Jump to December 2011 archive page: 1 2 3 4 5 6

  • Nothing's sacred, including Britney's possible engagement

    By Kurt Schlosser, NBC News

    Update: Your fast-moving Internet should have told you by now that, yes, Britney Spears is engaged for real. Access Hollywood has the details over here. We had all this to say before there was all that:

    It shouldn't come as a big shock that very few things in our over-sharing culture have the ability to surprise us anymore. We've tweeted and Facebooked ourselves out of anything resembling a secret (keeping) society. And when it comes to the celebrities we spend so much time obsessing over, this holds doubly true: we know the sex of the babies they haven't had yet; we know where they slept last night; we know what the divorce cost.

    David Livingston / Getty Images file

    Jason Trawick and Britney Spears.

    But it struck us as a little absurd to be reading this morning (on TMZ and elsewhere) that Britney Spears' boyfriend, Jason Trawick, plans to ask her to marry him tonight in Las Vegas. When did it become normal to leak word of an impending engagement? Call us old fashioned, but beyond Trawick and Spears' father, Jamie, -- who according to the report gave his approval -- no one else should know until Britney knows. When Trawick gets down on one knee and says, "Will you marry me, Britney?" it just seems more meaningful if the pop star didn't see it coming.

    If we're to believe RadarOnline.com, we've even "seen" the ring before the bride-to-be. "Don’t expect anything too massive or obnoxious,” a source told the web site exclusively. "This ring will be classy and under 4 carats." Bling! Duh.

    We're certainly aware that Spears has led what seems to be a pretty tightly controlled existence since the days of, well, this. So her family and the people who control her money and movements now weren't going to just let any yahoo take her to the roof of the Bellagio and put a ring on it. Those days are hopefully over.

    And while we didn't expect Trawick to put it on the Jumbotron at a future Lakers game or hire a skywriting plane to spell it out over Southern California, maybe we hoped he'd find a way to surprise a woman who'd seen it all in her hectic 30 years. Or maybe we just hoped he would take her to a quiet dinner or a walk on the beach and say, "Hey, let's do this."

    And because there's always another exclusive source around the next corner, Us says he did just that Thursday night. And now Britney's Facebook page is teasing what may or may not be the big news:

    Oh well. Who knows? Friday in Las Vegas could be the greatest night of Britney's life. Or maybe Thursday night already was. Knowing it was coming may be just how she wanted it and Kevin Federline will be a distant, bloated memory when she says yes to marriage a third time.

    We wish Britney well. We hope Trawick is "the one" and they live happily ever after. But who are we kidding? We'll know how she's doing before she does.

    Tell us: How did you pop the question or how were you proposed to? Was it a surprise? Share your tales of romance on our Facebook page.

    Related content:

    Show more
    Explore related topics: ,

  • For 'Dragon Tattoo' role, Daniel Craig worked at being a 'normal guy'

    The actor, who is currently shooting his third "James Bond" flick, chats about starring in one of the hottest and highly-anticipated films of the year: "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo."

    By Randee Dawn, TODAY contributor

    As James Bond, Daniel Craig has been convincing audiences for two movies and counting that he's in fighting trim for whatever a project may want to throw at him.

    But as he told TODAY's Matt Lauer Friday, that's not what director David Fincher wanted when he hired him for "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo." As Lauer pointed out, Craig was in the best shape of his life when he signed on to the role, but Fincher noted that he was playing a journalist, not 007. He would have to put on some weight.

    "I wanted to look as much like a normal guy as possible," said Craig. "This guy is a journalist and he works very hard and maybe drinks a little too much, but when the thriller aspect of this movie kicks in, I wanted him to be in danger."

    Basically, not to be Bond. And Fincher definitely didn't want a Bond girl to play the quirky, tough Lisbeth Salander. Lauer reminded Craig that Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman were talked about for the role, but Fincher chose a lesser-known actress instead in Rooney Mara.

    "I knew once I met Rooney and talked to David that she was the right girl for the part," said Craig. "She hits it out of the park."

    And he reiterated comments he's made recently about the film being for adults. "If anybody is a fan of the books, they know what the themes are and that it deals with sexual politics, it deals with violence against women and all of those things are very important to the story," said Craig, who called the film "horribly graphic" in July. "My theory is I'm hoping babysitters are going to make a lot of money out of it."

    "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" opens Dec. 20.

    Also in The Scoop:

  • Why Howard Stern is perfect for 'America's Got Talent'

    Richard Drew / AP

    By Anna Chan, TODAY

    When news broke that Howard Stern was joining the "America's Got Talent" panel, there was no doubt that there would be plenty of folks who would be upset by the news. After all, the man is known for some rather raunchy stunts (Fartman, anyone?) and ... umm ... adult interviews and subject matter on his radio show over the years.

    But love him or hate him, the self-proclaimed King of All Media really is a great fit, and not just for "AGT," but for talent competitions in general. Here's why:

    1. He loves reality competitions!
    The worst type of judge a talent show can have is one who is bored. Remember Simon Cowell on his last season of "American Idol"? Dude was totally phoning it in with half-hearted criticisms, and he even admitted to GQ that "I was bored." That's not going to be Stern, at least, not during his first season on "AGT." As fans of his SiriusXM radio show know, the shock jock loves him some reality TV and isn't afraid to admit it. He's been ranting and raving about performances on "Dancing With the Stars," "Idol," "AGT" and other programs during his satellite show for awhile now.

    2. He speaks the truth
    The best part of his ranting and raving? His honesty. While the actual judges on the talent competitions have often sugarcoated their criticisms of some truly awful efforts, Stern has called it like it is on his show. And he's not going to stop when he gets on national TV. "I, in no way, want to get in the way of the show," he told his SiriusXM listeners Thursday morning. "My job is to judge. You put the talent in front of me, I will give you an honest opinion. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but feelings are going to be hurt." So for those of you who have been complaining about judges fawning over everyone, you're getting what you asked for.

    Howard Stern is expected to bring brutal honesty to "America's Got Talent" as a judge alongside Howie Mandel and Sharon Osbourne. Msnbc's Craig Melvin reports.

    3. He knows how to behave
    Remember, the man was on terrestrial radio for nearly three decades before his "Howard Stern Show" moved to satellite radio. Plus, he's made numerous appearances on network TV. What does that mean? He knows the FCC rules, and he knows what he can and cannot say! Besides, he's not going to be judging porn stars on "AGT," he'll be judging average folks and their various family-friendly talents. If Steven Tyler can manage to not rack up sky-high fines from the FCC on "Idol," Stern can do it on "AGT" too. (Remember the numerous ick-worthy comments the rocker made to young female contestants last season? The too-many-to-count bleeps in his wacky comments? Yeah, Stern will be just fine. Besides, it's not like someone won't be sitting with their finger on the censor button, ready to bleep him -- or fellow judge Sharon Osbourne, for that matter.)

    4. He's a great interviewer
    Stern knows how to get his subjects to dish on the good stuff, a feat that not everyone can manage. It's a talent that will be sure to help "AGT" drum up some extra shockers and drama -- in other words, ratings.

    5. He's a family man
    Stern may come across as a sex-crazed guy on his radio show, but that's his on-air personality. Away from the mic, he has always insisted he's a good guy. As he said during his interview on CNN's "Piers Morgan" (whose spot at the "AGT" judging table Stern happens to now be taking), he's never cheated on his wife -- not first wife Alison, not current wife Beth, whom he constantly gushes about. He raised three daughters, so he probably has at least some idea about how to tailor his comments to be family friendly. Did I also mention that he adores his dog Bianca Romijn-Stamos? So yeah, he has a raunchy radio personality, but his scandals aren't quite on the same level as others who have been part of the show. There wasn't this much outrage when Jerry Springer -- who has admitted to hiring prostitutes and has his own talk-show featuring cheaters, strippers and more -- hosted "AGT."  

    6. He's just plain entertaining
    There's a reason why Stern has been such a huge success, and it's not all thanks to the dirty talk. He's a hard-working man who's great at entertaining. Regardless of whether you like what he has to say, he'll get a reaction out of you, and you'll stay tuned.

    What do you think will make Stern a success on "AGT"? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!

     

    Related content:

  • Christian Bale scuffles with Chinese activist's guards

    By msnbc.com staff and news services

    BEIJING -- "Batman" star Christian Bale was roughed up by security guards who stopped him visiting a blind activist living under house arrest in China.

    Video footage of the scuffle was shot by a camera crew traveling with the Hollywood actor as he promoted a film he has made in the country.

    CNN posted scenes of the confrontation between Bale and the guards on its website Friday.

    The run-in and publicity is likely to cause discomfort in China's government-backed film industry, which hopes Bale's movie "The Flowers of War" will be a creative success at home and abroad.

    The star's actions are sure to focus attention on the plight of Chen Guangcheng, guarded around the clock by plain-clothed and uniformed workers who have blocked dozens of reporters and fellow activists trying to see him in the past.

    Bale was to leave China on Friday and his representatives could not immediately be reached for comment.

    Mark Ralston / AFP - Getty Images

    Oscar-winning actor Christian Bale and his wife Sibi are escorted by security guards as they arrive for the premiere of the "Flowers of War" in Beijing on Dec. 12.

    Bale, who won a best supporting actor Oscar for last year's "The Fighter," traveled Thursday with a crew from CNN to the village in eastern China where Chen, the blind lawyer, lives with his family in complete isolation.

    They were stopped at the entrance to Dongshigu village in Shandong province by unidentified men.

    'An inspiration'
    The video footage shows Bale asking to see Chen, with a CNN producer providing interpretation, but being ordered by one of the guards to leave. He then asked why he was unable to pass through. The guards responded by trying to grab or punch a small video camera Bale was carrying.

    "What I really wanted to do was to meet the man, shake his hand and say what an inspiration he is," Bale was quoted as saying by CNN.

    Chen's case has been raised publicly by U.S. lawmakers and diplomats, including Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, all to no response from China.

    CNN said Bale first learned of Chen from news reports when he was in China filming "The Flowers of War," China's official submission this year for best foreign language film Oscar.

    "Chen Guangcheng is a newsworthy figure ... and as such it is in the interest of CNN's global viewers to hear from him," CNN said in a statement. "Mr. Bale reached out to CNN and invited us to join him on his journey to visit Chen."

    Chen, a self-taught lawyer who was blinded by a fever in infancy, angered authorities after documenting forced late-term abortions and sterilizations and other abuses by overzealous authorities trying to meet population control goals in his rural community. He was imprisoned for allegedly instigating an attack on government offices and organizing a group of people to disrupt traffic, charges his supporters say were fabricated.

    Although now officially free under the law, he has been confined to his home in the village eight hours' drive from Beijing and subjected to periodic beatings and other abuse, activists say.

    While Bale's visit focuses new attention on Chen's case, CNN's role raises questions about activism and advocacy among reporters, said David Bandurski, editor of the China Media Project website at the University of Hong Kong.

    "It made me instantly uncomfortable, wondering how it all came together. It raises questions about where the lines are drawn," Bandurski said.

    Politically sensitive subject
    The incident also drew strong interest — most of it highly positive — on social networking sites such as Twitter and its Chinese equivalent, Weibo.

    Having their star's name pinging across the Internet in connection with such a politically sensitive subject puts promoters of "The Flowers of War" in a bind. The film opens in China on Friday and next week in the United States.

    Directed by the renowned Zhang Yimou, it is also the most expensive Chinese movie ever made, at $94 million, some of which came from the state-owned Bank of China.

    The movie centers on the 1937 sacking of the eastern city of Nanjing, a central event in China's pre-revolutionary "century of humiliation" and has been described by some critics as hewing to official propaganda portraying Chinese as heroic victims and Japanese as one-dimensional cartoon villains.

    While China has the world's third-largest film industry — both in box office and output — it has made relatively little global impact. Story lines are often heavily influenced by the ruling Communist Party, whose culture commissars must approve scripts and have final say over whether a film gets released.

    More from msnbc.com and NBC News:

    The Associated Press and msnbc.com staff contributed to this report.

  • 'Mission: Impossible' gives Bond a run for his money

    Paramount Pictures

    Tom Cruise is on a "Mission."

    By Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, NBC News

    The last James Bond movie, "Quantum of Solace," came out in 2008. But while fans of action-packed spy thrillers wait for 007 to return in 2012's "Skyfall," they can fill the gap nicely with "Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol."

    Finally, the "Mission: Impossible" series is back on track, and this latest installment is packed with exotic scenery, fancy cars, crazy gadgets, beautiful women and handsome men. And except for an overlong prison-escape sequence at the very start, once the fuse starts burning on this one, it never slows down. 

    Tom Cruise is back as spy Ethan Hunt, and when the Kremlin blows up, he and his team are disavowed by their organization and must go rogue, becoming the "ghosts' of the title. Which has no real effect on anything, because they still have devices that would make Bond's Q drool -- iPhones that can pull a suspect's face out of a crowd, magnetic vests that let the wearer float, and an amazing pair of gloves that allow Cruise to climb the outside of the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

    Those stomach-churning skyscraper scenes live up to their billing, and even sitting safely in a comfortable theater seat it's hard to watch Cruise swooping around at 2,700 feet without feeling queasy. But there's not a ton of time for Spider-Man antics, as there are plenty more action scenes and exotic locales to jump around in, including an underwater shootout and a fight in a car park where the levels, and the parked cars, slide around just to make things more difficult. The film was partially shot with IMAX cameras, and numerous scenes take full advantage of that format.

    Don't stop to question the plot too closely -- Hunt can beat up an entire Russian prison but struggles to best one gray-haired villain (Michael Nyqvist), and the team magically happens to find all the puzzle pieces to stop a nuclear launch in the time it takes most folks to grab a shower. But enjoy the supporting cast, which includes Simon Pegg as the comic relief computer whiz, Jeremy Renner as an analyst with a guilty secret, and Paula Patton as the lone female agent, who switches between seduction and butt-kicking with aplomb.

    The film is director Brad Bird's first live-action undertaking -- you may know him from "The Incredibles" and "Iron Giant" -- and it's fun to think that maybe his animation experience helped him guide Cruise and pals as they swoop around like cartoons. J.J. Abrams of "Lost" is one of the producers, and he reunites with Josh "Sawyer" Holloway in a pivotal role.

    One rumor had Cruise retiring from the franchise after this film and Renner taking over, but Moviehole reports that Cruise, Bird and Pegg are all open to returning for a fifth film. Why not? Cruise will be 50 in July but for a guy who famously did some of his own Burj Khalifa stunts, he has the verve of a action hero half his age. Should he choose to accept it, audiences will likely be happy to follow him on another "Mission."

    Related content:

  • It's a Golden morning for Clooney, Gosling

    Watch the key Golden Globe announcements, including nods for George Clooney for lead actor and best director and Rooney Mara for her lead actress role in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo."

    By Joal Ryan, E! Online

    Ryan Gosling and George Clooney were among the top -- and repeated -- Golden Globe Award nominees on Thursday morning.

    A look at what went down:

    RELATED: SAG Awards weighs in with its nods

    In the key Best Motion Picture Drama category, the Clooney-directed "Ides of March" will go up against the Clooney-starring "The Descendants." "The Help," Martin Scorsese's "Hugo," "Moneyball" and Steven Spielberg's "War Horse" were nominated, too, despite their lack of Clooney.

    In other Clooney news, the star was nominated for Best Director ("Ides of March"), Best Drama Actor ("The Descendants") and Best Original Screenplay ("Ides of March").

    Gosling, who was shut out at the Screen Actors Guild nominations, but otherwise has been an awards-season player, will go up against Clooney, his "Ides of March" costar, for Best Drama Actor. In a mild surprise, Gosling's also nominated for Best Comedy-Musical Actor, for the previously unheralded "Crazy Stupid Love."

    "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," meanwhile, which has run hot and cold, was warm-ish at the Globes. The film picked up two nominations: one for Original Score, and one key one for breakout star Rooney Mara (Best Drama Actress). But it failed to rate in any of the other big-boy categories, including director, screenplay and film.

    PHOTOS: 2012 Oscars Cheat Sheet!

    Overall, the Hollywood Foreign Press, which typically can be counted on to lose its collective head during the course of its nominations, played things pretty straight.

    "50/50," "The Artist," "Bridesmaids," "Midnight in Paris" and "My Week With Marilyn" are up for Best Motion Picture Comedy-Musical.

    TV series nominees include "American Horror Story," "Glee," "Game of Thrones" and "New Girl."

    The 69th Annual Golden Globes are set for Jan. 15. Ricky Gervais will be back as host -- consider yourself duly warned.

    You can read a full rundown on the Globes nominations here.

    Related content:

  • It's official! Howard Stern joins 'America's Got Talent'

    Michael Loccisano / Getty Images

    Radio personality Howard Stern is joining "America's Got Talent."

    By Ree Hines, TODAY contributor

    Shortly after the first rumors surfaced about the possibility of Howard Stern joining "America's Got Talent," the self-proclaimed King of All Media predicted that he'd outperform past panelist David Hasselhoff. While few Stern fans could doubt that, he'll soon have a chance to prove it to "Got Talent" viewers.

    On Thursday morning, NBC announced that it's official: Stern will get a spot on the panel.

    (FYI: TODAY.com is powered by msnbc.com, which is a joint venture between Microsoft and NBC Universal.)

    Paul Telegdy, president of alternative and late night programming for NBC, said, "Howard Stern’s larger-than-life personality will bring a thrilling new dynamic to ‘America’s Got Talent’ starting this summer. He’s a proven innovator and his track record in broadcasting is truly remarkable. Howard is very passionate about this show and is fully committed to its future success.”

    Stern will be stepping in to replace former "Got Talent" judge Piers Morgan, who decided the reality TV competition was just too much to juggle with his CNN show.

    On Stern's Thursday morning Sirius XM radio show, the shock jock confirmed the news.

    The show's official Twitter feed has since featured updates.

    "Howard says he'll start shooting in February and actually be traveling the country to do the audition rounds.  #H100  #AGT," one update read.

    Howard Stern, the shock jock known for startling stunts, foul language and outrageous behavior, is expected to bring brutal honesty to "America's Got Talent" as a judge alongside Howie Mandel and Sharon Osbourne. Msnbc's Craig Melvin reports.

    But once those auditions are over, Stern won't have to worry about hitting the road for the regular rounds. Production of the live show will travel to him in New York.

    What do you think of the big announcement? Will Stern be a good fit for the show? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

     

    Related content:

    Also in The Clicker:

  • Elizabeth Taylor jewelry auction fetches millions

    Spencer Platt / Getty Images

    Auction house employees speak on the phone to bidders under pictures of Elizabeth Taylor at Christie's, where hundreds of items once belonging to the iconic actress went on the auction block in New York.

    By The Associated Press

    Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry collection fetched a record-setting $115 million — including more than $11.8 million for a pearl necklace and more than $8.8 million for a diamond ring given to her by Richard Burton — at an auction of gems and other memorabilia amassed by the late actress.

    The 33.19-carat diamond ring given to Taylor by the actor she married twice sold for $8,818,500. The pearl, diamond and ruby necklace, known as "La Peregrina," purchased at auction for $37,000 in 1969 by Burton for Taylor reached the world record price of $11,842,500.

    Read the full story here.

    © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

  • Man dials into celeb lifestyle thanks to new phone number

    By Kurt Schlosser, NBC News

    Ever wonder what it would take to get invited to exclusive Hollywood parties or even become "friendly" with some celebrities? Apparently, moving to Los Angeles and requesting a new cell phone number is worth a try.

    Bob Gray moved from Cleveland to California and requested a new number with an L.A. area code. His new digits just happened to be the former telephone number for actor/comedian Nick Swardson.

    "As soon as I got the number I got a text message from someone who said, 'Hey, I just saw you on TMZ, what a bummer,' and I looked at (girlfriend) Liza and I was like, 'TMZ? Whose number do I have?'"

    Check out Gray and Liza Foster telling msnbc TV's Tamron Hall about the flood of phone calls and text messages -- and partying with the likes of Paris Hilton -- in the video below:

  • Exclusive: Man faces huge bond for driving with a lot of weed on 'DUI'

    By Anna Chan, TODAY

    Driving under the influence doesn't have to involve alcohol, but the legal consequences can be just as serious, as TLC's "DUI" reveals.

    On Thursday's midseason finale, a 25-year-old man named Casey was stopped at a DUI checkpoint during the July 4 weekend in Tulsa, Okla., after police smelled marijuana, and the situation became more serious when a big discovery was made.

    Trooper Shiloh Hall first pulls out a smallish baggy of Mary Jane. Then, with a triumphant "Yeees!" Hall reveals a plastic grocery bag full of weed. "Couple pounds. He's gonna be arrested for intent," Hall explained. (It was two pounds, to be exact.) But that wasn't all the trooper found in the vehicle. Hall then started counting out a stash of cash on the hood.

    After being arrested, Casey decided to throw some attitude as well. "You're a pig! All y'all are pigs!" the construction worker told the trooper. Check it out:

    His trouble didn't end there. In an exclusive clip TLC shared with msnbc.com, a seemingly calmer Casey realized just how much trouble he was in legally ... and financially.

    "You have four felonies," a police officer told the 25-year-old. "Your total bond is $26,000."

    "I'm worried about my future," a depressed Casey admitted. "I'm a felon now." See what else he had to say about his legal and personal troubles in this exclusive clip:

    The midseason finale of "DUI" airs on Thursday at 9 p.m. on TLC.

     

    Related content:

  • Scott Baio is not dead, despite Twitter trend

    Mark Ralston / AFP - Getty Images file

    Scott Baio in Los Angeles in March 2010.

    By Courtney Hazlett, TODAY

    If you’re the type to follow trends on Twitter, you might have noticed that #RIPScottBaio is trending. If you’re the type of person who gets their facts from Wikipedia, you might have then learned that he "died on December 14, 2011 of a diaper-related illness."

    If any of the above news about our beloved Chachi rocked your world, I’m here to confirm that Baio is doing just fine. “He is alive and well. Couldn’t be more merry,” a spokesperson for the former "Happy Days" star said via phone on Wednesday.

    Baio joins an elite group of celebrities whose early demise has been falsely reported on various social network sites. Jeff Goldblum was erroneously reported dead on the same day that Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett died; Kanye West was also reported dead, and a web site setting the record straight was created.

  • Face it: Steven Spielberg has a signature technique

    DreamWorks

    Tom Hanks in "Saving Private Ryan."

    By Kurt Schlosser, NBC News

    Close your eyes and picture an iconic character from a Steven Spielberg film. Do you see Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones? Richard Dreyfuss in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"? Roy Scheider in "Jaws" or Tom Hanks' war-weary gaze in "Saving Private Ryan"?

    Chances are if you see the faces of these or any other Spielberg characters it's because the director has mastered a signature technique. Matt Patches at ugo.com first offered up a great essay on the subject and now Kevin B. Lee over at Fandor.com has compiled the video attached below. From Lee's own description:

    If there is one recurring image that defines the cinema of Steven Spielberg, it is The Spielberg Face. Eyes open, staring in wordless wonder in a moment where time stands still. But above all, a child-like surrender in the act of watching, both theirs and ours.  It’s as if their total submission to what they are seeing mirrors our own.

    The face tells us that a monumental event is happening; in doing so, it also tells us how we should feel. If Spielberg deserves to be called a master of audience manipulation, then this is his signature stroke. You can’t think of the most iconic moments in Spielberg’s cinema without The Spielberg Face.

    It's kind of amazing to watch the video and see so many instances of the technique from so many recognizable films. That Haley Joel Osment kid in "A.I." seemed destined to be captured in no other way.

    Spielberg is set to bring "War Horse" and "The Adventures of Tintin" to theaters soon and we'll have to be on the lookout for the face.

    In the meantime, share your thoughts on Spielberg's work. What's your favorite film by the director?

    Related content:

  • Dana Carvey wants Regis Philbin for president

    By Ree Hines, TODAY contributor

    Comedian Dana Carvey delivered a sample of his typical stand-up bits to late night audiences on Tuesday's "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno," and -- no surprise -- the routine was jammed packed with political impersonations.

    During Carvey's "Saturday Night Live" days, his best known presidential impression was that of George H. W. Bush, but since then he's added the current commander-in-chief to his repertoire, along with a slew of Republican presidential hopefuls.

    Between various takes on President Barack Obama, Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney and Ron Paul, Carvey focused on something familiar he feels certain is lurking under the surface when it comes to Rick Perry.

    "It's only a matter of time before Rick Perry does a 'Mission Impossible' thing with (pulling off) the mask and it's 'W'!" Carvey told host Leno. "'Hey, how ya' doing? I'm back!'"

    As for the candidate Carvey is rooting for when it comes time to cast a vote, the funnyman would like to see one more option.

    "We need a third party," he said. "Regis Philbin for president!"

    Would the semi-retired talk host get your vote? And what did you think of Carvey's latest political impressions? Share your comments below.

     

    Also in Entertainment:

  • 'Madagascar 3': It's still a jungle out there!

    Trapped in Europe, Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo join a traveling circus in an effort to get back to New York. Opens June 8.

    By Peter Gicas, E! Online

    Ah, another movie, another attempt to get back home to New York City.

    In this trailer for the third installment of the popular Madagascar series, our fearless (OK, a little fearful) friends Alex the lion (Ben Stiller), Marty the zebra (Chris Rock), Gloria the hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith) and Melman the giraffe (David Schwimmer) once again have their work cut out for them. This time, however, the action takes place in and around Monte Carlo as the foursome try to evade animal control. (Trust us, it'll make more sense after you watch the clip above.)

    PHOTOS: Movies From the Future!

    Oh my! What to do? How can they possibly get through Europe without attracting attention? Well, how about joining a traveling circus? Um, yeah, good luck with that.

    "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" is scheduled to hit theaters on June 8.

  • Black or red? Michael Jackson's hair converted into roulette ball

    By Stacey Anderson, Rolling Stone.com

    Dave Hogan / Getty Images file

    In today's macabre Michael Jackson news: a gambling website has purchased some of the singer's hair and plans to convert it into a roulette ball.

    Championed in a press release under the heading "The King of Pop to Rock & Roll Again," the casino website purchased the small portion of hair from an online memorabilia merchant, Gotta Have Rock & Roll, for $10,871. (The sellers, in turn, nicked it from the Carlyle Hotel in New York after Jackson stayed there.)

    Michael Jackson's Dermatologist Investigated by Medical Board

    "As its proud new owners, we have decided to convert Michael Jackson's hair into a roulette ball – an appropriately unique way to immortalize a small part of a truly peerless entertainer," said OnlineGamblingPal.com in a statement. "The ball itself will be made to the highest professional standards, ensuring it will be eligible for use at any licensed casino's roulette table. Indeed, considering Jackson dedicated his life to entertaining millions, the prospect of this very special ball captivating crowds at roulette tables seems like a fitting use for it. . . Together, we can ensure Michael Jackson continues to rock and ‘ROLL' forever."

    Unseen Michael Jackson Footage Flops at Auction

    May we suggest a new slogan for the website: "It don't matter if you're black or red."

    Related content

  • Russell Simmons tries to buy ads during 'All American Muslim'

    Jason Merritt / Getty Images

    By Courtney Hazlett, TODAY

    In the aftermath of Lowe's Home Improvement stores pulling their ads from broadcasts of "All American Muslim," hip-hop entrepreneur Russell Simmons stepped in to attempt to buy some of the ad time himself.

    Lowe's had pulled their ads after a conservative Christian group contacted the retailer, calling the show a "clear and present danger to American liberties and traditional values." Shortly after, Lowe's yanked the ads, saying that the show was a "lightning rod" and issued a statement that said in part, "we believe it is best to respectfully defer to communities, individuals and groups to discuss and consider such issues of importance."

    Simmons, who is a Buddhist, first reacted on Twitter, calling the move "the most horrible s---," and then later tweeeting his support for the show, and that he was "trying to buy ads during #AllAmericanMuslim airing this Sunday, but now they are saying they are sold out. I will keep trying..."

    A rep for TLC confirms that Simmons did indeed reach out and despite Lowe's move, availability of ad time was a problem. TLC issued a statement, showing its support for the show, which is in its first season. "We stand behind the show 'All American Muslim' and we're happy the show has strong advertising support."

    TLC and Simmons aren't the only ones standing behind the show, however. USA Today columnist Souheila Al-Jadda was among those in the media defending the show, and Time columnist James Poniewozik slammed Lowe's, calling the move "repulsive."

    Related content

  • Let the bidding begin! Treasures from Hollywood icons hit the block

    Mark Mainz / Getty Images file

    The late Rue McClanahan's items are just some of what's going on the auction block this month.

    By Randee Dawn, TODAY contributor

    There are holiday gifts, and there are holiday gifts. Just in time for the biggest gift-giving extravaganza of the year, the estates of three legendary Hollywood figures have opened up their coffers, so shoppers take care -- you're going to have to open up your wallets and purses even wider if you want some of these unique items.

    First off, the son of late "Golden Girls" star Rue McClanahan, Mark Bish, is fulfilling his mother's wish to share her belongings with her fans. According to Fox News, Bish will launch a series of auctions beginning Dec. 17 around the country, the first of which will feature the contents of her living room from her New York City apartment. Along with furniture and artwork, expect plenty of entertainment memorabilia and "Golden Girls" outfits, jewelry, scripts and even the purse she took to the 1996 Emmys.

    Also included: What she called "doodles" and what fellow "Golden Girls" star Betty White is quoted in the article as calling "artwork." She also saved "doodles" made by a guest star on the show -- a young George Clooney. 

    Auction bidding can be done at Hutter Auction Galleries in person, on the phone, or at www.liveauctioneers.com.

    For those looking to own not just a nice piece of showbiz memorabilia but an actual iconic item, Nate D. Sanders Auctions is putting Orson Welles' "Citizen Kane" Oscar on the block. Welles wrote, directed and starred in what The American Film Institute called the top film in the past 100 years.

    "Kane" won Welles his one and only Academy Award, 1941's Best Writing, Original Screenplay Oscar. (He was awarded an Academy Honorary Award for his contribution to motion pictures in 1971.)

    While alive, Welles thought he had lost the statuette, but it resurfaced after his death, bequeathed to his daughter Beatrice. A court battle ensued with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to prevent her from selling it; since 1950 winners have had to sign a paper which allows the Academy to buy back any Oscar for $1 before it goes to the free market; during the 2002 court case, the statuette was valued at $1 million. Beatrice won her right to sell the Oscar.

    The auction ends Dec. 20; bids can be placed online at www.NateDSanders.com or on the phone.

    Mark Porter, from Christie's Americas, gives TODAY's Savannah Guthrie a look at some of Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry and fashion items, such as an emerald diamond pendant and wedding dress.

    And finally, Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry and art are going up for sale in New York City Tuesday night at Christie's auction house. But according to Forbes, you'll really need to stretch those dollars to take home some of her baubles -- items up for grabs include a diamond bracelet given to her by Michael Jackson (estimated price: $30,000-$50,000) and a 33.19-carat diamond ring she received from Richard Burton and wore every day. That is expected to go for as much as $3.5 million.

    Later this week other sales of her art, clothing and memorabilia will go live, with part of the proceeds going to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, which she established in 1991. And in February of next year, her collection of impressionist and modern art will go on sale at Christie's in London.

    Let's start shopping!

    Do you think you'll bid on something? Tell us what in the comments!

    Related content:

  • 'Sherlock Holmes' sequel connects all the dots, yet goes mysteriously awry

    By Todd McCarthy, The Hollywood Reporter

    Warner Bros.

    Nonstop action turns tedious in "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows," which stars Noomi Rapace, Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law.

    REVIEW

    Two years ago, when the celebrated consulting detective of Baker Street was yanked onto the big screen for the first time in the 21st century, a big divide separated the traditionalists resistant to accepting the idea of Sherlock Holmes as an East End fight club habitue and mostly younger audiences who found director Guy Ritchie's slow-motion action moves completely cool. The argument quickly became a moot point, after Warner Bros.' steampunk-style action mystery grossed an astounding $524 million worldwide. With more of the same on view in "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows," everyone will know where they stand ahead of time, meaning old fogies are duly warned and fans will happily return for more.

    If anything, Robert Downey Jr.'s Holmes looks even worse this time around, as he's bruised and battered almost throughout this new adventure, which pits him against his most formidable opponent, the diabolical Professor James Moriarty. But a good deal of Holmes' time here, at least initially, is spent distracting his close associate Dr. Watson (Jude Law) from his expected duties at his wedding and on his honeymoon before he manages to literally push the bride aside altogether.

    PHOTOS: Netflix's 10 Most Rented Movies of All Time

    A distinguished Oxford professor and author who's every bit as clever as Holmes, Moriarty (Jared Harris) announces his malicious intentions at the outset by dispatching Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), the coquette who toyed with Holmes' affections last time around, and plotting a terrorist campaign aimed at Europe's ruling political class. The long and short of it is that the far-sighted Moriarty is engaged in cornering the market on armaments while staging assassinations and otherwise creating rifts between nations in order to hasten a continent-wide conflict. “War on an industrial scale is inevitable,” he warns Holmes. “All I have to do is wait.”

    Unfortunately, Ritchie and his new scenarists, Michele and Kieran Mulroney, who co-wrote and directed "Paper Man" in 2009, largely eschew the sort of delicious cat-and-mouse game that could have maximized this face-off between two such worthy opponents, saving their only extended encounter for the climax. Instead, along with the prolonged drunken shenanigans that precede Watson's wedding to Mary (Kelly Reilly) and the honeymoon train trip that follows, a great deal of time is consumed by their adventures with a gypsy fortune teller (Noomi Rapace, the star of the Swedish version of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" and its sequels) and the revolutionary circles she is able to help them infiltrate.

    PHOTOS: Hollywood's 10 Highest-Grossing Actors

    These tangential escapades allow for the sorts of scenes that seem to have become the raison d'etre of the franchise. These involve lots of costume changes for Holmes, who at one point appears in the Watson honeymoon train compartment in drag, and the trademark slo-mo, herky-jerky action set pieces in which every move Holmes intends to make is pre-visualized in all its intricate detail, then repeated with speed to show how it all plays out. The wardrobe foolishness comes off fine thanks to Downey's deadpan unashamedness, while the action stuff, perhaps arresting the first couple of times you see it, already seems hackneyed, mannered and overworked, an affectation of diminishing returns.

    What one's left with, then, is an elaborate entertainment that whooshes along through the messy streets and posh clubs of 1891 London; aboard boats, trains, horseback and Holmes' early horseless carriage along unpaved thoroughfares, through forests and over mountains; into the rarefied corridors of power in the capitals of Europe; onto the stage of the Paris Opera during a performance of "Don Giovanni," and into warehouses and factories that already seem filled with enough arms to fight World War I, which Moriarty would be disappointed to learn is still more than two decades away rather than around the corner.

    VIDEOS: "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows": 9 Preview Clips Released

    After quite a few tedious detours and distractions, when the film finally gets down to the business of a climax at a gathering of elite European diplomats in a precariously perched Swiss mountain castle, it becomes not half-bad. A clever assassination plot comes to a head while Holmes and Moriarty sit down to a game of chess as they articulate their differences, leading to a mighty struggle that does nothing if not set up a sequel.

    Aside from the screenwriters, the same core team from the first outing has been reassembled, making for an absolutely consistent look, sound and feel to the proceedings. Thanks to returning cinematographer Philippe Rousselot, production designer Sarah Greenwood, costume designer Jenny Beavan and a large effects crew, the images are gritty and densely packed, and static is a word Ritchie and editor James Herbert have never heard of. Hans Zimmer incorporates a good deal of his greatly effective score from the original into this one, with new elaborations as well.

    With Watson's marriage on the line, Downey and Law raise the level of their sparring a notch from last time; that their portrayals of these famous characters are so distant from the original conceptions has now been proven irrelevant, perhaps even a plus to modern audiences. Stephen Fry adds an amusing new flavor as Holmes' outsized, politically connected brother, Mycroft. Harris is fine as Moriarty, while Rapace gets no chance to show her previously established talent in her stereotypical gypsy role.

    Did you see the original "Sherlock Holmes" film? Will you go to this one? Tell us in the comments!

    Related content:

  • See the smashing new 'Dark Knight' poster

    Warner Bros.

    By Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, NBC News

    Yes, that's Batman's mask lying shattered in the rain, as villain Bane turns his back and arches those mighty shoulders.

    Seems to us that the style of this poster fits right in with what fans are looking for in "The Dark Knight Rises," which is due to hit theaters July 20. Creepy and violent and not a little terrifying.

    Christian Bale, of course, is back as Batman, with Tom Hardy playing a menacing Bane. Hardy reportedly gained 30 pounds of muscle for the role.

    If you just can't wait for more, seek out one of these 42 IMAX theaters for a showing of Tom Cruise's new "Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol," opening Dec. 16. Those theaters will be showing a six-minute preview of "Dark Knight Rises" before Cruise embarks on his latest "Mission."

    What do you think? Does "Dark Knight Rises" look promising? Tell us in the comments.

    Related content:

  • Sorry, right number: Sheen tweets his digits

    Kevin Winter / Getty Images

    Don't call Charlie Sheen, he'll call you.

    By Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, NBC News

    That darn Twitter can be kind of complicated. You're a celeb trying to reach out to another celeb, you make one mistake and suddenly you've just painted your own personal phone number all over the universe.

    Charlie Sheen was at dinner in Las Vegas last week when he thought, for whatever reason, that singer Justin Bieber should call him. Sheen tried to send his cell phone number to Bieber privately via the singer's Twitter account ("Call me, bro!") but instead sent it out to all of his own 5 million Twitter followers. They retweeted it, and pretty soon, anyone who cared and many who didn't knew that Sheen could be reached at 310-954-7277.

    The New York Post reports that Sheen's phone started ringing constantly, and said for a while the actor got into the joke, answering by saying "Ray's Pizza," "Winning!" and other greetings. But eventually he had to turn the phone off and later change his number.

    Related content:

     

  • Lohan in Playboy -- another angle to cover

    By Courtney Hazlett, TODAY

    In fairly swift fashion, Lindsay Lohan's Playboy photo shoot has gone from rumor to reality, and now comes the next phase: wondering what it all might mean for Lohan's career.

    Lohan defends her decision to do the pictorial in the accompanying Playboy interview, saying that posing nude gives her "confidence." While that might be the case for the actress, it still seems tough to rationalize her decision when you look at the stars on the covers of other monthly magazines right now, who definitely have steered clear of the Playboy strategy. Ironically, one of those stars is the incomparable Meryl Streep (now on the cover of Vogue) who co-starred with Lohan in "A Prairie Home Companion" in 2006.

    AP, Reuters

    Meryl Streep, left, on the cover of Vogue, and Lindsay Lohan on the cover of Playboy.

    The two were photographed together at the time, appearing on W magazine's cover to promote the film. That accompanying story opens with Lohan joking with the W team, and it's recalled this way: “'What are you going to call the story?' she asks, pausing just a moment before she offers her suggestion. 'Lady and the Tramp?'"

    W magazine

    Streep and Lohan share a W cover in 2006.

    Your words, Lindsay, not ours.

    Lohan went on to say, “I’d love to be in Meryl’s position. I want people to know me for the work that I’m doing, not for this party girl image, which is just vile and disgusting and not fair, because I work so hard. Maybe someone will look at my life one day and say, ‘Why don’t I do a cover with Lindsay Lohan?’”

    To be fair, Streep said later in the W interview that Lohan did work hard (something her co-stars often emphasize when describing their experience with Lohan.) And, there still might be a time in Lohan's life where someone says they want to be on the cover of a magazine with her.

    But in the short term, it's doubtful that "tasteful," naked pictures will get Lohan to the place she wanted to go back in 2006. If that's truly where she still wants to be.

    And in a more-of-the-same juxtaposition, as Streep stares down yet another potential Oscar nomination thanks to her buzzed-about role in "The Iron Lady," Lohan deals with this.  

    Related content:

  • Mr. Sulu smacks down 'Twilight'

    Dan Steinberg / AP file

    George "Mr. Sulu" Takei says the real enemy isn't

    By Gina Serpe, E! Online

    George Takei is boldly going where no one has gone before. Well, where no one has gone before and come out not torn to shreds by the legions of Twi-hards.

    You see, not so long ago in a galaxy not so far away, a war broke out between two different but equally geeky enthusiastic factions, and the great "Star Wars" vs. "Star Trek" debate was born.

    Refusing to let a good feud die, both William Shatner and Carrie Fisher have recently stoked the flames of that fire, and now the erstwhile Sulu has stepped up to put an end, once and for all, to the unending dispute.

    By urging both sides to unite in their disdain for the "Twilight" series.

    MORE: Are Robsten really calling it quits?

    "Fellow Star folks, cool it down and shut your big wormholes," implores Takei in a video uploaded to YouTube. "Each is wonderful in its own special way. What's needed today now more than ever is star peace, for there is an ominous, mutual threat to all science fiction. It's called 'Twilight' and it is really, really bad."

    The fighting words didn't end there, and Takei went on to take down Kristen Stewart's brooding, Robert Pattinson's, well, sparkling, and—gasp!—even Taylor Lautner's shirt-eschewing.

    MORE: Quick—what would you do if Robsten broke up?

    "Gone is any sense of heroism, camaraderie or epic battles. In its place, we have vampires that sparkle, moan and go to high school. Now, I'm not above mixing in a little sex appeal to spice up the fantasy, but sci-fi fans be warned, there are no great stories, characters or profound life lessons to be found in 'Twilight.' Nooo…In 'Twilight,' the only message that rings through loud and clear is: 'Does my boyfriend like me?'

    "Let us band together to combat this mutual threat."

     Uh, something tells us he may not be living so long or prosperously after "Twilight" fans catch wind of this.

     

    Which series is the best and which the worst -- "Star Trek," "Star Wars," or "Twilight"? Tell us in the comments. 

     Related content:

  • New 'Battleship' trailer: Hit or miss?

    The aliens sank our "Battleship."

    By Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, NBC News

    A new trailer has been released for Universal's upcoming "Battleship" movie (yes, as in the classic board game with the little pegs), and Internet viewers are definitely not yet sold on the 2012 film.

    The trailer shows giant Transformer-like aliens attacking America's ships at sea off the coast of Hawaii. Viewers of the first trailer know that Liam Neeson plays the admiral who must fight back against the invaders. His character is also the dad of model Brooklyn Decker's character and the commanding officer of her boyfriend, played by Taylor Kitsch. (Singer Rihanna plays a naval weapons specialist!)

    The trailer makes the most of the film's board-game connection, immediately reminding audiences that it's "From Hasbro, the company that brought you 'Transformers.'"

    Reaction on Deadline.com to the new explosion-packed preview was almost universally negative.

    "Shia LaBeouf is looking pretty smart now to have passed on this," writes one viewer.

    "Transformers on the water," says another.

    The board game inspiration, of course, comes in for more than a little criticism. One Deadline reader, though, notes that since everything in the film except the title has to be made up from scratch, the fact that it's board-game-related doesn't mean it will be horrible.

    Another reader hopes that Neeson will deliver the classic line from the game commercial: "You sank my battleship!" (The weapons hitting the ships do look a little peg-like.) And one fan awaits the inevitable movie version of Monopoly, noting "That'll be a long one though."

    Seems pretty clear to us even as we roll our eyes at the board-game connection that a title like "Battleship" could indeed produce a good action film. But this trailer, and the one before it, which featured more of the Decker-Kitsch romance, isn't selling us.

    What do you think of the "Battleship" trailer? Generic action-alien film, or some hope?

    Related content:

  • Secrets of your favorite album covers

    By Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, NBC News

    Here's a link we love: MentalFloss.com wrote up the stories behind 11 classic album covers. (Remember back when they really were albums?)

    Some of these histories you've heard before. You may already know that the peelable sticker on the banana on the Andy Warhol-designed "The Velvet Underground & Nico" had to be painstakingly applied by hand. And you probably have seen at least one interview with Spencer Elden, who in 1991 was the swimming four-month-old baby shown on Nirvana's "Nevermind."

    But the MentalFloss story digs up some fascinating facts I didn't know about other classic covers.

    Members of The Who didn't really, um, self-water that concrete piling on the cover of 1971's "Who's Next," but not for lack of trying. The site quotes photographer Ethan Russell as saying "Most of the members were unable to go, so rainwater was tipped from an empty film canister to achieve the desired effect."

    The prism on Pink Floyd's 1973 "Dark Side of the Moon"? Came from a school textbook.

    The Joshua Tree on the cover of U2's 1986 album of the same name? Died in 2000, but fans have marked its California desert location with a shrine.

    Other album covers explained in the fun list include The Clash's "London Calling," the Beastie Boys' Licensed to Ill," and Beck's "Odelay."

    What's your favorite album cover? Tell us in the comments.

    Related content:

  • 'Man or Muppet' should win song Oscar

    Disney

    Muppet Walter and human Jason Segel sing "Man or Muppet" in the new "Muppets" movie. Can the song take home an Oscar?

    By Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, NBC News

    Don't ask me to predict the Oscars, I always get them wrong. Especially the best original song category. I'm still bitter about the fact that the awesome "Blame Canada," from "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut," lost out to a Phil Collins tune in 2000. (I blame Canada. Or Anne Murray.)

    But all would (almost) be forgiven if "Man or Muppet," a hilarious tune from the movie "The Muppets," picks up a best original song Oscar at next year's ceremony. (Bonus: It's written by "Flight of the Conchords" star Bret McKenzie, who told New York Magazine that "Muppets" star Jason Segel "really channels his inner Meatloaf to slam that power ballad.")

    After girlfriend Mary leaves him a note demanding that he decide who (or what) he is, Gary (Segel) wanders through Hollywood singing the mournful tune. Meanwhile, his Muppet brother Walter has the same internal debate.

    "Am I a muppet, or am I a man?" the two wonder. Segel finds himself playing the piano with a Muppet who looks like him (and also a little like "Sesame Street's" Guy Smiley) while Walter tickles the ivories with the human he most resembles ... "Big Bang Theory" star Jim Parsons.

    Eventually, both Gary and Walter reach similar conclusions. "I'm a Muppet of a man! I'm Muppet Man!" sings Gary, while Walter decides "I'm a very manly Muppet!" But are they Oscar winners? We'll find out in 2012.

    In "The Muppets," Gary and Walter musically ponder who they are, and who they should be.

    Should "Man or Muppet" be nominated for the best original song Oscar? Tell us in the comments.

    Related content:

Jump to December 2011 archive page: 1 2 3 4 5 6