Latest Hollywood Celebrity News

Nancy Meyers Comes Up With a Winner

2008-03-21T11:50:00.000-07:00

A Romantic Comedy that Really Works

Christmas is coming soon and everybody is busy getting ready for another holiday season. A movie can be great comic relief. We want to be entertained and interested by a story that keeps us attentive and has a happy ending.

Nancy Meyers delivers what we need as the writer/director of "The Holiday", a romantic comedy with Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black and Eli Wallach. Described by one viewer as the "Swiss Chocolate of Romantic Comedies", it certainly qualifies as its only winning award was the Teen Choice Award for Best Chick Flick.

Actually, I found The Holiday to be a tad more than just a chick flick. As a student of relationships it provided a happy ending to the dilemma of women who get involved in a relationship with men who almost appear interested but invariably cheat.

The premise of The Holiday is pretty simple. Stuck in impossible relationships with two-timing men, Los Angeles resident Amanda (Cameron Diaz) and Londoner Iris (Kate Winslet) decide to swap homes over the Christmas holiday in an effort to forget their troubles.

Both Amanda and Iris find themselves in unusual circumstances and are forced to come to grips with who they are and what they want in a relationship. Amanda must look inward to find the emotion that escaped her in her youth, and Iris must look outward to get over being self-absorbed in her perfect relationship that does not exist.

Amanda, the owner and creative force of a movie-trailers editing firm in face-paced Tinseltown, dumps her cheat Ethan (Edward Burns) and finds herself even lonelier in a cottage in Surrey (near London) when she meets Iris' brother Graham (Jude Law), a widower with two daughters. She has not cried tears since the breakup of her parents when she was a teen.

Iris is a writer of some note with The Telegraph newspaper in London. She pines for Jasper Bloom (Rufus Sewell), who uses her for three years but then gets engaged to a co-worker at The Telegraph. Jasper is a self-centered, self-absorbed cad with no heart and no mind who satisfies his most needy body part. Iris is too in love to see straight.

Iris meets Arthur Abbott (Eli Wallach), an accomplished movie writer in Beverly Hills who you would love to have as your great grandfather. Arthur tells Iris that "in the movies we have leading ladies and we have best friends. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason you are behaving like the best friend."

Eventually Iris meets Miles (Jack Black), a film composer who suffers from the same ill-fated relationship troubles as Iris, and the two form a gentle bond of assured happiness.

The chemistry between Amanda and Graham is excellent, and The Holiday benefits from some great Christmas music and good direction by Nancy Meyers.

Guys are not going to go mushy over this film but would do well to pay attention to what girls really want. The Holiday is a great film for the Christmas season, it will not stress your emotions but will fill you up with good feelings.

Lohan recreates Monroe last photo shoot

2008-02-27T03:20:00.000-08:00

Lindsay Lohan is following in the footsteps of the most famous blond bombshell of them all, Marilyn Monroe. In the issue of New York magazine on sale on Monday, the 21-year-old star Mean Girls and Freaky Friday poses nude for photographer Bert Stern in a recreation of one of Monroe’s most famous photo shoots, done shortly before she died. Stern photographed Monroe in 1962 at the Hotel-Bel-Air in California, six weeks before sge was found dead of an overdose of barbiturates. Those images for Vogue magazine feature Monroe in next to nothing, posing nude with some scarves and jewelry as her accessories and sipping champagne.

Britney Spears and Kevin Federline

2008-02-20T03:35:00.000-08:00

In yet another twist to the Britney Spears legal rollercoaster, Spears' legal team, Trope and Trope, has removed themselves from her ongoing custody battle with ex-husband Kevin Federline.

Stacy Phillips, who represented Bobby Brown in his divorce from Whitney Houston, is now Spears' attorney in her custody case.

There was no change in the custody of Spears and Federline's children.

Judge Gordan also said, whether the conservatorship goes to Federal court has nothing to do with the ongoing custody case, and all of Spears' family law matters would proceed unchanged.

Earlier in the day, the two sides disagreed as to whether the court should impose a gag order on all those involved in the Spears-Federline case.

Kevin Federline's attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, argued against the gag order, saying that since the conservators have been put in place there are no "favored media outlets." He also argued that a gag order would infringe on first amendment rights, and therefore should not be used.

Britney's legal team, who is in favor of the gag order, argued it was necessary for the safety of Spears and her two children, Sean Preston and Jayden James. Spears' attorney, Anne Kiley, cited the Alec Baldwin & Kim Basinger divorce as an example.

"If Miss Spears is going to a concert, and paparazzi ask her how are the kids, and she replies 'great' are you going to hold her in contempt?" Kaplan asked the court.

The judge denied the request for a gag order, saying the public has a right to know what the court is doing. He went on to say the safety of those involved was a law enforcement and media issue, and not a court issue. The real concern is the "conduct of photographers," the judge added.

Kiley noted at the beginning of court, that her firm, Trope and Trope, is still asking to withdraw from Spears' legal team, but after today’s hearing.

Both Spears and Federline were not in court today, as they were not required to be present.

Eddie Murphy & Tracey Edmonds On Separate Roads

2008-01-18T02:48:00.000-08:00

Just two weeks after their wedding, Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds have split, it has been confirmed.

Though their ceremony happened two weeks ago, the couple's marriage only lasted three days, according to sources.

Their relationship ended on January 4, 2008, in Bora Bora.

Days earlier the couple were married in a spiritual ceremony on the island. They planned on having a legally binding ceremony upon returning to the U.S. However, since that ceremony never took place, the couple was never officially married to begin with.

Edmonds and Murphy left the island separately, the source stated. The source added that the split had nothing to do with prenup issues.

Both parties are currently in Los Angeles.

Murphy and Edmonds released the following statement on Wednesday:

“After much consideration and discussion, we have jointly decided that we will forego having a legal ceremony as it is not necessary to define our relationship further. While the recent symbolic union in Bora Bora was representative of our deep love, friendship and respect that we have for one another on a spiritual level, we have decided to remain friends.”

The two began dating fall 2006 and were engaged in July.

Murphy, 46, has five children from his previous marriage to Nicole Mitchell Murphy, who filed for divorce in 2005. He also has a daughter with Spice Girl and “Dancing With the Stars” alum Mel B.

Edmonds, a 40-year-old movie producer, has two sons from her 12-year marriage to R&B singer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. As head of Edmonds Entertainment, she has produced the film and television series “Soul Food.”

Murphy’s film credits include “Dreamgirls,” “The Nutty Professor,” “Shrek” and “The Beverly Hills Cop” franchise.

Hollywood Suffocates Keira

2008-01-01T10:40:00.000-08:00

Keira Knightley has blasted Hollywood residents for leading a narrow-minded life. The Pirates of the Caribbean star says that she could never survive in such a suffocating environment.

Though Knightley, who bagged a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in Atonement, has become a well-known name in Hollywood, she cannot bear to live amongst her movie-obsessed contemporaries. The British beauty had instead chosen to stay in London, as it offers so much variety. “It’s a funny place. I could never live in Hollywood, because there’s nowhere to escape to. You find yourself sitting around a lot and every conversation you have is about the movies,” she said.

“I think you have to be in a city that has different walks of life that you can observe and for me, that’s London.” She added.

Malawi lauds Madonna for helping country’s AIDS orphans

2007-12-14T01:34:00.000-08:00

The Malawi government on Tuesday applauded Madonna’s efforts to put the plight of the country’s AIDS orphans on the global stage and raising money to support them. The American singer said last week she would work with luxury goods maker Gucci to raise at least $2 million for Malawi’s one million orphans.

Witherspoon highest paid actress

2007-12-07T00:13:00.000-08:00

Even though her latest film Rendition was a flop, Resse Witherspoon is a moneymaker. The 31-yr-old Academy Award winner commands $15 million to $20 million a movie, placing her at the top of the Hollywood Reporter’s annual list of the highest-paid actresses. Angelina Jolie comes in second with similar salary demands, though the animated Bewoulf earned the 32-yr-old actress far less – just $8 million.

Pitt pulls out of thriller play

2007-12-03T04:57:00.000-08:00

Brad Pitt has pulled out of Universal production thriller State of play because of script concerns. The move comes after a couple of meetings between Pitt and director Kevin Macdonald (The Last King Of Scotland) in an attempt to iron out the concerns. The script cannot be worked on because of the Hollywood screenwriters strike. Sources said the studio is now looking at Johnny Depp, whose movie Shantaram just got postponed at Warner Bros.

Britney and her new boy friend Michael Marchand

2007-11-25T21:36:00.000-08:00

POP star Britney Spears has a new boyfriend – a waiter named Michael Marchand. An eyewitness spotted the couple together at Mirabelle restaurant, where Michael works, in Los Angeles.

“Michael came in a little after midnight, and she came right after. They were being discreet, Forty-Five minutes later, they left the restaurant together. He was charming – he made Britney laugh and looked at her with her secret smile. They left in separate cars,” news reporters quoted an eyewitness as saying.

An insider revealed that the singer instantly fell for Marchand at Mirabella when she first ate there in early November.

Since the first meeting, the two have been on at least one date at Spears mansion. However, Marchand remained mum about his relationship when asked. “I cannot talk about that right now,” Marchand said.

Julia Roberts designs a first in Armani bracelet

2007-11-23T04:40:00.000-08:00

Pretty Women star Julia Roberts has designed a bracelet for Giorgio Armani to sell for World AIDS Day, the fashion house said on Tuesday. It is the first time the Italian designer has worked with an another name on the product. The leather bracelet in red or brown has a “Tree of Life” design and inside carries the initials J.R, Armani said.

Britney Spears Takes 'Extreme Measures' To Protect Her Children

2007-11-21T01:58:00.000-08:00

Following a rough week for Britney Spears, where she was ordered by the court to not drive her children, Britney is getting proactive about the welfare of her children.

Spears attorney told Access Hollywood, “Recent aggressive actions by individuals who have followed her and blocked her access, with and without the children, have resulted in her decision to take certain security measures which she hopes will only be necessary temporarily, for the protection of the children. Ms. Spears is grateful for and appreciates the support and well wishes of the many, many people who have extended same.”

Matt Damon : The Sexiest Man Alive

2007-11-14T22:58:00.000-08:00

Matt Damon also known as Jason Bourne for his breath taking performances in the movies like Bourne Identity, Bourne supremacy is a father, a renowned actor, Academy Award winning writer, and now he has been crowned the “Sexiest Man Alive” 2007.

People had a difficult choice to make as Matt was surrounded by other Hollywood hotties like Patrick Dempsey, Ryan Reynolds, Javier Bardem, “Bionic Woman” star Will Yun Lee, and Will Smith but his emerging qualities like his irresistible sense of humor, rock solid family man, heart-melting humility won the hearts of many and made him the ultimate selection of people choice.

“You’ve given an aging suburban dad the ego-boost of a lifetime,” Damon said.

Take a chance on Dion

2007-11-13T01:29:00.000-08:00

Celine Dion is going to try to sing. She’s had a viral infection and cancelled four performances at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, sending home 16,000 broken-hearted Celine-deprived fans. Backstage, before tonight’s show, she poses for photographs with a few of her devotees, sniffling between camera flashes. “I’m having a hard time.” She confesses. A man tells her to stop shaking hands. He turns to her fans “Don’t touch her!” he says. Who the hell is he? “I’m her gynecologists

Just for the record, the doctor is not here to examine her. He wants to see the concert.

Next week, Celine releases Taking Chances, her first pop album in five years..

Taking Chances is truth in advertising – Celine, 39 may be one of the top-selling singers of all time, but she’s been in the desert for a long time. Since she left, record sales have hit iceberg. All her first-name – only peers (Mariah, Whitney, Shania) have been replaced by a new crop (Beyonce, Shakira, Christina), some of whom can actually sing. If Celine wants to stay on top, she’s going to have to fight like the diva she is “For five years. I’ve been protected and focused in my surroundings – home, dressing room, home, bowling with my son.”

That’s one way to stay young. Or you can also start imitating the young ones, which is one thing she does on the new album. Taking Chances is a ridiculously divese collection of songs, with more edge. “Oh, yes, I’m a rocker,” Celine says without a hint of irony. The album’s third track, Eyes on me, even transforms her into a pop/Bollywood singer. “It’s my Shakira song,” Celine says. On This Time, she sings about being a battered women, which is the last thing you’d expect to hear from delightfully sappy Celine.

Chances probably won’t win over her critics. But for her fans, it’s nice step up, with echoes of Janis Jolpin. She’s even upgraded her look. She’s on the album cover wearing a heavy gold chain, flashing some cleavage.

In Feb, she’ll begin an international tour. Then she plans on settling down in Florida, where she’ll see if she can turn himself into a movie star and have a second child. “If it doesn’t happen, it’s because life and destiny have decided that. You can’t be greedy,” How very un-Vegas for her.

Moody Keira

2007-11-09T23:00:00.000-08:00

Pride and Prejudice beauty Keira Knightley admits that she can be extremely moody at times. So moody that she has been advised by family and friends not to read the newspaper as they irritate her. The British actress has slammed the media for coming up with opinionated news pieces about her. “I’m moody banned. Actually, I’ve banned from reading newspapers as the way they’re written angers me,” she said. ” I get incredibly angry. See, I have to calm down about it. “If I want an opinion, I’ll read the opinion part. I do not want it when I’m trying to get the facts.”

Reese gets a new friend

2007-11-07T00:36:00.000-08:00

Actress Reese Witherspoon has revealed that she would love to work with Kate Winslet, especially since the two share a lot in common interest. The Oscar winner asserts her willingness to appear with the Titanic star on the big screen as she feels that they share many things in common like acting and motherhood. I had a chance recently to hang out with Kate Winslet an her husband Sam Mendes. We just really get along. We are from different countries but we’re sort of the same person,” she said. In the meantime Witherspoon can be seen on the big screen in Rendition, a drama in which the plays yhe role of a Chicogo-based woman, Isabella, who is married to an Egyptian-born chemical engineer, to be played by Omar Metwally, suspected by US authorities of having knowledge of a bombing.

Paris in a charity mood

2007-11-03T02:50:00.000-07:00

Socialite Paris Hilton is so hell-bent on visiting Rwanda, that she arranged her trip to the country for next year. She was to make a charity visit to the African nation with members of the Playing for Good Foundation in November but ultimately had to postpone her trip until next year because of the charity leader’s decision.

“I want to travel the world. I feel like there’s a lot I can do to help. Hilton said. “ I know (Rwanda) went through a lot of traumatic experiences, and I feel like if I go there, I can help save some people’s lives,” she added.

Angelina Jolie ‘pregnant’ again

2007-10-31T22:21:00.000-07:00

Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie is pregnant again with her second child. The 32-yr-old actress recently pulled out of a talk in Italy “for personal reasons” following which the media reported that it was because she was expecting another baby with star hubby Brad Pitt. “She cancelled. I can’t confirm her pregnancy but the Italian papers are correct in their reports,” Jolie’s spokeswoman Letizia Manjani was quoted as saying.

The couple have a daughter Shiloh Nouvel together as well as three adopted kids.

Electra electrifies

2007-10-28T22:54:00.001-07:00

Carmen Electra left on-lookers stunned when she arrived in a low cut silver dress at Opera Hollywood for the launch of a new lingerie brand, Rey’s Shapewear.

Talking about her ravishing looks, the My Boss’s Daughter star said she worn slim-effect undies, and added that she allowed herself to eat junk food when she felt like having it.

“I used to work out everyday and know I kind of try not to obsess over going to the gym every single day. I can allow myself to have junk food when I’m craving it,” she said.

Orlando Bloom cleared of charges in car crash

2007-10-28T22:50:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles officials cleared Orlando Bloom of hit-and-run and drunken driving charges stemming from a car cash during which the Pirates Of Caribbean star was chased by paparazzi. “There was insufficient evidence he was trying to get away,” said Jane Robison, a spokeswomen for the Los Angeles Country District Attorney.

Breathtaking Berry

2007-10-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

HALLE Berry looked breathtaking with her big belly at the premire of her movie Things We Lost In Fire. "She looked sensational - pregnancy obviously suits her," a source said. Berry confirmed last month that she was expexting her first child with model boy friend Gabriel Aubry.

Kids can wait : Eva

2007-10-22T07:11:00.001-07:00

EVA Longoria has revealed that she has no plans of having kids for the time being. The ‘Desperate Housewives’ star on-screen character ‘Gabrielle’ on the hit TV show were not keen on kids in the near future. “Not for me, and not for Gabrielle,” the Daily Snack quoted her, as saying. Earlier, the petite actress revealed that her boss on the TV show, Marc Cheery has slapped a baby ban on her and her husband, French basketball star Tony Parker. The ban implied that the couple would have to wait at least a year before they get down to the serious business of making babies. “Tony and I are excited about starting a family, but because Marc has forbidden me to get pregnant this year we’re going to spend time as a married couple and build a solid foundation together before we bring our child into the world,” she said.

Britney’s Bizarre ways to lose weight

2007-10-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

Troubled star Britney Spears has reportedly turned to special lollipops and asthma inhalers to lose weight . Reports say Spears is sucking special Hoodia lollies, which trick the brain into thinking that the stomach is filled with a chemical found in asthma medication.

The move came before the release of her comeback album “Blackout” to be released in less than a month, reports Heat magazine.

Going by the buzz, Spears wants to slim down so that she looks best at the promotional appearances of her album.

However, Dr Halle Mir, from Los Angeles’ Cedars Sinai Hospital, has warned that the lollipops could cause mood swings, lower her blood sugar levels and raise her blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

The doctor also warned against the use of inhaler.