Broadway ready for tourist increase

Broadway sales wound up slightly the other day -- however, numerous shows were saving with this particular week. In the 34 productions round the boards, 20 of those only carried out seven perfs instead of the typical eight through the frame that incorporated Christmas Day. (One previewing show, "The road to Mecca," only carried out six.) The week's dim showtimes aided bring the Rialto cume lower by about $millions of for $23.3 million. However, clearly, numerous shows will prove to add one more perf to take advantage from the tourist boom which hits Broadway through the sesh between Christmas and New Year's, typically most likely probably the most lucrative frame of year. A year ago throughout the identical week, of a dozen productions carried out more when in comparison to some eight. The other day, regardless, a couple of shows handled to uptick despite playing one less perf -- most particularly "Godspell" ($341,203), which rose by about $50,000 in the rise likely fueled with the much spoken about in the title which is family-friendly resonance while using Yuletide season. The frame also underscored which shows reap the heftiest proportional benefits when travelers will be in town. Perennial "The Phantom in the Opera" ($1,038,045) hopped track of an astonishing 36% and "Mamma Mia!" ($704,380) walked up by 26%, with both musicals playing the normal eight shows. Meanwhile, "Wicked" ($2,107,015) once again broke the $2 million mark but still time reconquering the most effective 10, besting challenger "The Lion King" ($1,981,442). "Wicked" and "Spider-Guy: Turn Off the Dark" ($1,759,850) released gains of 20% each. Among the declines reported over the Primary Stem, the highest was at "Around the Apparent Day You Will See Forever" ($351,294), quickly decreasing by nearly $400,000 (or 53%), an fall of those severity the production's seven-perf week can't explain everything. It remains to look when the slump can be a holiday blip for just about any reveal that doesn't appear to offer the feel-good tourist advantage of large-title options, or whether it's a mark of challenges ahead since the show heads to the typically rough month from the month of the month of january. Among other recently opened up up musicals, the soon-to-shutter "Bonnie and Clyde" ($248,221 for eight shows) has not made an appearance to learn in the last-minute sales while "Lysistrata Manley" ($132,779 for seven), a completely new comedy with little title or cast recognition, is constantly struggle. Round the upside, though, tuner "Porgy and Bess" ($671,901) needed a enjoyable advance, playing seven previews just before its opening later. Figure seems solid for just about any new, serious-minded revival competing in the razzle-dazzle fare more vulnerable to pull attention through the holidays. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

Gerard Butler Rescued At Big-Wave Surfing Spot

First Published: December 20, 2011 9:31 AM EST Credit: Getty Images HALF MOON BAY, Calif. -- Caption Gerard Butler attends the UK premiere of Machine Gun Preacher at BAFTA in London on September 28, 2011 Gerard Butler is OK after being rescued from a treacherous California surf break known for stories-high waves. The 42-year-old star of Of Men and Mavericks was held underwater Sunday afternoon when a set of waves rolled in. A safety patrolman on a Jet Ski swooped in and picked him up. Competitive surfer Zach Wormhoudt tells The San Mateo County Times newspaper that the actor was shaken up but not seriously injured. Butler was taken by ambulance to a hospital for examination and later released. Of Men and Mavericks is about surfer Jay Moriarty, who died in a free-diving accident in 2001 when he was 23. Butlers publicist Rupert Fowler didnt immediately respond to an email message sent Tuesday. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Lionsgate sets Perry release dates

Lionsgate has dated some Tyler Perry projects: A component version of his play "The Marriage Counselor" is positioned with this summer time 27 and also the comedy "We the Peeples" for March 29, 2013."The Marriage Counselor," using the tenth follow Perry, concentrates on an accountant los angeles and also the wife, an Ivy League-educated counselor who finds it tough to cope with problems with her marriage. Pic, written and directed by Perry, stars Jurnee Smollett, Vanessa Williams and Brandy Norwood."Counselor" will open against Summit's "Step-up 4" and Fox's "Neighborhood Watch." "Peeples," written and directed by Tina Gordon Chism and produced by Perry, concentrates on a young guy lengthy lasting the weekend from hell when he surprises his girlfriend by arriving to fulfill her parents. Pic stars Craig Robinson, David Alan Grier, Kerry Washington, S. Epatha Merkerson and Kali Hawk."Peeples" will open against Open Road's "The Host" and Fox's "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters."In March, Lionsgate extended by no less than couple of years its first-look pact with Perry for film and homevid, ongoing a partnership that dates to 2005. Perry's 11 films for Lionsgate within the last six years make nearly $600 million within the U . s . States box office, and also the Digital video disks have offered greater than 40 million models. Their twelfth project, romantic drama "Good Deeds," opens Feb. 24. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Jokes Ricky Gervais Will Probably Make At the Golden Globes

Now that the 2012 Golden Globe nominations have been announced, some award show fans will be speculating on which movie will win the most prizes or what these honors will mean for Oscar chances ... but a second group of fans will take part in a much more gleefully nasty guessing game: What jokes will Ricky Gervais make during his job as host? Judging from his last two years as host, it's probably pretty easy to assume Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Mel Gibson and Madonna will factor heavily in Gervais's monologue on Jan. 15. Who else will receive the roast-master's caustic ire? Ahead, six potential jokes Ricky Gervais might tell at the Golden Globes. Please provide your own rimshot, and don't forget to tip your waitress and/or try the veal. 1. A lot of actors this year covered themselves in make-up to play old and decrepit characters: Leonardo DiCaprio in 'J. Edgar.' Meryl Streep in 'The Iron Lady.' And perhaps the most method of all, the director of 'W.E.,' Madonna. 2. Something about Angelina Jolie, 'In the Land of Blood and Honey' and her sexual relationship with Brad Pitt. (Use your imagination on this one; also, apologies.) 3. One of the big nominees this year is 'The Artist,' an homage to the golden age of silent film; it's surprising to see how well received it's been in the U.S., because it has two things that Americans absolutely hate: French people and reading. 4. Johnny Depp was not nominated for 'The Rum Diary,' meaning his check to the Hollywood Foreign Press didn't clear in time. 5. 'Moneyball' could be one of the night's big winners. The film is a true story about the Oakland Athletics and how they applied a revolutionary form of statistical analysis to the game of baseball. It's the film that dared to ask "What would happen if you combined two things that are very boring?" 6. God doesn't exist. Goodnight! [Photo: Getty Images for Michael J.] 2012 Golden Globe Nominees Best Actor in a DramaBest Actor in a DramaBest Actor in a DramaBest Actor in a DramaBest Actor in a DramaBest Actress in a DramaBest Actress in a DramaBest Actress in a DramaBest Actress in a DramaBest Actress in a DramaBest Actor in a Comedy/MusicalBest Actor in a Comedy/MusicalBest Actor in a Comedy/MusicalBest Actor in a Comedy/MusicalBest Actor in a Comedy/MusicalBest Actress in a Comedy/MusicalBest Actress in a Comedy/MusicalBest Actress in a Comedy/MusicalBest Actress in a Comedy/MusicalBest Actress in a Comedy/MusicalBest Supporting ActorBest Supporting ActorBest Supporting Actor'A Dangerous Method'Best Supporting ActorBest Supporting ActressBest Supporting ActressBest Supporting ActressBest Supporting ActressBest Supporting ActressBest DirectorBest DirectorBest DirectorBest DirectorBest Director See All Moviefone Galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

New Ghost Rider Trailer Drives Up

The spirit of vengeance is nearFor his second go-around on the big screen, Nicolas Cage's cursed hero Johnny Blaze (better known to the world as Ghost Rider) has been handed over to the demented directing duo of Neveldine/Taylor to up the antic ante. We've already had one trailer back in August, and now a second promo is online for Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance. Check it out below.The team behind this not-a-reboot-sort-of-a-sequel is in damage control mode with a certain sector of the audience at the moment, given the lacklustre reception handed to a nearly finished version of the movie shown at this year's Butt-Numb-A-Thon.But we'll reserve judgement until we see the whole thing, which promises to be laden with the usual craziness from the boys. You've got slow motion action, guns a-plenty and even Mr Rider spitting bullets back at the bad guys.This time around, we find Johnny hiding out in the depths of Eastern Europe, trying bitterly to struggle with his curse as the devil's bounty hunter. But then he's contacted by an obscure church sect and tasked with preventing a child from falling into the clutches of Satan himself (Ciaran Hinds). If he rescues the lad, the church will remove his unholy burden. If not? It's apocalypse time!With Idris Elba, Fergus Riordan and Johnny Whitworth all among the cast. Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance is out on February 22.

Christiane Amanpour to depart ABC's 'This Week' Launch CNN Show

The organization that is the owner of the privileges to thePower Rangerstelevision series, logo and related items has won on the website that offered colorful skin-tight fight suits and cheap headgear.SCG Energy Rangers LLC has settled a suit withUnderdog Endeavors, operators of MyPartyShirt.com, and consequently, they have agreed disgorge profits in the purchase of Energy Rangers costumes.our editor recommendsPower Rangers Halloween Outfits Morph Into LawsuitCorus Buys New 'Power Rangers Samurai' Series SCG filed the suit a couple of days before Halloween, claimingthe purchase of t shirts in a variety of Energy Rangers colors infringed its copyrights and trademarks. STORY: Energy Rangers Halloween Outfits Morph Into Suit The move came because the fashion industry has expressed curiosity about growing copyright protection to clothing design. Copyright law doesn't permit "helpful articles" like clothing to savor protection, however it does permit the protection of "any pictorial, graphic, or sculptural authorship that may be recognized individually in the utilitarian facets of an item.Inch In the suit, SCG stated copyright authority within the "artwork and design" from the Energy Rangers uniforms. Additionally, the organization stated violations from the Lanham Act by alleging the defendant had produced confusion available on the market the costumes were formally endorsed merchandise. Legal experts are unsure concerning the stability of safeguarding Halloween outfits. PHOTOS: Crazy Cases! 18 of Hollywood's Crazy Entertainment Legal cases In 2002, one manufacturer of kids's animal costumes prosecuted a competitor for violation. The suit was ignored with a skeptical district court judge, after which elevated 3 years later through the second Circuit, which remanded the situation for more proceedings to find out whether specific elements likesculpted animal "heads" wereconceptually separable in the utilitarian facets of the clothing. In another situation,Lucasfilm prosecuted the British designer who sculpted the initial Stormtrooper headgear within the first The Exorcist film and who had been selling replica versions. George Lucas got a $20 million default judgement since the defendant didn't appear, but Lucas needed to visit British courts to enforce your decision. There, the British legislation considered the headgear to possess a "utilitarian," instead of a creative purpose. The mystery over whether costumes enjoy strong or soft IP protection must be cloaked before the next suit arrives. Rachel Valadez, the attorney for that litigants, states her client hasvery favorable agreement using the defendant and also the suit was ignored today. Consequently from the settlement,Mypartyshirt has decided to disgorge all profits to SCG gained regarding the the alleged infringing products and it has refunded SCG's lawyers feesin full. E-mail: eriqgardner@yahoo.com Twitter: @eriqgardner

In Recognition of Jodie Foster's Charged Father, Let us Title Her Worst Movie Parents

Happy Friday! Since all of the “real” news is taken care of, let’s target the things we actually worry about — namely, that Jodie Promote’s estranged 89-year-old father Lucius was sentenced to 5 years in jail to take $130,000 in lower obligations for houses he never built. That’s naughty, Mr. Promote! Maintain prison now. In recognition of the sacred occasion, let’s think about Jodie Promote’s worst parents in film. I understand my pick. OK, Iris in Taxi Driver was certainly a 12-year-old prostitute, but her parents were awesome enough to transmit Travis Bickle instructions of thank you for saving her in the roads. They obtain a pass. My election would go to Jodie’s parents within the bizarre, noticeably Canadian 1976 “horror” film The Small Girl Who Lives Lower the Lane, where Jodie plays Rynn Jacobs, a mysterious girl who lives inside a secluded Colonial town without parental supervision. She informs incomers lies about her poet father’s location, however (spoiler!) he bought Rynn a concealed house to ensure that her abusive mother wouldn’t find her — after which he committed suicide after becoming crictally ill. WHAT. Couldn’t he have setup her track of some better care than… isolation? Because despite the fact that Rynn’s mother isn’t within the picture, a nearby child molester (Martin Sheen!) keeps bursting into her house to spend time together with her. He makes its way into via a basement hatch sometimes. I don’t understand either. Am I missing a much better option? Or perhaps is it Jodie’s lonely idyll for that win? Jodie Promote’s Father Sentenced to 5 Years [People]

Crazy Horse Trailer: Frederick Wiseman Goes NSFW For Nude Revue

Docmaker Frederick Wiseman is legendary for his epic verite studies of institutions and the people who create, inhabit and/or operate them. He and his Zipporah Films banner are not quite as well-known for scandalously marketing said studies. But that was all before he made Crazy Horse, his all-access, skin-baring glimpse behind the scenes of the world’s most famous nude cabaret. Thus the first trailer for Crazy Horse, likely prompting the first time the name Frederick Wiseman and the acronym “NSFW” have had occasion to share a sentence. (I’ve heard that family-friendly sites including the NY Times and IMDB declined to post the video, itself some kind of milestone that I nevertheless was unable to confirm as of this writing.) In any case, watch as Wiseman chronicles the culture at Paris’s racy, renowned venue, where choreographer Philippe Decouffl is hard at work putting together a new revue called Dsirs. It’s all a little disjointed at just under two minutes — and very, very French! — but hey: It’s Frederick Wiseman. This is an event! With boobies! Anything to pull in the kids, I guess. Crazy Horse bows at NY’s Film Forum on Jan. 18 before (hopefully) rolling out to an art house near you. Have a look…

Crazy Horse Trailer: Frederick Wiseman Goes NSFW For Nude Revue

Docmaker Frederick Wiseman is legendary for his epic verite studies of institutions and the people who create, inhabit and/or operate them. He and his Zipporah Films banner are not quite as well-known for scandalously marketing said studies. But that was all before he made Crazy Horse, his all-access, skin-baring glimpse behind the scenes of the world’s most famous nude cabaret. Thus the first trailer for Crazy Horse, likely prompting the first time the name Frederick Wiseman and the acronym “NSFW” have had occasion to share a sentence. (I’ve heard that family-friendly sites including the NY Times and IMDB declined to post the video, itself some kind of milestone that I nevertheless was unable to confirm as of this writing.) In any case, watch as Wiseman chronicles the culture at Paris’s racy, renowned venue, where choreographer Philippe Decouffl is hard at work putting together a new revue called Dsirs. It’s all a little disjointed at just under two minutes — and very, very French! — but hey: It’s Frederick Wiseman. This is an event! With boobies! Anything to pull in the kids, I guess. Crazy Horse bows at NY’s Film Forum on Jan. 18 before (hopefully) rolling out to an art house near you. Have a look…

Kris Humphries: Im Moving Forward

First Published: December 9, 2011 10:38 AM EST Credit: Getty Images LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Kris Humphries announces his brand endorsements at the Trump SoHo, NY City, on November 17, 2011Kris Humphries spoke out in his first live interview since his split from Kim Kardashian, following their 72-day marriage. Its going good, Kris said on Good Morning America on Friday, where he appeared with his mom Debra, during a cookie baking segment for Taste of Home magazine. Im excited to be close to playing basketball. In the off season, Ive been doing a lot of things with my foundation, spending time with my family, working on my game a lot. When asked about his public separation from Kim, Kris remained guarded about offering up many details. Its been different, he said. But through everything Ive just focused on family and preparing for basketball. Basketball has always been something I take really serious and I continue to do that. You know, just moving forward. GMAs Josh Elliott asked Kris what he thought when he discovered Kim had filed for divorce, and he offered up another vague answer. For me, its just certain things happen in life and you gotta move forward, he explained. Im excited to be where Im at right now with the NBA season coming up and Im ready to go Im really right now focused on basketball and other things will take care of themselves. Mom Debra said their family has relied on faith during the public split. Our faith in God carries us through all these times. We try to focus on being thankful for things and being positive Were not trying to look back, were to just focusing on moving forward, she said. Does the NBA star think living out their relationship in front of the cameras affected their marriage? I cant say for sure or not for sure. Its the only time Ive been married, Kris said. And does he still love Kim? Im focused on just what I can control, which is being ready to play ball and supporting my mom and her cookie bake today. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Report: Redbox Joining Tabs On Verizon To Create Video Service In 2012

Site TechCrunch appears to own completed an important missing piece for the reviews now about Verizon’s plan to launch a digital service for movies and tv shows: The web site states much in the content will range from partnership with Redbox.Beginning on May 28 the companies will give you clients options to buy credits they are able to use to rent or buy videos online — or rent Digital video disks from Redbox’s popular $1.20 a evening kiosks, the web site states. It adds the businesses are “still in talks with content companies” and won’t goal to conquer rivals in supplying the most recent releases. It service would offer standard definition and HD streams and wouldwork on the most used digital platforms including Apple’s iOS, Google’s Android, Xbox 360 360, and Roku boxes. Traders are amazed through the data in regards to the planning being completed beneath the code title Project Zoetrope: Shares of Redbox’s parent, Coinstar, are up 7.9% around the lousy day available on the market. The information jibes with Coinstar Boss Paul Davis’ statement to experts in October that his company wouldunveil a digital streaming plan by years finish, they referred to as a high priority for that organization. Now Verizon Boss Lowell McAdam declined to talk about his company’s streaming plans.

Dexter Co-Stars Finalize Divorce

First Launched: December 6, 2011 3:21 PM EST Credit: Getty Images La, Calif. -- Caption Jennifer Contractor and Michael C. Hall cope with towards the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Honours locked in the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, La, August 29, 2010A judge has completed an uncontested divorce between Michael C. Hall and also the Dexter co-star Jennifer Contractor. Court public record information show Superior Court Judge John Sandoz completed the divorce on Friday in La. Contractor declared divorce nearly this past year, stating irreconcilable versions. Hall and Contractor married in December 2008. Court filings condition the particulars in the division of property will remain private. Hall plays Dexter Morgan, a killer who targets other murderers round the hit Showtime series, that's now within the sixth season. Contractor plays Halls sister, a Miami police detective who's frequently round the trail of her brothers and sisters sufferers, but does not know he's a killer. Copyright 2011 with the Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Happy Birthday, Britney Warrior warrior spears! Celebrate by Watching This Absurd Clip from 'Crossroads'

Exactly like you needed more proof that Britney Warrior warrior spears is not a woman any more, there's this: mother of two turns 30 today. 30! On 12 ,. 2, 1981 in McComb, Miss., Warrior warrior spears was produced, most most likely making similar sounds for the ones she makes on 'I Wanna Go' as well as other pop staples. (Girl features a factor for robot baby cooing.) While Warrior warrior spears is much better known to like a pop celebrity -- and tabloid train wreck -- she was once considered a celebrity. Sorta! To celebrate Spears's 30th birthday, let's possess a clip within the film classic 'Crossroads,' with future 'Avatar' star Zoe Saldana! Happy birthday, Brit-brit! [Photo: Getty] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Johnstad: Epic heroes make large impact on the page

Kurt JohnstadIt's no coincidence that every movie Kurt Johnstad produces is about gamers of just one stripe or other, within the epic "300" and Relativity Media's approaching "Act of Valor," starring active-duty Navy Shuts, to more recent script projects like "The Gunslinger," a great ex-Texas Ranger avenging the murder of his brother."Save for just about any handful of folks my existence, every close male relationship which i've, they all are gamers, whether or not they are Shuts, competitive mma martial artists or professional mountain climbers," Johnstad states. "There's a particular code. It's the way i have were living my existence. You gaze, strive and be humble."Johnstad was elevated around the large working cattle farm in Wisconsin with two brothers and sisters. His father was a feeling Pressure fighter pilot and test pilot who later travelled for Pan-Am his mother was an British teacher. After graduation from secondary school at 16, he spent yearly traveling, then enrolled at CalArts in 1986 to examine film and completed the program in just three years.InchA friend mentioned, 'Do you have to make about 200 dollars like a dolly grip?,' " Johnstad recalls, which he wound crewing on MOWs and musicvideos for an additional four years. Then Zack Snyder, a young commercial director he'd labored with a few occasions, offered him employment as his first assistant director, as well as the two spent the next 10 years working alongside.Meanwhile, Johnstad had started writing scripts -- including the one that really got produced, the lower-budget actioner "True Vengeance" (1995). In 2006, Snyder -- who acquired popular along with his feature film directorial debut "Beginning in the Dead" (2004) -- asked for Johnstad to help him adapt Frank Miller's graphic novel "300," a fictionalized retelling in the Fight of Thermopylae.More recently, Johnstad has reteamed with Snyder to co-write the Afghanistan war drama "The Ultimate Photograph" as well as the follow-up "300: Your Dream of Artemisia," both for Warner Bros. The WME client been hired by producers Tulsi Iwanyk and Jason Netter to evolve Max Allan Collins' novel "Black Hats," set to star Harrison Ford becoming an aging Wyatt Earp.TEN SCREENWRITERS To Check Out 2011:Josh Applebaum & Andrew Nemec Jay Baruchel & Jesse Chabot Justin Britt-Gibson Neil Mix Andrew Haigh Kurt Johnstad Lauryn Kahn Paula Pell Jon Spaihts John Yorkey Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

National Board of Review 2011 Winners: 'Hugo,' Martin Scorsese, George Clooney and Tilda Swinton Earn Honors

That sound you just heard was Oscar prognosticators waking up to the very-real possibility of 'Hugo' playing a major part in the awards race. The cinematic love-letter won top honors from the National Board of Review on Thursday, with Martin Scorsese earning the Best Director trophy. Other winners include George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, Christopher Plummer and Shailene Woodley. With three awards, 'The Descendants' was the most lauded film, meaning whatever momentum the Alexander Payne-directed film lost after the NY Film Critics Circle awards has been gained back. Check out the full list of winners ahead. Best Film: 'Hugo' Best Director: Martin Scorsese, 'Hugo' Best Actor: George Clooney, 'The Descendants' Best Actress: Tilda Swinton, 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' Best Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer, 'Beginners' Best Supporting Actress: Shailene Woodley, 'The Descendants' Best Original Screenplay: Will Reiser, '50/50' Best Adapted Screenplay: Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon & Jim Rash, 'The Descendants' Best Animated Feature: 'Rango' Breakthrough Performance: Felicity Jones, 'Like Crazy' Breakthrough Performance: Rooney Mara, 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' Debut Director: J.C. Chandor, 'Margin Call' Best Ensemble: 'The Help' Spotlight Award: Michael Fassbender ('A Dangerous Method,' 'Jane Eyre,' 'Shame,' 'X-Men: First Class') NBR Freedom of Expression: 'Crime After Crime' NBR Freedom of Expression: 'Pariah' Best Foreign Language Film: 'A Separation' Best Documentary: 'Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory' Special Achievement in Filmmaking: The 'Harry Potter' Franchise -- A Distinguished Translation from Book to Film Top Films (in alphabetical order) 'The Artist' 'The Descendants' 'Drive' 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2' 'The Ides of March' 'J. Edgar' 'The Tree of Life' 'War Horse' Top 5 Foreign Language Films (in alphabetical order) '13 Assassins' 'Elite Squad: The Enemy Within' 'Footnote' 'Le Havre' 'Point Blank' Top 5 Documentaries (in alphabetical order) 'Born to be Wild' 'Buck' 'George Harrison: Living in the Material World' 'Project Nim' 'Senna' Top 10 Independent Films (in alphabetical order) '50/50' 'Another Earth' 'Beginners' 'A Better Life' 'Cedar Rapids' 'Margin Call' 'Shame' 'Take Shelter' 'We Need To Talk About Kevin' 'Win Win' [Photo: Paramount] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook