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Me, Myself and Ibuprofen!
Lewis to sing Avatar theme song…
Nov 16th
Leona Lewis has recorded the signature song for upcoming science fiction film, Avatar.
The 24-year-old X Factor winner performs the tune that will accompany the closing credits. It’s called I See You.
Lewis could find herself with a global hit on her hands considering the anticipation around the film.
James Horner and Simon Franglen – the men behind Celine Dion’s Titanic hit My Heart Will Go On – are also on board to produce the song.
The much-hyped Avatar, directed by James Cameron, is being billed as an epic adventure with new standards of special effects. The director first conceived the film 15 years ago but back then the technology didn’t exist to make it happen.
Premiering in London in December, it tells the tale of an alien race defending their land against human invasion.
It features Aliens actress Sigourney Weaver, as well as Sam Worthington and Michelle Rodriguez from Lost.
Lewis meanwhile seems to be back on track after being badly shaken by her recent assault at a book signing.
The London born singer has just released Echo, the follow-up to her multi-million selling debut album, and also announced last week she’s setting out on her first UK tour next summer.
Award nominations for Twilight…
Nov 10th
Twilight stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart have been nominated for favourite movie actor and actress gongs at the People’s Choice Awards.
Robert and Kristen are also up for the best onscreen team trophy with their co-star Taylor Lautner.
Taylor is also up for breakout movie actor and the vampire flick is up for best movie and franchise.
Fans cast more than 18 million votes online to select the nominee slate and will also choose the winners in 35 categories.
TV series True Blood was nominated for favourite TV obsession and sci-fi/fantasy TV show, and its star Anna Paquin earned a nod for TV drama actress.
In the music categories, Beyonce, Britney Spears, Carrie Underwood, Pink and Taylor Swift are up for female artist. Lady Gaga is among the nominees for breakout music artist, and Eminem, Flo Rida, Jay-Z, Lil’ Wayne and TI will go head to head for the hip-hop gong.
Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus is among those nominated for the web celeb prize.
The People’s Choice Awards will be held in January.
Fans can vote for their favourites online at http://www.peopleschoice.com.
Sundance Film Festival to expand…
Nov 6th
Sundance Film Festival organisers have announced the event will expand across eight US cities so audiences can engage in a “collective film experience”.
In January, the festival will send eight filmmakers across the US to showcase their latest movies and answer questions from audiences.
It is hoped the initiative will inspire film fans “to share opinions” and “discuss the key issues”.
The regular festival, founded by Robert Redford, runs 21-31 January in Utah.
A statement on the official website said the aim of the tour was to “entertain audiences and to highlight the ability of art, specifically film, to introduce new concepts, challenge ideals and spur debate”.
Redford added: “The concept behind Sundance Film Festival USA is to ignite dialogue as people across the country engage in a collective film experience.
“We hope by speaking with artists about their work and experiencing the Festival as it is happening, audiences will be inspired to share opinions, discuss the key issues of our day and reflect on the role art plays in social change.”
Selections for the eight films to go on tour will take place shortly after the festival announces its programme in December.
Loving the Alien…
Nov 5th
Here is a short that I think you all should see, and pass on to all of your friends. It was written and directed by Warren McWilliams, as part of his BA Hons Television Productions. It is in two parts, so make sure you watch both parts;
Prince of Persia trailer…
Nov 5th
You may remember one of my recent posts regarding The Lovely Bones, starring a British actor from my hometown called Reece Ritchie. Well below is the trailer to another one of Reece’s upcoming films, Prince of Persia, and boy does it look good. Take a look and let me know what you think;
Pattinson & Stewart caught kissing at screening?….
Nov 4th
Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart’s bid to end reports about their secret romance has taken a turn for the worst – the couple was spotted kissing outside a screening of their Twilight sequel.
The two stars reportedly spent the night together at Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont hotel last week – before breakfasting and attending a screening of The Twilight Saga: New Moon nearby.
And that’s when things started heating up, according to UsMagazine.com.
A source tells the publication, “Rob wanted a cigarette so he went outside with Kristen for about 15 minutes. They were hugging, as Rob was smoking his cigarette, and then he leaned down and kissed her on the lips. He had his arm around her almost the whole time.”
The new story comes just days after an upcoming Pattinson Vanity Fair magazine article, in which he insisted the two stars were just “friends”, hit the Internet.
Actor Carrey switches on lights…
Nov 4th
London’s festive season is officially under way with the first co-ordinated switch-on of the capital’s Christmas lights.
The lights in Regent Street and Oxford Street were turned on together for the first time.
And they were joined by celebrations in the City at St Paul’s Cathedral.
The event on Tuesday was marked by street concerts and themed around the work of Charles Dickens.
The switch-on coincided with the world premiere of Disney’s A Christmas Carol film at three cinemas in Leicester Square.
Dickens’ Victorian morality tale, written in 1843, became one of the most popular and enduring works of all time, helping to popularise the notion of a traditional Christmas season.
Record gathering
Stars of the Disney film took part in the celebrations alongside acts from music and the theatre.
Actor Colin Firth led the switch-on in Regent Street and Hollywood’s Jim Carrey lit up Oxford Street.
In the City, in the heart of Dickens’ London, Bob Hoskins got the festivities under way at St Paul’s Cathedral.
He was joined by opera singer Andrea Bocelli and the St Paul’s Cathedral Choir in a world record gathering of carol singers.
Big screens relayed the record attempt to visitors in Regent Street and Oxford Street, where entertainment was provided by The Noisettes, Taio Cruz and the London Community Gospel Choir.
Other acts taking part in the joint switch-on included Spandau Ballet and Daniel Merriweather alongside performers from the West End musicals Hairspray and Sister Act.
This year’s lights will be lit after dark each day until 6 January 2010.
Ben Whishaw’s director connection….
Nov 3rd
‘Layer Cake’ star Ben Whishaw says he “felt a real connection” to his director.
The 29-year-old ‘Layer Cake’ actor – who plays the character of John Keats in ‘Bright Star’, Jane Campion’s new film about the famous poet – said he felt very close to the Oscar-winning film maker.
He said: “I’ve been a fan of hers since I was 13, when I watched ‘The Piano’ with my auntie. I never thought I’d ever work with her. I hope she hasn’t spoilt me for other work.”
He added: “Jane was so keen the film should not be ‘acted.’ When it came to shooting the most important thing seemed to be being honest about what you were feeling.”
Jane recently gushed about Ben’s enthusiasm at the movie’s premiere during the London Film Festival last month.
She said: “When I met him and saw him, I thought, ‘My God, you are such a beautiful creature!’ He’s a beautiful human being and so sensual, a nice, good-hearted human. I was just thrilled because without real Keats, you can’t go on really.”
‘Bright Star’ will be in the cinema from November 6.
Epic Mohammad movie in pipeline….
Nov 2nd
An epic movie about Islam’s Prophet Mohammad is in the pipeline, backed by a producer of the Lord of the Rings.
American Barrie Osborne, who also produced The Matrix, told Reuters the film would be an “international epic” aimed at “bridging cultures”.
In accordance with Islamic rules, the Prophet cannot be depicted on screen. Images of the Prophet are considered blasphemous by Muslims.
The $150m (£91m) English language film should go into production in 2011.
2010 talks
Qatari media company Alnoor Holdings, which is behind the plans, said it wanted to attract the “best international talent” for the film.
“The film will educate people about the true meaning of Islam,” Osborne said.
Raja Sharif, vice president of international projects at Alnoor, told Reuters he expected to conclude deals next year.
Grint to play legendary ski-jumper…
Nov 2nd
Harry Potter actor Rupert Grint is to replace Steve Coogan in a film about ski-jump legend Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards.
The plasterer was the sole British applicant for the 1988 Winter Olympics ski-jumping competition and became the first competitor to represent Great Britain in the sport.
He became a national treasure despite his lack of success – finishing last in both of his events.
In 2007, Coogan was signed up to tackle the role of Edwards in a film depicting the comical athlete’s Olympic journey.
But British newspaper the Sunday Mirror reports Grint will now take over from the Night At the Museum star.
The movie, directed by Declan Lowney, is scheduled to go into production later this year.
