May 23, 2008

Spending big for a production of a movie is perhaps common for the Hollywood movie industry. However, that is not the case with "Night at the Museum 2: Escape from the Smithsonian". Even before this comedy fantasy film has gone into production, it has given up half a million dollar only to secure its title name.

On their latest news concerning the film, WashingtonPost.com reported that to obtain rights to use the Smithsonian Institution's name, the 20th Century Fox has to hand out as much as $550,000. By getting the right, the movie directed by Shawn Levy marked the first time the Smithsonian name has been used in a feature film title.

Sparked concern as she was spotted sporting fresh cuts on her arms and filming worrying videos with fellow troubled singer Pete Doherty, Amy Winehouse is making her way into rehab. The singer, who needless to say is battling drug addiction, is due to undergo treatment within the next few weeks at the Barzilai Medical Centre in Israel.

Eliezer Cohen, chairman of the Israel Anti-Drug Authority, claimed the clinic agreed to treat Amy following a request from her management. "They spoke to a renowned Israeli institution and an Israeli professor who conducts a very special and effective method. She has requested to come to him to do this method, since it's a method that is suitable for her," Cohen explained.

Though not without experiencing a series of bad luck during the filming, the sixth installment of "Harry Potter" series finally comes to the end of its production. The latest of J.K. Rowling's novel adaptation movie entitled "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" has been completed its principal photography last weekend on Saturday, May 17.

The wrapping up of production news came from report on the official site of one of the film's star Emma Watson. The posted news read, "We just thought you might like to know that filming of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince has now finished (filming finished on Saturday May 17th) and now we're eagerly awaiting the November release."

Still preparing the release of his upcoming LP "Invincible Summer", a new song from Common that will be on the set has leaked on-line. The single is titled "Universal Mind Control (U.M.C.)" and it features a collaboration with Pharrell Williams.

Although has been confirmed as one of the songs on his new LP, it is still not clear whether "Universal Mind Control (U.M.C.)" will be the lead single from the upcoming record or not. Other songs that reportedly will also be featured on the album are "Make My Day" feat. Cee-Lo "Punch Love" and "Dreaming"

Witnessing his teenage daughter Miley Cyrus working her way up the industry ladder, Billy Ray Cyrus speaks out of his praise for the courage she has when she's facing a number of criticism and even controversies. To OK! magazine the country singer openly talks about his support and love for his actress-singer daughter.

"I can't imagine being her age and going through what she went through," Billy said in a statement. "I'm amazed she kept on."

More good news comes from Amy Winehouse as the actress was picked as one the winners of the 2008 Ivor Novello Awards. The troubled singer grabbed the award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically for her single "Love Is A Losing Game".

Unfortunately, Amy didn't accept the awards herself as she arrived late at the event. On the stage, receiving the award on the singer's behalf was her father Mick, who also explained her daughter's condition on his speech saying, "She's sorry she can't be here but she sends her love. She is getting better and she'd like to send her love to everyone at the Ivors who first recognized her talent."

When the words about the making of "Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li" with Kristin Kreuk as the titular character are coming out, many are wondering how the undercover Interpol agent will look like. Fortunately, those in question do not have wait any longer to get the first glimpse into the character first introduced through video game in the '90s. On Friday, May 23, Capcom of Japan have released a photo exposing the actress as Chun Li in the movie.

In the picture, Kreuk does not appear anywhere near the famed female character in "Street Fighter" game. Captured from the neck above, the "Smallville" actress looked unkempt and missing out Li's signature blue outfit and 'ox-horns' hairstyle. It is said that the photo cannot be considered as an official photo yet.

Rapper/producer T-Pain finally revealed more details about his upcoming studio album "3 Rings" and also the first single from the set, "Snap You Fingers". The rapper plans to drop his new and third studio album on September 30 via Konvict Muzik/Zomba, while his song will be spawned to radios sometime in June.

Moreover, a representative from Zomba also stated that the music video for the first single is also in progress and will be released soon. The representative also added that T-Pain is still working very hard to finish his upcoming LP with Akon.

The singing sensation Hannah Montana is indeed coming home to Tennessee like what Miley Cyrus has said earlier. On Thursday, May 22, Walt Disney Pictures announced that the movie production of the hit television series "Hannah Montana" has already begun. The filming that is now underway is taking places in and around Nashville, Tennessee and Los Angeles.

Adding to the good news sent, the mouse house also let out the list of cast ensemble to be featured in the movie. Coming to the big screen reprising their small screen roles are Miley Cyrus as the titular character, Billy Ray Cyrus as Robby Stewart, Jason Earles as Jackson Stewart, Emily Osment as Hannah's best friend Lilly Truscott, Mitchel Musso as Hannah's friend Oliver Oken and Moises Arias as Rico. Aside from the original cast, the film will also see other stars, including Vanessa Williams, Melora Hardin, Barry Bostwick and Margo Martindale.

Love is in the air for Jesse McCartney and Danity Kane's Aubrey O'Day. The two spark dating rumors after they were spotted spending a lot of time together lately.

Aubrey was out to offer her support for the young male singer as he celebrated the release of his new album "Departure" at Marquee lounge in New York City on Wednesday, May 21. Jesse, 21, and Aubrey, 24, were also spotted spending time together at Butter on Monday night, May 19 during when they were even seen in each other's arms.

A new exciting music video from the collaboration between Cee-Lo and Jack Black for the cover of Carl Douglas' hit song "Kung Fu Fighting" has just been premiered on May 22. The music video sees Jack doing some kung-fu moves, while Cee-Lo singing most of the tune.

Beside having Jack and Cee-Lo on it, the clip also features the appearance of kids dressing up as Shaolin fighters practicing cool kung fu stuffs. Another features that can be seen on the music video, which was directed by Elliot Lester, are some clips from the upcoming movie "Kung Fu Panda".

Last week on May 15, fans got the chance to get the first human look of "Dragonball Evolution" two main characters, Goku and Bulma, when pictures of the two fictional characters were scanned out of a magazine and posted online. Before the excitement toned down, other scanned pictures of some other characters from the live-action movie made its way to the virtual world.

The new and better looking photos have been scanned from different Japanese magazine than the first ones. These are coming from the July 7th issue of Roadshow magazine and are exposing other notable characters, such as Master Roshi played by Chow Yun-Fat, Yamcha portrayed by Joon Park and Chi-Chi starred by Jamie Chung. The pictures which can be seen via DBTheMovie also show Goku and Bulma in different poses compared to the Weekly Young Jump's scans.

Have just been hit with romance rumors, Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder can finally feel relieved as his representative has put the brake on the false on-set romance rumors. The two film stars are not dating, the representative insisted.

Star magazine recently ran a story that suggested both '80s icons, who are co-stars in the upcoming comedy-drama flick "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee", are dating. The publication claimed the twosome got really cozy, adding that "they are also always hugging on the set". It's been claimed that "the chemistry is really electric."

Lil Wayne's hit single "Lollipop" still hasn't lost its charm on the U.S. music charts as it managed to take the top spot again on the Billboard Top 100 chart. The song regained its #1 spot after topping it three-weeks ago.

On this week's edition, Wayne's single climbs from 3-1 switching places with last week's chart topper Rihanna' "Take a Bow". Meanwhile, the #2 position is still being kept by Leona Lewis with her "Bleeding Love" track.

Awhile back reports coming in had claimed that the fourth installment of "Terminator" franchise would start its production on May 12. However, the speculation proved to be misleading. On Thursday, May 22, Warner Bros. Pictures have sent out press release on the action movie's actual timing and location of the production stating that the principal photography of "Terminator Salvation" have begun on May 5 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Aside from announcing the start of production, the studio also give out more information to the film's storyline. If before the plot was constricted only on the fact that Marcus Wright is the central figure in the movie and John Connor having survived the nuclear bombing leads a group of survivors in a struggle against the killing machines, the press release brings in more elaborated plot. In the newly outed storyline, it is partly explained who exactly Marcus is and how he and Connor come together.

Not only working on her new album, Beyonce Knowles reportedly will be doing another music project. According to the recent news, Beyonce is being lined-up to sing a theme song for the upcoming James Bond movie "Quantum of Solace" replacing Amy Winehouse who pulled out from it.

Reports claim that Beyonce is still in talks with the movie's executives and if the deal goes through she will be singing the track written by Amanda Ghost. Beside working with Amanda, on the song the "Crazy In Love" singer will also team up with the legendary Bond music composer John Barry.

Having been retired from adult-film-making industry, Jenna Jameson is now focusing most of her attention and energy to form a family. Speaking on that matter, the retired porn star has revealed her willingness to be like Angelina Jolie, staying unmarried and having kids.

"Two failed marriages. [Marriage] is really just a piece of paper," so she told US Weekly on her decision not get married again. "I think I'm gonna stay unmarried," she added.

In every movie she has appeared whether playing a supporting role or the star itself with a long or short hair cut, Cameron Diaz has always been seen as the radiant blonde. However, it seems that for the sake of really getting in touch with her latest role in "My Sister's Keeper", the former model turned prominent actress is willing to let go of her beautiful golden locks and goes completely bald on-set.

Portraying a mother supporting her young daughter who is battling leukemia, the 35-year-old actress is required to appear hairless in the drama movie and that is exactly what the co-star of Ashton Kutcher in "What Happens in Vegas..." does. With the help of a fitted cap, the actress who gives voice to Princess Fiona in "Shrek" series was captured as a baldy while filming for the adaptation movie at the Santa Monica Pier on Wednesday, May 21.

It seems that Rihanna is hooked with doing collaboration. After recently teaming up with Maroon 5, the singer plans another duet. Reports said that the "Umbrella" singer will be recording a track with her rumored boyfriend, Chris Brown.

The news surfaces after a source told Star! Magazine that Rihanna and Chris will record a song together with the help of her mentor Jay-Z. "Rihanna is impressed with Chris' voice. It was a natural step for her to say, 'Let's do a duet. She's asking Jay-Z to look around for a beat for the two of them, something sexy and snazzy," the source said.

Is pregnant with her second child, Gwen Stefani apparently has spicy food cravings. The songbird and her husband Gavin Rossdale have been spotted dining on spicy Mexican. Sources who saw them claimed to have seen the mother of one couldn't get enough of the chips and hot salsa.

"Gwen's been carrying around a mini bottle of Tabasco in her purse," one of her friends told OK! "She says she only has three categories of food she likes right now: hot, hotter and hottest!"

While most men of his age are busy playing with their grandkids, Robert Redford's life has just begun. The Academy Award-winning actor has announced his engagement to longtime girlfriend Sibylle Szaggars, whom he's been dating since 1996.

"We are engaged and very happy with that. She is my fiancee and that says everything, doesn't it?" so he told German magazine Bunte. The couple have not yet set a date for the wedding though.

After having trouble over his recent gig for the "Glow In The Dark Tour", Kanye West has to face another one. This time Kanye is facing a lawsuit made by Kathleen Firrantello, the daughter of late jazz musician Joe Farrell, who accused him of using her father's music without an approval.

Kathleen didn't only file the suit against Kanye, but she also charged other musicians Method Man, Redman, Common and also those artists' recording companies, Def Jam Music Group and its label Roc-A-Fella Records, Universal Music Group with its labels Interscope Records, Geffen Records and A&M Records and Vivendi. The suit naming those artists and labels was filed in the U.S. District Court in New York City, on Thursday 22.

Has already had a two-year-old daughter, Adam Sandler is about to become a father for the second time. The comic actor told Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show" Wednesday, May 21 that his wife Jackie Titone is pregnant with their second child together.

"We're having another baby. (Jackie) is pregnant," so he said. Is nearly four months pregnant, Jackie according to Sandler is suffering big time with morning sickness. "She's very sick. She's going through a lot," he told Leno. "My wife gets it very bad, she vomits a lot - morning, afternoon, the whole deal."

A few days back, Universal Pictures have given the fans chance to get a look into the two main villainous characters of Prince Nuada and the Angel of Death through the release of several new characters banners. However, the two baddies are not the only scamps to appear in the forthcoming "Hellboy II: The Golden Army". With the coming out of the movie's first official television spot, fans can't get closer look into the monsters online.

The promotional video was firstly unearthed during the "American Idol" finale on May 21 and soon after the studio released the TV spot on the net using a custom player. Though some of the clips compiled within have been shown before through the trailer and teaser, others still bring out the band of monsters, demon and trolls has to be faced by the big red hero and his BPRD team. Unlike the teaser and trailer which pretty much gives out idea about the film's plot, the spot merely exposes the big and ugly monsters and how Hellboy handles them.

Oprah Winfrey goes vegan. The talk show host has challenged herself to become a vegan for 21 days in order to detox her body.

Found herself being inspired by Kathy Freston's book "Quantum Wellness" and online sessions with Canadian motivational speaker Eckhart Tolle, Oprah committed to take part in the so-called "21 Day Cleanse". As part of it, she and three pals from her production company will stop eating meat and dairy for three weeks. They as well will ditch caffeine, sugar, gluten and alcohol.

Frank Sinatra returns to the top of the charts with the release of "Nothing But The Best" (Reprise), which debuts at #2 on this week's Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. Marking his highest chart position in nearly 15 years and his biggest one-week soundscan for a non-duet release, the album's chart success comes on the strength of a multi-faceted campaign that included partnerships with Warner Home Video, Turner Classic Movies, the United States Postal Service, MGM Home Entertainment, Hallmark, Sirius Satellite Radio to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Sinatra's passing on May 14.

As the first initiative under the newly established Frank Sinatra Enterprises (FSE), a partnership between the Sinatra family and Warner Music Group, the campaign featured the release of all-new CD and DVD collections, a television film festival and specials, and the issuance of a commemorative stamp. The success of the album comes on the heels of high profile USPS stamp launch events in New York City, Las Vegas, and Hoboken, New Jersey, and a major press campaign. Additionally, May 13 was officially declared "Frank Sinatra Day" in a resolution presented by Representative Jose Serrano (D-NY) to Congress.