Tom Cruise Has Committed To Star For Universal Pictures In "Oblivion"

 

EXCLUSIVE: Tom Cruise has committed to star for Universal Pictures in Oblivion, the science fiction film that will be directed by Joseph Kosinski, who last helmed Tron: Legacy. Production will begin in October. Cruise had been loosely attached to the Radical Publishing graphic novel adaptation when Disney let it go and Universal committed to finance and distribute the $100 million film, which came with a William Monahan script that was being rewritten by Karl Gajdusek. Kosinski hatched the idea for the project and set it to be published by Barry Levine's graphic novel imprint as a calling card for a movie when Kosinski was busy for so long directing Tron: Legacy, which topped out at $400 million worldwide gross.
Disney acquired the graphic novel in a heated auction last summer, and Universal was one of the studios that also chased it. It takes place in an apocalyptic future where most of the population lives in clouds above an earth surface that has been rendered uninhabitable. Cruise will play a soldier who's stuck alone on the planet, repairing the drones that patrol and destroy a savage alien life form. He encounters a beautiful woman who crashes in a craft, and their experience together forces him to question his world view. Disney allowed Kosinski to shop it because it didn't fit its family-film mold and attempts to rein it in to a PG rating was creatively strangling the project. It will be PG-13.
Cruise has just begun shooting the Adam Shankman-directed Rock of Ages, the adaptation of the Broadway musical for New Line. Cruise plays the decadent rocker Stacee Jaxx, and gets to belt out the Bon Jovi hit Wanted Dead or Alive and duet with Malin Akerman on the Foreigner hit I Want to Know What Love Is. Cruise will follow with Oblivion. Less clear is what happens after that. Cruise had been mentioned as circling Pacific Rim, the Legendary Pictures-hatched monster movie that will be directed by Guillermo del Toro. Del Toro expected to be working with Cruise at Universal this year on At the Mountains of Madness, but the studio put the brakes on that adaptation of the HP Lovecraft horror tale because the film has its R-rating. While del Toro and Cruise could wind up making Pacific Rim at year's end, the actor's participation in that one isn't certain, though they are talking. CAA-repped Cruise's next film is Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, the Brad Bird-directed fourth installment of the Paramount Pictures series that opens Dec. 16. Cruise is also in the center of a script pitch by Crazy, Stupid, Love scribe Dan Fogelman that sold to Warner Bros last month in a bidding battle. Cruise will play a politician whose pristine reputation is shattered when he gets caught having an affair. With his reputation in tatters, the pol retreats to his hometown to lick his wounds, repair relationships and confront his past. Talk about a timely premise.

Slash: Van Halen mixing album

SATURDAY, 21 MAY 2011

On May 17, Tom Russell of U.K.’s Rock Radio conducted an interview with legendary guitarist Slash (Velvet Revolver, Guns ‘n’ Roses). Here’s what Slash had to say about what Van Halen is up to:

Slash: “I’m a huge Van Halen fan. They’re finishing [up their new album right now], actually. I don’t wanna speak on their behalf, but one of the guys that works for us works for Van Halen in the studio and he told me that they’re in the mixing stages.”

Here’s some more comments we gathered from over the years that Slash has made regarding Van Halen:

“And when Van Halen came out, it was such a mind-blowing thing—and everybody decided to go there. Within hours of Van Halen first playing at the Starwood, there were 50 guys trying to do that whole ‘Eddie Van Halen guitar playing’ thing, copping his whole trip. When I saw Van Halen, I was like, ‘Wow! That’s brilliant!’” (Guitar One magazine, Apr. 2000)

“In junior high school [original Guns n’ Roses drummer] Steven Adler and I would race our bikes and cut through the school fence so we could hang out, smoke pot and do chicks. One day he played ‘Eruption/You Really Got Me’ for me, and I couldn’t believe the intensity of it. We listened to that first Van Halen album constantly. But I never picked up on that whole whammy-bar, tapping school of playing. But the last time I saw Eddie [Van Halen], he really gave me some nice compliments on my solo in ‘Paradise City.’ Suddenly I realized that even though I never tried to imitate him, I do have a knack for going for the same kind of fast, fluid passages he does—which I obviously picked up from listening to Van Halen records.” (Guitar World magazine, Nov. 2000)

“Eddie Van Halen was and is the pinnacle of Van Halen. His guitar playing transcends the boundaries of rock ’n’ roll guitar, bending all the rules of traditional techniques. His style quickly revolutionized the genre and influenced the next generation of guitar players worldwide. Not since Jimi Hendrix has there been such an impact on the way rock ’n’ roll guitar is played. Eddie is one of the greatest guitar players to ever come along.

There’s not much more to say.” (Van Halen: A Visual History, 1978-1984 by Neil Zlozower)

Yet later, Slash did indeed have more to say–he wrote the foreward to the upcoming Eddie Van Halen photo book by Neil Zlozower, due in October 2011.

George Lynch on Don Dokken "He is just a piece of shit!"

George Lynch on Don Dokken "He is just a piece of shit!"

Friday, 20 May 2011

George Lynch on Don Dokken "He is just a piece of shit!" George on Don: "He's a miserable guy and he will stay miserable in his own skin." Rob Cavuoto of Guitar International has just conducted an interview with legendary guitarist George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB, SOULS OF WE). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below. Guitar International:I really thought the reunion [of the classic DOKKEN lineup] was going to happen when you went on Eddie Trunk's "That Metal Show". I assumed, as most fans, that this was a done deal. George Lynch: I feel like a fool because I got played again for the last fucking time! Like an idiot I went along with it but looking back I see what he was really doing. He was blowing wind in his sails by creating the impression that there was a reunion pending. That people were going to wake up and pay attention, that his guarantees were going to go up, and people are going to show up to his shows thinking I'm in the band. If we did reunite we would all be working for him. He's a miserable guy and he will stay miserable in his own skin. I wouldn't want to have 100 million dollars and live in that guy's brain and skin. He is just a piece of shit. Guitar International: I'm not sure Don has a lot of credibility these days and think most fans realize that. George Lynch:When the band was intact, he had to maintain a certain level of professionalism. He had to maintain his voice, his behavior and what he said. He didn't like that. He is a very lazy person. He doesn't have a good work ethic and he surrounds himself with himself. He will never be happy. What he will never get, and I told him, it's not about the money and success, though you want people to hear the music. It's about giving the fans something they would like and enjoy. It's not about you, we are just the conduits. It comes through us but it's not about us. He doesn't get it. When musicians start to take themselves too seriously that's when it gets ugly in believing all the hype. My heroes are blue-collar people that work for a living. Not assholes like him who take credit for shit they don't do and expect everything handed to them on a silver platter. Have some respect for the people who are paying your bills. Read more at Guitar International.

'Pirates Of The Caribbean' Set To Dominate The Box Office

(RTTNews) - In a weekend with just one wide release, "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" is in clear position to put up not only a chart-topping weekend but the top opening of the year so far. Following strong early numbers, "Thor" and "Fast Five" should both see substantial drops in revenue due to strong competition from "Pirates," while R-rated comedy "Bridesmaids" is set up for a very nice second weekend in theaters.

When "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" first hit theaters in 2003, Johnny Depp was a popular actor but nowhere near the top box office draw in the entire world. With the strong success of the first entry, however, Depp was catapulted to the very top of the A-list and an enormous franchise was born. Though "Black Pearl" was a big hit, sequels "Dead Man's Chest" and "At World's End" were considerably bigger; "Dead Man's Chest" and "At World's End" averaged more than $1 billion in worldwide revenue, making the "Pirates" series one of the premier franchises in Hollywood.
Even if director Gore Verbinski, who helmed the first three, dropped out of "On Stranger Tides" to focus on other projects, Disney found a nice replacement in veteran Rob Marshall to take over the series. Though Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom both dropped out of the series as well, it's unlikely that will slow down the series in any way, with Depp still remaining as the top draw.
Disney also made some interesting additions to the cast, including Penelope Cruz and British actor Ian McShane. McShane is mostly known from HBO's critically lauded historical series "Deadwood" and he seems to be a great fit as Blackbeard, one of the most infamous pirates of all time. Adding in a quest for the Fountain of Youth, "On Stranger Tides" looks to have plenty of fantastical action and top-tier special effects to satisfy mainstream audiences, which should lead to an enormous weekend.


The only downside for "On Stranger Tides" is that both "Thor" and "Fast Five" continue to do very well with action audiences, which will take away a small portion of its intended demographic. Even if it doesn't approach the $135 million that "Dead Man's Chest" earned in its opening weekend back in 2006, a weekend intake in the neighborhood of $100 million certainly seems like a possibility. With the international pull of Buena Vista/Disney and the worldwide reputation of Depp, not to mention Geoffrey Rush from "The King's Speech," "On Stranger Tides" should put up very big numbers across the globe over the next couple of weekends.
Though "On Stranger Tides" will definitely affect the revenues of "Thor" and "Fast Five," R-rated comedy "Bridesmaids" should continue to do very well with adult audiences looking to stay out of the "Pirates" hoopla. "Bridesmaids" posted a very nice $26 million opening a week ago and boasts very strong critical and user reviews, which should translate to continued success through the rest of the month. Expect a small revenue decline for "Bridesmaids" this weekend and for it to post a strong 10-day total for a $32 million production released at less than 3,000 venues.
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NEW KEVIN JAMES MOVIE "THE ZOO KEEPER"

(RTTNews) - "Zookeeper," July 8th:

Those looking for some over-the-top family comedy will definitely find it with "Zookeeper," a screwball comedy starring Kevin James and Rosario Dawson. The plot loosely involves a zookeeper who discovers that the animals can actually talk and scheme - a story that sounds strikingly similar to "Night at the Museum."
Though the new trailer looks incredibly silly, there is a lot of money to be made with easy-to-grasp family comedies heavy on the slapstick. Audiences have definitely gravitated toward James in recent years, making him a very good fit for material that doesn't shy away from being completely ridiculous.
Those lending voices for the animals include Adam Sandler, Sly Stallone, Cher, Jon Favreau and Judd Apatow.
Box office outlook:
Material that may seem too absurd and unrealistic to adults can still find a nice home with family audiences, which is what distributor Sony/Columbia is banking on. Even family films that get absolutely shredded by critics, like "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel," can post very big box office numbers due to a big built-in audience.
Family audiences are very familiar with Kevin James at this point after "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" and "Zookeeper" carries a PG rating, which should combine for a pretty solid mid-summer box office run.
by RTT Staff Writer

Yawn-Inducing Fourth "Pirates" Entry Is More Of The Same

Yawn-Inducing Fourth "Pirates" Entry Is More Of The Same

5/20/2011 3:03 PM ET 

Even though the makers of "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" fixed a few things from the last couple of entries, the latest "Pirates of the Caribbean" is yet another loud, supercharged CGI extravaganza that mainly tries to hit all the same notes of the original. Johnny Depp is still occasionally funny as Captain Jack Sparrow, but it's also a character that doesn't have enough depth for 10 hours of film, which is the grand total for the "Pirates" franchise now. 

NIGHT RANGER!

VIDEO FOR FIRST SINGLE AND TRACK LISTING REVEALED; SUMMER TOUR SUPPORTING JOURNEY AND FOREIGNER WITH DATES IN EUROPE AND US


Night Ranger's brand new album SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA has just been confirmed for release on June 17 in Europe and June 21 in North America onFrontiers Records.
The offering is the culmination of the band's work to date and celebrates the 30th anniversary of Night Ranger. SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA finds Night Ranger returning to their classic sound with updated production. 
Frontman/bassist Jack Blades commented, "Night Ranger is back with a vengeance! We are so proud of our new album…classic NR in every sense...can't wait to see all the fans on tour this summer. Rock n' roll!"
The first single, "Growin' Up In California," will soon impact at radio. 
Night Ranger will hit the road this summer on a massive tour in Europe and USA as special guests supporting Journey and Foreigner. Please see below for confirmed tour dates.

Night Ranger's legendary hits "Sister Christian," "(You Can Still) Rock in America," and "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" are songs 
that have each significantly impacted popular culture and expanded their ever-growing fanbase since the band's inception thirty years ago. 
Night Ranger's contributions are featured in multiple entertainment realms, including the hit Broadway musical Rock of Ages and the wildly successful videogame series "Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero". 
The band has also been recognized in such significant films and television shows as Boogie Nights and "American Dad" to name a few. 
To date, Night Ranger has sold 17 million units worldwide and boasts several platinum- and gold-certified albums. 
Night Ranger is Jack Blades (bass & lead vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums & lead vocals), Brad Gillis (guitar & backing vocals), Joel Hoekstra (guitar & backing vocals) and Eric Levy (keyboards).

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Night Ranger SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA track listing: Growin' Up In California, Lay It On Me, Bye Bye Baby (Not Tonight), Follow Your Heart, Time Of Our Lives, No Time To Lose Ya, Live For Today,
It's Not Over, End Of The Day, Rock N' Roll Tonite, Say It With Love. Bonus Tracks: Coming of Age (featuring Ted Nugent) – Bonus track for AmazonMP3 / Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap – Bonus track for iTunes.

Within the above EPK you can hear samples of Bye Bye Baby, Lay It On Me and End Of The Day.
I'm pleased to expand that even a little further with two more exclusive MP3 previews for the killer tracks: Time Of Our Lives and Say It With Love. Download and enjoy!

I spent some time on the phoen with Jack Blades this week and he is out of the box excited to get this album out and get back on the road for the Amercian and European tours. 
He says the band is especially looking forward to getting to Japan. "It is our honor and indeed, our duty to play Japan." says Jack. 
"The Japanese fans have been so good to us over the years and they have been through such turmoil this year. We just want to get over there and put smiles on peoples faces and play for them."
The band gets together this week to start rehersals of the enw songs to add to the set list and Jack promises to check in from the road with regular updates, which will be posted right here.

Jack expressed his excitement to finally hit Europe again after all these years, but says there is one special show that fans can anticipate and that the band can't wait for - 
the headlining UK show at the Islington O2 Academy on Thursday, June 23.
Tickers are already on sale and include a number of different packages, including the chance to meet the band.
"This is going to be a special show for our UK fans." states Jack. "It is is going to be a show where we can stretch out and play all the Night Ranger songs you want to hear. This will be a full headline show with all the hits and new songs too."

In fact, Jack Blades invites fans going to the UK show to make suggestions for their set list. 
Comment online or e-mail me with. So get thinking right now and I'll make sure Jack sees all suggestions!

Night Ranger on tour supporting Journey and Foreigner:

JUNE
17 Hannover, GER Parkbuehne
18 Esslingen (Stuttgart), GER Richard-Hirschmann Eisstadion
19 Winterthur,SWI Eishalle Deutweg
21 Milan, ITL Fiera Arena
22 Augsburg (Nuremburg, GER) Schwabenhalle
23 London, UK o2 Academy Islington (headlining show)
25 St. Goarshausen, GER Loreley Freilchtbuhne 

JULY
21 Salt Lake City, UT Rio Tinto Stadium
23 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
24 Phoenix, AZ Desert Sky Pavilion
27 Maryland Heights, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
30 Tinley Park, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
31 Clarkston, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre

AUGUST
2 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center
3 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
5 Columbus, OH Crew Stadium/Ohio State Fair
6 Noblesville, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center
10 Darien Center, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
13 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center
16 Hartford, CT Comcast Theatre
17 Wantagh, NY Nikon At Jones Beach Theater
19 Virginia Beach, VA Virginia Beach Amphitheater
20 Raleigh, NC Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion At Walnut Creek
21 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Charlotte
24 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
27 Burgettstown, PA First Niagara Pavilion
30 Syracuse, NY New York State Fair
31 Allentown, PA The Great Allentown Fair

SEPTEMBER
2 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center
10 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena
16 Atlanta, GA Aaron's Ampitheatre At Lakewood
17 Tampa, FL             1-800-Ask Gary       Amphitheatre
18 West Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amphitheatre
24 Dallas, TX Gexa Energy Pavilion
25 The Woodlands, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
28 Kansas City, MO Starlight Theatre

OCTOBER
1 Englewood, CO Comfort Dental Amphitheatre
7 Chula Vista, CA Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
14 Wheatland, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre
15 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
19 Portland, OR Rose Garden Arena
21 Seattle, WA KeyArena

For more information please visit: ww.nightranger.com / www.frontiers.it.

xx

Arnold Schwarzenegger Has Illegitimate Child

(RTTNews) - Arnold Schwarzenegger admittedly had a child out of wedlock. California's ex-Governor, who recently split with his wife, Maria Shriver, after 25 years of marriage, had sexual relations with a member of the couple's household staff.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Shriver moved out of their Brentwood mansion after Schwarzenegger confessed his fatherhood of the bastard.
The "Terminator" issued a statement to the aforementioned paper: "After leaving the governor's office I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago. I understand and deserve the feelings of anger and disappointment among my friends and family. There are no excuses and I take full responsibility for the hurt I have caused. I have apologized to Maria, my children and my family. I am truly sorry."
He added that he had provided for the child financially.
by RTT Staff Writer
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com

Charlie Sheen Borrowed $10 Million From Warner Bros. Before Getting The Axe

Charlie Sheen Borrowed $10 Million From Warner Bros. Before Getting The Axe

5/17/2011 12:22 PM ET 

In his final season on "Two and a Half Men," Charlie Sheen borrowed $10 million from Warner Bros. TMZ obtained the details of his season 7 contract, which detailed the deal. The actor was advanced the cash in May of 2010; in return, he had to pay it back over the course of the next 13 episodes. In order to pay it back he had three-quarters of a million dollars subtracted from each $1.25 million paycheck.