Beat Ben @ the Box Office: Big Willie Weekend
It’s that time of year: Will Smith season. And the the King of July 4th has another smash hit on his hands with Hancock, costarring Oscar winner Charlize Theron and funnyman Jason Bateman. This is the only major release at the box office over the holiday weekend, and every studio clears a path because, no doubt about it, he’s the No. 1 movie star in the world.
In a summer of superheroes, you also have to admire actor-turned-director Peter Berg for bringing us an entirely new character, who doesn’t have to cater to both fanboys and mass audiences, or worry about staying true to the source material.
So look for Hancock to bank $127 million over the five-day weekend. Smith goes all-out, and the guy even performed a 45-minute set at his own premiere. (I got a little emotional when he introduced DJ Jazzy Jeff and did “Summertime.”)
Don’t think Hancock can save the day at the box office this weekend? Then drop your numbers in the comments!
Hobbit Director del Toro Talks Cast, Creatures
The two movies based on the Lord of the Rings prequel, The Hobbit, may be a long ways offhang on until 2011 and 2012, nerds!but they’re pretty much all Mexican director Guillermo del Toro gets to talk about these days. Sure, he’s out promoting this summer’s comic book flick Hellboy II: The Golden Army, but, like, what’s up with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf and that dragon?
We got the big scoop from del Toro himself at the Saturn Awards, where he received a lifetime achievement award. Here’s what he told us about The Hobbit’s casting, creatures and story:
First of all, expect some crazy new creatures. If you’ve seen Hellboy or his epic Pan’s Labyrinth, you know del Toro would go beyond Orcs and talking trees. He promises to respect J.R.R. Tolkien’s and Peter Jackson’s creations, but sees many more new ones. “I plan to bring myself to The Hobbit,” he said. “No doubt about that.”
So what’s he working on? Well, you know those creepily talented kids who sit alone in the corner drawing in notebooks? That’s del Toro. He sketches all his magical beings in personal notebooks, but now the studio wants to own his ideas. So until all the paperwork is done, “it will be sketched on napkins, or it’ll be sketched on loose pieces of paper.”
And even though The Hobbit was Tolkien’s tot-sized adventure, the film version will not be The Lord of the Rings for Kids. “Tolkien had, in the last third of the bookI wouldn’t say an edge, but had a somber tone that normally would not conjure the term ’family.’”
And what about the cast? Who’s gonna be the next Viggo Mortensen? Well, Gandalf is already locked up, as Ian McKellen has agreed to pick up his wizard’s staff again. But the rest of the roles are wide open, despite what you hear about James McAvoy or anyone else.
“We’ll cast whoever seems to fit the pages,” del Toro said. Wannabe Hobbits may have to chase him down to New Zealand, though, where he’ll be spending much of the rest of the year, checking in with the creature designs and the Middle Earth set.
“For me,” he said, “it’s like commuting to Burbank.”
Get Hellboy II: The Golden Army trailers, clips and more in the Summer Movie Guide
Curtains Open on Heath’s Hometown Honor
While excitable critics are abuzz about a possible posthumous Oscar nomination for Heath Ledger’s Joker, there’s a more immediate honor for the late star.
Ledger’s hometown of Perth, Australia, has named an $88 million playhouse after the actor.
West Australian Premier Alan Carpenter, accompanied by Ledger’s father Kim, this morning announced plans for the 575-seat Heath Ledger Theatre.
“Heath Ledger was an extremely talented actor, totally dedicated to his craft and internationally respected,” Carpenter said. “Honoring his memory in this way will ensure his acting achievements will continue to inspire young [Australian] artists.”
Kim Ledger was on hand for the tribute announcement, and said the Ledger family not only supported the naming decision but was quite touched by it:
“We feel so honored and intensely proud to know the government and people of West Australia are prepared to attach Heath’s name to this new theater project, which will provide Perth with an outstanding venue for years to come.
“Heath was deeply committed to his personal life within the arts environment the world over and an extraordinary giver of his time, kindness and money to aspiring or struggling artists from Australia and overseas. I have no doubt he would be pleased we are accepting the attachment of his name to such a worthy theater project.”
Jennifer Hudson - Spotlight Video and Lyrics
Spotlight by Jennifer Hudson, Music Video and Lyrics
“Spotlight” is written and produced by Ne-Yo and Norwegian production duo Stargate for Jennifer Hudson’s self titled debut album.
The song was released digitally on 10th of June 2008 as the album’s first single.
Here is the official video, listen and enjoy.
Jennifer Hudson - Spotlight Lyrics
Are you a man who loves
And cherishes
And cares for me?
Is that you? Is that you?
Is that you? yeah…
Are you a guard in a prison
Maximum security?
Is that you? Is that you?
Is that you? yea eh…
Do we stay home all the time
Cuz you want me to yourself?
Is that you? Is that you?
Is that you? yeah…
Or am I locked away
Out of fear that i’d find
Someone else
Is that you? Is that you?
yea eh…
Chorus:
Well, I don’t like
Living under your spotlight
Just because you think
I might find somebody worthy
Oh, I don’t like
Living under your spotlight
Baby, if you treat me right
You won’t have to worry
is this a relationship
Fulfilling your needs
As well as mine
Is that you? Is that you?
Is that you? yeah…
Or is this just my sentence
Am I doing time?
Is that you? Is that you?
Is that you? yeah…
If this is love
Real, real love
Then I’m staying no doubt
Is that you? Is that you?
Is that you? yeah…
But if I’m just a prisoner
Then I’m busting out
Is that you? Is that you?
yeah…
(Chorus)
Oh, you oughta be
Ashamed of yourself
What the hell
Do you think you’re doing?
Loving me, loving me
So wrong
Baby, all I do is try
To show you
That you’re my
One and only guy
No matter
Who may come along
Open your eyes
Cuz baby, I don’t lie
(Chorus 2x)
Jennifer Hudson - Spotlight Song Information
The song peaked at #51 on U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay.
Her debut album ‘Jennifer Hudson‘ is set for release on September 30, 2008.
The music video was release on June 24, 2008 & directed by Chris Robinson.
The video was introduced by Jennifer Hudson on BET’s 106 and Park on 24 June 2008.
Released June 10, 2008
Recorded 2008
Genre Contemporary R&B, pop
Length 4:50 (Album Version), 4:10 (Main)
Label Arista
Writers Mikkel S. Erikson, Tor Erik Hermansen, Ne-Yo
Producer Ne-Yo, Stargate