaland, Robin Thicke and Diane Warren on the debut set.

"The Alchemist", the most prominent and bestseller novel from the Brazilian author, Paulo Coelho, will be adapted into a big screen material. The announcement of the matter has been done during a press conference at Cannes Film Festival on Sunday, May 18 by one of the owners of The Weinstein Company, Harvey Weinstein.

Insisting that the movie will stay true to the essence of the book, Weinstein also announced that acclaimed actor Laurence Fishburne is touted to star, to helm and to co-produce the adaptation movie. On him joining the project, 46-year-old Fishburne commented, "This is a special project that now has a special team behind it to ensure that its path to the big screen is handled with the proper care it deserves. I am looking forward to directing it, acting in it, and collaborating with Harvey Weinstein to produce a beautiful film that will do justice to Paulo's enormously successful novel."

British pop singer Lily Allen revealed a great news to her fans, stating that her new album is almost done. The singer revealed the good news on an interview with the press recently, saying, "Ive worked so hard. My next album is nearly finished. I'm on a two-week break and then I'm starting a massive promotional tour."

On the interview the singer also said the reason she wanted to finish the new record as soon as possible, stating "I'm not sure when I'll have time for another holiday, so I'm making the most of it now." The upcoming LP itself will be the second studio album from her after her debut set, "Alright, Still", which was released in 2006. Unfortunately, Lily hasn't confirmed the release date and the title of her upcoming record.

Though earlier reports on the baddies in the upcoming sequel of blockbuster movie "Transformers" have often turned out to be false ones, media is still hunting down on getting a slightest hint on the new robots to appear in "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" and apparently the works weren't left in vain. Lately, screenwriter of the action adventure movie, Roberto Orci, unveiled that Decepticons will be aided with the existence of Soundwave in the sequel.

Talking about his works on the second live-action adaptation of the "Transformers" franchise to IGN, Orci confessed that he could no longer leave the microcassette recorder-transforming-robot out of the second film. "I'll tell you. We had to get Soundwave in there," so claimed the "Star Trek" co-writer. The man who is also known for his producing role further explained that this particular character was actually planned to be included in the first film, but the idea was later canceled because the filmmakers couldn't do it right.

Time, apparently, does matter for Kelly Brook. The movie beauty is reported to have turned down Billy Zane's marriage proposal despite the fact that they have recently rekindled their romance after she reportedly called off their engagement following her father's death November last year after battling cancer.

First met during the filming of the 2006 flick "Three" also known as "Survival Island", Kelly and Billy initially planned to walk down the aisle in summer 2005, yet decided to postpone it just because of media fuss. And much contrary to early reports that stated it was Kelly who ended their relationship, British tabloid the Sunday Mirror claims it was Billy who initially broke off their engagement, after realizing he wasn't ready to settle down.

Recent news in the media which claimed that 50 Cent is about to sign a mega deal with News Corp has now been denied. 50's management company Violator Management, through their representative Chris Lightly has denied the news stating that it was nothing more than just rumors.

Moreover a source from the rapper's record, G-Unit Records, also denied the news telling the press, "If this was true, we'd know first." The source then also explained on why the deal report was also seen on the rapper's official site, stating it was because they, "don't discriminate against news."

Riding high on the success of their single "Kryptonite" in 2000 and the years after that plus their consistency in spawning hits after hits, 3 Doors Down are undoubtedly a rock icon that have embedeed their name so deep in the history of rock music. The band are now back in 2008 with their new effort, a self-titled album which will be released on April 20 via Universal Music.

Speaking about the new set, the band's guitarist Chris Henderson explained that their music has been revolutionizing since the last time they spawned an album. "We actually got to sit and work on it, instead of cranking it out," he said. "Over the years, since 1999 pretty much, there's always been some sort of deadline. A deadline for touring, for videos, for this or that. This time we were like, 'You know what? Let's take some time off and let's go back and write without a deadline and see what happens.' So we did that."

Who could separate Johnny Depp from the hit '80s television series "21 Jump Street"? Though the actor has moved on to be one of the greatest Hollywood actors with three Academy Award-nominations and many blockbuster movies under his sleeves, nobody could forget him being the young Officer Tom Hanson Jr. in the drama series. Hence, it will only be fair if he gets a part in the upcoming "21 Jump Street" movie and apparently the film's screenwriter Jonah Hill agrees.

In an interview with MTV, the "Superbad" star revealed that he has already prepared a part for the original star of the undercover young cop drama series. "We have an awesome thing for [Johnny] Depp, if he'll do it," Hill explained enthusiastically. "I don't know if he will or not, [but] it's going to be rad!" Still, the 24-year-old didn't share further details about the role opened for the "Sweeney Todd" star. Meanwhile, Depp has yet to give any comment on the offered part.

Lindsay Lohan is about to turn 22nd this coming July and as usual she's planning to celebrate it in a big way. Despite the many negative reports that hit her, the actress-singer apparently has got the spirit to welcome the big day, launching an online appeal for someone to sponsor her 22nd birthday party.

The has just launched website, gushes, "Sponsors will have a unique branding opportunity to an internationally media worthy event. Lindsay and her 10 closest girlfriends will start the celebration in the early afternoon with spa treatments including manicures, facials and massages." It, furthermore, says "Upon nightfall an intimate group of 75 VIP guests will gather for dinner, performances and most importantly to help Lindsay blow out the candles on her 22nd Birthday cake."

Following recent reports about the Academy of Country Music Awards early winners, now the full winners have finally been announced. In addition to the likes of Taylor Swift, Jack Ingram and Miranda Lambert, the have-just-announced award winners are Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts and Kenny Chesney.

Carrie manages to take home one of the event's prestigious awards which is the Top Female Vocalist, making it her second after last year she also won it. Rascal themselves grab this year's Top Vocal Group award, while Kenny wins the top award of the event, the Entertainer of the Year.

The 20th Century Fox have given treats to Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman's fans everywhere. Starting at 9 A.M. on Monday, May 19, the studio have released the first trailer of "Australia", the romantic drama about an epic journey through the unforgiving outback, on the virtual world.

Timed at nearly two minutes, the compilation of clips gives out glimpses into Kidman's as well as Jackman's characters and what kind of danger and romance lays ahead of them. Opened with a unique introduction of the company logo using old newspaper, the trailer begins as the wife of singer Keith Urban walks into a shed in which she sits down to tell a story to an Aborigine child. Guided by her voice, the trailer the takes off showing the World War II scenes and the introduction to the two main characters.

Good news comes in two from the Simpsons. In addition to the intimate wedding of Ashlee Simpson and her longtime boyfriend Pete Wentz, which was held on Saturday evening, May 17 at her parents' Los Angeles home, it was finally confirmed that the singer indeed is carrying a bun in the oven.

Ashlee, who has always avoided addressing the persistent pregnancy rumors that hit her, is said to have officially revealed her pregnancy to everyone attending her wedding. According to OK! magazine, as being informed by sources, Ashlee finally revealed her pregnancy to everyone at the reception. No further details have been exposed though.

Kenny Chesney proves his dominance on the country music realms, grabbing the top honor of the Academy of Music Awards, the Entertainer of the Year Award. This year's victory is Kenny's fourth in a row and it also means that he ties Garth Brooks who also has won the category four times.

Different from its previous proceeds, this year's Entertainer of the Year Award is being voted directly by the audience. At the stage, after receiving the award Kenny said, "This one is really extra special because long before I had a hit record the fans always came to my show, and I want to thank you guys for voting and being there for me."

Following the success of her line of umbrella, Rihanna has recently told a U.K. magazine that she's planning another unusual product launch which is her own line of underwear. Soon following her public statement, a new claim has just emerged that she is about to become the model of Victoria's Secret.

MediaTakeOut claimed to have been told by Rihanna's people that the star is on the verge of becoming one of the models for the giant retailer of women's wear, lingerie, and beauty products. "No one even contacted [Victoria's Secret], they contacted us ... and they were throwing around all kinds of numbers and ideas. Everyone's excited, especially Rihanna," a source close to Rihanna told MediaTakeOut.

Following the world premiere of the comical "Kung Fu Panda" last Thursday, May 15, the 61st Annual Cannes Film Festival once again became the host to first time screening of another highly anticipated summer movie "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull". On Sunday, May 18, the notable film festival rolled down its red carpet for the flock of celebrities coming down for the premiere event.

Attending the special event were some of "Indiana Jones 4" stars and its filmmakers, director Steven Spielberg and creator George Lucas. The red carpet saw Irina Spalko's depicter Cate Blanchett who looked stunning in a gray Armani dress. It also caught the iconic Indiana Jones himself, actor Harrison Ford, who came accompanied by his partner Calista Flockhart. Adding to the excitement, the rising star Shia LaBeouf who portrays Mutt Williams in the action adventure movie also grazed the red carpet together with the other two.

In between times of her relaxation at Mel Gibson's place in the Pacific coastal city of Samara, Britney Spears has been photographed cozying up to her agent Jason Trawick as they romped along the beach in Costa Rica on Saturday, May 17. Her father Jamie Spears and Mel were nowhere to be seen.

Britney was seen wearing an Ed Hardy "Love Kills Slowly" bikini. The mother of two was all smile as she hopped back on an ATV for a spin in between dips in the sea. At one point she was even snapped riding the ATV with Jason on the front and she put her arms on his waist.

The early winners of the 43rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards, held on Sunday, May 18 at the MGM Grand, have just been announced. Among the winners is new country sensation, 18-year-old Taylor Swift, who grabs the Top New Vocalist category. Receiving the award, at the stage the teen singer thanked and dedicated the award to her mom saying, "Mom, thank you so much, I love you. This is for you."

Besides Taylor Swift, the awards event also witnesses other winners such as, Miranda Lambert who wins the Album of The Year award. Meanwhile, Sugarland receive two awards for Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

In the movie, Prince Caspian sets his eyes to stop the evil ruler of the Telmarines from destroying his beloved land and to claim his right for Narnia's throne. With the help of the previous legendary Narnia's rulers, the Pevensie siblings, it seems that the job will be a pretty easy one. However, in the box office, a not-so-easy task lays ahead. To land atop the revenue chart, "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" has to face off with back-to-back topper "Iron Man". Still, the adventure movie managed to debut on top and forced the man suited in armor suit to pass up the box office crown.

Considered to be a better challenger to the Robert Downey Jr.-starrer action film than "Speed Racer", the Disney's sequel film to "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" proved to have a strong line of fanatics when it managed to end the domination of the Marvel Entertainment's superhero tidbit. The Andrew Adamson's family movie opened number one on the box office chart pulling in approximately $56.6 million from the 3,929 theaters it was screened. It scored around twenty million more than "Iron Man" which slipped to the second place in its third weekend grossing an estimated $31.2 million.

Amidst break-up speculation that surrounds their marriage, Amy Winehouse and her husband Blake Fielder-Civil reportedly are planning to renew their wedding vows once he is released from jail. They, according to reports, hope to organize a ceremony in East London as soon as Blake is released from London's Pentonville Prison.

"Amy and Blake are more determined than ever to show the world they are together. As soon as he is out they will be renewing their wedding vows - they want to put two fingers up to those who want them apart," a source told the Sunday Mirror. "They want another wedding, a family and are even planning to set up a business together."

It's official. Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz are now husband-and-wife. The longtime celebrity couple swapped wedding vows Saturday evening, May 17 at the Encino home of the bride's parents, Joe and Tina Simpson.

Much contrary to their persistent denial of an alleged wedding, a spokesperson for the newlyweds confirmed to People later that day, "We're delighted to confirm that Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson were married this evening in front of family and close friends." There were reportedly 150 guests attended the Alice in Wonderland-themed wedding which was held at Ashlee's parents' Los Angeles-area home.