March 18, 2009

An "Iron Man 2" update has been offered by director Jon Favreau. In his post on Twitter, the 42-year-old helmer/actor shared his feeling of starting to work on the sequel as well as announced that the rehearsals for the movie have begun on St. Patrick's Day on Monday, March 17.

"Rehearsals began today on Iron Man 2," so wrote the Denver McVie in "Four Christmases". He furthermore noted that the principal photography for the sequel will take place in three weeks, writing "Three weeks from shooting and my life is no longer my own. I forgot how overwhelming this process is."

Bravo TV's reality show "The Millionaire Matchmaker" continues with its dating game and this week Patti Stranger takes on another Millionairess who she dubs a "superficialist" after she states that she wants a "model-gorgeous" guy. A clip entitled "Dorian Gray Syndrome" captures her insulting Pattin in a video interview, saying that Patti needs to get rid of her bangs and abrasive attitude.

Also, notorious bachelor Dave returns, enlisting Patti's help to find him yet another "perfect" mate. Frustrated with his expectations of the "Holy Grail" of a woman, Patti goes over to Dave's condo to put him in his place. When Patti realizes that he doesn't want to get rid of his at-home stripper pole and wants a woman who's comfortable with the Swinger lifestyle, she gives him a final ultimatum, "my way or the highway".

In the wake of Internet report claiming Rihanna and Chris Brown have decided to keep themselves away from each other temporarily following their reunion last month, a new claim has just emerged saying the female R 'n' B singer is "too ashamed" to be seen in public with Chris. She reportedly is concerned about the pros and cons surrounding their reconciliation.

"Rihanna is worried about the response she'll receive when people see her out and about holding hands with Chris," a friend of the Barbadian songstress has been quoted as telling Britain's Star magazine. "She still loves Chris very much and, although she's forgiven him privately, she's not prepared for the backlash from her fans."

A brand new trailer of "Easy Virtue" has been debuted via Yahoo!. Through the two-minute video footage, it can be seen that the movie picks up a tagline suggesting vice can be a virtue. The trailer also presents a sneak peek at how Jessica Biel's Larita blows Whittaker family's entrenched British stuffiness out the window.

Based on Noel Coward's play of the same name, "Easy Virtue" tells the story of a sexy and glamorous American woman, Larita, whose sudden marriage to Englishman John Whittaker stuns his family. Joining John in his family home, she soon learns that her mother-in-law, Mrs. Whittaker, dislikes her and is doing whatever she can to get rid of her. Not willing to lose John, she now has to use her wit to counter attack Mrs. Whittaker's manipulation.

A new set of housewives are cashing in on the success of "The Real Housewives of Orange County" and its spin-off "The Real Housewives of New York City". Five socialites, ranging from a cosmetologist to a single mom will have cameras following them in Bravo TV's "The Real Housewives of New Jersey".

In left to right order, are Jacqueline Laurita, Teresa Giudice, Danielle Staub, Dina Manzo, and Caroline Manzo. This show's line-up is almost a whole set of family affair. Two sisters marry brothers, and their brother is married to one of the housewives. Dina and Caroline are siblings who marry Tommy and Albert Manzo respectively. Jacqueline, is the sister in law for both Dina and Caroline since she marries their brother, Chris. The other two are second degrees, with Teresa being a friend of Dina and Caroline, and Danielle being Jacqueline's pal.

Simon Cowell, one of the four judges in "American Idol", has reportedly urged Michael Jackson to make a live appearance in the FOX's reality singing competition. The television producer opens up about the possibility of Michael performing in the TV show during a segment in BBC 2/HBO's sitcom "Extra".

On the reason why Michael has to sing in "American Idol", Simon insists that the reality TV show is the best place for him to start making a comeback in America. "It's the best platform he can have in America right now. He'd be stupid not to do it," he says.

More shock value are added in the next "The Mentalist". The CBI are scouring a dessert when suddenly a heavy object lands in front of their feet. Turns out, it is the personnel director of Carnelian, Inc who plummets to his death during a skydiving exercise.

In the March 24 episode, Patrick Jane takes on corporate America when the CBI investigates a series of murders at a financial firm's retreat. The story of greed and betrayal pits Patrick against a group of financiers at a corporate retreat in the wilds of the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Supermodel Elle MacPherson sparks rumors of her dating movie director Guy Ritchie after she was snapped having an outing with him at the Notting Hill Brasserie in London on Monday night, March 16. The rumored new lovers, as claimed by numerous news media, seemed to really enjoy their time together.

Enjoying a dinner date until 12:30 A.M., Elle and Guy were caught on camera leaving the venue separately, presumably to avoid being photographed together. Neither of them offered words for the awaiting reporters while they were walking out of the hot spot. A representative for Guy, meanwhile, has confirmed the two "did go to dinner last night", but declined to give further comment.

"Twilight" could get its anime adaptation. Pointing out on the possibility was Sci Fi Wire, noting that during an audio commentary included on "Twilight" DVD, director Catherine Hardwicke has personally hinted on the matter when she responded to Robert Pattinson's remark that he looks like "an anime character" in the final sequence of the vampire drama.

"Hey, I think there's going to be an anime version of this in Japan. So you will be an anime character," so the filmmaker reportedly stated about the anime possibility. She was heard saying those words after Pattinson commented on his look at a scene in which Bella and Edward are discussing about transforming her into a vampire, "I look Asian in this scene. I do, I look like an anime character."

Previously exchanging wedding vows in a Catholic ceremony on February 26, Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen reportedly are planning to hold second nuptials April later this year. Radar Online, which exclusively reports that matter, mentions the newlyweds will have another wedding service in the first week of the particular month in Costa Rica.

The exact date and venue haven't been disclosed though. The invitation list also hasn't been made public. It is only mentioned that Tom and Gisele will invite only 50 people to the service as they want it to be an intimate affair.

Tuesday, March 17, saw one star-studded event as "I Love You, Man" held its Los Angeles premiere at Mann's Village Theater in Westwood, California. Like many other red carpet events, the special screening for this comedy movie was attended by many Hollywood stars. But, what made it different was the appearance of A-list comedians, like Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Sarah Silverman.

Beside those funny people, Paul Rudd, Rashida Jones, Jason Segel, who are all seen in the leading roles in the movie, were spotted on the red carpet. Joining them on the occasion were co-stars Sarah Burns, Jaime Pressly, Jon Favreau, Andy Samberg, J.K. Simmons and Thomas Lennon, as well as director/producer/writer John Hamburg.

Carrie Underwood may team up with Nikki Sixx, the bassist of hard rock band Motley Crue, behind songwriting table and pen a few new songs with him in the future. The speculation comes in the wake of Nikki's statement claiming that despite their different musical backgrounds, he would love to work with her.

"I think we both want to write songs together," Nikki opens up to MTV. "She writes pop songs and I think I'm a pop songwriter, however the songs are performed."

"J.O.N.A.S!", the brand new TV series by Jonas Brothers has received a new promo on Disney Channel, although the premiere date is still a couple of months away. The promo gives none of the plot but rather the three boys, Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas and Nick Jonas, descending the firefighter pole with "JONAS" shirt on.

In the original production of Disney Channel, the brothers will play as themselves, a teen band trying to live a normal life in a regular high school. They often encounter their fans, mostly tween girls, and have to run to save themselves. Their brother in real life, Frankie Jonas, is also in the show as their youngest brother.

An extended trailer of "Gossip Girl" 2.19 has been released, giving more on Blair's fallout in the family. The preview highlights on the "bright day" that Nate has and the "dark night" that Blair experiences when she turns her back on the predictable Waldorf existence.

Devastated by the recent plot twist in her life, Blair turns her back in favor of a wild, unpredictable lifestyle that includes Carter, causing Serena and Chuck to have serious concerns about their friend. Vanessa convinces Nate that it may be time to forgive and forget when it comes to his mother's Kennedyesque family, The Vanderbilts, who abandoned Nate and his mother when they needed them most.

Ray J has premiered a music video to support his single "Sexy Ladies". In the video, he is seen partying in a nightclub with beautiful women, who are the contestants of VH1's dating reality show "For the Love of Ray J".

"Sexy Ladies" is a mid-tempo song where Ray J teams up with Truth & Shorty Mack. The song is included in "For the Love of Ray J" soundtrack album, due for U.S. release on March 24 under Knockout Entertainment in conjunction with E1 Music.

Lady GaGa, who is known for wearing racy outfits on and off stage, has revealed her dark past, telling Fabulous magazine she used to work as a stripper when she was a teenager despite the fact that she was born in a wealthy Italian family. "I was working in strip clubs when I was 18. I moved out of home, wouldn't take any help from my parents and supported myself with waitressing jobs and stripping," the singer-songwriter openly admits.

"My act was pretty wild. I'd wear black leather and dance to Black Sabbath, Guns N' Roses and Faith No More. Very rock 'n' roll," she recalls. On the reason that initiated her to take the job, she explains, "I have a strong sense of my own sexuality. I love the naked human body and I have huge body confidence."

Kanye West owes it to being "Family Guy" fan and his talent in rap, when he was signed to fill a voice for one of the characters in "The Cleveland Show". The established rapper was invited for a reading for the spin-off to "Family Guy" as Kenny West, a not so mega rapper, and passed. He had even recorded an episode for the FOX animation.

"It was surprising to us that (he) was so into it that he came to the table (read), and wonderfully surprising how cool he was, how funny he was and how unassuming he was," Mike Henry who voices some characters and executive produce the show said. "He's just a great presence."

With the first trailer of "Public Enemies" available to see, Billy Crudup gave parts of his time to discuss about his J. Edgar Hoover portrayal and what to expect from his character in the crime drama movie. In an interview with MTV, he revealed that the supposed cross-dresser Hoover won't be seen a cross-dresser, stating "I won't be [cross-dressing] - well, not on film."

Giving more on his part, the "Watchmen" actor described his role as "a supporting part". He added, "It's kind of a cameo." On the significant part of his Hoover character, the 40-year-old pointed out on the film's central story, "It's a movie that's really about Purvis and Dillinger. I'm there to get Christian Bale motivated to go and get Johnny Depp."

After creating a frenzy at Agatha Ruiz de la Prada's show in Milan and causing causing temporary shut down on "Medium" production, Sacha Baron Cohen was able to pull a prank on the Alabama National Guard for "Bruno" filming. The incident was acknowledged by Staff Sergeant Katrina Timmons on Monday, March 16, more than a month after the incident.

"It's an embarrassment to the Alabama National Guard," Timmons commented on the incident. "Since then we have put in protocols to make sure this doesn't happen again." Of the trick, she recalled, "They called and said they were a German affiliate of a TV station doing a documentary on what it was like to be in officer candidate school. They wanted to know if they could come here and embed one person for a few hours up to a day."

Apparently, Rihanna and Chris Brown's much publicized reunion doesn't last long as they reportedly are "taking a break." E! News is the first to report that matter as being informed by a source close to the couple.

According to the unnamed source, Rihanna and Chris are not formally breaking up. They, instead, have decided to stay away from each other, and are planning to meet up soon.

Madonna is gearing up to release greatest hits album, planning to drop it in September. "We're hoping to have a greatest hits package come out in September," her representative, Liz Rosenberg, tells People. "We're all very excited about it."

In line with Liz's statement, Madonna's manager Guy Oseary has also posted a short message via his Twitter feed, asking fans about what songs they think must be included in the compilation effort. "[We] working on Madonna's greatest hits album. Any tracks that you think MUST be on?" he has written.

Movie beauty Reese Witherspoon has finally accepted boyfriend Jake Gyllenhaal's proposal after previously turning down his proposal twice, Star Magazine claims in a report on its site. Rumor has it, the pair has been working on a wedding plan though she isn't ready yet to make her engagement to the actor public.

Adding fuel to the not-yet-confirmed engagement report, Star claims Reese was seen wearing a ring on her engagement finger as she arrived at Sony Studios in Culver City, Calif., to shoot an Avon commercial recently. "It was gorgeous, and everyone noticed it right away," an onlooker tells the publication.

From the Top 13 to Top 11, "American Idol" is looking forward to chop down one more in the show. The remaining contestants are fighting for their chance in the performance night before their fate is determined through the live result on March 18. The show picks up the Grand Ole Opry theme this week with country singer Randy Travis serving as the mentor.

The first to sing some country is Michael Sarver who picks up Garth Brooks' "Ain't Goin' Down Till The Sun Comes Up". Travis warns him that he could not miss any word as the song is rich in lyrics. Randy Jackson thinks it is an "interesting choice of song" but it does not highlight him vocally. Simon Cowell, who openly reveals that he is not a fan of country music, says he cannot understand a single word. Michael answered back "If we were all perfect, we wouldn't need this show."

A number of summer tour dates to support Coldplay's fourth studio album "Viva La Vida" have been revealed. Serving as an extended run for their previously-announced tour dates, the summer roadshow will be held for approximately three months from mid May to the first week of August in North America.

Coldplay will be making a live appearance at Cruzan Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, Florida on May 15. After performing at Charlotte Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Charlotte, N.C. on August 7, they will return to Florida on August 9 to wrap up the gigs at Tampa's Ford Amphitheatre.

Kristen Stewart has sat down with MTV to discuss a bit about the pre-production of "The Twilight Saga's New Moon" and about the changes of director for the franchise. When explaining what she thinks will make "New Moon" even better than "Twilight", she revealed that the rehearsals for the sequel have been completed.

"We've had all of our rehearsals, it's pretty much done - all of the prep for the script, it's solid," the 18-year-old gushed. She then went on explaining, "There's no more work to be done, whereas a lot of times you'll be on a movie and you scramble the night before and make sure everything's done, and then you lose sequence of the whole thing because you don't shoot in order. We're set! It feels so good."

"Watchmen" star Patrick Wilson is set to become a father for one more time as his actress wife Dagmara Dominczyk is pregnant with their second baby. Confirming his wife's pregnancy, the actor told US Weekly on Monday, March 16 that he and Dagmara are "halfway" to welcoming a new addition to their family.

Dagmara is expected to give birth to the baby June later this year. The not-yet-born infant, whose sex hasn't been disclosed just yet, will join Patrick and Dagmara's eldest son Kalin Patrick Wilson. Of the 2-year-old boy, Patrick said, "he's very excited" about his soon to come sibling. "I think he'll make a great older brother," Patrick added.

2008 "The X Factor" champion Alexandra Burke will get a helping hand from Akon in getting her debut studio album done. "I've had calls to work with Alex and I'm going to do it," so Akon says in an interview with The Daily Star.

"I love 'The X Factor' and I love helping to break new artists," Akon shares more of his thought on his new project with Alexandra. "To me, it's one of the most enjoyable and important aspects of my job."

Linda Hamilton's involvement in "Terminator Salvation" has been confirmed or so claimed CHUD. In its latest report about the highly anticipated sci-fi action thriller, the trade has made public that Hamilton has agreed to read for the film, adding further that her Sarah Connor voice over is already cut into the film.

Writing down its source's confirmation of the matter, CHUD noted, "Hamilton's voice over is in the film, and that it works very well in context." It then continued explaining more of Hamilton's part, "Her voice over is not long, and it comes at the very beginning of the movie; the source compared it in tone and style to her voice over in T2."

This will be the first elimination round on "Dancing with the Stars". The bottom two will have a face-off to determine who should go. So far, Steve Wozniak and Karina Smirnoff as well as Steve-O are in the bottom list of the judges score from the past two weeks performance, but audience vote will be accumulated to reveal who actually are the bottom two.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy open the night with their performance, accompanied by the professional dancers doing a swing. Steve-O who had missed yesterday's dancing explains his latest condition, emphasizing that nothing was broken when he decided to do a flip at the last minute during the rehearsal.

A representative for actress Christina Ricci exclusively confirms to US Weekly that the actress and her actor boyfriend Owen Benjamin have been engaged. The exact date of their engagement, however, isn't made public and there have yet words whether the pair has been working on a wedding plan.

Christina Ricci, 29, met Owen Benjamin for the very first time on the set of their film "All's Faire in Love" last year. They went public with their relationship in October. Last week, the pair was spotted attending the Nobu West Hollywood's one-year anniversary party.

A brand new track titled "Big Time", where Bow Wow joins forces with Nelly and Ron Browz, has come out. It will reportedly appear in Bow Wow's upcoming sixth solo studio album "New Jack City Part 2".

Becoming his first album to receive Parental Advisory label, "New Jack City Part 2" is slated for U.S. release on March 31. Jermaine Dupri, T-Pain, T.I. and Trey Songz are also recruited as featured guests in the record in addition to Nelly and Ron Browz.

Kim Kardashian and her boyfriend Reggie Bush get down and dirty for racy photo spread featured in the April issue of GQ magazine. Proudly showing off several of the shots on her official blog, Kim is seen in the pics donning numerous sexy bikini, while Reggie is seen exposing his buff body. The high profile couple is featured in most of the pictures cuddling in steamy poses.

The snaps mark Kim and Reggie's first ever joint photo shoot as a couple. "We were super excited for this shoot, but also a bit nervous," Kim writes on her blog. "We had never done a shoot together and didn't know what to expect! It turned out super hot and we love it."

Paramount Pictures are jumping the gun on "Transformers 3" by scheduling it to be released on July 1, 2011. Giving his response to the circulating report, director Michael Bay has taken it to his Shoot for the Edit blog and expressed his uneasiness of the proposed date, saying he needs a break first.

In a post entitled "Wait a minute!" on Tuesday, March 17, the filmmaker claimed that Paramount have made a mistake in dating the third "Transformers" movie since he will be taking a year off following "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen". He further noted that he has agreed on a date but it was for July 4, 2012.