December 03, 2008

A brand new trailer for Steven Soderbergh's four-hour biopic "Che" has been released. Giving another preview to the movie that highlights the life of Argentine doctor turned rebel leader Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, the trailer runs for more than 2 minutes and begins with a picture of the iconic leader before moving on showing Benicio Del Toro's version.

This four-hour biopic will be separated into two movies, "The Argentine" and "Guerrilla". While "The Argentine" focuses on Che's struggle to overthrow the corrupt dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista, "Guerrilla" centers on his life after the Cuban Revolution.

CBS has made a press release of its mid-season schedule. Through the press release, the network has announced the return of the hit reality shows, "Survivor" and "The Amazing Race", both of which will be set to air in the same month, February 2009.

On Thursday, February 12 at 8/7c, "Survivor", a reality show that follows a group of strangers put together in a remote island while competing in various challenges, will return to the small screen. Meanwhile, the 14th edition of "The Amazing Race" is scheduled to air on February 15 at 8/7c.

Kristen Stewart will shed off her girl-in-love image in "Twilight" by portraying a legendary rocker in "The Runaways". According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 18-year-old has landed a part in the rock 'n' roll biopic of the 1970s all-girl band, portraying rock guitarist/singer Joan Jett.

Since Stewart still has commitments with two "Twilight" sequels, including "New Moon", it is said that the production of "Runaways" which is aimed for 2009 start will work a schedule around them. Beside taking the role of Jett, THR also reported that the "Into the Wild" actress will reprise her role as Bella in "New Moon", which is expected to shoot sometime in first-quarter 2009.

Keyshia Cole's third major studio LP "A Different Me" has been revealed to carry at least fifteen new tracks through a newly-outed official tracklisting. Breaking the news to the media is Tower Records, a retail music chain based in Sacramento, California.

"A Different Me" is slated for U.S. release on December 16 via Geffen/Interscope Records. Produced by Polow Da Don, Stargate, and Keyshia herself, the effort lines up such featured guests as Nas, Tupac Shakur, Monica and Amina Harris.

ABC network has released the airdates of its new series on December 2. Through the press release, the network introduces three new drama series entitled "Castle", "Cupid", and "The Unusuals".

"Castle" is a drama series revolving around wildly famous mystery novelist Richard Castle. It is scheduled to premiere on Monday, March 9, 2009, at 10/9c. Nathan Fillion from "Desperate Housewives" will play the novelist who learns that a real-world copycat killer has started staging murder scenes depicted in his novels.

The-Dream's second major studio effort "Love vs. Money" has been pushed back to early 2009. Originally expected to come out in the U.S. on December 16, the Christopher "Tricky" Stewart-produced album will reportedly be released sometime in February 2009 via Def Jam and Radio Killa imprints.

"Love vs. Money" is a follow up to The-Dream's debut record "Love Hate", which has hit the market since December 2007. This forthcoming album includes guest appearances from Mariah Carey who lends her vocals on single "My Love" and Lil Jon who is featured on a song called "Let Me See the Booty".

Though "Sherlock Holmes" already has its foe in Lord Blackwood, the Guy Ritchie-directed movie apparently won't leave the famous detective's arch-nemesis, Moriarty, out of the picture. Talking to IGN at the British Independent Film Awards, Blackwood's depicter, Mark Strong, hints on the possibility, suggesting that Moriarty will have a small appearance in the film.

"Moriarty's in it," Strong claims, adding, "but you don't really see him. I think he's there because if the franchise carries on, there's a possibility that he will appear in a larger guise." He then adds that his character is still the main villain, saying, "But for the purposes of this one and the detective narrative, I'm the guy that Sherlock's after, Lord Blackwood. And he's a cultist/Satanist lord who is the ultimate cad."

"Frozen River" has come out victorious at the 18th Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards. On December 2 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, the Sony Pictures Classics dramatic thriller has been awarded with two kudos from the awards presented to independent films and those who make them.

The Courtney Hunt-directed drama about a New York mother getting into the world of illegal immigrant smuggling has been recognized as Best Feature, beating out "Ballast", "Synecdoche, New York", "The Visitor" and "The Wrestler". Accepting the coveted award, Hunt said, "I did not see this one coming, I did not see this coming." Apart from the Best Picture prize, the movie also helped its star Melissa Leo to earn the Breakthrough Actor kudo.

Miley Cyrus gives her fans an exclusive peek at her family's farm in Nashville, Tenn. In the video, featured after the jump, she and her singer father Billy Ray Cyrus take a walk along their property, pointing to several objects that remind them of their old days when the actress-singer spent her childhood in the area. Joining the father-daughter duo is the family's dog.

The footage, shot on November 23 last year, bears the statement that read the farm has become "the heart of the Cyrus family." Besides, it also features Billy Ray telling the camera, "Every place out on the farm, she had a name for it. Like the big rock down there is the Snake Rock and Stairway to Heaven is where the moss is. Buckeyeland is where all the buckeyes are. Every place had a name" when speaking of Miley.

On Tuesday, December 2, organizers for Essence Music Festival confirmed that Beyonce Knowles has been booked to make a live appearance at their show next year. Unfortunately, the event's promoters haven't given clues on who will be joining Beyonce at the event.

Essence Festival is an annual event celebrating black music and culture. Serving as a one-time celebration of the 25th anniversary of Essence magazine, the festival will be taking place in New Orleans on June 3 - 4, 2009. Previous performers at the event included Mary J. Blige, LL Cool J, Alicia Keys and many more.

Christmas atmosphere can be sensed on the next episode of "House M.D." Through the recently-released preview, it can be seen that Dr. Gregory House has a mission to get a perfect gift on the episode entitled "Joy to the World".

The episode, which is scheduled to air on December 9, will tell a story of House and the team when they encounter a teenager who collapsed during her high school Christmas program. It then follows the team as they are forced to delve deeper to get to the bottom of the teenager's mysterious illness.

While two times James Bond actor Daniel Craig earlier admitted that he has declined the offer to star in "Thor", "Grey's Anatomy" latest addition cast member Kevin McKidd claims that he is on the run for the title role. The 35-year-old actor confirmed the matter to IGN at the after party for December 1 premiere of "Punisher: War Zone".

On the occasion, the "Rome" actor additionally revealed that lately there has been "a lot of back and forth" about the Marvel's project, but nothing is yet to be determined. Other than that, he also gave affirmation that director Kenneth Branagh has indeed taken the helming part of "Thor", claiming it to be "a choice that makes him even more excited about the film".

Hip-hop artist Soulja Boy will take some time off from recording his upcoming LP to take part in the yearly Toyz N Da Hood charity event, which donates holiday toys throughout Atlanta during the month of December. Offering a helping hand, he will on date 19 later this month help hosting the annual event at Atlanta's Walmart, located on 6149 Old National Highway. There he will help with gifts, and sign autographs and copies of his latest music effort, titled "iSouljaBoyTellem".

Participating on the 6th annual toy drive, Soulja expresses his gladness, saying "It's all about putting smiles on kids' face this holiday season. I'm happy to do anything I can during these hard economic times to make a kid's holiday season a little brighter. " He then recalls his old days before he became famous, revealing "Growing up I didn't have much, so I can relate to these kids and know how important it is to them. To see how excited they get when we donate all these toys is worth anything I can do to make that possible."

Sneak peek to episode 2.07 of "Eli Stone" has been revealed through a preview posted below. The video footage features special appearance of British singer Seal. It also shows how Eli Stone dealing with Angela, a suspected drug trafficker.

Entitled "Help", the episode revolves around Eli and Keith. As the two defend Patti's daughter against drug charges, Eli believes she is innocent while Keith has his own reservations. On the episode, Eli will learn about a greater meaning to his vision which will change his relationship with Patti forever. Meanwhile, an advice from Maggie gives Matt clarity on his relationship with Taylor.

Britney Spears has reportedly upset NBC's producers as she calls off her planned live appearance at the network's live event "Christmas in Rockefeller Center". An insider told OK! Magazine, "You have no idea how many times Britney has changed things on us, at least 14 times since I got here on Thursday."

"It is Britney Spears and she can do that because they want her to boost ratings, but no one is happy putting up with this," the insider revealed more to the publication. "I probably shouldn't say this, but guys on the crew were making bets about whether she would show up at all."

Girls Aloud will reportedly serve as an opening act for Coldplay's live concert at London's Wembley Stadium. If the rumor is true, the all's girl group will take the Wembley's stage alongside the "Viva La Vida" hitmakers on September 19, 2009.

"Coldplay are huge pop fans. They love Take That and all the mainstream chart stuff," a source told The Sun. "Girls Aloud are the ideal support group. They will get the Wembley crowd worked up into a frenzy before the main attraction. Chris Martin is a fan and had them on his wishlist from the start of tour plans."

Comedy drama series, "Reaper", will be back on the small screen early 2009. EW's Michael Ausiello recently reported The CW network has picked up the supernatural drama series to return on The CW's mid-season schedule.

Moreover, the network has ordered as much as 13 episodes for "Reaper" second season which will be premiered on March 17. Starring Bret Harrison and Tyler Labine, the series is planned to air regularly on Tuesday night at 9/8c, following "90210". The new season is said to blend suspense and humor as it follows Sam, a slacker whose world turned upside down on his 21st birthday when he learned that his parents sold his soul to the Devil before he was born.

In anticipation of the Christmas Day release of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button", Concord Records have announced the release date of the movie's original soundtrack. Through a press release on Wednesday, December 3, the record label let out that the soundtrack will be available in U.S. stores on Tuesday, December 16.

Exploring the life of someone who is born an old man and ages backwards, the album consists of two discs. The first disc contains 23 original scores composed, conducted and produced by awards-winning composer Alexandre Desplat, while the second one contains 19 songs from the movie from the one titled "My Name is Benjamin" to Louis Armstrong's "Dear Old Southland". The track listings of the album can be seen via AceShowbiz.com.

Season eight of comedy drama series "Scrubs" will be invaded by the special appearance of Courteney Cox. As reported by Associated Press, the "Friends" alum has been picked up to guest star on the upcoming episodes of the hospital comedy.

Moreover, the 44-year-old star is playing a character named Dr. Maddox, Sacred Heart's new chief of medicine, for a three-episode arc. On "Scrubs", Cox is joining the series regulars including Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, Donald Faison and John C. McGinley. A clip previewing Cox's appearance on "Scrubs" can be seen below.

Patrick Swayze has issued an exclusive statement to People, hitting back against the mounting Internet reports claiming he is near death as his pancreatic cancer has spread to his liver. Despite media outlets' claim that he has already said goodbye to family and friends, he insists he responds well to treatment and has been "winning" the battle with the disease.

"Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive disease and from the moment I was diagnosed, I knew I was in for the fight of my life. It's a battle, and so far, I've been winning. I'm one of the lucky few that responds well to treatment," so he says in the statement. "It's upsetting that the shoddy and reckless reporting from these publications cast a negative shadow on the positive and good fight I'm fighting. For me, my family, and those close to me, it amounts to downright emotional cruelty. That makes me angry when hope is so precious."

Lady GaGa's fans now have an easier way to keep updated about the singer because she has launched a new mobile service, allowing fans to grab updated news and video contents from mobile phones. To get any info that they want to own, music lovers can simply log on to the site on their mobile devices at m.ladygaga.com.

In related news, Lady GaGa is set to perform at Puma event in San Fransisco. She will be playing on Tuesday, December 9 at Great American Music Hall. Free tickets for the event can be gotten by clicking her MySpace page, printing out the ticket artwork on the site, and bringing it to the venue for free admission.

More fresh photos from "Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li" have been exposed. Highlighting on the titular character, some of the new pictures let out the action as Chun-Li played by Kristin Kreuk can be seen to be involved in a fight with several thugs. Another image displays her in a meditation position surrounded by a circle of candles.

Adapted from the famous series of fighting video games by Capcom, "Legend of Chun-Li" focuses its story on the undercover Interpol agent Chun-Li. Using a script from Justin Marks, it will follow the character known for her 'ox-horns' hairstyle as she searches for justice.

Birthday girl Britney Spears got birthday greetings from celebrity friends, including Hugh Jackman, Taylor Swift, and Reese Witherspoon, during her live appearance on "Good Morning America" on Tuesday, December 2. She was also presented with a six-tier cake made by Buddy Velastro of Carlo's Bakery.

Hugh, who has just been named People's 2008 Sexiest Man Alive, sang "Happy Birthday" for Britney and he also blew a kiss for her in a video aired during the TV show. As for Reese, beside wishing the pop star a happy birthday she also praised her as a "great" person. Taylor admitted in the video that she is a big fan of Britney and feels optimistic about her new album "Circus", which hit the U.S. market that day. Britney's birthday cake, meanwhile, was also decorated with circus stuff to match up her circus-themed performance on "Good Morning America."

Disney Channel wants more "Hannah Montana" to be seen on television. As reported by E! Online, the mouse house has announced that it is ordering more episodes of the Miley Cyrus' teen drama series for the current season. Still, the network has yet to specify how many new episodes would be shot.

"Hannah Montana" has begun airing its third season, starting on November 2. Nonetheless, the comedy series also starring Miley's father, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, is still in production. Originally, it had been slated to run for 24 episodes and to end in May 2009.

Britney Spears spent her 27th birthday on December 2 at the Big Apple's Bryant Park for live performances at ABC's "Good Morning America". She delivered the two new songs, "Circus" and "Womanizer", off her newly-released sixth studio LP "Circus" at the Tuesday night's event.

After performing "Womanizer", Britney also confirmed her roadshow plan across North America during a brief interview with TV show's two hosts in Lincoln Center. "Yes, in America," she answered when asked whether she will be starting the gig at home state.

The saucy pictures of Jessica Alba for 2009 Campari calendar have been all over the web. The pics, shot by top photographer Mario Testino during a multi-day photo shoot in Malibu, Calif. earlier this year, see her showing off her post-baby body by posing in a form-fitting black swimsuit and evening attire.

"All the clothes were very cool. They're young, sexy and fresh," Jessica told the press about the outfits that she had to wear for the photo shoot. "I'm usually walking around in comfy clothes with a baby on my arm and it's nice to dress things up and feel sophisticated, sexy and surrounded by so much beauty. It was all very chic, but still young and cool, my favorite combination!"

Family drama "Rachel Getting Married", border-smuggling saga "Frozen River" and struggling mother tale "Ballast" have shown their domination on the run for the 2009 Spirit Awards. Upon the announcement of the awards' nominees on Tuesday, December 2, it has been revealed that those three films have collected six counts each.

From all of the nominations "Rachel", "Frozen" and "Ballast" received, the three will have to go head-to-head for best feature title along with "Wendy and Lucy" and "The Wrestler". Their directors, Jonathan Demme, Courtney Hunt and Lance Hammer, will also compete for the best director prize which also lists Ramin Bahrani of "Chop Shop" and Tom McCarthy of "The Visitor" as the competitors.

Robert Pattinson and Camilla Belle have added fuel to the persistent circulating rumors claiming they are dating as they've been spotted lunching together. The rumored lovers were photographed enjoying a lunch date at Three Square Bakery on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, Calif. on Sunday, November 30.

Both Robert and Camilla wore casual outfits. In the many pictures that can be seen on Celebuzz, both of them were all laughing during the outing. According to reports, the actor even assisted Camilla in opening and closing her car's door.