Wrinkles ((Arrugas))

A Perro Verde Films, Elephant in the Black Box, Cromosoma production with the participation of TVG, TVE, RTVV. (International sales: 6 Sales, Madrid.) Produced by Manuel Cristobal, Oriol Ivern. Executive producers, Maria Arochena, Angel de la Cruz, Toni Marin, Tono Folguera, Daniel Martinez. Directed, edited by Ignacio Ferreras. Screenplay, Angel de la Cruz, Paco Roca, Ferreras, Rosanna Cecchini, based on the comicbook by Roca.With: Alvaro Guevara, Tacho Gonzalez, Mabel Rivera.The subject of old age gets the kind of attention it deserves but is too rarely afforded in the affecting "Wrinkles," Ignacio Ferreras' animated study of the friendship between two seniors in a nursing home. Featuring lovable but credible characters and a beautifully crafted, understated plot that emerges elegantly from their fears, fantasies and forgetfulness, this thought-provoking, universally comprehensible item skews naturally towards adult auds, but its animated format could plausibly appeal to a younger demographic. Wider exposure is assured for the pic, submitted to the Academy for animated-feature consideration. Retired bank manager Emilio (voiced by Alvaro Guevara) lives with his son and daughter-in-law, but when he becomes increasingly irritable and forgetful, he is put into a home. There, he befriends garrulous Argentinean Miguel (Tacho Gonzalez), who renames Emilio "Rockefeller." Miguel cheerfully swindles the other residents out of small amounts of cash but is also full of handy insider tips, such as how the nurses appraise the residents' mental state by reference to the neatness of their dress. Other inmates include Dolores (Mabel Rivera), whose husband has advanced Alzheimer's, and a woman who sits by a window, elegantly smoking imaginary cigarettes and fantasizing about riding the Orient Express. Initially, Miguel scorns their tenuous grip on reality, but as Emilio slides ever further into forgetfulness, Miguel, fearful of losing his friend, becomes increasingly protective of him. One of the writers, Paco Roca, is the author of the same-name comicbook on which "Wrinkles" is based, and the source material's emotional authenticity has been transferred intact to the screen. Although nothing here quite matches the moving, life-in-five-minutes montage in Pixar's "Up," one swooping flashback sequence comes very close. The story slips as easily between past and present as the characters do. There are few frames that could not have been done in live-action, but the decision to use animation means the "real" and fantasy sequences can be dealt with as precise visual equals. This is crucial given the pic wants to show that the vividly colorful fantasies into which its characters retreat may be better places than their home, seen in often subdued tones. The animation technique deployed is uncluttered 2D, a world away from digital's ability to replicate reality, but sharp use of telling gestures and expressions, redolent of Raymond Briggs, compensates well for the lack of flexibility. There is plenty of rich detail to enjoy, while clever use of reflections and shadows turns the apparently comfortable facilities into a hard place that at times evokes gothic horror. Sound work is attended to with an ear attuned to absolute realism. Emotions aside, pic has a barbed edge, attacking the kinds of costly convalescent homes that contain never-used swimming pools; the clients, as Miguel acidly reminds Emilio, are not the folks who live there but the people who are paying. The strings of Nani Garcia's score sometimes soar dangerously close to a sentimentality that's happily absent elsewhere.Camera (color), David Cubero; music, Nani Garcia; sound (Dolby Digital), Cinemar Films; animation, Baltasar Pedrosa. Reviewed at Cata Estudios, Madrid, Nov. 2, 2011. (In San Sebastian Film Festival.) Running time: 89 MIN. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

After departure, Berlusconi clout lingers

ROME -- While Silvio Berlusconi is no longer Italy's prime minister, he isn't about to step out of the spotlight.Last week saw the former PM release a record album, defend himself against numerous charges in court and watch his holdings sink in the wake of his ouster.The fourth CD of Berlusconi-penned Neapolitan love songs, "Vero Amore" (True Love), crooned by close pal Mariano Apicella, went out on independent Italo label Artist First. It includes tunes titled "Stay With Me," which smacks of wishful thinking, and "Come What May," which, with the three trials -- recommencing now that Berlusconi has lost immunity as the country's leader -- sounds appropriate.Court cases revolving around Berlusconi promptly resumed Nov. 23, with one trial involving charges that he paid for sex with a Moroccan dancer who at the time was a minor, another long-standing case centered around allegedly fraudulent Mediaset TV rights deals, and a third, separate trial regarding an alleged ring to procure prostitutes for Berlusconi, who is not a defendant in that case.Berlusconi, who attended the Mediaset trial, maintains his innocence in the trials in which he is a defendant.Meanwhile, the Milan stock exchange continued to batter Mediaset, with its share price sinking last week to below 2 ($2.70) for the first time ever. The company's outlook might even be worse with a member of the anti-Berlusconi opposition in power, instead of the nonpolitical government headed by Mario Monti.Italians are beginning to wonder whether they are seeing the country's TV landscape already beginning to change.Last week, tiny channel La7, owned by telco giant Telecom Italia Media, announced it had doubled daytime ratings to a still small but significant 4.7% share, and vowed to forge on with ambitious new shows, including one by standup comic and noted anti-Berlusconi helmer Sabina Guzzanti ("Draquila -- Italy Trembles").Pubcaster RAI scored a whopping 42% primetime share Nov. 21 with an entertainment spectacle hosted by hugely popular Sicilian showman Rosario Fiorello, which not only featured live performances by Coldplay and Michael Buble but also a satirical monologue waxing nostalgic about the Berlusconi government. It was "folkloristic, kind of happy," Fiorello reminisced in the show. "Now everything has changed, and nobody talks about sex anymore."While it's too early to gauge the impact of an upcoming post-Berlusconi era on Italy's entertainment industry and pop culture, it's a safe bet Italians will continue to seek solace from their crisis in laughs.Italo film figures for the first half of 2011 show six homegrown comedies among the top 10 box office draws. More recently, expletive-packed laffer "I Soliti Idioti" (The Usual Idiots), a watered-down movie adaptation of an abrasive MTV-Italy show, has been scoring mightily: $13.5 million in three weeks. It was produced and released by Berlusconi's Medusa Cinema.Once a media mogul, always a media mogul. Contact Nick Vivarelli at nvivarelli@gmail.com

Sweeps Roundup: Nov. 21-27

Katie Couric and Lady Gaga These are the guest stars and events that the networks have planned for the second week of November sweeps: Monday, Nov. 21 8/7cDancing with the Stars (ABC)It's the final week of performances for the remaining three celebs: Rob Kardashian, Ricki Lake and J.R. Martinez. (Sadly, though, no Muppets!) Terra Nova (Fox)Jim uncovers an old murder - and Taylor is the prime suspect. Plus: Dinosaurs! Rowr! 8:30/7:30cTwo Broke Girls (CBS)Kat Dennings and Beth Behr get a break from those tacky polyester uniforms when Max and Caroline dress as department store elves to make some extra cash. Oh, that's really not a break, is it? 9/8cYou Deserve It (ABC)Chris Harrison and Brooke Burns host this new game show where contestants try to win money for others. Who are these "others" that you speak of? 10/9cCastle (ABC)Beckett's PTSD symptoms escalate, but she continues to hide it from everyone - just like her love for Castle. Squee! Hawaii Five-0 (CBS)Jimmy Buffett guest-stars as a veteran pilot (who eats cheeseburgers and has a pencil-thin mustache) who helps the team rescue one of their own. Tuesday 8/7cLast Man Standing (ABC)When Kyle "accidentally" falls asleep in Kristin's room after a date, Mike sets some new house rules. NCIS (CBS)When Tony's dad becomes a murder suspect, he must work covertly to prove his dad's innocence. 9/8cDancing With the Stars (ABC)The Season 13 Mirrorball trophy is presented to J.R., er, the winner. Wednesday 8/7c Survivor: South Pacific (CBS)Catch up on the season so far with a highlights and recap show. 9/8cThe Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now? (NBC)See if your favorite contestants kept off the weight in this update on past players, which also features bloopers and behind-the-scenes shenanigans. Modern Family (ABC)Phil goes all It's a Wonderful Life when he imagines an alternate future, which hopefully includes both a robust massage practice and a professional cheerleading career. 9:30/8:30cHappy Endings (ABC)Rob Riggle guest-stars as an offbeat (but also maybe a little off) mailman who befriends Dave and Brad. Thursday 8/7cCharlie Brown Thanksgiving (ABC)Watch the classic Peanuts tale in which Snoopy and Woodstock prepare toast and popcorn for their harvest feast. Ice Age: Mammoth Christmas (Fox)Thanksgiving is so 10 minutes ago; it's time to celebrate Christmas with this new animated special inspired by the big-screen hit starring John Leguizamo and Ray Romano. Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who! (NBC)Did you know that this time-honored kids story is an allegory for post-World War II relations between Japan and the U.S.? No? Well, it has a really cute elephant in it. 8:30/7:30cHappiness Is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown (Fox)In the first Peanuts special produced without the involvement of creator Charles Schulz (ruh-roh), Charlie Brown, Lucy and Snoopy try to help Linus give up his security blanket. 9:30/8:30cThe Simpsons (Fox)When Homer and the kids aren't getting into the holiday spirit, Marge sends a letter to Martha Claus (voiced by Martha Stewart) to help save the family Christmas. Katy Perry makes a cameo. A Very Gaga Thanksgiving (ABC)In this 90-minute special, Katie Couric interviews the mercurial pop star, who performs eight songs, including a duet with Tony Bennett, and prepares a Thanksgiving dinner of deep-friend turkey and waffles with chef Art Smith. 10/9cThe 85th Anniversary of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (NBC)Matt Lauer hosts this retrospective of the favorite floats and performances from parades past.Friday 8/7cShrek the Third (ABC)Shrek, Donkey and Puss in Boots search for the rightful heir to the throne in this DreamWorks threquel. Hoops and YoYo Ruin Christmas (CBS)A bunny-and-kitty duo (perhaps you recognize them from their appearance on Hallmark greeting cards) become accidental stowaways on Santa's sleigh in this animated special presented by the Hallmark Channel. Synergy!Iron Man (Fox)As a tribute to your iron-clad constitution (how can one person eat so much stuffing?), watch Robert Downey Jr. in his shiny suit while enjoying some leftovers. National Treasure Book of Secrets (NBC)In the follow-up to Disney's fun-time family hit, Nicolas Cage & Co. search for the legendary Lost City of Gold. Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (CW)In this animated interpretation of the novelty holiday song, Jake searches for his grandma so he can save her Christmas shop from being sold by his greedy cousin. 8:30/7:30cThe Elf on the Shelf: An Elf's Story (NBC)This animated special, based on the best-selling children's book, posits that each child has a tiny live-in elf who watches him or her and then reports back to Santa. Creepy little tattle-tale. 9/8cOlive, the Other Reindeer (CW) Drew Barrymore voices this tale about a dog who wants to fill in for an injured Blitzen on Santa's sleigh team and save Christmas. Sunday 8/7cMitch Albom's Have a Little Faith (ABC)Bradley Whitford stars as Albom himself in this story of the life-altering bonds the author made with a rabbi (Martin Landau) and a preacher (Laurence Fishburne) he met while writing a column. The Amazing Race (CBS)Eat waffles, chocolate and beer for the show's first trip to Belgium. And then throw up!

Bradley Cooper is Individuals Most sexy Guy Alive Was Ryan Gosling Not available?

Large news from supermarket check-out magazine shelves: Bradley Cooper continues to be named the Most sexy Guy Alive by People Magazine. Cooper -- who made an appearance onscreen in 'Limitless' and 'The Hangover Part II' this season, and off-screen inside a garbage bag -- was happy with the recognition. "I believe it is awesome that the guy who does not seem like one might have this [title]," he stated. "I believe I am a decent-searching guy. Sometimes I'm able to look wonderful, and in other cases I look horrifying." Funny stuff, Mr. Cooper. Though his selection boosts the apparent question: Was Ryan Gosling not available for any photo shoot? Seriously. If there is one actor this year who appeared to embody the thought of "most sexy guy alive," it would need to function as the Gos. From his mostly shirtless performance in 'Crazy Stupid Love' to his strong-quiet badass in 'Drive' to his Barneys-putting on politico in 'The Ides of March,' Gosling was everywhere, constantly. Dude even designed a absurd removed tank-top look great. No offense to Cooper -- who co-stars with Gosling in 'The Place Past the Pines' the coming year -- but when Gosling wasn't Individuals Most sexy Guy Alive, it should be because he's a spook. Or something like that. Mind to People Magazine for additional. [via People] Ryan Gosling 2011 Photos See All Moviefone Art galleries » [Top Photo: Getty] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

eOne nabs Milev's 'Code Red'

LONDON -- eOne has inked a multi-territory deal, including U.S. rights, for Valeri Milev's "Code Red-colored-colored." Pic, which was being looked by Outsider Pictures within the American Film Market captured, has offered for the distrib for your U.S., Blighty, Canada, France, Germany, Europe, Australia, Scandinavia, Nigeria and Nz. Story is about a girl physician fighting to discover her daughter carrying out a most loved World War Ii biological weapon explodes around the U.S. military base in Bulgaria, turning people into mutant zombies. Milev, who recently directed "Re-Kill" for During The Night Films, will helm the pic, they states can have "a totally new type of zombie" for your screen. Pic, that's produced by Bashar Rahal and Indifilms, will begin lensing in March which is skedded to produce inside the fourth quarter of 2012. Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

Real Regular folks of Atlanta's Kandi Features a New Adult Toy Business together with a brand new Guy because Order

Kandi Burruss The Particular Regular folks of Atlanta's Kandi Burruss went within the recording studio for the sex-toy industry along with her latest company, Mattress room Kandi. "I enjoy think of it as an intimate luxury line," she states. Real Regular folks of Atlanta's NeNe Leakes on boring Sheree, dating and cashing "hater assessments" Fans in the Bravo series, that's presently within the fourth season, understand that Kandi isn't shy about sex. But that doesn't imply she's ready to have "the talk" along with her 9-year-old daughter. She does, however, hint inside the interview below they features a new guy. Be cautious interview with Kandi below: The Particular Regular folks of Atlanta airs Sundays at 9/8c on Bravo.

Dish Network Posts 111,000 Subs Decline for Third Quarter

Dish Network on Monday reported customer deficits and less strong-than-expected financials because of its latest quarter. The satellite television giant, brought by chairman Charles Ergen, recorded a 111,000 customer decline within the third quarter. The entire year-ago period saw a 29,000 loss. Experts had normally expected a sub drop close to 80,000. Dish ended September with 13.95 million customers. The organization also published a 30 % third-quarter earnings improvement to $319.a million, however the figure skipped Wall Street anticipation. Revenue rose 12.3 % to $3.6 billion. Dish's stock rose 4 % at the begining of buying and selling as experts stated some traders had feared sub deficits of up to the 150,000 range. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Subjects Dish Network

Niecy Nash To Star In TV Lands Cedric Pilot, Summer time Glau Joins TNTs Scent

EXCLUSIVE: Niecy Nash has arrived the feminine lead opposite Cedric the Performer in the TV Land pilot, a spinoff from hit comedy Hot In Cleveland. Meanwhile, former Terminator: The Sarah Connor Stories star Summer time Glau and Daryl Mitchell (Siblings) have became a member of TNT’s drama pilot Scent From The Missing. Compiled by Hot In Cleveland creator Suzanne Martin, the spinoff follows Cedrics character Reverend Boyce because he moves to St. Louis and needs to balance his wild past using the anticipation of his congregation and the family. Reno 911! alumna Nash, repped by WME and Principato-Youthful, will have his wife. Martin and Cedric authored the pilot and therefore are executive creating with Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner. Production is slated to start on 12 ,. 2. TNT’s Scent From The Missing, executive created by co-authors Carol Mendelsohn, Melissa R. Byer & Treena Hancock and Craig Josephson, focuses on Susannah (Tricia Helfer), a tenacious, strong-willed K-9 Search and Save volunteer who works together with an equally determined partner her mischievous golden retriever, Puzzle. Glau, repped by UTA and also the Schiff Co., will have a brand new person in the K-9 Search and Save team who is beautiful and incredibly wealthy but much harder than she looks. UTA-rpped Mitchell will have a motorized wheel chair-bound former military sergeant who can serve as the communications specialist for that team. Production around the pilot, in line with the book by Susannah Charleson, is slated to start at the end of November.