Benedict Cumberbatch talks making The Hobbit

[brightcove]1340047885001[/brightcove]Benedict Cumberbatch lately spoke to MTV about his focus on approaching Middle-earth epic The Hobbit.Speaking from Elton John's Oscar-viewing party (okay for many: we simply viewed the ceremony within our lounge by having an industrial-sized vat of tea), he spoke concerning the technical process involved with playing a dragon, and the relationship using the cast and crew.On his Hobbit experience, Sherlock star Cumberbatch stated, "I had been very lucky [to operate] with Pete [Jackson].""So far as the knowledge, how much of an remarkable one it had been because at that time I had been during my work, I had been in isolation with him which incredible tag team. And also at the awesome place with this technology doing mo-cap for 2 figures, Smaug the dragon and the other character, that will remain nameless, also it was a great deal of fun.""It is a kind of wonderful ongoing process," he added. "I spent considerable time recording voice in addition to doing actions. So, it had been kind of clearing it had been fun. It had been like playing a game title."It will likely be an incredible film it will likely be a genuine treat. I viewed The The almighty From The Rings again before I began working, and exactly how individuals films grow thorough of craft on every level are remarkable. Their mark is for your."As well as on dealing with his Sherlock co-star Martin Freeman (who plays Bilbo), Cumberbatch stated: "It had been great. I acquired to spend time with him, and that i stored a straight face for a little after which I began laughing since i know Martin, I'm not sure Bilbo."For Martin to become a slave to playing Bilbo is amazing. He will be amazing, he will be fantastic within this film."The Hobbit: An Unpredicted Journey opens on 14 December 2012. We are potentially more looking forward to it than Cumberbatch is.

Nat Faxon Lands Title Role In Fox Comedy Pilot Ned Fox Is My Manny

Nat Faxon is on a hot streak. The actor-writer, who just won an Oscar on Sunday for co-writing The Descendants with his writing partner Jim Rash and Alexander Payne, just landed the title role opposite Abby Elliott in Foxs single-camera comedy pilot Ned Fox Is My Manny (formerly Ben Fox Is My Manny), directed by Jake Kasdan. The project, from writer Dana Fox, 20th TV and Chernin Entertainment, centers on an uptight single mother Kate (Elliott) whose aimless older brother Ned (Faxon) moves in to help raise her daughter (Maggie Jones). Co-starring in the pilot is Lucy Punch. Faxon, repped by Innovative and Principato-Young, is a familiar face (and voice) at Fox. He co-starred on the network’s short-lived comedy Happy Hour and has voiced characters on animated comedies The Cleveland Show and Allen Gregory. Faxon’s writing partner Rash also is on a primetime comedy series, he co-stars on NBC’s Community.

Women in Film honors four

DavisHammerMoretzApplegate Women in Film will recognition Viola Davis, Bonnie Hammer, Chloe Sophistication Moretz and Christina Applegate at its June 12 fundraising event dinner."The AssistanceInch star Davis will probably be recognized while using Very Award for excellence in film, while NBCUniversal Cable maven Hammer continues to be honored while using Lucy Award for excellence in television.Moretz, who stars in May release "Dark Shadows," remains selected as Women in Film's Max Mara "Face for future years.In . Thesp Applegate will probably be recognized while using Norma Zarky Humanitarian Award on her behalf use Right Action for girls, which gives tests to girls that are at risk of breast cancers.Honorees were revealed Wednesday by WIF prexy Trina Schulman. Iris Grossman, WIF prexy emeritus, returns as honours chair. Additional honorees will probably be introduced soon for your kudos being locked in the Beverly Hilton. Contact Pat Saperstein at pat.saperstein@variety.com

Oscars 2012: Why 'Bridesmaids' Deserved A Best Picture Nod

Nine films are nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards this year, begging the question: who deserved a tenth spot on that list? Oscars 2012: 10 Spot answers that question, as the MTV Movies team highlights some of 2011's greatest films and argues why they deserved a nod as the tenth Best Picture nominee. If there's a movie that made you laugh harder and more consistently in 2011 than "Bridesmaids," I'd certainly love to hear about it. For my money, no such film exists: the Kristen Wiig comedy was an instant classic with all the guffaws and gross-out jokes seen in the "Hangover" movies, but with considerably less bro-humor and a whole lot more brains. For the few of you out there who haven't seen "Bridesmaids," a quick primer: Wiig plays Annie, a down-on-her-luck baker-sans-bakery who finds her loneliness heightened by the upcoming marriage of her lifelong best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph). As Lillian's maid of honor, Annie dances around her own depression by stumbling in the faces of the rest of the bridesmaids: waspy control-freak Helen (Rose Byrne), cynical mom Rita (Wendi McLendon-Covey), doe-eyed newlywed Becca (Ellie Kemper) and the impossibly filthy Megan (Melissa McCarthy). Hilarity, heartbreak and other hijinks ensue. "Bridesmaids" isn't entirely without Oscar support this year. The film snagged a nod for Best Original Screenplay, and to the surprise of nobody, McCarthy is up for Best Supporting Actress. Her turn as Megan stands out to me as the funniest performance of 2011, if not necessarily the deepest one of the year. Comparing McCarthy's Megan to "Hangover" man-child Zach Galifianakis' Allen doesn't do the role justice: both are unhinged, thoroughly ridiculous human beings, but where Allen is a semi-psychotic dimwit with a big heart, Megan has enough brains to keep up with her bananas. But McCarthy isn't the only reason why "Bridesmaids" works so well. The film's biggest laughs come from her, sure, but it's the group chemistry of Lillian's bridesmaids and the emotional downward spiral of Annie that keep things moving forward at such an amazing pace. Is it groundbreaking dramatic material? Perhaps not, but it does put you through your paces with a fantastic lead character in Wiig. Her identity crisis is no less fascinating to me than Billy Beane's struggle in "Moneyball," or Gil Pender's time-traveling escapades in "Midnight in Paris." Honestly, if it were me, I'd put "Bridesmaids" through to the top nine over either one of those films. Perhaps "Bridesmaids" is just too much funny, not enough sappy, for Oscar voters to get behind in a big way. Comedies at the Oscars are usually the saddest ones of all, as Jack Black, Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly once happily pointed out. But with only nine films nominated and a tenth spot available, I see no reason why Oscar couldn't have broken their usual comedy bias with a movie as touching, deserving and -- yes -- disgusting as "Bridesmaids." Which 2011 film deserved a spot as a Best Picture nominee? Tell us in the comments section or hit us up on Twitter!

'Writers' bound to find the best areas

Lisa Wilson's startup sales outfit the answer Entertainment Group has locked a collection of deals for Greg Kinnear and Jennifer Connelly starrer "Authors" in the European Film Market. To date pic has offered privileges in most media to Australia (Becker Film Group), Canada (eOne), Germany and German-speaking Europe (Wild Bunch) and The country (DeaPlaneta). Furthermore, pic has offered towards the Middle East (Bald eagle Films), Poultry (Pinema), South America (California Filmes), Eastern Europe (SPI), Singapore (Shaw), India (PVR) and worldwide air carriers (Cinesky). Pic, that is created by Informant Media's Judy Cairo ("Crazy Heart"), follows the storyline from the complicated associations from a effective novelist and the ex-wife, college-age daughter and teenage boy. Josh Boone makes his directorial debut using the pic, that they also authored. Wilson and her Solution partner Myles Nestel professional produce alongside Informant's Michael A. Simpson and Eric Brenner. Lensing is anticipated to start in New York in March. "I have been overcome through the reaction to the fabric,Inch stated Wilson on closing the deals. Additional game titles around the Solution's slate include "Hector and the quest for Happiness," "Metropolitan areas" and "Something for the Birthday." Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

Hulu shacks up with 'Matchmaker' series

TuccilloHulu has arranged another original series, a laffer from scribe Liz Tuccillo."Paul a mans Matchmaker" is really a 10-episode comedy series from Liz Tuccillo ("Sex and also the City") and Paul Bartholomew ("Mad Males"), who also stars. "Matchmaker" is all about a hopeless male matchmaker that has virtually no affection for ladies, yet is decided to assist them to look for a true love. It bows on Hulu February. 13, tying along with Valentine's.The series will feature looks from familiar faces including Tony Hale ("Arrested Development"), Janeane Garofalo ("The Ray Sanders Show"), and Lisa Edelstein ("House"). "Matchmaker" was created by Warner Bros. Television Group Studio 2. -- an electronic-centric offshoot from the mothership studio -- in colaboration with Generate."Using its resolve for original programming and fast-growing audience base dedicated to quality programming, Hulu is the best platform with this unique comedy series," stated Craig Hunegs, executive Vice president of WBTVG.Inside a bid to distinguish itself among digital developers, Hulu continues to be certification original material. Recently, it snapped up the half-hour political dramedy "Battleground" since it's first scripted series. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

Jakub Gierszal: Finds fame in 'Room'

Jakub GierszalSoon to complete the country's Theater Academy of his native Krakow, 23-year-old Jakub Gierszal made his screen debut in 2008, in Jacek Borcuch's "Everything I Like,In . and adopted it yearly later getting a supporting role in Andrzej Kondratiuk's "Millions Of Dollars."Nevertheless it was his first lead role, since the wealthy, sexually conflicted Dominik in Jan Komasa's "Suicide Room" (which preemed in Panorama finally year's Berlinale) that powered him to worldwide attention.Since that breakthrough, he's toplined in Piotr Mularuk's "Yuma" (in publish), which is concentrating on "Lasting Moments" for Borcuch, opposite The the spanish language language thesps Angela Molina and Juanjo Ballesta."I really like watching old movies as well as the veterans of filmmaking," Gierszal states. "Which I truly idolize personas that are known today as 'classics' -- people like Marlon Brando, James Dean, Robert P Niro. Nevertheless the most effective relation to myself was among my teachers within the drama school I attended in Krakow, because of the first ability he required to title the actual mental process happening when i was onstage." Out of the box right for his somewhat peripatetic upbringing -- he spent part of his childhood in Hamburg, and lives between Krakow and Berlin -- he's intrigued by travel, as well as the opportunity for artistic collaboration it provides: "Personally, it's very crucial that you get together. To make use of encouraging people, to gather together to avoid reality so to speak and continue to create something that may be interesting, astonishing, touching or whatever."Without any people I've met, I wouldn't function as guy that i am today. The wider all the different how you behave, the higher you are in a position to learn. This is why I'd really appreciate the opportunity to operate outdoors home country."Return to the Berlin Preview >> Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Gotham needs another mayor?

Kyra Sedgwick with Asger Leth Co-stars Mike Worthington and Elizabeth Banks Thursday night's Gotham screening of Summit's "Guy on the Ledge" converted into a crowd around the fringe of its chair in the Tribeca Grand Hotel. "I had been very surprised once the movie ended, everyone entertaining for that movie in the finish," Anthony Mackie stated in the Cinema Society-located after-party within the lately opened up restaurant ACME. "It dates back towards the day's action-suspense movies that you could determine and revel in, so when you depart the film it's money well-spent, instead of visiting the movie and never knowing what the heck is happening when it is over." Director Asger Leth was psyched to film his first feature in NY City, that they calls "probably the most enigmatic place on the planet." Not too he does not love his native Denmark. "But it is like when I am away I just read the Danish newspaper everyday and I am searching whatsoever the political problems they have and they are yelling at one another and thinking it is a large deal. I am like, 'Guy, the more compact than Brooklyn. Brooklyn does not actually have a mayor!'"

DGA noms high-profile documentaries

The Organization company directors Guild of America has attracted around the helmers of 5 high-profile game game titles due to its documentary award: Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky for "Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory," Steve James for "The Interrupters," James Marsh for "Project Nim," Richard Press for "Bill Cunningham NY" and Martin Scorsese for "George Harrison: Dwelling within the fabric World." It's Scorsese's tenth DGA nomination and first for just about any documentary. He received his eighth feature purchase Monday for "Hugo" he won DGA honours in 2006 for "The Departed" and a year ago inside the TV drama category for your "Boardwalk Empire" pilot. The DGA, which made the announcement Thursday, will disclose the champion at its Jan. 28 honours show at Hollywood & Highland. "The astonishing documentaries created through the 2010 nominees take audiences around the journey, whether casting light on injustice or studying the human symptom in the majority of their nuance, cruelty, creativity and triumph," mentioned DGA leader Taylor Hackford. "Our nominees represent the most effective in documentary filmmaking, which i congratulate these around the nice job.Inch "Paradise Lost 3," "Project Nim" and "Bill Cunningham" are the 15 films round the candidate for your Oscar documentary. Thursday's DGA nominations include two previous individuals who win -- they of Berlinger and Sinofsky won 2 decades ago for "Brother's Keeper," and James won in 1994 for "Ring Dreams." For Marsh, it absolutely was his second DGA nomination following one for "Guy on Wire" in 2008. Charles Ferguson won both DGA and Oscar a year ago for "Inside Job." "Bill Cunningham" might be the very best grosser among the DGA nominees with $1.5 million following its March release while "Project Nim" makes $411,000 and "The Interrupters" has already established in $274,000. "Paradise Lost 3" and "George Harrison" came out in limited theatrical runs before venturing out on cable. Oscar noms will probably be introduced Jan. 24. The Academy of motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently modified its documentary rules for next year's race while using requirement that being qualified a film must have been examined by either the La Occasions or perhaps the NY Occasions. The fulls report on nominees:Joe Berlinger & Bruce Sinofsky"Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory"Radical MediaHBO Documentary FilmsSteve James"The Interrupters"Kartemquin FilmsWGBH/FrontlineThe Independent Television ServicesBBC StoryvilleRise FilmsJames Marsh"Project Nim"Red-colored-colored Box FilmsPassion PicturesHBO Documentary FilmsBBC FilmsUK Film CouncilRichard Press"Bill Cunningham NY"First Thought FilmsZeitgeist FilmsMartin Scorsese"George Harrison: Dwelling within the fabric World"Sikelia ProductionsSpitfire PicturesGrove Street Pictures Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Youku pacts with Fox

SHANGHAI -- China's greatest movie streaming site, Youku.com, has pacted with twentieth century Fox to license 250 photos. The offer gives Youku the authority to offer Fox's era and library game titles on its Premium plaform. Film franchises have carried out well on Youku Premium, with new theatrical releases driving online curiosity about previous payments within the franchises, and also the new deal includes online privileges to Fox franchises for example "Planet from the Apes," "Ice Age," "X-Males" and "Alien." The flicks will start showing up on Youku Premium this month, in front of the Chinese Year vacation in late The month of january. The amount of pay-per-view transactions on Youku Premium a lot more than tripled between Q2 and Q3 of 2011, the organization stated inside a statement. By November, an increasing percentage -- 13.5% -- of Youku Premium customers compensated more often than once monthly to see premium content. "We've been working carefully with Hollywood galleries in supplying quality content to countless Chinese Internet customers while effectively safeguarding intellectual qualities," stated Zhu Huilong, veep of movie procedures and corporate development. "We're urged through the development of the Youku Premium platform, and our new certification agreement with Fox can make Youku Premium more compelling for the customers," stated Zhu. Youku Premium has processed a lot more than a million orders since starting in beta last year. In August, Youku struck an offer with DreamWorks Animation for online distribution from the "Kung Fu Panda" film franchise. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Demon Inside Lifts Hollywood Spirits With $34.5M

First Released: The month of january 8, 2012 12:30 PM EST Credit: Vital Pictures Caption Fernanda Andrade inside a scene in the Demon InsideLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The fright film The Demon Inside has scared up a monstrous $34.5 million opening weekend to assist Hollywood exorcise its recent box-office devils. The surprise hit from Vital Pictures first showed well above industry anticipation as horror fans crowded theaters for that low-budget tale about exorcists attempting to free a lady possessed by evil spirits. Vital already is well into profit using the Demon Inside, an individually created movie the studio bought for $a million. It is the latest such low-budget horror acquisition for that studio, which bought Paranormal Activity inexpensively and switched it right into a $100 million sensation which was then two hit sequels. The Demon Inside knocked another Vital hit, Tom Cruise ships Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol, in the No. 1 place to No. 2 with $20.5 million. Copyright 2012 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Fox ready to make large options

"Terra Nova," "House" and "Fringe" have existence for the moment, nevertheless the clock is ticking.Faced with tough options on numerous series set in the precipice of cancellation, Fox entertainment topper Kevin Reilly told scribes within the Television Experts Assn. Sunday he or she must gather his professional troops and particular series producers to discover which bubble shows will be provided a completely new season and that is due to the ax.The pricey newcomer drama "Terra Nova" might be Reilly's most pressing problem. Shot australia wide, the skein is doing all in the ratings while not additionally to expected just before the autumn season began. "The perception could it be got from us, nevertheless the bar was set enormously high," mentioned Reilly. "If this describes all we produced, we'd make money on it. Everyone else gave it ample opportunity to reject it plus they didn't.InchMuch more later on. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

New trailer lands for Chronicle

A brand new trailer continues to be launched for indie sci-fi flick Chronicle, where a number of high-school boys all of a sudden end up empowered by a number of strange and wonderful capabilities.Naturally, their first impulse is by using them for a little of the laugh, leading to girls' skirts to fly up, making teddies levitate, that type of factor. However, occasions have a turn for that worse because the boys' capabilities start to develop beyond what they can control, also it is not lengthy before people get hurt.Have a look in the new trailer below...We are silently excited by that one, as both parts of the film appear truly engaging. The first moments where the boys are simply mucking about appear fresh and funny, although the inevitable change into more dark waters looks superbly ominous.Starring Michael B Jordan, Michael Kelly and Alex Russell, Chronicle will get to United kingdom movie theaters on 1 Feb 2012.

Fashion Slam: The Season Popular

First Launched: December 28, 2011 11:57 AM EST Credit: Getty Images La, Calif. -- Caption Kate Middleton waves as she heads to the Abbey to marry, London, April 29, 2011As we summary 2011, we glance in a few in the years large fashion moments and trends. Clothing Yeah, that particular which in fact had Everyone in the world watchingwhen Kate Middleton married Prince William in April. Collective gasp. Utter Perfection. Congratulations, Kate, congratulations. FASCINATORS The hats so loved with the British increased to become family group title inside the Statesmost people hadn't learned about a fascinator before. Princess Beatrices over-the-top hat increased to become late evening joke or perhaps a popular Costume. She got the ultimate laugh though auctioning in the hat for charitable organization. MISSONI MANIA Lots of fashion-loving folks (including this author) were crazy deeply in love with the Missoni for Target line the chains website crashed on September 13. Lower Many of us shown our bohemian side with the help of lower towards the hair. The ladies within my kids pre-school such as this, its that large from the trend. RETRO STYLE Fundamental steps Pan Am and NBCs The Playboy Club both displayed 60s style and managed to get happen well. COLORED Jeans Red-colored-colored jeans were one of the finest trends this year. Royal blue and Kelly eco-friendly were other large colors which we had stars wearing from deep crimson to vibrant yellow. Joes Jeans even introduced its 55 colors range of yep an impressive 55 colors in the rainbow. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Dominique Strauss Kahn Movie: Gerard Depardieu and Isabelle Adjani Apparently Aboard for completely new Film

Last year, there has been two tales that sent tabloid headline authors to new levels: Dominique Strauss Kahn's sexual misconduct (who is able to forget such gems -- "gems" -- as "Frogs Legs It" and "Pepe Le Perp"?) and actor Gerard Depardieu peeing on plane (Gerard Desperatedieu and Anderson Cooper's giggle fit). Now it seems like the two dogged Frenchmen will probably be linked beyond tres bad puns. Deadline reviews that Abel Ferrara ('Bad Lieutenant') is eying an activity which will bring the Strauss Khan scandal for the silver screen with Depardieu starring since the ex-IMF chief and Isabelle Adjani as his devoted femme. The project is moved as "something inspired by Strauss-Kahn that will focus on addiction and people in politicsInch instead of a play-by-play in the recent scandal, which saw Kahn billed with forcing costly hotels maid to complete dental sex on him against her will. For that bathroom-challenged ami, he dodged specific confirmation in the film but he it seems he hopes to part ways themselves from his compatriot. "Generally, I'm excellent at playing figures that we dislike or people that we don't resemble," Depardieu mentioned. Place cheap shot about Depardieu not effective in urinary control here. [via Deadline] [Photo: Getty/AFP] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Sinead O'Connor and Husband Split After 16 Days

Sinead O'Connor Sinead O'Connor and her fourth husband, Craig Herridge, have split after 16 occasions of marriage, the singer introduced on her behalf account website Monday.Sinead O'Connor marries boyfriend in Las vegas"Within 3 several hours in the ceremony being inside the marriage was kyboshed with the behavior of others throughout my husband's existence. And thru a bit of the wild ride i needed us on hunting for a little from the smoke of weed personally wedding evening after i don't drink," O'Connor produces, adding that they wanted to keep the split round the lower-low, but had heard it might be leaked. O'Connor - who was simply round the prowl for just about any "sex-starved guy" inside the summer season - states she loves Herridge, a children's addiction counselor, but confesses they developed a mistake rushing into marriage and were not prepared for the results. They basically were living together for seven days in the 16 after you have married to in Las vegas on her behalf account 45th birthday."My husband was enormously wounded and extremely badly effected [sic] with this experience and thru the attitude of people close to him toward our marriage," she states. "It increased being apparent in my opinion as he would stay with me he'd be losing a lot of to cope with. ... Together with a girl wants to become pleasure to her husband. So.. U love someone? Set them free."Which celebrity breakup shocked probably the most?She continues: "He's after i mentioned, a great guy. We part amicably. If perhaps him being free and happy and loved and supported too for him to own privacy as that's utmost required for his job as well as the children he treats just like a counselor therefore i plead by themselves and also the take into account media to thrill leave him and also the family alone."

New on DVD & Blu-ray, Week of Dec. 20: 'Midnight in Paris,' 'Dolphin Tale,' 'Warrior,' 'Straw Dogs'

As we fast approach the end of the holiday season, the home entertainment studios are going all out with one last gasp of DVDs for gift giving. There's something for everyone this week: The romantic-fantasy 'Midnight in Paris,' the family melodrama 'Dolphin Tale,' the mixed martial arts actioner 'Warrior,' and the violent and brutal remake of 'Straw Dogs.' Read on. 'Midnight in Paris' What It's About: Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams play Gil and Inez, a betrothed couple vacationing in Paris before their marriage; she's a spoiled, upwardly mobile young woman with wealthy parents, he's a dreamer of a screenwriter who falls in love with the City of Light. One night when she's off dancing with friends, Gil walks alone through the city and is -- spoiler alert -- magically transported to the Paris of the 1920s, where he meets up with the likes of Cole Porter, F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Josephine Baker, Gertrude Stein, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Luis Bunuel. He's enamored with the idea that -- unlike the present -- the 1920s was a golden era, and he begins to spend more and more late nights in the past as his daytime present world proves more and more difficult to handle. It's Kinda Like: 'Annie Hall' meets 'Somewhere in Time' What We Say: Woody Allen's most accessible and enjoyable -- and profitable -- comedy in years. It's a romantic-comedy-fantasy with clever plotting (a screenwriter time travels in the past to meet some of the most creative people of the 20th century) and a wonderful love letter to Paris. The director tackles romance, love, memories, loss, artistic creation, hope and the illusion people have that a life different from their own would be much better. Utterly charming, with fine performances by Wilson, McAdams, Michael Sheen, Carla Bruni, Marion Cotillard, Kathy Bates, Adrien Brody and Alison Pill. • Extras: For the first time, Allen has added a bonus feature to his film: a "Midnight in Cannes" featurette. Rotten Tomatoes Reviews | Buy DVD | Save DVD to your Netflix queue Watch a trailer: 'Dolphin Tale' What It's About: Inspired by the amazing true story of a brave dolphin and the compassionate people who banded together to save her life. A young dolphin is caught in a crab trap off the Florida coast, severely damaging her tail; she's rescued and transported to the Clearwater Marine Hospital, where she is named Winter. But her fight for survival has just begun. Losing her tail could cost Winter her life and it takes the expertise of a dedicated marine biologist, the ingenuity of a brilliant prosthetics doctor, and the unwavering devotion of a young boy to bring about a ground-breaking miracle -- a prosthetic tail that will allow Winter to live. Stars Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Nathan Gamble, Cozi Zuehlsdorff, Kris Kristofferson, Morgan Freeman. It's Kinda Like: 'Free Willy' meets 'The Day of the Dolphin' What We Say: We're a sucker for this type of film, a sentimental, uplifting melodrama inspired by a true story that points up the values of friendship, family and love, while giving lessons in overcoming adversity through sheer will power and inner strength -- and tugs on your heartstrings and tear ducts. Director Charles Martin Smith throws in everything but the kitchen sink: the damaged dolphin, the boy who bonds with her, a wise old doctor, sympathetic parents, a cousin whose spine is injured in Iraq (mirroring the dolphin), and the struggling hospital saved at the last minute by the kindness of the community. It's a follow-your-dreams success story that kids and their parents will enjoy. And that it's basically true is even more inspiring -- check out SeeWinter.com. • Extras: A pair of featurettes about the real Winter. Rotten Tomatoes Reviews | Buy DVD | Save DVD to your Netflix queue Watch an exclusive clip: 'Warrior' What It's About: Tommy Riordan, an ex-Marine haunted by a tragic past, returns home and enlists his father, a recovering alcoholic and his former coach, to train him for an mixed martial arts tournament awarding the biggest purse in the history of the sport. Tommy's estranged brother Brendan, a former MMA fighter unable to provide for his family as a public school teacher, also enters the competition. Naturally, the two brothers are on a collision course to meet in the cage for a final physical -- and emotional -- face off. It's Kinda Like: 'The Fighter' meets 'Bloodsport' What We Say: Brutally predictable actioner that finally legitimizes MMA for the big screen mainstream. Powerful acting and direction transcend the basically cliche-ridden, corny story line about an underdog Cain and Abel duo battling it out for respect and riches. The three leads are outstanding: Tom Hardy as the remorseless fighting brother who lives for the "kill," Nick Nolte as the bumbling father who basically abandoned his kids and is just now realizing the error of his ways, and Joel Edgerton as the straight-arrow teacher who will do anything to save his family from financial ruin. Director Gavin O'Connor hits all the right notes at just the right times. • Extras: Commentary, a "making of" documentary, mixed martial arts strategy, gag reel, deleted scene. Rotten Tomatoes Reviews | Buy DVD | Save DVD to your Netflix queue Watch a trailer: 'Straw Dogs' What It's About: Remake of Sam Peckinpah's classic drama. David and Amy Sumner (James Marsden and Kate Bosworth), a Hollywood screenwriter and his TV actress wife, return to her small hometown in the deep South so he can have the solitude necessary to work on his latest screenplay, a film about the siege of Stalingrad during WWII. Once there, the meek screenwriter runs afoul of he locals -- violent rednecks -- and tensions build in the couple's marriage. Throw in some lust -- in the form of Amy's ex-boyfriend Charlie (Alexander Skarsgard) -- and you have all the makings for a violent confrontation when the good ol' boys decide to invade the homestead. It's Kinda Like: 'Wait Until Dark' meets 'High Tension' What We Say: Critic-turned director Rod Lurie closely follows Peckinpah's script, even going so far as to duplicate the ways in which Marsden defends his house and wife from the bad guys. He does, however, transport the film from rural England to the rural South, throwing in the violent ritual of Friday night football for good measure. The bad guys are stereotypically nasty and the revenge ends up being sweet -- that, after all, is the underlying point of the film: when threatened, even the most civilized of men can turn into a beast. If you've never seen the original, then the last 20 minutes of brutal fighting will be cathartic. • Extras: Commentary with writer-director Rod Lurie and four interesting featurettes "Courting Controversy: Remaking a Classic," "The Dynamics of Power: The Ensemble," "Inside the Siege: The Ultimate Showdown" and "Creating the Sumner House: The Production Design." Rotten Tomatoes Reviews | Buy DVD | Save DVD to your Netflix queue Watch a trailer: Other New December 20 Releases: 'Blackthorn': (2011) Sequel of sorts to 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' posits the idea that Cassidy survived the standoff with the Bolivian military in 1908 and has more adventures as he tries to get back to the U.S. Stars Sam Shepard, Eduardo Noriega, Stephen Rea. 'Burke & Hare': (2010) A black comedy about two 19th century grave robbers who find a lucrative business providing cadavers for an Edinburgh medical school. Directed by John Landis and starring Simon Pegg, Andy Serkis, Tom Wilkinson, Tim Curry, Isla Fisher. 'Catch .44': (2011) All hell breaks loose when three female hoods fail to intercept a double-cross drug shipment for their crime boss. Stars Forest Whitaker, Bruce Willis, Malin Akerman, Nikki Reed, Deborah Ann Woll, Brad Dourif. 'Colombiana': (2011) Zoe Saldana plays a young woman who has become an assassin after witnessing the murder of her parents as a child, with her ultimate goal to hunt down and get revenge on the mobster responsible for their deaths. 'Glee: The Concert Movie': (2011) A concert documentary shot during the Glee Live! In Concert! summer 2011 tour. 'Margin Call': (2011) A thriller that revolves around the key people at an investment bank -- and the inside information they possess -- during a 24-hour period at the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. Check out more December 20 DVD releases at OnVideo. Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

The Dark Dark evening Increases Trailer: Holy Catwoman, Bane and Touchdown, Batman!

Christian Bale There's much to like inside the new trailer for Christopher Nolan's The Dark Dark evening Increases, and far to baffle and intrigue too. We'd expect nothing less within the director of Beginning (which clearly describes the little Beginning cast reunion in this particular film). The story happens about eight years following a occasions at night time Dark evening, and Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) is returning to Gotham from who knows where. There are plenty of Escher-esque stairs involved though. From Bridesmaids to Thor: The most effective movies of 2011 There's hardly any plot to detail, but plenty of menace and new-to-Gotham faces: Tom Sturdy just like a gas mask-wearing Bane, Marion Cotillard just like a peppy Wayne Companies board member, Ernest Gordon-Levitt as beat cop John Blake and Hathaway As Catwoman as Selina Kyle, whose alter ego is Catwoman. We're liking her lace mask, sultry whisper and frightening-sexy vibe up to now. Take a look: What can you consider The Dark Dark evening Increases trailer? Are you currently presently psyched to look for the film, which opens This summer time 2012?

Ackerson takes wheel as quickly as possible

Speed has named Scott Ackerson becasue it is interim prexy, effective at the outset of 2012. Ackerson works Hunter Nickell, who resigned his publish proficient at year's finish (Variety, 12 ,. 12). He's been professional veep and professional producer for parent company Fox Sports Media Group, and was formerly matching producer for "Fox Nfl Sunday." "We're fortunate to own someone in-house with Scott's production and leadership capabilities ready to a part of as interim leader as quickly as possible,In . FSMG chairman David Hill mentioned. "Ongoing to maneuver forward, every program as quickly as possible must be of the high quality you'd find on Fox Sports, and Scott can achieve that goal.Inch Mentioned Ackerson: "I'm searching toward building upon just what the Speed team already has started ... and creating suggests that resonate while using audiences." Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

Christian and Muslim Groups Join To Protest Against Lowe's After Pulling Ads From 'All-American Muslim'

Any concern over Homeland's snub during the Screen Actors Guild Award nominations yesterday is likely gone today. Showtime's acclaimed freshman drama walked away with three Golden Globe nominations Thursday morning, tying it with Boardwalk Empire and Modern Family for the most of any series.our editor recommends'The Artist' Tops Golden Globe Nominations Golden Globe Awards Nominations: The Complete List'Enlightened' Creator Reacts to Golden Globe Noms: 'It Would Be Nice to Celebrate With a Pickup''New Girl's' Zooey Deschanel on her Globe Noms: 'There Was a lot of Nerdy Love' The most celebrated TV efforts, however, were miniseries. Downton Abbey and Mildred Pierce, each of which garnered four mentions. TV movies Cinema Verite and Too Big to Fail, alongside BBC America mini The Hour, also brought in three nominations a piece. PHOTOS: Golden Globe Awards: The Nominees In comedies, the biggest surprise was likely Fox's New Girl. Zooey Deschanel earned a nom for best actress, while the new show was among the honorees for best comedy series. It was joined by previous winner Modern Family, Glee, Episodes and HBO's Enlightened. The latter also brought a best actress nomination for star Laura Dern. She and Deschanel join veterans Tina Fey (30 Rock), Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation) and Laura Linney (The Big C) in the category. An unexpected turn among the funny men was Johnny Galecki's nomination for Big Bang Theory over absentee co-star Jim Parsons, who won in the category last year. Among supporting players, Jessica Lange (American Horror Story) and recent Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) joined Modern Family's Sofia Vergara and Eric Stonestreet. Kelly MacDonald also scored her second nomination for her work on Boardwalk Empire. STORY: 'New Girl's' Zooey Deschanel on her Globe Noms: 'There was a lot of Nerdy Love' Only one nominee for best drama was also represented last year. Reigning winner Boardwalk Empire is joined by American Horror Story, Game of Thrones, Homeland and Kelsey Grammer's Starz series, Boss. AMC's Breaking Bad somehow escaped a nomination, despite universal praise for its recent season. Star Byran Cranston is the series' lone recognition, earning a best actor in a drama mention alongside Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire), Jeremy Irons (The Borgias) Damian Lewis (Homeland) and Grammer. Perennial favorites like Michael C. Hall (Dexter) Hugh Laurie (House) and Jon Hamm (Mad Men) were all absent -- though the latter did not qualify this year. The actresses are equally diverse, with Julianna Marguiles the only returning nominee. Claire Danes (Homeland) and Mireille Enos (The Killing) were also new entries, as were surprise nominees Madeleine Stowe (Revenge) and Callie Thorne (Necessary Roughness). STORY: 'Homeland' EPs Lowered Expections After SAG Shutout, Rewarded With 3 Golden Globe Noms Last year's winner, Sons of Anarchy star Katey Sagal, was apparently snubbed -- as was Kyra Sedgwick, who went unrecognized as her final episode of The Closer approaches. Perhaps one of the biggest takeaways from this year's list is the show's that may have lost their sheen with Hollywood Foreign Press Association voters. Glee only bagged one nomination, while Dexter and Nurse Jackie (which have both enjoyed multiple nominations in previous years) were completely absent. A complete list of nominees can be found here. Related Topics Golden Globes New Girl Golden Globes 2012 Boss Homeland