December 17, 2008

Rock band Metallica have confirmed on their official site that they are getting Guitar Hero video game treatment. "It's the worst kept secret in rock-n-roll but we're here now to finally confirm that there will indeed be an all-Metallica Guitar Hero game released in the first half (!?) of 2009," the band wrote in a post.

The so-called "Guitar Hero: Metallica" video game, as stated by the band, will allow people to jam along to 28 of their songs, as well as to a number of tracks by Alice in Chains, Foo Fighters, Slayer, Machine Head, and Queen. "There is also an all new Expert+ difficulty setting featuring two bass drum kick pedals (!!!) along with all the gameplay modes from Guitar Hero World Tour," the music act added.

Less than a week from its debut in U.S. theaters, "Seven Pounds" rolled down red carpet in Los Angeles for its premiere celebration. Held at Mann Village Theatre in Westwood on Tuesday, December 16, the special screening event was highlighted with the streaming in of many Hollywood celebrities.

From the cast ensemble, Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Michael Ealy, Madison Pettis, Barry Pepper, Ryan Ochoa and Sarah Jane Morris were all seen attending the event. Joining them on the evening were the movie's crew, including director Gabriele Muccino and producers Steve Tisch and Todd Black.

MTV's original programming line-up is expanding with eight original non-scripted series getting the thumbs up from the entertainment network. With the titles, like "Nitro Circus", "Daddy's Girls", "The Girls of Hedsor Hall" and "MTV's Untitled Performing Arts Reality Project", the new shows coming up over the next several months will be produced by the likes of Johnny Knoxville, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, Donald Trump, Nick Lachey, and others.

"In the coming months, we are unveiling an extremely ambitious launch schedule filled with an unprecedented volume of new content," Tony DiSanto, executive VP of series development and programming, explained. It is further explained that MTV is looking forward to launching a two-hour block of original programming on Sundays at 9 P.M. and air original shows at 9 P.M. on Mondays and Thursdays starting in the first quarter of 2009.

A clip from the December 19 episode of "Numb3rs" has been released by CBS. The episode is called "Frienemies", and apt to its title, Charlie will be forced to work with his rival Marshall Penfield to solve a case where a grad vigilante group goes after a known criminal mastermind.

Penfield is played by guest star Colin Hanks, whom from the last name, is known as the actor son of Oscar winner Tom Hanks. Penfield and Colin argue about small things such as the marker that belongs to Colin but got broken when used by Penfield. Meanwhile, Don is still struggling to decide whether his religion holds the answers he's been looking for.

Katie Holmes is about to celebrate her 30th birthday Thursday, December 18 and her actor husband Tom Cruise has openly told Access Hollywood he has something special for her. "I've got some special things ... that I have in store for her," he said at the premiere of his new movie, "Valkyrie," in New York City on Monday night, December 15. "It's gonna be a great day for her."

Tom wouldn't go into detail on what present he will get Katie. He, instead, revealed how they will celebrate her big day, stating "We're gonna celebrate, I'll be here in the morning with her." Later that day, Tom will have to attend the Los Angeles premiere of "Valkyrie", whereas Katie is due to perform on Broadway's play "All My Sons" in New York.

One of the Black Eyed Peas' members Taboo opened up that the band's forthcoming fifth studio album "The E.N.D (The Energy Never Dies)" will be loaded with the same energy the band had in previous albums. "Same Black Eyed Pea energy. A lot of international inspiration," he said.

"will.i.am was doing X-Men the new movie ['X-Men Origins: Wolverine'], so he got inspired in Australia to do electro music," Taboo explained further at the re-opening of the Conga room in Los Angeles. "So we fused electro with hip-hop and made our own mesh."

A music video promoting Young Jeezy's brand new song "Who Dat" has made its way out. Produced by Gabriel Hart, the video is co-produced by RayGun from Southern Trees Film Group and has rapper Ice Cube making a cameo appearance.

"Who Dat" is a song produced by rapper/songwriter Shawty Redd, who also helped Snoop Dogg recording 2007 single "Sensual Seduction". The D. Rich-produced track appears on Young Jeezy's third studio album "The Recession".

The legal battle over "Watchmen" won't be resolving any time soon. Initially set to be brought in front of the court on January 6, 2009, the trial date for the rights to the action adventure movie has been moved back two weeks to January 20, 2009. Variety reported that the new date was set by Los Angeles federal judge Gary Allen Feess on Monday, December 15.

The new trial date has been thrown out after Feess refused to issue a ruling on which side, 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros. Pictures, has the control of the film's rights. Revealing that he has to handle a criminal matter on the original date, Feess reportedly also declined on making a pre-trial summary judgment, claiming that the contracts between Fox and "Watchmen" producer Larry Gordon are "so open to interpretation that a trial is required".

Former longtime partners P. Diddy and Kim Porter celebrated her 38th birthday together at Murano Restaurant & Lounge in West Hollywood on Monday night, December 15. The twosome was joined in the party, which the music mogul held for the model, by nearly 30 guests that include some of their celebrity friends.

The birthday lady, who arrived late for the festivity, was serenaded with Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday" and presented with a cake, a guest told People. Actress Ellen Pompeo and husband Chris Ivery, her "Grey's Anatomy" co-star Sara Ramirez and reality TV star Lisa Gastineau were among the guests who attended the party.

The second episode of "Momma's Boys" that will return on screen Monday, December 22 has been previewed. Premiered on Tuesday, November 16 via NBC, the reality show started off with a bang in the shape of Khalood Bojanowski, aka Mrs. B. The 50-year-old who is one of the mothers participating in the show started a racial rant with one of the black girls.

Vita particularly fumed over the comments made by Mrs. B when she stated, "I cannot have a black one," upon choosing the ideal girl for her son, Jojo. "I can't have an Asian one, and I can't have a fat-butt girl. No Jewish girl! I cannot stand them! It has to be a white girl." This rift will still have its effect on the second episode where the girls face a challenge set up by Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White. The girls who win will be exempt from the boys' first elimination.

Usher is holding a contest to give teenagers a once-in-a-lifetime chance of filming a music video for him. Those who want to join the contest must be at the age of 13 to 18 years old.

The online contest will be started from December 16 and will expire on January 31, 2009. Then, in March 2009, several contestants will be selected and flown to Los Angeles to work in two teams. The two teams will have one week to work on Usher's music video with him giving advices whenever they need any.

MTV has brought forth an exclusive clip of the upcoming "What Doesn't Kill You". With the running time of about a minute, the snippet to the gritty Boston crime drama shows the time Brian whose criminal way of life is beginning to spiral dangerously out of control gets a visit from Moran, a local police detective.

Centering its story on two childhood friends, Brian and Paulie, whose hard lives and friendship bond makes them brothers, "What Doesn't Kill You" follows the two as they grow up and get into more serious offenses which finally land them a serving time behind bars. When they are released, Brian tries to get clean from his past.

Vanessa Hudgens, as reported by E! News, called off her planned 20th birthday party at Chateau Marmont upon fear of bad press that might be addressed to her due to the fact that the hot spot is a bar. E! News reported that matter as being informed by a restaurant source.

Vanessa turned 20 years old on Sunday, December 14. She initially planned to host a bash at Bar Marmont, "but decided at the last minute to put the kibosh on the bash," E! News claimed. The restaurant source claimed further that despite the cancellation the actress-singer actually "could have gotten in though, because they serve dinner as well."

A music video aimed to promote The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus' first single "You Better Pray" off upcoming third studio LP "Lonely Road" has been premiered. Starting with a look at a quiet school ground, it quickly changes to a scene showing a boy sitting on one of the library chairs, seemingly to be bored.

Trying to escape from the boredom, the teenager draws cartoon characters which then jump out of his book, coming to life and becoming the band's members who perform the song out loud in the quiet library with no one seems to care. Curious but indeed excited with what happens, he draws other characters, this time two fat bald guys, who also jump to life as his previous cartoon pictures.

In a press release, it was announced that the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards has hired Halle Berry and screenwriter Tyler Perry to host the show. The nominations will be revealed on January 7 while the prize-handing ceremony will take place on February 12 at Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium and aired live by FOX at 8:00 P.M. ET.

"We are extremely honored to have former Image Awards winners Ms. Halle Berry and Mr. Tyler Perry host this historic event," said Image Awards Chairperson Clayola Brown. "Halle and Tyler have broken many barriers in the entertainment industry. In this historic centennial year, their successes remind us of the immense progress that has been made in the last 100 years and gives us continued hope for the progress that our nation will achieve in the future."

The sequel to "Arthur and the Invisibles", "Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard", has been previewed through an international teaser. A minute long, the video footage teases out that ten moons have passed and now Arthur is going to get a welcoming party from the Minimoys. But, while everybody is having fun, Maltazard goes to the human world to have his revenge.

In "Revenge of Maltazard", Arthur answers a distress call from Princess Selenia. Going back to the world of the tooth-sized, elfin Minimoys, he joins Selenia and her brother Betameche in a new journey past sticky spider webs and Maltazard's threatening henchmen in search of the forbidden city of Necropolis, home of the villainous wizard Maltazard.

Becoming a household name ever since he starred as Edward Cullen in vampire blockbuster "Twilight", Robert Pattinson is counted by MTV News as one of its Men of the Year. The British actor is listed at No. 4, right behind Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers who is at No. 3 and one spot ahead of Robert Downey Jr. who is ranked 5th.

Acting aside, MTV News credits Robert for singing a pair of songs on the "Twilight" soundtrack. He makes the list, moreover, because he has become the "subject of innumerable bits of fan fiction too risque and/or disturbing to reprint" on the site. MTV News also mentions his hair, rumored affair with Camilla Belle, and upcoming movie "Little Ashes" among the other things that make him covered in countless media headlines.

A new song claimed as a collaborative single between Justin Timberlake and T.I. has been available for stream. Entitled "If I", the track is reportedly produced by Timbaland. However, there is no word on whether the song will be appearing on either Justin's upcoming third album or T.I.'s next LP.

Apart from the song's news, Justin Timberlake reportedly is not working on solo album. His spokesperson told MTV that he is indeed lingering in the studio but it is for writing and producing songs for Esmee Denters as well as other Tennman Records' artists, Matt Morris, Free Sol, and Brenda Radney.

While not much has been shared on the upcoming "Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li", two of the action film's stars, Kristin Kreuk and Chris Klein, gave out bits of information about the movie as well as their experiences working for it. In an interview with Sci Fi Wire, the two gushed that "Chun-Li" stays true to the original video game.

On the red carpet for the Video Game Awards in Los Angeles over the weekend, Kreuk opened up first, explaining on what the new "Street Fighter" is all about. "It's about the character Chun-Li," she said. "It's her origin story from when she was a little girl. She loses both of her parents. Her father is taken away."

"Wizards of Waverly Place" will still be airing on Disney Channel until the end of the year, with an episode called "Plan B". The last episode of 2008 will air on December 31, showing what Alex and Justin prefer to be in case they don't make it to become a wizard.

The official synopsis is read: "When Mr. Stuffleby, a wizard guidance counselor, informs the kids that they must have a viable profession to fall back on in the event that they don't become wizards, Max chooses to become a street magician while Alex and Justin decide to form a band. They all test their skills by hosting a Waverly After Dark performance at the Sub Station."

Trying her best to quash rumors of her dating one of the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato tells Seventeen's prom/winter special issue, "I even put on my glasses and wear sweatpants around them." Of that she explains, "because you wouldn't put makeup on for just your brothers."

The Disney teen queen insists her friendship with the threesome as platonic, claiming "We're all friends. But they're not the type of guys that I'd be into dating - or else I'd be dating one!" Getting together with Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas, and Nick Jonas in some occasions due to their work commitment, Demi tends to consider them simply as "brothers", nothing more.

Not only Jack Black would be on board the new episode of "The Office", but also Jessica Alba. The actress has just been reported to fill the guest-starring slot, and like Black, she will play as herself. Alba will be starring in the bootlegged movie that the staff of Dunder Mifflin try to secretly watch at the office.

EW's Ausiello Files was the first to report that Alba is included among "other notable Hollywood actors" that NBC mentioned earlier this week when announcing the cameo by Black. An official press release followed afterward, confirming Alba's participation as announced by the President of NBC, Angela Bromstad.

Following Adrian Young's statement saying that No Doubt will still be working on their sixth major studio effort next year, speculation has swirled in the media claiming that there will be no new record in 2009. "We've been working on a new record off and on now for a bit of time, and we're going to continue to work on a new record next year," he said at the KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas in Los Angeles.

"We're going to start touring in the spring of '09 through the summer, and we're going to continue to work on music while we're traveling," Adrian explained. "[We'll have] a mobile studio on the bus and eventually get to a new No Doubt record."

"The Dark Knight" keeps on collecting more and more nominations and awards from various film critics association. On Tuesday, December 16, the summer's blockbuster superhero movie has been named the year's Best Film by the Austin Film Critics Association (AFCA) at its fourth end-of-the-year awards.

Adding to the awards' collection, "Dark Knight" has also earned four other kudos from the AFCA. It won Best Original Score for James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmerman, Best Adapted Screenplay for Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan, the latter who was also honored as Best Director for his work with the movie, and Best Supporting Actor for the late Joker's depicter, Heath Ledger.

Interviewed by Howard Stern for his "Howard Stern Show" on Sirius/XM on Tuesday morning, December 16, Pete Wentz told all to the radio host from his sex life with wife Ashlee Simpson, pre and post giving birth, to her current boobs size. "We have an amazing sex life," so he said. "Texas girls are fun."

Talking about his first sex encounter with Ashlee, the Fall Out Boy bassist recalled, "It was the single best sexual encounter I've ever had." He continued, "We were in the Soho Grand Hotel, and there was a mirror, and I was like, 'Oh my God, you're banging the girl of your dreams and you're watching it right now.'"

The CW have released two webclips that give a sneak peek to the new episode of "90210" when it returns on January 6, 2009. The first one, titled "Goodnight Annie", shows Annie's face-to-face encounter with Sean while the second one, called "Unbelievable" is on Kelly coming to Brenda's front step.

Sean, who only showed up recently claiming to be Harry's illegitimate son with Tracy Clark, thought that Annie would believe him but he decides to take a paternity test to convince everybody. Speaking of this Sean character, AnnaLynne McCord who portrays his half-sister, Naomi, said "There is a possibility that Josh Henderson's character isn't our brother at all. He kind of goes away for a while. So that leaves the question, who is my brother?"

After being previewed by Access Hollywood, "I Love You, Man" trailer has made its way out via Yahoo! Movies. Uncovering more of the story behind Paul Rudd's character search for his perfect best man, the trailer follows the newly engaged and successful real estate agent on a series of bizarre and awkward "man-dates" which leads him to his newfound "bro".

Exploring what it truly means to be a "friend", "I Love You, Man" is directed and penned by "Along Came Polly" director John Hamburg. Joining Paul Rudd in the cast ensemble are Jason Segel, Rashida Jones and Jaime Pressly among others. Before it is debuted wide in the U.S. on March 20, 2009, it will kick off the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival on March 13, 2009.

Rumors have been mounting that Katy Perry and her boyfriend Travis McCoy of band Gym Class Heroes are engaged. The New York Daily News' Gatecrasher is the first to bring that matter to public's notice.

Travis, who's been dating Katy since last year, is claimed to have popped the question during a recent romantic break to the French capital, Paris. His proposal reportedly was unconventional that was by kissing the music star with a diamond ring in his mouth.

Scarlett Johansson revealed her plan to enter the recording booth for sophomore studio album. "I would love to do another album," the actress told MTV while promoting her forthcoming movie "The Spirit".

Unlike her previous effort "Anywhere I Lay My Head" which mostly carried the cover version of Tom Waits' songs, this follow-up record will tackle original materials. "I don't think I'd do covers, so it'd be a project that I have to dedicate myself to," she said. "I feel like that's something for the future."

Another photo from "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" has leaked out. This time, it displays Emma Watson's Hermione. Coming from ScarPotter, the new picture presents Hermione in The Great Hall looking a bit worried with her hands holding on what seems to be the latest issue of The Daily Prophet.

On related news, The Leaky Cauldron has come up with a "Half-Blood Prince" set visit report. In it, Watson gushed that the sixth Harry Potter movie is leaning toward the romantic comedy genre. Providing reason on the movie's tone, she pointed out on some physical humor played by Cormac McLaggen during Slughorn's party and the dynamic between her character and Ron. For the latter, she said, "They're both in denial about their feelings."

In companion to her saucy poses for some pictures featured on Maxim's January 2009 issue, Hilary Duff also discusses with the magazine such major issues like her virginity and the false media stories about her. Besides, she also breaks her silence on her love relationship with boyfriend Mike Comrie.

"You know what? I was quoted saying I was a virgin, but I absolutely did not say that," the former teen actress tells Maxim when referring to a published 2006 interview with Elle, which quoted her as saying "It's harder having a boyfriend who's older because people just assume. But [virginity] is definitely something I like about myself. It doesn't mean I haven't thought about sex, because everyone I know has had it and you want to fit in." Refusing to discuss the issue further, she insists, "That's nobody's business but my own."

A music video supporting N.E.R.D's song "Sooner or Later" has been debuted. According to Emmett Malloy, one of The Malloys who directed the video, "It's really about the market kinda going down and it ends in a pretty hopeful way."

Starting with scenes showing worried faces of people working in a stock market following the crashing down of the business, it also captures the band's members Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo and Shay Haley cleaning floors and windows of the building as janitors. Nearing the end, professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek is seen approaching them with two small paper bags full of money.