Superiorpics.com: Entertainment News Wednesday, December 12, 2007

JAY-Z DENIES CONTRACT DELAYS ARE DOWN TO MONEY

Hip-hop mogul JAY-Z has blasted reports the delays in renewing his current record contract are being caused by arguments over his salary.

JAY-Z

The rapper - real name Shawn Carter - is currently in negotiations to secure his attachment to Def Jam records, a subsidiary of Universal, but an agreement has yet to be reached.

Rumours of a label change have been rife in the music industry after Jay-Z was reported to be unhappy with Def Jam following the appointment of producer/performer Jermaine Dupri as the president of their urban music division in February this year (07).

But the star insists he is not holding out for more cash.

He tells MTV.com, "We'll see how it goes. But seriously, it's not about money. That's really the last thing. Of course you want to be compensated for what you do. But it's really not about money.

"It's really about the future of the music business, and not wasting anyone's time. I don't ever want to sit in a seat just to sit in a seat. I could be off doing something else that's beneficial to the future of the music business as well as myself. So it's not about money! I mean, you couldn't pay me enough. And I don't mean that in a cocky way."

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007

LED ZEPPELIN CONSIDER PLAYING NEW YORK?

LED ZEPPELIN are keen to return to New York's Madison Square Garden to relive the experience of 1973, when they played three sold out gigs at the venue.

Robert Plant and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin

The legendary rockers spent their time after their London reunion gig on Monday (10Dec07) reminiscing about the old days when their drummer John Bonham was still alive.

And the group - with Bonham's son Jason taking the place of his father - is reportedly mulling over the idea of going to the U.S. to sell out the venue all over again.

A source backstage at Monday's gig says, "The band were really fired up and were talking about their late drummer John Bonham and what he would have thought about it - it was a time for reflection.

"Then the talk went to, 'What next? Was this it or would there be something else?' One of the guys started talking about their three concerts at the Garden.

"There was a consensus of, 'Why not?' It is one of the best live music venues in the world. I have no doubt after their reaction backstage that they will be there next year playing to a sell-out crowd."

The band has so far refused to speculate on whether they would play any more live dates, despite The Cult frontman Ian Astbury recently claiming he would be playing a series of live dates with the music legends next year (08).

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007

WENTZ DENIES HE IS BANNED FROM SIMPSONS' CHRISTMAS DINNER

FALL OUT BOY star PETE WENTZ has dismissed reports he has been banned from joining his girlfriend ASHLEE SIMPSON's family for Christmas, insisting the rumours are all false.

Pete Wentz at the New York Premiere of 'I Am Legend' at Madison Square Garden. New York City, USA - 11.12.07

Simpson's manager father, Joe, was alleged to be displeased with his daughter's romance with the bassist and refused to have him spend time at his home over the holiday period.

Sources told America's Star magazine last week (ends07Dec07), "Joe was skeptical about the relationship from the start... There is a rumour that Pete tried to commit suicide, but with the news of his possible bisexuality, Joe blew his top."

But the rocker has denied any tension between him and Simpson Snr.

In an email to MTV.com, he says, "I think Joe gets a really bad rap in the press. He's always been nothing but nice to me.

"He even called me to let me know he expects me to show up for Xmas. So there's no truth to that (rumour)."

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007

ATONEMENT BRAND NEW CLIPS

In Theaters Now (Limited)

James McAvoy and Keira Knightley

Director: Joe Wright
Cast: James McAvoy, Keira Knightley, Romola Garai, Saoirse Ronan, Vanessa Redgrave
Synopsis: Wright, the BAFTA Award-winning director of "Pride & Prejudice," has reunited with his filmmaking team and his Academy Award-nominated actress, Keira Knightley, for another classic British romance, starring James McAvoy (BAFTA Award nominee for "The Last King of Scotland") opposite Ms. Knightley. Christopher Hampton (Academy Award winner for "Dangerous Liaisons") has written the screenplay adaptation of Ian McEwan's best-selling 2002 novel Atonement. Shot on location in the U.K., the film's story spans several decades. In 1935, 13-year-old fledgling writer Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) and her family live a life of wealth and privilege in their enormous mansion. On the warmest day of the year, the country estate takes on an unsettling hothouse atmosphere, stoking Briony's vivid imagination. Robbie Turner (Mr. McAvoy), the educated son of the family's housekeeper, carries a torch for Briony's headstrong older sister Cecilia (Ms. Knightley). Cecilia, he hopes, has comparable feelings; all it will take is one spark for this relationship to combust. When it does, Briony – who has a crush on Robbie – is compelled to interfere, going so far as accusing Robbie of a crime he did not commit. Cecilia and Robbie declare their love for each other, but he is arrested – and with Briony bearing false witness, the course of three lives is changed forever. Briony continues to seek forgiveness for her childhood misdeed. Through a terrible and courageous act of imagination, she finds the path to her uncertain atonement, and to an understanding of the power of enduring love.

Clip Links:
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"Joe Wright"
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"Dunkirk"
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Official Site

Source: Specialopsmedia.com

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007

PUNISHER: WAR ZONE FIRST LOOK

In Theaters September 12, 2008

Director: Lexi Alexander
Cast: Ray Stevenson, Dominic West, Doug Hutchinson, Wayne Knight, Dash Mihok
Synopsis: Waging his one-man war on the world of organized crime, ruthless vigilante-hero Frank Castle sets his sights on overeager mob boss Billy Russoti. After Russoti is left horribly disfigured by Castle, he sets out for vengeance under his new alias: Jigsaw. With the 'Punisher Task Force' hot on his trail and the FBI unable to take Jigsaw in, Frank must stand up to the formidable army that Jigsaw has recruited before more of his evil deeds go unpunished.

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007

MANSON'S FORESKIN FORTUNE

MARILYN MANSON is hoping to one day make a fortune from a childhood souvenir - his foreskin.

MARILYN MANSION

The shock rocker's mother, Barb Warner, has long been rumoured to have kept the foreskin from his circumcision in a small jar - and Manson admits it is all true, even joking about the potential value of such an item.

He says, "It's in more of a contact lens case, kind of like a shriveled up Lifesaver (a type of American candy). If she ever came here, she would wave it around. We're hoping Sotheby's (auction house) one day."

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007

FOSTER'S SEXUALITY UNDER SPOTLIGHT AFTER EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE

Actress JODIE FOSTER is facing fresh speculation over her sexuality after paying tribute to 'my beautiful Cydney' at a recent Hollywood awards ceremony.

JODIE FOSTER

The Oscar winner, 44, appeared to confess her love for film producer Cydney Bernard in her acceptance speech after being presented with the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award at the Women In Entertainment breakfast in Los Angeles last week (04Dec07).

She told the crowd at the Beverly Hills Hotel, "(Thank you to) my beautiful Cydney who sticks with me through all the rotten and the bliss."

Foster has, in the past, refused to talk about her private life, even refusing to comment on rumours her two sons - Charles, nine, and Kit, six - were conceived via a sperm donor.

But a close friend of the star believes Foster decided to 'come out' because she no longer fears the effect her sexual orientation could have on her Hollywood career.

The pal says, "I think Jodie just wanted to thank one of the most important people in her life. She wants to be treated like everybody else and has been in movies long enough not to be unduly worried about the effect it's going to have on her career."

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007

GIBSON TO RETIRE AS AN ACTOR?

Movie mogul MEL GIBSON is unsure if he will ever make a return to acting - because he prefers working behind the camera than in front of it.

MEL GIBSON

The 51-year-old has been keeping himself busy with plans to launch a film production company in Costa Rica - where he is currently living - and admits he no longer feels the passion to appear on the big screen.

He says, "I don't know (if I will return to acting). It has been six years now. I may never do it again. However, I might."

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007

HOGAN WAITS FOR TRUTH BEHIND SON'S CAR CRASH TO EMERGE

Wrestling superstar HULK HOGAN is optimistic his son NICK will be able to put his troubles behind him when the truth about his summer (07) car crash and subsequent driving ban surfaces.

HULK HOGAN

Nick Bollea, 17, had his driving licence suspended for one year last month (Nov07) after Florida officials deemed him a dangerous driver following an August (07) accident that left his friend John Graziano critically injured and needing nursing care for the rest of his life.

Bollea has been charged with reckless driving involving serious bodily injury. The teenager will be tried as an adult.

And Hogan is keen for his son's day in court to arrive, so the facts about the crash can finally emerge.

He tells U.S. TV show Access Hollywood, "We're going to be very happy when the truth really comes out of what really happened, instead of all the speculation."

Hogan is also hopeful his wife Linda, who recently filed for divorce, will consider a reconciliation in the near future.

He says, "There's always a chance. You can never say never.

"I love my family, and I love my wife to death, and I just don't know what tomorrow's going to bring. I'm just trying to stay positive and stay focused and stay busy."

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007

BUTLER RESPONSIBLE FOR SWANK'S CLOSE CALL

Actress HILARY SWANK almost lost an eye while filming new movie P.S. I LOVE YOU - co-star GERARD BUTLER accidentally smacked her with his braces.

GERARD BUTLER and HILARY SWANK in 'P.S., I Love You'

The Million Dollar Baby star was knocked down by the unexpected strike and Butler admits he came close to causing serious damage.

He says, "Hilary was fantastic - so egoless, so accomplished and talented - but I did try to kill her, yes.

"It was with my braces. I cleverly managed to get the clip stuck behind me on this cupboard, the elastic was at full stretch, and I didn't realise. It unclipped itself and smacked her forehead and she went down like she'd been shot.

"Two inches more and it could have taken her eye out, really, the thing was so sharp!"

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007

BACHCHAN FRAUD CHARGES DISMISSED

Bollywood superstar AMITABH BACHCHAN is breathing a sigh of relief after an Indian court ordered fraud charges filed against him over his farmland be dropped.

AMITABH BACHCHAN

The 64-year-old actor was investigated by Indian officials earlier this year (07) after he was accused of falsely acquiring the land in Uttar Pradesh state - an area which his wife, Jaya, represents in parliament - by declaring himself a farmer.

But Bachchan has since abandoned his claim to the land and surrendered it to local farmers, leading the high court in Lucknow to withdraw the charges at the hearing on Tuesday (11Dec07).

However, the star - who also faces similar charges in Maharashtra state - could still face legal action over the Uttar Pradesh land dispute if the state government chooses to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007

OVER HER DEAD BODY TRAILER

In Theaters February 1, 2008

(l to r) Eva Longoria Parker stars as “Kate” and Lake Bell stars as “Ashley”

Director: Jeff Lowell
Cast: Eva Longoria, Jason Biggs, Lake Bell, Paul Rudd, Stephen Root
Synopsis: Devastated when his fiancée Kate (Eva Longoria) is killed on their wedding day, Henry (Paul Rudd) reluctantly agrees to consult a psychic named Ashley (Lake Bell) at the urging of his sister Chloe (Lindsay Sloane). Despite his skepticism over her psychic abilities, Henry finds himself falling hard for Ashley, and vice versa. But there's a big snag. Ashley is being haunted by Kate’s ghost, who considers it her heavenly duty to break up Henry and Ashley's fledgling romance, if it's the last thing she does on this earthly plane...

Watch The Trailer

Source: IESB.net

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007

CAMPBELL LOSES PHONE AT LED ZEPPELIN GIG

Supermodel NAOMI CAMPBELL is furious after her mobile phone was stolen at the LED ZEPPELIN reunion gig on Monday night (10Dec07).

NAOMI CAMPBELL

The catwalk star lost her BlackBerry handset as she rocked on with pal Kate Moss at the reunion concert at London's O2 Arena, and fumed at venue staff when she realised what had happened.

She shouted, "They took my phone with all my numbers. What are you going to do? Find them!"

At one point, the Brit even appeared to accuse Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl's entourage of the theft.

A source tells British newspaper the Daily Mirror, "As soon as she realised her stuff was missing she started screaming and shouting and wildly pointing in the direction of where Grohl was sitting, screeching, 'Have they got it? Have they got it?'"

But Campbell's spokeswoman has played down the incident, saying: "It was a massive inconvenience for Naomi. She still enjoyed the show though."

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007

SMITH SAYS SORRY TO NEW YORK

WILL SMITH has formally apologised for disruption he caused to New Yorkers while shooting new movie I AM LEGEND on the streets of Manhattan.

WILL SMITH as Robert Neville in 'I Am Legend'

Numerous streets and Brooklyn Bridge were closed off in the city for periods between October 2006 and April 2007 as the epic about the last man alive was put together - resulting in chaos.

Returning to the city for Tuesday night's (11Dec07) New York premiere, Smith took the opportunity to say sorry.

He says, "I would like to issue a public apology to the citizens of New York. There were a couple of streets we had to close off during the filming of I Am Legend.

"I am very sorry. People were kind of upset with me."

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007

FANS OFFER SUTHERLAND WRITTEN SUPPORT

Jailed actor KIEFER SUTHERLAND's 48-day spell behind bars has begun well - with sacks of fan mail.

KIEFER SUTHERLAND

The 24 star entered Glendale City Jail in California last week (05Dec07) after he was handed the sentence for drink driving and violating probation in September (07).

And, though he's only allowed to read two books at a time, Sutherland is not short of reading material.

A spokesman for the jail tells U.S. news show The Insider, "The guy's been getting a ton of fan mail - easily more than 100 letters a day."

Sutherland, 40, will spend his birthday (21Dec07), Christmas and New Year behind bars.

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007

BONDE DO ROLE PART WAYS WITH MC

LATEST: Brazilian band BONDE DO ROLE have split with MC MARINA VELLO.

The cult group recently cancelled an Australian tour after revealing the pressures of fame and success are jeopardising their future together.

And now Vello has left Bonde Do Role.

A posting on the band's website reads: "Due to several internal problems between us, we had to cancel a lot of our shows from the European tour, and we also had to cancel the scheduled Australian tour... For that we're really really sorry.

"And we also announce that Marina is no longer with us, due to these internal problems."

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007

BRITISH DJ KERSHAW FACES JAIL FOR HARASSING EX

Troubled BBC radio DJ ANDY KERSHAW is facing a prison sentence after continually ignoring a court order to stay away from his ex-girlfriend.

The 48-year-old Brit appeared in a court on the Isle of Man - off the west coast of Britain - on Tuesday (11Dec07), when he admitted to breaking the restraining order in November (07) by sending "abusive" text messages to his former partner Juliette Banner and her children.

And the judge gave Kershaw the strongest hint yet that he will be spending more time in jail.

High Bailiff Michael Moyle told him, "Prison is a real possibility. When we meet on January 15 (for sentencing) it might be advisable to have your bags packed."

Kershaw was arrested back in August (07) for harassing Banner, and in October (07), he was given a suspended three month prison term for the incident.

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007

PADMA LAKSHMI SIGNS HER LATEST BOOK 'TANGY TART HOT & SWEET: A WORLD OF RECIPES FOR EVERY DAY' AT BORDERS BOOKS

Torrance, California - 11.12.07

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007

BIRKHEAD'S DAD DIES

Photographer LARRY BIRKHEAD's father has died just days after undergoing surgery on his knee. He was 67.

LARRY BIRKHEAD

Larry L. Birkhead passed away on Monday (10Dec07) after being rushed to hospital following a collapse at his California home.

Birkhead Snr. recently underwent a knee replacement operation, and was sent home to recover despite experiencing shortness of breath, with doctors issuing him with an oxygen tank to help him breathe more easily.

According to the snapper, his dad had also previously undergone surgery to remove a tumour on his lung, but had not suffered any problems since the cancer was cut out a few years ago. As WENN went to press, the cause of death is still unknown.

The death couldn't have come at a worse time for the family - they were preparing to celebrate their first Christmas with little Dannielynn - 34-year-old Birkhead's daughter with the late model, Anna Nicole Smith.

Speaking to American TV show Access Hollywood, Birkhead says, "I (had) just spoke (sic) to my father who was looking forward to both Dannielynn and myself joining the family for the holidays. Unfortunately he passed away (on) Monday.

"I am so thankful that he got to meet my daughter. He was extremely proud of my fight to know my daughter, and that gives me great comfort to know I made him proud one last time. I hope that everyone can respect our privacy in this most difficult time."

Birkhead won a paternity battle over baby Dannielynn earlier this year (07), after DNA tests proved he was the father of Smith's one-year-old daughter.

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007

INKHEART TRAILER

In Theaters March 19, 2008

(left to right) Brendan Fraser stars as “Mo” and Jim Broadbent stars as “Fenoglio”

Director: Iain Softley
Cast: Brendan Fraser, Paul Bettany, Helen Mirren, Jim Broadbent, Andy Serkis, Eliza Hope Bennett
Synopsis: Based on the book by Cornelia Funke, Inkheart is a timeless adventure tale of imagination that centers on Meggie, a young girl whose father has a secret ability to bring characters from books to life when he reads them aloud. But when a power-hungry villain from a rare children’s fable kidnaps Meggie’s father to bring others out of the boundaries of fiction, she and a disparate group of friends both real and magic embark on the kind of adventure she has only read about in books to save him and set things right. Inkheart stars Brendan Fraser (The Mummy, Crash), Paul Bettany (The Da Vinci Code), Helen Mirren, Jim Broadbent, Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) and Eliza Hope Bennett (Nanny McPhee) as Meggie. It is directed by Iain Softley (The Skeleton Key) from a screenplay by David Lindsay-Abaire and is scheduled for a March 19, 2008 release.

Watch The Trailer

Source: Inkheartmovie.com

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007

OLSENS LABELLED BY PETA2

OLSEN twins ASHLEY and MARY-KATE have been renamed `TheTrollsens' because they refuse to stop wearing fur.

People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals' youth movement, peta2, has launched a Trollsen Twins campaign by unveiling an ad featuring images of the "fur fiends" at the Olsens Twins' star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The new ad, which carries the tagline "Fur Is Worn by Beautiful Animals and Ugly People," will be unveiled on Tuesday (11Dec07).

To coincide with the unveiling, peta2 has launched a new website devoted entirely to "Hairy-Kate" and "Trashley".

It features a "Fatal Fashion" animated dress-up game complete with animal skins and the accompanying blood, and a mash-up video called "Full House of Horrors," in which footage from the twins' former TV show Full House is interspersed with scenes in which animals are killed for fur.

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007

SPEARS DEPOSITION TO TAKE PLACE ON WEDNESDAY

BRITNEY SPEARS will finally testify in her ongoing custody battle with ex-husband KEVIN FEDERLINE on Wednesday (12Dec07).

Britney Spears arrives at the Four Seasons hotel in Beverly Hills. Los Angeles, California - 10.12.07

The troubled pop star is expected give her deposition under oath at the Los Angeles offices of Federline's attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, at 10am.

Spears will be accompanied to the meeting by her lawyers Anne Kiley and Tara Scott, who will be present to raise any objections they may have to Kaplan's line of questioning. He is expected to quiz Spears on a variety of topics, including spousal support, relating to the custody of sons Sean Preston, two, and Jayden James, one.

Spears lost physical custody of the boys in October (07) after concerns were raised about the singer's qualities as a mother.

The deposition is in itself a small victory for Federline - Kaplan has been calling for Spears to testify for almost a year, according to TMZ.com.

Source: WENN

| Wednesday, December 12, 2007