In a candid interview 18 year-old heartthrob Logan Lerman on the experience of working on Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief and his passion for acting
How did you land this part?
When I was approached about the film and heard that Chris Columbus was directing, I said: ‘Man I have to be a part of this’. Chris was my hero growing up. The Harry Potter films just blew me away. When I read the first Percy Jackson book I liked it a lot. Chris is a fantastic, brilliant filmmaker and I am so happy to be part of this film.
Who is Percy Jackson and what is the story all about?
The movie starts off with a dilemma because Zeus has lost his powerful lightening bolt and they are all pointing fingers at Percy Jackson. But Percy himself has no idea who he is and knows nothing about his background. He is thrown into this dangerous situation and has to save the world and his mom.
Does it feel like a big responsibility playing Percy?
It does not feel like pressure. I didn’t realise what I had got myself into when I started out. The scale of the film and what it meant hit me only when we started filming. And you know it is a big responsibility. I just have to step up and try to do my part to make it good.
So you think that teenagers will be able to identify with Percy?
Yes, a lot of people will be able to relate to Percy. Kids will know what he’s going through. The story proves that when someone is thrown into a difficult situation, they can rise to the challenge.
Can you relate to Percy?
In some ways I can. But the best thing about playing a character though, you don’t need to relate to every part of the character you are going to play. You just need to find a way to understand him and get into that emotion and feeling of who he is.
What kind of teenager would you say you are? An adventurer like Percy?
I’m boring. I’m a boring person (laughs) not at all like most teenagers. My best friend Dean Collins, who is also an actor, and I are both film geeks. We do nothing but study film all day-long, film and music. That’s me as a teenager.”
Are you prepared for the changes that might happen to you once this movie comes out?
To be honest, it is interesting. People are just going to be screaming: ‘Percy Jackson’ all the time. And I’m going to be known as Grover everywhere, it’s going to be crazy. But somehow I can’t imagine people knowing who I am from any movie. So if that does happen, I will be very surprised.
Showing posts with label Logan Lerman's more news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Logan Lerman's more news. Show all posts
Emma Watson splits from longterm beau
Emma Watson has reportedly resumed her single status after splitting from her longterm boyfriend.
The Harry Potter actress, who began dating financier Jay Barrymore in 2008, was said to have put an end to the romance just months after moving to the US to pursue a university degree.
"Emma and Jay were in trouble for months and with Emma at Brown University in America, the transatlantic gap proved too much for their relationship to survive," the Daily Star quoted a source as telling the Mail.
The 19-year-old star was named Hollywood’s highest paid female star of 2009 in a list compiled by Vanity Fair magazine.
The Harry Potter actress, who began dating financier Jay Barrymore in 2008, was said to have put an end to the romance just months after moving to the US to pursue a university degree.
"Emma and Jay were in trouble for months and with Emma at Brown University in America, the transatlantic gap proved too much for their relationship to survive," the Daily Star quoted a source as telling the Mail.
The 19-year-old star was named Hollywood’s highest paid female star of 2009 in a list compiled by Vanity Fair magazine.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
For those who haven't read the hit Percy Jackson books, here's a crib sheet for that humdinger of a title: Teenage Percy (Lerman) discovers he's actually a powerful demigod; the Olympians are the feisty deities of Greek mythology (including Percy's absentee dad, Poseidon); and the lightning thief is the unknown bandit who has stolen Zeus' thunderbolt, dooming the entire world — unless young Percy can find it. Punctuated by painful dialogue and high-camp celeb cameos (notably Uma Thurman as a vampy Medusa), the ensuing quest has all the CGI sorcery of a Harry Potter pic, but none of the magic.
Box office preview: 'Funny People' likely to top charts
Judd Apatow has become a household name thanks to his past two outings: Knocked Up and The 40-Year Old Virgin. But where both comedies went on to become $100 million+ box office successes, his latest endeavor, Funny People, is much more of a wild card. The R-rated flick still features some of Apatow’s unique brand of comedy, but hidden within is the downer story of a sad clown battling a fatal disease. The upshot: Adam Sandler is the star. The film’s sure to open at No. 1. How it holds on will be anyone’s guess.
1. Funny People: $35 million
While Virgin bowed to $21 million with an unknown Steve Carrell at the center and Knocked Up pulled in $30 million with newcomer Seth Rogen, Funny People has giant movie star Adam Sandler leading the charge. But the comedy pro is leaving his PG comfort zone and the results when he does so are never certain. Prognosticators have this film opening all over the map. I’m going with $35 million. Sandler and Apatow could prove to be a very formidable combination, even with a close to 2 1/2 hour run time.
2. G-Force: $17 million
Those covert guinea pigs proved to be a box office hit this last weekend at the movies. While Fox’s Aliens in the Attic will take away some of its power in round two, the movie’s unlikely to fall more than 50% for the frame. Pretty impressive that animated guinea pigs will cross $50 million after less than ten days of release.
3. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: $15 million
Potter bows on IMAX theaters this frame, which will surely help cushion its drop in its third weekend. The movie has already grossed $221 million, more than its predecessor at the same time in its release pattern. If it maintains its momentum, Half-Blood Prince could hit $300 million by the end of its domestic run.
4. The Ugly Truth: $13.5
This Katherine Heigl-Gerard Butler update on the age-old conundrum of man/woman incompatibility surprised everyone last weekend with its opening take of $27.6 million. Turns out moviegoers like and want more romantic comedies, especially the R-rated ones. Expect a drop of around 50%, which would be quite a feat considering how critics hated the film.
5. Aliens in the Attic: $13 million
This PG-rated low-budget comedy originally titled They Came From Upstairs should open decently. From director John Schultz (The Honeymooners), the movie centers on a group of teenagers, including Ashley Tisdale, who must protect their vacation home from aliens residing in the attic. Kevin Nealon, Doris Roberts, and Tim Meadows co-star.
1. Funny People: $35 million
While Virgin bowed to $21 million with an unknown Steve Carrell at the center and Knocked Up pulled in $30 million with newcomer Seth Rogen, Funny People has giant movie star Adam Sandler leading the charge. But the comedy pro is leaving his PG comfort zone and the results when he does so are never certain. Prognosticators have this film opening all over the map. I’m going with $35 million. Sandler and Apatow could prove to be a very formidable combination, even with a close to 2 1/2 hour run time.
2. G-Force: $17 million
Those covert guinea pigs proved to be a box office hit this last weekend at the movies. While Fox’s Aliens in the Attic will take away some of its power in round two, the movie’s unlikely to fall more than 50% for the frame. Pretty impressive that animated guinea pigs will cross $50 million after less than ten days of release.
3. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: $15 million
Potter bows on IMAX theaters this frame, which will surely help cushion its drop in its third weekend. The movie has already grossed $221 million, more than its predecessor at the same time in its release pattern. If it maintains its momentum, Half-Blood Prince could hit $300 million by the end of its domestic run.
4. The Ugly Truth: $13.5
This Katherine Heigl-Gerard Butler update on the age-old conundrum of man/woman incompatibility surprised everyone last weekend with its opening take of $27.6 million. Turns out moviegoers like and want more romantic comedies, especially the R-rated ones. Expect a drop of around 50%, which would be quite a feat considering how critics hated the film.
5. Aliens in the Attic: $13 million
This PG-rated low-budget comedy originally titled They Came From Upstairs should open decently. From director John Schultz (The Honeymooners), the movie centers on a group of teenagers, including Ashley Tisdale, who must protect their vacation home from aliens residing in the attic. Kevin Nealon, Doris Roberts, and Tim Meadows co-star.
Emma Watson Shows her Boob
Emma Watson better be careful, she's been accidentally showing more and more skin lately and that can lead to some seriously tainted reputation in Hollywood.
The latest Emma episode took place a couple nights ago when the young actress was on her way to a popular London nightclub after attending the London premiere for the latest Harry Potter movie.
Still sitting in her limousine, Emma Watson appeared to be caressing her left boob, which caused her dress to open a little too much, giving us an Almost-Emma-Watson-Nipple-Slip. Granted, no nipple was actually visible here, but you can see Emma Watson's boob here in its entire splendor (minus the nipple)
The latest Emma episode took place a couple nights ago when the young actress was on her way to a popular London nightclub after attending the London premiere for the latest Harry Potter movie.
Still sitting in her limousine, Emma Watson appeared to be caressing her left boob, which caused her dress to open a little too much, giving us an Almost-Emma-Watson-Nipple-Slip. Granted, no nipple was actually visible here, but you can see Emma Watson's boob here in its entire splendor (minus the nipple)
'Harry Potter snags $100 million worldwide on opening day
The magical spell Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is casting at the box office keeps on bringing in great returns: In terms of worldwide ticket sales, the latest Potter flick -- the series' sixth film -- jumped past the $100 million in its first 24 hours, according to a report in Variety. The movie pulled in $58.2 million domestically and $45.9 million internationally to rack up a total of $104 million, which is the franchise's best start ever.
The Wednesday night opening of the movie broke records in the U.S. when it grossed $22.2 million alone for its midnight runs.
The Wednesday night opening of the movie broke records in the U.S. when it grossed $22.2 million alone for its midnight runs.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Darkness is visible from the outset of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The Death Eaters mobilized by the return of Lord Voldemort at the end of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix are on the loose in London, streaking through an anxious metropolis on missions of urban destruction that, in a different fantasy cosmos, might challenge the talents of Batman. Thunder rattles a gray sky; the camera alights on a heavyhearted young man reading his newspaper in a sad subway café out of an old Edward Hopper painting while he ogles a pretty waitress out of modern multiracial England. Yet there's cause for audience spirits to be high: The universally recognizable fellow is Harry Potter, embodied in blossoming manhood by Daniel Radcliffe. The newspaper is The Daily Prophet, that model of innovative print journalism in which every photo not only tells a story, but morphs into a moving picture, too. And it's abundantly clear that director David Yates, returning to the magical realm after Order of the Phoenix, and indispensable Potter screenwriter Steve Kloves (he's written all but the Phoenix script) have perfected a crucial potion: They've found just the right balance of timeless spiritual profundity and contemporary teen specificity, of awe and humor, necessary to steer J.K. Rowling's
enthralling seven-book saga to a satisfying conclusion. Will Hermione (Emma Watson) attract Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint)? Will Ron kiss flouncy, pouncy Lavender Brown (Jessie Cave)? Will Harry connect with Ron's no-longer-such-a-kid sister, Ginny (Bonnie Wright)? And will good triumph over evil? Stick around till Yates and Kloves' final two-part Potter production, scheduled for 2010 and 2011, and find out.
Even loyal readers who enjoy the gift of clairvoyance may appreciate a reminder or two about the plot of Half-Blood Prince. Just before Harry is set to return to Hogwarts, the star student is recruited by venerable headmaster Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) for a mission. The old wizard wants to lure the retired Potions professor Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent, doing a juicy inside-out version of his role in Topsy-Turvy) back to Hogwarts to find out what the vain old goat remembers about a certain former star student named Tom Riddle. (Long story short for Muggles: Riddle became Voldemort.) In the meantime, Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) is being groomed to do some major evil. And Prof. Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) appears to have Draco's back — as well as the most delicious ability to. clip. his. words.
All the while, the teenage wizards-in-training have enough to handle just being regular teens under the spell of raging hormones. ''Excuse me, I have to go and vomit,'' Hermione announces with a bite worthy of Gossip Girl when she observes Ron getting all snoggy with Lavender, who's one of the great lovestruck steamrollers of teen literature. And anyone who has survived 12th grade has passed a pale individualist classmate like Evanna Lynch's Luna Lovegood in the hallway, or encountered an imperious dragon-lady teacher like Maggie Smith's Minerva McGonagall.
On the other hand, not many teens face a hero's quest as daunting as the one set for Harry, with a showdown scheduled for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Half-Blood Prince encompasses important plot developments involving both love and death. But the story is, still and all, only a pause, deferring an intensely anticipated conclusion. And it's in that exquisite place of action and waiting that this elegantly balanced production emerges as a model adaptation. By now, as played with utmost loyalty to the cause by some of Britain's most illustrious actors, the supporting characters are as familiar as the population of Homer Simpson's neighborhood (and that's a great compliment). Yet with a big assist from cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel — a Potter newbie who memorably shot AmĂ©lie and Across the Universe — the filmmakers have found a way to refresh our eyes and enhance our appreciation for this rich, amazing creation.
Even loyal readers who enjoy the gift of clairvoyance may appreciate a reminder or two about the plot of Half-Blood Prince. Just before Harry is set to return to Hogwarts, the star student is recruited by venerable headmaster Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) for a mission. The old wizard wants to lure the retired Potions professor Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent, doing a juicy inside-out version of his role in Topsy-Turvy) back to Hogwarts to find out what the vain old goat remembers about a certain former star student named Tom Riddle. (Long story short for Muggles: Riddle became Voldemort.) In the meantime, Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) is being groomed to do some major evil. And Prof. Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) appears to have Draco's back — as well as the most delicious ability to. clip. his. words.
All the while, the teenage wizards-in-training have enough to handle just being regular teens under the spell of raging hormones. ''Excuse me, I have to go and vomit,'' Hermione announces with a bite worthy of Gossip Girl when she observes Ron getting all snoggy with Lavender, who's one of the great lovestruck steamrollers of teen literature. And anyone who has survived 12th grade has passed a pale individualist classmate like Evanna Lynch's Luna Lovegood in the hallway, or encountered an imperious dragon-lady teacher like Maggie Smith's Minerva McGonagall.
On the other hand, not many teens face a hero's quest as daunting as the one set for Harry, with a showdown scheduled for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Half-Blood Prince encompasses important plot developments involving both love and death. But the story is, still and all, only a pause, deferring an intensely anticipated conclusion. And it's in that exquisite place of action and waiting that this elegantly balanced production emerges as a model adaptation. By now, as played with utmost loyalty to the cause by some of Britain's most illustrious actors, the supporting characters are as familiar as the population of Homer Simpson's neighborhood (and that's a great compliment). Yet with a big assist from cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel — a Potter newbie who memorably shot AmĂ©lie and Across the Universe — the filmmakers have found a way to refresh our eyes and enhance our appreciation for this rich, amazing creation.
'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' breaks midnight record
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince grossed an eye-popping $22.2 million from its midnight showings early Wednesday morning, according to figures released by Hollywood.com. That breaks the $18.5 million midnight record previously held by last year's smash The Dark Knight, and it's well ahead of the $16 million Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen grossed in its midnight showings earlier this summer. If these magical numbers hold up, Half-Blood could have a shot at topping The Dark Knight's $203.8 million five-day opening-weekend record as well.
I Love You, Beth Cooper (2009) Movie Review
The cute, virginal nerd who triumphs in the pleasantly low-key teen comedy I Love You, Beth Cooper fulfills an ambition at once more chaste and more daring than the sexual goals set by the cute, virginal nerds who ruled in Superbad: Right up there on the stage at Buffalo Grove High School's graduation, valedictorian Denis Cooverman (comedy improv regular Paul Rust, from the Adrien Brody school of proboscic grandeur) makes the title declaration to the object of his unrequited affection (Heroes' Hayden Panettiere), a tough little pistol of a cheerleader. Superbrave! Then he speaks his mind to other high school archetypes, including the school bully, the class rich bitch, Beth's bulldog of an older boyfriend, and Denis' own drama-loving best friend who hasn't declared his sexual orientation, leaving his classmates to declare it for him.
The movie, directed with modesty by Home Alone and Harry Potter helmer Chris Columbus from a swell book and screenplay by comic writer Larry Doyle (Buffalo Grove class of '76), follows the fallout from Denis' barn-burning speech — a cheery night to-remember comedy of outlandish, unlikely coincidences and lively mishaps, culminating in the shared witness of a sweet, hope-streaked sunrise. The story is timeless; this could have taken place when Doyle graduated in '76 — or any year, really, since the effects of high school linger throughout adult life and nerds are forever.
The movie, directed with modesty by Home Alone and Harry Potter helmer Chris Columbus from a swell book and screenplay by comic writer Larry Doyle (Buffalo Grove class of '76), follows the fallout from Denis' barn-burning speech — a cheery night to-remember comedy of outlandish, unlikely coincidences and lively mishaps, culminating in the shared witness of a sweet, hope-streaked sunrise. The story is timeless; this could have taken place when Doyle graduated in '76 — or any year, really, since the effects of high school linger throughout adult life and nerds are forever.
Emma Watson: At Least I Wore Underwear
Emma Watson has brushed off her embarrassing wardrobe malfunction at Tuesday's "Harry Potter" premiere in London, insisting it could have been a lot worse.The 19-year-old star braved torrential rain on the red carpet during the world premiere of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," alongside co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint.She was snapped by photographers accidentally flashing her panties to hundreds of fans and the world's press as she tried to gather her dress up to avoid stepping on the hem.But she has laughed off the incident and insists it could have been worse.The 19-year-old actress explained the moment to David Letterman Wednesday night."Tell us what's going on here," he said as he held up a picture of the incident."This was a small wardrobe malfunction, it happens."At least I'm wearing underwear," the 19-year-old star added, before hanging her head in her hands to say, "I'm still learning, I'm still learning!"
Box Office Preview: Sacha Baron Cohen's 'Bruno' eyes a big weekend win
Sacha Baron Cohen's equal-opportunity offender Bruno is barging into theaters this weekend, promising enough outrageous shtick to lure in the most reluctant of moviegoers, if only to see how far he'll go. While Twentieth Century Fox, Cohen's Borat distributor, was tasked with selling a strange Kazakhstani journalist to audiences, Universal is in the fortunate spot of marketing Bruno like a sequel. The studio's over-the-top campaign shows that they may even be having a little fun with their gay Austrian fashion reporter. Now, with Bruno opening in 2,757 theaters, the one question is how well Baron Cohen's flamboyant character will play in more conservative parts of the U.S.
1. Bruno: $37 million
In 2006, Borat opened in only 837 theaters to $26.4 million, a stunning debut at the time. Bruno is sure to gross more than that this weekend, continuing this summer's trend of successful R-rated comedies. The under-35 crowd is definitely the core audience here, with the film sure to play well with college kids. But whether or not Baron Cohen's homophobia satire resonates as a joke, or only as a furthering of gay stereotypes, will be the topic of discussion once the movie is seen. But, really, generating discussion can't be a bad thing for the box office.
2. Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs: $22 million
While its opening weekend didn't live up to those of its predecessors, Ice Age 3 was still a hit with the younger set and their parents. And, no, it didn't beat out Transformers 2 last weekend, but that should all change this frame. With nothing in its way, expect its sophomore session to drop in the 45 percent range with help from all those 3-D showings.
3. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: $19 million
While we won't dwell on what it says about our society that Transformers 2 is the second fastest movie ever to hit the $300 million milestone (behind the beloved The Dark Knight) we will say that that is quite an achievement. But now it's time for the film to start dropping off, and Bruno is just the movie to knock it from its perch. Still, expect a 55 percent hold: Some guys just can't get enough of Megan Fox and transforming robots.
4. Public Enemies: $13 million
Johnny Depp's John Dillinger flick bowed to a respectable $25 million. And its mid-week numbers have helped push it up to $50 million. The big question for this film is how it will hold during its second session -- that point is crucial, actually, since the studio is banking on at least a $100 million gross. Some insiders are predicting a steep drop, but I think Public Enemies is likely to fall just under 50 percent.
5. The Proposal: $7 million
This Sandra Bullock romantic comedy has performed remarkably well, grossing $100 million in three weeks and never dropping more than 45 percent. Even if this weekend's fall puts it off by 50 percent, The Proposal will still be deemed a remarkable success for the over-40 movie star.
Also opening...
I Love You, Beth Cooper: $6 million
Director Chris Columbus has had opening weekends as high as $90 million (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) and as low as $6 million (Heartbreak Hotel). Unfortunately, his latest film looks like it's destined for the latter category. EW gave I Love You, Beth Cooper, starring Heroes' Hayden Panettiere, a positive review, but other notices haven't been so kind. Let's hope Columbus has better luck with his next outing.
1. Bruno: $37 million
In 2006, Borat opened in only 837 theaters to $26.4 million, a stunning debut at the time. Bruno is sure to gross more than that this weekend, continuing this summer's trend of successful R-rated comedies. The under-35 crowd is definitely the core audience here, with the film sure to play well with college kids. But whether or not Baron Cohen's homophobia satire resonates as a joke, or only as a furthering of gay stereotypes, will be the topic of discussion once the movie is seen. But, really, generating discussion can't be a bad thing for the box office.
2. Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs: $22 million
While its opening weekend didn't live up to those of its predecessors, Ice Age 3 was still a hit with the younger set and their parents. And, no, it didn't beat out Transformers 2 last weekend, but that should all change this frame. With nothing in its way, expect its sophomore session to drop in the 45 percent range with help from all those 3-D showings.
3. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: $19 million
While we won't dwell on what it says about our society that Transformers 2 is the second fastest movie ever to hit the $300 million milestone (behind the beloved The Dark Knight) we will say that that is quite an achievement. But now it's time for the film to start dropping off, and Bruno is just the movie to knock it from its perch. Still, expect a 55 percent hold: Some guys just can't get enough of Megan Fox and transforming robots.
4. Public Enemies: $13 million
Johnny Depp's John Dillinger flick bowed to a respectable $25 million. And its mid-week numbers have helped push it up to $50 million. The big question for this film is how it will hold during its second session -- that point is crucial, actually, since the studio is banking on at least a $100 million gross. Some insiders are predicting a steep drop, but I think Public Enemies is likely to fall just under 50 percent.
5. The Proposal: $7 million
This Sandra Bullock romantic comedy has performed remarkably well, grossing $100 million in three weeks and never dropping more than 45 percent. Even if this weekend's fall puts it off by 50 percent, The Proposal will still be deemed a remarkable success for the over-40 movie star.
Also opening...
I Love You, Beth Cooper: $6 million
Director Chris Columbus has had opening weekends as high as $90 million (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) and as low as $6 million (Heartbreak Hotel). Unfortunately, his latest film looks like it's destined for the latter category. EW gave I Love You, Beth Cooper, starring Heroes' Hayden Panettiere, a positive review, but other notices haven't been so kind. Let's hope Columbus has better luck with his next outing.
'Harry Potter' star Rupert Grint has swine flu
LONDON : Actor Rupert Grint, who plays Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter films, has contracted swine flu, his publicist said Saturday, three days before the latest Potter blockbuster premieres in London.
Grint took several days off filming the next movie in the series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows", but is still expected to join co-stars on the red carpet for the launch of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" Tuesday.
"It has just been confirmed that Rupert Grint has taken a few days out of filming due to a mild bout of swine flu," his publicist said in a statement.
"He has now recovered and is looking forward to joining his fellow cast members at the junket and premieres this week and will then return to filming directly afterwards."
She added that filming was not disrupted by the 20-year-old's absence.
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" opens in most of Europe on July 15 and in the United States and Japan two days later.
Four people have died in Britain of swine flu, the A(H1N1) virus, and the country has Europe's highest number of reported cases with nearly 7,500.
The government warned this week that figure could rise to over 100,000 new cases a day by the end of August.
Grint took several days off filming the next movie in the series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows", but is still expected to join co-stars on the red carpet for the launch of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" Tuesday.
"It has just been confirmed that Rupert Grint has taken a few days out of filming due to a mild bout of swine flu," his publicist said in a statement.
"He has now recovered and is looking forward to joining his fellow cast members at the junket and premieres this week and will then return to filming directly afterwards."
She added that filming was not disrupted by the 20-year-old's absence.
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" opens in most of Europe on July 15 and in the United States and Japan two days later.
Four people have died in Britain of swine flu, the A(H1N1) virus, and the country has Europe's highest number of reported cases with nearly 7,500.
The government warned this week that figure could rise to over 100,000 new cases a day by the end of August.
Sex and the 'Harry Potter' movies
With only a week and a half left until the long-delayed Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince finally hits theaters, media outlets are jumping on every angle possible to cash in on Pottermania. Most recently, James Parker from The Atlantic examined the different approaches each Potter director has taken in adapting the books for the screen, which another Atlantic writer took to task in a blog on Tuesday.
Alyssa Rosenberg wrote that ''the problem of keeping the Harry Potter movies fresh as filmmakers tackle the later books and deal with their characters' development into sexually mature adults'' is because ''J.K. Rowling, for all that she's created a compelling universe, is really awful at writing about adult sexual and romantic relationships.''
Uh...wha? Last time I checked, the Harry Potter books were a children's series. Sure, the audience grew up as the characters aged, but this is not adult fiction. And I mean that in both respects of the term: The books aren't targeted toward adults, and they're not supposed to contain graphic descriptions of a sexual nature.
Rosenberg makes two main points. First, ''in Rowling's universe, everyone ends up with their first real love.'' Okay, well, this is a fantasy series. The hero defeats the villain in the end. Is there a problem with that, too? Second, Rowling never gives ''a single detailed description of any adult sexual relationship.'' What Rosenberg forgets is that although they're third person, these are fairy tales told from a teenager's perspective. Despite illusions to the contrary, teenagers don't actually have adult relationships. We're following 11- to 17-year-old Harry, not an older, wiser narrator. Rowling doesn't ever give a single detailed description of any adult relationship, sexual or otherwise, because teenage Harry wouldn't really pick up on the complexities of the Weasleys' marriage. Besides, do we want detailed scenes about what happens in those canopied Hogwarts beds? This is a book about wizards. If you want romance, look for a paperback with Fabio on the cover.
As for the films, why do they have to be sexy at all? It's not like people were clamoring for a Prince Caspian/Susan flirtation in the second Chronicles of Narnia movie. The fact that there is even a sex issue baffles me. Is it because a movie needs to have some form of sexual tension to sell tickets? (Tell that to box office smash Up.) Is it because the stars themselves are pretty foxy? (The producers must've let out a heaving sigh of relief when their cherubic young child stars grew into attractive young adults.) As far as I'm concerned, Rowling's glossing-over of the subject matter would have suited the movies just fine.
Why do you think the directors have sexed up the later Harry Potter movies? Are you fine with Rowling's interpretation of adult relationships in the Potterverse, or do you think the books should have gotten a little more complex? Are you baffled that the sex issue is actually an issue at all? Or do you think a more realistic depiction of teenage sexuality is necessary for the films to connect with audiences?
Alyssa Rosenberg wrote that ''the problem of keeping the Harry Potter movies fresh as filmmakers tackle the later books and deal with their characters' development into sexually mature adults'' is because ''J.K. Rowling, for all that she's created a compelling universe, is really awful at writing about adult sexual and romantic relationships.''
Uh...wha? Last time I checked, the Harry Potter books were a children's series. Sure, the audience grew up as the characters aged, but this is not adult fiction. And I mean that in both respects of the term: The books aren't targeted toward adults, and they're not supposed to contain graphic descriptions of a sexual nature.
Rosenberg makes two main points. First, ''in Rowling's universe, everyone ends up with their first real love.'' Okay, well, this is a fantasy series. The hero defeats the villain in the end. Is there a problem with that, too? Second, Rowling never gives ''a single detailed description of any adult sexual relationship.'' What Rosenberg forgets is that although they're third person, these are fairy tales told from a teenager's perspective. Despite illusions to the contrary, teenagers don't actually have adult relationships. We're following 11- to 17-year-old Harry, not an older, wiser narrator. Rowling doesn't ever give a single detailed description of any adult relationship, sexual or otherwise, because teenage Harry wouldn't really pick up on the complexities of the Weasleys' marriage. Besides, do we want detailed scenes about what happens in those canopied Hogwarts beds? This is a book about wizards. If you want romance, look for a paperback with Fabio on the cover.
As for the films, why do they have to be sexy at all? It's not like people were clamoring for a Prince Caspian/Susan flirtation in the second Chronicles of Narnia movie. The fact that there is even a sex issue baffles me. Is it because a movie needs to have some form of sexual tension to sell tickets? (Tell that to box office smash Up.) Is it because the stars themselves are pretty foxy? (The producers must've let out a heaving sigh of relief when their cherubic young child stars grew into attractive young adults.) As far as I'm concerned, Rowling's glossing-over of the subject matter would have suited the movies just fine.
Why do you think the directors have sexed up the later Harry Potter movies? Are you fine with Rowling's interpretation of adult relationships in the Potterverse, or do you think the books should have gotten a little more complex? Are you baffled that the sex issue is actually an issue at all? Or do you think a more realistic depiction of teenage sexuality is necessary for the films to connect with audiences?
Box Office Preview: 'Transformers 2' will be huge this weekend...but just how big?
Michael Bay's over-the-top robot extravaganza sequel, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, has already grossed $60.6 million on its opening day, so we know that the fanboys have turned out in force. In fact, the movie is destined to cross the $100 million mark before it even reaches the weekend. But how the film fares over the five-day, Wednesday-through-Sunday period is going to be determined by its core fans' repeat business, the impact of their word of mouth, and how broad the film plays (which, if you take my 3-year-old son's rabid interest in the giant robots, is incredibly wide). One thing is for sure: Fused metal will be the star of the multiplex this weekend, and it's bound to take theaters by storm. The following predictions are for the usual three-day frame, by the way.
1. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen -- $72.5 millionTwo years ago, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix opened on a Wednesday, and by the end of the weekend it had grossed $139.7 million. Transformers 2 is guaranteed to blow by that record...and go way beyond. It's not likely to get to the $203 million that The Dark Knight scored in its first five days of release, but Michael Bay's movie is going to work damn hard trying. The movie is opening in more than 4,000 theaters, including 169 IMAX screens, and will prove a big win for distributor Paramount, which will now be able to claim two of the summer's biggest hits: Transformers 2 and Star Trek.
2. The Proposal -- $20 millionBy Friday, Sandra Bullock's romantic comedy will have grossed $50 million in one week. Not bad for an actress who had all but abandoned the genre! Word of mouth has been solid on the movie, and expectations are high that the film, featuring a star-making performance by Ryan Reynolds, will hold on well during its sophomore session.
3. The Hangover -- $16 millionWarner Bros.' R-rated Vegas comedy isn't going away anytime soon. And its unbelievable hold last weekend is really impressive. It is inevitable, however, that the movie, which has already grossed $163 million, will get hit this frame with Transformers 2 steamrolling into theaters.
4. Up -- $14 millionPixar's latest animated hit has already surpassed WALL-E's grosses, and its sights are now set on surpassing Cars' $244 million cume. Transformers 2 will take out some of Pixar's audience, but with Ice Age 3 coming into theaters next weekend, this is really its last chance to stay in the Top 5.
5. My Sister's Keeper -- $12 millionThis three-hanky Cameron Diaz weepfest has generated some solid reviews, especially for the lead actress herself. So it will be very interesting to see how the film fares as the main counter-programming option for the weekend. With all the light and fluffy fare dominating the box office, it's likely that My Sister's Keeper's serious themes of a family dealing with a sick child may be too tough for the public to embrace. Some predictors have it in the single digits. I'm hopeful that the combination of star power and fan interest in the Jodi Picoult bestseller on which the movie is based will propel it into double-digit territory.
Daniel Radcliffe to quit acting?
Isaacs, who plays Lucius Malfoy in the Potter films, says Radcliffe has a long Hollywood career ahead of him but not as an actor, reported dailystar.co.uk. "He will potentially be a great director or producer. He's very interested in behind-the-camera work," said Isaacs. Radcliffe was 11 years old when he landed the lead role in "Harry Potter". The actor, now 19, has made several other movies and ventured onto the stage in both London and New York productions of "Equus" last year.
My First Screen Kiss was Great: Radcliffe
"Harry Potter" star Daniel Radcliffe will always have fond memories of his first screen kiss with "December Boys" co-star Teresa Palmer because she made an awkward 12-hour scene enjoyable.
Radcliffe, who has since enjoyed his first kiss as boy wizard Potter, admitted he was nervous when the day came for him to lock lips with pretty Palmer. But he insisted she was the perfect kissing partner, reported Contactmusic.com.
He said: "I was actually very pleased that it was Teresa because she has done a few of those scenes in the past and I had never done any of them. She was sort of guiding me through it as her character Lucy does with my character Maps."
"It was great. We started the cave-kissing scene at about four o'clock in the afternoon and we finished it at 4 a.m.," he added.
US starlets are Bitchier than UK ones: Emma Watson
Brit actress Emma Watson has revealed that she finds US starlets her age bitchier than the ones in UK.
Watson also said that life in Britain was totally different, and that a bitchy attitude was never tolerated there.
Gosh, I could never be that bitchy! I think that living in England, it’’s very disconnected from Hollywood, the Daily Express quoted her as saying.
There’’s a very different approach and attitude towards it. Acting in a starry way is just not tolerated. You will just have the piss taken out of you. People will just laugh at you, she said.
The 18-year-old Harry Potter star admitted that she enjoyed visiting California and loved to go there for work.
She, however, said that a permanent move was something she had not thought about as yet.
Never say never, but I can”t imagine it. I think that it’’s a wonderful lifestyle that you have here - the weather is amazing and everyone seems very healthy. It seems like a really nice place to live, she told AOL’’s Moviefone.com
Obviously, if I had a film here or whatever, then that would be great. But I don”t really know a lot of people here, she added.
Harry Potter star Emma Watson Reveals Nude Ambitions
Hollywood actress Emma Watson is willing to bare all in a movie but only if the role demands. The 'Harry Potter' actress, who stated that she would love to work with Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci, revealed her intention of being selective while picking her next flick.
When asked if she would strip for a role, she said: "Yes for him (Bernardo Bertolucci). It depends."
"I'm not getting my kit off any time soon, but it is part of my job," The Sun quoted Emma, as saying.
For now however, the young actress is finishing up her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, and is doing the voice of Princess Pea in the upcoming mouse cartoon “The Tale of Despereaux.”
“I’m going to have a battle on my hands, because after Harry Potter has finished, I don’t know,” she says. “I definitely want to go to university.”
It seems the star not only has beauty, but the brains to boot. She earned three A's this summer at her Oxford boarding school and is keen on the Ivy Leagues, the Times reports.
“I have enough to hold me together without fame,” she says. “I have a really supportive family and a full life away from ‘Harry Potter.’ It’s unlikely that I’ll be part of anything this big ever again, so I need to deal with that. I’m not going to take a job just because ... I’m not doing anything else.”
Emma Watson Dating Australian Student?
Emma Watson, star of Harry Potter, is reportdely dating an Australian drama student.The 18-year-old actress is said to have met Angus Willoughby, 19, while studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.The pair is now said to be planning a trip to Willoughby's home town of Perth, Australia, according to British newspaper the Daily Telegraph.Watson was previously linked to another drama student - Italian Roberto Agnillera, after they were spotted enjoying a string of dates in August.Emma is now filming the final instalments of the Harry Potter franchise, where she plays bookworm Hermione.
Mamma Mia! smashes UK film record
Move over Harry Potter, there's a new top British film in town.
The summer smash hit musical Mamma Mia! has now taken more money at UK cinemas than
any other British film.
Based around the songs of 70s pop group Abba, it's made £67.2 million since its UK release in July, which beats Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone.
And, as it's still being shown in loads of cinemas, it's also on track to overtake Titanic and become the biggest money-making film ever in the UK.
The summer smash hit musical Mamma Mia! has now taken more money at UK cinemas than
any other British film.
Based around the songs of 70s pop group Abba, it's made £67.2 million since its UK release in July, which beats Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone.
And, as it's still being shown in loads of cinemas, it's also on track to overtake Titanic and become the biggest money-making film ever in the UK.
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