The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)



By MANOHLA DARGIS
Published: February 29, 2008

More slog than romp, “The Other Boleyn Girl” tells the salacious story of two hot blue bloods who ran amok and partly unclothed in the court of Henry VIII. Best known for losing her head to the king, first ######phorically, then literally, Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman, saucy), along with her sister, Mary (Scarlett Johansson, sedate), entered the court of the king (Eric Bana, brooding and glowering) when he was still wed to Catherine of Aragon (Ana Torrent). A man of considerable and changeable appetites, the king yearned for a male heir and anything in a frock who wasn’t the queen. His sexual wish was their command.

According to this oddly plotted and frantically paced pastiche — written by Peter Morgan, directed by Justin Chadwick — the girls were more or less the Paris and Nicky Hilton of the Tudor court. In the film’s version of the Boleyn family saga, based on the novel by Philippa Gregory of the same title, they were pimped out by their scheming, ambitious father, Sir Thomas (a spidery Mark Rylance), who sought to advance the family on the backs of his daughters while Mrs. Sir Thomas (Kristin Scott Thomas) clucked darkly from the sidelines. Forced to compete for kingly favors, the women were soon rivals, a contest that, in its few meagerly entertaining moments, recalls the sisterly love in “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?”

The story of Anne Boleyn may sound as if it’s been cut from classier cloth than that delirious Robert Aldrich film, but history tells a juicier story. One of Anne’s biographers, Joanna Denny, writes that while at the French court Mary got around (she was “passed on from man to man”), which I don’t remember from high school or public television. Instead of letting the story rip, though, the film plays it safe and predictable by dividing the sisters into the bad brunette and gentle blonde, thereby displacing the courtly intrigue onto two warring women. The Boleyn sisters were the kind of trouble that can make for bodice-ripping entertainment, but they were also the kind of unruly women who sometimes risked burning.

Anne faced the sword, not the stake, but that’s jumping ahead of this story and its galloping horses, bustling gowns and rampaging royals. It’s a marvel that something that feels so inert should have so much frenetic action. Shot in high-definition video with a murky brown palette (perhaps to suggest tea-stained porcelain and teeth), the film is both underwritten and overedited. Many of the scenes seem to have been whittled down to the nub, which at times turns it into a succession of wordless gestures and poses. Given the generally risible dialogue, this isn’t a bad thing, despite Mr. Morgan’s previous credits (notably “The Queen”). Ms. Portman’s eyes, Mr. Bana’s hands and Ms. Johansson’s chin all receive vigorous workouts.

“The Other Boleyn Girl” has been rated PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned). Roving hands, rolling heads.

THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL

Opens on Friday nationwide.

Directed by Justin Chadwick; written by Peter Morgan, based on the novel by Philippa Gregory; director of photography, Kieran McGuigan; edited by Paul Knight and Carol Littleton; music by Paul Cantelon; production designer, John-Paul Kelly; produced by Alison Owen; released by Columbia Pictures and Focus Features. Running time: 1 hour 55 minutes.

WITH: Natalie Portman (Anne Boleyn), Scarlett Johansson (Mary Boleyn), Eric Bana (Henry VIII), Kristin Scott Thomas (Lady Elizabeth Boleyn), Mark Rylance (Thomas Boleyn), David Morrissey (Duke of Norfolk), Jim Sturgess (George Boleyn) and Ana Torrent (Catherine of Aragon).

'Semi-Pro'



By Kevin Crust, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
February 29, 2008

IN “Semi-Pro,” Will Ferrell plays one-hit disco star Jackie Moon, who buys the mythical, oxymoronically named Flint (as in Michigan) Tropics, doormats of the American Basketball Assn., and installs himself as the team's improbable coach and starting power forward. Moon is not that different from Ferrell's other sports "heroes" such as Ricky Bobby in "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" or Chazz Michael Michaels in "Blades of Glory," with the actor again relying on the character's obtuseness and misplaced confidence to carry him through.

If that shtick still works for you, "Semi-Pro" may be up your alley, otherwise you're in for a long haul.

An orgy of disco-era excess, it's also an interminable exercise in beating a dead horse. Writer Scot Armstrong and director Kent Alterman are so in love with the concept of the film's 1976 setting that they keep the jokes coming one after another. Actually, that should be joke, singular, as the movie's humor rests almost entirely on the idea that the era's fashions and styles are so wonderfully silly that oversized Afros, sideburns and tight shorts are worthy of their own movie (as if that hasn't been done before).

As for the film's plot, it's essentially a remake of the much funnier 1989 baseball comedy "Major League," in which a ragtag team of losers tries to do the impossible and become winners. Here the team and the league are in dire straits and the ABA strikes a deal wherein four of its member teams will join the well-established National Basketball Assn. at the close of the current season. The Tropics are fated to be left out of the merger until Moon convinces his fellow owners that the four teams should be determined by the final standings.

Needing to lift Flint out of the cellar, Moon goes out and trades a washing machine for washed-up point guard Eddie Monix ( Woody Harrelson), a former Boston Celtic who once earned a championship ring riding the bench. After a rocky start, Monix teams with Flint's one good player, Clarence "Coffee" Black (André Benjamin), and the Tropics start to win.

Harrelson and Maura Tierney, who plays Monix's love interest, seem to be inhabiting a different, more interesting, movie, one that follows the familiar path of a has-been athlete seeking redemption at what looks like his last stop. The strange thing is that the subplot is so tangential to the rest of the movie that the scenes could be omitted with no one the wiser.

"Semi-Pro" layers on comedic actors in supporting roles -- Andy Richter, David Koechner, Will Arnett, to name a few -- to little positive effect. Jackie Earle Haley, as a perpetually stoned Tropics fan, essentially steals his scenes, but his appearances are too brief to sustain any momentum.

"Semi-Pro." MPAA rating: R for language and some sexual content. Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes. In general release.

Penelope (2006)



Cursed With a Face Only a Sow Could Love

By STEPHEN HOLDEN
Published: February 29, 2008

“Cinderella” meets “The Ugly Duckling” in “Penelope,” a muddled, charm-free fairy tale whose title character, played by Christina Ricci, is a rich girl born with the snout of a pig.

The movie’s fundamental flaws begin with Penelope’s appearance. She is supposed to be so hideous that potential suitors dive out of the windows of her family’s London mansion at the first sight of her. After an encounter one greedy twit, Edward Vanderman (Simon Woods), goes to the newspapers with a tale of being attacked by a fanged monster, but nobody believes him.

In actuality Penelope Wilhern, who is hidden away in the house by her snobbish parents, Jessica (Catherine O’Hara) and Franklin (Richard E. Grant), is more adorable than Miss Piggy. Her nose, through which runs a carotid artery (thus precluding cosmetic surgery), is well-shaped, symmetrical and cutely turned up. Ms. Ricci plays her as a smart, hardheaded young woman who stoically accepts her fate. She suffers from an ancient family curse that can be lifted, she is told, only when she marries a man of equivalent social station. There are no takers.

The movie takes a wrong turn when Edward, ridiculed for his horror story, teams up with Lemon (Peter Dinklage), a tabloid journalist wearing an eye patch, to prove her existence. They recruit Max (James McAvoy), a down-and-out aristocrat with gambling debts, to court Penelope and photograph her. Max fails to produce a picture, but in their brief encounter a spark is struck.

Penelope, desperate to experience the real world, eventually runs away from home with a scarf wrapped over her nose and is befriended by Annie, a tough-talking bike messenger played by Reese Witherspoon (one of the movie’s producers in a thankless cameo performance). Once Penelope’s identity is discovered, she becomes a tabloid celebrity.

Directed by Mark Palansky from a screenplay by Leslie Caveny, “Penelope” is a hopeless jumble of visual and linguistic styles. Its Tim Burton-manqué look combines old-fashioned storybook London with a 21st-century cityscape, and the characters speak in a welter of accents (British and American and in between). This is a movie in which even Ms. O’Hara, whose twinkling sense of mischief can make almost anything funny, is comically stymied.

Without humor the movie’s messages about self-acceptance, snobbery and a paparazzi-infected media register as annoyingly smug. How much better “Penelope” might have been if it were animated, with a “Shrek”-worthy heroine who could magically transform.

“Penelope” is rated PG (Parental guidance suggested.) It has some strong language.

PENELOPE

Opens on Friday nationwide.

Directed by Mark Palansky; written by Leslie Caveny; director of photography, Michel Amathieu; edited by Jon Gregory; produced by Reese Witherspoon, Scott Steindorff and Jennifer Simpson; released by Summit Entertainment. Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes.

WITH: Christina Ricci (Penelope Wilhern), James McAvoy (Johnny/Max), Catherine O’Hara (Jessica Wilhern), Peter Dinklage (Lemon), Richard E. Grant (Franklin Wilhern), Simon Woods (Edward Vanderman) and Reese Witherspoon (Annie).

Wino Acquitted!!!



Finally, some good news for Amy Winehouse!

Scotland Yard has decided to drop Wino from the conspiracy to pervert the course of justice case involving her husband, the incarcerated Blake Fielder-Civil.

She was arrested 'by appointment' in December and voluntarily took part in police questioning.

A spokesman for the Wino said: “Amy is pleased to be discounted from the investigation and thanks the police for their professionalism in their dealings with her.”

Also, speculation from early in the week was confirmed today. Ame's hubby was in a London court Friday facing those conspiracy to pervert the course of justice charges.

BUT the Grammy girl was not there standing by her man!

Many thought that she begged out of her scheduled Norwegian court appearance so she could be in London to support her Blake. She put on quite the show of support the last time the enabler was in front of the judge. During Fielder-Civil's November hearing the Winehouse blew kisses and mouthed, “I love you,” to him in the court room.

According to Winehouse's people, she did not attend because she is on her way to Paris today to perform at a party for fashion designer Louis Vuitton.

Really?

Paris is only two hours away from London on the EuroStar! Couldn't she have squeezed in the court appearance if she really wanted to?

Fielder-Civil pleaded not guilty and will remain in lock down at least until his next hearing on April 25th.

He's been in prison since November.

Have fun in Paris, Amy. Blake will have fun in jail!

[Image via WENN.]

Doctors Cleared In Ledger Prob



As we mentioned yesterday, Federal drug investigators were interrogating two doctors concerning the death of actor Heath Ledger.

As of today, agents have ruled out any wrongdoing on both of their parts.

The doctors are not the source of the drugs OxyContin and Vicodin found in Ledger's system at the time of death.

Where'd he get them then????

Agents determined the physicians were responsible for prescribing Heath other medications, but they were not the prescribers of the main drugs responsible for his accidental overdose.

The investigation continues.

Please, kids, don't abuse drugs of any kind!

[Image via WENN.]

They Wanna Kill Gossip Girl!!!!



The rumors are true.

Mischa Barton has a been approached to join the cast of Gossip Girl.

Why?!?!?!

The show seems FINE as it is.

Are the producers really that desperate???

We know Mushy is! Her film career has gone nowhere.

Are the producers thinking that Mischa is going to have a Heather Locklear effect on the show?

Sorry…we don't think Mischa can do for Gossip Girl what Heather Locklear did for Melrose Place. No chance at all.

Chace, don't let them do it!

[Image via WENN.]

Blame Kate Moss



Now that seems like a good time!

Kelly Osbourne had a very fun evening on Thursday.

The rock progeny attended the NME awards in London, where (incredulously) Pete Doherty was given the Hero of the Year award.

After the ceremony, Kelly O. met up with hard-pAArtying goddess Kate Moss. The two hit up a few clubs and around 3:00 A.M. this morning, Osbourne looked shattered beyond belief as she had to be dragged out of the club.

Mission accomplished!

[Image via WENN.]

Jacko Almost Loses Another Home



As the future of Neverland remains in doubt, new information has come to light that shows Michael Jackson has made a trend of neglecting his fiscal responsibilities when it comes to home ownership.

He be broke. Not paying bills.

According to public records, Jackson repeatedly failed to make mortgage payments on his Encino, CA property.

Docs show that M.J. had almost $154,000 in missed payments (on a $4 million loan) as of January 17th. However, the default was withdrawn early February.

Wonder who loaned Jacko the money to keep the Encino house?!

Other docs also show that Jackson previously faced possible default over missed payments on the home in April and August of 2007.

Jackson's people issued no comment about this report.

Britney better take note of this. See what happens when you spend and spend but don't do any work?

[Image via WENN.]

Saved!



Our prayers have been answered!

Mischa Barton has turned down the Gossip Girl role offered to her.

Her talkpiece states, "She will not be on the show. She was approached, but her reps passed.”

Ha!

Gossip Girl fans, it is time to celebrate.

Your show won't be ruined!

[Image via WENN.]

Coming Soon To Wisteria Lane



Desperate Housewives has resumed production and they are busy at work trying to add new faces to their current cast.

Spicing things up!

As we mentioned earlier this week, the casting agents at Desperate Housewives are trying to raise the ratings and keep people watching. They've resorted to adding new cast members to spice things up, like The O.C.'s Chris Carmack.

Now, new reports are surfacing that Academy Award nominated actress Julianne Moore will appear in upcoming episodes.

Julianne will play Bree's sister (naturally) and is scheduled to appear in three episodes, including the season finale.

Two redheads on Desperate Housewives? Hot!

But even with all the new characters, will U still want to watch?

[Image via WENN.]

Momzilla



Jennifer Lopez is taking the mom thing very, very seriously.

People around La Lopez think she might be taking things a bit too far…except of course, Marc Anthony, who supposedly agrees with everything she wants.

J. Lo is diva about ever-y-thing!

According to inside reports, the couple has hired SIX new bodyguards for the twins. They have two baby bouncers for each eight-hour shift around the clock.

Cost? Approximately $600,000, not including the cost of benefits.

They've also invested in closed-circuit cameras for almost every room in their many homes.

Also, peeps with grubby hands better stay far away from JLo's babies! According to a family source, she's become a germaphobe. There are dispensers of hygienic cleanser strategically placed all around her homes. People are instructed to basically scrub before they come close to her precious ones. And, we kid you not, there was a purchase of what's being called 'a lifetime supply' of surgical masks because anyone coming in contact with the twins must put one of the things on.

Shit, y'all. Jenny is starting to get all Michael Jackson krazee!

[Image via Mavrix Online.]

Isn't This A Bit Much???



We get it. We get it.

Paris Hilton is dating Benji Madden. They're really happy.

It's "serious"!

But….

They've been dating a week or so and she's already:

1) Wearing the Good Charlotte rocker's clothes from head to toe! Yup, that hoodie and tee Paris wore while out shopping in LA on Friday are from DCMA, the fashion line Benji co-owns with his brother Joel.

and

2) She's wearing a ring! On her wedding finger!!!!!

Please, dear Lord, tell us they really aren't engaged already.

We wouldn't be surprised if they were, though.

[Image via Mavrix Online.]

The New Madonna Song Has Leaked

4 Minutes To Save The World has finally surfaced and is making the rounds on all the Madge fansites.

Now, y'all know we worship Madonna, but…

- You can barely hear her singing.

- It's all about the beats. It overpowers the song.

- Those damn horns! Repeating on a loop!!! SO annoying!!!!!

- The melody is sacrified.

- And where is the chorus?

Sadly, the song sounds like something from one of Gwen Stefani's solo albums, right down to the "tick tock tick tock." Which is kinda funny, cuz we all know how majorly Gwen has been inspired by Madonna.

We're just not that into the song, unfortunately.

Maybe it will grow on us. We just prefer to love songs instantly.

[Photo via Getty Images.]

Vanessa Hudgens Kisses Another Man (Not Zac Efron!)



Vanessa Hudgens heads in for a lengthy lip-lock with her co-star Gaelan Connell on the set of her new movie Will in Austin, Texas on Thursday.

Will is about a battle of the bands at a high school with Vanessa playing a girl named Sam.

Gaelan’s character was also seen play-fighting over a book with Vanessa’s. He also ran his fingers through her hair!

Seems like things get pretty romantic for these two on-screen!

Courteney Cox Dishes the Dirt



Courteney Cox poses next to a poster-size picture of herself at the season 2 premiere of her show Dirt at the Arclight in Hollywood on Thursday. Husband David Arquette joined his leading lady on the red carpet.

And has the show, n which Courteney plays a tabloid editor, changed the way photographers act around her?

“I think the paparazzi’s been nicer to me,” Courtney, 43, told Entertainment Tonight. “I think they like the show, so there’s a little more camaraderie.”

Cox also dished the dirt on her 3-year-old daughter Coco Arquette: “Coco’s very comfortable on the set, very comfortable around all the people. She’s an actor, for sure, a little performer.”

Kate Bosworth Tours New Zealand



Kate Bosworth keeps warm next to her aspiring singer boyfriend James Rousseau on the Liebig Dome of New Zealands Southern Alps on Tuesday.

James, 27, and Kate, 25, made stops at Glentanner Park, near Mount Cook, and enjoyed a ‘Mountains High’, 45-minute scenic flight via helicopter.

“She’s really, really lovely and down to earth,” said Glentanner Park employee Annie Corrigan. “We were all asking if we could have a picture with her and she said it was fine. She was sort of a girl next door.”

Kate has been in the country since November filming her new action-fantasy movie, Laundry Warrior. The film is about an Asian warrior (Korean actor Jang Dong-gun), who is forced to hide in a small town in the American badlands. He meets the town drunk (Geoffrey Rush), and a circus knife thrower (Bosworth), both of whom have powerful secrets.

Justin Timberlake Rocks the Speedo



A stuffed Justin Timberlake shows off his junk in a hot speedo in the upcoming comedy The Love Guru, out June 20th.

The film is about Pitka (Mike Myers), who is an American raised by gurus who returns to the USA in order to break into the self-help business. His first challenge: To settle the romantic troubles and subsequent professional skid of star Toronto Maple Leafs hockey player Darren Roanoke (Romany Malco) whose wife Prudence (Meagan Good) left him for rival skater Jacques Grande (Timberlake). Jessica Alba and Verne Troyer also star.

You must watch the trailer (click the picture)!

Speedos. Pornstaches! Shirtless-ness!!! Gyrating hips!!!!! Justin Timberlake!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my.

For more information on the movie, visit TheLoveGuru.com.

“We Are The Ones” — Another Barack Obama Song



“We Are The Ones” is the follow-up remix video to the Barack Obama “Yes, We Can” Song by Black Eyed Peas’ Will.I.Am.

Celeb cameos are made by actors Jessica Alba, Ryan Phillippe, Kerry Washington, John Leguizamo, Regina King, Tyrese Gibson, Eric Mabius, Tichina Arnold, Adrienne Palicki, comedian George Lopez, and singers Macy Gray, Zoe Kravtiz and Black Eyed Peas’ Tabu. In the video, everybody pretty much chants “O-BAM-A” to the beat. Watch the vid below!

“I would like to see a cleaner Earth for my child that I’m bringing into the world very soon,” Alba, 26, says. “I would like the rest of the world to think highly of our amazing country.”

Adds Phillippe, 33, “I think it’s time for a change. I want a better a future for my children [Ava and Deacon].”

Did I miss former O.C. star Ben McKenzie? He was supposed to be featured in it.

Renee Zellweger is Chilled in Miami



Renee Zellweger sports new hair extensions on Thursday as she shoots her new film Chilled in Miami, currently shooting in Miami, Florida.

Here’s the movie’s synopsis via Wiki: “A high-powered consultant (Zellweger) in love with her upscale Miami lifestyle, adjusts to her new life in a tiny Minnesota town. She has been sent to oversee the restructuring of a factory. The locals give her a frosty reception. When she is ordered to shut down the manufacturing plant, the factory’s union man (Harry Connick, Jr.) fights to protect his co-worker’s jobs.

Chilled in Miami opens in theaters next year. Desperate Housewives’s Nathan Fillion and The Office’s Rashida Jones also star.

Kate Walsh Returns to Grey’s Anatomy



Kate Walsh will return to Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Addison Montgomery for one episode this spring, reports EW.

Kate’s freshman show Private Practice is on hiatus until fall, so the redhead will head back to Seattle Grace for a guest appearance!

Five all-new episodes of Grey’s Anatomy will start Thursday, April 24

Amy Winehouse Swells to Massive Proportions



Amy Winehouse shows off a seriously swollen left cheek in London on Friday.

The recently rehab-ed “Rehab” singer, ex-boyfriend Tyler James and pal Blake Wood were all out and about, moving stuff out of her old pad.

Did Amy get more tooth work done? Allergic reaction?

TR Knight’s Boyfriend is Good Medicine



Mark Cornelsen comes out to support boyfriend T.R. Knight as the pair make a mad dash to their car outside UCLA’s Royce Hall in Westwood, Calif. on Friday.

The couple and T.R.’s Grey’s Anatomy costar Katherine Heigl (pictured below) made appearances at “Good Medicine,” a musical benefit to benefit crew members who were affected by the strike. Most of the Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice casts were in attendance.

Heigl literally pushing, pulling and jerking T.R. to not sign any more autographs.

Ellen Page’s Lesbian Skit @ SNL



Juno star Ellen Page made fun of the recent speculation that she’s a lesbian during her closing skit on yesterday’s Saturday Night Live.

The 21-year-old actress played a character that “so went gay” at a Melissa Etheridge/Indigo Girls concert.

“I just felt like i was an oil lamp that’s never been lit,” Page said excitedly. “And now I’m finally burning bright with sister fire! There were so many cute short haircuts and I didn’t care that I didn’t have any make up on. I felt so free.”

Andy Samberg played her psuedo-boyfriend, who told Page, “You are like a primo lesbian now.”

Rolling on the floor and holding her legs up, Page’s character shot back, screaming, “Gay, no way! …Why does everything have to have a freaking label?? Why can’t I just hug a woman with my LEGS in friendship???”

Watch the video (click on the picture) of Ellen Page’s lesbian skit for SNL…

Tom Welling’s Camera Shop Stop



Smallville stud Tom Welling, aka Superman, drops into Samy’s Camera Store in Los Angeles on Saturday to pick up some photographic equipment.

Orlando Bloom picked up camera equipment at Samy’s back in October also. Seems like Samy’s is the one-stop camera shop in L.A.!

Enjoy these candids–Tom Welling candids are ever so rare!

Judge Dismisses Part of Hunter Tylo's Wrongful Death Suit



A Las Vegas judge has dismissed a portion of a lawsuit filed by actress Hunter Tylo against a therapist who was counseling her 19-year-old son, Michael Tylo II, prior to his drowning last October.

The Bold and the Beautiful star filed the suit in the form of a Jan. 24 amendment to an April 2006 malpractice lawsuit filed against Henderson, Nev., therapist Shanna Downing, who was working with several members of the Tylo family in 2004 and 2005.

Downing countered the wrongful death lawsuit with a motion to exclude Michael Tylo II as a party in the legal action, and Tylo was required to respond to Downing's motion by Feb. 11, but she missed the filing deadline.

"To date, no opposition has been filed," court papers state.

While the judge agreed to dismiss Michael Tylo II as a party in the wrongful death action, his estate remains a party in the earlier malpractice lawsuit, set for trial in the fall.

Downing's attorney, Michael Shannon, had no comment. Tylo attorney Patricia Vaccarino was unavailable for comment.

Idol’s Robbie Carrico: “I’ve Been Growing This Hair a Very Long Time”



When Robbie Carrico was eliminated Thursday on American Idol, host Ryan Seacrest asked judge Simon Cowell to give the rocker some advice. “It’s authenticity,” Cowell said. “The public saw what we saw and that was the problem. It just never ever felt real.”

He was, of course, referring to Carrico’s image and rock sound, but he could have been referring to something else — his hair. Earlier in the week, Internet sites reported that Carrico may wear a wig. In fact, a source told PEOPLE the 26-year-old’s hairline has definitely receded. “It could be some sort of weave,” the source said. “I don’t know.” One thing the source believes: “His long hair is impossible. There’s no way he could grow that hair.”

But in a conference call Friday with reporters, the ousted contestants denied the allegations.

“I’ve been growing this hair for a very long time,” Carrico said. “It’s ridiculous that [the media] have to come up with something like that.”

Carrico also answered questions about his authenticity as a rocker. “I’ve spent the past six years working my tail off in grungy bars and pulling our own trailer with our own equipment loading it in and out and living from a van sometimes, doing all the grunt work,” said Carrico, who feels his previous work with pop music is the reason the judges had a hard time believing he was a true rocker. “Like I said before, this is me. You get what you see.” Carrico added that rock music is all he listens to while on the road.

While being a part of pop group Boyz N Girlz United was simply another job for Carrico, it was one that brought him the opportunity to date Britney Spears back in 1999 when the band opened for her tour.

“It wasn’t really that big of a deal,” say Carrico of his relationship with Spears. “We went on a couple of dates but that’s pretty much it.” Asked if he ever noticed any bizarre behavior from Spears, who’s was recently a patient at the UCLA Medical Center’s psych ward, Carrico responded, “Not at all. She was always real down to earth. She’s a really good girl.”

Though Carrico’s time on Idol was short-lived, he hopes to be able to record a new album soon and shop it around to record companies. So far, things look promising. According to Carrico, he’s already had a couple of offers. –Alondra Hernandez

Sophie Monk Speaks Out About Benji & Paris



Sophie Monk says her breakup with rocker Benji Madden was amicable and she wishes her ex and his quickly found love Paris Hilton all the best.

"Let me make this as plain as possible – Benji did not leave me for Paris Hilton," Monk, 28, said in a statement, according to Australia's Herald Sun. "Benji and I did not break up badly or anything like that. We both decided, as adults, our relationship had run its course and decided to move on. I feel no animosity towards Benji and Paris at all and am very happy with life at the moment."

Less than two weeks after Monk, an Australian native, and the Good Charlotte guitarist called off their engagement, Madden, 28, was seen with Hilton. On Friday, Hilton, 27, left the jewelry store XIV Karats of Beverly Hills wearing a ring on her engagement finger, but declined to reveal whether she had wedding plans.

Mariah Talks Babies, Britney, Barack

Mariah Carey has a lot on her mind these days.



In an exclusive interview, which airs Monday on Yo on E! as heard on E! Entertainment Radio, XM & Sirius, the Daydream diva dished to host Michael Yo about everything from her faith in God and the possibility of one day having a child to Britney Spears' meltdown and, yes, even backing Barack Obama for president of the United States. (Click here for the audio clip.)

While plugging her upcoming album, E=MC2, the 38-year-old Carey reflected on her personal life and her future now that she's dating record exec Mark Sudack.

For now, that doesn't appear to include babies, though the singer didn't rule out the possibility.

"Obviously having a kid is a commitment for life," she told Yo. "I really would have to be very, very positive that I was in a place where I could completely focus and put everything into the job of being someone's mommy cause it's hard enough to have a puppy."

On life after the bomb that was 2001's Glitter album and movie and her subsequent comeback, Carey pointed to her faith as a source of strength.

"You know what, I never lost my faith in God and that’s the main thing," she noted. "For me its about my personal relationship with God and just feeling centered and just not letting anything really penetrate that. That’s something that’s sacred for me that I have for myself no matter what."

In light of the personal crisis Carey faced in the wake of Glitter's failure when she checked herself into a hospital to be treated for an emotional and physical breakdown, Yo also got her take on the Britster's current travails and whether or not the pop tart can recover.

"I think anybody who loves music and is committed to the game can do whatever. I never count people out, that’s just not in my nature but that is a part of human nature, people like to do that but with me especially with making this new record, its all about the music."

Carey also laughed off concerns about what the public might think about her from reading the very same gossip zines that are making a bundle reporting on Spears' struggles.

"If people ever said things that are not in my character like doing serious drugs or anything of that nature that’s just not me and that’s never been me and it never will be," she said. "Things like, 'oh she was going to commit suicide'--that’s never ever, nobody could get me to that point because I have too much respect for God and for life. One of the rumors I just heard about was that $150,000 in plastic surgery. What in the ham sandwich do they think I did? It’s very annoying."

The subject eventually switched to politics, something Carey confessed isn't exactly her strong suit.

"Are you watching the debates?" asked Yo.

"Clearly I’m no political analyst. We all know that my album is called E=MC2 but I’m not exactly friggin Einstein," joked the "Love Takes Time" singer. "So basically I like to leave that to people who know what they are talking about, but I am very much more focused on this moment in our history."

"Have you picked anyone?" asked Yo.

"Yes, clearly," she answered.

"Can you say?"

"That's personal but it's pretty obvious," the entertainer replied.

"Come on Mariah, 'Yes we can' Mr. Barack Obama?'

Laughing, Carey came clean: "Yes we can!"

E=MC2 is scheduled to hit stores on April 15. The first single, "Touch My Body," was streamed digitally to radio stations on Feb. 12 and hard copies went out a week later.

Britney Gets a House Call

Look who's in the zone.



Two UCLA psychiatrists paid Britney Spears a house call at her Beverly Hills residence Saturday afternoon, one week after a court commissioner granted the "Baby One More Time" songstress permission to see sons Sean Preston and Jayden James for the first time since Jan. 3.

A source tells E! News that Spears' bodyguard escorted the doctors from the Westwood-based medical center to her home in the posh, gated community of Summit Circle at approximately 2 p.m. They subsequently met with her for two hours before departing around 4 p.m.

No word on the nature of the checkup.

However Mark Vincent Kaplan, the attorney for the popster's ex-hubby Kevin Federline, told E! News last week that as part of her agreement to retain visitation rights with her kids, Spears is obligated to undergo "custody evaluation" by medical experts among other requirements.

The "Toxic" singer's privileges were reinstated after a deal was hammered out between Federline's camp and lawyers for Luce Forward, the law firm which is handling Britney's temporary conservatorship for her dad, Jamie Spears.

A court awarded the elder Spears the conservatorship on Jan. 31, giving him control over her assets on the very same day his 26-year-old daughter was forcibly admitted to UCLA's psych ward on a 5150 hold. She remained there a week before quietly being released.

Since regaining face-to-face contact with two-year-old Sean and 17-month-old Jayden, Spears has reportedly seen them on three occasions since last Saturday. But not without supervision. A court-appointed monitor, her father, K-Fed's security guard and an attorney for Luce Forward were on hand to observe the visits.

Meanwhile despite her recent personal travails, Britney has been trying to put her pop star skills to good use beyond nightclub appearances. Two hours after meeting with the psychiatrists, she turned up at the Millennium Dance Complex and taught an hour-long dance class for kids.

And nearly six months following her disastrous performance at the MTV Video Music Awards, Spears is also reportedly on the comeback trail.

The "Gimme More" purveyor has purportedly been holed up in a North Hollywood dance studio rehearsing moves for a new video for her next single, "Hot as Ice," off her latest album, Blackout, which is set to shoot in the coming weeks.

Sarah Michelle Gellar Gets Gotham

Sarah Michelle Gellar posed pretty for her black and white spread in Gotham magazine. SMG looks flawless even if the photos aren't her most exciting shoot but at least she has plenty to say. In the article, she dishes about her shoe obsession, kids, and being married to Freddie. Here are highlights:



* On her many pairs of shoes: "Oh, God. Let's just say that when people look at my closet, I get the nod of shame. I love shoes. And I'm slightly vertically challenged. I need the height."
* On whether or not she wants kids: "I can't help it—every day people ask me that question. I sometimes feel like I'm doing something wrong. But when the time is right, we will. I just turned 30. There's traveling I want to do. There's charity work I want to do. I'm learning to believe in myself more, and I'm realizing things that I'm capable of accomplishing. And when we do have children, my husband and I will have such a strong foundation because we've given our relationship time to grow.

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Alanis Morriset

Alanis Morrisette is featured in the new issue of Canadian magazine Chatelaine where she opens up about her new album Flavors of Entanglement (due out on May 20th), life after Ryan Reynolds and her feelings about his new relationship with Scarlett Johansson. Here are a few pics from her photospread in this magazine:



When [asked] her about the news that Reynolds, the star of Smokin' Aces, Blade: Trinity and Van Wilder, is heavily involved with the bombshell actress Scarlett Johansson her response is heartfelt: "I wish nothing but absolute joy for him, I want him to be as happy as he wants to be." As for her own dating life, Morrissette will only offer and impish grin and say, "I'm having a lot of fun." [Of her new album she says,] "The album chronologizes me and my personal relationships; it's hard for me not to write about them. It captures the rock-bottom moments, the phoenix-rising moments, the insights that are derived from excruciating pain. The overarching theme is growing up ..."

Good for her ... I wouldn't necessarily expect another You Outta Know song to stem from her failed relationship with Ryan Reynolds but I fully expect that there may be a song or two of pained angst expressing her feelings on the break-up. I just love Alanis ... especially when she's got some anger to work out. I can't wait to hear what this album sounds like. [Source, thanks Edie]

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the lovebirds

Here are a few new pics of everyone's favorite couple taking a little stroll togeter on the streets of LA this week ... you can tell by the way that Jake Gyllenhaal has Reese Witherspoon in a headlock that these two are dangerously in love:


Photo credit: X17

I'm sorry ... I just don't get "lovers" when I see pictures of these two out and about. They look more like buds ... like pals ... like bros. I believe that just after these pictures were taken, Jake decided to give Reese a noogie and then a wet willy. Those kids! [Source]

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quick hitters

Ed Norton, the new Incredible Hulk, is featured on the cover and in the pages of the new issue of Total Film magazine ... check it out:



Hmm ... I can't wait to see what a sexy Hulk Ed will turn out to be. I love me some Eric Bana and I will never be mad at him for his turn at playing the Hulk but I'm pretty sure that they're gonna do the movie right this time around. [Source]

In their new issue, Entertainment Weekly has published a few pictures from some of the Academy Award winners on the morning/day after they took home their Oscars last Sunday night in cute, yet plainly posed, settings ... check out Tilda Swinton (Best Supporting Actress), Diablo Cody (Best Original Screenplay) and Marketa Irglova & Glen Hansard (Best Song) on "The Day After":



The pics are really cute (especially the one of Tilda Swinton with bed head) but look way too posed for my liking. If I were an Academy Award winner I'd be jumping around the house, still screaming my head off. I am happy for each of these winners ... they each deserve their awards. Even tho all the posing is a bit cheesy I still think EW did a gret job with these pics. [Source via ONTD!]

Ashton Is Clean Cut and Hopefully Hep-Free

Ashton Kutcher was looking as goofy as ever in his pink shirt and suspenders, but his messy hair and clean shave are pretty endearing. Hopefully this means that Ashton is in the clear after his hepatitis-ridden birthday party. Right now he's working on his new movie Spread in LA, an indie comedy where Ashton plays a womanizer. You guys are already psyched to see What Happens in Vegas, so either way it seems like Mr. Kutcher has a little something for everyone in his upcoming films.

Paris Hilton’s Real-Life Love Guru



Paris Hilton continues on her self-help journey, seeking spiritual guidance at the Urth Cafe in West Hollywood on Saturday.

Paris, 27, also stopped by the Bodhi Tree Bookstore with her enchanted friend. The mystery man and the hotel heiress were seen reading The Path of the Painted Shamen. What a classic! She even received a blessing from the love guru and boy did Paris seem amused!

Looks like love gurus are all the rage in Hollywood - with Justin Timberlake wrapped up in his Speedos in the upcoming film The Love Guru. Check it.

You Know Things Are Getting Better When…



Britney cares enough to get her nails did!!!

Miz Spears was seen with beautiful manicured hands on Monday.

The recovering pop star spent the morning with her boo boos, Tater Tot and Small Fry.

And in the afternoon, Brit Brit was accompanied by her poppa and savior, Jamie, to a medical facility.

It's SO nice to see that now Spears is not nervously biting her nails anymore.

It's EVEN NICER to see that Britney is keeping up with her medical treatment.

You go, girl!

Update: For those of you that are asking…

That "thing" on her wrist is a tattoo of some lips Brit Brit got around the time she first went crazy last year (head shaving episode).

[Image via Fame Pictures.]

High School Musical To Hit Reality TV



ABC is joining the rest of the networks by adding even more reality shows to its lineup. And, they're dipping into corporate daddy Disney's pool for talent!

Reports are surfacing that ABC is planning to release a High School Musical type of reality show, where contestants will compete in a nationwide talent hunt for the best singers.

Those that make it through will study at a music conservatory to sharpen their skills and then each week, contestants will be eliminated until a final performer is chosen.

The show will likely have cameo appearances by some of HSM's top stars. Though, we doubt Zacquisha will make an appearance. He's too above that now. Unless they pay him enough!

ABC is said to be in discussions with a production company to handle the show, though no deal has yet to be finalized.

The show is set to air this summer.

Will you watch, or are you on a HSM overload still?

Don't know, but this sounds too much like American Idol for us. We bet there will be three judges, 2 guys and 1 girl, of those one will be black or latino, one will be the 'nice' one, and the other will be the 'mean' one.

And, of course, ALL the contestants will be gay!

[Image via Mavrix Photo.]

Avril's Still Constipated



As we told you previously…

Avril Lavigne has been having a very hard time moving tickets to her upcoming tour.

Well, she's still having probs with tix sales and now they're taking very costly measures to get bodies in the concert venues.

One of our prezious Canuck readers reached out to let us know that MuchOnDemand did a give away for Avril Concert tickets recently.

They gave away EIGHT tickets!

It struck and us quite odd because 2 tickets is the standard for a giveaway.

Smells like trouble to us!

Gotta fill those seats one way or another.

[Image via WENN.]

Smellin' the Money



Disney is going 3-D cahh-raa-zee!

We reported last week that the mouse house is planning to do Step Up 3 in 3-D.

Now, new reports are circulating that the studio plans to release a 3-D sequel to its classic sci-fi movie Tron in 2011.

Now THAT is a movie we'd much rather see in 3-D!

The original Tron was released in 1982. The sequel will, without a doubt, be so much better than the orig!

Technology has come a long way since 1982.

Disney supposedly has Cars 2, National Treasure 3 and Pirates of the Caribbean 4 scheduled for release in 2011.

They don't have any interest in releasing new ORIGINAL material!

The Power of Oprah



Oprah's Big Give on ABC won the Sunday night ratings race.

Winfrey snatched the coveted #1 spot!

Oprah's philanthropic show was the third-most-watched freshman series debut this season. Fox's Moment of Truth and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles hold the top two spots.

Oprah's got the golden touch!

Bitch needs to bottle her sweat and sell it as a fragrance!!!

[Image via WENN.]

Drew's Huge Heart



This is amazing!

Drew Barrymore is donating $1 million to charity.

Of her own money!!!

The actress gave the gift on Monday to the World Food Programme (WFP) and the funds have been earmarked to feed thousands of schoolchildren in Kenya.

Barrymore announced her very generous contribution on the Oprah show.

Drew is a WFP ambassador against hunger and her gift kicks off the agency's $3 billion "Fill the Cup" campaign that aims to feed 59 million hungry school children in developing countries for a year.



WFP hopes the United States will be able to donate enough money to feed 10 million of those children.

"I have seen with my own eyes what a difference a simple cup of nutritious porridge can make in a child's life," said the Barrymore, who has traveled to Kenya twice in the past two years for WFP. "It helps them learn, stay healthy and sets them on track for a bright future. I urge everyone — everywhere — to help WFP 'Fill the Cup' for hungry children, and make hunger history."



Rock on, Drew!!!

Forget About Justin!



As we mentioned last week, Madonna is set to be inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame on March 10th in New York.

Mister Timberlake is set to present her.

Now, according to Rolling Stone, it is being revealed that none other than Iggy & The Stooges are going to be performing for her Madjesty at this year's induction ceremony.

At first, it might seem like an odd choice, but…

Both Madonna and the band are Detroit natives and Iggy Pop also opened for her at the Dublin stop during her Reinvention Tour back in 2004.

Other acts scheduled to perform that day include Patti LaBelle (for Gamble & Huff), Damien Rice (for Leonard Cohen), James Cotton (for Little Walter), and John Mellencamp and the Ventures which are both being inducted.

This is a pretty big deal for Madonna.

Will her husband be there????

Guy Ritchie wasn't at Madge's big Raising Malawi benefit party in NYC last month, and we haven't seen the two of them together in AGES.

Very very odd.

[Image via WENN.]

Taking Care Of Baby



Wow…Jamie Lynn is looking so….mature.

Or maybe it's just her bloated face!

The pregnant Spears was spotted visiting the Crisis Pregnancy Center in McComb, Mississippi this past weekend.

According to new reports, Jamie Lynn is having a boy.

Y'all think JLS should move to L.A. to be close to Brit Brit, pops and mom (who goes back and forth)???

[Image via Pacific Coast News Online.]

Be Me!



The Pete Wentz empire is growing!

You can dress like Pete and party like Pete.. and come April, you'll be able to get hair like Pete!

Wentz is opening a punk-themed unisex beauty parlor, The Clandestine Industries salon, in his hometown of Chicago.

Why???

Why not!

The Fall Out Boy bassist knows a thing or two about hair. Nice of him to share!

Ben Mollin from the reality show Shear Genius is head stylist at the salon.

[Image via WENN.]

Simon Not Hard Up (For Cash)



Simon Cowell has just turned down a six figure deal. That's lunch money for him.

The American Idol judge was offered over $1.5 million to be the new face for the boner pill Viagra.

Cowell is only 48.

Simon explains,"My agent rang me and said, 'You've been offered an incredibly big deal - it's to be the face of Viagra'. And I just said, 'Sorry, but that has to be a ####### insult.'"

Cowell is said to be worth upwards of $100 million!!!!

He's got millions in the bank and several shows on air worldwide bringing him in money. He's also been quoted as saying he would never marry his girlfriend Terri Seymour, who's 15 years younger, without her agreeing to a pre-nuptial agreement.

He knows how to keep his money safe!

We're guessing in 10 years, Cowell might sign up to be the Viagra spokesman.

In the mean time, they should ask Tom Cruise!

[Image via WENN.]

The Original Wino Is ENGAGED Rockin'!



Winona Ryder announced her engagement to rocker Blake Sennett (guitarist in the indie rock band Rilo Kiley) at the fall 2008 Valentino fashion show in romantical Paris.

We didn't even know they were dating!!!!

After a loooong Hollwood hiatus we may be seeing more of the orig Wino.

Johnny Depp's ex and fiancee Sennett have supposedly been working on a film called Water Pill. She is also going to start filming The Private Lives of Pippa Lee.

Winona sure loves them rockers. She's been linked to Soul Asylum’s Dave Pirner and the Counting Crows’ Adam Duritz (who previously dated Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox!).



Congrats to the happy couple. May they celebrate with a few pills from Ryder's ample medicine cabinet!

Update: Despite the reports, Winona's publicist tells us she is NOT engaged - but they are dating.

[Photo via Getty Images.]

Take This For What It's Worth



We're not sure how reliable this is, but…

The British media is reporting that Britney has finally dumped her paparazzo butt boy Adnan.

What happened????

Well, it seems like Miz Spears discovered some racy text messages on Ghalib's phone….that weren't sent from her!

"There were about a dozen (texts) from one girl, all sent in one day. They were pretty saucy stuff with sexual references - certainly not the sort you'd send to a friend," says a source.

The pair ended up getting into a big fight over it during one of Adnan's visits last week.

"Britney lost it and started yelling," says the insider. "She was demanding to know who sent the texts and shouting, 'What's this about? You're cheating on me.' Adnan said she was just a friend but Britney got more and more angry. Then she told him, 'That's it. It's over.'"

We just don't know what to believe.

And even if this story is true, these two have broken up and gotten back together before!

[Image via WENN.]

Quote of the Day



"Who is she? Oh, that girl in 27 Dresses? I just don’t think about that stuff.”

- Kate Hudson on "rivals" and new box office darling Katherine Heigl, in the new issue of Elle UK

Teen Spirit



She's only 15 years old, but she's already taking her role as a budding fashionista very seriously!

Frances Bean Cobain was spotted at JFK Airport in NYC this past weekend very well put together.

Chic coat. Chic shoes. Chic dress. Chic bag.

She's even wearing gloves!!!!!

[Image via National Photo Group.]

The Truth Behind Their "Duet"



You may have heard about Heidi Montag's duet with Britney Spears.

Well, all is not always as it seems, especially when the "reality" stars of The Hills are involved!

Yes, both stars appear on a new track, but Britney did not authorize the song's release and she had no idea about it until Montag leaked it, sources tell us.

"Heidi and Spencer got their hands on an old demo recording of Britney's that never made it onto any of her albums," an insider reveals exclusively to PerezHilton.com. "They've been working with a lot of producers on Heidi's new album and one of them gave them the track. They decided to turn it into a duet instead of having Heidi re-record the song with just her vocals because they knew they'd get more press this way."

So gross.

So so gross!

[Images via WENN.]