Doomsday Film "2012" Annihilates Box Office This Weekend

Check out the newest trailer for the film, 2012.

Guess what movie won the box office this past weekend, and gets a sequel! John Cusack says the Earth is pretty much covered in this one! He's talking about the fate of the planet in any future disaster movies when asked how any director can top this film. There's also this recurring rumor that O.J. Simpson made a guest appearance. OK, I've only heard Cusack say this, so maybe it's just a tiny rumor.

Amid the top 5 movies this weekend, which included Jim Carrey voicing Scrooge in a Christmas movie, George Clooney and some goats, and the Oprah/Tyler Perry approved film called Precious, the doomsday film, 2012 was clearly the winner this weekend.

Director Roland Emmerich has really outdone himself. Some of his other planet make-over credits include 10,0000 B.C., Independence Day, and The Day After Tomorrow. Whatever the appeal for these disaster films, one thing is clear. Viewing audiences love the special effects, the mystery, and the idea that after the film is over, they can walk out alive and go home to their comfy homes, and get back to the more smaller life questions (such as what am I making for dinner, why wont my FaceBook update, etc.).

The 2012 Sequel In The Works?

Believe it or not, a 2013 is in the works says the director recently to EW. Let me guess, we all move to a different planet and find there is a another lost Mayan calender that predicts the end of it as well? Hopefully there is a better script than that around, but it's fun to speculate.

Seriously, the sequel with the working title of 2013 will actually be a TV show, and talks with ABC are in progress. So take that you people that are hoping for a complete end of the world in the film! Mankind's hope is not lost after all.

2012 stars John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandi Newton and Oliver Pratt, and tells the story of what happens when the world suffers "the" cataclysmic event.

"This Is It" Takes Weekend Box Office Crown

This Is It, the music-filled documentary by Sony featuring Michael Jackson ruled the box office this weekend, bringing in an estimated 21.3 million in the U.S.

If you're tired of the homage and simply want to see MJ doing what he loved most, This Is it is more of a musical concert with anecdotes, short stories surrounding the filming of what was to be his final performance, and touching on-stage moments.

Word is the film is presented as a concert and focuses on Michael's performance. There are no references to anything controversial, nor it is tribute-like.

Of note, This Is It the soundtrack for the 112 minute movie is available, and it contains some remastered songs, as well as the new title cut, called This Is it, which is an exhilarating ballad he co-wrote with Paul Anka.

Disc 1 contains remastered versions of songs that you've already heard, as well as the new title song. Disc 2 contains the demos... which are probably the only reason I would buy this CD because in them, his voice is prominently featured.

For anyone who has issue with the fact the songs are re-mastered, it should be no surprise as this is MJ's first posthumous release. Remastered simply means that the sound is simply more awesome.

So did you see the movie, and if so, what did you think of it?

via THR; image via Amazon;

Paula Abdul Done With "American Idol" Over Money

Well, it's official, Paula Abdul is officially off American Idol. Yes, the perky, sometimes loopy judge of the show has left Idol, reportedly due to failed negotiations on a pay increase in light of Ryan Seacrest's $45 million dollar deal.

From being on the show for eight seasons, Abdul has really defined the series in a way. Fans and former contestants alike are lamenting her departure. After all, unlike Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson, Abdul was the only judge who had experience performing, and she had lots of heart and sympathy for the contestants. Fans of the series also looked forward to her verbal parrys with Simon Cowell, and other antics (slurred speech and the mysterious Coke cup) that always made us wonder whether she was drunk, high, or both.

So what was the final offer that sent Paula packing and off to her Twitter account to say good-bye? It's unknown, but the New York Daily News reported she asked for $12 million per season. It's rumored she was making much less than Randy, Simon and Ryan. This sounds less like a Diva who wants to get paid, and more like a girl just wanting to get her due!

So what more can we expect from this singer/choreographer? There's talk of her joining the daytime talk show circuit, specifically the ladies on The View, and an invite to judge on the dance reality series, So You Think You Can Dance. Although some have said her career is basically over, her fans are not giving up on her just yet.

Reynold's Deadpool Character Leads to New "Green Lantern" Role

Ryan Reynolds Beats Timberlake, Leto and Cooper for "Lantern" Role

Superhero films are all the rage now. Ryan Reynolds must have made a wish! Sometime back during Blade: Trinity, when he was cinematically getting his butt kicked by the vampiric Parker Posey, somewhere in his subconscious, he realized that playing a DC Comics hero would be a lot more fun.

From the character Wade Wilson/Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine to the intrepid marrying assistant on The Proposal, Reynolds has been busy. He beat out all the competition over at Warner Brothers for the role of Green Lantern in the new Warner Bros feature film of the same name. Word is that Jared Leto, Bradley Cooper, and Justin Timberlake all took screen tests but Reynolds is the favorite. It's no doubt that his role as Deadpool in “Wolverine” made a huge impression.

The first Green Lantern character appeared in 1940 via DC Comics, and his superhero ability is a ring of power that gives the person who wields it control over the physical world. The new film, to be directed by Martin Campbell, Greg Berlanti and Donald De Line, is set to begin production in September of this year, in Sydney, Australia. The Green Lantern's release date is June 17, 2011.

As an aside, Reynolds is also tapped to star in a spin-off film as his "X-Men" character Deadpool, which will release in 2013.

Via THR

The Top 5 Independence Day Movies

PopCulture Head wishes everyone a fabulous and happy Independence Day. The holiday is not just for barbecues, fireworks, and family gatherings. It's also for relaxing with some spirited July 4 films:

Born On the Fourth of July (1989)
It's the story or Ron Kovic, a paralyzed Vietnam War veteran who becomes a pro-human rights and anti-war political activist after he comes home from the war, and feels betrayed by the country for which he fought. Say what you want about Tom Cruise, but he portrays a very compelling character.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)
After the Normandy landings, a group of U.S. soldiers go behind enemy lines to save a paratrooper whose brothers have all been killed in action. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film is unforgettable, as well as the performances of Tom Hanks and Tom Sizemore.

National Treasure (2004)
What can be more exciting than a War Chest hidden by the country's founding fathers after the Revolutionary War? Treasure hunter Ben Gates (Nicholas Cage) follows in the footsteps of the men in his family, and takes on the hunt, racing against his enemy, to claim the mythical treasure and save the family name.

The Patriot (2000)
Mel Gibson stars as a peaceful farmer, Benjamin Martin, who is forced to defend his country, family and home by leading the Colonial Militia on the backdrop of the American Revolution. Jason Isaacs does an amazing job portraying the cruel and ruthless British officer who starts off by murdering a member of Martin's family.

Independence Day (1996)
As aliens come to invade Earth, humans use their wits and sheer will survive in this one. This film is a somewhat campy mixture of fun (due to Randy Quaid) but all comedy aside, it manages to portray the positive American and human spirit under adversity quite well.

Pop Culture Taking A Beating?

This year alone, some of our amazing pop culture icons have left us. The death of actor David Carradine was the start in June. Later we had Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Billy Mays, and then Michael Jackson all leave us. Who are the new guards of pop culture, and what if things had been slightly different?

For most of us this is a sign of life simply just taking it's course, and for others, it represents something strange, and disturbing. Many tend to see it as an opportunity for the new guards of pop culture to step out and make their marks on the world.

In case you haven't noticed, the 2009 MTV Movie Awards show had quite a few new faces. Will the Zac Effrons, Kristen Stewarts, and Amy Poehlers of the world now take their places in pop culture? Also, is it just me, or are there some celebrities desperately trying to hold (or get back to) their places in pop culture?

Shows such as Dancing With the Stars, and I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here seem to offer a respite for stars (those who are considered “has been” celebs, and not my term..sounds horrible). Celebs such as Bruce Jenner and Janice Dickinson had no shame in taking their places right alongside the likes of Downtown Julie Brown and Patricia Blagojevich,

It kind of makes you wonder if David Carradine would have done well in the jungles on “I'm a Celeb” or if MJ's moonwalk would have blown away the judges on “Dancing With Stars”. I'm thinking him as a judge would have been even better. I guess we'll never know. (As an aside, I think MJ should have had his own reality show, and who knows, it might have been great.)

Whether it be in music, acting, humanitarianism, comedy, or just being the voice that we all recognize in our TV living rooms, here's hoping the new guard makes a positive thumbprint on pop culture.

So let me ask you. Who are the new guards of pop culture? Do you think Michael Jackson was too big for his own reality show?

Johnny Depp's Dilinger Making the Rounds for "Public Enemies"

Johnny Depp recently visited the Late Show with David Letterman in NYC. No doubt he was promoting his new film, Public Enemies, which debuts July 1. If you plan to see it this weekend, you're in for a treat. As I'm no fan of major spoilers, I will say this: how can you pass up a finely crafted Michael Mann directed film, based on icons of the real 1930s crime wave which spurred the creation of the FBI?

The film will no doubt show us the desperation and violence of the 1930s. Not only that, you see Johhny Depp portray Dillinger, who in real life was lauded as a robin hood and a dangerous criminal at the same time.


So far the reviews are plenty of good but not great types, aside from a few notes of interest (it's filmed in HD video, lack of accurate real-life portrayal in sequencing, Depp's portrayal called too "subtle". Aside from all that, this is the story of one man, and the premise is we get a sense of Dillinger's relationship with Baby Face Nelson, Pretty Boy Floyd, and Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale).

Public Enemies has a great cast (Billy Crudup as Hoover, Channing Tatum as Pretty Boy Floyd, and Marion Cotillard as Billie Frechette, Dillinger's love interest).

Public Enemies official site

Michael Jackson: He Was One of Us

Since the news of his death, people around the world have mourned the absence of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Many of us have always been fans of his amazing talent and music. I grew up listening to the man, emulating his style in dance, his creativity, and many times found that his spirit of being what he wanted to be on his terms rubbed off me and many others.

I found myself agreeing with Reverend Al Sharpton this morning. I have felt a bit dismayed by those who would now heap so much praise on a man who to them was just "wacko jacko" a few days ago. Sadly some are not recognized for their humanitarian efforts, or the positive impact they give when whey are alive.

To those who supported him when no one else did...(I mean support by buying his music, praying for and appreciating him and his family, in spite of everything and everyone) I am honored you remembered that MJ was still one of us.

There are many musical artists who simply would not be were it not for MJ's incredible talent and influence. This is why when other celebrities and artists have commented about him, they simply either cry (as Madonna did) or just profess their awe. They realize that all he achieved came at a price.

Interestingly, at Michael's official site, Sony Music is commenting on his passing.

Thank you Michael for using your God-given talent to give us five decades of amazing music and culture that will always be remembered.

Ronald D. Moore's New Fox Sci-Fi Adventure “Virtuality”

For fans of reality shows, and sci-fi series, you have to ask yourself how much a show about 12 people out in space, on a reality show can appeal to you. This is Ron D. Moore's (Battlestar Galactica, Caprica) latest new project, a 2 hour movie called Virtuality, set to debut on Fox on June 26 at 8:00 PM.

Set in the year 2050, 12 astronauts sign up for a 10 year journey which is pivotal to the continued existence of human life on Earth. They must explore a nearby star system called Epsilon Eridani.
Check out this short video trailer for Virtuality.



While onboard the ship (the Phaeton), the crew has access to to virtual reality modules, that essentially give crew members an escape from dealing with the “real reality” of living life on a ship. The crew's experiences in space are broadcast to people on Earth via a show called “The Edge of Never”, and what gets pretty interesting is there is a “glitch” in the virtual world system.

Another mystery is the crew might not know all the facts about why the mission is necessary, or if it's necessary.

Virtuality has been set up as a series, but it's unknown at this point if it will be picked up by the network. For now, the plan is to gauge the success of this 2 hour movie, and see what fans think of it.

Whether you see this as another stroke of genius by Ronald Moore, or Fox's opportunity to ride the success of shows like its more impressive Fringe (or an apology for what some have called the dismal Dollhouse, Virtuality is definitely worth a look!

Video: True Blood Season 2: New Promo

What I love about this video? It shows all the alliances, and the danger that True Blood's Season 2 brings us. My questions so far are these: Who are those guys in the basement, chained up? What does Maryann want from Sam, Tara, and the town? How successful will the spiritual Army of the Right be in ridding Lafayette of vampires?




video via HBO; all rights reserved by HBO