REVIEW: Eddie Murphy Mugs, Flails and Fails in A Thousand Words

The troubles marring the relationship between fast-talking literary agentJack McCall (Eddie Murphy) and his wife and the mother of his babyCaroline (Kerry Washington) are nothing next to the issues A Thousand Wordshas in marrying wacky physical comedy and a new age exploration of absentee fathers. The film, which is directed by Norbit'sBrian Robbins and written by Bruce Almighty'sSteve Koren, is being slung at audiences as a broad family laffer of the Jim Carrey school, but spends just as much time trying to be a serious tale about letting go of childhood resentments and accepting mortality. The "deep" bits aren't, despite a climactic shot in which Murphy actually frolics with his childhood self through a Terrence Malick-style dreamy field of wheat, and the parts that aim to be funny rarely succeed at that either, telegraphing their punchlines so far in advance that they don't really need to follow through on them. Murphy's journey into the lucrative and yet so often awful world of family-friendly comedies is one that's been taken by plenty of comics, but he wears it worse than most, his edges sanded off and a too calculated look in his eyes as he prepares for the soggy reconciliations with which these stories always end. It doesn't help that even the pratfalls in A Thousand Wordslook tired and recycled. McCallclimbs a tree to rescue a cat only to have it attack him, making him fall. McCallbluffs his way to the front of a long line at Starbucks by pretending his wife's in labor. (I realize this is reallynot the type of film at which to nitpick, but beyond the vaudeville-era mustiness of the gag, why would anyone believe that someone in a wild rush to the hospital would still stop for coffee?) McCallcauses multiple car accidents trying to help a blind man cross the street without being able to speak to him. The central conceit in A Thousand Wordsis that, thanks to a deal he's made with Dr. Sinja (Cliff Curtis), "the most popular nondenominational religious leader on the planet,"McCall finds that a mystical tree has suddenly grown in the backyard of his swank house of a hill. For every word he says or writes, a leaf falls off, and presumably when they're all gone both he and the tree will die. (The tree raises some mystical copyediting issues -- "dickhead" merits two leaves, but so does "sorta classy.") McCall obviously has some issues to work through, including the usual ones of working too hard and being emotionally unavailable, factors the film links back to his dad leaving his mom (Ruby Dee) when he was young. Caroline is so upset by his apparent lack of commitment (he refuses to sell his bachelor pad in order to move them into a more child-appropriate house and neighborhood) and unwillingness to communicate (something stepped up by the arrival of the tree) that she leaves him, though not before a laugh-free scene in which she tries to reinvigorate their relationship by wearing vinyl lingerie and breaking out furry handcuffs. That sequence, like most of the other comedic set-pieces, has the feel of something that went from brainstorming board right to the screen, as the film strains its way through every possible scenario that would be awkward when you're not supposed to talk -- ordering coffee, making an international call via an operator, making a deal over the phone, having a business meeting. When the film actually stumbles on a laugh, it seems almost an accident, as when Murphy's character, high because of pesticides (don't ask), inserts a breadstick upAllison Janney's nose. Murphy rolls his eyes and mugs ferociously at the camera -- A Thousand Wordsis the miming showcase the world never asked for -- but it'sHot Tub Time Machine'sClark Duke, playing McCall's assistant Aaron Wiseberger, who walks away with the film's best scene when he's forced to fill in for his boss at a high-powered dinner during which McCall can't speak. The only way he knows how to handle a business deal is by channelling his boss, and the entire joke is that he's a scrawny white kid offering fist bumps and telling someone "Sit your ass down!" But it's mostly funny because he's trying to pull off a decent Eddie Murphy. Remember Eddie Murphy? He used to be hilarious. Follow Alison Willmore on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

Investors trickling back to film biz

When it comes to financing movies, the tables have turned. In the cash-flush days of 2005-2008, Hollywood had more investors than deals to give them. The 2008 financial collapse scared off many Wall Street financiers, some of whom are just starting to trickle back into the film financing game. That cautious return to the biz was one of the persistent themes at Wednesday's Film Finance Forum West presented by Winston Baker in association with Variety. That means that whoever holds the cash has more power than they might have had just a few years ago. And as studios making big-budget tentpoles continue to feel the pressure of corporate parents, the majors need to share the risk -- and the upside -- more than ever. "Most studios feel like they need to have a stable of financing partnersand that's a fairly recent development," said Jean-Luc De Fanti, founder and managing partner at Hemisphere Capital Management. De Fanti spoke on a panel at the conference aimed at guiding investors and filmmakers through new models for financing movies. "The financial investors, I think, should be very disciplined, very educated, very thoughtful about their process," Clark Hallren, managing partner at capital raising and advisory firm Clear Scope Partners, told the audience. Hallren adds that for studios, taking on those investors is just good business. "It's prudent for them to share risk." That means that studios are also getting increasingly cautious with the type of material they're willing to take risks to produce themselves. "We have an extremely rigorous greenlight process," said Ellen Shallman, an attorney and VP at Universal. "It's very detailed, very thoughtful, very much a bottom-line driven analysis of what films get made We just don't have the luxury of making vanity pictures." Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com

New red-colored-colored-band TV spot for 21 Jump Street

21 Jump Street has released a completely new red-colored-colored-band TV place, through which Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum obtain arses handed on their behalf having a very angry Ice Cube.Inside the latest footage, Cube expects the pair of undercover cops getting a fate worse than dying because he can get wind from the party they're planning via "the Twittersphere". Naturally, the boys look fairly intimidated.Take a look within the new trailer below... Ouch. The man certainly knows ways to get his way, doesn't he? The film will dsicover Tatum and Hill's undercover authorities infiltrate a close secondary school to ensure that they are able to bust a teenage drug ring. But as Ice Cube highlights, they need to ensure they don't placed their teenage personas an excessive amount of...With Jonah Hill recently verifying the follow-up was already inside the works, MGM are clearly sure that 21 Jump Street will most likely be considered a large success within the box office. We'll need to hang about before the film opens on 16 March to uncover whether or not they are right, but for the time being, you can examine out our 21 Jump Street review here.

Finder Moves to Friday Nights

Zachary Quinto Zachary Quinto has signed onto another season of yank Horry Story, according to Deadline. Quinto, who recurred one of the deceased former entrepreneurs in the Murder House in Season 1, will return next season just like a series regular, but playing a totally different character. Ryan Murphy unveils particulars about Jessica Lange's return to American Horror Story The Heroes alum joins Jessica Lange, who executive producer Ryan Murphy has mentioned might be the star of Season 2. The relaxation from the cast is predicted being introduced at Friday's PaleyFest panel.

Idris Elba, Taraji Henson do 'Good Deed'

Screen Gems has cast Idris Elba and Taraji P. Henson in Bad Deed, which Mike Burns will direct in the script by Aimee Lagos. Will Packer will produce via his Jungle Films banner along with Lee Clay. Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Lindsey Williams, Elba, and Make the most of Sturdy will executive produce. Principal photography in the project is positioned to do this April in Atlanta, Georgia. More later on... Contact Rob Sneider at rob.sneider@variety.com

Matthew Perry To Star In Scott Silveris NBC Comedy Pilot Continue

Pals alum Matthew Perry is returning to NBC and becoming back with former Pals co-showrunner Scott Silveri. Perry is positioned to star in and co-executive produce Continue, only one-camera NBC comedy pilot put together by Silveri and directed by Todd Holland. Produced by Universal TV, Continue concentrates on an irreverent yet charming sportscaster (Perry) who, trying to maneuver ahead from loss, finds surprising solace within the people of his mandatory group therapy periods. Scott has written a very funny, touching pilot,” mentioned Perry, who was simply approached for a lot of aircraft aircraft pilots this season, both round the comedy and drama side. “Im very excited being coping with him again. I asked for him to exhibit this into an ice show. He mentioned no. We have acquired wherever we left off. Silveri written the script for Perry without really planning too. “When I started writing the level of smoothness, no matter who I thought of at 9 AM, by 10 AM I used to be writing with Matthews voice,” Silveri mentioned. Despite carrying it out subconsciously, writing for Perry felt natural. “Writing for his voice (on Pals) was one of the great creative encounters of my existence,” he mentioned. Clearly, when NBC acquired Look At pilot, the producers’ wish list for your lead composed of just one single title, Perry’s. “Thank god he was open to it,” Silveri mentioned, adding, “Matthew can be a mightily gifted actor and our great comedy voices. We labored together for eight wonderful years on Pals. I’m thrilled with this particular opportunity for him to know my title.” While half-hour comedy, Continue features a dramatic component. Which appears tailor-created for Perry, which has starred in comedy and drama series. “He is among people rare males, an actress who is able to inspire such empathy and play such heart in one moment and subsequently lead you to laugh harder than others nowadays,” Silveri mentioned. He and Holland executive produce Move on with Karey Burke. Perry, repped by CAA, Doug Chapin Management and Surpin & Mayersohn, recently starred inside the ABC comedy series Mr. Sunshine which is next doing an arc round the CBS drama The Truly Amazing Wife.

The Artist Triumphs At Frances Csar Awards With Surprises In The Mix

UPDATED: The Artist was the big winner at the 37th Csar Awards tonight in Paris with prizes for best picture, director, cinematography, score, art direction and actress for Brnice Bejo, who accepted her prize in one of the evening’s most moving moments. Best Actor Oscar-tipped Jean Dujardin, however, lost out to Untouchable‘s Omar Sy, who starred in the feel-good film that was 2011′s biggest hit in France and is now the third-biggest grosser of all time here. I watched the ceremony at a viewing party thrown by Wild Bunch, the international sales company behind such winners and nominees asArtist, Poliss and Declaration Of War. Some of the industry-laden crowd were unsurprised by Sy’s win over Dujardin, saying they sensed that even the somewhat staid French Acadmie was reticent to let the tireless Sy go without recognition. The soire was held in Wild Bunch’s movie theater-cum-lounge near the Pantheon with the sales teams, distributors and production folk who worked on their films plus other industry types– and filmmaker Gaspar Noe, too. The gathering had several horses in the various races but took it all in Gallic stride, cheering each other on, catcalling and yawning at the boring parts (and there were quite a few — the show tried to pull a Billy Crystal at the outset, inserting host Antoine de Caunes into the nominated films to a pretty muted reaction). Among the other surprises of the night were a win in the best original screenplay category for L’Exercice De L’Etat‘s Pierre Schoeller, who beat out Michel Hazanavicius for The Artist as well as other favored nominees. Among the highlights was Honorary Csar winner Kate Winslet, who had been charming the local press in the past days saying it was so much better to receive an award she knew she was going to win. Roman Polanski had been expected to bestow the honor but it was her Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind director Michel Gondry who was on hand — after host de Caunes congratulated Winslet for being against plastic surgery via her “message”, which according to him is “Don’t fuck with Mother Nature.” In accepting, Winslet made a note to particularly thank her Carnage director Roman Polanski; she later accepted the adapted screenplay prize for Polanski for Carnage. With the kudos pretty well spread out, one attendee this evening told me it wasn’t such a big deal if The Artist didn’t win every prize at home: “It’s more imortant it wins at the Oscars. It’s good for the Csars to pull a rabbit out of the hat sometimes.” Following is a full list of the winners: Best Picture The Artist, producer: Thomas Langmann Director Michel Hazanavicius The Artist Actress Brnice Bejo, The Artist Actor Omar Sy, Untouchable Supporting Actress Carmen Maura, Les Femmes Du 6e Etage Supporting Actor Michel Blanc, LExercice De LEtat Original Screenplay Pierre Schoeller LExercice De LEtat Adapted Screenplay Yasmina Reza, Roman Polanski Carnage Newcomer (Female) – TIE Naidra Ayadi, Polisse Clotilde Hesme, Angle Et Tony Newcomer (Male) Grgory Gadebois, Angle Et Tony Original Score Ludovic Bource The Artist Sound Olivier Hespel, Julie Brenta, Jean-Pierre Laforce LExercice De LEtat Cinematography Guillaume Schiffman The Artist Editing Laure Gardette, Yann Dedet Polisse Costumes Anas Romand House Of Tolerance Art Direction Laurence Bennett The Artist First Film Le Cochon De Gaza, director: Sylvain Estibal Foreign Film A Separation, director: Asghar Farhadi Animated Film Le Chat Du Rabbin, directors: Joann Sfar, Antoine Delesvaux Documentary Tous Au Larzac, director: Christian Rouaud Short Film LAccordeur, director: Olivier Treiner (Winslet photo: Getty Images)

'Werewolves' would go to U.K., Korea

BARCELONA -- Kaleidoscope Ing. has clicked up U.K. privileges to The spanish language comic fantasy "Bet on Werewolves" Sonamu Pictures has acquired Korean privileges. Deals were closed in the Berlin festival's European Film Market, stated sources at Vertice Sales, the worldwide sales arm of The spanish language conglom Vertice 360. Created by Spain's Telespan 2000 and Vaca Films, "Werewolves" is helmed by Juan Martinez Moreno ("Two Tough Men"). Occur an online north-western The spanish language hamlet, "Werewolves" sees a aspirant author coming back to his birthplace for inspiration to uncover it threatened with a century-old curse. Deals increase a flurry of other "Werewolves" sales, including certification pacts to Germany (Senator), Japan (Shochiku), Indonesia and Malaysia (Visicom), and also the Middle East (Gulf Film), showing that genre and genre-riffs for example "Werewolves" remain certainly one of Spain's strongest export staples. It world opened at October's Sitges Fest, Europe's greatest genre confab, where it's experts and also the public in stitches. In November, it required the crowd award in the San Sebastian Horror and Fantasy Film Fest. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Mad Males Season 5 Start Looking: Don Draper Has Returned!

Mad Males, Jon Hamm It has been way too lengthy since Don Draper continues to be on our television screens. Positive thing he'll return by Sunday, March 25. AMC grows Walking Dead's Season 3, announces return dates for Mad Males, The Killing Mad Males has not broadcast new episodes since October 2010, due simply to extended discussions for Seasons 5 and 6 between series creator Matthew Weiner and AMC. Therefore it is unfortunate that AMC did not supply any new footage within the just-launched teaser trailer. It is good to understand that style, debauchery along with other key points from the antihero have returned, but, well, what's really happening this year remains to appear. Browse the teaser below: Mad Males Season 5 debuts having a two-hour premiere on Sunday, March 25 at 9/8c on AMC.

FX guru talks Avengers opening sequence

It takes a lot of people to ensure a film on the scale of The Avengers looks as good as it should, and SFX specialists Hydraulx are the team charged with ensuring Iron Man and chums are at their most visually dazzling. Special effects supervisor Chris Wells has taken time out from his busy schedule to drop an update concerning the movie's opening sequence, and from the sounds of it, it's going to be epic..."We're doing what essentially boils down to the prelude of the movie," he said. "There's a whole intro that happens before you start even getting the titles and it's pretty big. There's nothing small in this movie." "I went to a screening with all the temporary visual effects and it was pretty fleshed out," continues Wells. "It's a long movie but it doesn't feel like it. Out of all the comic book movies and franchises I've worked on, this is the best one I've seen so far."To put that into context, Wells has worked on Captain America, The Incredible Hulk, Fantastic Four, Green Lantern and the X-Men series. The man knows his superhero flicks."I promise you it's not going to be boring," he says. "This thing has gone so big that Marvel are dwarfing their other franchises. For people who enjoy the comics and haven't really liked the way some of the characters were treated in other movies, I think they're going to be a little more appeased by this one." "Especially the Hulk," he continues, enticingly. "They let the Hulk be Hulk and that's great. He acts more like the comic book Hulk. It's fun. My biggest problem with every single superhero movie is I don't think the payoff ever matches the build up. This one definitely does."The Avengers opens in the UK on 27 April 2012.[brightcove]1213024251001[/brightcove]

Shoreline has 'Secret'

L.A.-based sales company Shoreline Entertainment will handle international sales outside Mexico on Gabriel Marino's "A Secret World," which world preems in Berlin's Generation section today.Also written by Marino, it turns on an 18-year-old middle-class girl who embarks on a road trip across Mexico.Shoreline exec VP Sam Eigen said that he first viewed the pic at the San Sebastian's Films in Progress rough-cut showcase and then pursued it aggressively.The "Secret" deal continues Shoreline's commitment to Latin American films. Its first Latin American pick-up, Sebastian Silva's "The Maid" clinched 35 international sales deals, Eigen said. It has also seen large sales success with Javier Fuentes-Leon's "Undertow."Produced by Tatiana Gullera and Sobrevivientes Films' Jesus Magana, a director in his own rights ("Abolicion de la propiedad," "Sobreviviente"), "World's" key finance was put up by Switzerland's Visions Sud Est Fund. It was developed at multiple filmmaking initiatives including Argentina's screenwriting lab TyPA Foundation."I wanted to film a portrait of Mexican youth. There's a lot of violence in Mexico, social instability, the future's uncertain, and for the young, there's little possibility to work or study," Marino said. "World" is "an attempt to show how young Mexicans think and feel." Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Report: Paul Brittain Departing SNL

Paul Brittain, Saturday Evening Live Paul Brittain is departing Saturday Evening Live effective immediately, Entertainment Weekly reviews.The comedian "had the opportunity to pursue other projects, which he as well as the show separated ways amicably," an origin notifies playboy. An e-mail to NBC wasn't immediately returned.Zooey Deschanel, Channing Tatum to host SNLBrittain grew to become part of SNL in September 2010 just like a featured player and was recognized for playing Master Cecil Wyndemere, and also the impressions from the Actor-kaira Pitt and James Franco.SNL returns having a completely new episode with host Channing Tatum and musical guest Bon Iver. Will you miss Brittain?

Large changes at 'X Factor'

Manley Scherzinger Abdul Steve Manley and Nicole Scherzinger are formally out at "The X Factor" and Paula Abdul might be gone too.Sibel has confirmed that both Manley, who offered as host, and Scherzinger, who was simply among four idol idol judges, won't return but wouldn't offer any statement or comment. There's neither a confirmation nor denial online on the web reviews Monday evening the show developed a clean sweep and asked for that Abdul not return too.Although "X Factor" producers had signaled following a series' recently found the final outcome first season that every element of the series could be re-examined, the speed in the departures came as some surprise. "X Factor" was under huge anticipation last season and, despite relative success, never were living around what some -- most noticeably Simon Cowell -- thought the show would achieveIn its first season, "The X Factor," which broadcast on Wednesdays and Thursdays and ended on 12 ,. 22, averaged a 4.3 rating inside the 18-49 demo and 12.6 000 0000 audiences every week.Although former "The The American Idol Show ShowInch judge Cowell will be a well-known personality to "X Factor" audiences, most American audiences didn't have clue of who Manley was just before the singing-competition series launched inside the fall.While Scherzinger can be a sometimes known quantity just like a singer inside the U.S., she was the mark of critique for questionable choice throughout the time of the summer season. Turmoil is not not used to the "Factor" cast. Scherzinger was slated to co-host along with Manley, but was gone after the judges' table days just before the series premiere after Cheryl Cole was came back within the series. Manley used his Twitter account to announce what is the news Monday mid-day: "I won't be hosting next season's 'X Factor,' the shame however can't complain as I've had an enjoyable experience. All the best to everyone around the program.Sibel is wanting that through getting in the new host and idol idol judges, you will notice restored viewer fascination with another season. That, however, remains to look.No new audition or production schedule remains searching for season two. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Animated Goon Movie No More Happening?

Giamatti states the cash went outSad news for those individuals searching toward David Fincher's CG slapstick supernatural noir: it appears greatly as though The Goon is no more happening. Fincher always stated "adult animation" would be a try to sell you...To not be mistaken with Seann William Scott's hockey movie (that is still nearly playing in movie theaters), this Goon, in line with the comics by Eric Powell, has been around development for a while, and is a regular fixture in the last couple of Comic Cons. It had been to become the storyline from the titular mob enforcer, his short-arse partner Frankie (short for Francesca), and also the villainous Priest together with his military from the undead. Blur Galleries were animating, Clancy Brown and Paul Giamatti were aboard for that voices, and also the test footage was searching awesome.Last we learned about this time around this past year, Fincher was hopeful that the studio would shortly part of and stump in the necessary $50m. "Hopefully this is actually the year that individuals go 'Wait one minute! We do not all need to be attempting to imitate Pixar!'" he stated.Positive. Speaking yesterday at Sundance (where he's marketing John Dies In The Finish, which Clancy Brown can also be in), Paul Giamatti opined "I've no clue what the heck happened. I requested with no one knows. I suppose they simply went from money."Eric Powell though, has had to Twitter to insist that, so far as he's aware, there's still hope. "Last I spoken with Fincher and Blur, these were preparing for additional conferences to find financing for that film," he stated (although he did not say how recent individuals conferences were). "It isn't dead until Fincher and Blur arrived at me and appear at first sight done."Reviews from the Goon's dying, etc? Watch this space...

Bad sea food, large pond

George Clooney segues from sea food to photos at PGA Honours. Graham King and Kaira Pitt attend the Variety's 2012 PGA Nominees Breakfast at Landmark Nuart Theatre.Michael Manheim and Judd Apatow flank PGA prexy Mark Gordon within the Beverly Hilton. Kathleen Kennedy offers champion to Steven Spielberg, who receives David O. Selznick Award. Morgan Freeman is certainly the Stanley Kramer Award to Jennifer Aniston. Hollywood shown its passion for last year's movies which is disappointment in Saturday night's dinner within the Producers Guild of America Honours. While showing the Milestone Award to Leslie Moonves, George Clooney appeared off about "that fucking sea food. "I'm unsure exactly what it was, nevertheless it came from in the L.A. River," Clooney mentioned within the Beverly Hilton stage. Other A-list presenters incorporated Kathy Bates, Viola Davis, Jessica Chastain and Morgan Freeman, who known to honoree Jennifer Aniston as "producer, director, author ... the woman i needed.In . Accepting the David O. Selznick Achievement Award, Steven Spielberg invested a while by means of saying thanks to his wife, Kate Capshaw, "who so accidently asked for me last evening if David O. Selznick was Irish. He's another - ant." Earlier inside the day, Spielberg also triggered large laughs within the PGA Honours 2012 Nominees Breakfast, presented by Variety, because he clarified an problem about where he'd become his inspiration to produce "War Equine." "My partner saw the play and mentioned, 'You've got to accomplish this,AInch he revealed within the Landmark Theaters confab. "Bridesmaids" producer Craig Mendel mentioned that pic's director, Paul Feig, shot a massive volume of footage -- 1.2 million foot -- to have the ability to be reassured that the comedy was taken. "Ides of March" producer Grant Heslov appreciated he and Clooney had initially setup their adaptation in the stage play when Obama was running for leader. "We didn't think that a very cynical have a look at politics would play well within the point when Obama happen to be selected," he noted. "Of a year passed which we mentioned, 'Maybe we could do this.AInch Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Kristin Cavallari & Jay Cutler Expecting First Child!

First Released: The month of january 22, 2012 7:10 PM EST Credit: Getty Premium La, Calif. -- Caption Jay Cutler and Kristin Cavallari reach the La premiere of Source Code held at ArcLight Movie theaters Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, Calif. on March 28, 2011Kristin Cavallari & Jay Cutlers ride relationship has hit a brand new high the pair is expecting their first child! The previous Hillsides star and also the National football league quarterback confirmed this news to individuals magazine on Sunday. We're thrilled to announce we're expecting our first child together, Kristin and Jay told Folks some pot statement. Its an incredible amount of time in our existence and that we cant wait to satisfy the brand new accessory for our growing family. A resource near to the couple also confirmed the infant news to gain access to Hollywood on Sunday. Kristin, 25, and Jay, 28, introduced their engagement was back on in November, using the reality beauty Tweeting, This time around its official..Jay and that i are engaged again :). In April 2011, the pair grew to become engaged the very first time, before calling things off in This summer. In Feb 2011, Kristin stopped by Access Hollywood Live and dished to Billy Rose bush and Package Hoover about her relationship with Jay. Is he the main one? Package requested Kristin. Id prefer to say yes, Kristin stated having a giggle at that time. Jays Chicago Bears unsuccessful to create the National football league 2010 nfl playoffs this year. The QB skipped the teams final six games having a damaged thumb. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Sundance Notebook: 'Two Broke Girls' Was On, and I Didn't Watch

Sundance Notebook: 'Two Broke Girls' Was On, and I Didn't Watch By Daniel Holloway January 20, 2012 Photo by Daniel Holloway Every year, when I begin planning for Sundance, I think that the 6:50 a.m. Delta flight to Salt Lake City out of JFK is a good idea. And every year, when it's time to go to the airport, I wind up cursing my past self, who is an idiot. There are things that are worth getting to the airport at 5:15 a.m. forthing like funerals and going on the lam. But a film festival is not one of those things. Future Sundancers, heed my words: You can arrive mid-afternoon. They're not going to give your credential away. I promise.This year's trip was especially horrific, thanks to the modern marvel of in-flight Internet service. Instead of sleeping or watching the on-screen entertainmentwhich included "Moneyball" and episodes of "Two Broke Girls" and "The Big Bang Theory," a trifecta that would normally have my bourgeoisie-bohemian ass planted on the couch for half a dayI worked. That's the thing about in-flight Internet service. You can't use it to do anything fun. With all those people crammed in beside you, you're just not likely to, say, play online poker, or stalk people on Facebook, or look at pornography. You're going to use the Internet to worknot because work needs to get done, but because you (and when I say "you," I mean "I") need to feel like other people think you're important. "Look," you imagine the passengers around you thinking. "That guy has a spreadsheet open. I bet he's powerful. And I bet his wife loves him more than mine loves me."So I spent most of the 5 1/2 hours workingresponding to emails, wrestling PowerPoint, fighting the urge to get an early start on my fantasy-baseball draft strategy. I did manage to get some stuff accomplished. First, there was planning for Back Stage's big party on Friday night on Main Street in Park City, which we're co-hosting with Screen Actors Guild and Tweet House. We'll be Tweeting live from the event at @BackStageCast, so if something awesome happens, you'll be the first to know. Second, I made some headway on my profile of Gina Rodriguez, an up and coming young actor who is getting buzz already for her lead role in "Filly Brown." She also just signed a talent deal with ABC, so get used to her name. Third, I figured out which screenings I'm going to hit on my first day. So far it's looking like Danish director Mads Brugger's "The Ambassador," Andrea Arnold's new adaptation of "Wuthering Heights," and the too-goofily-named-to-ignore "I Am Not a Hipster." All three seem like good ideas right about now. Of course, lots of things that seem like good ideas at the time turn out to be the opposite. Sundance Notebook: 'Two Broke Girls' Was On, and I Didn't Watch By Daniel Holloway January 20, 2012 PHOTO CREDIT Daniel Holloway Every year, when I begin planning for Sundance, I think that the 6:50 a.m. Delta flight to Salt Lake City out of JFK is a good idea. And every year, when it's time to go to the airport, I wind up cursing my past self, who is an idiot. There are things that are worth getting to the airport at 5:15 a.m. forthing like funerals and going on the lam. But a film festival is not one of those things. Future Sundancers, heed my words: You can arrive mid-afternoon. They're not going to give your credential away. I promise.This year's trip was especially horrific, thanks to the modern marvel of in-flight Internet service. Instead of sleeping or watching the on-screen entertainmentwhich included "Moneyball" and episodes of "Two Broke Girls" and "The Big Bang Theory," a trifecta that would normally have my bourgeoisie-bohemian ass planted on the couch for half a dayI worked. That's the thing about in-flight Internet service. You can't use it to do anything fun. With all those people crammed in beside you, you're just not likely to, say, play online poker, or stalk people on Facebook, or look at pornography. You're going to use the Internet to worknot because work needs to get done, but because you (and when I say "you," I mean "I") need to feel like other people think you're important. "Look," you imagine the passengers around you thinking. "That guy has a spreadsheet open. I bet he's powerful. And I bet his wife loves him more than mine loves me."So I spent most of the 5 1/2 hours workingresponding to emails, wrestling PowerPoint, fighting the urge to get an early start on my fantasy-baseball draft strategy. I did manage to get some stuff accomplished. First, there was planning for Back Stage's big party on Friday night on Main Street in Park City, which we're co-hosting with Screen Actors Guild and Tweet House. We'll be Tweeting live from the event at @BackStageCast, so if something awesome happens, you'll be the first to know. Second, I made some headway on my profile of Gina Rodriguez, an up and coming young actor who is getting buzz already for her lead role in "Filly Brown." She also just signed a talent deal with ABC, so get used to her name. Third, I figured out which screenings I'm going to hit on my first day. So far it's looking like Danish director Mads Brugger's "The Ambassador," Andrea Arnold's new adaptation of "Wuthering Heights," and the too-goofily-named-to-ignore "I Am Not a Hipster." All three seem like good ideas right about now. Of course, lots of things that seem like good ideas at the time turn out to be the opposite.

VIDEO: Julie Plec, Liz Tigelaar, Chris Gorham while others Announce Inaugural ATX Festival

ATX Television Festival The Vampire Diaries' Julie Plec, Awake creator Kyle Killen and actor/director Peter Billingsley (yes, the boy inside the 1983 holiday classic A Christmas Story) have signed on for your inaugural ATX Television Festival, TVGuide.com has learned exclusively. Beginning off June one out of Austin, Texas, the festival will unveil new series, exhibit current and cult faves, and spotlight unaired aircraft aircraft pilots and series that have been cancelled before their time. Sections additionally to Q-and-Much like casts and show creator will participate the fest. "This can most likely be the beginning of a great festival tradition and Austin will most likely be a great home with this,Inch Killen states. Inside the video below, Plec is grew to become part of by author Liz Tigelaar, Christopher Gorham, Arielle Kebbel, TVGuide.com Staff Editor Robyn Ross while others, talking about why fans and tv enthusiasts should venture to Austin. Look around the ATX Festival, have a look at their Kickstarter profile as well as the official website.

ABC Art galleries and Network Casting Departments Split

ABC Art galleries and Network Casting Departments Split By Daniel Lehman The month of the month of january 13, 2012 The ABC Entertainment Group casting department, which casts projects for that ABC television network and ABC Art galleries, has been put into two separate teams, Deadline.com reported on Thursday. Keli Lee, executive vice leader of casting for ABC Entertainment Television Group, will oversee both departments inside the Burbank office.V . P . Ayo Davis, Executive Director Randi Chugerman, and V . P . Sandi Logan continues to cope with casting for your network. V . P . Claudia Ramsumair will manage casting for ABC Art galleries. The comfort in the staff includes casting director John Villacorta, manager Marcello Bellisario, and casting coordinator Peachy Pascual.The reorganization is predicted to help casting company company directors conduct their business with ABC television network and ABC Art galleries with increased clearness together with a sleek process. Casting was one of several departments, including business development, programming, organizing, and distribution, that was consolidated this past year when ABC Entertainment and ABC Art galleries first merged into one group under former ABC Entertainment leader Stephen McPherson. ABC Art galleries formerly provided content almost exclusively for your ABC network, but extended its obligations at NBC, Fox, and CBS this year. ABC Art galleries and Network Casting Departments Split By Daniel Lehman The month of the month of january 13, 2012 The ABC Entertainment Group casting department, which casts projects for that ABC television network and ABC Art galleries, continues to be put into two separate teams, Deadline.com reported on Thursday. Keli Lee, executive v . p . of casting for ABC Entertainment Television Group, will oversee both departments inside the Burbank office.V . P . Ayo Davis, Executive Director Randi Chugerman, and V . P . Sandi Logan continues to cope with casting for your network. V . P . Claudia Ramsumair will manage casting for ABC Art galleries. The comfort in the staff includes casting director John Villacorta, manager Marcello Bellisario, and casting coordinator Peachy Pascual.The reorganization is predicted to help casting company company directors conduct their business with ABC television network and ABC Art galleries with elevated clearness together with a sleek process. Casting was one of several departments, including business development, programming, organizing, and distribution, that was consolidated this past year when ABC Entertainment and ABC Art galleries first merged into one group under former ABC Entertainment leader Stephen McPherson. ABC Art galleries formerly provided content almost exclusively for your ABC network, but extended its obligations at NBC, Fox, and CBS this season.

Dark Knight Rises Batsuit Revealed

Plus three brand new pics...UPDATE:Three new official Dark Knight Rises images have been released. Below are smaller versions of them - larger ones can be found on EW's site.Empire readers will have seen Christian Bale in his new batsuit before, but Entertainment Weekly have got a fresh image of Christian Bale in his new garb, and as this is TheDark Knight Rises we're talking about, we thought we'd let you know.Inside the actual issue, there's a reaffirmation that Christopher Nolan won't be changing Bane's voice for the final cut of the film, some quotes from Bale himself about the pressure of completing the much-loved saga.As well as the cover, they've also unveiled three new images from the film which you can see below.Head to EW.com for larger versions of the picsThe Dark Knight Rises is out in cinemas on July 20.

Breillat to helm 'Abus p Faiblesse'

PARIS -- Radical Gallic helmer Catherine Breillat is placed to helm "Abus p Faiblesse," an autobiographical drama according to her book showing her destructive relationship with conman Christophe Rocancourt. Pic activates Maud, a filmmaker struggling with hemiplegia, who will get altered by Vilko, a stylish crook she would like to cast in her own next movie. Isabelle Huppert will have opposite French rapper-switched-thesp Kool Shen in "Faiblesse," that is likely to lense in Paris throughout the other half of the season. Breillat's follow-as much as "Bluebeard" -- launched Stateside by Strand Delivering -- "Faiblesse" is created by Paris-based shingle Expensive Films and co-created by Arte France Cinema, the film production arm from the French-German broadcaster. Arte France Cinema has additionally boarded Argentine helmer Pablo Trapero's "Elephante Blanco" (working title) and Chinese filmmaker Lou Ye's "Mystery." Created by French outfit L'ensemble des Films du Lendemain, "Mystery" is really a thriller carrying out a Chinese middle-class lady who finds out her husband's double existence. Hao Lei ("Summer time Structure") and Qin Hao ("Spring Fever") star. Presently shooting in Wuhan, "Mystery" marks Ye's official comeback in China. Since pointing "Summer time Structure" in 2006, Ye, a questionable and significantly acclaimed helmer, has been suspended from making films in China. His last film "Love and Bruises" performed at Cannes. A drama toplining Ricardo Darin, Martina Gusman and Jeremie Renier, "Elephant" focuses on two priests battling to higher social conditions inside a drug-plagued slum 'burb in Buenos Aires. As reported in Variety (12 ,. 2, 2011), the $4 million "Elephant" is Trapero's greatest-allocated pic to date. It's created by Spain's Morena Films, Trapero's Matanza Cine and Patagonik, and co-created by France's Full House. Pic is shooting on location in Buenos Aires. John Hopewell led for this report. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

CW acquires Canadian skein

The CW has acquired rights to ''The L.A. Complex,'' Hollywood-set series produced by Canada's Bell Media.''Complex,'' telling the story of six ambitious stars from different hometowns, premieres the initial of six episodes Tuesday in Canada on CTV and MuchMusic and may air round the CW this spring.Linda Schuyler and Stephen Stohn professional produce ''Complex'' for Epitome Pictures. Author and professional producer Martin Gero may also be pointing.Cassie Steele, an alum of ''Degrassi: The Next Generation'' (also from Epitome), stars inside the series, with Jewel Staite (''Firefly'') also part of the ensemble. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

Variety honors Charlize Theron

Variety's Timothy Gray with Shailene Woodley Company company directors Gareth Evans, Zal Batmanglij, Phillipe Falardeau, Mike McCoy, Scott Waugh, Gerardo Naranjo, Matt Piedmont, Michael Roskam and Lynn Shelton join Variety s Steven Gaydos at Palm Springs brunch. Variety's Indie Impact and 10 Company company directors to check out 2012 brunch unspooled under vivid blue desert skies Sunday within the Parker Hotel in Palm Springs. Honoree Charlize Theron mentioned, "I have the career I have today because of independent films," crediting "Monster" helmer Patty Jenkins with seeing her potential. All the organization company directors she's labored with deserve credit, she found the final outcome, "the low quality ones.Inch Variety's Steven Gaydos introduced the ten helmers to check out, saying, "What they have to keep can be a persistence for indie cinema -- even when they've created a studio film, it feels independent." Among the organization company directors within the relaxed event were Mexican helmer Gerardo Naranjo, who mentioned he's almost wanting "Miss Bala" doesn't get Oscar nommed so they can leave the campaign trail and also to work. "Appear of My Voice" helmer Zal Batmanglij mentioned his next film, "The East," may even feature "Voice" star Brit Marling, this time around around in the story of a lady who infiltrates an anarchist group. Also brunching round the Parker lawn were Palm Springs Film Fest director Darryl Macdonald, fest chairman Harold Matzner and artistic director Helen du Toit, additionally to thesps Shailene Woodley, Robert Forster and Erection dysfunction Lauter. Contact Pat Saperstein at pat.saperstein@variety.com

Kardashian Sisters Will Be Barbies Real Barbies

Khloe Kardashian, Kim Kardashian and Kourtney Kardashian Looks like Barbie is getting some new friends - in the form of Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian.The reality TV sisters will be part of an upcoming limited-edition Barbie doll line, according to Us Weekly. The figures reportedly will reflect their real measurements - which may be a refreshing change for the iconic doll, long criticized for its disproportionate and unrealistic frame.Check out photos of the Kardashian sistersOn Christmas, Kim foreshadowed the partnership, tweeting, "Merry Christmas Barbs! I'm sure we'll be seeing lots of each other [in 2012]. Shopping soon!"