The Moviefone Blog

Clint Eastwood Turned Down Roles as Bond and Superman

Johnny Dee — 2010-09-09T08:41:00+00:00

Oh how the world of cinema could have been so different. It has emerged that Clint Eastwood was approached in the 70s to become James Bond after Sean Connery vacated the role. He also turned down the chance to become Superman.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, the 80-year-old actor says that he is relieved that he wasn't tempted by the parts: "Thank God that I didn't have to do that," he tells them.

Speaking about the 007 role (which went to Roger Moore), the Dirty Harry star, best known to moviegoers for his gritty characters in cowboy and cop films, said that he was offered a sizeable pay cheque to take the part.

Find out more after the jump... Oh how the world of cinema could have been so different. It has emerged that Clint Eastwood was approached in the 70s to become James Bond after Sean Connery vacated the role. He also turned down the chance to become Superman.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, the 80-year-old actor says that he is relieved that he wasn't tempted by the parts: "Thank God that I didn't have to do that," he tells them.

Speaking about the 007 role (which went to Roger Moore), the Dirty Harry star, best known to moviegoers for his gritty characters in cowboy and cop films, said that he was offered a sizeable pay cheque to take the part.

Eastwood was also involved in early discussions about the Superman franchise.

"I can remember - and this was many years ago - when [Warner Bros. President] Frank Wells came to me about doing Superman," he says. "So it could have happened. This was when they first started to think about making it. I was like, 'Superman? Nah, nah, that's not for me.' Not that there's anything wrong with it. It's for somebody, but not me."

In the interview, the journalist jokes with Eastwood that he was having trouble shaking the image of him in blue tights.

"That was a long time ago. I was a little more pumped," Eastwood answered with a wink. "But believe me, I can get it out of my mind. I got it out of mind back then. It was easy."

Are You Ready For 9/11: The Musical?

Johnny Dee — 2010-09-09T03:45:00+00:00

There have been a handful of films that have documented the 9/11 terrorist attacks - such as World Trade Center and United 93 - but to date no one has managed to transform the harrowing atrocity which claimed the lives of 2,977 people into a hillarious musical. That - rather unbelievably - is about to change with the release of Clear Blue Tuesday, a low budget musical based on the tragic events of September 11 2001, released in the US last week.

The Guardian reports that its director, Elizabeth Lucas, believes that music helps us "look at ourselves and laugh at our tragedies". However, judging from the trailer, the movie is so bad viewers are more likely to be appalled than stunned. However, if a bunch of actors to old for Glee singing soft rock ballads about the aftermath terrorism appeals this is the movie for you.

Watch the trailer after the jump... There have been a handful of films that have documented the 9/11 terrorist attacks - such as World Trade Center and United 93 - but to date no one has managed to transform the harrowing atrocity which claimed the lives of 2,977 people into a hillarious musical. That - rather unbelievably - is about to change with the release of Clear Blue Tuesday, a low budget musical based on the tragic events of September 11 2001, released in the US last week.

The Guardian reports that its director, Elizabeth Lucas, believes that music helps us "look at ourselves and laugh at our tragedies". However, judging from the trailer, the movie is so bad viewers are more likely to be appalled than stunned. However, if a bunch of actors to old for Glee singing soft rock ballads about the aftermath terrorism appeals this is the movie for you.

Judge for yourself below...

The film which includes original songs with titles such as 'The Day The Sky Fell' and 'Brand New Sky' follows the lives of eleven New Yorkers - including a harpist and a Bono lookalike - touched by the tragedy over the course of seven years.

In America, the musical has been receiving mixed reviews. The Hollywood Reporter wrote that said that the film is 'the sort of egregious fatuousness and self-indulgence that is all too endemic to off-Broadway stages.' The New York Times however wrote that 'the good vibes are palpable, despite the sadness of much of the material'.

Fortunately, there is no plan for the film to be released in the UK.

Hurray For Holywood - Getting The L Out Of Hollywood

Johnny Dee — 2010-08-31T22:53:00+00:00

The mainstream film industry has Hollywood and Bollywood, now a group of Christian film-makers are hoping to transform Central Florida into Holywood by making it the capital of faith-based movies.

The makers of Letters To God, which was the first big faith-based movie to be shot in the southern state already have plans to make several more films in the area and have inspired other film-makers to follow them. Among them is director De Miller whose drama about baseball and redemption begins shooting next month. The mainstream film industry has Hollywood and Bollywood, now a group of Christian film-makers are hoping to transform Central Florida into 'Holywood' by making it the capital of faith-based movies.

The makers of Letters To God, which was the first big faith-based movie to be shot in the southern state already have plans to make several more films in the area and have inspired other film-makers to follow them. Among them is director De Miller whose drama about baseball and redemption begins shooting next month.

"We'd like Central Florida to be 'Holywood' because we want to get the 'L' out of Hollywood," he quipped.

The local climate and the availability of keen - and quite possibly cheap - acting talent thanks to the local Disney and Universal Studios theme parks are seen as a bonus for low budget film-makers.

There are a half a dozen similar projects currently in production according to a report in the Orlando Sentinel, many financed by local church goers - a system that was inspired by the Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia which has financed three movies by the Kendrick Brothers including $40million box office hit Fireproof.

What do you think, does the film industry need a 'Holywood'?

Steve Coogan To Turn TV Role Into Movie (And Before You Ask, It's Not Alan Partridge)

Johnny Dee — 2010-07-22T15:09:00+00:00

Despite much talk of an Alan Partridge movie it looks as if Steve Coogan will be reprising another of his TV roles in his next movie project.

According to reports, Coogan is set to make a movie version of the 2002 BBC comedy drama Cruise Of The Gods.

In case you don't remember, the BBC production starred a line up that also included David Walliams and Rob Brydon playing actors from a cheesy 80s sci-fi series Children Of Castor who were reunited at a fan convention on a cruise ship. Before long old tensions resurface, principally between Coogan's egotistical Nick Lee who's the only cast member to have made a career for himself in Hollywood and his former co-star Andy van Allen (Brydon) who's now struggling to make a living.

Find out more and watch a clip from the original series after the jump... Despite much talk of an Alan Partridge movie it looks as if Steve Coogan will be reprising another of his TV roles in his next movie project.

According to reports, Coogan is set to make a movie version of the 2002 BBC comedy drama Cruise Of The Gods.

In case you don't remember, the BBC production starred a line up that also included David Walliams and Rob Brydon playing actors from a cheesy 80s sci-fi series Children Of Castor who were reunited at a fan convention on a cruise ship. Before long old tensions resurface, principally between Coogan's egotistical Nick Lee who's the only cast member to have made a career for himself in Hollywood and his former co-star Andy van Allen (Brydon) who's now struggling to make a living.

New York screenwriters Michael Handelman and David Guion have confirmed they're working on the big screen version.

"Cruise Of The Gods was never shown here [in the US], so we are remaking it," says Handelman. "Ours is called The Great Beyond and it's the same basic premise about two actors who were on a TV show some years ago. One became very successful and one has never worked again and has never been able to work out his hatred of the past."

The original starred Rob Brydon as the out-of-work actor but, in the US version, the roles are going to be reversed.

"Steve played the guy who went on to be a star in the original one, but will play the guy who did not become a star in the new one," Guion revealed.

Watch a clip from BBC's Cruise of the Gods below...

Why Did Bill Murray Do Garfield? He Thought it Was a Coen Brothers Movie

Johnny Dee — 2010-07-20T11:12:00+00:00

Actors aren't perfect. Sometimes they make a mistake and end up in terrible movies. Sometimes they're the reason for terrible movies. However, if you look through the CV of Bill Murray, master of deadpan and one of the greatest comic actors of all time, you will notice that not only does he choose his movie roles judiciously, but from Caddyshack to Zombieland he's starred in a long run of classic movies. There is however one exception: Garfield.

Why, fans have been asking for years, did Murray sign up to be the voice of a cat. Does he, like the tubby puss, have a thing for lasagna?

Finally, the mystery of why he was in such a deeply unfunny movie has been revealed. In an excellent interview for GQ, Murray reveals it was a case of mistaken identity. He did the movie because he confused Garfield writer Joel Cohen with Coen brother, Joel Coen, and assumed he'd be making the Barton Fink of animatronic children's movies.

Read Bill Murray's hilarious explanation after the jump... Actors aren't perfect. Sometimes they make a mistake and end up in terrible movies. Sometimes they're the reason for terrible movies. However, if you look through the CV of Bill Murray, master of deadpan and one of the greatest comic actors of all time, you will notice that not only does he choose his movie roles judiciously, but from Caddyshack to Zombieland he's starred in a long run of classic movies. There is however one exception: Garfield.

Why, fans have been asking for years, did Murray sign up to be the voice of a cat. Does he, like the tubby puss, have a thing for lasagna?

Finally, the mystery of why he was in such a deeply unfunny movie has been revealed. In an excellent interview for GQ, Murray reveals it was a case of mistaken identity. He did the movie because he confused Garfield writer Joel Cohen with Coen brother, Joel Coen, and assumed he'd be making the Barton Fink of animatronic children's movies.

Below is his full, and extraordinarily frank, explanation of his Garfield faux paw (sorry) To read the whole interview go here:

Okay. Well, how about Garfield? Can you explain that to me? Did you just do it for the dough?
No! I didn't make that for the dough! Well, not completely. I thought it would be kind of fun, because doing a voice is challenging, and I'd never done that. Plus, I looked at the script, and it said, "So-and-so and Joel Coen." And I thought: Christ, well, I love those Coens! They're funny. So I sorta read a few pages of it and thought, Yeah, I'd like to do that. I had these agents at the time, and I said, "What do they give you to do one of these things?" And they said, "Oh, they give you $50,000." So I said, "Okay, well, I don't even leave the fuckin' driveway for that kind of money."

And it's not like you're helping out an indie director by playing Garfield.
Exactly. He's in 3,000 newspapers every day; he's not hurtin'. Then this studio guy calls me up out of nowhere, and I had a nice conversation with him. No bullshit, no schmooze, none of that stuff. We just talked for a long time about the movie. And my agents called on Monday and said, "Well, they came back with another offer, and it was nowhere near $50,000." And I said, "That's more befitting of the work I expect to do!" So they went off and shot the movie, and I forgot all about it. Finally, I went out to L.A. to record my lines. And usually when you're looping a movie, if it takes two days, that's a lot. I don't know if I should even tell this story, because it's kind of mean. [beat] What the hell? It's interesting. So I worked all day and kept going, "That's the line? Well, I can't say that." And you sit there and go, What can I say that will make this funny? And make it make sense? And I worked. I was exhausted, soaked with sweat, and the lines got worse and worse. And I said, "Okay, you better show me the whole rest of the movie, so we can see what we're dealing with." So I sat down and watched the whole thing, and I kept saying, "Who the hell cut this thing? Who did this? What the fuck was Coen thinking?" And then they explained it to me: It wasn't written by that Joel Coen.

And the pieces fall into place.
[shakes head sadly] At least they had what's-her-name. The mind reader, pretty girl, really curvy girl, body's one in a million? What's her name? Help me. You know who I mean.

Jennifer Love Hewitt?
Right! At least they had her in good-looking clothes. Best thing about the movie. But that's all ugly. That's inappropriate. That's just... [laughs] That's why, when they say, "Any regrets?" at the end of Zombieland, I say, "Well, maybe Garfield."

Mickey Rourke To Play Gay Rugby Star?

Johnny Dee — 2010-07-20T07:32:00+00:00

Following his Oscar-nominated role in The Wrestler, comeback king Mickey Rourke has been a much in demand actor after 14 years in the movie wilderness.

Sporting a new crew cut on the final Jonathan Ross chat show last Friday, the Iron Man 2 star said that his new hairstyle was for an upcoming film project, although he was tight-lipped on exactly what project it was for. Now The Sun reckon they know the answer as they claim that they spotted Rourke out for dinner with rugby star, Gareth Thomas, and that the pair were discussing a movie biopic.

Thomas' life is worthy of a movie as he's the first rugby star to come out of the closet and admit that he is gay. The Sun claims that former boxer Rourke has been wanting to make a film about the macho world of rugby for some time. Following his Oscar-nominated role in The Wrestler, comeback king Mickey Rourke has been a much in demand actor after 14 years in the movie wilderness.

Sporting a new crew cut on the final Jonathan Ross chat show last Friday, the Iron Man 2 star said that his new hairstyle was for an upcoming film project, although he was tight-lipped on exactly what project it was for. Now The Sun reckon they know the answer as they claim that they spotted Rourke out for dinner with rugby star, Gareth Thomas, and that the pair were discussing a movie biopic.

Thomas' life is worthy of a movie as he's the first rugby star to come out of the closet and admit that he is gay. The Sun claims that former boxer Rourke has been wanting to make a film about the macho world of rugby for some time.

Speaking to Mail Online, Thomas' manager and publicist, Emmanuele Palladino, says: "The next step is for us to agree the terms of the film with Mickey's management, then it'll be a question of getting a script sorted. Gareth had been very flattered to have been considered as a story by one of Hollywood's greats. The fact that the talent himself called him personally and showed an interest in his story, was very flattering - and very surprising too."

Meanwhile, Rourke, shortly to be seen in all-star action movie, The Expendables, has a vast number of projects currently in development included rumoured roles as Genghis Khan and Baby Face Nelson.

Our Top Ten Favourite Toy Story Scenes (VIDEO)

Johnny Dee — 2010-07-18T03:35:00+00:00

As you're no doubt aware, the greatest animated film of all time (probably) has a third instalment in cinemas from 19 July. Yep, Toy Story 3 is here and it looks every bit as emotional and funny as the first two movies.

Like all Pixar's catalogue, the Toy Story films are packed with far more humour, emotion and pathos than you'd expect from a children's animated film - in fact, you don't really need to have a little 'un by your side to justify watching them.

Anyway, as we enter into the final phase in the life of Andy and his beloved toys, we thought we'd gather together our favourite scenes from the first two adventures. Take a look at our selection after the jump.

To infinity... and beyond! As you're no doubt aware, the greatest animated film of all time (probably) has a third instalment in cinemas from 19 July. Yep, Toy Story 3 is here and it looks every bit as emotional and funny as the first two movies.

Like all Pixar's catalogue, the Toy Story films are packed with far more humour, emotion and pathos than you'd expect from a children's animated film - in fact, you don't really need to have a little 'un by your side to justify watching them.

Anyway, as we enter into the final phase in the life of Andy and his beloved toys, we thought we'd gather together our favourite scenes from the first two adventures. If we've missed any of your favourite bits then put us right in the comments below. Okay, let's get started.

To infinity... and beyond!

Buzz Lightyear suffers an identity crisis
"One minute you're defending the whole galaxy," whines the starship trooper in the funniest moment of the first two films. "Suddenly you find yourself supping Darjeeling with Marie Antoinette and her little sister". Years of academy training go to waste as poor Buzz finds himself transformed into Mrs Nesbitt at a tea party in Sid's sister's room. The hat looked good though.

When She Loved Me
The most emotional song in Toy Story 2 is Sarah McLachlan's haunting 'When She Loved Me' which soundtracks the story of cowgirl Jessie's happy early years followed by neglect as her owner grows up. Like the moving montage of Carl and Ellie's marriage in Up, it's a classic example of Pixar tugging at the heartstrings and, in this case, will make you feel guilty for ever getting rid of your own toys.

The Claw is our master
"Who's in charge here?" Buzz asks an arcade grab machine stuffed with squeezy green three-eyed aliens. As one, the hundreds of aliens point skywards and reply in awe and wonder "the claw". If there is a religious message in Toy Story then this is surely it (don't worship false Gods). The scene also ruined one of the scariest bits in War Of The Worlds - when Tom Cruise is sucked into the belly of the tripod it's hard to stop yourself thinking, "the claw is our master".

Geri the repairman
The old man who appeared in the very first Pixar short film playing chess with himself makes a cameo appearance fixing up Woody. Arriving at the door like Harvey Keitel's underworld cleaner in Pulp Fiction with his box of specialist tools, he stitches, buffs and transforms Woody into a good as new doll for the slobbering toy collector anxious to sell his yard sale find to a Japanese museum.

The toys get revenge on Sid
Andy's neighbour, Sid, is a a young man who enjoys nothing more than soldering a baby dolls head on to the body of a Meccano spider and operating a toy version of Auschwitz in his back yard. However, after inadvertently finding themselves in his house, Buzz and Woody lead a mutiny of the freaks which culminates in this classic scene revealing the dark side of our cowboy friend.

Big Al's Toy Barn
The scene where the toys find themselves inside the gigantic store in Toy Story 2 is a classic. First there's Buzz getting into a scrap with an identical Buzz and finding himself back in a box, then there's the hilarious Tour Guide Barbie who takes Hamm, Mr Potato Head, Slinky Dog and Rex on a spin around the aisles in her jeep. Best of all there's an excellent pastiche of Jurassic Park as we see Rex chase after the tour party in the side view mirror: "dinosaur overboard!"

The rocket
The climactic scene of the first movie sees sworn enemies Buzz and Woody finally bonding as, abandoned on the roadside, they attempt to reunite with the other toys in the removal truck. Fulfilling his destiny, Buzz - with the help of a firework and a match - truly does get to go "to infinity and beyond" before landing plumb inside Andy's toy box. "See," says Mum, "what did I tell you? Right where you left 'em." Sweet.

Andy goes to camp
It's a depressing moment of truth in Toy Story 2 for Woody as seven-year-old Andy goes off to Cowboy Summer Camp and completely forgets his best pal. How could he? All manner of dark thoughts go through Woody's mind as he imagines himself falling though a deck of cards and into a bin before the wheezing of an abandoned asthmatic penguin brings him back to his senses.

Prepare to meet Mr Angry Eyes
Discovering that he's a valuable collectible based on old TV show Woody's Round Up, the Tom Hanks voiced doll finds himself in the company of a mint condition 'Pete the Prospector' toy from the same show. On the verge of agreeing to join him on the trip to the toy museum, he's rescued from a life behind glass by his old pals from Andy's room and, in particular, Mr Potato Head who saves the day with his "angry eyes".

Buzz finally realises he's a toy
Operating under the illusion that he's landed on a hostile planet and must defeat the evil Zurg, Buzz is brought down to earth with a bump when he catches a TV advert for Buzz Lightyear toys on TV. Up until this point we'd been laughing at the macho spaceman, suddenly we feel sorry for him. It's like that moment in life when you realise that your dad isn't some superman but an ordinary fella just like everyone else. Sniff...

New Film Breaks Record For Longest Kiss in Movie History (VIDEO)

Johnny Dee — 2010-07-05T22:59:00+00:00

As Roy Castle used to sing, "dedication's what you need... if you want to be a record breaker", but maybe what you really need is a decent pucker.

New lesbian romance, Elena Undone, contains a kiss that lasts three minutes and 24 seconds - and the film's makers are claiming that it is the longest snog in cinema history beating a record that has stood since 1941 when Jane Wyman and Regis Toomey locked lips for three minutes and six seconds in a film called, You're In The Army Now.

Watch a clip of this record breaking snog after the jump... As Roy Castle used to sing, "dedication's what you need... if you want to be a record breaker", but maybe what you really need is a decent pucker.

New lesbian romance, Elena Undone, contains a kiss that lasts three minutes and 24 seconds - and the film's makers are claiming that it is the longest snog in cinema history beating a record that has stood since 1941 when Jane Wyman and Regis Toomey locked lips for three minutes and six seconds in a film called, You're In The Army Now.

The Elena Undone kiss between the actresses Traci Dinwiddle and Necar Zadegan took just three takes.

Watch a clip of the kiss below...

More Lesbian Entertainment & Video

Speaking to the website After Ellen, the film's writer and director, Nicole Conn, said she wanted the kiss to convey the moment when two lovers kiss for the first time and to transport us, "fully inside that first earth-shattering kiss."

Some film historians believe that Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman in Notorious should claim the record, but to get around production rules of the era, their famous kiss is not continuous. As an added bonus, here's a clip of Alfred Hitchcock explaining how he shot the scene and how "dreadfully uncomfortable" the actors were.

William Shatner to Direct Documentary on His Favourite Subject: William Shatner

Johnny Dee — 2010-06-18T02:53:00+00:00

Having sung with Taiwanese X Factor losers, learnt to speak fluent Esperanto, auctioned his kidney stone for charity and hosted his own paintball tournament, the legend that is William Shatner is yet again going where a more modest actor would never dare to go. He is heading behind the camera to direct a documentary about his favourite subject... himself. Brilliant.

Shatner is also set to be executive producer of the documentary entitled 'The Captains' which will focus on his early acting career and, in particular, his time starring as Captain Kirk in the original Star Trek TV series. Production is expected to begin next month for broadcast on Canada's Movie Central channel in winter 2011.

Find out more after the jump... Having sung with Taiwanese X Factor losers, learnt to speak fluent Esperanto, auctioned his kidney stone for charity and hosted his own paintball tournament, the legend that is William Shatner is yet again going where a more modest actor would never dare to go. He is heading behind the camera to direct a documentary about his favourite subject... himself. Brilliant.

Shatner is also set to be executive producer of the documentary entitled 'The Captains' which will focus on his early acting career and, in particular, his time starring as Captain Kirk in the original Star Trek TV series. Production is expected to begin next month for broadcast on Canada's Movie Central channel in winter 2011.

The veteran actor, also known for his roles in Boston Legal and TJ Hooker, revealed his involvement in the project on Tuesday, as he accepted a lifetime achievement award at the Banff World Television Festival in Alberta, Canada. Shatner returns to US mainstream TV in the autumn as a cantankerous father in the sitcom '$#*! My Dad Says', a series based on a popular Twitter feed (don't read it if you hate swearing).

Of course, there is no one finer to direct a movie about Shatner than Shatner himself. Neither is this the first time Shatner has appeared in a Shatner production - he directed, wrote, produced and starred (and possibly sung the theme tune, we've not seen it yet) in terrible straight-to-DVD alien abduction sci-fi flick, Groom Lake in 2002. While he also co-wrote and narrated the tongue-in-cheek 'How William Shatner Changed The World'. Well, we thought it was tongue in cheek...

Russell Crowe to Star in Movie Version of 80s TV Show The Equalizer

Johnny Dee — 2010-06-17T03:43:00+00:00

Remember The Equalizer? Of course you do. For those under 30's out there who don't understand the question, it was a classic 80s TV series that starred British actor Edward Woodward as Robert McCall a former secret service agent who became a vigilante on the mean streets of New York.

Acting as a private detective for hire, people found him through a classified ad that appeared in the opening credits - "Odds against you? Call The Equalizer".

Now it has emerged that Russell Crowe is behind a project to bring The Equalizer to the big screen taking on Edward Woodward's character. According to the LA Times, the project is in the hands of Hunt For Red October producer Mace Neufeld but no studio is attached as yet.

Find out more after the jump... Remember The Equalizer? Of course you do. For those under 30's out there who don't understand the question, it was a classic 80s TV series that starred British actor Edward Woodward as Robert McCall a former secret service agent who became a vigilante on the mean streets of New York.

Acting as a private detective for hire, people found him through a classified ad that appeared in the opening credits - "Odds against you? Call The Equalizer".

Now it has emerged that Russell Crowe is behind a project to bring The Equalizer to the big screen taking on Edward Woodward's character. According to the LA Times, the project is in the hands of Hunt For Red October producer Mace Neufeld but no studio is attached as yet.

Perhaps after the overly serious version of Robin Hood that Crowe was behind, he's looking to return to the gritty action men that made his reputation.

The original series had lots of great things going for it - a theme tune by The Police drummer Stewart Copeland, an iconic old school hard man car in McCall's Jaguar XJ6 and a stream of guest stars - Adam Ant, Macaulay Culkin, Christian Slater - during it's four-year run on mainstream TV from 1985 to 1989.

But mainly what the show had was the fearless and believable screen presence of Woodward as he utilised his shady contacts and meted out justice on the rapists, murderers and drug dealers of New York. Whether Russell Crowe is up to the job of following Woodward - who died last October - is open to debate. What do you think?

Just to get you in the mood here's the opening credits from the original TV series...

Sandra Bullock's Marital Scandal Inspires Porn Movie

Johnny Dee — 2010-06-15T04:08:00+00:00

Poor old Sandra Bullock. She wins her very first Oscar and then her torrid private life becomes the big news story. Well, things aren't getting much better as her marriage scandal has now been turned into a porn movie.

The film, which has been made by Hustler, centres on Bullock's discovery that her husband Jesse James had an 11-month long affair with a tattoo model and stripper called Michelle 'Bombshell' McGee while she was filming The Blind Side. After McGee's confession, a string of other mistresses came forward and Bullock filed for divorce back in April.

However, In Hustler's version of events - entitled, 'Untrue Hollywood Stories: Jesse James' - adult actress Taryn Thomas (who plays Bullock in the film) discovers her husband's indiscretions on a social networking service not dissimilar to Twitter (but with a key letter changed from the title making it sound a bit rude).

Find out more... Poor old Sandra Bullock. She wins her very first Oscar and then her torrid private life becomes the big news story. Well, things aren't getting much better as her marriage scandal has now been turned into a porn movie.

The film, which has been made by Hustler, centres on Bullock's discovery that her husband Jesse James had an 11-month long affair with a tattoo model and stripper called Michelle 'Bombshell' McGee while she was filming The Blind Side. After McGee's confession, a string of other mistresses came forward and Bullock filed for divorce back in April.

However, In Hustler's version of events - entitled, 'Untrue Hollywood Stories: Jesse James' - adult actress Taryn Thomas (who plays Bullock in the film) discovers her husband's indiscretions on a social networking service not dissimilar to Twitter (but with a key letter changed from the title making it sound a bit rude).

Marty Romano (who plays estranged husband Jesse James) then wins his wife back after counselling sessions at a Celebrity Sex Rehab Centre, by saying: "I'm better now, huh? We're gonna stay married, right?"

The couple then have sex (of course), but Bullock secretly hatches a plot to film her husband in a same-sex hook up with a fan and then post the footage online. The sizzling film eventually ends with James opting to give up women in preference to his pet dog.

Hmmm, you have to admit that's quite a story. Just not sure if it's going to pick up an Oscar...

Get more on Sandra Bullock at PopEater

China Angered by 'Hostile' Remake of Red Dawn

Johnny Dee — 2010-06-09T10:30:00+00:00

A Chinese state-run newspaper has heavily criticised the upcoming remake of the 1984 film Red Dawn where China are set to become the enemies.

ABC News reports that the Beijing-based Global Times has stated that the film demonises China and "plants hostile seeds".

The original film, starring Patrick Swayze, depicted a Soviet invasion of the United States but in the new version - which stars Tom Cruise's son, Conor Cruise - a group of teenagers fight to save their town from an invasion from communist China by the People's Liberation Army.

Find out more after the jump... A Chinese state-run newspaper has heavily criticised the upcoming remake of the 1984 film Red Dawn where China are set to become the enemies.

ABC News reports that the Beijing-based Global Times has stated that the film demonises China and "plants hostile seeds".

The original film, starring Patrick Swayze, depicted a Soviet invasion of the United States but in the new version - which stars Tom Cruise's son, Conor Cruise - a group of teenagers fight to save their town from an invasion from communist China by the People's Liberation Army.

Excerpts of the new Red Dawn script, by Carl Ellsworth and Jeremy Passmore, leaked on the internet last weekend and it is this that has enraged the Chinese.

One commentary in the Global times reads: 'Despite the world's focus on US-China relations in the strategic and economic dialogue and their increasing economic connections, China can still feel US distrust and fear, especially among its people. Americans' suspicions about China are the best ground for the hawks to disseminate fear and doubt, which is the biggest concern with the movie 'Red Dawn"

An anti-Red Dawn website has launched but it is uncertain whether it has any connection to the film. Elsewhere, the unofficial Red Dawn fan page Red Dawn 2010 keeps the matter in perspective with a blog entry on the controversy that says: "No matter how racist some people think it is, or how anti-Chinese people think it is, it is just a movie."

Here's a reminder of the 1984 movie (if only Patrick Swayze was still with us, he'd sort out this mess)...

Billy Elliot Star to Become New Spider-Man?

Johnny Dee — 2010-06-09T04:15:00+00:00

Speculation is mounting that British actor, Jamie Bell, has been cast as the lead in the much-anticipated Spider-Man reboot.

Bell, who shot to fame in Billy Elliot ten years ago, is said to have won the race to play the web-slinger ahead of a host of young hopefuls including Josh Hutcherson (Journey To The Centre Of The Earth) and Alden Ehrenreich (Tetro).

If it's true, Spider-Man will be the 24-year-old's second iconic comic book character as he is already starring as Europe's most famous boy detective Tintin, the first instalment of which - The Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn - will be released next year.

Find out more after the jump... Speculation is mounting that British actor, Jamie Bell, has been cast as the lead in the much-anticipated Spider-Man reboot.

Bell, who shot to fame in Billy Elliot ten years ago, is said to have won the race to play the web-slinger ahead of a host of young hopefuls including Josh Hutcherson (Journey To The Centre Of The Earth) and Alden Ehrenreich (Tetro).

If it's true, Spider-Man will be the 24-year-old's second iconic comic book character as he is already starring as Europe's most famous boy detective Tintin, the first instalment of which - The Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn - will be released next year.

The revamped Spider-Man series will focus on a high school age Peter Parker trying to cope with the death of his Uncle. Alvin Sergeant is currently writing the the script for the opening film, which Columbia Pictures hopes to begin filming before the end of 2010.

After Billy Elliot, the Northerner's career was slow to take off but he has found himself increasingly in demand having shown that he can take on action roles such as Jumper as well as more eccentric parts such as the title role in 2007's Hallam Foe.

One other thing, if Bell has been cast then it is likely to cause some controversy in America where it's believed that a Brit couldn't take on such an all-American role.

Gary Oldman to Star in Movie Version of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Johnny Dee — 2010-06-08T09:52:00+00:00

Gary Oldman is to star as British intelligence officer George Smiley in an adaptation of the John Le Carre classic Cold War spy thriller, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.

Le Carre's book was famously a 1979 TV series starring Sir Alec Guinness as the British spy often described as "anti-James Bond" because he was so deceptively ordinary. Guinness reprised the role in 1982 Smiley's People.

Adapted for the big screen by Peter Morgan - who wrote the screenplays for The Damned United, The Queen and Frost/Nixon - Le Carre's Smiley novels centre on the rooting out of a Russian mole working within the British secret service or "the circus" as former MI5 agent Le Carre called it.

Find out more after the jump... Gary Oldman is to star as British intelligence officer George Smiley in an adaptation of the John Le Carre classic Cold War spy thriller, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.

Le Carre's book was famously a 1979 TV series starring Sir Alec Guinness as the British spy often described as "anti-James Bond" because he was so deceptively ordinary. Guinness reprised the role in 1982 Smiley's People.

Adapted for the big screen by Peter Morgan - who wrote the screenplays for The Damned United, The Queen and Frost/Nixon - Le Carre's Smiley novels centre on the rooting out of a Russian mole working within the British secret service or "the circus" as former MI5 agent Le Carre called it.

According to reports, Colin Firth, Michael Fassbender and David Thewlis are all lined up for parts in the film which is set for a September 2012 release.

With OO7 shackled by the uncertain future of MGM and the Bourne series running out of books, perhaps Oldman's Smiley could be the start of a new spy franchise. There were five Smiley novels while he also appeared as a minor character in several others. When the BBC adapted the Karla trilogy (of which Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is the first) they chose to skip the middle book - The Honourable Schoolboy - as the Asian setting was considered too costly.

To get a taste of the more sedate pace - they'll be none of your chop-socky chase scenes in this spy film - here's a clip of opening scenes from the BBC's brilliant 1979 series...

Val Kilmer To Answer Racism Charges in New Mexico

Johnny Dee — 2010-06-08T03:11:00+00:00

The Doors and Top Gun star, Val Kilmer, has been asked to defend himself against accusations that he is a racist if he wants to go ahead and build guest houses on his 5,000 acre ranch in New Mexico.

Officials on the San Miguel Planning and Zoning Commission want Kilmer to explain derogatory comments he has made about New Mexico in the past, according to the Daily Express, as well as recent incidents that have enraged his neighbours.

In a 2003 Rolling Stone interview, Kilmer is quoted as saying that he lived in the "homicide capital of the South West" and that he keeps a gun in his vehicle. He also said that, "80 per cent of people in my county are drunk."

Find out more after the jump... The Doors and Top Gun star, Val Kilmer, has been asked to defend himself against accusations that he is a racist if he wants to go ahead and build guest houses on his 5,000 acre ranch in New Mexico.

Officials on the San Miguel Planning and Zoning Commission want Kilmer to explain derogatory comments he has made about New Mexico in the past, according to the Daily Express, as well as recent incidents that have enraged his neighbours.

In a 2003 Rolling Stone interview, Kilmer is quoted as saying that he lived in the "homicide capital of the South West" and that he keeps a gun in his vehicle. He also said that, "80 per cent of people in my county are drunk."

Immediately after the interview was printed, Kilmer claimed that he was misquoted saying: "You can ask anyone who knows me, I've never said a racist or prejudiced thing in my life."

Nevertheless, Rolling Stone stood by the article and now the matter has been raised again because of Kilmer's building plans.

The actor has also apparently angered his Hispanic neighbours for chasing local children away from fishing along the Pecos Rivers on his grounds and for erecting a high fence around his property.

During a two-hour hearing in March, local residents said Kilmer wanted to "create a segregated community for rich whites" with his proposed lodging business.

In an article in the Las Vegas Optic, Kilmer's ranch hand, Phil Howes, says that he has never heard Kilmer utter a derogatory remark and that the Hollywood star has always contributed to the community - giving out free turkeys at Thanksgiving and allowing people to chop wood on his land.

Howes also said the actor has allowed people to fish along the river, but wants people to ask first.

Due to the neighbours' complaints, the local officials halted their plans of allowing Kilmer to rent some guesthouses on his ranch until he clarifies his side of the story. He is expected to attend a public meeting tabled by the San Miguel County Commission on June 23rd.

Missing John Ford Film is Part of Lost Early Movies Found in New Zealand Vault

Johnny Dee — 2010-06-08T02:51:00+00:00

A silent John Ford movie from 1927 thought to have been lost forever is among a cache of 75 early US films that has been uncovered in a New Zealand vault.

The Ford film is Upstream, is a romance between an aspiring actor and a girl from a knife throwing act. Only a handful of Ford's early silent films have survived the ravages of time. The find also contains a trailer for the acclaimed directors Strong Boy from 1929.

The National Film Preservation Foundation called the collection, "a time capsule of American film production in the 1910s and 1920s" and said that about 70% of the nitrate prints were complete. The films were found in a remote storage vault held by the New Zealand Film Archive.

Find out more after the jump... A silent John Ford movie from 1927 thought to have been lost forever is among a cache of 75 early US films that has been uncovered in a New Zealand vault.

The Ford film is Upstream, is a romance between an aspiring actor and a girl from a knife throwing act. Only a handful of Ford's early silent films have survived the ravages of time. The find also contains a trailer for the acclaimed directors Strong Boy from 1929.

The National Film Preservation Foundation called the collection, "a time capsule of American film production in the 1910s and 1920s" and said that about 70% of the nitrate prints were complete. The films were found in a remote storage vault held by the New Zealand Film Archive.

Other titles in the collection, according to Variety, include the 1923 Clara Bow feature 'Maytime', an industrial film about the making of Stetson hats, and numerous Westerns, short films, documentaries and newsreels.

Among other titles are 'Run 'Em Ragged', a 1920 short featuring slapstick comedian Snub Pollard, 'The Diver', a documentary showing how to set underwater explosives and 'The Girl Stage Driver' a 1914 Western.

Only a fraction of the American films created during the first four decades of the motion picture still survive in the United States - probably fewer than 20 per cent. The films came to light early last year, when a preservationist for the Los Angeles archive of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, visited colleagues at the New Zealand Film Archive in Wellington while on holiday.

Many foreign films remained in New Zealand after their commercial lives were over because the studios didn't think the return shipping was worth the expense. Now the films are being shipped back to America where preserving work is due to take place. The work will take three years. Some of the films will be streamed online by the NFPF.

James Cameron Becomes Latest Director to Join BP Oil Spill Fight

Johnny Dee — 2010-06-03T02:29:00+00:00

Avatar director James Cameron is the latest Hollywood director to join the attempt to stop the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Last week it emerged that Kevin Costner had become involved in the environmental disaster and had offered a device he had invented while working on his movie flop, Waterworld.

Now the acclaimed Canadian director of Titanic and The Abyss has joined the fight according to People. Cameron, who is an ocean technology expert, recently attended a meeting with underwater innovator Phil Nuytten in Washington. The pair first met when Nuytten's company, Nuytco Research, built the submersibles used in Mr. Cameron's 1989 underwater thriller, The Abyss. Avatar director James Cameron is the latest Hollywood director to join the attempt to stop the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Last week it emerged that Kevin Costner had become involved in the environmental disaster and had offered a device he had invented while working on his movie flop, Waterworld.

Now the acclaimed Canadian director of Titanic and The Abyss has joined the fight according to People. Cameron, who is an ocean technology expert, recently attended a meeting with underwater innovator Phil Nuytten in Washington. The pair first met when Nuytten's company, Nuytco Research, built the submersibles used in Mr. Cameron's 1989 underwater thriller, The Abyss.

The results of the meeting were not clear, but US officials are said to be considering all options, including the use of manned submersibles, to help cap the well.

As well as Cameron and Costner, other celebrities who have become involved in the the fight to tame the spill include former Dallas star, Victoria Principal, who donated $200,000 to the clear up operation, while actor Stephen Baldwin is behind a $1.5 million documentary project entitled The Will To Drill aiming to raise awareness of the situation.

"I want to talk to the world with this film," explained Baldwin. "I want to create the story of the impact that then crescendos into motivating people to be pro-active in their own choices."

Kevin Costner's Waterworld Machine to Help Clean BP Oil Spill (VIDEO)

Johnny Dee — 2010-05-21T01:42:00+00:00

One of the biggest movie disasters of all time is coming to the rescue of one of the biggest environmental disasters of all time. Yes, it would appear that Kevin Costner's 1995 epic flop Waterworld wasn't such a waste of money after all.

Apparently, while developing the film, Costner spent millions of dollars paying scientists to create an "ocean therapy" device that would purify water just like his character's invention in the movie. Now, with official approval, BP have been given the go ahead for Costner to use six of his devices to help clean up the Deepwater Horizon rig oil spill, which is currently leaking 210,000 gallons of oil into the Atlantic Ocean 50 miles off the coast of Louisiana.

Find out more and watch a video report on Costner's invention... One of the biggest movie disasters of all time is coming to the rescue of one of the biggest environmental disasters of all time. Yes, it would appear that Kevin Costner's 1995 epic flop Waterworld wasn't such a waste of money after all.

Apparently, while developing the film, Costner spent millions of dollars paying scientists to create an "ocean therapy" device that would purify water just like his character's invention in the movie. Now, with official approval, BP have been given the go ahead for Costner to use six of his devices to help clean up the Deepwater Horizon rig oil spill, which is currently leaking 210,000 gallons of oil into the Gulf 50 miles off the coast of Louisiana.

According to the New York Daily News, environmental activist Costner has 300 machines in various sizes, with the largest able to clean water at a rate of 200 gallons a minute. Like a giant vacuum cleaner, the machines suck in oily water and separates the oil, spitting out clean water.

"I'm just really happy that the light of day has come to this," Costner said.

Watch a US News report of Costner's Waterworld machine below...

Sex And The City 2 Blows $10 Million on Wardrobe Budget

Johnny Dee — 2010-05-21T01:14:00+00:00

Credit crunch? What credit crunch? Anyone expecting the global financial financial crisis to have an effect on the wardrobes of Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha - the four everyday New York ladies whose Sex And The City have made the leap from TV to big screen - will have to wait.

It has emerged in a report in New York Magazine that Sex And The City 2 included a staggering budget of $10 million on the principal cast's clothes.

The magazine says one of the more costly fashion moments is the Abu Dhabi karaoke scene (pictured here) where Carrie wears $4,000 jeans under a $47,190 silver-and-gold Chanel lamé dress and overskirt.

Find out more extravagance from SATC2 after the jump... Credit crunch? What credit crunch? Anyone expecting the global financial financial crisis to have an effect on the wardrobes of Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha - the four everyday New York ladies whose Sex And The City have made the leap from TV to big screen - will have to wait.

It has emerged in a report in New York Magazine that Sex And The City 2 included a staggering budget of $10 million on the principal cast's clothes.

The magazine says one of the more costly fashion moments is the Abu Dhabi karaoke scene (pictured here) where Carrie wears $4,000 jeans under a $47,190 silver-and-gold Chanel lamé dress and overskirt.

Elsewhere in the movie, Samantha and Miley Cyrus wear matching $3,500 Matthew Williamson dresses and $300 Dolce Vita boots. Charlotte makes cupcakes in a vintage Valentino blouse, while Miranda wears a $1,400 Roland Mouret dress and in another scene a five-figure 24-karat gold cuff.

Writer Michael Patrick King has spoken about his decision to make the sequel full of opulent dresses and luxurious locations, despite the worldwide economic gloom.

"I thought Hollywood should take people on a big vacation that maybe they couldn't afford themselves," he says. "I wanted to make it a big, extravagant vacation."

New York Magazine speculates that the real reason for the extravagant budget is that we are unlikely to see SATC3. Quoted in The Sun recently actress Kim Cattrall, who plays Samantha, urged caution at future films saying: "The great thing about the Sex and the City series was that we didn't stay too long. But I'd hate for people to think, Oh my god, there's another one out there."

Original Empire Strikes Back Script Reveals Major Plot Changes

Johnny Dee — 2010-05-18T15:38:00+00:00

The original screenplay for The Empire Strikes Back has made it's way online and shows many intriguing differences to the movie that eventually made it to the big screen.

The draft script was written by Leigh Brackett, a legendary writer most famous for her collaboration with Howard Hawks in The Big Sleep (1946) as well as numerous action flicks and spaghetti westerns.

The original draft - titled 'Star Wars Sequel' - was completed on February 23, 1978 but Brackett died of cancer on March 18, 1978 before she could do a rewrite. George Lucas was left to do various drafts and then Lawrence Kasdan was commissioned (later going on to work with Lucas on Raiders Of The Lost Ark as well as return Of The Jedi).

Although many of Brackett's ideas and lines made it into Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, plenty of others were shelved.

Find out how different the original Empire Strikes Back script was after the jump... The original screenplay for The Empire Strikes Back has made it's way online and shows many intriguing differences to the movie that eventually made it to the big screen.

The draft script was written by Leigh Brackett, a legendary writer most famous for her collaboration with Howard Hawks in The Big Sleep (1946) as well as numerous action flicks and spaghetti westerns.

The original draft - titled 'Star Wars Sequel' - was completed on February 23, 1978 but Brackett died of cancer on March 18, 1978 before she could do a rewrite. George Lucas was left to do various drafts and then Lawrence Kasdan was commissioned (later going on to work with Lucas on Raiders Of The Lost Ark as well as return Of The Jedi).

Although many of Brackett's ideas and lines made it into Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, plenty of others were shelved.

The biggest bombshell is the idea that Luke's twin sister wasn't Princess Leia - but instead would have been a girl named Nellith -- and that they weren't fathered by Darth Vader. Brackett's storyline was for the real father to have separated them and hid them in different parts of the galaxy. Another idea that was cut was a scene where the Wampa on Hoth invade the Rebel base, while Yoda's original name was Minch.

In other Star Wars news it has emerged that George Lucas has written a letter of support to the creators of the soon-to-finish cult TV show Lost - a show often accused of making it up as it goes along. Writing to executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, Lucas admits that while making Star Wars he didn't know how it was going to end either.

"The trick is to pretend you've planned the whole thing out in advance," writes Lucas. "Throw in some father issues and references to other stories - let's call them homages - and you've got a series."

Reading the correspondence out at a Lost fan event, Lindelof quipped: "I just want to apologise to Mr. George Lucas for everything I said about the prequels..."

Harry Potter Named Biggest Movie Franchise Ever

Johnny Dee — 2010-05-18T13:14:00+00:00

Harry Potter has become the most successful movie franchise of all time edging out James Bond and Star Wars.

The first six adaptations of JK Rowling's Harry Potter books earned $5.4 billion (£3.75 billion) according to Yahoo! Movies , which puts it ahead of the 22 official 007 films which have earned $5 billion.

Find out more after the jump... Harry Potter has become the most successful movie franchise of all time edging out James Bond and Star Wars.

The first six adaptations of JK Rowling's Harry Potter books earned $5.4 billion (£3.75 billion) according to Yahoo! Movies , which puts it ahead of the 22 official 007 films which have earned $5 billion.

If only American box office receipts were counted however, then it would be Star Wars that topped the list.

However, it's considered that with just two films of the series left, the Harry Potter series will be toppled by James Cameron's Avatar before the end of the decade. The director has reportedly signed up top make at least two more films - while the first has grossed a staggering $2.7 billion since it opened in cinemas last Christmas according to Box Office Mojo.

The Harry Potter movies may be coming to an end but another part of the franchise is about to begin. Last weekend the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park previewed its attractions to a handful of invited guests.

The Universal Orlando park features faithful reproductions of Hogsmeade Village, Hogwarts castle and Ollivander's Wand Shop as well as the Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey ride. Despite "No Photography" signs, some snaps have leaked online.

The park is set to open to the public on June 18.

Luke Skywalker to Direct Black Pearl Comic Book

Johnny Dee — 2010-05-17T17:49:00+00:00

Star Wars actor Mark Hamill (aka Luke Skywalker) is directing a big screen version of his comic book series The Black Pearl it has been announced at the Cannes Film Festival.

The project is a long-term goal of Hamill's, written in the mid 90s as a screenplay, Hamill instead turned the story into a comic book series but always hoped to transform it into a film. Black Pearl tells the story of a loner raised on violent films and comics who takes justice into his own hands after a neighbour is kidnapped.

Find out more after the jump... Star Wars actor Mark Hamill (aka Luke Skywalker) is directing a big screen version of his comic book series The Black Pearl it has been announced at the Cannes Film Festival.

The project is a long-term goal of Hamill's, written in the mid 90s as a screenplay, Hamill instead turned the story into a comic book series but always hoped to transform it into a film. Black Pearl tells the story of a loner raised on violent films and comics who takes justice into his own hands after a neighbour is kidnapped.

Described by the actor as a "dark, edgy thriller", The Black Pearl will be a live action film written by Hamill, Paul Tamasy and Eric Johnson, with a $7 million budget put together by Berkeley Square Films.

Hamill, who readily admits to being a comic addict, made his directing debut with the documentary Comic Book: The Movie but has spent most of his career since playing Luke Skywalker as a voice actor along with a CV that includes everything from a moth in SpongeBob SquarePants to a zombie in Futurama as well as The Joker in the Batman animated series.

"We started getting interest from some pretty big producers a while ago," said Hamill of the Pearl material. "But then it started to take on a life of its own where it became this huge mega-budget comic book movie. This was the exact opposite of what we wanted to do."

British Film Giants Back Labour in General Election

Johnny Dee — 2010-05-06T02:44:00+00:00

As the nation gets ready to vote, 16 major players in the British film industry have come out in support of the Labour party.

Slumdog Millionaire director, Danny Boyle, movie legend, Lord Richard Attenborough, Oscar-winning actress, Emma Thompson and Bourne Identity filmmaker, Paul Greengrass, are among those backing Gordon Brown's Labour government in a letter published by The Guardian.

In the letter, the 16 signatories note the huge economic impact the current government has made on the British film industry, claiming they have invested £665 million through the UK Film Council since they came to power in 1997, alongside tax relief to aid film production in the UK. As the nation gets ready to vote, 16 major players in the British film industry have come out in support of the Labour party.

Slumdog Millionaire director, Danny Boyle, movie legend, Lord Richard Attenborough, Oscar-winning actress, Emma Thompson and Bourne Identity filmmaker, Paul Greengrass, are among those backing Gordon Brown's Labour government in a letter published by The Guardian.

In the letter, the 16 signatories note the huge economic impact the current government has made on the British film industry, claiming they have invested £665 million through the UK Film Council since they came to power in 1997, alongside tax relief to aid film production in the UK.

They write: "Whatever the result of the forthcoming election, the labour government needs to be applauded for the significant and valuable impact it has had on the British film industry."

Quoted in The Guardian, Stuart Till, a former chair of the UK Film Council and chief executive of film distributor Icon says: "I think Labour has done a fantastic job for the film industry. They have been very supportive through the UK Film Council. The result is that the industry is in really good shape, and I felt that that should be acknowledged."

Remembering that it was Gordon Brown, who when Chancellor supported tax relief for film production he adds: "He likes film, and he understands the economic value they bring."

It is not known what affect a change of party in power would have on the British film industry. One name missing from The Guardian letter is Michael Caine who last month pledged his support to David Cameron's Conservatives, while Colin Firth and Daniel Radcliffe were among the celebrities listed as Lib-Dem supporters by Channel 4 News this week.

The 20 year-old Harry Potter star said: "If all the people who liked the Lib-Dems voted for them you could change politics overnight and we could have a proper three-party system."

Or alternatively we could have a really good Triwizard Tournament.

Check Out The Very Cool Online Viral Campaign For Tron: Legacy

Johnny Dee — 2010-04-11T11:25:00+00:00

Tron: Legacy the long awaited follow-up to Disney's 1982 video game classic (watch that trailer here) isn't out until December, but the online campaign for the movie is a role-playing viral that's gathering pace and unlocking lots of extra elements of the storyline.

If you're stoked to see what promises to be one of biggest films of the year then you can start building up to it right now. Check out all the Tron: Legacy sites you need to know to get you going after the jump... Tron: Legacy the long awaited follow-up to Disney's 1982 video game classic (watch that trailer here) isn't out until December, but the online campaign for the movie is a role-playing viral that's gathering pace and unlocking lots of extra elements of the storyline.

If you're stoked to see what promises to be one of biggest films of the year then you can start building up to it right now. Here's our guide to all the sites you need to know to get you going:

Flynn Lives
This campaigning site is maintained by activists who believe that software genius Kevin Flynn is still alive despite reports that he has been missing since 1989. Lots of shorelines and new sites spin out from here.

Arcade Aid
Homage to the arcade games of the early 80s. Go here to spot 56 video games hidden in a city scape - winning connects you to other Tron: Legacy sites.

Encom International
A cheat code from Arcade Aid allows you access to the intranet of Flynn's former employers and the makers of Flynn's legendary games.

Program Glitch
Last month, this site - which rotates a random set of code numbers - revealed a sample of the soundtrack by keen helmet wearing French techno geniuses, Daft Punk, and was previously the first place where the trailer for the movie was aired.
Last week, this online role-playing entered the real world when a mock announcement by Encom that they were relaunching the Space Paranoids game on the internet was sabotaged by protesters, including someone jumping from a helicopter in full Tron gear.

For the fully committed the Flynn Lives board at alternative reality gaming site Unfiction provides links to all the latest events and postings on the numerous fictional Facebook pages that are also part of the sprawling Legacy campaign. Although may we caution you that becoming too active in the Tron-nerd scene may lead you to to go the heroic lengths of internet icon Jay Maynard (aka the Tron Guy).

Tron: Legacy is in cinemas from 17 December.

Happy 100th Birthday, David Niven

Johnny Dee — 2010-02-28T15:26:00+00:00

This Monday marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of Britain's greatest all-time screen talents, David Niven.

Niven, who died 29th July 1983, starred in over 100 movies and won an Academy Award in 1959 for Separate Tables. The definition of suave, Niven found fame in the golden era of 1940s Hollywood but continued to act with the same level of charm and sophistication through the 60s and 70s making him the perfect deadpan, straight man in a number of knockabout comedies including Pink Panther and Happy Ever After and the steadying force of fantasies such as Around The World in 80 Days and A Matter Of Life & Death.

Watch our three favourite David Niven moments after the jump... This Monday marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of Britain's greatest all-time screen talents, David Niven.

Niven, who died 29th July 1983, starred in over 100 movies and won an Academy Award in 1959 for Separate Tables. The definition of suave, Niven found fame in the golden era of 1940s Hollywood but continued to act with the same level of charm and sophistication through the 60s and 70s making him the perfect deadpan, straight man in a number of knockabout comedies including Pink Panther and Happy Ever After and the steadying force of fantasies such as Around The World in 80 Days and A Matter Of Life & Death.

With his pencil moustache and graceful presence, Niven personified a particular kind of Britishness. Niven was author Ian Fleming's choice for James Bond, but producer Albert Broccoli considered him too old for the part - a view that was ridiculed by the fact that he continued to play urbane leading men for the remainder of his life (including Bond in the unofficial 007 movie, Casino Royale).

Off screen, Niven was an immensely likeable and cheerful character, always quick with a quip or anecdote, but he never spoke about his time in the army during World War II (he was one of the first actors to sign up) and hid tragedies of his private life.

Speaking at Niven's memorial service, John Mortimer said "David's life was Wodehouse with tears." He lost his father when he was five, and just six weeks after moving from London to Hollywood, his wife Primula died in a bizarre accident. While playing hide and seek in the home of actor Tyrone Power she walked through a door believing it was a cupboard and fell down a stone staircase to a basement.

His second marriage was far from straightforward - among many affairs his wife was rumoured to have slept with John F Kennedy, while he is said to have counted Grace Kelly and Princess Margaret amongst his mistresses.

Niven was also a fine speaker and writer - his brilliant biography, The Moon's A Balloon (which opens with his encounter with a Piccadilly prostitute when aged 14), sold over five million copies.

Here's our three favourite Niven moments:

Presenting an Award at the Oscars in 1974, Niven keeps his poise despite an unexpected stage invader...

A Matter Of Life And Death: Niven is just brilliant here making you believe that the consequences of this epic fantasy are very real indeed...

The Pink Panther: From Raffles to here as the gentleman thief in this classic comedy, Niven was often cast as an aristocratic con man...

'Serious Actors' Gyllenhaal and Damon Turned Down Avatar

Johnny Dee — 2010-02-25T12:11:00+00:00

It has emerged that the lead role of Jake Sully in box office behemoth Avatar was originally offered to Matt Damon and Jake Gyllenhaal. Both stars, possibly suspicious of appearing blue-faced, declined the gig and the part was left open for director James Cameron's first choice, unknown Aussie actor Sam Worthington.

Worthington has certainly enjoyed a change in fortune since Avatar. Before filming began he was living in his car, now he's the star of a movie which has made a record $2.5 billion at the box office and looks set to be made into a trilogy. It has emerged that the lead role of Jake Sully in box office behemoth Avatar was originally offered to Matt Damon and Jake Gyllenhaal. Both stars, possibly suspicious of appearing blue-faced, declined the gig and the part was left open for director James Cameron's first choice, unknown Aussie actor Sam Worthington.

Worthington has certainly enjoyed a change in fortune since Avatar. Before filming began he was living in his car, now he's the star of a movie which has made a record $2.5 billion at the box office and looks set to be made into a trilogy.

"I don't think they ever had a problem with the CG, " Cameron told the Los Angeles Times. "Honestly, did I go out and try to woo them? No. I had my heart set on Sam. Maybe they sensed my lack of 100% commitment from me. Maybe it was the subject matter. This was a big 'Star Wars'-type movie. They're both serious actors."

Damon and Gyllenhaal are the latest in a long line of big names who for some reason missed out on major parts. Here's some actors and the parts they didn't quite get to play according to movie trivia site notstarring.com .
Steve Martin in Eyes Wide Shut
Stanley Kubrick seriously considered The Jerk star for his sexual odyssey but for some reason cast Tom Cruise.

Cher in Bonnie & Clyde
Much to the displeasure of her husband, Sonny Bono, Cher auditioned the lead role in the gangster flick.

Robert De Niro in The Last Temptation of Christ
De Niro was penned in to play Jesus in the early days of the project. Even more bizarrely he was considered for Dr Otto Octavius in Spider-Man 2.

Michael Cera in Sixth Sense
The Juno star could have been the child actor who said "I see dead people" but he failed the audition.

Cameron Diaz in Mortal Kombat
The Something About Mary actress broke her wrist just before filming began and was replaced by Bridgette Wilson.

Jack Nicholson in Bad Santa
Nicholson considered bringing some menace to Father Christmas but turn it down because he was already committed to Smoething's Gotta Give.

Sylvester Stallone in Star Wars
According to George Lucas Sly was considered for the part of Han Solo.

John Hurt in Silence of the Lambs
Hurt was first choice to play Hannibal Lector but had to pass due to illness.

Tom Hanks in Speed
Hanks was offered the lead role in the 1994 thriller but turned it down.

Madonna in Godfather III
The disastrous casting of Mary Corleone could have been even worse. Madonna was briefly considered for the part.

Our Survey Says: Women Don't Count in Hollywood

Johnny Dee — 2010-02-25T02:02:00+00:00

According to the most recent estimates, 51 per cent of planet earth's human population is female - although this simple fact is yet to be realised in the cinema where it remains a man's world.

At least that's the finding of a recent study by the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism in America who analysed the 100 biggest box office hits of 2007 - which included such blockbusters as Spider-Man 3, Transformers, I Am Legend, Knocked Up and Bourne Ultimatum - and discovered that women remain a considerable minority both on screen and behind the camera. According to the most recent estimates, 51 per cent of planet earth's human population is female - although this simple fact is yet to be realised in the cinema where it remains a man's world.

At least that's the finding of a recent study by the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism in America who analysed the 100 biggest box office hits of 2007 - which included such blockbusters as Spider-Man 3, Transformers, I Am Legend, Knocked Up and Bourne Ultimatum - and discovered that women remain a considerable minority both on screen and behind the camera.

The research, which was led by Professor Stacy L Smith, showed that just 29.9 per cent of the 4,379 speaking characters were female, while a staggering 83 per cent of all directors, writer and producers were male.

"Our findings show a representational roadblock for females in film," Smith told USC News. "They do not occupy 'half of the cinematic sky' - far from it. There is a dearth of females working in the movie industry no matter which way you look at the data."

The study did offer some hope for a fairer representation of the sexes. When women have influential roles in the production of a movie as writers, directors and producers the number of female actors rises from 29.3 percent to 44.6 percent.

However only three of the top 100 films of 2007 had a female director. That situation may be gradually changing with directors Hurt Locker (directed by Kathryn Bigelow) and An Education (directed by Lone Scherfig) both nominated for Best Motion Picture at next week's Academy Awards.